0o0O0o0
"Where am I?" she moaned. Her hair, lying spread over the pillow, shifted to a molten, silvery color.
"You're safe," Edward replied, watching as her eyes fluttered open.
He drew in a breath as she turned those shining orbs on him. They were pure silver.
Chapter 7-
Third Person POV-
That voice…
It was familiar and different at the same time, as if she had heard it before and it had changed over time. It was the same voice except there were layers and it sounded clearer. In fact, everything suddenly had a new clarity. There was the sound of birds fluttering in trees and somewhere nearby there was something beating a steady rhythm. It was a hypnotic sound and it was accompanied by a rushing, flowing noise almost like a river. Something in her wanted to go to that sound.
Why? There was a burning sensation in her throat and that feeling she had said that whatever was making that noise would quench the heat, the fiery desperation.
She needed to see what was happening. The voice said she was safe and she felt that it would not lie to her. She opened her eyes and looked for the voice. She could feel a hand in hers, the skin was smooth and warm. She squeezed that hand tighter, afraid to lose that contact.
There was a face above hers. He looked familiar. He looked like Cedric. Maybe not like Cedric so much, they had different eyes. The color was similar, just a shade lighter, but it was the age reflected there. The age and something she had never seen in Cedric's eyes. She had seen concern, and love, and happiness in his eyes. These eyes held something more, like his whole world was before him…like his whole world was her.
Hazel startled as she heard a soft sound to her left. In an instant she was crouched against the wall. Her eyes swept the room scanning for threats. She took note of the doors and windows, escape points if necessary.
There were four people in the room with her; the boy from before stood near her, the girl in front, and two males. There was a tickling sensation in her brain telling her she knew these people, that she could trust them to help her.
Her voice was soft, musical and light as she asked, "Edward?" She hoped she was right; she didn't want to look foolish.
"Yes, love?" He stepped toward her, taking care to go slowly so as not to startle her. He reached her side and carefully took her hand in his, giving her time to pull away from him, to condemn him for what he had made her. He had always believed he was a monster, but as she stood before him he had to wonder if he was somehow wrong. She was absolutely beautiful, her silver eyes shone with innocence and her molten curls cascaded down her back to her waist.
"I need to leave," she said desperately. The urge to have what she now realized was blood was getting stronger. There were people down there, people she loved. She was afraid of hurting them.
Edward didn't seem to understand and she pulled back her mental walls and shoved the feeling at him, the feeling of hunger and pain. Oh, how she craved that sweet taste. Maybe-NO! She had to go. Now. She would hurt someone if she stayed any longer.
She nearly sagged with relief as comprehension dawned on his face. They were at the window now and next they were below it, on the ground. He tugged her arm and they flew through the trees. They didn't stop until that scent was far from them.
When they did finally halt it was in a clearing. She could hear a squirrel in the tree behind her and then wind rustling the leaves. There was the scent of nature all around and the warm breeze played with the ends of her silver hair. She closed her eyes and expanded her senses further.
Edward watched as she let instinct guide her. Her eyes were closed and her nose flared gently. He watched as she tilted her head lightly to the right before her eyes snapped open and she pounced. So absorbed in watching her was he that he had completely missed the approaching footfalls of her prey.
She was graceful as she took down the big cat. One second she was in the air and the next she was atop the beast. It bucked beneath her and she leaned forward, ready to slip her teeth into the veins of its neck. She paused suddenly.
She jumped back and let go of her meal. "I can't," she gasped.
He was by her side then, pulling her into his arms. She buried her face into his neck, sobbing. He was surprised to feel moisture soaking through his shirt. He tilted her head back gently, lovingly. There were tears running down her cheeks and he reached up and wiped them softly away. Vampires can't cry.
"What's wrong?" he asked. His voice was low, barely above a whisper. He felt guilt eating away at his insides. Would she say it now? Would she plead for death rather than to be stuck as a monster? He couldn't bear it if she turned her back on him, couldn't bear it if she hated him forever.
"She has babies," she sobbed. "I couldn't, they'd be all alone."
He felt relief sweep through him. She didn't hate him! Wait- "Babies?"
She bobbed her head twice. "I could feel it. She was afraid that she wouldn't be able to protect them."
"You need to eat something," he stated. How would she ever hunt?
She was silent for a moment. "I have an idea."
Confused, he stepped back. She repeated what she'd done before, except this time she brought down her walls so he could see what she was doing. He was amazed as the same cat from before stepped up to her. He watched as she patted her head gently and in her mind he could feel her asking the beast for some blood. The cat bent her neck to the ground in submission, allowing Hazel to brush her fingers along her spine. She nicked the beast's neck and the blood welled up along the shallow cut as she leaned forward and suckled at the liquid. When she'd had enough she leant back and ran her fingers along the red line, caressing the feline's smooth fur. The wound sealed before his eyes and a clear substance remained on her fingers as the animal departed.
"The venom," she said to his unasked question. She wiped it on her jeans and the fabric eroded slightly, leaving a hole above her knee. She sighed. "These were my favorite pair."
"Let's get back then. Do you think you can handle seeing your family?" he asked. From what he had seen, they were a really close-knit group. There was no friendship between the teens; it was purely family.
She hesitated slightly, unsure. Finally, the urge to see them became too strong and she nodded. He grabbed her hand and they ran back. Now that it wasn't such a desperate rush to get away, Hazel could appreciate just how awesome her new speed was. Were it not for the fact that she enjoyed his hand in hers so much, Hazel would have been sorely tempted to race him back to her house. Well, that and she hadn't really paid attention to where she had run from to begin with.
They paused just outside the house. The vampires of the group knew they were there and Hazel appreciated that they allowed her a moment to gather herself before telling her family she was there.
"Edward," she inquired. "Will you take me away if something happens? I can't hurt them."
He cupped her cheek in his hand, his thumb caressing her smooth skin. "I promise."
She gave him a shaky smile as she continued to peer into his amber gaze, her own silvery eyes reflecting her genuine nervousness and worry.
"You'll do fine. Don't worry, you would never hurt them. Besides," he said soothingly. "they know how to protect themselves and we're here to stop you if something happens. Right guys?" he asked towards the listening vampires.
They heard soft whispers of agreement from within. "Thank you," she breathed.
She reached forward and hugged him briefly before releasing him and moving towards the door. It swung open to reveal a room full of eager people. As Hazel moved forward into the room, she felt everyone's eyes on her. It frightened her a bit, made her a bit more nervous. She shifted closer to Edward, seeking comfort from his nearness.
0o0O0o0
Rosalie saw the girl step through the door. They all saw her. How could anyone miss her? She was absolutely stunning. She had been beautiful before, but now she was gorgeous. Her hair was molten and it hung in wild curls to her waist. Shining silver eyes peeked up from beneath light lashes and they screamed innocence.
There was something else. It wasn't there unless you knew what it was, but Rosalie could see it. She had seen it countless times. She still sometimes saw it in her own eyes when she looked in the mirror. Those silver eyes looked haunted.
Rosalie silently reaffirmed her previous vow to help the girl, her new sister. She saw Edward shoot her a grateful nod and chose not to begrudge the intrusion of her privacy. He couldn't help it, after all.
0o0O0o0
Sirius frowned when the vampires looked towards the door. He figured that they were back, but chose to allow Hazel time to compose herself if she needed it. That didn't stop him from watching the door, though. He was eager to see his goddaughter. He needed to know if she hated him, and he needed to apologize. He maintained that if she wanted him out of her life then that's what he deserved. It had been selfish of him to aid in her change, but he wouldn't have done anything differently.
He could feel Remus sitting tensely beside him. Vampires and werewolves were notoriously opposed to each other. They had been surprised that the Cullens were so accepting. Then again, Hazel had always been able to make amazing things happen around her; it was just who she was. They were both on edge. They had seen that memory along with everyone else and Sirius couldn't help but feeling guilty that he had left her all those years ago to chase down Peter. He had believed her to be in safe hands when he left her with Hagrid, but it didn't seem Dumbledore had looked to see just who he was leaving his precious Hazel with. Maybe once he got Hermione's parents from the airport and brought them here tomorrow they would Fidelius the place.
Sirius snapped to attention as then door swung open, revealing the vampire who had been doting upon Hazel and a beautiful woman silver hair. His breath caught in his lungs. She was stunning. She stood about 5'9" and had long, waist-length hair, and longer legs. Her eyes were what stood out the most. They were silver and they seemed almost to glow. She looked really familiar.
Sirius couldn't help but feel indignant on his goddaughter's behalf. The first moment she's incapacitated and he brings over another woman, to her house no less.
"Who is she?" he demanded harshly. "Your bed-warmer?"
The girl buried her face into his neck, her shoulders slumping. Sirius almost cowered under the intense glare directed at him. He could see that the vampire was ready to rip him to shreds and was almost grateful to the wench when she touched his arm and shook her head at him. She turned her head back and Sirius could see fresh tears trailing down her face. Good! She deserved it.
He heard Edward growl as he thought that. He was so engrossed in his hate for the girl that he missed the stunned expressions of everyone else as they saw her tears. Vampires weren't supposed to be able to cry.
"Siri?" the girl choked. "Do you hate me now?"
Sirius felt his stomach drop past his knees. Merlin, he had been so hurtful to his own goddaughter. What was worse was that the whole time he had feared she would hate him, and here she was asking if he hated her. He slumped into his seat.
"No," he said pleadingly. His previous vehemence completely eroded. "I didn't recognize you, Angel. I could never hate you."
She smiled, her tears slowing. A frown creased her brow then. "Didn't recognize me?"
She looked about for a mirror or reflective surface. Finding none, she simply grabbed the nearest wand and swished. It didn't work. She frowned down at it. It was her wand, but it was betraying her.
"Try without the wand," Alice suggested. She had a look in her eyes, so Hazel followed her instructions. To her amazement, it worked and a mirror appeared before her.
She looked up…and gasped. Her hair. Her eyes. She was ethereal. Angelic, just as Sirius had called her. "What the…?" she breathed.
"Can you still shift?" Hermione asked. The twins were watching from just behind her, curious.
"I don't know," she answered. "I haven't tried."
"Well, try!" called Fred and George enthusiastically.
"Alright," she nodded. She closed her eyes and tried to change her hair pink.
Edward saw the color start to shift and rushed to her side as she gasped and clutched her head. The color slowly faded back to silver and he couldn't help but be relieved. He really liked the new shade of her hair. "It burns," she gasped. "I can do it, but it burns like hell!"
Carlisle stepped forward, a curious expression on his face. "How badly did the change hurt you? The one into vampire, that is?" There was something about the tone of his voice that said he already knew exactly what she would compare it to.
She gasped. "You saw…How?"
Carlisle winced and nodded. "You…projected it, I guess you could say."
She tried to keep her composure. Maybe they didn't all know of her shame. "Who all saw?" She almost cursed as her voice shook, betraying her shame.
Carlisle hesitated and that was enough for her to know. Her body was wracked with sobs, her shoulders shaking. She was so ashamed. She felt so dirty.
Edward moved to pull her into his arms, but she backed away against the wall. He couldn't stand for her to be hurting like that; he wanted to help her. He looked to the only person in the room who knew what she was going through, pleading silently for her to help. Rosalie met his eyes and nodded and in that moment he owed her everything.
"Hazel…" she said, voice soft. "Maybe I should tell you about me, how I was turned."
Hazel nodded desperately. Anything to push this from her mind. Rosalie rose from her seat and beckoned Hazel to her. She approached tentatively and Rosalie wrapped her in her arms, pulling her down beside her.
Rosalie held the girl to her. She marveled at the similarities between them and as she told her story she felt the last bit of her soul heal. There had always been a tiny piece of her that said maybe she deserved it, maybe it was her fault. As she held Hazel, however, she knew she was finally healed. And now she could help Hazel. It would be a while before she reached the stage Rosalie was at, but with a little help her new sister could be whole again.
0o0O0o0
After Esme finally convinced Hazel to let her cook and dinner had been eaten, everybody moved off to separate corners. Hermione and the twins headed up to bed to rest so they could be up early to go over and revise their plans, Sirius and Remus had roped Carlisle into a discussion about magical healing versus muggle medicine, Emmett and Jasper were working together to try to beat Edward at chess, and Esme, Alice, and Rosalie were planning a shopping trip with Hazel. It was about midnight before Sirius and Remus even contemplated heading for the land of nod.
Finally the Cullens, not wanting to keep the humans from their much needed rest, decided it was time to head home. Emmett had earlier retrieved Edward's car from Port Angeles, ensuring nobody try to steal it or break into it. As they filed out the front door Edward hung back and spoke in low tones with Hazel. They were debating the pros and cons of her staying the night with her family and Hazel seemed to be winning, much to his family's amusement. Nobody but Alice ever won an argument with Edward and even then it was rare. What was funnier was that she was winning for the simple reason he didn't seem to be able to deny her what she wanted. And what she wanted was to stay the night with her family.
Hazel was finally able to convince him to go home, but as she lay awake in her room hours later she sighed dejectedly. "Are you gonna hang outside my window all night?"
He chuckled. "Depends."
She was at the sill, pushing up the frame and stepping back. "Just come in. I have a memory that I need your help with."
They settled on the bed against the headboard. "What kind of memory?"
She leaned into his side as he pulled her close to him. "The kind that I'm not sure is real. I have a feeling that it's important, though."
"Alright," he said, wrapping his arms around her. "What do you need me to do?"
"Just watch," she sighed. She located the memory and pulled down her walls, allowing him entry into her mind. She didn't want to project it in fear of waking everybody with it accidentally.
"Avada Kedavra"
There was a flash of green on the edges of her vision. Her sight dimmed and she sunk into the blessed darkness. She wasn't sure what to expect next, but she sure as heck did not expect billowy, fluffy clouds.
"Hazel?"
She nearly wept at the sound of that voice. It was one she knew so well. Sure enough, there was Cedric as she turned to face him. She launched herself at him sobbing in his embrace. She felt so safe there with him. He was her brother, her protector.
"I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry!" she wailed.
"It's not your fault. You have to listen Hazel, we don't have much time."
She sniffed and nodded, wiping at her eyes.
"Hazel, you have to go back. No, listen. You have to get rid of Voldemort. You are the only one who can. You can. Listen! You need to know this. That snake of his -Nagini, yes-she needs to be disposed of. A piece of his soul rests within her. It's called a Horcrux. There were three. The diary from your Second Year, the snake, and a locket. I met someone here named Regulus. He was Sirius's brother and he turned traitor before he died. He told me that Kreacher has the locket."
Hazel was nodding, soaking up his words and trying to remember as much as possible.
"When the curse rebounded, when he came after you, a piece of his soul latched onto you. It's gone now. There was one important piece of information, the last reason he was able to survive. He swore an oath before he went after you that he'd not die until his enemy -that's you- was dead by his hand. That part's done. The locket and the snake are all that stand between you and his downfall."
Hazel's head was spinning. How was she to go back and do all that if she was dead? She voiced this question aloud.
"You know how he used your blood for his Resurrection? He anchored your soul. Right now Edward and Sirius are down there restarting your heart and pumping your veins with vampire venom. I wanted to come help you, you've suffered so much. I want you to be happy, Hazel. Enjoy your life, sister-mine."
Hazel nodded, her throat too constricted for speech.
"One more thing. The 'power he knows not' is you. He doesn't know true innocence. No, listen! Innocence isn't never doing anything wrong. Its being able to grow and learn from your mistakes and never intentionally hurt others. He's full of hate and cruelty, while you are love and compassion and kindness. You're a pure soul, Hazel Lorraine Potter. You can reach your full potential now. You'll notice some changes when you go back. His taint is gone from your body, all except the scar."
He was getting fuzzy and his voice was growing distant. It was time to go now. She would miss him, but she knew he was okay. She could move on now. And while she would still be sad over his death, she would know he was truly in a better place.
0o0O0o0
"What does he mean by 'pure soul?' Vampires don't have souls."
He was highly offended when she burst into a fit of giggles. Was she mocking their damnation? What was her problem? Did she want to be damned?
Hazel noticed his less-than-amused expression and her mirth grinded to a halt. "What?"
"Is it funny to you that we're damned for all eternity?"
"Oh! Edward," she sighed. She laid her hand on his chest, over his non-beating heart. "Just cause this isn't beating…it doesn't mean damnation. If you didn't have a soul, you'd be ash right now. Your eyes show your soul. Tell me, Edward. What is the ultimate act of evil?"
"Murder," he said without hesitation.
"Exactly. When you take a person's life it stains your soul. It's the reason why your eyes are golden, why they're not red like the Volturi. Edward, when you intentionally take a life…Your soul shines through your eyes, your beautifully golden eyes. Remember the saying? The eyes are the window to the soul. It's true. When you take a life your eyes shine red until your make your penance. Let me show you. There's a spell we use. You saw it in the pensieve. It's called the patronus charm and we use it to repel the dementors. Dark wizards are notorious for not being able to cast it because they have very little soul. The spell is literally an extension of your soul."
She climbed off her bed and held her hand out to him. He stood beside her.
"Feel the spell as I cast it. Just hold onto my hand. Expecto Patronum."
The magic rose within her, gliding out of her and he gasped as it materialized before her. Silver mist, as wispy as her hair, flowed around them in beautiful swirls. It came together in front of them as two majestic animals. There was a stag standing tall and proud, and a doe nuzzling his neck. They were absolutely breathtaking.
Edward turned to Hazel and felt his eyes widen. Her eyes were glowing and her hair was shining, floating on a nonexistent breeze. He felt his hand rising, unbidden to cup her face. Her eyes met his, full of life. For the first time Edward could remember in a long time he felt completely at peace. He felt his gaze flick to her lips and back to her eyes as he leaned closer. He saw her lids flutter shut as his lips met hers and he allowed his own eyes to close.
His lips were soft and firm as they brushed against her own. It was a sweet kiss, full of tenderness. She returned it with her own and rested her hands against his chest, standing close to him. When they pulled back she ducked into his embrace, holding him as he held her. They descended into silence. It was not awkward, rather it was comfortable.
When they did move it was only to sit back on the bed. They spent hours just holding each other in silence, basking in the peace. It was nearing morning before either spoke. It was a brief conversation, long enough to say they would discuss her memory with the others in a few hours, then silenced reigned in the room once again.
0o0O0o0
The others agreed in the morning that the memory was indeed real. They decided to tell Dumbledore when he arrived at noon and let him and the Order deal with it. The other issue was Hazel's appearance. No matter who the glamour came from, no matter the strength, it would not hold.
Reluctantly, they agreed that the truth would have to be revealed (and the house put under the Fidelius). Fred and George, being of age, decided they would remain in Forks and Hermione was waiting for the Headmaster to arrive so that she could tell him of her decision to do the same. The general consensus was to stay put.
In the end, they needn't have worried. With Voldemort still denying his existence it was no wonder the news of her death hadn't reached Dumbledore's ears. Though that did make one reconsider Snape's competency and the validity of his position as spy.
Dumbledore apparated into the foyer of their large home, two people clutching his arms tightly. They looked a little nauseous and Hazel couldn't help but sympathize. Apparition was not a fun mode of travel.
The two strangers were barely standing upright before they were being strangled by a bushy, brown menace.
"Hermione," she called. "They do need to breathe, in case you hadn't noticed."
The Grangers were finally released from their would-be murderer and Hazel could see the resemblance between Hermione and her parents. Her mother was pale with brown eyes and long, brown hair and her father was tan with blue eyes and a shock of messy, bushy hair atop his head. She had her mother's eyes and hair color, her father's hair and complexion, and both their slim figures.
"Welcome to my home Dr. and Dr. Granger. It's nice to finally meet you," she said.
"Oh, you must be Hazel. Hermione's told us so much about you. Call me Emma," her mother said.
"I'm Dan," her father offered. "Yes, our daughter mentioned you could change your appearance at will."
"Well," inserted Dumbledore. He stood in gaudy purple robes with pink and orange stripes, a tall yellow hat perched upon his head. "I apologize for the brevity of my visit, but I really must be returning to the children."
With a turn of his heel he was gone, Hermione's letter clutched in his hand.
"So. Dan and Emma. How do you feel about vampires?"
A/N: okay, i finished this early. Two chapters in two days, or is three days...? haha. anyways, i hope you like what i'm doing. please review or PM with any suggestions and be sure to let me know what you hate or love. This is my longest chapter so far, though that's not saying much. i'm trying to lengthen them a bit, i really am. please just bear with me. I need suggestions. let me know something you would like to see or that you want to happen and i'll try to work it in. I've been stuck on another story that just won't get out of my head and i might write it down. don't know if i'll post it, but...okay enough of the tangent. gotta go. 7, gBee
