* * * Discoveries * * *

The Room of Requirement was decked out in the fashion of a cozy office lounge, consisting of a wide sofa chair and a loveseat arranged in a half-circle facing a large scenic landscape on the wall. Edward and Elizabeth Masen were already settling down into the soft grass of the ornately framed familiar woodland meadow, and a beautiful swan-like bird with spectacular plumage had just settled onto its perch next to the overstuffed chair, preening its feathers. Edward raises an eyebrow upon entering, noting with curiosity that there is a unique aspect to its avian scent that he has never encountered before in a living creature: the scent of a clean-burning fire.

As Dumbledore strokes the lovely bird and proceeds to sit down in the chair beside it, Edward leads Bella over to the loveseat and sits down beside her, opening his arms in a gesture of invitation for her to cuddle up informally. She obliges and cuddles into his lap, smiling lovingly while he wraps his arms around her and grins back adoringly. Dumbledore watches them with fascinated interest, and politely invites them (or at least, Bella) to freely enjoy the tea and biscuits provided on the lounge table in front of them.

For a short moment afterwards, no one speaks- each of them gathering their thoughts as to the best way to resume the unprecedented conversation- until Bella breaks the silence. Having noted Edward's initial glance towards the curious bird that colorfully resembles her namesake, and thoroughly aware that she's never come across anything like it in her studies of such, Bella comments: "Your bird is very beautiful, but I've never seen one like it before. If you don't mind… what kind is it?"

Dumbledore smiles and good-naturedly obliges, mentally recalling a first-hand observation of each characteristic as he voices it: "Fawkes is a phoenix: a gentle but powerful magical creature which can rise again from its own ashes, carry immensely heavy loads, whose song gives courage to the pure in heart, and whose tears have healing powers. He is one of very few creatures that can apparate at will, even within the bounds of Hogwarts." He pauses, wondering what parallel aspects of Edward's & Bella's natures or relationship might possibly help explain this ability in them, then continues, regarding Fawkes respectfully as he does so: "It is very rare for them to live as pets- but they are extremely devoted when they do."

Bella smiles at him in thanks.

Edward looks at Bella thoughtfully while he considers the possible parallels, before the expression in his eyes shifts to one of awe and humor: "Very interesting. It seems that it would be possible for Albus here to apparate within the boundaries of Hogwarts… so long as he were in the company of his powerful magical creature, which just so happens to be a phoenix that resembles a swan. Can it be just coincidence that you came here in the company of your powerful magical creature, and that I came here in the company of my Swan from Phoenix?" Bella blanches in surprised embarrassment as to the implications of his revelation, and he smiles crookedly at her while stroking her cheek with his finger, continuing softly: "She's such a rare and gentle creature..." then, chuckling and smiling even wider as she blushes crimson: "...with truly exquisite coloring." Bella quickly hides her burning face against the cool fabric of his chest.

Dumbledore is intrigued. He doesn't seem to mind the blood in her cheeks, though he obviously likes it… and that is an interesting parallel. Phoenix… he ponders the unfamiliar reference. Could that be… America's sunny city? Vampires have never been known to like the sun, though… so if that is the case, then- how did they meet? Addressing Bella with renewed fascination, he ventures: "You are from Phoenix… Arizona?"

"Yes. I grew up there." Bella responds, her blush fading.

Speaking up in such a way as to inconspicuously answer his unasked question, Edward elaborates: "We might never have met each other if she hadn't been so gracious as to move up to live with her father in Forks, Washington… which just so happens to be the rainiest town in the U.S."

"It's even located in the shadow of Mount Olympus," Bella banters back factually. "Figures that I'd meet you there," she playfully grumbles.

Edward laughs at her insinuation of them being in any way connected to classical Greek mythology. "Silly girl," he teases back.

"But it was the best move I ever made." Bella looks at him warmly, smiling. Turning back to Albus, she adds: "I don't mind the rain so much anymore."

Albus smiles kindly, recognizing her sentiment as being much like the way he felt after meeting Fawkes. The inconvenience of snow hadn't bothered him anymore, either, after Fawkes had saved him from that life-threatening avalanche. He'd discovered a true friend that day. Inexperienced, wandless, and exposed, the whole ordeal had been a truly eye-opening experience for him… much like this one. And strangely, it had also given a welcome new significance to the meaning of his first name. It now symbolized the stalwart reality of a brotherhood pure enough to span across species.

"And your last name is Swan." Albus muses quietly. Sometimes names can tell so much about a person, when their meanings are truly understood. Her first name speaks of a beautiful individual, and her last name appears to be consistent with quite an intriguing heritage. If this trend holds true, what would be the name of her heart? That which is at the core of her identity. I'm really curious! "Do you mind if I ask what your middle name is?"

"My middle name?" Bella is surprised at the query, not able to fathom why it would be of interest to him. "Um… it's Marie?" Her bewildered reply comes out almost as if it were a question.

After a moment of reflection, Dumbledore responds with shock. "Really? Marie, as in M-A-R-I-E?" Bella nods, still confused. Reverently, he continues: "Did you know that 'Marie' means 'living water'?"

Bella shakes her head in reply. The unlikely significance of the meaning of her middle name is not lost on her, however, and she exchanges an astonished glance with Edward.

"An associate of mine once performed a meditation spell in order to learn about the meanings of her various names; she's the one who actually discovered this particularly unique meaning, and it was of significant interest to her when she did. Apparently, being that it is located at the center of your name, it suggests the nature of your heart. Oddly fitting, it would seem…" he muses, considering your close-knit vampiric associations. "Very curious..." indeed. Very unique.

The Masens are impressed with this information, but also a bit puzzled at the exchange- not knowing of the underlying significance that the others are privy to.

Dumbledore is momentarily lost in contemplation. It can't be just coincidence- that the label of her core identity would speak so clearly of her natural appeal to him, as well as his love for her that she is spared. Their bond must run very deep… almost as if it were fated to be so.

Edward's head turns to look at him in surprise as his musing continues.

What a magical coincidence of a muggle parallel! "Fascinating," Albus mumbles.


After a short pause Dumbledore continues in a more business-like tone, nonetheless full of fervent gratitude and sincerity: "Well, I wanted to start off by saying Thank You… for helping Harry and Cedric be safe," he ventures, appreciating the hoped for confirmation of their involvement that Edward offers via his small smile of understanding and modest nod of acceptance. "I don't know what would have happened if they'd completed the tournament and been transported alone without your warning, but I believe we may have lost them both." His voice becomes hollow as he shudders internally at the idea, truly caring about the students of his school as well as the hope that Harry represents to the wizarding world.

"As it was, nothing really happened," Dumbledore continues, appreciatively describing for them what happened behind the scenes. "I transported with them to a graveyard, and no one was there. It was evident someone had been there, though; we heard them leave when we arrived. And it wasn't just any graveyard, either. This one happens to carry a personal significance to the most dangerous wizard in our world. The abandoned site very well could have been the intended location for some abysmally dark magic.

"Once again, I thank you. We've been trying to uncover this plot against Harry ever since he was unwillingly entered into the tournament eight months ago, but haven't been able to discover anything about it. If you don't mind my asking…" the headmaster inquires tentatively, pausing briefly with the knowledge that his forthcoming question is not of the type Edward should have to answer, in all fairness, though it is compelling… "How were you able to find out about it so quickly?"

Edward shrugs nonchalantly, hoping for the unlikely chance that he will be able to pass it off without significant explanation: "I overheard him."

Dumbledore raises his eyebrows at the evasive nature of his answer, wondering who else at Hogwarts Barty Crouch Jr. would have possibly thought he could trust with such a secretive subject, and feeling sure that any one of his staff would have reported it to him immediately. If it had been as simple as that, they would have likely discovered it on their own already.

Edward, sighing reluctantly at his thoughts: "He was… thinking about it." Feeling uncomfortably unsure about just how much information he should divulge to this good man who already knows too much, Edward nevertheless knows that he still needs to garner just as much information from him in reply. Dumbledore has been trying to approach this awkward situation in good faith, and he would like to be able to return the favor. It's a rather precarious working relationship.

Dumbledore is surprised. "You heard his thoughts?" he exclaims. Then, with a fascinated but skeptical curiosity (considering the fact that vampires have never been known to be magical), he ventures: "Are you a legilimens?"

Edward, calmly but with a touch of amusement at Dumbledore's idea of himself as a wizard casting spells to read thoughts, explains: "I can hear the thoughts around me, but I'm not a legilimens. We think it must have been a gift I was born with- that later became enhanced with my change." His eyes travel to take in the faces of his parents, smiling softly. "I've often wondered about just what indications there might have been that such a latent ability ran in the family."

Edward Sr. and Elizabeth look at each other in shocked amazement, before pausing to consider the possibilities. Taking a moment to rummage through their memories and voice a few possibilities to Edward, in the process giving him quite a bit to think about, they ultimately decide that there is nothing in their history that would have been obviously conclusive.

In the midst of their endeavor, Dumbledore mentally queries Edward: Can you hear my thoughts? and Edward responds with a subtle nod. Surprised by this, the headmaster then continues, musing to himself: Hmmm- my occlumency defense must not have been triggered then. I supposethat makes sense, though; Crouch Jr. would have noticed if he had been probed. That also explains how Edward knew that I recognized him for what he was… and how he has apparently been so familiar with magical terminology. Very interesting… even if a bit unsettling.

Having observed their subtle exchange, when the conversation going on with the Masens comes to an end, Bella asks curiously: "So, what's a legilimens?"

Dumbledore responds to her, looking a bit amazed and smiling slightly: "A legilimens is a person who practices legilimency- which is the magical method of probing into someone's mind in order to read their thoughts." He notices Bella visibly cringe at this description, and his thoughts turn sympathetic. "It is not a common skill among wizards, but it is an invasive one- and it requires a wand to learn. The magic of occlumency works to defend against it, and those of us who employ it are known as occlumens." He addresses Edward now, musing aloud for Bella's sake: "It seems that occlumency doesn't work against you, however… perhaps… because your ability is not invasive? I suppose that would make sense, since the magic of occlumency is triggered by the presence of a mental probe." Hmmm… the absence of a probe suggests that his is a personal sensitivity, rather than any kind of offensive magical ability. Thus, there would be nothing really for us to defend against… unless, of course… it was to keep ourselves from broadcasting whatever it is that he hears. Hmmm, he marvels in wonder. I never knew we broadcasted. That's quite some sensory advantage. "Fascinating," he whispers.

Bella watches the headmaster curiously, noting with amusement how much his inquisitive manner reminds her of Carlisle. Edward smiles at her wonder, silently agreeing with her apparent approval of his unusually refreshing personality.


A/N: Perhaps because this chapter introduces a lot of separate yet fascinating details, it was not an easy one for me to organize into dialogue. I'm still not sure that I'm totally satisfied with the flow of it... so, if you have any suggestions to that end, please let me know!

Maybe you can also tell that I am a philosopher by nature- and that this story is in fact a treasured mode of expression for me. Albus' memory of meeting Fawkes is actually based upon an unrelated bedtime story I came up with once upon a time... which just kind of seemed to fit the scenario, when I wrote this. It is called 'A Beautiful Bird', and this short and very simple story is posted under my fictionpress account, in case you might be interested. In other news, Dumbledore's description of Bella's middle name is the very real and true result of another unrelated discovery, which (to my excitement) proved to be of value here. Indeed, I suppose it could be said that I just inserted myself into the story- since it was me who underwent the meditation. ;)

In other news, Mount Olympus is, in fact, the name of the tallest and most prominent peak of the Olympic Mountain Range of Western Washington. :)

Finally, I want to say a big Thank You! to everyone who has given helpful or encouraging reviews, and/or favorited my work. Those are such wonderful messages to receive! Thank you so very much! And, thanks for reading!

Until next time... :)