Turning into the Cullen driveway, Emily noted that the boys seemed tense. She was unsure why until the house came into view, a beautiful blonde woman she remembered was named Rosalie, stood on the steps to the house smiling as the car came to a stop.
Emily waited for the boys to help her from the car and escort her towards the house.
"Em, you remember our sister Rosalie," Edward said gesturing toward where the blonde vampire stood.
"Of course," Emily nodded thinking of their brief encounter when her father had sent her to the Cullen's to retrieve Isabella. "Though I can't say we more than exchanged names."
"Which is why I'm here," Rosalie spoke. Looking over at Jasper she could see her brother eyeing the house warily. "Don't worry so much, she's not here. Her sight went black so she decided she needed to 'clear' her mind with some shopping."
Nodding in approval Jasper moved to touch Emily's back and guide her up the stairs into the house. The two were followed by Edward who had also relaxed and stopped listening for Alice's thoughts at Rosalie's announcement.
Rolling her eyes at her brothers' unease Rosalie reached out and took Emily's hand pulling her towards the stairs. "I believe I have been very patient. It's my turn to get to know your mate, why don't you two boys go play with Emmett while we have some girl time."
"Should I be worried?" Emily asked turning to look at Jasper and Edward. Neither one answered her with more than a shrug but both seemed amused.
Smiling Rosalie turned back to look at Emily, "I promise I don't bite."
"There are probably quite a few animals in the woods who would disagree with you," Emily countered.
Looking back one last time Emily watched as the boys laughed, waving her on as they turned to likely go find Emmett.
Laughing Emily leaned back in the chair she was sitting on by the large window looking out into the forest. Rose was rather fun, it had taken her about five minutes to decide she loved the vampire. It wasn't often she got along with other girls so it was a new feeling to feel so comfortable around one.
"When do you have to go back to school?" Rose asked quieting down as she looked at Emily. The beautiful blonde genuinely seemed saddened at the thought of Emily having to return to Hogwarts.
Emily looked down at her hands, flexing her right hand a few sparks escaped. She quickly clenched her hand in frustration, "Sooner than I had hoped."
"Do you have something to do before your classes start?"
Something Emily thought sarcastically as she absently nodded her head at the vampire's question. While she was finally meeting people that made her want to stay a little longer in Forks she had a war waiting for her back in Britain. A war that was currently going in her opposition's favor.
Emily could feel Rose's eyes on her, most likely confused by her shift in behavior but the witch couldn't bring herself to speak.
A knock at the door broke the silence in the room. Looking over Emily saw Jasper leaning against the doorframe with his crooked smile, "I'm afraid I've come to steal you."
"Is that so?" Emily smiled instantly feeling her mood shift with the man's presence. She sent him a grateful vibe in return.
"Yes ma'am, the two of you have been up here talking for a couple hours and you have some very lonely men who need a little of your attention."
"Well my apologies cowboy," Emily said moving into Jasper's arms. "I guess we lost track of time."
Kissing Emily's head the vampire turned his attention to his 'twin'. "Sorry, but we have to get this one home before the Chief decides to test out the bulletproof theory."
Rolling her eyes Rosalie stood and hit her brother's head being careful to avoid Emily who was still in his embrace. "I think you almost hope he tries."
"Please, Dad would never threaten you with bullets he'd go straight for fire."
"Then we better hurry," Jasper chuckled picking up Emily and running down the stairs causing the witch to squeal a bit before laughing too.
"Bye Rose!" Emily called knowing the vampire could easily hear her as she was carried to the car where Edward was already waiting for the pair.
Opening the door to her home Emily could hear laughter coming from the kitchen. Titling her head to the side Emily made her way toward the noise followed closely by Jasper and Edward.
"Siri?" Emily asked peering around the door. The witch almost couldn't believe her eyes as she took in the sight of her dogfather sitting at the kitchen table with her father.
"Hey Pup," the dark haired man said with a smile. As he stood to greet her Emily noticed he was still in his robes meaning he probably hadn't gotten here that long ago.
Getting over her shock Emily moved quickly into her godfather's arms happy he appeared well and uninjured. "What are you doing here?"
"I was told you needed a training partner." Sirius pulled back, keeping his hands on Emily's shoulders he nodded his head back to where Charlie was sitting, "Plus I wanted to see how this old guy was holding up."
"Hey! We're the same age!"
"Are we?" Sirius asked moving towards his old friend. "I think you have a few greys…"
"If I do I'm blaming her," Charlie quipped back winking at his daughter.
Emily put a hand to her chest attempting to appear appropriately outraged, "I'll have you know I'm the good daughter, you can only blame me for the pink ones!"
Rolling his eyes Charlie leaned back in his chair, "I don't know about that… can we expect any more power surges tonight?"
Emily blushed lightly and leaned into Edward's chest, who was stood behind her. She had been having such a great time talking to Rosalie and getting to know her that she had forgotten to go outside and cast a few spells safely in the wards.
"Power surges?" Sirius asked raising an eyebrow as he looked between his old friend and Emily before settling on the two men he didn't know.
"Strangest thing Pads, I woke up this morning and all my clocks needed to be reset."
"I see, and who might the vampires be?" Sirius asked pointing to the two vampires with golden eyes standing behind Emily.
Rolling her eyes Emily straightened herself up and turned to point to the men behind her, "Siri this is Edward Cullen and Jasper Whitlock. Guys this is my Godfather and Uncle, Lord Sirius Black Head of the Noble house of Black, magical guardian of House Potter and so on and so forth"
As Emily introduced him with his long title Sirius made to dust off his robes and straighten himself, doing his best to impersonate the pompous Pure Bloods he had grown up around.
"It's nice to meet you sir," Jasper said stepping forward to shake the wizard's hand first.
"It's a pleasure sir," Edward added taking his turn to shake hands.
Sirius nodded his head in return, "You boys as well." Moving back to Charlie's side, Sirius gave his old friend a questioning look. He was answered with a shrug leaving the animagus to wonder just what the two vampires meant to his goddaughter.
Forcing a cough Emily tried to get her uncle's attention. "Siri, why are you really here? Is everything okay back home?"
Instantly Emily noticed the light slightly dim in Sirius' grey eyes at the reminder of what he had just left back in England. "Everything is going as well as we could expect." Looking down Sirius grabbed Charlie's shoulder and gave a squeeze before moving to point Emily out the back door of the house, "Perhaps we can do something about those power surges."
Edward and Jasper moved to follow but Emily gave them a wink and gestured towards where her dad sat, "Why don't you two keep this old man company while we catch up."
Seeing the boys hesitate the witch offered the boys a smile, looking directly at Edward she focused on letting a single thought through her barriers. I'll fill you in when we're done, I promise. Just help keep Dad occupied. You can watch through the window.
Seeing Edward's reluctant nod she noticed his lips moving very slightly likely communicating what she had told him to Jasper. When they moved to join Charlie, Emily allowed herself to be steered to the back door.
Sirius quickly had his wand out and began casting charms to conceal their activity from the prying eyes of muggles, she also noted his use of a silencing ward.
"Things in England have taken a turn," Sirius started sending a stinging jinx at Emily who quickly side stepped the spell. "I had only just gotten back to Grimmauld when the twins handed me a portkey and instructed me that I was to come help you train."
Nodding Emily sent off a quick impedimenta before dodging her godfather's next jinx. "So I take it your mission was at least slightly successful since you appear in good health or are you hiding behind a glamour?"
"I'll have you know I've never needed a glamour to look this good," the man responded running a hand through his hair as he sent a cutting curse towards his goddaughter. "As for my mission it went as well as can be expected. No one is really ready to help yet, they don't see this coming to their borders."
"That's what everyone thought about Grindelwald and look at what happened then…" Emily shot off another spell before spinning to avoid the flame that shot past her head.
"Yes but unfortunately as long as he keeps his efforts focused in Britain we are going to find it hard to receive outside help."
Sighing Emily shot off a bone breaker curse. "What about Remus? How is his work with the clans going?"
"Not well, many don't want to go against Fenrir's wishes. He had a lot of influence whether we like it or not and the things he was promising the werewolves through the Dark Lord are far more tempting then anything we could offer."
"But he's dead. I killed him!"
"I know and we had hoped that it would give us an edge but his memory is strong and many seem upset over his death."
"So none of them are willing to help?" Emily did a little flip to avoid Sirius' next spell, smiling as her dogfather scoffed at her effort.
"Show off!" Sirius called levitating a broken branch to avoid getting hit with Emily's next spell. It instantly burst into pieces. "Bullocks I didn't think that one through," Sirius coughed as he cast a spell to help dispel some of the debris.
"Wood is a terrible shield old man!" Emily laughed moving to help dust off her uncle. "So no one will help us, it's just the order against a Dark army."
Running a hand though his hair Sirius looked Emily in the eyes, "It's not good odds I'll admit but it's what we have to work with right now. Plus it seems you've gained the favor of a few vampires."
Laughing as Sirius waggled his eyebrows Emily looked back to the window where she could see Edward and Jasper standing with her father. "I haven't really told them everything that's going on to be honest."
"Well from what I know you don't have much time left to fill them in." Sirius looked at his goddaughter and shook his head. "Em, I know you came back to see your Dad but you can't stay here much longer. The situation is close to breaking, you need to be back in London before the Ministry falls."
"I know, just this wasn't what I had planned. Bill and I were supposed to come to Forks and train away from prying eyes. I would see Dad, he would know I was happy and then we would go back for my 'seventh' year and end this…"
"You will end this Pup. You are going to win!" Sirius said turning Emily to look at him. "If everything went as planned your Mum and Dad would be here with us right now simply enjoying the summer visiting your Uncle Charlie while Moony and I caused havoc."
Emily raised a skeptical eyebrow at her uncle.
"You think Moony is all about books but I tell you his smarts make him the most devious of all!" Sirius proclaimed pointing a finger in the air getting a small smile from the witch.
"The point is Pup, nothing in the last 16 years has gone exactly to plan and it will likely continue to spiral out of control. For now we do our best, prepare for everything we possibly can so that at the end of this you are the one still standing."
Clapping his hands together Sirius shot his goddaughter a devious smile. "Now a little blonde birdy told me that you are quite accomplished with some fire spells…"
"Uh huh you mean like this," Emily teased holding out her wand. With a small swish a snake made of flames appeared.
"Woah," Edward said stepping back slightly at the sight of the flames. Nodding Jasper watched as the snake seemed to slither through the air controlled by his mate.
"That's pretty powerful magic," Charlie whispered rubbing his chin. As he watched his daughter duel with one of his oldest friend's he felt a mix of envy and pride. He couldn't keep track of how many times he had imagined being able to duel with Emily, helping her train and grow stronger.
Watching how she danced around the spells Sirius threw at her he could only be proud of how strong she was. She was amazing to watch and it hurt him to know that she would soon vanish from his sight without a guarantee of returning.
The two probably thought they were protecting him by going outside to speak but Charlie was well aware of the dangers his daughter was certain to face. He just wished like his old friends he could be by her side facing them too, protecting her from harm.
Looking over at the two vampires who were stood in the kitchen with him the Police Chief observed how they watched his daughter. He saw them intake unnecessary breaths when a spell came too close to her, how they tensed, seemingly having to hold themselves back from running outside to protect her even though they most likely understood she was in no real danger. It was easy to tell both of the men had fallen for his magical daughter.
"I need you boys to promise me something," the Chief spoke in his usual gruff tone. Both men quickly turned their heads curiously to the only human in the room, neither spoke both waiting for Charlie to continue which he appreciated.
"Emily will be leaving soon and while I may not like it, I am in no position to go with her," looking back out at the yard his daughter and Sirius were now laughing hysterically as they conjured random objects to throw at one another. He wished he could keep that smile on her face forever. "She needs help, whatever she is planning it won't be easy." Looking back to the vampires Charlie swallowed back his pain at the thought of what was to come, terrible images flashed before his eyes at the possibilities. "I need you to promise me you'll go with her, that you will protect her when I can't."
"We promise," Edward said without hesitating looking Charlie straight in the eyes.
"With everything we have," Jasper added with a nod.
"Good," Charlie said reaching forward to pat the men on the shoulder. With one last look out the window Charlie quickly left the room leaving the two slightly confused vampires to continue to watch the pair in the backyard.
Jasper and Edward stood by the unlit fireplace in the living room. When Emily had come back in from her duel with her godfather she had set off to get changed and find her father. Deciding to give her a moment they chose to wait downstairs.
Sirius leaned against the doorframe and observed the vampires standing still. He supposed after living centuries the silence would be a welcome occurrence or perhaps something one experienced far too often.
All Sirius had known was fighting really, war had surrounded his life and having worked as an Auror for most of it his next day was never guaranteed. He always fought his hardest knowing he wanted to be there for Emily but the day he found James and Lily was the day the reality of how short life, particularly his, could end up being set in.
It had been hard for him to not go chasing after the rat that night but he knew he had a responsibility to his friends and most importantly to his goddaughter. It had taken Charlie a few days to get to England, the men didn't want to draw attention to what they were up to. People were clamoring to know where the Girl-Who-Lived was and the last thing they wanted to do was let people know a Squib would be caring for her. The magical community would have been up in arms, most likely even trying to step in to take her away.
As the years passed Sirius had to limit his visits, never wanting to draw attention to where he was going. He had been so excited when Emily had begun at Hogwarts, it had meant seeing her more frequently. Though the joy at her being around and beginning her education didn't last long. Worry quickly set in as it became more apparent that she had a knack for finding herself in dangerous situations.
Sirius was grateful Emily had truly gotten time to be a child, growing up happily in Forks but it seemed like she had been cheated of a true childhood always having to be cautious, always having the burden of knowing what and who she was to be.
Now she was approaching her seventeenth birthday and she was about to lead a war. Shaking his head he hoped these vampires were up for the task of protecting his sweet little Pup.
Pointing his wand at the fireplace it ignited and both vampires turned to look at the man curiously.
"So you boys planning anything special for Emily's birthday?" Sirius asked crossing to sit in Charlie's favorite chair. He watched as the two men looked at each other with sudden realization. He wondered if Emily had even mentioned to them when her birthday was, she never was one to draw attention to herself. It was what made her more successful at pranking and kept her out of detentions unlike the marauders before her.
The tall copper headed vampire shook his head, "No, she mentioned briefly that her birthday was at the end of July but we haven't really planned anything yet."
Chuckling at their obvious discomfort Sirius shrugged, "You have a couple weeks to plan, but with the current climate you may want to celebrate a little earlier…"
Both men looked like they wanted to ask him something but neither seemed really sure what to say. Sighing Sirius knew Emily was going to have to open up more to the men if she planned for them to go with her, she didn't have much time left. "Why don't you two go find Emily and let her know her illustrious Godfather is starving and if she doesn't want a mess in her kitchen she best hurry up. I'm rather useless without Kreacher."
Dinner had been an interesting affair. Bella had shown up shortly after the boys had gone to fetch Emily. The vampires had decided to hide in Emily's bedroom rather than fake eating food to try and fool a girl who already knew their secret into believing the others didn't know about their 'condition'. The single human had seemed a bit drunk and glared at Emily the entire evening looking skeptically at her father's friend who was dressed in an old fashion way.
Emily practically ran up the stairs to her room when her father finally excused her. She found her mates sitting on the bed reading various tomes she had brought with her. "Reading anything interesting?"
"Did you know there are creatures that can suck out your soul?" Jasper asked perplexed by the book before him. "They call it a kiss…"
"A kiss? Doesn't sound very pleasant, a kiss in exchange for your soul."
"It kind of reminds me of the medieval Succubus lore, sex for your life…"
Shivering slightly as thoughts of the darkly cloaked creatures invaded her mind, Emily crawled up onto her bed and slid under the duvet to keep warm. "A Dementor's kiss is far worse, I'm rather familiar with the creature."
"Really?" Edward said turning to look at the witch. "Do you think it would affect us?"
"Of course it would, every living being and creature has a soul. The husk a person or creature is reduced to without it…" shaking her head Emily closed her eyes trying to force out the reoccurring green light that always seemed to flash through her mind in the presence of the dark creatures.
"Are you okay Darlin'?" Jasper quickly moved up the bed towards his mate discarding the book he had been reading on the floor. "I'm sorry, I didn't think before speaking."
"It's normal for you to be curious," Emily responded grabbing Jasper's hand and giving it a squeeze. "Don't apologize for wanting to know more about my world."
"You fought well today," Jasper said with a crooked smile trying to change the topic. "It was fascinating to watch."
"I told you my fighting was far different from yours."
"True, but today was the first time I really got to see and understand it." Leaning forward Jasper lightly kissed Emily's lips, "You were beautiful."
Laughing Emily playfully shoved the vampire, "I was a mess and not at all beautiful but thank you."
"Does your magic feel better?" Edward inquired setting down his own book and moving to join the other two.
"A bit, using some of the darker curses helped but this was part of my everyday routine back home." Ever since her name had come from the goblet her fourth year she had taken to having daily training lessons. Whether it was with Remus, Bill, Sirius or even sometimes just simply against Draco she had someone to duel against and practice her magic with every day.
"I thought you said you didn't duel much in school?" Edward asked.
"Well in classes we don't, the teachers we've had for defense haven't always been the greatest. With Severus teaching this last year it was better but there was only so much he could really do with so many people being behind. Dray joins me sometimes in the evenings for my training sessions but dueling is mainly something only I do regularly."
A tap at the window drew Emily's attention. Looking over she smiled at the sight of her owl. Flicking her wrist the window opened allowing the bird to swoop into the room and land on her lap. Leaning down she lightly nuzzled the bird's head having missed the creature while he was away.
"Looks like you were careful you brilliant bird." Getting a nip on her fingers Emily smiled at her oldest friend. "Did you bring me a note from Draco?"
Bobbing his head Apollo released the parchment in his talons and took off to his stand to drink some water. Opening the parchment Emily wanted to roll her eyes at the uselessness of it all but she knew what was at stake, until she returned to London they had to make the Dark Lord believe these letters were their only form of contact.
Em,
I shall forgive you for your hesitation in sending your regards but I will not forgive you for not sending treats. How many boxes of care packages have we shared over the years surely you could have sent me a tin of Sugared Butterfly Wings or a Chocolate Frog…
But alas I'm sure I'll survive until you realize your folly and send some back!
In other news I have been, as per your wishes, stuck with Severus as a caregiver. My attempts at escape from his 'gentle' care have all been thwarted.
Honestly though I have to be grateful to the Dark Lord. He has been incredibly kind and has sought to give me every comfort and help as I recover. I know you are still likely upset over how this year ended but you would be surprised by the wonders and achievements we are beginning to make in our world. This despite being hurt for my beliefs (we believe it was the Order that attacked me) is the winning side.
I miss my best friend. You would only find welcome and glory here.
Always,
Dray
P.S. I promise Apollo is untouched. He stayed by my bed during his entire stay and was well fed before returning to your side.
P.P.S I'm awaiting my Butterfly Wings.
"Sugared butterfly wings?" Edward said leaning back from reading the letter over Emily's shoulder.
Laughing Emily shook her head as she folded up the letter and reached to tuck it in her notebook. "They're Draco's favorite candy. I've been addicted to them as well since first year. They are dark chocolate covered butterfly wings and they last for something like 800 years."
"That's a rather long time."
"True, but a tin only lasts a week at best in my house."
"Is a lot of the food different in your world?" Jasper asked looking away from where Emily had placed the note.
"To an extent, most of our drinks and treats are vastly different than the muggle world but main courses like chicken for example are the same. Of course there's always delicacies that you could never find in the muggle world."
"Like…" Edward prompted.
"Like dragon balls." Both men made faces at the thought which had Emily laughing as she leaned back against her headboard. "What it doesn't sound appetizing to you?"
Shaking their heads the vampires looked disgusted at the thought of trying the food. "Normal food is revolting but that," Edward paused shaking his head slightly, "sounds even worse."
"I'm kidding… well only slightly. Dragon tartare is made from dragon meat and it tastes terrible so it's a standing joke that it's made from dragon balls."
"Still don't think I would like to try it," Edward said leaning back next to Emily with another shiver.
"Yes well when all food tastes like dirt I would expect not. Though I can't imagine animal blood would be all that better."
Shrugging Jasper joined the other two and made himself more comfortable leaning against the bed. "It's enough that I can at least stomach it."
"But in comparison human blood must be better for you, in both taste and the strength it gives you."
"Yes, but that's not the way we choose to live Darlin'."
"But if you had to, would you drink from humans again?" Both vampires quickly looked down at their mate. "I mean you have both drank from humans at least once before, correct?"
"I rebelled against Carlisle early into my existence…" Edward hesitated unsure of where Emily was leading with this. "For about four years I preyed on murderers and rapists but I returned to Carlisle, I didn't want to be a monster."
"Drinking human blood doesn't make you a monster, it makes you a vampire." Emily countered.
"Darlin' where are you going with this?"
"I'm just curious if either of you would be willing to drink human blood again if the situation called for it."
"Is there a situation that calls for it?"
"Perhaps," Emily answered vaguely sinking herself down deeper into her bed. "Why don't you two think on it, I'm rather tired."
"Of course, sleep well love," Edward said leaning down to give his mate a kiss. Jasper quickly followed suit and as the witch fell asleep the vampires were left staring at each other slightly confused. Where had Emily's question come from and could either of them in good conscience give up their current lifestyle and return to human blood…
