Hey! Sorry for the longish wait! Thank-you to everyone who reviewed chapter 7!!!!! I love you all!!!! ) Lollies for you all!!! LOL!!! Anyways not much else to say other then enjoy chapter 7 my friends!

Disclaimer: Own nothing…except Elden, Edward, Cody and a few other characters I may throw into the mix!

Harry watched as Elden tapped his foot impatiently on the floor and muttered, "I told Edward to give the keys to leave the keys with me, but oh no, he just has to take them for himself!"

They were supposed to have been taken by Elden back to his house but just before they had left the pub, The Inland, Elden had realized that Edward had taken the keys that gained access to the house and now they were waiting for him and Hermione to return to the pup.

"So sorry about this my dears," said Elden, "I wasn't counting of on Edward being so stupid like this!"

"I am sure I or Molly would be able to open the door for you," said Mr. Weasley, still holding his wand in his hand, "It would be no trouble."

Elden gave a strange smile, "I am not sure that would work rather well."

"I'm sure we could maybe stay in one of the rooms upstairs," Mrs. Weasley suggested

Elden had informed them that the second level of the pub had bedrooms and rooms for rent and it was where some girls controlled their "business" as Elden had put it.

Elden grinned widely at the woman, "I think it would be best if we didn't have the children up there, considering they seem rather…inexperienced."

"Inexperience?" howled George sharply, "what do you mean inexperienced."

Elden ignored the two boys and sighed in an irritated way, "I just hope they get back here before the nightfall. It's a little wild in here at nighttimes."

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Edward's pockets were filled with different types of things. Wallets, two mobile phones, a couple of handkerchiefs and even a few pens, although Hermione did not know in the slightest what Elden would want with pens.

Hermione was leaning against the wall watching him work; making sure nobody else was watching him that might pose a threat to him when a grinning voice interrupted her thoughts, "Well look what the cat's bloody dragged back in."

Hermione didn't even need to look at who it was and she sighed, "Hello to you too Cody. And you can really speak of cats can you?"

"Course I can and just to let you know you smell as good as ever," said Cody breaking into fits of laughter as Hermione turned and was met by his grin that she was far too used to seeing. He regained himself and she watched his eyes move over her clothes in disbelief, "You aren't fucking going to make much money wearing them, are you?"

Choosing it was best to ignore his comment she turned back to Edward, who was coming towards them. Cody grinned at him and Edward shook his head, "Shit day! Hardly any good pockets! I see you've decided to join us normally."

"Yeah," said Cody, "I thought it would be fitting to around humanly again!"

He burst into laughter again as Hermione rolled her eyes and Edward smirked, "Come on, let's go home. I'm starving, haven't even eaten lunch!"

They began to walk down the street together but Edward suddenly stopped, "Oh fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

"What's wrong?" asked Hermione in alarm. Edward didn't usually swear so much. Cody was normally the one who used bad language for every second word!

Edward pulled something out of one of his pockets and Cody dissolved into laughter again and Hermione raised her eye brows, "Ed, he's going to kill you!"

Edward had just realized he still had the house key. He had completely forgotten to give it back to Elden! There was only one key and if Elden had tried to take their guest to the house he wouldn't be able to get back in, or he would have had to wait for him to return! He and Hermione had been gone for a good few hours. Oh boy, Elden would not be happy with him.

"He's going to flip it at you Edward!" said Cody, still in fits of laughter, "Geez, this is something I would have done! Hahaha!"

"Hey you're also in trouble," said Edward to Cody and putting the key back into his pocket, "You've been trespassing."

Cody grinned angelically and said innocently, "Business purposes Ed." He then burst into laughter again.

"Oh shut-up," Hermione said to Cody, "It's so much better when you can't speak!"

Grinning and calming his laughter Cody said, Course it is; for you at least! It's what makes upsetting you my favourite sport other then-"

"Shut it!" hissed Edward warning, "Both of you! Not here! Someone could hear you!"

At Edward's words Cody fell silent while Hermione said quickly, "We can head back to the Inland. Just explain it to him. I'm sure he'll understand!"

"Understand?" Cody muttered under his breath as Edward shrugged, "I'd rather stick pins in my eyes!"

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It was at the sound of laughter that made Elden jump to his feet and his look turned glowering. Harry turned and saw just in time as Hermione and Edward rounded the corner with another boy Harry hadn't seen before.

"Edward!" cried Elden, "Where the house key?!"

Edward placed a silver key down on the table in front of Elden and said, "Sorry. I forgot!"

"Yes I realized that," snapped Elden, glaring furiously at the Edward, "we have been there for hours!"

Edward glared back at him, "Well you should have reminded me before I left."

"And don't you worry, next time I will give you a bloody good reminder!" snarled Elden, "and you! What have I told you about Tom Collins' basement!"

Elden now had his glare on the other boy who was standing slighting in the shadows with Hermione and looking uncomfortable.

"Come here!" Elden snarled and the muggle boy moved slowly into the light and Harry received a slight surprised.

He had thought that Edward had fine-looking features but that as nothing compared to this boy. There would have only been one word to describe him. This one was beautiful. His face was a pale colour and was structured with high cheek bones and boyish look about him. His lips were a reddish colour and his messy short hair was a light brown colour and his eyes were a deep brown colour. He looked about an inch or two shorter then Edward and the same age as him and Hermione.

Harry was a little shocked; he had never seen any face so perfect. It looked almost inhumanly perfect; if Harry hadn't known better he would have thought his boy had some magical connection to him.

He looked around at the Weasleys to see their reactions and saw they were all staring at the boy as well, including Ginny, who was gasping at him with her mouth slightly open and it seemed she couldn't tear her eyes away from him.

He wore a coat the same as Edward's but in navy blue and a white shirt and black trousers, which seemed small for him because they were a little too short. He wore a black kerchief around his neck tied in a single knot at the front and he stood there avoiding Elden's dangerous gaze with his hands stuffed in his coat pockets ad his perfect face held a shifty expression.

"What were you doing in there?" snapped Elden and the boy shifted his feet guilty

"I was working," he said quietly, he seemed to on edge as if wait for something to strike him or attack him.

Harry watched as Elden's angry expression dropped and a curious one was replaced with raised a white eyebrow raised and he turned his gaze on Edward for a moment, who smirked, "Working were you? And, ah, what exactly were you able to extract my dear?"

The boy lifted his head a little bit higher and relaxed and said enthusiastically, "Oh lots of things! Look!"

He pulled his hands out of his pockets and placed on the table some muggle cigarette packets, a bottle opener, a packet of muggle-playing cards, a set of forks, knives and spoons and a small box. He set all the things down onto the table and he watched rather anxiously as Elden inspected them.

"Good condition," Harry heard Elden mutter looking at the cutlery. Picking up the box he looked inside and Harry watched him raise his eye brow again and he turned to look at Edward again, whose smirk grew wider still.

He placed the boy's findings down on the table and looked back at him doubtfully.

"Come here!" he snarled again, gesturing towards himself sharply. Harry watched in a little confusion as the boy moved slowly and carefully to Elden. He moved somewhat gracefully and sleek; sort of a cat-like way. He looked extremely tense as if he was about to run at any second.

Elden glared at the boy angrily before he suddenly raised a hand and ruffled the boy's light brown hair and his face broke into his leering grin, "Good boy! What a felon!"

Edward and Hermione suddenly laughed and the other boy broke into a relief grin and gave a small laugh. As if noticing all danger was now gone he looked around and as if he noticed Harry and the Weasleys suddenly his cheerful expression disappeared and he said, "Who are they?"

"Friends of mine," said Hermione speaking for the first time and she smiled at the wizards and witches and pointed to the boy, "Cody Aarons."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," said Mr. Weasley, "My name is Arthur and my wife, Molly and my children, Fred, George, Ginny, Ron and this is Harry Potter, he's a good friend of the family."

Cody's boyish face held a strange expression and suddenly it broke into a mocking grin, "You know something Mynie, I never thought you'd be the one to have friends who were depressing little virgins-"

"Cody!" snapped Edward sharply, interrupting the other boy's impolite observing.

The beautiful boy shrugged, his brown eyes glowed brightly and he suddenly burst into laughter, "Oh you know I was only joking!"

Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "Perhaps it would be best if we got back to the house. The less out in the open the safe it'll be."

"Quite right my dear," said Elden, "Now that we actually have the means of getting into the house," he half glanced at Edward, who scowled at him, "Come now my dears lets get you into a warm place."

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Elden's house was, surprising, not far the pub they had just spent hours in. They went back onto the main road Hermione had taken them on earlier. It was slightly quieter now, as the sun was beginning to set and there weren't so many people.

They followed Elden through twists and turns in alleyways and Harry was a little surprised by how in depth this place was. Suddenly Elden stopped and turned right and began to climb a set of old looking stairs, which at the top lead to a door.

When he reached it he began to thumble with the keys to get it into key hole. Once he had succeeded he pushed the door open. And moved aside, "Come on in my dears."

Harry and the Weasleys moved into the house but didn't see much; it was dark and hard to see anything at all. It smelled of a damp substance and it was cold compared to the sun heated atmosphere outside and looked as if there were no windows.

"Ed some light if you please," Harry heard Elden's voice

For a moment there was continued darkness and suddenly a small bud of light appeared from a candle that was held in Edward's hands. His brownish face light up and his cobalt eyes glowed strangely in the darkness.

"This way," he said walking towards a set of stairs. Even with some light it wasn't much to help the way. Harry had to keep his eyes on the steps to make sure he didn't trip to miss a step because it was so dark.

"You know Elden," he heard Cody's voice, "We really need to get some electricity in this place."

"Well my dear if you have the money to pay for the bills then by all means inform me but if not then keep quiet," said Elden, "Besides candles and matches are much cheaper and easier to swipe."

"Swipe?" said Ginny

"Oh, swipe my dear;" said Elden quickly and pleasantly, "As in the shop owner can easily swipe the product at the counter."

"Huh?" said Ginny in confusion

"Elden, the Weasleys are not really familiar with muggle technology," said Hermione

"Oh yes," said Cody sarcastically, "Us muggles are so inconsiderate of wizardness."

"Open your mouth again and it'll be the last thing you do," snapped Hermione at Cody

"Yeah, the last I'd do in which you are alive to see," shot back Cody

Hermione opened her mouth to retaliate but was cut off when Edward opening the door at the top landing. He moved aside and let the Weasleys and Harry through the door. As Cody past him they shared the same unenthusiastic look.

The inside room, which was the main one of the house, had two separate rooms connected together. The first one looked as if it were a kitchen and eating area with a rectangular table in the middle with chairs around it and there was a dirty fireplace with a pot placed over it. There was a string hang low attached to the ceiling and it had handkerchiefs hanging on it, in many different colours.

There were windows along the wall facing out of the house in which Elden was rolling up the ripped curtains to allow some light and Edward blew out the candle. Sighing Cody went to sit down in one of the chairs at the table and Edward followed suit sitting down next to him.

The second part of the room was a large area space with one single bed against one side of the wall, a small desk and paperwork in the corner and on the opposite wall was a set of bunk beds all pushed together. The white blankets were all over the place and the beds looked all messy.

"This looks," said Mrs. Weasley awkwardly, "rather nice."

"Well it's the best I can do," said Elden; he then turned to Hermione, "Hermione my dear. How about you show our guests where they are staying. Second to the left."

"Sure Elden," said Hermione and she motioned to the Weasleys and Harry, "come on."

She went back through the door they had come through and out into the dark hallway, she turned to her left and began to climb more stairs, with her followers in toll.

"I know it's not much," said Hermione, "but it's held together for many years. The house, I mean."

"Well its not bad or anything. It actually looks cosy," said Ginny, "How come you never told us?"

"Told you what?" said Hermione but then she interrupted the question with, "Oh, here it is."

She opened the second to on the left hand side and pushed it open. It was a large room with about 6-7 single beds.

"Some of you might have to share," said Hermione smiling apologetically and she moved out the way so the house guests could enter, "I don't know if there is going to be enough beds."

"It's alright Hermione," said Mr. Weasley, "It shouldn't be too much trouble. We really do appreciate all this trouble. "

"So are you going to tell us?" blurted out Ginny suddenly, "About all this? Why did you lie to us?"

Sighing Hermione walked into the room and closed the door, "Yes, I know, I owe you all an explanation."

"Oh you think?" asked Ron sarcastically

"Ron!" said Mrs. Weasley, "Go on Hermione we're listening."

Hermione hesitated and asked, "How much has Elden told you?"

"That you were abandoned when you were young and left at that pub and he found you and you live with him and those two boys," said Mrs. Weasley, "Why did you never tell us?"

"Well firstly," said Hermione in a defensive tone, "Those two boys are called Edward and Cody and secondly I don't like to brag about it-"

"You love to brag about everything else," said Ron nastily, "So why not this?"

"Ron shut-up," snapped Ginny, "Don't listen to him Hermione, you can tell us."

Crossing her arms over her chest Hermione pulled back in a very cold way, "You know I don't think you understand what type of environment you are in Ron. I have many friends who would very kindly do a bad job of you if I ask them to. Now if you don't want that to happen and you want to hear me out, I advise you to shut-up."

There was silence in which Ron glared at Hermione and everyone was rather stunned by her words. She had never openly threatened anyone like that before.

"Look," said Hermione, "Long story cut short? I have nowhere else to go; I didn't have anywhere to go when I was a child. I didn't want to go into an orphanage or into foster care so I took up Elden's offer when he brought me here. If he hadn't I most likely would have died on the streets or I would have turned out something far worse then I am. Elden's house rules are simple, you work and you get a place to stay and food, drink and pay. Those same rules apply to Cody and Edward."

"What sort of work do you do?" asked Mrs. Weasley

Suddenly Hermione looked uncomfortable, "Well we, as in Cody, Edward and I…make simple selling products, such as watches and wallets and handkerchiefs. It's what pays for the food that we eat. It's not much so sometimes I have to work extra down at the Inland as a…barmaid."

"So, are you poor?" asked Fred

"Well I suppose poor would be a word for us," said Hermione slowly and she smiled lightly, "but we are possibly the luckier poor to have a roof over our heads, warm clothes and some food, even though it's scarce."

There was silence and Hermione said, "Look, I am sorry I lied to you but you mustn't tell anyone of our business or where this house is located. If the muggle police knew then we would be in very big trouble and I don't want anyone to get hurt, they are like family to me, Elden and Edward and Cody and I love like a family would so please do not say a word to anyone, please."

"And there is another thing," continued Hermione, back her looked away from them all, "whatever you may here or see in this house, not matter how strange you can't tell anyone in the wizarding world about us, okay?"

"Alright Hermione," said Mrs. Weasley looking slightly wary, "there is no need to get yourself worked up about it. Your secret is safe with us."

Smiling Hermione looked extremely more relieved, "Thank-you. But I am sorry I lied; it's just I couldn't tell anyone so I had to make up stories of what I did over the summer."

The Weasleys and Harry all glanced at each other and Hermione said, "Look I have to get back downstairs. I'll come and get you when dinner is ready."

Without waiting for a reply she quickly left the room and shut the door behind herself.

"Well I guess we should unpack and look at sleeping arrangements," said Mrs. Weasley with a heavy sigh, "what's the matter Arthur?"

Harry looked over at Mr. Weasley and saw his brow was creased and his mouth was in a frown. He looked over at his wife, "there is still something she is not telling us. I don't know what it is but something is not right. She's not telling us everything."

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"But this isn't fair," snapped Cody angrily, "Why do we have to be put into danger for them? Vampires don't make deals with humans!"

"Because Hermione has never asked me for a favor before," sighed Elden, "and I promised that old man."

"Oh please," said Cody rolling his eyes, "he looked crazier then you! How do we know that these Weasleys and Potter won't sell us out?"

"Because they are my friends."

They all turned and looked around to see Hermione standing in the doorway glaring dangerously at Cody.

"And what are we?" the sarcasm was strong in Cody's tone, "your little leech pets?"

"Stop being so dramatic," said Hermione walking towards them and pushing her unruly curls behind her ears, "Anyway, what are you lot complaining about? You can very easily protect yourselves. It's them at need protection."

"And what about you?" said Cody sharply

Hermione leaned her hands on the table and glared more intently at Cody. Edward's bright blue eyes jump between his two friends and Elden was watching the scene more standing at the fireplace and stirring contains in the pot.

"I can take care of myself," snarled Hermione, "I am more then capable."

"Bullshit," shot back Cody, "How many times has me and Edward had to get you out of something? If the Death Eaters come looking for them you won't be able to fight them."

"They will want to kill Harry, not me," snapped back Hermione, "I just have to protect him."

Sighing Cody bowed his head, clearly frustrated. He turned his eyes towards Edward, "You have more patience with her! Please explain!"

Edward sat up a little in the chair he had been sitting in and said, "Hermione, I know you care about these people and all but Cody's right. If the Death Eaters come here, how will you protect you friends as well as yourself? You're a great fighter but when it comes down to it you'll either have to let them die or die trying to protect them."

"I'll take my chance with the second option," Hermione's glare returned, "You just don't understand."

"Oh believe me; we do my dear," said Elden, turning his old eyes onto her, "They have approached us before; you know this! They want us to join them. The Dark Lord has clearly shown he wants us in his little circle of friends. We understand more perfectly then you know."

Hermione bit her lip and Edward leaned forward, "Hermione you're good; excellent! But you can't measure up to these people. You know it yourself; you said it yourself! They'll kill you instantly. And not to mention that, there are your own kind that are after you! If possible you're in more danger then your friends!"

"I hate you immortals," snapped Hermione, "Why are you all making it more complicated then it is?"

"We are warning you," Cody growled each word slowly

"Well consider me warned," snapped back Hermione, "I can take care of myself. They won't kill me. If I'm as valuable as you've told me they won't want me dead."

"But they want Potter dead and if you stand in there way they will kill you. We can't die but you can!" said Edward quietly, "and that is the last thing we want Mynie."

Silence followed Edward's comment. Heaving a sigh Hermione sat down at one of the chairs at the table while Cody did the same, just more slowly. The silence dragged on uncomfortably.

"You know something," Cody's voice broke through the icy atmosphere

"What?" replied Edward, in a slightly bored tone

"The red haired girl," said Cody. From the sound of his voice Hermione knew a laugh was coming up through him.

"What about her?" asked Edward, his tone unchanged

A smile was tugging at Cody's red mouth and he glanced towards his two friends, "I bet her blood would taste delicious-"

"Don't even think about it," Hermione cut him off but Edward and Cody didn't miss the grin that was threatening to come across her face and they exchanged amused looks.

There was silence again. Edward, Cody and Hermione all eyed each other, smirks and grinning starting to form on their faces. Then suddenly they all three burst into fits of loud laughter at the same time, the tension from their argument dissolved.

Elden rolled his eyes and muttered, "Stupid kids."

Sooo, how was that? Vampires? Yeah, I thought I might throw some mythical chaos into the mix! Lol! ) Hmmm…wonder what's next? If you wanna know, please, please review!