Chapter Nine
Severus had been sitting waiting nervously with Remus in the Chateau when they heard the tell-tale signs of apparition coming from outside. He immediately jumped off the spot he had been occupying and was about to march straight out the door, when Remus suddenly grabbed him by the arm.
"Severus let me go out first. I don't think Albus will appreciate us being here, and I think we ought to give him a moment. What do you say?"
Severus looked down to where Remus's hand was wrapped around his arm and quickly jerked it out of his grip. Scowling at the man who had quickly become his friend, he wanted to reply with a scathing remark, but refrained for he knew that Remus was right on both accounts.
After Dumbledore had told them that they couldn't come with him to Volterra to see Hermione, he had left the Headmaster's office angry and frustrated at the old man. Even after all this time Albus Dumbledore was still trying to control his life after promising he would stop. Severus knew that he was only doing it to protect him but still, he wasn't a child and it infuriated him to no end.
Severus had stormed through the halls of Hogwarts only stopping when he finally reached his own quarters. Once inside he turned over his table, scattering everything that had been on top to the floor, before hurling breakable objects at the wall. Still not satisfied by that he ran his hands through his hair and began to pace.
Why should Albus bloody Dumbledore go visit her when Remus was her best friend and he was…. he was…. He thumped his hand against the wall, ignoring the pain that radiated through him, as he realised that he had no idea what he was to Hermione anymore.
She had proclaimed to love him and yet when the moment came she walked away from him in the end, like he didn't matter enough to her. Oh she had her reasons for leaving, she felt the Volturi would keep coming after her and put everyone she loved in danger. He could understand her need to protect, but still that didn't mean the pain of her leaving hurt any less. And it did hurt, more than anything he had ever felt before.
He never thought he would ever be able to love anyone again after Lily, but then Hermione had come along. His bushy haired know it all, with her kind heart and warm honey eyes. She was his equal in every way and he never believed for one moment, that she would ever love him in return. He was the nasty bat of the dungeons after all.
Then everything changed when she was turned into a vampire. She fell in love with him, she saved him and then she left, taking with it the pieces of his heart that she had stolen. Not only did she leave but she left with him, the leader of the Volturi. There was something about the way he looked at Hermione that Severus didn't like; he simply didn't trust the male vampire.
So he paced in his quarters for hours until eventually he had reached a decision. He would go to Volterra, he would see Hermione and after that he didn't know what would happen.
Despite the lateness of the hour he floo called Lucius Malfoy and discussed Dumbledore using his Chateau for a few days. He also got his long-time friend to pull some strings and get him a portkey made. Lucius was all too eager to help after what Hermione had done to save the Malfoy's lives and their name. Severus knew that Dumbledore wouldn't be happy about it, but right now he didn't care how the old man felt, his need to see Hermione was far greater.
He felt guilty about keeping it a secret from Remus, who had been a great friend to him since before Hermione had left. So when they were alone one night he explained to him what his plans were.
Remus had of course tried to do the right thing and talk him out of it, but it didn't take long for him to change his mind. He insisted to Severus that he wanted to come along as well, and once he had thought about all the dangers he could face, he told Dora. She knew how important Hermione was to Remus so agreed to him going, just as long as he remained safe and came back to her and their unborn child in one piece.
Remus knew the dangers he would face being so close to the leaders of the vampire world, but Hermione was important to him as well, and just like Severus he needed to see her, to make sure she was alright. Neither of them knew if they would ever get the chance to see her again. They didn't even know if they would get to see her now, but they had to take the chance while it was there.
While Dumbledore was busy making his own arrangements, Severus and Remus were quietly plotting their own around what they knew about Dumbledore's plans. So they agreed that while he went to Volterra to see Hermione, they would wait for him to return at the Chateau, hoping that perhaps Hermione would be with him. Not knowing if Dumbledore would be successful or not.
Looking at Remus now, he nodded his head in agreement and moved slowly towards the window. As soon as his gaze locked onto her, his breath caught in his throat and his heart began to beat wildly in his chest.
She looked utterly breath-taking; there were no other words for it. She no longer looked like his bushy haired witch, but a beautiful radiant woman styled to perfection. The suns fingers caressed her flawless skin making it sparkle and shimmer as if it was made from millions of tiny diamonds. But the thing that really took his breath away was seeing the wide smile on her beautiful face. It was like she had never seen the sun before, like being outdoors was new to her. She looked happy and content as she ran and twirled around. She was simply mesmerising to watch.
"I can't believe that's our witch." Remus suddenly said from across his shoulder. "She is more beautiful than I remember."
Severus scowled at Remus's innocent comment, feeling the simple pang of jealousy once more, but never once did he take his eyes off of her.
He began to question himself then, was this the right thing to do, could he walk away from her a second time, could he face that pain all over again, did she want to see him, would she be happy that he was here? There were just so many questions. At first he had been sure of his decision, but now, now he didn't know what to think. It didn't matter anyway; he could not turn back now. He had seen her, his eyes had feasted on her and he was hooked, needing more.
Hermione had her back to them and was deep in conversation with Dumbledore, when Remus headed outside. Severus watched as her body tensed and she turned quickly to see Remus standing there. She looked nervous and wary as he approached her slowly and they engaged in conversation. All at once the relief flashed across her face as she flung herself into Remus's arms. He then cupped her face and said something that Severus couldn't hear.
Dumbledore looked thunderous as he joined them in conversation, at that moment he knew this was his time. He had to make an appearance, so he left the security of the Chateau and stepped outside.
The moment his foot was on the grass Hermione's whole posture changed as she looked at him from across Remus's shoulder. Her eyes seemed to pierce him down to his very soul, as she stepped away from Remus to look at him more. She never moved from the spot and stood rigid as she simply watched him approach.
He was nervous, unsure of her reaction as a mixture of emotions flashed across her face. His heart beat frantically in his chest, thudding hard against his ribcage as his pulse quickened. He had no doubts that she could hear the reaction she was having on him.
Remus, ever the gentleman, stood back from her as he slowly approached. The look on Dumbledore's face would have unnerved him if it wasn't for the fact that he was totally enraptured by her.
"Hello Hermione." Severus said, hoping that his voice sounded a lot calmer than he felt.
She tried to move her mouth to say something, but when no sound was made she simply said a single word in a small breathy whisper, a whisper that spoke clearly of her own nerves and feelings at seeing him here.
"Severus."
He closed his eyes at the soft sound, savouring the sweetness of hearing his name in her voice. He exhaled slowly, trying not to let the pent up emotions get the better of him. When he was finally able to look at her, it seemed like she had finally taken a step towards him, and unable to stop himself he moved to her, like two magnets drawn together.
"I-you- I didn't expect to see you here." Hermione whispered, unsure what else to say.
He gave a small quirk of his lips as he said,
"I wasn't sure if I would be welcomed here or not." It was the truth for he had no idea how she would react to him being there.
Her eyes widened and a small frown graced her beautiful red lips.
"Severus you will always be welcomed by me. We were-" She paused briefly as her eyes flickered away from him, so she could mask her feelings, not wanting him to see the things she so desperately wanted to hide. "Friends once." Her voice sounded so small as she spoke. He had always been more than a friend to her, but by bringing up old feelings, it would simply open up old painful wounds and she couldn't do that to him. Not again.
"Is that all we were? Friends." His voice was calm but she could hear the pleading, the need to know that what they had was real. That it wasn't a lie.
"Severus." She whispered, not wanting to have this conversation. Not now and not here in front of Remus and Dumbledore.
Feeling the awkwardness of the situation Dumbledore intervened, he had finally learned to meddle at the right time Hermione thought.
"Remus perhaps you can take Hermione for a walk around the Chateau while Severus and I have a little chat." His tone of voice left no room for argument.
Hermione felt relief at being spared. She needed to get away from Severus and evaluate her feelings. Was she pleased that he was here; obviously he had gone behind Dumbledore's wishes, which meant he had truly wanted to see her. But nothing had changed since they had last spoken. The situation they were in was still the same and nothing would ever change that. So why, why would he want to torment himself further. To torment them both further.
Severus glared at Dumbledore, ready to cut the meddling fool down with a scathing remark, when Remus finally interjected, trying to calm the situation down.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea. Hermione shall we." He said holding out his arm for her to take.
She chanced a worried glance between Severus and Albus, while she chewed on her bottom lip. Something she hadn't done in a long time. With a small nod of her head, she took Remus's arm and together they walked away from the two angry wizards.
She did not need to look back to see that Severus's eyes were pinned on her retreating form. Nor did she need her vampire senses to hear the low grumbling voices as an argument broke out between the two powerful wizards. She tried not to listen in but she couldn't help it. Curiosity got the better of her.
"What do you think you are doing Severus? I specifically asked you not to come here and yet you defy me nonetheless. Not only that but you brought poor Remus into this as well." Dumbledore hissed, trying to sound as quiet as he possibly could. "Have you no regards for anyone but yourself? Have you no idea how dangerous it is for Remus to be here. I thought he was your friend."
A low growl escaped Severus's mouth, as he yanked his arm away from Dumbledore.
"How dare you Albus, Remus is no fool he knew what he was getting into when he agreed to come with me? Did you think we would let you come here without us? Do you honestly think Hermione means more to you than she does us?" Severus's voice sounded just as angry.
"Severus you will only end up hurt again, can't you see that." Dumbledore said with a heavy heart. "You might think I'm being an old meddling fool again, but Severus please you are like a son to me and I can't bear to see you hurting like that again. You shouldn't be here. It's not good for you or for Hermione."
"Don't." Severus hissed out, his finger pointing in Dumbledore's face. "Don't you dare tell me what's good for me? You know nothing, nothing." He shook his head slightly as he spat out the last word, before turning on his heels and headed back to the Chateau. Perhaps Dumbledore was right. Perhaps he had just made a grave error in coming here to see her.
After the argument, Hermione walked further away, her head bowed down low. She had heard every word that was said between the two wizards. She was glad to see Severus here, of course she was, but with him being here it only stirred up emotions she didn't want to face. She had already broken his heart once by walking away from him. Nothing had changed and once more she would need to walk away from him again. There was no other option. Not for them.
She stood with her arms wrapped protectively around her stomach, her head turned up towards the brilliant blue sky. What happened to the days when things were so simple, when all she had to worry about were her exams? She missed her young carefree life, not that her life had been completely carefree growing up.
Hogwarts wasn't an option to her anymore, now that she had glanced the vampire world, she wasn't ready to leave it just yet. It had been incredibly hard at first, and she had seen things that she wished she could erase from her memory. She knew that things wouldn't be easy in the future either but the past few days proved that things had changed, even just a little. She was changing and she wasn't ready to give all that up. Not yet.
And then there was Aro. Although in her heart she loved Severus, she knew they could never be together, not in the way he wanted anyway. She didn't love Aro; in fact she wasn't even sure if she liked him at the moment after his last little stunt. But she couldn't deny there was something there, a strange attraction of sorts that she was trying to get her head around. There was also the small fact that he was married. And she refused to be anyone's mistress; she was second best for no-one.
The decisions she would make from now on had to be her own, this was her life. She would need to rule her life the way she wanted to and not with her heart. If she did that she would never get what she wanted. Why prolong the pain. She had friends and loved ones in Hogwarts, but she was developing that in Volterra as well.
"Why so silent?" Remus said coming up from behind, so that he stood shoulder to shoulder with her.
She turned her gaze to him and smiled sadly, as he took her cold hand in his. He shivered slightly at the contact then said,
"I forgot how bloody freezing your hands are." He chuckled softly.
She went to pull her hand out from his grasp but he held onto it tightly. Turning confused eyes to him, Remus sighed then said,
"I know you heard the argument between Dumbledore and Severus. But please don't let it upset you Hermione. We never came here for that. In fact, we came to make sure you weren't upset after the letters you sent us. We were worried."
She looked down at her feet and shook her head slightly.
"Not that I'm not happy to see you all, I am believe me. I just wasn't prepared, especially not for him. I don't understand why he would come here, when Albus asked him not too."
"Men do crazy things when they are in love Hermione." She turned her head away at his words, not wanting him to see the pain that lingered. "Don't be embarrassed by it Hermione. You left in a hurry and he was devastated, I guess he's just looking for some answers. Maybe even closure."
"Maybe." She sighed and squeezed his hand gently. "But it doesn't make things any easier. Anyway-" She said quickly changing the subject. "How are Dora and the baby doing?" She asked, suddenly feeling excited about the fact that her best friend would be a father soon. And what a wonderful father he would be.
Remus's smile was contagious as he thought of his wife and unborn son.
"I don't have to tell you anything Miss I-can-see-the-future. You already know we're having a son. And you know his name."
Hermione squealed with delight before hugging Remus.
"Congratulations I am so happy for you both." She said honestly, the heavy weight in her heart lifting. Little Teddy Lupin would have an amazing life with two wonderful parents now that the Dark Lord was defeated. He wouldn't be a young orphan like Harry was anymore. In that moment it made all of Hermione's sacrifices worth it, knowing that one family, amongst hundreds, had changed for the better. This was worth more than anything to her; it was all she ever wanted.
"Easy there Hermione, honestly are you trying to kill me." Remus said with a chuckle as she squeezed him tighter.
"God sorry." She smiled sheepishly as she pulled away from him, noticing how his face had turned red. "I keep forgetting."
"Anyway Hermione how are you doing? What happened to make you write those letters?" He asked curiously.
"What makes you think there was something wrong?" She asked, her voice sounding clipped as she stood straighter. If they asked she wouldn't be able to lie to them or fool them. But how could she tell them everything that had happened.
"Hermione I'm not stupid and neither is Albus." He said with a frown. "Do you honestly think we don't know you well enough to realize when you're upset."
She sighed and shook her head no.
"Yeah you're right. But if you don't mind I would rather tell all three of you the story, saves me from having to repeat it later." Saying it out loud once was bad enough but repeating it another two times was more than she could handle.
"That's fine by me, as long as you talk about it and not sweep it under the carpet."
She laughed pushing his arm gently.
"Honestly you sound like a muggle."
"That's not a bad thing though is it?" He held out his arm and smiled. "Shall we head inside now?"
He waited on her to take his arm but she never. Instead she took a small step backwards, a mischievous smile creeping onto her face as she did so.
"Actually how about-" She flew up into the air and circled him, like a vulture getting ready to attack its prey. "We race."
She giggled as she flew in the direction of the Chateau, with Remus chasing her from below. She laughed and squeezed her eyes shut, as she let the slight breeze run through her hair. It was so invigorating being able to let loose without fear of being seen. She missed having that kind of freedom in Volterra. Whereas back at Hogwarts she had ample choices of where to go outside the Black Lake, the Quidditch Pitch, the Forbidden Forest, she missed it all.
She lowered herself to the ground and sat waiting for Remus to catch up with her. When he did, his face had reddened and he was panting heavily.
"Honestly Hermione have you forgotten that I'm an old man now. I can't keep up with you like that."
She laughed and shook her head disapprovingly at him.
"Don't give me that crap Remus Lupin, you were an old man the last time I saw you. I think your happy marriage has affected you more than you thought." She patted his stomach teasingly and said, "And I thought it was just pregnant woman who ate for two." She giggled as he pounced on her, a pretend scowl on his face.
"Why you little…." They began a play fight, one that reminded them of that time in Dumbledore's office when he almost had a heart attack because of their antics.
Hermione laughed wholeheartedly, loving just being with Remus again. It almost seemed like she had never left, and for those few minutes any worries she may have had simply vanished from her mind.
Play fighting on the ground, and laughing hysterically was how Dumbledore and Severus found them. They had heard the commotion from inside the Chateau and so came out to investigate what was going on. The sight that greeted them was certainly not what either wizard was expecting.
Hermione was lying on the ground; her head flung back with laughter as Remus tickled her and mussed up her hair.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, when neither of them had registered the fact that they now had company. Hermione stopped struggling while Remus jumped off and helped her stand to her feet, his face reddening with embarrassment. They were trying so hard not laugh when Severus said,
"It seems that our concerns were unfounded." The bitterness in his voice was evident as he couldn't hide the fact he hated that she appeared so tense in his company, but was so open and happy in Remus's.
He turned to walk away leaving the trio to talk when Hermione's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Her own anger at the situation rose. His behaviour was uncalled for and she felt like he shouldn't be taking it out on her. Although she knew that it was mostly her fault. She had caused this situation; she had made her decision.
Severus turned to face her, his familiar scowl on his pale face.
"What I mean is that we came here to see you, under the impression that you were upset and needing us. But obviously we can see that we were wrong. You don't look upset to me." And she didn't look like she needed them either, just Remus, he thought glumly.
"You have no idea what I've been through Severus Snape. And yet you want to deny me the one little bit of happiness I've had in weeks." She sighed then walked away from the three men needing some time on her own.
She understood that Severus was hurting but so was she.
"Hermione wait." Remus called after her. She didn't want to face him either just now so disillusioned herself and left to go into the woods, knowing that none of them could follow her.
She spent a couple of hours sitting in a tall tree thinking about the strange turn of events her life had taken. Being a vampire witch, having feelings for two men, feeling like her life was being torn in two. She thought of what her life was like in Hogwarts and the life that she now had in Volterra. She thought of all the friends she had made over the years and everything she had learned about in both her worlds and things about herself. Then she thought of what Marcus had asked her, she thought of the pain he had endured during the years and thought of the way that she could help him. Could she really obliviate the memories of his dead love. Was it fair on him to do that? Was it fair of her not to do it if that's what he wanted? So many unanswered questions ran through her mind at once. And if she wanted any of them answered then she knew what she had to do.
With a new resolve she made her way back to the Chateau, still disillusioned, and headed inside to find the three wizards all sitting deep in thought. The smell of cooked food assaulted her senses; they had obviously made themselves comfortable.
"I'm sorry for leaving like that." She suddenly said startling the wizards as she cancelled the disillusionment charm. "Things really haven't been easy at Volterra. My second day there Aro, the Volturi leader, beckoned me to the dome room for an initiation of sorts." She laughed sardonically as she thought about it, and then turned her back on the three wizards not wanting to see their faces. "He seemed so excited by it and at first I had no idea what was going on. Then I heard the heartbeats of humans being escorted into the room. I didn't know why humans would be coming into a room full of vampires, and then it hit me." She shuddered and let her head droop as she squeezed her eyes shut, picturing the memory clearly in her head. "There were children in the group, innocent young children and I did nothing to help them. I still hear their screams in my mind. I can still see the way the vampires fed from them. It was horrible. I didn't want to see that so when I asked for them to stop they ignored me. My emotions affected my magic and somehow I managed to stop it. But it was too late."
"Hermione you don't need to tell us anymore. We understand." Dumbledore's calm soothing voice said from behind. She turned to face him and shook her head slowly.
"No you need to know the rest. Aro had wanted me to see that, he wanted me to become one of them and I told him no, I would never be like them. So he forced an ultimatum on me, I either feed the same way as them, or I don't feed at all. So I chose not at all." She held her head high and defiant. "Six weeks I lasted. The first four were alright but then after that I felt as though I was being tortured. I couldn't control my magic, I felt as though I was losing my mind, and my body felt like it was on fire. All I could think about was feeding, and I confess that once or twice I thought of drinking human blood." She didn't look at Severus when she said the last part, not wanting to see the horrified expression on his face. After all he was her singer and the last time she tasted blood it was his. She had almost lost control and killed him.
"But you didn't, so what happened then." Dumbledore asked, feeling sick to his stomach when he thought of what she must have gone through. The pain and suffering she must have felt.
Hermione smiled fondly as she thought of the man who saved her.
"Marcus happened. He managed to convince Aro to end the battle between us. And he got Demetri to bring me a cow to feed from. If it hadn't been for him then I wouldn't like to think about what would have happened otherwise."
Severus who had been listening to her story intently felt his heart clench painfully in his chest. The anger and hatred that he felt towards Aro built up deep within him. He hated the fact that he was helpless; he could do nothing to help Hermione only she could do that.
"Then leave Volterra and come back to Hogwarts." He said, his voice sounding cold but steady as he spoke.
Hermione turned her attention to Severus and noticed the tension in his body. Anger blazed in his dark eyes and his hands shook slightly. She could hear the frantic beating of his heart and the heat that radiated from his body.
"I can't leave Volterra Severus."
He jumped up from the chair and began to pace angrily in front of them.
"Why not? They are treating you abysmally and you don't belong amongst them. Leave Volterra and come back with us to Hogwarts."
She sighed heavily not wanting to get into this argument again. He would never understand her reasons for wanting to stay in Volterra after everything.
"It's not as simple as that Severus."
"Why? Why is it not that simple? You hate it there; it's obviously getting to you. So leave and come back to where you belong." He stopped pacing and looked at her finally.
"I don't belong at Hogwarts anymore." She whispered quietly. "Despite what happened in Volterra I'm beginning to feel like I fit in. Marcus is my mentor I trust him completely and he looks out for me. He reminds me of you." She smiled nodding towards Dumbledore. "And I've made friends. I have Heidi and Chelsea then there's Demetri and Felix. Granted it's not been easy and I don't expect it to get any easier for a while, but neither was Hogwarts when I first started."
Dumbledore slowly rose from his chair and walked towards her. He always admired her courage and logic in serious situations.
"Are you sure Hermione, I mean Severus is right, you can always come back to Hogwarts. You know that it will always be your home."
She smiled warmly at his words and lay her hand to rest on his shoulder.
"Thank you Albus but I'm sure. Things didn't get off to the best start in Volterra I admit that, but things have changed now. I feel Volterra is where I belong, I can't just leave, not yet."
"If you're sure then alright." He agreed not sounding at all convinced by her words.
Severus glared at her, obviously not happy with her decision. He wanted her home, even if they couldn't be together; he just wanted her to be safe. And her being in Volterra obviously wasn't her being kept safe. The leader of the Volturi angered Severus to no end. He had seen the strange glint in his eyes and the possessive behaviour he had towards Hermione. Yet after all that he had managed to threaten her, give her an ultimatum, and practically make her starve herself. He was bad news and didn't deserve to have anyone as wonderful as Hermione in his company. He seemed selfish and only out for one thing. The other leader Marcus seemed to have Hermione's best interests at heart, and for that Severus was grateful. She needed someone she could trust and rely on and this Marcus seemed like the right person.
"There is one more thing I need some advice on." Hermione said before going into the long painful story about Marcus losing the love of his life. She spoke about how every day he was haunted by the pain of not having her near. "So to cut a long story short we were talking about my family and I happened to mention to him about what you had done for me." She said looking at Severus when she said this. He would understand her meaning straight away. "Well he asked if I would obliviate his memories of Didyme. I told him I would think about it, and I have done but I just want to know what you think of it."
The three men sat in silence before Remus finally spoke out.
"It isn't an easy decision to make but after what you've just said, if it would make his life easier then why not do it? He obviously cared a great deal about her and is struggling to live without her, if you can end his pain and suffering then do it. But make sure he understands the consequences first."
Hermione sat back against the couch and closed her eyes briefly.
"He did love her a great deal they were mates; you know what happens when mates are parted." Hermione whispered.
Remus understood this better than anyone else in the room. Just like vampire's werewolves sought out there mates for life. He was lucky to have found his mate in Dora, as like vampires not everyone found their mate.
"Yes, that I do understand." Remus nodded.
Hermione turned her head away for a moment then said,
"Remus what happens when two mates meet for the first time?" She tried to avoid eye contact with him as she asked her question.
He looked at her curiously for a moment then said,
"Well they feel a pull towards each other and a strong connection. It starts off physical but the stronger the connection becomes it begins to turn into a more emotional connection."
She frowned at him then said,
"What do you mean an emotional connection?"
He rubbed his hand thoughtfully over his chin then said,
"Well you begin to feel each other's emotions, you know when they're happy, sad, angry, and it's like your souls become one."
Hermione frowned then said,
"What happens if two mates find each other but ignore this connection? What will happen to them?"
He sighed running his hands through his hair then said,
"Well the best case scenario is look at Marcus. If two mates have met but refuse each other then they will be filled with despair, they will slowly lose their minds and will forever feel like something is missing from their lives."
Hermione snorted before saying,
"If that's the best case scenario then what the hell is the worst case then?"
Remus looked at her seriously then said,
"The one who holds the greatest connection towards the other will be filled with intense jealousy. There have been stories about people killing their mates because they were refused. Not just their mates but also any lovers they may have had. It is not a subject to be taken lightly. Why are you asking this anyway?"
She would have blushed at his question if she had been a mere mortal, luckily she wasn't.
"Oh I was just thinking of Marcus and wondering about how hard it would be for him. Alice had mentioned a little about mates before but I just wanted to understand it better."
"Ahh that reminds me." Dumbledore quickly said, trying to change the subject. "The Cullen's said that they will write to you, so except a letter and a package very soon if you haven't received one already."
Hermione's heart soared at the news. She really had enjoyed spending time with the Cullen's and liked each of them, well the ones she had met so far anyway. She wondered if she would ever get to see them again, considering the history they shared with the Volturi. It wasn't pleasant since they tried to kill Carlisle's granddaughter believing her to be an immortal child.
For the next few hours Hermione sat listening and chatting away as they spoke about everything that was happening back in the Wizarding world. After the defeat of the Dark Lord they were slowly putting their world back together again. All the Death Eaters who had fled the scene after the Dark Lord was defeated was now found and incarcerated in Azkaban. Those few who were deemed the most dangerous were given the Dementor's kiss.
She was glad to hear that Mr Ollivander had begun work on rebuilding his shop again, although it would take time for it to be open. His shop was important in the wizarding community for everyone went there for their first wand, so she was glad that future students of Hogwarts would still get to experience that joy.
As time went on and darkness appeared, the three wizards decided to retire to bed for the night. Hermione was left on her own since she didn't sleep and quietly crept outside to lie on the grass. One thing she had missed being at the Palazzo was the night sky. Looking up now there were no clouds in sight and the stars twinkled like little jewels. It was breath-taking. Lying back against the grass she smiled up at the sky savouring the sight, for she didn't know when she would see it again.
"I've missed you." A silky drawl said from behind. She didn't need to look to see who it was; his familiar scent let her know instead. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly, as she sat up. Crossing her legs and wrapping her arms around them.
"I've missed you too Severus." She whispered loud enough for him to hear her.
"Why didn't you tell me what you were planning?" The soft movement of his feet showed that he was hesitant in coming closer to her, unsure if he would be welcomed to or not.
She patted the grass next to her without turning to look at him. Silently he joined her, and as he sat beside her, she felt his arm brush against hers, sending those familiar jolts through her body.
"I knew that if I told you then you wouldn't let me leave. I done what I had to do Severus, I'm just sorry that I hurt you in the process. I never meant to."
"I know you didn't and you're right I would never have let you leave." He sighed then in a very quiet voice said. "I can't simply shut my feelings off. I love you Hermione."
She could feel his eyes on her as he waited for a response, but she didn't know what to say to him. She didn't want to re-open this wound; it was already too fresh for them. So she tightened her arms around her legs and lowered her head.
"Severus you know how I feel about you, that hasn't changed, but neither has our situation. You know why we can't be together."
She saw him clench his fist in irritation then said,
"I know why but you never gave us a chance. We could have been happy together; we could have made it work somehow."
Hermione stood up quickly turning away from him.
"How? How could we have made it work? We would have been happy for a couple of years then you would have hated me Severus. You would have grown old and I wouldn't. I would have to stand by and watch you die in front of me, knowing that I could do something about it, but not being able too."
Severus stood up and walked closer to her; he wanted to reach out and touch her but refrained himself from doing so.
"You could always change me Hermione. Then we could be together."
She whipped her body around to look at him, the pain and sorrow etched on her beautiful face.
"You know I can't. Aro would never allow it. He would have us both killed for breaking the law of Volturi. Could you watch them destroy me? Because I couldn't bear to see them destroy you. Severus you are free from the Dark Lord and from Albus Dumbledore. You are free to live your life the way you want to. You are free to be happy. Please go and do that. Forget about me, forget about us, and live your life." He heard the pleading and the begging in her voice, but he couldn't picture that life.
"Not without you." He whispered quietly.
She moved closer to him and cupped his pale cheeks in her cold hands. Even at the contact he didn't flinch or pull away. Stepping closer she gazed tenderly into his eyes.
"Severus you must."
Her face was inches away from his and without hesitation he bent his head and slowly brushed his lips against hers. She didn't move away at the contact, nor did she tense. As he deepened the kiss slightly, she moaned into his mouth then leaned into his body. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her body in closer to his. Despite her previous words, she kissed him back just as vigorously. It felt right and she felt right in his arms. When he ran his fingers through her curly silken hair, she moaned and pulled away slightly, although remained in his arms. He leaned his forehead against hers and savoured the feel of her.
"Severus." She whispered huskily, the sound of her passion evident in her voice. "We can't do this." She said trying to remember why being with him was so wrong.
He kissed her gently on the lips and said,
"Yes we can. We belong together Hermione, despite what you say."
She shook her head slowly but there was no real conviction in the movement.
"Severus we're too different."
He held her to him more tightly then said,
"Hermione I need to hear you say it."
She sighed as her mind and heart battled with one another, then whispered,
"Severus." Her resolve was weakening and she could no longer fight her feelings for him. She needed him, she loved him. Nothing else mattered more to her at that moment. "Severus I-"
Her body tensed and she tore herself from his grasp, as her back turned to him. She gazed into the woods and pushed him behind her as she took the defensive pose all at once.
"What is it?" He asked suddenly.
"We have company." She growled. "Get inside and tell Dumbledore and Remus not to come out. It isn't safe for you here." When Severus didn't move she turned briefly to him and yelled "Go."
Reluctantly he stepped back, pulling out his wand and aiming it towards the trees. Slowly he made his way to the Chateau and before he entered, he took one last look at Hermione.
Her gaze searched the woods for the threat she could feel moving towards them. Vampires were moving quickly through the trees and were heading right towards the Chateau. They could no doubt smell Severus and Dumbledore, but because of the laws of the Volturi they would focus more on the werewolf, a possible threat to them. Well if they thought they could get to them, they were sorely mistaken. They would have to go through her first.
