Chapter 9—Learning More

Night was drawing in around them as Jacob stood saying, "I have to go, and I have patrol tonight."

Confused Edward asked, "You're leaving, what about Harry?"

Jacob smiled and answered, "I have a responsibility to my people. I think Harry, of all people, will understand that." Jacob turned to leave and after a few steps stopped and said, "And I trust you Edward, to protect our mate."


It was just after dawn the next morning when Jacob returned. He was freshly showered and dressed in clean clothes.

As he took a seat next to Edward, Jacob smiled and said, "Good morning."

Edward nodded and replied, "Good morning, did you have any trouble last night?"

An early morning breeze blew past Jacob to Edward. Edward closed his eyes and took a deep breath, breathing in Jacob's scent.

Self-conscious, Jacob sniffed himself and asked, "Do I smell or something…I took a shower this morning."

Edward shook his head and said, "Before the curse was lifted, you and the other werewolves smelled very strongly of wet dog."

"That's attractive," Jacob mumbled.

Smirking Edward told him, "But now you all have distinct scents."

Rubbing his hands on his face Jacob said, "This has to be the strangest question I have ever asked. But, what do I smell like?"

Tilting his head to the side in thought Edward answered, "You smell like pine needles and the forest fresh after a rain."

Jacob questioned, "And that's good right?"

Chuckling Edward said, "I find the smell quite pleasing."

Jacob blushed, but whatever he was going to say was interrupted when Rosalie came out of the forest carrying the basket that Emmett had been carrying last night.

Reaching Jacob, Rosalie handed him the basket saying, "Esme didn't know what you liked so she hoped these are alright."

Jacob opened the basket and pulled out another casserole dish and a fork. This one was filled with warm fluffy omelets that had bacon, ham, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers and tomatoes in them. Smiling Jacob said, "These look awesome….Please thank her."

As Jacob dug into his breakfast Rosalie rolled her eyes and said, "She didn't bother with a plate this time." Then turning to Edward she handed him a gym bag saying, "I brought you fresh clothes."

Edward thanked her and took the bag, then headed around the garage to change.

After Edward was out of sight Jacob asked, "I can see you have a problem with werewolves. I would like to not have issues with Edward's family. It will only make things awkward."

Rosalie looked at Jacob before she answered, "I don't care for werewolves. And that is being as polite as I can be. Having said that, while Edward is older that I am, physically he is younger. He is our little brother. People believe I am a cold bitch…and I am, but I love my family. You are a part of what will make him happy and for that there is nothing I would not accept, overlook or tolerate. But if you ever intentionally hurt him…you will answer to me…first."

Jacob swallowed thickly at the blatant threat. Edward came around the corner and handed the bag back to Rosalie, thanking her again for the clean clothes. When Jacob had finished eating Rosalie took the basket and left.

Edward decided to ask the question that he had been curious about. "Before your friend said that we smelled of death. What did that mean?"

Jacob answered, "You know that when someone dies there is a sickly sweet smell in the air?" At Edward's nod he said, "Imagine that twenty times stronger."

Wrinkling his nose Edward said, "That could not have been pleasant."

Shaking his head Jacob replied, "No it wasn't."

Edward asked, "Do we still smell that way to you?"

Jacob answered, "No you each have different scents now."

Embarrassed Edward looked at his hands as he asked, "What do I smell like?"

Smiling at Edward's shyness Jacob answered, "You still smell sweet. But you smell like liquorish and peppermint."

Still not looking up Edward questioned, "Do you mind that?"

Chuckling Jacob answered, "I find the smell quite pleasing."


That evening it was Emmett again that brought Jacob dinner. After Jacob had eaten, Emmett packed up the basket getting ready to leave.

Emmett looked at Edward and said, "I am going hunting tonight. You should come, you need to feed."

Edward thought for a minute and then asked Jacob, "Do you have patrol tonight?" When Jacob shook his head no Edward stood saying, "Then I will go hunt with Emmett, I'll be back as soon as I can."

Jacob asked, "Just like that you're comfortable with leaving me to watch Harry?"

Edward smirked and said, "I too trust you to protect our mate."

Edward then turned and walked into the woods with Emmett.


It was shortly after midnight when Edward returned. Jacob was sitting on the ground leaning against the garage. When Jacob noticed Edward he sat up straighter. Edward's brow furrowed in thought as he approached. Before Jacob spotted him he had seen Jacob's head nod a couple of times. It then occurred to Edward that Jacob needed to sleep. Humans slept several hours a day. But, Jacob had been on patrol last night and tonight he was here. This was not good.

When Edward reached Jacob he said, "You need to sleep."

Jacob sighed and said, "Well I'm not going home. I only left last night because I have a responsibility to my people. After that my responsibility is to my…is to be here."

Edward replied, "Then you can sleep here. It is important that you sleep."

Jacob laughed answering, "Thanks for the concern but it's not like I can just sleep on the ground."

Edward's brow again furrowed in thought as he looked around before saying, "There is a glider on the front porch; you could lay down on that."

Jacob eventually gave up and they moved to the front porch.

Lying down on the glider Jacob had to scrunch up as he said, "It's not really long enough."

Chuckling, Edward replied, "It's better than the ground."

Jacob nodded then his body shivered.

Edward asked, "Are you cold?"

Jacob answered, "The breeze is coming off the ocean tonight that is always cooler."

Frowning Edward took off his jacket and laid it on Jacob saying, "Go to sleep, I will wake you if anything happens."

Jacob peeked at him as he asked, "You promise?"

With a smirk Edward answered, "I promise."

Sleep finally claimed Jacob. And Edward stood still as a statue as he watched Jacob sleep and listened for any sign of a threat to Harry.


It was nearly 11:00am the next morning when Harry reached Mr. Olson's shop. The bell on the door had signaled his entrance and a few moments later Mr. Olson emerged from the back of the shop.

Smiling Mr. Olson said, "Ah, Mr. Potter, here to pick up your new wand I presume."

Nodding Harry answered, "Yes, I am little nervous about it. Were the core elements difficult to combine? Did it come out alright?"

Mr. Olson replied, "Yes, everything came together just fine." Then moving to the center display case Mr. Olson reached under it and pulled out a wand box that he placed on the counter. He then explained, "You know that I had concerns about joining the core elements." At Harry's nod he continued, "Well in the end my concerns were for nothing. I placed the six werewolf hairs into the sample of vampire venom. And instead of the adverse reaction that I was expecting, the hairs absorbed every drop of the venom. It was as if the elements wanted to join together."

With that Mr. Olson opened the wand box, and there cuddled in purple velvet was Harry's new wand.

Smiling Mr. Olson said, "Well, go on give it a wave."

Harry gently picked up the wand and raised it into the air; it immediately shot out white sparks that looked like electric snowflakes.

Mr. Olson whispered, "Extraordinary."

"It feels very familiar," Harry whispered. Then turning away slightly Harry closed his eyes and allowed his magic to flow into the wand. This wand felt different than his holly wand had. As his magic moved into the wand, it was as if two arms were laid across his shoulders. The invisible arms felt familiar too. They felt like…

Harry's eyes shot open and he turned his wand on Mr. Olson.

Mr. Olson raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and said, "Please Mr. Potter, allow me to explain."

Harry growled, "That explanation had better include how you found them, how you got something so personal from them and what you did with the leftovers."

With a sigh Mr. Olson said, "They were following you as they are today. I have proximity alerts in the wards around the shop. After you left I confronted them about why they were following you. They confessed to being your mates. I immediately got them in the shop and off the street. I knew what Mr. Cullen was and suspected what Mr. Black was. I then gave them a wizard's oath that I would only use what they gave me for the creation of your wand, and that anything leftover would be destroyed."

Harry did not lower his wand as he asked, "And were the leftover items destroyed?"

Mr. Olson shook his head and replied, "As I told you there was nothing left over. Mr. Black's hair absorbed every drop of Mr. Cullen's venom." Seeing that Harry was not convinced Mr. Olson asked, "Would you like me to swear a wizard's oath to you that what I have said is true?"

At Harry's nod Mr. Olson carefully withdrew his wand and swore a wizard's oath. Satisfied Harry finally lowered his wand.

Putting his wand way Mr. Olson said, "Now if we can get back to your new wand?" Harry nodded and Mr. Olson continued. "Now if you would, let us see if you can turn it into a staff." At Harry's incredulous look Mr. Olson rolled his eyes saying, "I am sorry; I forget that you were raised in Europe. There is a spell that powerful wizards can use to enlarge their wand into a staff. Where a wand requires an incantation and certain movements, a staff does not. The staff bends magic to your will much like what is called accidental magic in children."

"Why have I never heard of this?" Harry questioned.

Mr. Olson asked, "What do you know of the Pilgrims who immigrated to America?"

Harry answered, "I know that they came here fleeing religious persecution."

Nodding Mr. Olson said, "That is true, but hidden among them were witches and wizards fleeing the restrictions the magical government was placing on them. You see the Ministry had decided that staff magic would no longer be taught. And those who immigrated did not want to lose their staff magic or deny that magic to their children."

Harry asked, "But why would the Ministry want to deny a form of magic to people?"

Smiling Mr. Olson replied, "A healthy and educated people are harder to govern. Let me put it to you this way. If you were trying to maintain control over people what better way than to insure that they are not taught the most powerful magic? And then to teach that magic to your best and most faithful…In the case of England I believe they are called 'Unspeakables'."

Harry questioned, "So, you are saying the Ministry teaches only the Unspeakables this magic in order to maintain control?" Mr. Olson nodded and Harry went on, "I have been told that Voldemort is recruiting dark wizards from around the world. They would have access to this magic. Is that right?"

Mr. Olson answered, "They would, if they were trained anywhere but Europe. The rest of the world does not teach the same as Europe."

"And how would wizard's who didn't learn this magic fare against them in a battle?" Harry asked.

"They would not stand a chance," Mr. Olson replied.

Harry was in shock. 'How could the Ministry be so short sighted?' Then he laughed at himself, 'When were they not short sighted?'

Harry was pulled from his thoughts when Mr. Olson asked, "Would you like to give it a try?" At Harry's nod he continued, "The incantation is Crescere Caduceus, it is Latin and means literally "to grow a staff". Now all you have to do is hold your wand upside-down and say the incantation in your mind. If the wizard is powerful enough, which I believe you are, then it should work. After all you possess what is the most powerful wand I have ever created, and possibly that I ever will."

Deciding not to think about the comments on his wand, Harry held his wand upside-down and thought 'Crescere Caduceus'.

Harry watched in wonder as his wand began to enlarge. Soon it had grown proportionately in width and now stood six and half feet tall. The channeling gems that had been inlaid in the handle had moved and clustered at the top of his new staff.

Mr. Olson laughed as he clapped his hands. "I knew it; I just knew you could do it. Oh my, what a magnificent staff. We can expect great things from you Mr. Potter." Then sobering he said, "Now you will need to be taught how to wield your staff. I presume that you have contact with a wizard or a witch here, as someone must have told you how to locate the Alley and about my shop."

Harry answered, "Yes, Roland Cloud Dancing has been helping me."

Clapping his hands together Mr. Olson said, "That is excellent. I went to school with Roland and he is a very capable wizard. And as a matter of fact Roland can also wield a staff. Yes, yes he will make an excellent teacher for you."

Harry replied, "I will speak to him as soon as I can."

Mr. Olson smiled saying, "This will work out just fine. Now, Mr. Potter to return your staff to a wand you must think the incantation Finite Incantatem. I must tell you that a wand binds itself to a wizard. Therefore your wand will only become a staff at your request and will only return to being a wand when you want."

Harry questioned, "So if someone cast Finite Incantatem on my staff it would have no effect?"

"That is correct," Mr. Olson replied.

Concentrating on his staff returning to its wand form Harry thought, 'Finite Incantatem'. He then watched in amazement as his staff reverted back into his wand. Harry then slid it into his shirt sleeve and secured it in the holster on his forearm.

Mr. Olson then said, "Shall we settle up so that you can go speak to Roland about your training? Let's see it would usually be seventeen galleons for the wand, but since your mates provided the core material shall we say twelve galleons. Oh, and before I forget, since your birthday falls within the ninety day grace period there are no underage restriction charms on your wand."

As Harry handed over the money he asked, "But I have not taken my sixth year, won't that be a problem?"

Mr. Olson replied, "You can speak to Roland about that, it is not uncommon for someone to be homeschooled. That way you can make up what you have missed."

Harry finished up his transaction and left the shop. Once he was outside he stopped and turned to the shadows where he knew his mates were.

Clearing his throat Harry said, "You can come out now."

Jacob and Edward stepped into the light, once again caught following Harry. Looking at them very sternly Harry said, "That was very dangerous, giving something so personal to someone like that."

Edward stepped up moving slightly in front of Jacob and said, "It is my fault, he gave a wizard's oath that it would only be used for your wand and the rest destroyed."

Jacob pleaded over Edward's shoulder, "Please don't be mad at us."

Harry looked at Edward and asked, "Did you understand what a wizard's oath was?"

Edward nodded and answered, "Yes, I read about it in a book of Carlisle's."

Harry then looked at Jacob and said, "I am not mad at you, either of you. Just please be careful. There are many that would want to harm you. Not just because of what you are, but they would harm you because you are connected to me." Seeing the skeptical looks on their faces Harry went on. "With three hairs of yours Jacob I could turn myself into a clone of you…That you father could not tell from the real one. And yet you gave six hairs to a man you didn't know."

Jacob protested, "But he swore that he would destroy the extras."

Harry replied, "There were no extras, everything both of gave now resides within my wand."

Edward shyly asked, "May we see it?"

Harry pulled out his wand and held it in his palm for them to see. They moved their hands near it as they looked in awe at it. As their hands got close Harry's wand warmed in his palm. Smiling Harry put his wand away thinking, 'My magic and my wand recognize them as my soul mates'.

Turning to leave Harry stopped and without looking back said, "Thank you, it means a lot that you would give something so personal."


While Jacob and the leech…the vampire were in Seattle following Harry, Billy Black rolled his way through the halls of Forks Hospital.

Finally finding what he was looking for as the lee…vampire doctor turned the corner.

Carlisle was surprised to see Billy Black at the hospital, but greeted him anyway. "Mr. Black it's nice to see you."

Billy replied, "Doctor Cullen I need to speak to you. Do you have time or do I need to make an appointment?"

Shocked Carlisle said, "No, no I have time; shall we go to my office?"

Nodding Billy followed the Doctor to his office. Once inside the office Carlisle closed the door and took a seat next to Billy.

Deciding to not beat around the bush Bill gruffly said, "I have been talking to Roland Cloud Dancing about this mate situation." Then eyeing the vampire doctor he continued, "He tells me that my Jacob and your…Edward are not just the wizard's mates. But that they are also mates. I believe that my son has imprinted on your…"

Carlisle picked up where Billy left off, "Son, Edward is my son in every way except blood. And we have come to the same conclusion. Alice cannot see their futures because of Jacob being a werewolf. But she can see them as all being a part of our family's future. My son Emmett has also suspected that they are both his brother's chosen."

Nodding Billy said, "With that being the case I think we need to revisit the treaty. It prevents your 'family' from entering our lands and us from entering yours. This would effectively separate the boys."

Carlisle interrupted saying, "I would prefer if we could avoid that."

With a sigh Billy said, "I never thought I would be doing this. But, understand Jacob is my only son and I want him to be happy. If that means sharing his life with a vampire and a wizard, then I want to make it as easy on him as possible."

Carlisle nodded saying, "Then we are in agreement. My son means the same to me. I will do what it takes to insure his happiness. Edward has waited nearly a century for this, and I would do anything for my children. What do you have in mind?"

Billy replied, "Good, we are in agreement. I have spoken to the elders and explained the situation. I am here on their behalf to negotiate a new treaty."

"What are your terms?" Carlisle asked.

Billy said, "That the Cullen's be allowed on our land and we be allowed on the Cullen's land. The Cullen's will maintain their promise to not turn anyone or drink from humans. We will maintain mutual silence about what the other is. With the new threat of the wizards we shall agree to mutual aid. If the Cullen's call for help, the pack will respond. In exchange if the pack calls for assistance the Cullen's will come."

Carlisle thought for a minute before he said, "I propose that the patrols your pack currently makes be extended to cover the town of Forks. And that the patrols consist of a werewolf and a vampire. That we extend the protection of our own and each other to the town, that we share the responsibility of defending the humans."

After a moment of thought Billy extended his hand saying, "I believe we have a new treaty."

Smiling Carlisle shook the offered hand.


That night it was Alice who brought dinner for Jacob, it was a large lasagna with Italian sausage in it.

Jacob was almost finished eating when Alice said, "I am so excited; I can't wait to take you and Harry shopping. Just think of all the wonderful clothes you'll have."

Jacob put down his fork and mumbled, "I really can't afford to spend a lot of money like that."

Alice waved him off as she gathered things to leave saying, "You will be an extended part of the family, and we'll take care of everything."

After Alice left Jacob was very quiet. Edward took his seat next to Jacob and asked, "Jacob are you alright?"

Jacob did not look up from his hands as he questioned, "Do you think Harry will be ashamed of me?"

Confused Edward asked, "Why would Harry be ashamed of you?"

Shrugging his shoulders Jacob answered, "We don't have a lot of money. I can't shower him with gifts like you and your family can. I don't want him to be embarrassed by me or to think I am a burden."

Edward put his hand on Jacob's shoulder as he said, "I don't think Harry places a great deal of value on things. Money comes with time and my family has had nearly a thousand years, cumulatively, to earn what we have. It will come in time Jacob, don't worry. I personally don't see how Harry could be embarrassed or ashamed of you." At this Jacob's head snapped up and he searched Edward's eyes to see if what he said was true. Edward continued, "You are a good man Jacob Black, and you have a good heart. Your life is filled with people who love you and whom you love in return. And that includes Harry. In my book that makes you richer than Midas."

Jacob could only see truth in Edward's eyes and hoarsely whispered, "Thank you."

When they moved to the front porch for Jacob to sleep they were surprised. The glider that he had used the night before had been enlarged. Where it used to have three seats it now had four, and draped over the end was a thick fluffy blanket.

Jacob said, "Now it is long enough you can sit down, instead of standing like a statue all night."

"I don't really need to sit," Edward protested.

Jacob replied, "It would make me feel less self-conscious."

In the end Jacob won and Edward sat at the end of the glider. For Jacob to fit and still be comfortable he ended up laying his head on Edward's thigh.

Jacob asked, "You don't mind do you?"

"No, not at all," Edward replied.

As Edward rocked the glider back and forth, Jacob's eyes drifted shut. Edward did not realize that his fingers were moving though Jacob's hair, till Jacob moaned in pleasure. Edward froze in place.

Jacob sighed and said, "You don't have to stop."

Edward asked, "You don't mind?"

Jacob replied, "No it feels good."

With a shy smile Edward began running his fingers through Jacob's hair again, thinking, 'I really like his hair. It is a beautiful black that in the right light looks blue. His hair looks like threads of black silk. But, when you touch it, it's thick and course. Just like my Jacob, beautiful yet tough.' Edward's hand froze and his body went rigid. 'When did he become MY Jacob? But that is not right Harry is my chosen. But Jacob imprinted on Harry. And we are his soul mates, destined to be together for eternity. Destined to be together…but…oh my God…they're both mine. They are both my chosen!'

With a sigh Jacob opened his eyes and said, "I guess you have figured it out."

In shock Edward asked, "You knew?"

Jacob answered, "Sure, sure I knew."

"Since when?" Edward questioned.

Jacob replied, "Since the collar, I knew that I had imprinted on Harry. Then to find out that he was your chosen. Then when it took both of us to open it I realized that we were not just his mates. That was when I realized that I had imprinted on you as well."

Edward mumbled, "But why didn't you say anything?"

Jacob answered, "I wanted a chance to get to know you, Edward, not the vampire I had been taught all my life to hate."

Thinking out loud Edward questioned, "So all of that stuff about the bond fading, do you think that was true?" Jacob shook his head and Edward asked, "Then why would Harry say that?"

Sitting up Jacob said, "I think Harry believes that we have enough issues to work out without the whole vampire and werewolf thing. I mean what would you have done if I told I was your chosen?"

Edward whispered, "I would not have believed you."

Jacob laughed, "Exactly, I think he let us work this out. Then he doesn't have to be the one to convince us." Jacob paused for a long moment before he asked, "Are you okay with this? Are you okay with my imprinting on you?"

Smiling Edward answered, "I am very honored that you have imprinted on me. I just hope that you can accept being my chosen."

Jacob released a breath that he did not realize he was holding before saying, "That only leaves for us to work out our issues with Harry then. What will you say to him?"

Looking around and laughing Edward answered, "Well, since Harry has a way of hearing what we talk about I think I will wait till he is in front of us to answer that."

Whatever Jacob was going to say in response was cut off when Harry screamed out, "CEDRIC NO!"

Startled they both got to their feet as Edward said, "I think he is dreaming."

Jacob was again cut off as Harry screamed, "SIRIUS!" By the time they made it to the door Harry cried out, "JACOB NO!"

That answered any questions about going inside. Edward grabbed the door knob and crushed it like paper.

By the time they reached his bedroom Harry sat straight up in bed and shouted, "EDWARD!"

They were instantly as his side. One on each side of him shushing him and running their fingers through his hair.

Jacob whispered, "Shush, it's all right…it's just a dream."

Edward reassured him saying, "It's alright…we're here…everything is alright."

Harry's eyes snapped open and he grabbed their arms pulling them closer as he buried his face in the seam between their shoulders.

When Harry had calmed down Jacob said, "You should go back to sleep. Everything is fine."

Harry whispered, "Don't leave me."

Smiling Edward ran his fingers through Harry's hair saying, "We are right here, and we are not going anywhere."

Edward laid Harry back down as Jacob kicked off his shoes.

Harry whispered, "You promise?"

Jacob answered, "We are not going anywhere." Then looking at Edward he said, "We promise."

Nodding Edward pulled the blanket up on his mates and said, "We promise."

Harry said, "The dream…"

Edward cut him off saying, "You can tell us about it tomorrow, tonight you need to sleep." Then leaning down and kissing the top of Harry's head he said, "I will watch over you." Edward then locked eyes with Jacob saying, "I will watch over you both." He then leaned down and kissed the top of Jacob's head.

Jacob spooned up behind Harry, who had a death grip on Edward's shirt and Jacob's arm.

Edward leaned back against the headboard and watched as sleep claimed his mates. Then smiling to himself he thought, 'My mates'.

A/N: I hope you like the chapter. Please let me know. Over the Thanksgiving Holiday I received a review on my first story that said "it was the worst story ever". I hope that I have improved and you are enjoying the story.

Next Chapter—We Need to Talk