Summary: Respect requires listening

~ooO Interludes I, The Volturi - Chelsea Hedie Ooo~

Chelsea knocked on the door and stepped in without asking. Hermione had informed everyone if she didn't want them to enter they wouldn't, not without actually destroying the door, the door frame and the stone around it.

Hermione looked up from the delicate lady's writing desk she was sitting at, writing something in a book with a fountain pen, a marble and gold custom-ordered device with the Volturi crest engraved on the black streaked stone.

"What is it?"

Hermione was wearing one of her witch robes, the material expanded and billowing over her waist. It wasn't a proper maternity dress and looked like a tent. Chelsea dropped the box she was carrying onto the closest chair.

"The dresses I ordered have arrived. Once we have a good idea about your size and tastes Heidi and I can pick up more in town and order the rest."

Then the vampire in question entered in a blur carrying a plastic gift bag.

"I got something for you Hermione!" she sang out.

Curious Hermione came around the corner to look. Chelsea was opening the cardboard boxes and pulling out piles of jewel toned flowing material. Heidi up-ended her bag onto the settee, spilling tubes and pots onto the cushion.

"What is it?"

"Soap and lotions. We noticed you use unscented soap and creams but they aren't meant for pregnant women. So I picked up some in town. The salesgirl said they are all-natural and help prevent stretch marks. And they smell nice but not irritating for us. I know most humans use scented lotions so I thought the no-scent was for our benefit. If you don't like the scents I chose I also picked up some non-scented stuff for pregnant ladies."

Hermione teared up and darted forward to hug Heidi. "Thank you. That was really nice of you."

Heidi was baffled. "It's just lotion Hermione."

The witch shook her head. "It's the thoughtfulness," she corrected. "You paid attention to me and picked up on the details. And you're giving me options." She looked at Chelsea. "The both of you. I really appreciate the effort you're making to help me become comfortable."

The two glanced at each other. "You are special," Chelsea finally said. "You don't know how rare it is, to meet a human who knows what we are and isn't afraid."

Hermione frowned. "You haven't hurt me," she protested.

"But we could. And you know we drink human blood and kill. And still you do not disdain us."

"Why should I? It is your nature to hunt, to kill. Why should I despise you for that? I would prefer that you choose not to kill but at least you do it cleanly, with minimal pain." Then she quickly changed the topic. "Why don't I try the clothes first. You can tell me what you really think of how they look. Just don't let me pick something that will make me look like a blimp in a tent."

Chelsea snorted. "You don't have to worry about that Hermione. I'll design your clothes myself if we can't buy something suitable."

That made all three laugh.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

The End.