The Decision

"You're leaving."

It wasn't a question; therefore there was no need to answer her. Besides, the guilt still churned in her gut and Hermione had no idea what to say to her cousin. Did she admit to being a pedophile? No, that implied Embry was a child and not a teen. Was she a cougar? No, that wasn't right either… yet since that implied that Embry was of legal age and many years younger than her. Whatever self-acclaimed title Hermione should be labeled, she wore it in shame.

Two days ago in the woods, Hermione had apologized to Embry numerous times as she ran back to the Black family's garage. Her mind had been reeling when he told her about the imprint. First was denial and then justification for her actions and then confusion and then panic and… well the emotions were rather scattered at that point.

Embry had kept pace with her, naturally, but didn't try to stop her. Once they made it to the garage she grabbed her belongings. When he stepped close, she flinched away. Her reaction startled him enough to stop his advance. He had tried to talk to her… to reason with her, but she just couldn't manage a coherent thought that wasn't a shrill denial or mental breakdown. Hermione had taken advantage of the young man. No, he wasn't a man: young or otherwise. He was a boy. An impressionable boy that she kissed and molested and… Distance at that point was the only thing that would save her from destroying her career and his life.

Hermione had asked Embry to let Jacob know she didn't need a ride to Forks, apologized again and apparated back to the Cullen home. Every time he had tried to speak she apologized. Poor guy didn't have a chance to say a thing before she left him standing there.

After dropping her belongings into her room, Hermione immediately booked a flight home. The earliest flight she could arrange was in a fortnight. She had to wait twelve more days before she would be freed from temptation.

Alice walked up next to the witch and stood beside her at the window. The vampire was looking out at the scenery just as her cousin was. Only Alice wasn't truly looking at the landscape; she was using the reflection of the window to watch Hermione.

The witch didn't meet her cousin's gaze. She didn't turn when Alice approached. She kept her eyes on whatever it was she was staring at outside the window. Her voice was strained when she finally spoke, "I can't stay."

"Okay," She didn't argue with the woman. There was no changing her mind and really, it wasn't her place to. Alice simply accepted Hermione's decision and countered with one of her own, "I'll just have to visit you in London."

"I'd like that."

There was a howl from the woods and Alice's gaze moved to the edge of the trees behind the house. The all too familiar gray spotted wolf sat there. He howled again. The sound was sad, haunted and lonely. It was heartbreaking.

Hermione closed her eyes. "I have to go."

Alice wasn't sure if Hermione was talking to her, to herself, or to the wolf on the other side of the pane of glass. The vampire wanted to ask questions, it was clear in the looks she casted at the witch, but she was considerate enough not to voice them. Hermione knew Alice was there for her if she needed her; that was all she could offer. That and idle chit chat, "Charlie called to confirm the few names he asked to be added to the wedding guest list."

"How is he?"

"Okay, considering his teenaged daughter is in a hurry to get married to her high school sweetheart." Alice quipped. "He thinks Bella is pregnant."

"He should know the truth."

"He'd be in the same trouble as Bella is." Alice countered. "Only Charlie doesn't have a talent that the Volturi want or a mate to change him. They would kill him."

"In the wizarding world, he'd know. Parents are allowed to know about their children." Hermione sighed, "He should know."

"I can't tell him."

"I can."

"I suppose you could."

Hermione looked at her then. Alice met her gaze. The witch nodded, "You'll stay here. I won't tell you when I'm going to visit him. Plausible deniability."

"Not if you decided already..."

"I haven't a clue what I'm going to say or not say or if I'm going to say anything at all." Hermione looked back out the window. "Perhaps I'm just going to say good-bye."

"I can work with that."

Alice walked away. The gray wolf howled again. Hermione pressed her hand against the window pane and closed her eyes. Her heart ached.


It was five days later that the girls went off on a hunt. Without a word to anyone still in the Cullen household, she disappeared from her room and, with a small pop, Hermione was in the woods behind the Swan home. She still had no idea what to say, but, as she had told Alice, the least she could say was good-bye if she completely chickened out. Hermione closed her eyes to strengthen her resolve. Some Gryffindor she turned out to be. Hermione squared her shoulders, raised her chin and made her way around the house to the front door.

Charlie's squad car was in the driveway, but so was Billy's truck. Her bravery waivered because she had declined every phone call that came from La Push: Embry, Jacob and Billy. Hermione forced herself to knock on the door anyhow.

Only a moment passed before it was opened by Jacob. The shapeshifter stared at her for a moment. He didn't look pleased to see her. His voice was cold when he spoke, "I thought I heard you pop in."

"What are you doing here?" Jacob frowned at her. She hadn't meant to blurt that out. The harshness in his voice when he greeted her had taken her breath away and made her stomach clench. What had she expected? She avoided him and everyone. Did she really think he'd welcome her with open arms? The Black men had every right to visit Charlie Swan. They had been friends for many years. She was the outsider. She was the unwelcomed guest. Hermione winced and stepped back, "I'm sorry. I'll go."

Jacob didn't stop her, but the police chief did. Charlie had come up behind Jacob as the witched turned away, "Hermione?"

She flinched and took a deep breath letting it go slowly. When she turned to face the man, Hermione forced a smile on her face, "Hello, Charlie."

"Finally came by for that tea?"

Hermione stared at him blankly for a moment until the memory kicked in. The day she went to meet with the Elders she had said she'd take a rain-check on the tea. The smile softened and became real, "I suppose I did, but you have company. I can come back another-"

"No, don't be silly. Come on in. Billy and Jacob are here to watch the game. We're going to order pizza later." Charlie ushered the woman into the living room with his hand gently pressing at her lower back. "You're welcome to join us."

"I'm not a fan of sports, I'm afraid." Hermione's body instinctively leaned into Charlie's warmth. Jacob closed the front door a bit louder than necessary. The witch forced herself to move away from the police chief.

"You can still stay to visit and help us eat the pizza," Charlie called out as he went into the kitchen to make her tea.

Billy watched her walk in and, as they had grown accustomed to doing, reached out a hand to Hermione in welcome to which she promptly took and gave him a kiss on the top of his head. Hermione took the seat next to Billy as Jacob walked around to the couch. The young shapeshifter sat down heavily, his long legs sprawled out in front of him. Billy narrowed his eyes and squeezed her hand, "How have you been? You're not taking my calls now?"

The witch flinched as if she were slapped, "I'm sorry. I was hiding. I needed time to think. It's a lot to take in."

"He told you." Hermione looked over at Jacob. There was no question as to who or what he meant. There was no question at all. What he said was a statement. Of course it was. They were a pack. Jacob knew the moment the two phased at the same time. The teen glared at her, "And you rejected him."

"It's not like that." Hermione was getting a bit tired of having to explain herself, but Charlie came back before she could elaborate, handed her a mug of tea before sitting down. She decided to change topics. She may be willing to tell the muggle about vampires, but her love life - or lack thereof - was none of his business. Instead, Hermione informed them, "There's a reason I came by today. It wasn't just for tea. I wanted to say good-bye. I leave for home in a week."

"A week?" Billy's eyebrows furrowed, Charlie gave her a sad lopsided grin and Jacob's glare was back stronger than ever.

The teen's voice was still distant and cold. "Are you going to tell the pack?"

She knew what he really meant. Jacob couldn't care less what the pack knew or thought. They'd all find out eventually. No, what Jacob really wanted to know was if she was going to say anything to Embry before she left. Her heart lurched at the thought of seeing him again. She swallowed hard, "I don't know if I can."

"Bullshit."

"Jacob." Billy reprimanded.

Jacob turned his attention back to the muted television, but didn't apologize for his language. And why should he? It was his opinion and if she were honest with herself, he was probably right. "It's okay, Billy. I deserved that." Hermione ignored the stunned, confused look Charlie gave Jacob and stared at the steeping tea in her hands. She refused to lie to Jacob, he deserved the truth and really, Embry should hear it from her. "I will… somehow."

Charlie had been quietly listening to what was said between the two and what was left unsaid. When the conversation dropped to a lull, he prompted, "I was surprised when Billy said you turned down the job offer."

Grateful for the change in subject, Hermione answered. "The clinic is efficient. The staff is lovely. Doc Melody is a charming woman, but she didn't give me the impression that she was coming back in a timely manner. Which I realize sounds like an excuse. Honestly, I have a job and a residency to complete. While I appreciate the offer, it just isn't a good time for me." Hermione bit her lip and gave a side glance towards Jacob before continuing, "My residency will be complete in two years. I hope to come back after I become certified."

"I'm sure the woman will have had her child by then." Charlie joked.

The playful jibe took Hermione off guard and she let out a small huff of laughter that sounded so weak, even to hear ears. She appreciated his attempt at humor. Hermione had to agree, "I'm sure she will have."

Billy placed his large hand on her slim shoulder to gain her attention. When she looked up at him, he gave a solemn nod, "La Push is a good place to vacation. You'll come stay with me."

When his hand was removed, she missed the warmth. She had been feeling very cold ever since she ran away from Embry. Hermione felt so lost. "I promised Esme that I'd come visit again."

"Not Alice?"

"Alice said she'll come to London." With a sigh, Hermione stared into the mug in her hands. It was cooling. Tepid tea was rather disgusting so she took a sip and blanched, "What is this?"

"Um, tea?"

"This is a mockery to tea." An idea struck her and she looked to Billy. "Have you told him?"

"No." Billy frowned and shot a glance at Jacob. She had gained Jacob's interest once more with her question and he raised an eyebrow at her as if to challenge her.

Hermione decided, "He deserves to know."

"Like Rachel?"

"Yes."

"She knows." Billy chuckled when Jacob groaned from the couch. "Paul imprinted on her."

"Paul?" Hermione laughed, "Poor Jacob!"

"He's over all the time!" Jacob groused, "Drives me nuts."

"I'm sorry. No one deserves to be tortured by that boy." Hermione noted that Charlie was fussing with his remote and she flicked her wrist. Her wand dropped into her hand. Jacob sat up and nodded. Billy's eyes widened and she smiled at the two. "He's too inquisitive to just take my word for things. He has to witness it himself or he will never believe me. Besides, this swill is not tea."

"What? It's Lipton," Charlie claimed as he got the remote to do as he wanted. He turned his attention to Hermione and protested. "That's-"

His words came to an abrupt halt when Hermione pointed her wand towards the kitchen. The man frowned at the stick waving woman and nearly fell out of his chair when the sugar bowl flew through the doorway. Without missing a beat, Billy raised his hand and snatched it from the air and deadpanned, "You forgot a spoon."

"So I did."

Billy set the sugar bowl on the table in front of the woman while Hermione summoned a spoon. Billy snatched the utensil from the air and offered it to her, "I have to say, I miss having you around at breakfast time. I enjoyed catching my coffee mug in the mornings."

"What..."

"Magic," Hermione smiled, "I'm a witch, Charlie."

"No," Charlie shook his head.

"Yes, I am. And this is my wand," Hermione raised the object to show him, "Ten and three quarter inches long, made of vine wood and a dragon heartstring. I purchased it from Mr. Ollivander when I was eleven years old."

"That's... you're... but that doesn't..."

"I'm a shapeshifter," Jacob said with his big goofy grin plastered on his face.

"He's a russet colored wolf," Hermione elaborated.

Charlie was on the edge of his seat, "You're a wolf."

"A big one," Hermione provided helpfully. "He's nearly as tall as I am."

"The wolf scare some time back…"

"That was my pack. We were looking out for Bella."

"So, there are more wolves…"

"Yes." Jacob squirmed under Charlie's intense stare.

"There's more to this, Charlie."

The man turned his attention back to Hermione, but moved on to Billy. "You don't look surprised. I'm guessing you know all about this."

"As an Elder, I'm informed. I also knew because it runs in my family. While it skips generations, the potential is there with each male."

"What were you protecting Bella from?" Charlie rounded on Jacob as the next question came to mind.

Only it was Hermione that responded, "That is what I was referring to when I said there was more to tell you."

"Explain."

So she did. Hermione told him about vampires and their existence. She elaborated with the different types of vampires and the Volturi. Charlie held his tongue even if he wanted to interrupt a number of times. When the story finally came around to the Cullen family, Charlie's eyes closed and he groaned. "Of course. My daughter - the clumsy, recluse of a girl - falls in love with a vampire."

"That's just the beginning." Hermione prompted and Billy took over in the story telling.

He told of the pack and their purpose. Billy told him about the trouble with James, Laurent and Victoria. They mentioned the newborn army and Charlie's eyes hardened. Soon the chief of police's hands tightened into a fist and Hermione moved from her seat to sit beside him. Charlie had been so focused on Billy that he jumped when Hermione touched his hand. "You're making your palms bleed."

"What?" The man looked at her in such bemusement that she peeled his fist open to show him. Charlie sighed as he stared at the half moon cuts in his palms.

"It's okay, Charlie. I'll take care of it." Hermione only needed a simple episkey spell before his palms were instantly healed. She smoothed her fingers over his palm and he sighed. "See?"

"Magic," Charlie said. "You're a witch… cauldrons… pointy hats… riding brooms…"

"Yes, although I hate the hats and flying."

"I still can't believe you don't fly a broom." Jacob teased.

"I'm not partial to heights. I leave the flying to my friends. They enjoy it, they can have at it." She smiled at Jacob and his attempt to get them back on some sort of even footing again. "I'm partial to keeping both feet planted safely on the ground."

Charlie frowned at her as she moved back to her seat beside Billy, "Are you really related to Alice?"

"Yes," Hermione smiled. "She's my great-great-grandmother's niece."

"And you came to Forks…"

"To help with the battle and get to know my cousin." Hermione gave a single shoulder shrug, "She's family. I couldn't very well leave her to fight alone when I could help."

"Your car accident…"

Jacob gave his own shrug, "I wasn't in a car accident. That was from fighting the newborn army. Hermione patched me up and made me drink some nasty potions."

"Those nasty potions - along with your natural healing abilities - made you better in days rather than weeks." Hermione countered.

Billy kept quiet during this exchange and watched Charlie. He looked from the witch to the shapeshifter and back again absorbing every word. Finally Billy had to ask, "Are you okay, Charlie?"

"Let's see if I have this straight. You're a witch." He looked at Hermione who nodded. "You're a shapeshifting wolf." He looked at Jacob who also nodded. "The Cullen family is really a coven of vampires." Then Charlie turned his attention to his best friend, "Don't tell me. You're Big foot?"

Jacob laughed. Hermione bit her lip quite amused. Billy grinned. "No, my friend, I'm just as human as you are."

Hermione huffed, "Just because I'm a witch doesn't mean I'm no longer human, thank you very much."

"Sure, but you're more than just a human like these two. You're magical. Like me." Jacob sat back on the couch again. "You should talk to him."

Hermione winced at the abrupt change in subject, "I know. I will." She tried to doctor the swill that Charlie insisted was tea. She took a tentative sip, "Oh this is vile and now it's cold, too. FYI - Lipton is not truly tea."

Billy asked, "Would you rather have a beer?"

Hermione wrinkled her nose at it, "No, thanks."

"You don't drink beer, you don't drink coffee... what do you drink?"

"Tea, real tea, water, butter beer, ale and, on occasion, wine. I am rather fond of elf wine, yet a good red is always preferred to white."

Charlie blinked at the woman, "So... water..."

"I'm fine," Hermione glanced out the window and sighed softly, "Actually I should go. The longer I put this off, the harder it will be to explain and…"

"Just be honest with him," Billy advised.

She nodded and bit her lip, lost in thought until Charlie asked, "Uh, Hermione… how did you get here? I don't remember seeing a car out front."

"Oh," Hermione waved him off, "I apparated."

"It's like teleporting with magic. I hear it makes you dizzy and sick to your stomach."

"Only the first few times. You get accustomed to it." Hermione hedged and then asked, "Jacob, can I ask a favor?"

"Yeah," Jacob watched as she hesitated. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Hermione sighed and finally just asked, "Can you shift and tell him to wait for me?"

"He's still out there?" Jacob stood in one fluid movement

"He was when I left…"

"Shit. He already thinks you rejected him. If he can't catch your scent; he's gonna flip."

"But I didn't…"

"So you say. That's not how he sees things." He pulled off his t-shirt and kicked off his tennis shoes.

"Jacob!"

The shapeshifter paused when with his hands at his shorts and frowned. "You've seen me naked before."

"As my patient," Hermione rolled her eyes at him and turned in her chair so her back was to him. "Continue."

Jacob just laughed and dropped his shorts so he could shift. "Fuck!" Charlie shouted and there was a sudden thunk of the coach being upended.

Hermione turned her attention back to the men in the room and giggled at the scene playing out before her. Charlie was hesitantly reaching forward as if to touch Jacob's pelt. Jacob turned to her and huffed. "I'm too late? Is he gone?"

Jacob shook his large shaggy head and used his snout to gesture towards the back of the house. "He's here?"

The russet wolf tilted his head as if to ask her what she was waiting for. "He's here." Hermione suddenly couldn't breathe. "He's here. He's... he's..."

"Hermione," Billy tried to gain her attention.

Jacob growled low and her head snapped up to stare at him. Their eyes met and his ears lowered. Hermione frowned, "I'm not going to run away. I just-"

There was a howl outside. It was so mournful that it called to her. "He's hurting." She gasped, "It's my fault. I have to go to him."

"Hermione," Billy tried again.

Hermione reached out and Billy held her hand for a moment, "I know it's wrong, Billy... I know it is..."

"Talk to him, Hermione."

Hermione stood as he howled again, "He needs me."

She didn't hesitate any further and with a pop she was gone.


"Embry?"

"You were saying good-bye." Hermione turned and saw him standing between the trees. His cut off shorts riding low on his hips, his chest was bare and his hands were in fists. "Were you really going to tell me? Or did you just say that to shut Jacob up?"

"I knew I had to. I knew I wanted to. I just didn't know what to say." Hermione stepped closer, but Embry didn't move for once. She bit her lip as doubt filled her. He didn't approach her. She didn't realize how much that would hurt, and it killed something inside. "I'm sorry, Embry. I panicked. I needed time to consider everything I learned about the pack, the tribe, the imprint. I had to weigh the consequences of what we started out there, regardless of how good it felt. How right it felt and I had to set aside my emotions to think clearly."

"And?"

"I have to leave." Embry closed his eyes and she hurried forward as he turned away. "Embry wait. Please."

"Why?" Embry refused to look at her, his voice came across hoarse and strained, "Why should I wait, Hermione? So you can tell me again how wrong this is? How I'm too young?"

"No, Embry." Hermione turned his head so he was forced to look at her. She caressed his cheek with her thumb, "You are young and right now, I can be thrown in jail if I crossed that fine line that we erased that day in the woods."

"I would never-"

"Your mother could do it on your behalf. It's called statutory rape. Consent doesn't count because you're a minor." Hermione dropped her hand from his face to grab hold of his hand. "I decided that I need to go back to England. Finish my residency and get certified, by the time I'm through you'll be a legal adult and we can try again."

"Why do you have to go away?"

"I need to be away from you. Away from the temptation of teaching you everything you wanted me to teach you that day in the woods."

His thumb rubbed over her knuckles, "You still want me."

"Yes."

"Do you still think I'll change my mind in two years?"

"No. You imprinted. I understand what that means."

"Tell me... what does it mean to you?"

Hermione smiled up at him, "You're mine. I'm yours. Forever."


AN: Well geez... that's 2 stories that I've ended very cheese ball (The Vanquisher was the first). Ah well, such is life.

Hope you enjoyed this quick little ficlit because that was the end. Next is an epilogue and we're done!

The Karma Fairy: Really?! I had no idea that the age of consent in the UK is 16. As for Hermione's reasoning, according to the 'Hermie' voice in my head (I will deny I said that!), she was honoring the age of consent in America because he is an American. Plus I thought 17 for UK because the HP books has them as adults at that age.

LeonaMasha: You totally made my day! People say I'm funny. I say 'nay, nay' (I so loved John Pinette. He was hilarious). I just have a way of warping what is handed to me to fit my needs. If others find humor or entertainment in that... awesome. If not ... meh, they can get over it.