Dawn of the Phoenix: Cedric goes to Forks

Story and Characters owned by

Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling

Story Adaptation by Erica K. Bailey

BIG HUGE THANKS goes out to Squally for pimping my story to everyone she knows and all the twitter love! You rock! (BTW, I'm EricaBailey11 on twitter)

And also thanks for the reviews. You don't know what they mean to me.

Chapter 21: The Mission Begins

I looked over at my clock. It was 4:00 pm. My head ached. My body was sore. Last night had gone far too late as I danced with Hermione. When we'd returned to the back yard, the music was still going and guests continued to dance and visit until the late hours of the morning. I didn't think that even Hermione's special potion would help me today.

Hermione…I moaned. What was I going to do? I'd heard what Edward said, to be sure of what I wanted, to be careful, not to hurt her… but in the midst of the magic of the lights, the music, the feel of her warm body against mine, the line between what I wanted and what was right began to blur.

I had never felt like this before… Not even with Bella. Maybe because it hadn't progressed…Maybe because a part of me had known all along she belonged to someone else. Some beautiful, mellow song had been playing. Like most of the music in this muggle world, I hadn't recognized it, but the last verse ran through my mind now. I couldn't get it out.

'So I would choose to be with you,

That's if the choice were mine to make,

But you can make decisions too,

And you can have this heart to break…'

It was so bittersweet, so filled with melancholy and longing… I had looked down at her in my arms. She'd looked back up at me. And I wanted her. The desire had flared up within me with a ferocity I hadn't known before. And I had been certain there was an invitation in her eyes. Just as I had earlier in the evening, I leaned in; committed to touch my lips to hers and this time I wouldn't pull away. I wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

But she had pulled away. Well, actually she had pulled her head to my chest and held me tight so that my lips only met her hair. And so I held her to me, wanting so much more. Finally, with a sigh, she pulled her head from my chest.

"I'd better go see when Dumbledore wants to return to England."

"Will you be going soon?" I asked, embarrassed at the obvious regret in my voice.

"Cedric." She looked up at me then and I was surprised at what I saw in her eyes. Here I'd been telling myself she was so much younger then I, but her eyes was ancient, wise, as if she had decades more experience then her almost sixteen years would suggest. "I will be returning to Hogwarts… and you have your mission… whether it is tomorrow or next week, what can we hope for? It will hurt more to say good-bye to you later then it will now." She flushed then and looked at her feet, "And it will hurt to say good-bye to you when we leave, Cedric."

I sighed and pulled her to me again. She didn't fight me as I held her in my arms for a few moments more. My hands roamed up and down her back and I pressed my lips to her hair again. "You're not making this any easier." She mumbled into my chest.

"I wasn't trying to." I said, hearing the husky tone of my voice. I didn't want to make this easy, I wanted to kiss her. I wanted her to say she was going to stay with me and we could go on this mission together. As the thought occurred to me, I realized that was what I wanted, to have her there beside me, as she had been during the incident with Jacob and the wolves. She was strong and self-reliant, highly intelligent, clever, and prepared to fight. She would be a strong partner. Almost as if I had been struck with a bolt of lightening, I realized that was exactly what I wanted.

"Are you coming back to Hogwarts then?" she asked.

"No." I replied. And I didn't want her to leave. She needed to complete her studies. She deserved to do that. And she deserved to go through her remaining years at Hogwarts free from a tie to someone she'd only see on vacations and school breaks.

So, I let her go. She didn't say anything as she walked across the dance floor… as she walked out of my life.

I had left then – run to my cabin, grabbed my broom and flew into the forest. I didn't know where I was going and I didn't care. I just flew, feeling the wind blow past me. It did little to relieve the pain that tightened around my heart. When I returned to the cabin hours later she was gone. Dumbledore, Sirius and Hermione had returned to England.

"Hey man." Emmett had said when I'd asked if they'd left. "There are plenty of fish in the sea… not that I like fish." He made a disgusted face I would have laughed at if I hadn't felt like I'd let the best thing in the world just walk away. "Wow, you've got it bad." He went on, "I was sure that would at least get a smile."

I gave him a grim smile.

"Well that's a start." He said.

My pain suddenly eased as I saw Jasper walk into the cabin. "It's better you figured it out now." He said.

"I guess." I replied. I wished Edward was here… But he was with the love of his life – off on his honeymoon. And Hermione was in England while I was here. I almost felt physically sick as the pain hit me. What was I thinking letting her go?

Another wave of relief hit me. I looked up at Jasper, pain stretched across his face. "Are you okay?" I asked him.

"The question is, are you?" He replied. What did he mean by that?

"Jasper's gift is not only to push feelings onto you, but to also feel what you feel." Emmett explained. I hadn't realized that. It sounded like more of a curse then a gift.

Carlisle came in then, "Cedric. I'm glad you're back. Dumbledore left a letter for you." He handed me a piece of paper.

Cedric,

I shall return later tomorrow evening. Make preparations to depart. I understand you have an invitation to visit the Denali Clan. I would like to speak to you in person before you leave.

I encourage you to consider who might accompany you on your trip. You will need to leave very soon after my visit.

These are dangerous times. I am proud of your progression. You are strong, Cedric.

Dumbledore.

It was inordinately short, as if he had written it in haste. Of course, he needed to get Sirius back to England. He had his cover to maintain. And then Hermione… I noticed Jasper wince as the pain hit me. I couldn't think of her. I had a mission, a job… It was time to get on with it.

"So, Denali… What should I bring?" I said looking up at Emmett, Jasper and Carlisle.

"Hey, that's my department." Alice pouted as she danced through the door. "I'll pack for you – you guys can figure out the rest."

"She is the best." Jasper said.

"Alright, Alice… and thanks."

A bright smile lit up her face. "No problem." She said, giving me a quick hug, "It's what I do."

"Well, now that is taken care of, how do I get there?" I asked, looking back at the rest.

"We can draw you a map, but it might be best if one of us goes with you." Carlisle said, "Of course, any of us would be happy to assist – and to visit our relatives."

The person I wanted to take with me was thousands of miles away in England. And, with a rush of relief, I realized she was at least safe there – not alone with me in the northern wilderness with a family of vampires. It was better this way. One of the Cullens would be a better choice.

"I don't imagine any of the humans would be safe – and I don't think taking one of the wolves would be terribly helpful."

Jasper chuckled, "No, not if you are wanting to make friends."

"So, then, one of you… but who?" I asked more to myself.

I heard the door close again and looked up to see Rosalie standing in the living room of the cabin, "Cedric – I've been thinking about it and I think you should take me."

"Rosalie?" I was surprised. She had never been warm toward me, nor had she been overly welcoming. Why would she want to help now?

"But baby." Emmett whined.

"No, Emmett, we already discussed this." she said firmly before turning to me, "Listen, you need someone with control. And besides Carlisle I have the best record. I've killed but never taken human blood. Being together for hours in a car could be challenging, even for the best of us." She glanced at Jasper. He looked chagrined and nodded.

"Carlisle has his work at the hospital. I don't think he should be taken away from that. Besides, I can be lethal if need be." I believed that. There was something about her that told me she could be dangerous if she wanted. "Not that I think you'll be in much danger – except of the car breaking down, and then I'll definitely be the most helpful to you."

I thought through her arguments. I had assumed I would take Jasper or Emmett. But I knew Jasper struggled with being around human blood. Edward had made a passing comment about that once. And Emmett – he'd be a load of fun, but not exactly the picture of diplomacy. If I could have chosen anyone, I would have chosen Edward, but that wasn't going to happen. Could Rosalie be diplomatic if she chose to be?

Finally, as I considered facing Tanya I thought having Rosalie might be most helpful, even more so then Edward. I suddenly brightened to the idea, "Rosalie, I think you're right."

"You do?" her guard suddenly fell away. She took on an entirely different persona when she wasn't hiding behind the tough exterior she held up that kept others away, "Really? I was all prepared to argue you into this… I have several more arguments; do you want to hear them?'

"No." I laughed, "I really do think you're the best choice. You're right about Carlisle. And I can see you being a good diplomat. And I trust you to have my back. Plus I know absolutely nothing about cars."

"Thank-you" she beamed. It was the first time I'd seen Rosalie in all her beauty and thought she truly was beautiful.

"Well, normally I'd tear the arms of any man daring to take my wife on a trip." Emmett allowed after Rosalie left to return to the house to pack, "but I think you've made a good choice. She is incredible." He said with pride.

"And it makes for a good cover." Jasper considered, "a couple traveling into the mountains of Alaska is much less conspicuous. If you went as part of a hunting party, there would be so many more props to make the story believable and these days, guns require permits."

"So, have you thought about what you're going to do once you're there?" Carlisle asked.

"I thought I would get to know them and hopefully build their trust – and then explain about Voldemort… I can only hope they'll believe me." I frowned.

"It will help that Edward was the one who actually saw him return." Carlisle said, "And I advised them of our trip last year so they should have no reason to doubt your story."

"So, Alice is packing, I have a travel partner, and apparently a rough idea of what to do when I get there-"

"Are you well rested?" Carlisle peered at me. I could see his doctor side coming out.

"I'm good enough." I replied. I didn't know what time it was when I got in, but I had slept the day away.

"Would you guys stop dancing around the obvious…" Alice called from the bedroom as she pulled out a full set of travel bags and a trunk. "What are you going to do about Tanya?"

"Um, I don't know." I replied.

"And that is exactly what is going to get you into trouble." She frowned.

"You have to be firm." Jasper said, "Don't give her an inch. That's what Edward did."

"But she didn't let up on Edward." Emmett added, "I've got to give it to him. I would have given in…"

Jasper frowned at him, "The important thing is to say no… don't dance around it, be very clear. She will push, but she won't act against your will."

"Okay, be firm… be clear… say no…" I repeated.

After weeks of seemingly little action, getting comfortable, learning to drive, going through practice sessions with Edward, Jasper and Emmett, when time seemed to pass with little concern, I now felt rushed, as if I were out of time. The Cullens flitted around me, throwing various items into the car. Articles I hadn't seen before, or even knew existed, appeared – like snowshoes and a large coat called a parka. The trunk of my car was filled before I knew it.

"Make room for this." Esme said as she carried out four square boxes.

"There's no room, Esme." Jasper said.

"He'll need food. The Denali's won't have the appropriate items. You do have some basic cooking skills, Cedric?" she asked me.

"I think I can manage." I replied, though my skills were very basic.

"Hmm, I should have taught you some things." Esme said, "Well, most of this is self explanatory… and if all else fails, you can just make a sandwich."

Jasper shifted some things around and fit the boxes in.

"So, you know your cover?" he had me run through it again.

"Rosalie and I are a couple. I'm twenty-one, she's twenty-two. We're going camping up in Denali at Wonder Lake."

"There's camping gear in the trunk incase anyone checks. I've put the warmer gear further in, but just in case you get searched at the boarder and they ask about the parka and snow shoes you say…"

"Well, there's snow there all year round right?"

"Exactly and they'll roll their eyes and laugh at you, but it will be believable." Jasper said.

"But you said there will be snow there."

"Where you are going, yes. But most campers up there in August wouldn't be planning to spend a lot of time hiking through snow capped mountains."

I wondered just how much time I would be spending in the snow capped mountains before we reached our destination.

"So we'll be driving up through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory to Alaska. We'll take highway 2 to highway 3 and then enter the Denali National Park. We have a campsite booked at Wonder Lake where we can park the car." Rosalie said.

I nodded.

"We'll have to go on foot from there. We'll get as far as we need until we're out of civilization, then I can run and you can fly." She smiled.

"It sounds like we have a plan." I smiled back.

"Sounds like Dumbledore just arrived." Jasper said. We rushed back over to the cabin to greet him.

"Good evening." Dumbledore greeted us as we walked into the cabin.

"Welcome back." I smiled.

"All packed?" he asked.

"Yes, not that I had much to do – Alice, Esme and Jasper got everything together and fit it in the trunk. And Rosalie is coming along with me."

He paused for a minute to consider this. "Hmmm, I couldn't think of a better choice." He brightened, "Yes, yes I believe that is a very good choice. And how are you feeling? Ready to take on the first part of your mission."

"I – I hope so." I said nervously.

"I think you are." He said confidently. "You'll be fine, Cedric."

I hoped he was right.

"I want you to spend some time with them, build up their trust – at least a week, maybe two. Use your notebook to keep in touch… I've found a spell to alert us when we've written. Here…" he took my notebook and ran his wand over it. "Now a tone will sound in your head when I've written."

"That's good." I replied.

He put both hands on my shoulders and looked me in the face, "Now, I must ask you again. Are you sure this is what you want?"

I hesitated. It was what I wanted to do, but I wondered what Hermione was doing. Part of me wanted to return to England and tell her I'd be coming back to Hogwarts with her. No, I couldn't do that. I couldn't simply return to Hogwarts, hang out with my friends, play Quidditch and go to school. I couldn't go back. "Yes, I'm sure."

"I believe you." He replied, "Now, remember your mission. We need to make friends, to have more allies to call upon when the time comes. That is the most important thing… so don't push. Just do your best."

I nodded. "I'll try."

"That's all I can ask. Now, I suppose you should get on your way." He smiled.

"Right now?"

"No sense in waiting. You're packed, you're prepared – you might as well get going."

I was nervous. But I knew I needed to go. I smiled at the rest of them and headed out of the cabin to the front of the house where the car was waiting.

"See you in a couple weeks." Esme gave me a hug.

"Take care of yourself." Carlisle added.

"Don't forget your training." Jasper said.

"Don't forget that fashion fits in any environment." Alice added.

"And take care of my wife." Emmett teased as he gave Rosalie another one last embarrassingly graphic kiss. "But not too good of care."

"I don't think you have any worries there." I replied.

"I know you can do this, Cedric, but good luck anyway." Dumbledore said. "We'll be in touch."

And with our final farewells, Rosalie and I got in the car.

"Oh, wait," Emmett called out as I was about to put the car in drive.

I rolled down the window, "What?"

He was back in an instant, "Here" He handed me what I now recognized as an iPod and some wiring. "You can't go on a road trip without tunes. Just hit play. I've organized the entire trip."

"Wow, thanks." I replied staring blankly at the various ends trying to make sense of what to do with them.

"Give me that." Rosalie snarled beside me, taking it from my hands and connecting it to the car. After some fiddling with the switches, the music started as I drove away waving. She smirked and muttered "idiot" under her breath as the opening strains filled the car with some heavy rock music. I didn't understand why until I heard the lyrics:

"American woman, stay away from me. American woman, mama let me be…"

Brilliant.