It had taken three days for all the principles involved in the Rambaldi drama to come to an agreement on the time and place to meet. The Americans had been approached by MI-6 director Phillip Scofield, and while reluctant at first, Director Kendall was soon made to see the wisdom in a full on collaboration with British Intelligence. Jack, Sydney and Kendall had taken a private jet from Los Angeles to a classified military base outside of London. When the three agents disembarked off the plane, they were greeted by Scofield and Edmund Oberon, Head of MI-5, but it was the third person in the party that had garnered the most surprise. When Sydney saw Sark, her first reaction was to suspect some sort of trap, but when Chief Scofield apprised the Bristow's and Kendall of Sark's true allegiance, Sydney was stunned.
On the ride to their destination, Sydney sat with Sark and his direct superior while her father went in another car with Chief Oberon and Director Kendall. Sark just held her gaze as she stared angrily at him, with her arms folded in front of her. "So, you're MI-6?" Sydney asked harshly.
"Yes, Agent Bristow, I work for the British Foreign Intelligence Service. I have since the age of 18."
At this confession Sydney's eyes widened and she looked over to Chief Scofield for confirmation.
"What Mr. Sark is telling you is the truth Agent Bristow. We recruited Julian at the age of 17, when he finished his A levels with perfect marks. His aptitude tests were off the charts and since he had no family to speak of, he was a prime candidate for recruitment."
"You were recruited at seventeen?" Sydney asked astonished. Sark only nodded. "My mother died when I was nine, and my father was not in the picture. I'd had no other family, so I was sent to a boys orphanage outside of Kent, where I was raised. When Chief Scofield came to recruit me I was seventeen but didn't start my formal training until a year later. By the age of seventeen I could roughly speak six languages, and the orphanage matron identified me for recruitment. I was more than willing to do whatever I needed in order to leave that place. I've never regretted my decision nor have I ever second guessed the things I've had to do in the course of my work until very recently."
"And what could possibly cause the great Mr. Sark to have regrets?" Sydney asked mockingly.
Sark just raised an eyebrow appraisingly but didn't offer any more information. Sydney sat there in the car and went over every interaction she'd ever had with Sark. As she dissected through all their encounters, one thing became crystal clear. "It was you who gave the information about Andre Micheaux to my father?" Julian made eye contact and nodded once. "Why would you do something like that Sark? You'd had to have known that it might compromise your cover?"
Julian sighed and looked Sydney squarely in the eye. "You had suffered needlessly at the hands of Arvin Sloane when he had your fiancé killed. You are an excellent operative Sydney but you are far too trusting of others. I didn't want you to fall into a similar situation with Agent Vaughn. Your mother's intentions are dubious at best, and while I'm sure she cares for you, she cares for power more. She'd turned herself into the CIA with the express purpose of gaining access to Echelon, gaining your trust was just a secondary benefit. She also wanted to know how much of Rambaldi's endgame the CIA was privy too."
Sydney shook her head in disbelief. "You're saying my mother is using me?"
Sark sighed, beginning to become bored with the conversation. "Agent Bristow, you are showing your naïveté once again if you seriously think your mother would've somehow, after 20 years, suddenly see the error of her ways. Irina Derevko has only been interested in one thing, and that's power and the ability to keep it."
Sydney stared long and hard at Sark, and seeing the sincerity in his eyes she nodded once and turned to look out the window. Her mother's motives weren't exactly a mystery to her, but to hear it put so bluntly, so succinctly, did something to Sydney and any remaining hope she'd had died within her at that precise moment. She didn't move or respond, or show any change in emotion from what Sark could see, but he watched as the life dimmed from her eyes, and he felt his heart constrict at the thought that he had crushed what remaining hope Sydney held for her mother.
The remainder of the car ride was met with silence, each person lost in their own thoughts. When the car finally came to a stop, the sky was dark and the lights on the street were extinguished, which Julian thought odd. Jack, Kendall and Edmund were standing just inside a gate at the middle of the road leading to a park. Once they were in the park, the remaining lights in the neighborhood instantly darkened and Sark felt the hairs on the back of his neck warn him that they were not alone in here.
Right before he was about to pull his gun, a voice he recognized said firmly, "I wouldn't do that if I were you Sark." Looking up, Sark came face to face with Draco Malfoy, who was standing next to Theodore Nott, Mia's brother. The surprised looks on the Americans faces did little to comfort Sark, but he nodded all the same.
"Mr. Malfoy, perhaps we should move inside, as I'm sure everyone is anxious to get this meeting over with." Stated Edmund Oberon. Malfoy gave one last glare towards Sark, and then moved the Muggles to the other end of the park. Once they'd reached the gate, Draco tapped something that looked strangely like a broom, on the pavement three times. The sight that greeted the Muggles was nothing short of amazing. The building in front of them expanded and suddenly a town home that wasn't there before...was. Sydney looked at her father whom rarely showed much emotion, but even Jack Bristow was impressed.
When the building had come into view, the two strangers took the Muggles into the house, which had a long narrow hallway. As they moved down into a basement area, a doorway presented itself and inside was a kitchen, with a long table in the center and comfortable chairs lining the sides and ends. Sitting at the far end was a tall, black man who was wearing colorful robes and an interesting hat, he smiled warmly. Next to him, standing to his left was a young man with black hair and startling green eyes. He nodded once, but didn't smile. On the right of the large man was another black man who was much younger, impeccably dressed and staring in open dislike at the group that had entered the room.
Kingsley stood from his seat and made his way over to Edmund Oberon. "Welcome Edmund, perhaps you might take care of the introductions."
"Of course. Kingsley Shacklebolt, allow me to introduce my counterpart in the foreign intelligence service, Phillip Scofield, Head of MI-6. His top operative Julian Sark. (A few eyes widened at the mention that Julian worked for MI-6). Deputy Director Kendall of the American Department of Special Research, a branch of their National Security Agency. Central Intelligence officers Jack and Sydney Bristow." Kingsley nodded and shook each persons hand, then introduced them to everyone on his team. "We are still waiting on one person I'm afraid, she was researching something important and will be here shortly."
Sydney didn't miss the way that Sark stiffened at the mention of this mystery woman. As everyone sat, and tea was served, a seat remained empty to the left of Kingsley Shacklebolt until a sound was heard from outside the room and a moment later, a beautiful young woman dressed in a stunning navy dress and silver heels, walked into the room. All the men's eyes were on her as she walked over to the head of the table and apologized for being late. As she sat, her eyes caught Sark's and the look of recognition was palpable. Sydney was intrigued by this new person. She was petite, but radiated a power unlike anything Sydney had ever felt before. Her eyes were battle-hardened and possessed a deep intelligence. How in the world did Sark know this woman, and why did the way he was looking at her cause burning jealousy to simmer in Sydney's gut?
"Please excuse my tardiness gentleman, and Lady"...Hermione smiled stiffly at Sydney, an expression not missed by Julian. "I was just grabbing a few things for our meeting."
"Please allow me to introduce Hermione Granger Nott. As some of you are aware, but all will be by the end of the evening, the reason you are here is to discuss the threat of Rambaldi. What some of you are unaware of, is that Milo Rambaldi was part of our community at one time. My formal title is Minister of Magic, and we reside in secret magical enclaves that are hidden within the British community."
Jack Bristow looked dubiously at the Minister of Magic. "I'm sorry Sir, and I mean no disrespect...but magic does not exist."
"Then tell me how this home exists, Mr. Bristow?" Sneered the aristocratic blonde sitting next to the petite woman on his right. Hermione put her hand on Draco's arm, a gesture immediately caught by Julian, who was scope-locked on the markings on the woman's left ring finger. Seeing where Julian's gaze had landed, Hermione blushed again but the blonde, Draco Malfoy looked over at Julian with a triumphant smirk on his face, which caused Sark to glower hatefully at the other man.
Hermione took out her beaded bag and proceeded to place her arm all the way to the shoulder into the bag, moved around and took out several objects...a box, a book and some documents. When they all had a moment to look at the items, everyone could clearly see they were Rambaldi in origin. Jack Bristow just shrugged as if he wasn't convinced, so Hermione stood up and immediately transformed herself into her animagus, which caused everyone around the table to gasp in shocked surprise except for Sark, who just had a ridiculous little smirk on his face, as if he wasn't surprised at all. When everyone settled back into their seats, Draco turned to whisper something in Hermione's ear, which caused her to nod once and glare at the her fiancé in exasperation.
Politely, she turned to face Jack Bristow and smiled. "Are you convinced now, Mr. Bristow?" Jack could only nod in shock while a few people chuckled softly. "I do apologize for startling you in such a way, but time is of the essence and I would really not wish to waste it debating the merits of magical theory."
Jack smirked and nodded once. "I apologize if I've offended you Miss Nott. I've seen many things in my life, but you'll have to forgive me if it takes me a while to wrap my mind around this."
Hermione laughed softly, making her face glow. "It is quite all right. I'd imagine it feels a bit like falling down the rabbit hole."
At the mention of her favorite book, Sydney nodded slowly. "I do feel a bit like Alice right now. We are even having tea, is there a Mad Hatter around somewhere I'm not aware of?" At that exact moment, Kreacher popped into the kitchen and started complaining about filthy Muggles and how his poor mistress would be so upset, ruining the Ancient of Noble House of Black. Harry barked at the creature, who popped out of the room as quickly as he came, and Sydney couldn't help herself, she laughed joyfully, to which Hermione joined her in on the joke and like that the ice was broken between the two women.
"Please forgive Kreacher, he is a House Elf and doesn't have any contact with those outside the Magical community." Hermione offered kindly.
The Muggles just shook their heads in amused disbelief, then Sark spoke up. "Perhaps It would be best to begin discussion about why we are here." He said it a bit more forcefully than intended and didn't miss the way Mia blushed and dropped her eyes uncomfortably. Julian knew he shouldn't feel upset nor jealous. He and Mia had made no promises and things had taken a turn before they could define anything. But inside he was hurt...deep down. He cared for Mia, more than he'd ever cared for anyone and he didn't think that his Mia would've treated what they'd shared so dismissively, although if Julian was honest, he had pretty much dismissed her that night on the boat by not being open. Shaking the useless thoughts out of his head, he looked up to see Malfoy staring at him as if he wanted to throttle him. Julian just smirked back.
Hermione sighed inwardly. She'd expected that Julian might be here tonight, but she now wished more than ever that she'd ended things properly before this meeting. She'd never wanted to hurt Julian intentionally, and despite his years of training she could see the confused hurt behind his eyes as he looked at her. She looked at him pleadingly, hoping he'd understand and would give her a chance to explain after their meeting. The former lovers shared a look, and Julian nodded once, which made Hermione smile and Sydney felt that same twinge of jealousy flare inside her gut.
Draco for his part, was trying to be the supportive fiancé. He knew he didn't have anything to worry about. Hermione loved him and he loved her. But seeing the smug Muggle, Draco just wanted to hex him, but he knew his princess wouldn't appreciate it.
"Of course." Hermione stated firmly. "Our Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt has asked you to work with us on the Rambaldi issue. For those of you who aren't aware, Milo Rambaldi was a wizard born in the fifteenth century. He was obsessed with Non-magical culture, or Muggle culture as we call it here. He was what we in the magical community might consider a Dark Wizard. He used all manner of spells and potions in an effort to extend his life. We believe that he was at least partially successful in his endeavor and that is why organizations such as the Covenant, the Alliance and the now defunct Prophet 5 were after his works. On the table is a box, the runes are magical in origin which offers the box protective charms, and the box could not be opened without the corresponding magical keys, each with its own unique magical signature. At least until now. Part of the reason I was late was in researching the box, I was able to determine that the runes were in fact, the basis for a genetic code, or marker. Once I was able to determine the primer, I was able to decode all of Rambaldi's texts in our possession."
Theo smiled at his sister. "So you were able to decode it after all?"
Hermione smiled back. "It was a bit of trial and error, but once I figured out the primer, the rest fell into place."
Phillip Scofield looked at the little witch and smiled warmly. "Miss Nott, I have heard of your brilliance from my colleague, but I must admit I am at a loss. How long have you been working on the Rambaldi issue within your Ministry?"
The smug looks that passed around the table from those within the Magical community made Sydney give her father a look of disbelief. Hermione gently cleared her throat and said calmly, "about three weeks total, Mr. Scofield."
"Bloody hell!" Edmund Oberon murmured under his breath, to which Kendall just nodded in awe.
Hermione tried to ignore the heated look she was receiving from Julian and pushed on with her explanation. "I was able to open the box and according to our records, it should've carried something Rambaldi referred to as the Passenger, but there was only a tiny vial of liquid. When I analyzed it, it contained DNA, which I've assumed to be Rambaldi's DNA. So I've worked out two theories. One, is that this DNA was meant to be used with Miss Bristow's eggs, to create a child that would be implanted into a host. This 'Passenger' would be seen as the second coming of Rambaldi, an idea that we found written throughout his texts. The wizard saw himself as some sort of Prophet, and from what we understand, wrote some sort of codex about a 'chosen one.' Initially it was thought this person was Irina Derevko, but I've come to believe it is you Miss Bristow."
Sydney looked at the younger woman, who clearly had done her research into this and nodded once looking over at Kendall accusingly. The man cleared his throat and spoke. "We have also come to that conclusion. The DSR took custody of Agent Bristow a while back and ran numerous tests on her, with her implied consent. She was able to obtain a page in Rambaldi's journal that identified the chosen one. When the tests were complete, we had definitive proof that Sydney was the one the prophecy foretold."
Hermione rolled her eyes, looking over at Harry who just chuckled, drawing attention to himself.
"Sorry, it's just I spent the better part of my life being called the exact same thing. You'd think someone would come up with a better moniker than the 'chosen one."
Blaise snickered. "Yeah, like the Boy-who-Lived-died-and then Lived again."
Amused chuckles were heard over the table while the Americans just looked perplexed. "I am sure that is a story we would most like to hear someday." Commented Jack Bristow.
Harry just shrugged and looked to his best friend who smiled lovingly at him. "Sure, if we deal with this Rambaldi mess, I'd be happy to swap war stories with you Mr. Bristow."
Jack nodded and looked back to the young Englishwoman who seemed to have all the male eyes in the room focused solely on her, including Mr. Sark. Jack thought this new development was intriguing, but looking at his daughter, he was fairly certain she didn't share the sentiment.
"As I was saying," Hermione smirked, "Miss Bristow, I believe that the Rambaldi symbol on the box is representative of your mother, you and this Passenger." Lifting her hand in the air, the rune on the box that showed the eye of Rambaldi appeared. "The circle in the center represents Rambaldi, or the second coming of Rambaldi. The two signs on either side are pagan symbols denoting two women, or the wombs of two women. Through both of these women, Rambaldi can come forth. I have done extensive research on this and I have come to believe that this is one of two sources of Rambaldi DNA."
"And the second source?" Julian inquired.
"That is my second theory, Rambaldi himself." Hermione replied.
The looks of astonishment and disbelief covered the faces of those present. "Miss Nott, are you implying that Milo Rambaldi is still alive?" Chief Oberon asked incredulously.
Hermione sighed and nodded. "Sir, in the magical world there are items that can extend a wizards life indefinitely. One such magic is very heinous and dark in nature. In our recent magical war here in Britain, The Order of the Phoenix of which Kingsley, Harry and I were members, fought against a Dark Wizard who had created these items. It took Harry and I a year on the run before we were able to find them all and destroy them, before Harry could kill the wizard."
"I wasn't aware there was a magical war going on Miss Nott." Jack Bristow stated clearly.
"You wouldn't have. But there were several incidents that were put down as terrorist attacks. The destruction of the Milennium Bridge in London for example, on June 24th 1996. It was destroyed by a group of supporters of the Dark Lord Voldemort, they called themselves Death Eaters."
Draco grimaced and Hermione grabbed his hand under the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He looked at her fondly, which wasn't missed by any of the group. "You were a Death Eater?" Julian sneered menacingly.
Draco returned the glare and nodded once. "My father had been sent to prison and I was left to protect my mother at sixteen. The Dark Lord threatened to kill her if I didn't take the Mark. Everything I did during that time was to protect my mother. Tell me Sark, if your mother was still alive, wouldn't you have done anything to protect her?"
Julian's nostrils flared in anger and Hermione could see it was taking all his strength not to lash out at Draco. Hermione gave her fiancé a reproving look, but he just stared back at her unrepentant. Sydney, seeing Julian's distress, reached for his hand under the table and gave him a reassuring squeeze of support, which he returned without breaking eye contact with the blonde wizard across from him.
"I think we can save the personal taunts for another time Mr. Malfoy." Sydney spoke forcefully glaring at the blonde. "While we could debate the merits of good and evil until the world ends, I doubt it is going to help us solve the issue at hand. So I suggest you rein in your temper, or I will do it for you."
Draco's eyes widened and then he smirked at the brunette Muggle who was glaring at him angrily. "Perhaps another time, Miss Bristow."
Hermione's face didn't change but she shifted her hand into her animagus form and dug her claws into Draco's hand, causing the wizard to flinch in pain. She smirked at her intended while he raised an eyebrow back in challenge, his eyes promising retribution. Draco silently healed himself, while his friends were chuckling to themselves, and scourgified the blood from his hands and trousers. His witch was a hellcat.
"As I was saying..." Hermione primly went on, "Wizards have developed ways to extend their life, and I believe Rambaldi was no different. He invented something called 'the horizon' which my research has shown, was likely how he was able to cheat death."
Kingsley looked towards Hermione and asked, "What exactly is the Horizon, Hermione?"
"I believe it is some kind of regenerative DNA potion that allows the users body to do just that, regenerate. Everything I've studied has led me to this conclusion. The question remains as to the Horizons location, and I believe when we find that, we find Rambaldi."
The Muggles in the room looked at the little witch in astonishment. "So if this is true, why hasn't Rambaldi shown himself?" Phillip Scofield asked.
Hermione sighed. "Milo Rambaldi was what we in the magical world call a Seer. He could see things that might happen in the future. He was powerful and sought like-minded individuals to his side. Theo's and my ancestor was one such woman. Rambaldi had wanted to marry our ancestor, Amariel Siobhan Nott. When she refused, he cursed our family line. I am the first witch born to the Ancient and Noble House of Nott in over 400 years. My biological father believed me to not have any magical powers when I was born, what we would call a squib. Convinced the curse was active within me, he sent me to live with Muggles. During our war, I was forced to remove all memories from my adoptive parents and send them to another part of the world for their own safety. They died before I could lift the memory charms, but I'd found out in their will I was adopted and the Minister helped me track down my biological parents."
The looks of utter astonishment on the Muggles faces caused Hermione to dip her head and blush in shame. Draco gently took her hand and kissed the back of it in comfort, causing Hermione to smile shakily at him in thanks. Clearing her throat Hermione went on. "A few weeks ago, I had an incident where I fell into a magical coma and received a vision of my ancestor Amariel. She told me indirectly of the Horizon, and more specifically, her relationship with Rambaldi. My family curse was broken through me, which if Rambaldi's alive, he would likely have knowledge of. The documents on the table, discuss the Horizon and something called a sacred pool. I've speculated that the sacred pool and the horizon have to work together to confirm immortality. And if I had to hazard a guess, I would assume the pool would be buried as part of Rambaldi's tomb."
Director Kendall looked at the young woman with an appraising eye. "Do you have any idea where this tomb might be?"
Hermione sighed. "No, nothing in my research has indicated a location. It's not in Italy, that we have ascertained. So that leaves the rest of the world."
Sydney thought back on everything she had learned about Milo Rambaldi. While it wasn't much, one thing did stand out. "When I was recruited into the CIA to work as a double agent against SD-6, my handler, Michael Vaughn, showed me a chart of SD-6...there was a code on it...Leo-47 Norte."
Hermione looked at Draco and together the two were whispering to each other. When they had finished their conversation, Hermione nodded and smiled at Sydney. "The code represents athrimantic coordinates, which if I remember my calculations correctly, place the Horizon somewhere in Vancouver, Canada."
Julian nodded. "There is a bank there that was used by Andre Micheaux, an alias of Michael Vaughn's. My guess...there is probably a safety deposit box in his name, and it is there we might find the Horizon."
Hermione nodded looking at Kingsley expectantly. Kingsley gestured to his muggle counterparts and offered a solution. "I can arrange to send a small team to Vancouver immediately. The only question is, is there anyway to get ahold of Mr. Vaughn's DNA?"
"Why?" Sydney wondered.
"Because we can use a potion to transfigure one of our Aurors into Michael Vaughn or Andre Micheaux." Offered Kingsley.
"Michael Vaughn's belongings are in CIA holding. I can access it and get what we need. I'm assuming a hairbrush would prove sufficient?"
Kingsley nodded. "Time is of the essence so perhaps Mr. Bristow, you might return to Los Angeles and get the required item. If Mr. Sark and Miss Bristow need to accompany you, please do so. I will make arrangements to procure what we need on our end. My team will meet you in Vancouver in three days time, at a safe house of your choosing."
All in the room agreed to the plan and as Kingsley made his way across the room to say goodbye and give his thanks to each member of the Muggle contingent, Hermione just stared at Julian awkwardly.
"Sir, if it would be alright, I would like to remain here momentarily." Julian spoke softly to his boss, who nodded kindly in return. "I will make your jet available to you Julian whenever your ready to leave the country."
Jack moved across the room and shook Julian's hand, which just got him a smirk for his trouble. Sydney moved over by her father, watching Julian closely. "I can stay if you need me to, Sark. Backup might come in handy with this crowd." She smirked impishly which caused Julian to smile fondly in return. "I wasn't aware I needed backup Agent Bristow, but you're more than welcome to stay if you feel my skills aren't warranted adequately for this situation."
Sydney chuckled, smiling widely at Julian. "I can't speak to all of your skills Mr. Sark, but I'm sure they're adequate for any task. I'm just offering my help in case it's needed."
"Well, perhaps that is a discussion for another time Sydney." Sydney blushed which caused Julian to smirk knowingly. Looking up he saw Mia's eyes focused on the two of them, while her brother, best friend and whatever-he-was-now, were standing there glaring at him in open dislike.
Mia turned around and whispered something to the three men. Draco and Theo shook their heads but Harry just grabbed them both by the arms and ushered them out of the kitchen. Sydney gave Julian one last look before she too, moved to follow the three men out of the room.
The silence that permeated the room was deafening and Hermione could feel Julian's electric blue gaze boring into her, while she refused to look at him directly. Soon enough, she heard steps coming closer and felt a gentle hand lift her chin up, so that she had no choice but to look Julian in the eye.
"You're furious with me, aren't you?" Whispered Hermione uncomfortably.
Julian sighed. "Not as such, no. I'm confused Mia, and hurt. I know our last rendezvous didn't end well, and I know I hurt you by being less than honest with my intentions. Was this a measure of retribution, because I honestly didn't think you were that kind of woman my Mia."
Hermione sighed sadly and didn't protest when Julian took her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his waist and just breathed in his comforting scent. Looking up into his blue eyes that were filled with emotion, Hermione moved out of his embrace and took his hand, walking towards the back staircase and up to the smaller library where no one but herself ever ventured into. Julian looked around in awe and then looked back at Mia who was watching him with deep concern in her eyes. He could see her fighting not to cry, and out of instinct he went over and gathered her into his arms.
"Talk to me Mia. Help me to understand what happened. The last time I saw you, you were unconscious and unresponsive. I was afraid I'd done something to push you to such a state. Now almost two weeks later, you are engaged to another man, if I'm correct in what these Celtic markings on both your fingers represent?"
Mia nodded awkwardly. "Julian, it was never my intention to hurt you. I care for you deeply and want you to be happy. But can you honestly say that during the times we were apart your focus was on only me, or was it on someone else?"
Julian glowered momentarily before he sighed in resignation. "My job is such that it requires me to be focused at all times. A lack of such would mean my death Mia. But I know of what you're speaking and I can't in all honesty tell you that there is not an attraction that exists between Sydney and myself."
"And I'm sure Julian, that the sudden unmasking of Agent Vaughn was completely altruistic on your part as well?" Mia smirked and Julian shook his head.
"You know I'm not altruistic by nature, my Mia. But perhaps it was easy for us to have what we did because we both knew, on some subconscious level that we are from two different worlds, and there was little chance of our relationship progressing much beyond amazing sex."
Hermione laughed. "It was pretty amazing. You brought me back to life Julian and for that I'll always be grateful. I just want you to be honest with yourself about what it is you need and want. I'd realized I had spent the better part of my life running from what I wanted because on some level I didn't think I'd ever be enough."
"And now you are?" Julian asked.
"I'm enough for me, and I've learned to accept myself. Draco is not perfect, and he irritates me as much as he excites me. But there has always been a connection, an attraction. It took us both going though a lot of pain to get where we are, and I love him. I've always loved him, even at his worst. Isn't that what unconditional love is supposed to be?"
"I don't know my Mia. As I once shared with you, I've never experienced the emotion. The closest I've come is with you."
Hermione smiled impishly. "I don't think that's true. You've spent an inordinate amount of time watching over and protecting a woman who was your adversary, and now you have the chance to let her get to know the Julian I know. The one who is thoughtful, caring and an amazing lover. I saw the way she was looking at you in there, and whether Sydney Bristow realizes it or not, she has feelings for you. Perhaps it was forbidden because she thought you were on opposite sides, but now that she knows your not..." Hermione finished, smiling up at Julian who just raised an eyebrow mockingly.
"You are trouble my Mia. I knew from the beginning you were trouble." Julian smirked, causing Hermione to laugh.
"You can handle trouble Mr. Lazeray. Go and find your happiness Julian, and don't let your training stop you from finally admitting what it is you want and need."
Julian leant over and gave Hermione a gentle peck on the lips. "You be happy, my Mia. If Draco Malfoy ever hurts you again, you will come to me and I will take care of it."
"Draco does love me Julian, and I can take care of myself. But thank you for caring, it means the world to me. You mean the world to me, you always will." Taking a coin out of her bag, Hermione gave it to Julian. "This is a charmed galleon. Hold it and say my name and I will know you need me. I can apparate to wherever you are."
Julian smiled widely and hugged Mia to him closely. "Be safe, My Mia."
"I will Julian, and I'm sure we will see each other again before this whole Rambaldi mess is over."
"Of that I have no doubt." Julian stood up and gave his Mia a smile and wink, and moved back down the way in which they had come, until he reached the kitchen. He was unsurprised to find Draco Malfoy waiting for him. The wizard looked unaffected, but Julian could tell by the look in his eyes he was anything but.
"You have nothing to worry about Mr. Malfoy, Mia explained everything to me. Apparently she loves you despite how deplorably you treated her when you were children. So let me make one thing crystal clear before I leave this place," Julian walked right into Draco's space as blue stared down grey in a silent challenge. "You ever hurt Mia the way you did, you ever stand by and watch her get hurt, you ever stop treating her as she deserves...I will know it and I will come for you."
Draco looked at the Muggle who was staring at him, coiled and ready to strike and Draco knew that Julian Sark would see him dead if he ever hurt Hermione again. "Of that you have nothing to worry about. I love Hermione, more than my own life. It may have taken me a while to acknowledge it to myself, but I'm never letting her go. She is everything to me."
Julian watched the emotion displayed on the younger man's face and nodded once in response. When he made to move out of the room, Draco's voice stopped him. "Don't make the same mistake I did Sark. Don't deny yourself what you want because you think it might be too hard, or too inconvenient. Love doesn't work that way. It took me almost losing Hermione to you, to see what was always right in front of me. Don't make that same mistake or you'll regret it for the rest of your life."
Julian looked back at lifted an eyebrow in response before nodding once and leaving the room. As he walked down the hall, he saw Sydney waiting for him with a concerned look on her face. He nodded once to her and together they moved out of the house and into the street. Looking at his watch Julian noticed the time. It was almost five am in the morning. Moving through the open gate and into the park, Julian walked to the other side where the car was waiting for him and Sydney. He opened the car door for her and she smiled her thanks. When he moved to the other side and got in, he told the driver to head for the airport. There was no reason to stay in London any longer, any attachments he'd had were now gone.