Dawn of the Phoenix: Cedric goes to Forks
Story and Characters owned by
Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling
Story Adaptation by Erica K. Bailey
Chapter 29: Unraveled
Expressions of shock and anger registered across the faces of the Cullen family. Rosalie stiffened up and glared back at them looking more like a vampire then I'd ever seen her. She folded her arms around Bella protectively. Edward's expression continued to shift from incredulous to angry and finally to complete despair. It was as if I could see his heart breaking. Suddenly he fell to the floor. Carlisle ran to his side and helped him up.
As much as I wanted to go to him and help, I knew I was at the end of my control over my faculties. I ran to the washroom without a word. I couldn't even stop the moan as I relieved myself. The muggle next to me looked at me curiously. I wished I had some cleaver come back to cover my odd behavior, but nothing came to my head other then the pleasure of having an empty bladder. I washed up and returned to the Cullens.
Rosalie, Bella and Emmett had left, likely in my car. Edward was sitting in quiet conversation with Carlisle, Esme standing by his side, absently running her fingers through his hair. Alice was looking miserable off to the side in Jasper's embrace. I couldn't feel the affect of Jasper's power and realized he must not be using it. I wondered why.
Edward lifted his face to me as I approached. He suddenly looked very old… Not that his face was weathered or his hair grey, but that a shadow had fallen on his face and the dark circles under his eyes took on a darker appearance. The worry frown seemed to have taken up permanent residence on his forehead.
"What do you know of this?" He asked. There was no accusation or anger, simply a weary hopelessness that had taken over his entire appearance.
"Edward, I am just as bewildered as you. More so, I'm sure. I still don't know what is going on."
He sighed, "Why don't you tell me what you do know."
I recalled Rosalie's manic state as she insisted upon our leaving, our mad-rushed drive back without stopping, how she said next to nothing the entire way, ending with our appearance here. I wondered where to start, but before I said anything, he nodded sadly.
"Bella's pregnant." He said gravely. His head fell into his hands, "I should have never…" his voice broke into a sob. I've never heard Edward cry before, but tearless sobs shook his body.
"Perhaps we should get home." Carlisle said softly. "Cedric, Rosalie took Bella and left with Emmett in my Mercedes. Your car is likely where you left it. You can follow us."
"I'll go with Cedric." Edward suddenly said with a ferocity that surprised not only me.
Carlisle paused for a moment, looking at Edward intently, then nodded, reached for Esme and began heading for the exit. Jasper guided Alice after them. She still looked miserable. Edward just got up and walked lifelessly. I fell in step beside him as we walked to the valet parking.
I got in the drivers side. Edward didn't argue. He just climbed in the front seat beside me. The car was still running, barely. It didn't sound good. I grimly wondered if the 15 plus hours of manic driving had anything to do with that. I hoped we'd make it home.
"Start at the beginning." Edward murmured.
I looked back at him surprised, then quickly back at the road as I felt the car swerve. How did they do that?
"Think back to this morning. Go through it moment by moment. Try to think of every last detail." He said.
I understood now why he wanted to come with me. He was searching for a reason for the madness that had taken over both our lives in less then twenty-four hours. I had so many questions. Bella was pregnant? How was that even possible? And wasn't it too early to know anyway? They were only gone just over two weeks. Didn't it take a month or more?
He sighed heavily. "We don't know why or how… I didn't think it was possible. But Carlisle and Bella are very certain she is pregnant with my… with that thing I put in there." He didn't look up once. "There are legends… myths… horror stories about creatures like me… creatures who impregnate innocent women."
"What happens-"
"They die" He spat out, "The demon spawn will claw its way out, killing her from the inside out…" he hissed. "now, please, Cedric, please – go back to this morning… what happened?"
He seemed so desperate to understand. I tried very hard to focus on what had transpired over the past day and push the flood of questions about everything that had happened out of my mind. It was hard. The questions seemed so much louder than the memories.
The car began clunking loudly when we reached Forks. By the time we pulled up the Cullen's driveway it didn't sound good at all. As I put it in park, it sort of coughed and the engine died. I turned the key in the ignition a few times. Nothing happened.
"Rosalie burned out the engine." Edward said tonelessly, "In her rush to end Bella's life, she killed your car as well."
He got out of the car and walked toward the house. There was something disturbing about watching him like this. He was too still, as if he had no life left in him. He didn't even move like a vampire.
"Where's my wife." He asked as he walked in the house.
"She's with Rosalie." Emmett replied.
"Where are they, Emmett" Edward hissed.
He handed Edward a silver phone. "Where are you, Rosalie?"
There was a moment of silence as he listened to her response. His face blanched.
"Her b… what? Rosalie. That is no baby she's carrying. It's monster. A creature from hell. It will only kill her." He begged, "Please, Rosalie. I need to talk to her."
Edward growled. I guessed the response was in the negative. Carlisle held out his hand for the phone.
"Rosalie." Carlisle said calmly, eyeing Edward, "We won't do anything, but in fairness to both Edward and Bella, I think we need to have some open dialogue."
Edward anxiously looked over at Carlisle motioning for the phone, but he shook his head.
"Rosalie, I would never do anything against my patient's wishes. You know that. But I need to speak with her." His low tone was stead and serious.
Edward's face fell at Carlisle's words. But Carlisle finally sighed in relief and clicked the phone shut. "She's on her way."
A few moments later, Rosalie walked in from the back, carrying Bella in her arms. "Bella." Edward choked as he reached for her. Rosalie's arms were suddenly around Bella like a cage as she growled ferociously.
"Rosalie." Carlisle warned, "Edward won't do anything to hurt her or the embryo."
"I don't know that." She hissed back. "He's faster then any of us. He could take her and get away faster then we could follow."
Edward was looked at Bella, pain in his eyes. She looked back at him, just as sad. "I won't hurt you." He was begging. "Please Bella."
She sighed, "Rosalie, let me down so we can talk."
"I'm not leaving." Rosalie warned as she set Bella down on the sofa and set herself beside her.
Edward crumbled to his knees in front of the sofa, burying his head in her lap. "Bella" he said as his arms reached toward her.
"Watch it." Rosalie hissed.
"I can hold my own wife." He hissed back.
Bella wound her fingers through his hair. "It's going to be alright." She said softly. "I know you think this is the end, but it's not… It's the beginning…"
He shook his head in her lap, but said nothing.
"Bella." Carlisle said seriously, "You need to make a fully informed decision."
"I've made my decision." She said stubbornly.
Tension drew across Edward's shoulders. "Please." He begged.
She sighed, "I'll listen… but I'm not changing my mind."
"We don't know what we're dealing with here." Carlisle said, "Bella, you don't know what is in there. If you want the… baby… to be healthy, I need to do some tests to see what I can find out about it. For instance, why you are so far along in your pregnancy. If we don't know that, I can't help you."
She paused for a minute. "What kind of tests?'
"I'd like to take some blood work, try an ultrasound, put you on a monitor, do a full examination…"
"Can Rosalie come with me?" she asked. Edward sat up again, staring into her face.
"Of course." Carlisle replied, "Both Edward and Rosalie can be present during the tests. I have some equipment upstairs I'd like to try first. If need be, I might bring some things from the hospital."
She nodded and started to get up. Instantly both Rosalie and Edward were at either side. She sighed. "What do I need to do?" she asked.
"Well, let's first determine you are pregnant." Carlisle said, "I'll need a urine sample."
She smiled slightly, "I guess I can do that on my own." She took the cup from Carlisle's hands and walked to the bathroom. Edward just watched her go, pain stretched across his face.
As soon as the door was closed behind her, Rosalie hissed, "Don't try to fool me, Edward."
His head whipped back around to her, "Me fool you? I think we all know who's been played for the fool here." A growl ripped from his chest.
"Edward, Rosalie… you both need to be calm – for Bella. If the pregnancy is progressing as fast as it would seem, her body is already under a lot of stress."
Edward took a deep breath and stared at the floor. When he looked up, the carefully placed, placid expression was fixed upon his face, only this time it didn't reach his eyes. His eyes were still pure agony.
Bella returned, blushing a little, handing the cup to Carlisle apologetically. He just smiled kindly and said, "it's enough. Now, can we do a proper examination?"
She nodded. Rosalie snapped to her side. Edward follow behind as the group ascended the stairs, presumably to Carlisle's study. I watched them go, feeling for Edward. I couldn't even imagine what he was going through. I glanced around the room, noticing Alice wasn't doing much better.
"Can you see what will happen?" I asked.
She looked up at me miserably, "No." she sighed, "I can't see anything. I've been trying and trying for the last few days. She just got fuzzy and then Edward went into shock. I wasn't sure what was wrong. But since then, Bella's gotten harder and harder to see."
I didn't understand. What would cause that reaction? "Is it because she hasn't really decided to keep the, ah, baby… thing?" I asked awkwardly.
"No" she sounded tense. "If that were the case, she might have several possible futures, or just an uncertain future where I could see her, but nothing that is going on around her… no she's fuzzy… almost like she's disappearing like when she goes to see the wolves."
She sighed again and lifted herself from the couch. I'm going upstairs." Jasper followed her and I was alone with Emmett and Esme. They were both just sitting very, very still. I supposed they could hear what was going on upstairs. A few times Esme sighed, but other then that said nothing.
I suddenly felt exhausted. It was well into the middle of the night. "I'm going to take my bags back to the cabin." I said to no one in particular. For once, none of them jumped up to help. I quietly let myself out. Once outside I risked a levitation spell to remove my things from the trunk of the car and carry them back to the cabin, being careful to take a wide berth around the house. When I got in, I let my things settle in the living room and just went to my room, lay down on the bed fully dressed and went to sleep.
The sun streamed in as I roused from my stupor. What had happened? Was it the day after the wedding? I shook my head a little to remove the grogginess from me. Then it all came flooding back. The little more then two weeks in Denali, Tanya, Rosalie and the crazy trip back, Bella being pregnant…" I rubbed my head as I lifted myself from the bed. I felt terrible, like I'd drunk a tankard of ale last night, only I was exceedingly thirsty, ravenously hungry, exhausted and needing a washroom all at once. That and I had a splitting headache. Well, one of those I could resolve easily enough. I headed for the washroom.
As I made my way to the kitchen to deal with my hunger and thirst I saw my owl. It was perched on the back of one of the chairs, hooting at me in greeting. I was momentarily surprised. I hadn't opened the window Sirius and I normally left open for the owl to come and go. The entire cabin had been closed up during the time I was away. Then I noticed the front door. I hadn't even thought to close it when I came back last night. I shook my head, closed the door and went to the owl.
"Welcome back, owl." I said. Sirius and I had never gotten to name the bird; we'd had to leave so soon after its purchase. Now it just responded to owl. I was surprised to see a letter attached to its leg. Anxiety flooded to my mind as I reached for the envelope, recognizing the penmanship of the inscription "Cedric". I knew it was from Hermione before I even opened it.
Dear Cedric,
Thank you for your letter. I hope you don't mind. I kept your owl for a few days so I could send you a reply.
I am also sorry for how things ended at the wedding. We needed to return as soon as possible, so I couldn't come find you before we left.
We continue to get things sorted out at the house. It seems much is happening, but of course, we're not privy to most of it.
I miss you too. You have become a very dear friend to me. I hope your time up north was useful.
Your very good friend,
Hermione
PS Just received owl this morning – I made Prefect. And Ron too, if you can imagine. I thought Harry for sure, but he wasn't chosen. Anyway, just thought I'd add that before sending this off.
I stared at the letter. The body of the main letter sounded oddly stand off-ish and vague. The writing was very neat and legible. I supposed the parts about the order and headquarters needed to be vague to ensure security was maintained. I could almost hear Moody say, "constant vigilance." Of course that hadn't been the real Moody who'd said that. The post script, in contrast, was written much more hastily and sounded so much more like Hermione. I could hear the excitement in her voice as I read it and the way she would exclaim her surprise, not realizing she'd just been rude. I smiled as I ran a hand over the parchment, knowing that her hand had been there too.
A prefect… It didn't surprise me. I could imagine her walking down the train in her self-possessed way, the badge fastened to her robes as she spouted off the rules incessantly. It had annoyed me before, how she just knew everything. Now I found it endearing. I imagined she'd be a royal pain for her house mates. I smiled anew at the thought.
Where was she now? I looked at the clock. Oh my! It was six o'clock in the evening. I'd slept the entire day away… what day was it anyway. It took me a moment to figure out. It was August 31st. In a few short hours, she would be boarding the Hogwarts Express. I wished I could be there to see her off.
It was then that I realized the source of my splitting headache. The tone was sounding in my head. Dumbledore had written in the notebook.
I grabbed the notebook and flipped the cover to open to the first empty page. There was a series of entries.
Cedric, I understand you have returned. I would very much like to hear about your visit.
Cedric, please advise when you are available
Hope all is well. Should be in contact shortly.
The last entry was just beginning to form as I pulled my pen to write back
I'm coming
In a moment I heard the familiar sound in the loft and Dumbledore's urgent voice. "Cedric?"
"Down here." I replied hastily, "I just got your messages. I've been asleep."
"And a very sound sleeper you must be." He chuckled, relief sounding in his voice. "I'll admit, I wondered when you didn't respond."
He had made his way down to the living room. "I can't stay long, but I wanted to get an update from you on your trip to Denali." I nodded, "Do you have any tea?"
"Um" I wasn't sure. "I think so. I actually haven't had a chance to get to the kitchen yet." I got up and began rummaging around. I found the kettle still on the stove, the tea pot in the cupboard along with the tea. In a few moments I had a pot of water on its way and began working on something to eat. There wasn't much to work with as I'd been away. However Esme must have found time to put some fresh produce and milk in the ice box. I settled on cucumber sandwiches. I could make something more substantial later.
"Very good." Dumbledore appraised as he ate his share of the sandwiches and drank his tea. "A very nice tea."
"Thank you" I replied, "I could make something more substantial but, to be honest, I haven't eaten since sometime yesterday and I am famished."
"So you've learned to cook." He smiled.
"Kate taught me." I admitted, "She is surprisingly good for someone who doesn't eat."
He smiled, "I thought that might be the case. Not a bad way to begin a friendship. So tell me, how did your visit to Denali go."
"Well." I paused. Where to begin… "I'm not sure. Tanya, who seems to be the leader… well, she is very supportive in a way." Dumbledore chuckled at that, "Kate and I became fast friends. Eleazar and Carman also became good friends by the end. Irina…" how to explain, "Well, Irina and I had a bit of an altercation. She left to think things over… and then I left in such a hurry."
"Yes." Dumbledore said, "I heard about that."
How? How had Dumbledore heard of our departure?
"What happened?"
"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. I think Rosalie got a call from Bella and raced back here to meet up with her and Edward… to protect Bella from Edward…"
He raised a curious eyebrow, "To protect Bella from Edward? But why would she need to do that?"
"Bella thinks she's pregnant." I said flatly.
Dumbledore did little to hide the shock in his face. I shocked me to see him so taken aback. He'd always seemed so omniscient to me. "Let's see." He said, rising quickly.
We made our way over to the main house. There had been a perceptible shift in mood from yesterday. Bella was sitting in a chair in the living room, her feet up on an ottoman. Edward was just handing her a plate of eggs and toast as we walked in the door. Rosalie stood behind her chair like a guard.
Edward's carefully placid expression was in much better shape today. He was somehow able to keep his eyes from displaying the agony that had been drowning them yesterday. I wondered if it was from practice or if something had changed.
"Dumbledore." Bella said excitedly before she turned to the plate of eggs. She attacked them hastily.
For his part, Dumbledore walked over to Edward, placing one hand on his shoulder, shaking his hand with the other. "So good to see you, Edward." He said.
"Good to see you, too" Edward replied, though there was no joy in his voice.
"Dumbledore, I'm so glad you're here." Carlisle exclaimed coming down the steps.
Bella had just finished her meal and looked up sheepishly, "so sorry, Dumbledore. I didn't greet you properly." She moved as if to get up, but Dumbledore quickly halted her.
"Stay there, Bella." he smiled at her kindly, walking over to the chair. He took both her hands in his. "How very lovely to see Mrs. Cullen again."
She blushed. I realized then just how pale she'd looked. I had thought it was from the trip yesterday but I realized now that it was from whatever was growing inside her. I caught Edward wince out of the corner of my eye.
I looked back at Bella who was now smiling broadly at her visitor. Even with the smile she seemed tired and her quick blush was already fading from her cheeks. I glanced down, away from her face. That was when I noticed she already had a small rounded bubble protruding from her waist. It would have been easily hidden with a sweatshirt or loose fitting garment, but it was an obvious bump as if she had a small mixing bowl hidden under her shirt. I hadn't noticed anything yesterday.
As I looked up, I noticed Dumbledore's cautious expression. He must also have noticed her condition. I glanced back at Edward. The despair of yesterday was creeping back into his eyes. It wasn't doing him any good to have me here; thinking all the things that only caused him more worry. I was about to suggest to Dumbledore that we return to the cabin when Edward interrupted.
"No." Edward said, "Stay."
"Perhaps I could have a word with Carlisle." Dumbledore suggested. "Cedric, why don't you join us?"
"I'd appreciate that." Carlisle said, leading us up to his study.
"She is clearly pregnant." Dumbledore said, once we were alone. I knew that every vampire in the house could hear us, so why we were being so secretive was beyond me.
"Yes." Carlisle said, "the tests confirm it, though I haven't been able to get a look at it, or test it the amniotic fluid. It would seem the wall of the sac is impenetrable. I'm going to bring home some more complex equipment from the hospital later tonight, though I'm not very hopeful."
Dumbledore nodded. "And Edward isn't taking this well." He stated.
"No. He is afraid for her life."
Dumbledore nodded. "What is your opinion?"
Carlisle sighed, "This is so far outside my experience. I had no idea it was even possible, although now that I think about some of the myths and legends out there, I should have realized there might be some truth behind them.
"That was what I was thinking." He replied.
"Do you know anything? Would there be anything at Hogwarts." Carlisle suddenly looked anxious in a not quite so glum way.
"I don't know… likely just more myth and legend, though I can look. There is much more in those dusty volumes that I've forgotten then I care to remember."
"And Madam Pomfrey?" Carlisle asked. "She had several potions that encouraged quick healing. Maybe she has something that can help if…"
"I'll ask, though I'm sure this is also out of her experience as well." He said gravely. "Bella appears to be progressing quickly."
"Near as I can tell, she is half way through her second trimester." He replied calmly, "I expect she'll be ready to deliver by mid-month."
Dumbledore paused for a few moments. Then changing topics he said, "So it sounds like Cedric may have made some inroads up in Alaska."
Carlisle smiled, "It does appear that way. With one notable exception, the Denali vampires seem to have warmed to his presence."
"I don't suppose Rosalie would be up to a debriefing at the moment?" Dumbledore asked.
"I suspect not." Carlisle replied, "though feel free to ask her."
"I don't have much time. Perhaps during my next visit." He smiled. It was his signal that the meeting was over. He rose and we followed back down to the living room.
"Leaving so soon?" Bella frowned.
"So sorry. School starts tomorrow… well, later today England time. I must be there to introduce the new faculty and welcome the students." Dumbledore smiled kindly at her, "But I'll be sure to come back and see you soon."
"Would you? I would be so pleased." She smiled warmly back, a little more life appearing in her face.
He leaned over, kissing her cheek gently. "Yes, very soon. But I must be on my way now."
"What do you think?" I asked Dumbledore once we were back in the cabin.
"I think you should return with me to England for a bit. I would like to debrief you, but there is some other information you should be aware of. I think it might be best done back in England."
I brightened... Back to England… Might I see Hermione?
