Chapter Thirty-Five
The moment Hermione's eyes opened, she lay in bed and simply looked around her, noticing the familiar setting of the bedroom she and Morvin had shared during their stay at the Dragon Sanctuary. Relief and joy overcame her at that realization. She was safe. She had made it out of the battle alive.
Covering her face with her hands, she tried to hold her emotions at bay, and thought back to the battle and what she could remember. The last thing she saw before the darkness overtook her was casting a powerful spell that destroyed the enemy army once and for all. She remembered falling to her knees as every piece of energy was drained from her body. She could remember the dead lying on the ground around her as fire burned dangerously close by, and could remember feeling terrified as she waited for death to approach. She remembered that her last thought was of Morvin and how she wished she had gotten the chance to say goodbye to her properly, and to tell her just how much she loved her.
The last thing Hermione remembered however, was a sense of peace and acceptance and for some reason she could recall saying the word Dante, but other than that there was nothing else, it was all just a blur. She couldn't recall how she was saved from the fire and she couldn't remember how she got back to the safety of the Dragon Sanctuary, all she knew was that she had never felt so thankful to be alive in all her life. This wasn't just her second chance at life, this was her third and she was determined to live the rest of eternity to the fullest with her daughter by her side.
Pushing the covers from her body, Hermione sat up and eased herself out of bed. Standing, she expected to feel dizzy or wobbly on her feet, but instead she felt great. Better, in fact, than she had done in a long time.
She slowly made her way towards the tall standalone mirror and gazed at the reflection looking back. Although she looked like herself and felt like herself, there was something different that she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Not wanting to dwell on this feeling for too long, Hermione sighed before walking into the adjoining shower, glad to feel the water spraying across her body. She had forgotten just how good it felt to stand underneath a shower and get clean.
Taking her time to wash her hair and body, she turned the water off then waved her hand across herself to dry. Getting dressed quickly, she walked out of her bedroom in search of her friends.
Even now she still couldn't believe that her friends from the wizarding world had put themselves in danger just to help her and the Volturi army. They could have been seriously hurt or worse ended up dead, all for a fight that wasn't there's. She would have words with them, when she saw them, for their foolish behavior, but knew that she couldn't stay mad at them for too long. How could she when she knew that she would have done exactly the same thing if she had been in their position.
Hermione needed to find out everything that happened, but first she had to make sure that Morvin and Nafeesa were safe. She wasn't sure if Charlie had kept his promise when it came to sending Morvin and Athenodora away. And she didn't know how bad Nafeesa's injuries were and if she survived or not. But these were the things that she desperately needed to find out.
Hermione headed into the main living area to find Harry, Ron, Remus, Mr Weasley, Dumbledore and Severus sitting deep in conversation with Charlie and Phil.
Sensing her presence almost at once, Remus was the first to look up and upon seeing her rose to his feet, a wide grin on his face.
"Hermione." He said coming towards her and enveloping her in a tight hug. "I've never been so glad to smell you again bloodsucker." He said mockingly, earning a punched arm from Hermione.
"Nice to see you too, I wish I could say the same about the wet dog smell however." She replied teasingly, with a large smile on her face and eyes that were shining brightly with happiness.
Since she had left Hogwarts to move to Volterra, she had missed her friends from the wizarding world terribly, so was enjoying the feeling of familiarity that she shared with them. Especially with Remus who she considered her best friend.
"It's nice to have you back with us." Remus said giving her one last squeeze.
"It's nice to be back, but how long was I out for this time?" She asked curiously.
Instead of Remus answering, Charlie began to speak.
"About a week. The full force of the power you used drained you completely, physically as well as magically. You almost didn't survive but we experimented a little on you and luckily it worked." His face turned almost as red as his hair as he spoke. "I hope you don't mind?" He added in quickly.
Hermione frowned at his words, wondering just what he did to her exactly. But the fact was, whatever it was couldn't have been that bad for she was still here with them, so obviously whatever it was had worked.
"What kind of experiment?" She asked taking a seat next to Remus and Dumbledore, who gently took her hand in his and squeezed it.
Hermione gave him a warm smile and a kiss on the cheek in return, before returning her full attention back onto Charlie.
"Well you know how dragon's blood has healing properties in it, and can help to restore magical folk quicker." Without giving her the chance to answer, Charlie quickly carried on with his explanation. "Well we thought that maybe it could help heal you as well, since you're still half witch. So Nafeesa gave us a vial of her blood."
Hermione groaned and ran her fingers through her hair.
"You took blood from Nafeesa, did you at least ask her first?"
Charlie blushed a deeper shade of red then answered,
"Of course I did; I didn't think she would appreciate me just taking it from her."
'Good." Hermione replied knowing how important it was to show Nafeesa respect.
"Anyway after I got the blood, we gave it to you and it worked. You screamed a bit and convulsed, but I think that was the blood reacting to the vampire in you."
Hermione frowned then said,
"Please don't tell me that I'm now one third witch, one third vampire and one third dragon. That's a bit much, even for me." She said jokingly causing the others too laugh and snigger.
"Nope still only half witch half vampire I'm afraid." Dumbledore cut in, the twinkle in his eyes shining brightly.
"How is Nafeesa, I remember her being injured?" Hermione suddenly asked.
Charlie sighed then said,
"She's doing good and recovering well. The vampires were brutal in her attack, they ripped out some of her flesh, and bit into her leg and wing so she can't fly or hunt for a while. She's not taking that news too great, and is almost as stubborn as her rider." Charlie said with a small smile.
Hermione grinned then said,
"That's my girl. Can I go and see her? I won't settle until I have."
Charlie nodded his head then said,
"Yes but remember she is weak. Seeing you might overexcite her a bit. She's been pining for you."
Remus who was listening to the conversation with a small amount of fascination laughed then said,
"While we're on the subject, when were you going to tell us that you were a dragon rider and not to just any dragon but the alpha?"
Hermione smiled sheepishly before casting her gaze across the faces of her friends, all the while trying to avoid the gaze of one particular wizard. She wasn't sure if she was ready to face him yet, but knew that a confrontation with him was unavoidable.
"I didn't know she was the alpha until that day, honestly. But when I first came here and I met Nafeesa, we had this strange but wonderful connection. She's my friend, she's my familiar, and she's such an intelligent loyal companion." Hermione said with a faint smile.
"Erm we are talking about the same dragon who tried to set my broom on fire in fourth year, aren't we?" Harry asked. "You know the same dragon who chased me onto a tower at Hogwarts and tried to kill me. That dragon."
Although she couldn't see his face, Hermione could feel Severus roll his eyes at Harry, and could actually feel the disdain he felt for her once best friend. Trying not to laugh Hermione smiled and said,
"Yes Harry that same dragon, but to be fair she was pulled away from her home and thrust into a stadium full of children. And you were trying to steal her egg. I bet if you had just showed her some respect she would have let you have it."
"Yeah right, as if I was just going to stand there and let her cook me." Harry replied looking aghast.
Hermione shook her head slowly and smiled.
"Honestly Harry she's not that bad, she's like a pussy cat really."
Ron who was sitting there watching his two friends conversing just like old times, suddenly piped up with,
"Bloody hell Mione, I remember what your ginger cat was like, bloody terrifying it was if you ask me. If your dragons like that mangy thing, then Merlin save us all."
Hermione frowned and crossed her arms as she stared down at Ron.
"Ronald Weasley have you forgotten already that it was Crookshanks who just so happened to alert us to Wormtail. Who by the way was your pet rat Scabbers?" Hermione huffed.
"Yeah well." Ron murmured in return, knowing but not wanting to admit, that Hermione had a point. Since the whole incident with Scabbers, or rather Wormtail, Ron hadn't trusted another rodent again.
"Honestly Ron." Hermione said rolling her eyes at him. "I'm going to go and check on Nafeesa, Charlie and Albus would you mind joining me."
"Of course I would love too." Dumbledore said, holding out his arm for Hermione to take. "We shan't be long." He said looking pointedly towards Severus and Remus, who were moving with the intentions of joining them.
Having just been dismissed by the older wizard, both Remus and Severus sat back down, a curious look marring the face of the former, while the latter wore his customary scowl. They both wondered what else Hermione could be hiding, since she was being so secretive and obviously didn't want anyone else to know.
As they headed out of the main building towards the recovery enclosure, the moment they were out of earshot, Hermione quickly turned to Charlie with a worried expression on her face and began to bombard him with questions.
"What happened with Morvin? Did you tell Athenodora to use the portkey? Did they get away safely? Where is she now?"
"Wow." Charlie said, resting his hand reassuringly on Hermione's tense shoulder. "Calm down honestly everything is fine. Morvin is fine. They used the portkey and got away from the battle before anything happened. As far as I know they are back in Volterra."
Hermione stopped walking and frowned.
"At Volterra, but I thought…" She trailed off and looked at Dumbledore in confusion. He took her hand in his and smiled softly down at her.
"They took the portkey to the Chateau just as you had planned, but then Demetri went and found them. He took them back to Volterra on Caius's orders."
Hermione didn't want to think about the fact that she would need to go back to the Palazzo and face Aro. Truthfully she wasn't sure what to do when she saw him. He had blackmailed her into staying at the Palazzo once the battle was over, and although she had agreed to it at the time, she really had no intentions of staying there any longer. She wanted to go back there and just take Morvin away, like she had originally planned.
But how could she leave without saying goodbye to those she cared for, her father Marcus, Felix and Demetri, she couldn't go back to Volterra and sneak away like a thief in the night, she would need to say goodbye to them. Even if it meant coming face to face with Aro.
"I have to go back there soon. Morvin will be so worried." Hermione said on a sigh, feeling guilty that she had caused Morvin more pain and anguish than she needed.
"How soon?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes betraying his own sadness. He too looked at Hermione as a daughter, and she had provided him with the family he thought he would never have.
"Tonight Albus, I have to get Morvin soon, I can't leave her there alone. I don't plan on staying there though. I need to leave Volterra, I need to spend some time with just me and Morvin. And of course you lot." She smiled. "Ever since Morvin came into my care all she's seen is fighting and battles. She needs a life away from all of that. I need a life away from all of that." Hermione said with such honesty.
Dumbledore brushed his hand gently down her cheek and smiled.
"No-one can blame you for wanting that Hermione, you have been through more in the last few years than most have done in their entire lives. It's only fair that you should want some normalcy. And of course you will still have all of us for support. Remember though, Hogwarts is still your home if you need it."
Once again, for the second time that day, Hermione had to hold her emotions back. Hugging Dumbledore close to her, she held back the tears that threatened to escape and squeezed her eyes shut, savoring the moment.
"Thank you Albus for everything. I really don't know what I would have done without you. You are a part of my family and I love you so much." She smiled weakly and looked at Charlie. "You as well."
"Believe me my girl, the feeling is mutual." Dumbledore said, feeling tears well up in his own eyes. "However I feel as though there is a 'but' coming." He said with a knowing smile.
"I guess you know me better than I thought." Hermione said pulling out of his arms. "But I can't take your offer of staying at Hogwarts up just yet. The truth is there is too much pent up emotions there and at Volterra just now. I need to just get away and think, and to just be me. I need to concentrate on Morvin for now, and give us time to be a proper family. That doesn't mean we won't see you though, we will. I also don't want the others to know about Morvin just yet, for now I want it to be just us. Please understand." She pleaded with him.
Dumbledore gave her a reassuring smile and nodded his head in sympathy.
"Of course I understand, but remember Hogwarts will always be your home should you need it?"
"Thank you." She smiled, the relief clearly showing in her eyes.
"And so will the Dragon Sanctuary." Charlie chipped in, cutting the tension and the emotion in the air with his impeccable timing.
Hermione laughed and gave Charlie a hug.
"I know it is, and believe me you will regret saying that. We can't leave Nafeesa on her own for too long. We'll miss her too much."
"Speaking of Nafeesa shall we go and see her."
"Yes let's." Hermione said, the smile quickly fading from her face. Although she knew Nafeesa was fine, or rather would be, she still couldn't help but feel concerned. After all it was her fault Nafeesa had been injured in the first place, she had only been protecting her rider, her friend.
"Hermione, Nafeesa's fine trust me." Charlie said with a comforting pat on her shoulder, when he saw the worry etched on her face.
"I know but still, I can't help but feel like her being hurt is all my fault."
"She is the alpha and you are her rider, she would have done anything to help you, you know that." Charlie said.
Hermione gave him a weak smile and nodded her head, knowing that what he was saying was the truth. But still it would take a lot more than that to ease her guilt.
"Speaking of saving me, was it the power of the circlet that saved me from the fire. All I remember is being trapped I can't remember anything else after that?" Hermione said, suddenly remembering the question she wanted to ask Charlie.
The two wizards looked at each other for a moment, wearing matching looks of confusion, until Dumbledore asked,
"You remember nothing at all about how you were saved?"
Hermione shook her head in the negative.
"No only darkness. The last thing I remember is lying there thinking I was about to die, then I woke up after having a strange dream about Morvin and that's it."
"Curious." Dumbledore replied, running his fingers through his beard as he became lost in thought.
"The circlet didn't save you Hermione, it couldn't." Charlie said, blushing slightly as he gazed from Hermione to Dumbledore not knowing just how much he should tell her.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked with a frown.
Charlie sighed and looked away from Hermione for a moment before saying,
"It wouldn't have worked because Nafeesa was injured as well. The main purpose of the circlet is to bring you to your dragon when you're in need of help. Despite the fact that you were in danger and needing help, so too was Nafeesa. The power of the circlet would have sensed that; therefore it wouldn't have brought you to a new place knowing it wasn't safe."
As Hermione thought over his words, they made sense to her in a way. But if the circlet didn't save her then that only left one question.
"Who saved me then?" She asked looking from Charlie's embarrassed expression to Dumbledore's thoughtful one. They were keeping something back from her and she was determined to find out just what that something was.
"It was erm…" Charlie began before turning to Dumbledore for help.
He in return smiled and lay his hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"My dear girl we could begin that story, but unfortunately we do not have the time. Besides I don't think we are the ones who should be discussing it with you."
"What do you mean by that?" She asked looking puzzled by his words.
Dumbledore sighed, knowing just how inquisitive Hermione could be at times, she was stubborn and wasn't the type of person who just let things drop.
"What I mean is we are wizards; the person you should really ask is Marcus. He will be able to explain things to you better than what we can." Before Hermione could say anything, Dumbledore patted her lightly on the shoulder. "Now go and see to Nafeesa, I will go back to the main building and see to the others."
With that Dumbledore turned away and headed back to where the others were waiting. He had to warn them not to say anything about the events that had just transpired. Hermione should hear the story from those who understood what had happened, rather than those who could only guess.
Hermione frowned as she watched Dumbledore leave, wondering again what it was that he and Charlie could possibly be hiding from her. It didn't make sense for him to be keeping things from her, not that he hadn't done that in the past. But things had changed since then though, or so she thought. She decided then that if he wouldn't tell her, then she would ask the others instead, perhaps they would know since they had all been present at the battle as well. For now however, she would forget about that and concentrate on Nafeesa.
Following Charlie into the recovery enclosure, she spotted Nafeesa straight away and gasped at the sight of her friend. She was lying flat on her stomach, her leg wrapped securely in a cast, while one wing was stretched out, a large hole visible in the middle. There were various other bandages covering her wounds, but those two injuries looked by far the worst.
She looked bored and restless but couldn't move because of the position she was in, but the moment Nafeesa saw Hermione standing there however, she became even more restless and tried to make her way towards her without success.
Breaking through the shock she felt at seeing Nafeesa, who was normally so strong and powerful, look so weak and vulnerable. Hermione made her way towards her familiar and smiled when she felt Nafeesa's long tongue lazily stroke her face. She took Nafeesa's large face in her hands, and nuzzled her cheek into her scaly skin lovingly.
"I'm so, so sorry Nafeesa this is all my fault. You should never have been at the battle in the first place." She whispered, as the tears began to form in her eyes. In response to her statement Nafeesa made a soft mewling noise, before nudging Hermione with her long snout. Hermione smiled sadly then stroked Nafeesa gently. "I know you don't blame me, but I do. You saved my life repeatedly. I don't know how I can possibly repay you for that, but I promise you I will."
At her words Nafeesa gave her a long slow lick, before laying her head back down. She was tired and sore, but felt so much happier at seeing her non-human. She had known that Hermione would be fine, for she had seen it, but she was just glad to see her with her own eyes. Nafeesa also knew that at some point in the future Hermione would hold that promise to her, but neither of them had to worry about that just yet. For now, the two friends simply sat, cuddling each other, basking in the others presence.
Finally, once Nafeesa was settled and snoring by Hermione's side, she turned to Charlie who had sat near them, simply watching without invading their space.
"How long is she going to be like this for?" She asked, stroking Nafeesa's head gently.
Charlie sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, glancing between the dragon and his friend.
"Honestly I can't give you a specific time. The wound on her wing, although it isn't the worst of them, will take the longest to repair. Magic can only do so much; she has to do the rest of the healing herself. My guess is…." He puffed out a breath of air before saying, "Maybe a month or two."
Hermione's eyes widened as she nuzzled her cheek against Nafeesa, feeling the guilt once again eat away at her.
"Really that long." Hermione whispered.
"I'm afraid so." Charlie said, knowing exactly how Hermione felt. It wasn't that long ago he thought he had lost Norberta when they were out bringing in some new dragons, and one attacked her. When she had been hurt he had felt like it was the end of the world for him. But she had recovered eventually. "After a couple of weeks, we will put a large split on her wing, to hold it up, which means she can move about slowly. But she won't be able to fly or hunt, which I think she's really going to hate."
Hermione snorted at his words and chuckled lightly.
"I think that's an understatement." She laughed, knowing just how stubborn and independent Nafeesa could be. Turning to look at her familiar she stroked her head again lovingly, and watched her gently stir. "Nafeesa I need you to know that I'm sorry and that I love you. But I can't stay here with you just now. I need to go back and get Morvin. I'm going to take her away from Volterra and away from Hogwarts for a little while, just me and her on a holiday sort of thing. But I promise you, we will be back. Charlie…" She said turning to her friend. "Will keep me up-to-date with your progress, and the moment you are better Morvin and I will come back, this time to stay with you." She nuzzled her cheek against Nafeesa again but this time when she stirred, she lifted her head up and bared her teeth in a growl.
Following her gaze, Hermione looked up to see Remus standing there, his arms folded across his chest, while looking relaxed at the same time.
"Remus what are you doing here?" Hermione asked standing to her feet. She turned her attention back to Nafeesa, knowing that she wasn't happy about the intrusion. "Nafeesa it's alright, Remus is a friend, he won't hurt me." With her words Nafeesa growled one last time at the intruder before laying her head down again, too tired to do anything else. "I love you girl." Hermione whispered, before stalking off beside Remus and pulling him away from her recovering friend.
"Remus I love you and you are my best friend, but why the hell did you come out here for. You're lucky Nafeesa is in no position to attack because she would have gone for you."
Remus could quite believe that and felt guilty for interrupting their moment, but he had more things to think about now.
"Hermione I think you have some explaining to do?" He said quietly, linking their arms so that she couldn't run off.
Hermione looked at him with a mixture of concern and confusion, wondering just what it was that he was referring to.
"I don't know what you mean Remus." She replied, not wanting to look him in the eyes for fear of what she might see there.
Remus sighed next to her but still they continued walking slowly back to the main building of the Dragon Sanctuary.
"Hermione I heard you telling Charlie that you were leaving to go back to Volterra. When are you planning on doing this?" He asked.
Hermione suddenly felt concerned by what Remus may have heard, but didn't want to draw any attention to it. Instead she simply squeezed his arm and said,
"I have to go back tonight. I can't leave it any longer. In fact, when we get back to the sanctuary I plan on packing my things before saying goodbye to everyone." She said, her mind already made up. Now that she had seen Nafeesa and the others, she would head back to the Palazzo as quickly as she could. She needed to get Morvin, she needed to see that her daughter was alright. Nothing else mattered to Hermione now except for that.
"So soon." Remus whispered sadly, he had only just gotten his friend back and now he had to say goodbye to her again. "When are you coming back to Hogwarts? I would really like for you to meet my son, your Godson." He asked, turning his weary gaze onto her.
Hermione gave him a sad smile in return.
"I really want to come and visit you all, but just now I need some time away. Please understand that Remus."
He wanted to understand, but before he could he had one more question to ask her.
"I do understand, but is you not returning to Hogwarts got something to do with this Morvin, if so who is she?"
This time when Remus spoke, Hermione stood in shock, as her previous concerns had just been confirmed.
"How much did you hear?" She accused.
"Enough." He said truthfully. "Hermione you and I are dear friends, I would even say that we are best friends. So whatever it is that you're keeping a secret, whoever this Morvin person is, you can tell me. You know that."
Hermione looked deep into her friend's eyes and could see the truth shining in them. She knew that she could trust Remus with anything, including her life, but this was different. This time it wasn't her life she was concerned about.
"I need you to promise me that you will not tell anyone what I'm about to say."
"Hermione…" He said, feeling a little exasperated.
"Promise me Remus." She said sounding almost desperate.
"I promise not to say anything Hermione. I'll even give you my word."
Satisfied with his answer, Hermione let go of him and began to walk away slowly, making sure that no-one else was around, before turning back to look at him.
"The first time I came here to the Dragon Sanctuary, a group of Romanian vampires were killing and turning a whole village of innocent people. Those who were of no use were killed instantly, and those who were good enough were turned and forced to join the Romanian army. It was horrible Remus." She said, remembering the sight that had greeted them when they had first arrived at the small village. "Anyway while I was there I found a small girl. She was dirty, wearing rags and chained up like an animal. The leader of the group of soldiers had turned her because she was young and innocent. I don't think I need to tell you what he used her for." She said through gritted teeth, the anger suddenly pulsating through her at the memory.
"I don't think I really want to know." Remus answered, his voice full of disgust. He had known the things that Fenrir Greyback had done to innocent young women in the past, so he didn't need an imagination to guess what the vampire had done.
"He got his comeuppance, believe me." She said with a small amount of satisfaction. "Anyway the little girl's name is Morvin." Hermione's voice turned soft at the mention of her, as her eyes shone with warmth and love. "Remus, Morvin is my daughter. From that first day I knew I couldn't abandon her, so I brought her back here with me. She was so broken and scared after being so badly abused, and grew aggressive and fearful every time she came near a man or woman, who wasn't me. I didn't know how to help her so I sent a letter to Albus."
Realization hit Remus then as he remembered reading the letter she had written to him, asking for help.
"I remember that letter, you sounded so worried and we thought it was because something had happened to you. But really it was because of…"
"Morvin, yes." Hermione replied. "I didn't know what else to do, so I asked Albus to perform an obliviate on her, but because of her age it wouldn't work. So instead he cast a memory charm on her. She still has moments when she panics for no reason, or feels like she's forgetting something, but honestly she's so much better now than she was. That's why I've got to leave here Remus. I need to get my daughter back."
Remus smiled at her and gently placed his hands around her upper arm.
"Then let me help you Hermione."
She smiled at the sincerity in his voice, but slowly shook her head.
"You can't Remus. I intend to get Morvin from Volterra and leave there. I want to travel with her, take her away from all the fighting and the animosity and just spend time with her. We both need it. We need a chance to bond and to just be us. That's why I didn't want anyone to know about her."
"I understand Hermione I really do. But promise me that you will come and visit us. Please don't be a stranger."
Hermione hugged him and smiled,
"Of course I won't be Remus. We've already spent enough time apart."
"Good." Remus said with a grin. "Now I believe you have some packing to do. Would you like a hand with it?" He asked.
"No." Hermione replied with a slight shake of her head. "I'll be fine."
"Alright, but if you need me I'll just be in the other room."
"Thanks Remus."
"Will you let an old man walk you back to your room then?" He asked with a small smile.
Hermione's eyes twinkled mischievously as she said,
"Hmm is the old man able to walk such a distance?"
Remus nudged her arm playfully as they both began to laugh.
"The cheek of you young ones nowadays. Let's go." He said, linking their arms once again, as they headed back towards the main building. They chatted the whole way there as Remus, the proud doting father, told Hermione all about his boy Teddy. And in return Hermione told Remus all about Morvin, leaving out all the bad things that had happened to her.
When they entered the building, all eyes turned to look at her. Including a pair that seemed to bore into her with such intensity the moment she had entered the room. She still wasn't ready to face the owner of those eyes just yet, so simply gave Remus a quick hug before giving a respectful nod to Dumbledore and Mr Weasley.
At least she had the excuse of packing as she retreated into the safety of her bedroom. Closing the door behind her, she leaned back against it and shut her eyes. Hermione knew she was being a coward by not facing him, or Aro for that matter, but truthfully she had been through enough conflict to last a lifetime or two. She just wanted a break from it all.
With a sigh, she pushed away from the door and pulled out her beaded bag. Luckily for her there wasn't a lot to pack, just some clothes including her dragon rider outfit and some toiletries. Other than that everything of importance that she owned was still in her small bag.
Starting with the things in the bedroom, she began to pick them up and pack them away neatly, tracing her finger along the smooth metal of the circlet, wondering when she would get the chance to wear it again.
Looking around the room, she made sure that there was nothing left, before making her way into the adjoining bathroom. She had only just entered the room when the door to her bedroom opened and closed.
Picking up her things she yelled out,
"Remus I'll be out in a minute; I'm just packing up the bathroom."
Again looking around to make sure she had everything, she stepped out into the bedroom saying,
"Sorry Remus I…." Stopping suddenly, she gazed at a familiar face, but it wasn't Remus who was standing there watching her. "Severus what are you doing?" She asked putting her things on the bed, before carefully packing them away also.
"I could ask you the same thing Hermione? I see you're packing; may I ask where you're going too." Severus asked, standing at the doorway blocking it so she couldn't get out. They needed to have this conversation and he was determined he wouldn't leave until they had.
She turned a brief glance towards him, before busying herself again with what she was doing.
"I'm going to Volterra. I need to get back."
Severus scowled causing the muscle in his jaw to twitch, as he tried to hide his annoyance, but failing miserably.
"So you're going back to him then?" He asked calmly, a little too calmly.
Hermione turned to look at him and frowned.
"I'm not going back to him no. I'm going back because I left something important there. I intend to leave Volterra just as quickly as I arrived, believe me."
"I see." Severus said, not sure whether to believe her or not. "May I ask you a question Hermione?"
She snorted and once again turned her gaze towards him.
"Aren't you doing that already?"
Ignoring her flippant statement Severus continued, asking her the question that had been plaguing him ever since the battle.
"Do you love him?" He asked, knowing that he had to, but dreading the answer nonetheless.
Hermione stopped what she was doing and sighed.
"Severus why are you asking me this? What good will come from knowing?"
"I have to know Hermione. Do you love him?"
Turning to face him, she shrugged her shoulders then said,
"Honestly I don't know. There was a time when I thought I could, but then things changed."
He slowly took a step closer to her and asked,
"What changed?"
Hermione really didn't want to answer any more questions, she really didn't want to be having this conversation with him just now either. But at the same time she felt as if she owed him that much.
"He changed. One minute he was sweet and charming, and then the next minute he had turned manipulative and nasty. Plus, it wasn't just him, there was you too."
He raised an eyebrow at her words, as his heart began beating rapidly in his chest.
"Me, what about me?"
Hermione looked away from him then, unable to stay under his intense gaze any longer.
"Despite what you may think Severus I do love you, you mean so much to me. But things change, we've both changed. Love just wasn't enough for us."
He swooped towards Hermione and grabbed her by the shoulders, wanting to touch her and to just be near her.
"We didn't change Hermione, circumstances changed." He said pushing a stray curl back behind her ear.
Unable to stop herself, Hermione nuzzled her cheek against his long pale hand, before realizing what she was doing.
"No." She said pulling herself away from him. "Severus please don't do this. I can't do this not now. I have to leave; I have to get back to Volterra."
Severus scowled at her words then whispered,
"You don't have to go back there. Surely nothing is that important."
Thinking of Morvin, of her daughter, she shook her head at his words and in a serious voice said,
"You're wrong. The most important thing I have in my life is there, and there's nothing that can keep me away any longer. I'm sorry Severus but I need to go." Taking a step towards him, she cupped his gaunt cheek with her hand before laying a small kiss on his lips. "I do love you Severus and I hope that friendship can be enough for you, because that is all I have to give." Rubbing her thumb against his smooth skin, she removed her hand before picking up her beaded bag. Looking at him again she whispered, "The girl you thought you loved is gone, you need to accept that."
Frowning he said,
"Why are we discussing Lily now?"
Hermione laughed, although it wasn't a true laugh.
"That proves my point Severus. The fact that you automatically thought of Lily when I said that, tells me everything that I need to know." Severus looked at her in confusion as he waited for her to continue speaking. "You may think that you are over Lily Evans but the truth is you're not, not really. Which means that you aren't ready for love yet. Secondly you haven't fully accepted me yet either. Severus the Hermione you knew is gone, she died that night in the Department of Mysteries. I may look like her a little, I may sound like her a little, but I'm not her. I'm dead. A vampire. The heart that beats within me is just a mirage, it's not real. I always knew that but you didn't. I should never have encouraged you, or gotten close to you the way I did, but something pulled us together. I'm not sure what exactly that was, but I should have fought it. I'm sorry I didn't." She took his hands in hers and smiled sadly. "Your friendship means a lot to me Severus and I don't want to lose you, but please stop living in the past. Concentrate on your future and just be happy."
Kissing his cheek, she went to open the bedroom door when he suddenly said,
"You're wrong about Lily you know."
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, trying to calm her nerves before asking,
"What do you mean?"
She heard him sigh before he quietly said,
"When I think of my future, I don't see Lily Evans or a ghost, I see you and I together."
Without turning around, Hermione stood with her shaking hand on the door handle. And in a voice that was a lot calmer than what she felt said,
"Perhaps you do. But ask yourself this, when you see the two of us together, is it the Hermione Granger that I once was that you see yourself with, or the Hermione Granger that I am now. Be truthful, if not to me then to yourself. Goodbye Severus"
With nothing else left to say Hermione exited the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind her. The last thing she saw was Severus Snape, looking defeated as he slumped down onto the edge of the bed, his head buried in his hands, as he finally realized the truth of her words.
Heading into the living area where the others were, Hermione said her goodbyes, giving a lingering hug to Dumbledore before stealing one last glance at them all. Then with a small smile, she apparated away with a loud crack, using the full force of her magic.
The dome room of the Palazzo was fairly busy. After the battle most of the vampires had retreated back to Volterra to celebrate their victory over the Romanians. Only a small few had returned back to their own homes.
War didn't just bring conflict to people, it also brought peace, and with peace came friendships. Before the battle a large number of vampires disliked the Volturi and the power that they had, but since the battle, peace and harmony had been restored. A new understanding and respect had formed, as vampires finally realized what it was the Volturi were trying to do for them.
Marcus, Caius, Athenodora, Morvin, Felix, Demetri and various other members of the guard were currently in the dome room celebrating, when a loud and sudden bang sounded from the middle of the room, startling them all.
With all eyes turned to where the noise came from, Marcus rose to his feet when he saw his beloved daughter standing there looking healthy and in one piece. At the welcomed sight of her, a wide smile broke out across his face.
"Hermione." He whispered, as he made a move towards her. It seemed however, that he was too slow, as Morvin quickly ran past him, flying down the center of the room before flinging herself into Hermione's arms.
Stifling a sob Hermione crushed Morvin to her, not wanting to ever let her go again.
"I missed you so much little Mo. I just woke up and I came as soon as I could. I promise that you will never have to face anything like that again. It's over, it's all over."
Cupping the back of her head, Hermione simply held the little girl, as she inhaled her familiar scent.
"You promised me you would never leave me. And you did, you did." The small angry voice yelled in Hermione's mind.
"I know sweetie, but believe me I never wanted to leave you. I had to do what I did though, otherwise the bad men would have won."
"I thought I was never going to see you again. I was so scared."
Hermione squeezed her daughter tighter and sobbed openly, relieved and happy to be back where she belonged. With Morvin.
"I was scared too and the last thought I had was of you sweetie. I regretted the fact that I never got to tell you just how much I loved you. I also regretted the fact that I should have asked you something before the battle but didn't."
Pulling away, Morvin looked at Hermione with big doe like eyes, neither one aware of the audience that had gathered around them. In that moment though, it was just the two of them no-one else. Not even Marcus.
"You can ask me now." Morvin said innocently.
Smiling slightly, Hermione put Morvin back on the ground and cupped her face tenderly.
"Ok then I will." Hermione said with a warm smile. "I know we haven't been together long but the moment I met you I knew my life was complete. I love you, my darling little girl and I know I could never replace the family that you had. But I'm here for you now. I will always be here for you, if you let me. I could be your sister or whatever you want me to be, as long as you'll have me."
For a moment neither one said anything, until finally Morvin shook her head. In that instant Hermione began to feel her heart slowly break, as she feared what Morvin was going to say.
"I don't want that Hermione; I don't want a sister."
Trying to push her own feelings to the side, Hermione gave her a hurt smile then said,
"Alright, I understand."
"No, you don't understand. I don't want a sister." Morvin's small voice said sounding a little stronger this time.
"What do you want then sweetie, tell me?" Hermione whispered, trying to hide her hurt and confusion.
Morvin opened and closed her mouth several times, but only a low grumble escaped. Hermione watched with furrowed brows, then felt her heart soar as finally a small choking voice said,
"I…love…you…mother." It had been such a long time since Morvin had spoken out loud, so her voice was a little rough and rusty, but she had done it. She had said the thing she had been wanting too for a while now, and it was worth it by the look on Hermione's face.
Completely overwhelmed, Hermione let the joyous tears run freely down her cheeks, as she beamed at her daughter.
"You did it, you spoke. Morvin you spoke." She said not believing what she had just heard. Picking Morvin up, she held her close and spun her around. "I am so proud of you my darling girl. So proud." She kissed her head and grinned, just as Marcus came walking over to them, wearing a matching proud smile of his own.
"My beautiful girls." He whispered in awe, wrapping his arms around his family.
"Grand…. father." Morvin said sheepishly, earning more big smiles from her new family members.
"This is such a wonderful occasion, that I think we should celebrate." Marcus said smiling down at his daughter and granddaughter.
Hermione suddenly felt her heart tighten at his words, knowing that she was about to hurt him. But after hearing Morvin speak for the first time, she was even more determined to do what she had to. She knew leaving Volterra was the right thing for them. She just hoped that Marcus agreed as well.
"Actually could we go somewhere more private? There's something I need to tell you." Hermione said, taking Morvin's hand in her own.
"Of course, let's head to your quarters then."
Putting his arm around Hermione's back, the three of them walked to her empty quarters, before anyone else could interrupt their reunion. The whole journey there made Hermione nervous though, as she suddenly wondered where Aro was. He hadn't been in the dome room and his quarters were right next to hers, making her wonder if he was in them or not. And if he was, was Sulpicia in there with him too. She didn't want to think about them, but couldn't seem to stop herself.
Luckily however, they didn't encounter anyone as they finally entered Hermione's old rooms. If Marcus noticed that they were void of her things, he certainly didn't say anything. Instead he sat on her comfortable sofa and waited for Hermione to speak. Already having an inkling to what she was about to say.
"Father I am so glad that I made the choice to come here when I did, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten to know you, and you have come to mean a great deal to me, as you already know. You took me on as your daughter and cared for me, when I had no-one else. And I can't thank you enough for that and I hope that you continue to do so in the future." She took Marcus's hand in hers and looked between him and Morvin, feeling her nerve weaken slightly. "In the past few months I have been through so much, we all have, but I need a break. I feel like I've never had the chance to bond properly with Morvin, and she's never had the chance to just be herself. It's been one thing after another for her and I feel like she needs some normalcy in her life." She said looking at Morvin, who gave her an encouraging smile.
"I agree." Marcus said truthfully, but still, he felt the ache in his chest nonetheless.
"Which is why I think it would be best if Morvin and I left Volterra. We need to spend some quality time together, we need to have some fun and we can't do it here. Or rather I can't."
Those were the words that Marcus had been expecting to hear, but even still, hearing them left him with a bigger ache than before. He had just found his family and now he had to let them go. Life could be so cruel at times.
"I know Hermione, and I can't fault you for that. But remember you can come back here any time. And I can always visit you, alone of course if need be."
Hermione couldn't believe how understanding Marcus was being, so naturally she became suspicious.
"Where is Aro?" She asked curiously.
Marcus had been expecting that question also, but thought it would have taken her a lot longer to ask.
"He has left Volterra for a while with Sulpicia. As there are a few things that they have to deal with."
Hermione didn't know whether to feel relieved or saddened by that news, so pushing her feelings aside once more, she turned to Morvin and smiled.
"What do you think little Mo? What would you like to do?"
Even though Hermione wanted nothing more than to get away from here, she couldn't just do that to Morvin without her having a say first. This was her life too, and she needed to be a part of the decision as well.
Morvin sat silently for a moment, lost in thought. She would of course be sad to leave here, as she had made some good friends, and had a family. But no-one was as important to her as Hermione was. And wherever she went, she would go too. If she was honest with herself as well, she would also admit to wanting Hermione all to herself. So far since she had found her mother she had to share her with everyone. Now it would finally just be the two of them. And although she loved her new family, she loved Hermione and the idea of them being together more.
"Can we go away, just the two of us?" She finally asked.
Hermione sighed with relief and smiled warmly at her daughter's' acceptance of the situation.
"Yes, it'll just be the two of us sweetie."
With those words Morvin wrapped Hermione in a tight hug and grinned happily, until Marcus cut in.
"When are you leaving?" He asked.
Moving out of Morvin's arms, Hermione turned her gaze towards Marcus then took his hand in hers.
"As soon as I've said goodbye to everyone." She admitted.
He nodded in understanding, before squeezing her hand tightly in reply. He wasn't ready to let her go just yet, but knew he had too. For all their sakes.
Clearing the lump, he suddenly felt in his throat, Marcus got to his feet before helping Hermione to hers. If he had to say goodbye, then he wanted it over with quickly.
"Very well then. I suggest you start now, as you seem to have required a lot of new friends."
Understanding filled Hermione then at what Marcus was trying to do. So wrapping her arms around his neck and softly kissing his cheek, she smiled and whispered,
"Thank you father."
Once more the three vampires set off back to the dome room and while Morvin was distracted by Athenodora, Hermione began to say her goodbyes, starting with her two best friends.
"You can write to us and let us know how you're doing, and we can come and visit you wherever you are in the world. It won't be too hard for me to track you down my little witchling." Demetri said, hugging her tightly.
"Yeah don't think you can get rid of us that easily, witchling." Felix added, before hugging her next.
"I wouldn't dream of it." Hermione said with a sad smile. "We're the dream team you know." The other two vampires laughed at her while she moved on to Caius.
Hugging him she smiled then said,
"I never thought you would be the hugging type."
He gave her a smug smile before whispering,
"They are reserved for those who are special to me. Take care Hermione and please don't forget us."
Feeling honored by his words Hermione nodded, as she tried to find her voice again.
"I won't forget, I promise."
Wiping the tears from her eyes, she moved on to say her goodbyes to Heidi, Chelsea and the rest of the Volturi guard, thanking them for everything they had done for her, before finally stopping at Jane.
Digging in her small beaded bag, Hermione brought out a small box and looked towards the girl she had once seen as a threat and an enemy.
"I know we are never going to be best friends or anything like that, but I never thanked you properly for saving my life during the battle. If you hadn't then everything could have been lost. Here-" Hermione said holding out the small box to her. "I want you to have this. It belonged to my mother Jean."
Opening the box with her small hands, Jane looked stunned when she saw the simple necklace with the 'J' pendent hanging from a delicate gold chain.
"I can't accept this." She said, sounding amazed at the kindness the other vampire was bestowing on her. Especially when she had done nothing to earn such kindness in the first place.
"Please I would really like for you to have it."
Red eyes stared into Hermione's, searching for any kind of deception. Seeing none, a small genuine smile graced Jane's lips.
"Thank you." With that peace was restored between the two former enemies.
Having said her goodbyes to everyone, she let Morvin say her own farewells, before finally they were ready to leave.
Glancing around the dome room one last time, Hermione could feel her heart clench slightly. Even though she hadn't wanted to see him, she couldn't help but feel disappointed by the fact that Aro wasn't there. She would have liked to have caught a glimpse of his face before she left Volterra. But obviously it was not meant to be, and she couldn't prolong things anymore.
Taking Morvin's small hand in her own, they shared one last group hug with Marcus before Hermione apparated them away. Ready to start their own new adventure in the world.
Staring at the spot Hermione and Morvin had just been, Marcus was roused by Caius's voice.
"Are you going to tell him or shall I?" He simply asked.
Marcus sighed and rubbed his eyes, feeling suddenly bereft and empty.
"I think it would be best, if I told him."
Caius patted Marcus on the back and said,
"Good luck brother."
With that Marcus left the dome room and headed towards his own quarters. When he entered the room, Aro was standing there alone at the fireplace, holding a piece of paper and looking tense. With Marcus's arrival, Aro quickly tossed the piece of paper into a small fire and watched it burn before saying,
"Have they gone?"
Marcus sighed and rubbed his eyes again, feeling the ache burn deeply within his chest. If this was how he was feeling, he didn't dare imagine how Aro was.
"Yes they've gone." Taking a step towards his brother Marcus said, "Aro are you sure letting them go was the right thing to do? Perhaps you should have tried to at least persuade them to stay? This is their home after all."
Finally turning around to face Marcus, it was a disheveled looking Aro who greeted him. His clothes were untidy and in disarray, his usually perfect hair was unkempt and full of tangles, and he had large dark circles under his almost black eyes. He hadn't fed since he had returned, feeling no need in sustaining himself.
Ever since he had saved Hermione from the burning fire, he had known what he had to do. But doing it wasn't as easy as it sounded, and came at a price.
"It was the right thing to do brother, and soon you will realize that. I had to let her go, I had to give her back her freedom. If Hermione had stayed here she would have hated me, and I couldn't bear that happening." Turning his back on Marcus, he used a hot poker to move the ash from the piece of paper he had just burned. "I had to let her go in order to win her love the honest way."
Marcus had seen Aro do many things before, most of which weren't good and were all about what was best for him. But for the first time in such a long time, Aro was putting someone else's feelings before his own, and the whole thing was taking it out on him.
"What if she chooses never to come back? What if in the end she doesn't love you in return?" Marcus asked.
Aro sighed and still with his back turned said,
"If that happens, then there's nothing I can do. I love Hermione, brother. I want her to be happy. And if that's not here with me, then so be it."
Aro's mind was already made up and there was nothing anyone could do to change it.