They walked quietly through the streets, making their way towards Hermione's hotel room. Thoughts raced through her mind, had she made the right choice, should she have become this monster? Hermione Granger condemned herself to an eternity of drinking blood, human blood to be specific. She was fighting a never-ending battle, morals versus instinct. Glancing up to look at the face of the handsome man at her side, she pondered the millions of questions she wanted to ask him.

"Elijah?" She said, drawing his attention towards her. "Would it be possible to feed without ending a person's life?" He nodded.

"Yes, but it is quite difficult, you must be able to control yourself, it will be hard for you right now. The blood of your mortal life still runs through your veins. You will have little control when the blood lust takes over," He replied. "Few of our kind consume animal blood, as it does little to quench the burn. It weakens them as well. I will teach you how to feed without harming the life of a human if it is that important to you." Hermione grinned and nodded. And that was how the rest of their walk went, Hermione questioned, and Elijah answered until they finally reached her hotel.

The lobby of the hotel was thankfully empty due to the late hour; Hermione made sure to keep her head down as not to catch the eye of any lone wonderer. After a quick elevator ride and a short walk down the hall, the duo reached Hermione's room. The inside was extremely tiny, a place just big enough for a double bed pushed against the farthest wall, a small desk, and the adjacent bathroom.

Elijah watched as she pulled her garments from the suitcase, excused herself, and disappeared into the small bathroom. He heard the shower turn on and the sound of her feet hitting the tile floor, disrupting the steady flow of water. At this point, he made a quick decision to snoop through her belongings. There had to be something, some clue that would explain why this woman was so different from anyone he had ever met. Well, except for one other woman, but that was years ago and just another memory he would like to keep hidden behind the metaphorical red door. Careful not to displace anything, he found at the bottom of the bag a few extremely curious photos, photos that moved. He watched as two boys put an arm over each of her shoulders, securing her in between them laughing as she smiled and rolled her eyes. He continued looking through the rest with an eyebrow raised. He had never seen anything quite like this in all of his years. What was she, he thought. His examination continued, and his eyes rested upon a book that looked extremely old and written in ancient runes. He pulled it out, his hand trailing the letters.

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard." He whispered perplexed. These were runes he had not seen in publication for centuries. What was this doing in the hands of an 18-year-old girl? Just as he was going to flip through the book, he heard the sound of a throat clearing, his head shot up, and his eyes locked with a furious looking Hermione Granger.

"Just what exactly is it you are doing." She questioned, her voice quivering with anger; this was a complete violation of her privacy.

Elijah rose from his crouched position and stood tall.

"I was simply satiating my curiosity." He replied cooly, the book still in hand.

Hermione's eyes narrowed, "How dare you violate my privacy." she reached into the pocket of her clean clothes and pulled out a long skinny carved piece of wood and pointed it towards him.

Elijah looked at the stick curiously. "And what exactly do you believe you will accomplish with that?" he questioned. "I am regretful to inform you, but that simple skinny stake will do nothing to harm me." He looked on at her with a bored expression, just waiting for her to attack.

Her heightened emotions were causing her to lash out. This thing she has become was not her. She was taking this situation way out of proportion. She had to admit she would probably do the same thing if she were in his position. She raised her wand a little higher and thought about taking the book back from him, As soon as she thought the words of the Accio spell the book flew out of Elijah's hands with such a force and slammed into her so hard she almost fell back. She clutched the book to her chest and looked up at him with wide eyes. Elijah looked equally surprised, and he began to ponder what the hell had just happened.

"This is impossible." She spoke in a whisper, "I should not be able to do wordless magic."

Elijah stared at her; the puzzle finally was being pieced together. Miss Granger was a witch. He could not understand how she was able to use magic; that should have left her with the change.

"You should not be able to cast any spell." Said Elijah, his voice laced with confusion.

Hermione's eyes narrowed, "And why not?" she questioned. "You are a vampire are you not, you should have met multiple witches by now."

"Well, of course, I have Miss Granger, I come from a magical family, but any witch who is turned into a Vampire loses their ability to perform magic of any kind." He stated as though it were common knowledge.

"If that were the case, then how do you explain this?" She pointed her wand towards the suitcase on the floor and channeling the power coursing through her, attempting to control it. She called out confidently "Wingardium Leviosa!" and just as the words came out of her mouth the suitcase floated into the air, she made a show of rocking it back and forth before dropping it back to the floor.

Elijah was still quite perplexed, what kind of incantation was that and why was she still waving the thin stake around. And then he remembered, around the fifteenth century when he was in England playing noblemen with his brother Niklaus. The strange people he witnessed with wands, they feared the Mikaelson's and Niklaus's rage. It had been so long ago, but he remembered it clearly now, yes, these people with a magic all their own. A magic Niklaus wanted so much for himself. He had tried to change multiple into vampires back then, but they had all failed. What made this witch before him so special?

"I did not realize your kind still existed," said Elijah.

"Whatever do you mean," Hermione retorted. "You were just speaking of witches!" She exclaimed.

"Yes, Hermione, witches very much unlike yourself. Witches who do not need a wand to perform magic."

"I do not understand; there are no other types of witch or wizard. There can not be! I would have read about it at Hogwarts!" she shook her head. "It's impossible."

He rolled his eyes impatiently. "We do not have time for your nonsense. I have no reason to lie to you at this present moment if you do not wish to believe me then that is on you. We will be continuing this discussion at a later date, I assure you, but for now, you must feed. And then we will go on a visit to meet a dear old friend who owes me a favor, Madame Pierre, to retrieve a proper daylight ring for you." He adjusted his tie and snapped his fingers. "Retrieve your things; you will not be staying here any longer. I have not the slightest inkling as to why I wish to assist you, but your training will begin immediately."

She looked at him with anger oozing from her pores. "How dare you order me around like some sort of enslaved House Elf! What gives you the right to speak to me so dismi-" He cut her off.

"We both know how this will eventually end. Now be a good girl and hurry up. I will await you in the hall." He then turned on his heels, walked out the room, leaving the echo of the door slamming, resounding through the room.

"How dare he," she mumbled as she threw everything haphazardly into her suitcase. She sighed in exasperation and muttered a spell, the luggage shrank, and she placed it into her beaded bag. Her passing reflection in the mirror of the open bathroom caught her attention once more; she was still feeling unsettled with her ruby irises. Grabbing her wand once more, she cast a glamour charm on them, turning them into a weird muddy brown color. The tone wasn't quite right, but it would have to do. With a final check through the room, she made her way to the bossy vampire in the hall.

Hermione exited her room, closing it quietly behind her. She looked to her right and found Elijah leaned up against the wall with his eyes closed, a pained expression on his face. She raised her brow at the sight; he appeared was deep in thought. Clearing her throat caused his eyes to pop open. They stared at each other for a few awkward moments, neither knowing what to say. He rubbed his face and straightened himself back into the role of the perfect gentleman.

"I apologize for speaking to you so harshly. I was out of line." He ran a hand through his hair. "I had no right to go through your belongings. Curiosity got the better of me; I'm afraid."

"Thank you; I apologize for my temper. I would have done the same thing if I were in your position." Admitted Hermione.

Elijah nodded and accepted her apology. She smiled for him, with a warmth that shined through her pale skin. He was not a man who usually apologized for anything, but there was something about the young witch in front of him. He could feel just how special she was, The first magical vampire in existence. An aura surrounded her that called him towards her. And just like that he knew, Hermione Granger was somehow going to be the most important person in his world, and he would protect her at all costs. She was a secret he hoped would never reach Niklaus.


As the days turned into weeks, the duo got closer and closer. The visit to Madame Pierre proved to be rather interesting, the old witch was terrified of Hermione, but she gave them what they had gone for, a wonderous daylight ring. They obliviated the poor witch shortly after, to keep the secret Hermione and Elijah both were keen on hiding. He taught her how to fight without relying on magic. Hermione also learned she no longer needed a wand and used it mostly out of habit.

Elijah taught her how to feed without harming the victims. Her use of potions also proved to be quite helpful.

The night before she set to return to England, Hermione told him stories of Hogwarts, Voldemort, and her best friends Harry and Ron. How she was hated for the status of her blood. She told him how they were on the run for the better part of the year, she told him of Bellatrix and her torture. The faint words of mudblood still rested onto her arm, thanks to the cursed knife, although she was grateful that it had faded to be nearly invisible.

Elijah told her of his family, stories he had not even told Hayley. He spoke of is tyrannical brother and the miracle that was his niece, Hope, how Hope had changed Klaus for the better. He told her of the ancient Hallow that was keeping his family apart. How he had asked Marcel to compel him, and how that broke apart the moment Klaus visited him in France. He told her how he ran away, how he hid from his family, because he knew if they called, he'd run to them and it would destroy everything. And lastly, he told her of Always and Forever.

She cried for him that evening, for everything he had done and sacrificed, for everything he had lost. And for the pain that came with the vow of always and forever. He held her that night through the tears, pleading to her to stop, for he believed that he was not worth them. Through her sobs, she watched as silent tears streamed down his cheeks. She reached for him and held him in a tight embrace, and they cried for each other before falling asleep, weeks of being awake had taken a toll, and for the first time in ages, entangled in each other's arms, neither of them had a single nightmare.

The morning Hermione was set to leave was indeed a rough one. She hurriedly packed up her bags, Elijah had disappeared prior to her waking, leaving nothing but a note ensuring he would be back in time to take her to the airport. She held her breath as she looked around the room, taking in the beachside villa she had called home these past weeks. She caught sight of one of his shirts, draped over the back of the sofa. Hermione reached for it, pulling it to her nose and inhaling deeply. His masculine scent invaded her senses, and she had to choke back a sob; she knew if someone were to brew Amortentia, it would smell exactly like this.

If she were honest with herself, she did not want to go back, sure she missed her friends, but that was quite literally a lifetime ago, she didn't know how to act around them anymore. One thing was for certain; she would not be letting anyone in on her predicament. And most importantly, she did not want to leave Elijah. She felt more connected to him than anyone else in the world, and he knew everything about her. She told him things she hadn't even told Harry or Ron. With a sigh, she hurriedly placed the shirt into her luggage, a memento of his delicious scent.

The front door opened just as she zipped her bag shut. She heard his footsteps make their way towards her. "Sleep well?" He asked.

Hermione smiled. "Better than I have in a long time."

Elijah studied her face and made his way towards her; his eyes scanning her held a sense of worry. "I'm glad." he cleared his throat. "I have something to give you before you go. A gift, something to remember me by."

She watched him incredulously, her heartbreaking at the implications of his words; this was truly goodbye. Swallowing the lump in her throat, looking up to meet his gaze, she raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a beautiful silver necklace, a pendant hanging from its chain. Before she could get a proper look at it, he motioned for her to turn around. Placing the charm at the base of her throat, he clasped the necklace shut. He pulled her towards the mirror and stood behind her, a hand resting on her shoulder.

Hermione stepped closer to examine the pendant. It appeared to be a family crest, an ornate M at the center with beautiful filigree surrounding it. Inlaid in the letter itself were beautiful tiny emeralds.

Elijah was the first to break the silence. "It's the Mikealson family crest. I consider you to be a Mikealson now. Where ever you go, anyone from my world will know that you are under our protection." He smiled at her. "You have become one of the most significant souls in my life, Hermione. And I hope that you will keep this close to your heart as I will keep you close to mine. Always and Forever."

Once again, Hermione was brought to tears in less than twenty-four hours. She grabbed him by his lapels and pulled him down to her level, kissing him with such a force she was surprised he was still standing. He quickly reciprocated, his initial shock wearing off. She pulled back, their foreheads touching as they took a few deep breaths.

"I will never take this off," Hermione promised him. "But please stop acting as though this will be the last time we see each other, I couldn't bear it."

Elijah trailed a finger down the side of her face before pulling a stray curl back behind her ear. "Hermione, I can not promise you this will not be the last time we see each other. My family could very well find me at any moment, and if things go wrong with the Hallow, well, let's just say there are ways to end even an original."

She shook her head, tears threatening to spill over once more. "Then come with me, you will be safe there. I've told you all about Hogsmeade already. It's completely hidden from the rest of the world. You even forgot my kind existed. Please, Elijah."

He pondered for a moment, entwining his hand with hers. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I will think about it, I promise." clearing his throat, he pulled away. "Now, to get you to the airport, you're already late."

The drive had been uneventful and relatively silent. They held hands the whole way to the airport and throughout the terminal until she had to go through security. "Promise, you'll write me?" questioned Hermione.

"You have my word."

She nodded, wanting to giggle at the typical Elijah answer. "I guess this is goodbye. I'll miss you, Elijah..so much." She turned quickly, not wanting him to see her cry for the umpteenth time.

"Wait! Hermione!" He pulled her by the arm and spun her around, placing his lips onto hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck; they fit together like two perfect puzzle pieces. A few moments later, he pulled back. "Farewell, Hermione, until we meet again." She swallowed, nodded, giving him one final hug before entering the security checkpoint. She didn't look back.


PRESENT DAY

Hermione beamed at the letter held firmly in her hands. Her thoughts were struggling to gather themselves in her excited state. She quickly made her way towards the desk and penned a quick reply to him, assuring him that she would indeed meet him at Hogsmede. She carefully tied the note to the Raven's leg and watched as it took flight into the night sky. She stayed like that for a while, lost in her thoughts, staring at the stars.

Hermione wondered where he currently was if he missed her and if he wanted to kiss her again. With a shake of her head, she smiled, shut the window and made her way towards her bed. And although she did not need to, she went to sleep and dreamt of the brown eyes she knew so well change into the color of molten steel, and flash red with hunger.