Author's Note: This chapter has been difficult to write, for some reason. I got many more future chapters done in lieu of avoiding this one. That allowed me to work through some kinks in the plot that I've been unsure of, so I'm excited to say I have a clearer idea of where I'm taking this!

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 20 – MACUSA and Chief Swan

The next morning I woke with a start to a tapping at my window. I sleepily looked towards the sound and then scrambled out once I realized I'd not left the window open that night. But it wasn't Hareton, who I supposed was still out for his nightly hunt. A beautiful great horned owl stood on the ledge, it's large amber eyes looking urgently into mine. I opened the window in haste and it flew in, sticking out it's leg obediently. I relieved it of it's duty, handing it a few treats and then flopped back onto my bed with the letter clutched in my hands.

My heart stopped when I saw the seal of the Magical Congress, oh Jesus, this was about the other night. I ripped it open and flattened the letter, scanning it frantically.

Dear Ms. Swan,

The Magical Congress of the United States of America would like to inform you of an incident that took place in Clallam County, Washington, United States. On Sunday Morning, the 27th of March the non-magical authorities (no-maj) apprehended suspects wanted for multiple crimes throughout the country. Upon their arrest the fugitives divulged of magical happenings where upon The Auror Office was notified and dispatched to conduct an investigation and the removal of all memories regarding such events.

Please be advised that this is a courtesy contact and as you are very newly of age we ask that such instances be handled swiftly in the future. We understand parties involved were under duress, thus any charges or punishments will be waived.

Please be warned that any further instances of threats to the International Statue of Wizarding Secrecy must be taken with consequence.

Yours sincerely,

Erwin Irving,

Department of Magical Law Enforcement,

Magical Congress of the United States of America.

I felt like my heart was beating out of my chest, there was no way I'd be able to go back to sleep now. I rushed to the bathroom, knowing my dad would be up any minute now to begin his day. By the time I was finished and dressed, he was up completing his ritual. I went downstairs and got breakfast for both of us, knowing he would either get take out or eat something non-nutritious, I was happy to be of use.

"Forecast says it's going to be a beautiful day," He called happily as he entered the kitchen, looking in surprise at the scrambled eggs and veggies I'd prepared. "Bells, thanks, you didn't have to."

"Of course I did, you need to eat some nutrients here and there." He chuckled, plopping down across from me at the tiny kitchen table, "What is this about a nice day?"

"It's supposed to be sunny, a rarity here, enjoy it while you can." He dug in with surprising fervor. "Hey, this is really good."

"Spices and butter! They make your veggies delicious." I smiled, eating with much less gusto. I did not plan on bringing up what had happened in Port Angeles or with MACUSA to Charlie, what he didn't know...

I thought about his comment and suddenly I felt a rise of panic. A sunny day, did that mean what I thought it did? I tried to remember if we ever discussed in DADA how vampires were affected by the sun, was it like the muggle lore? There had to be some truth there?

"Alright, Bells, I'm heading off." Charlie called interrupting my thoughts. He placed his plate in the sink and pulled on his utility belt and jacket, "Thanks for breakfast – have a good day!"

"Okay, Dad, you too." I called as he exited the house and I heard his patrol car roar into life and exit. I pulled out my phone quickly, I was almost certain the Cullen's would not be at school today.

I typed out a message but at the last second I changed my mind and I clicked on Edwards number, connecting the call.

"Bella?" He answered nearly instantly.

"Hi," I sighed, "Uh, Charlie said it's going to be a nice day..."

"Yes, I was going to text you. I'm sorry, Bella, I wont be able to drive you to school today."

I knitted my eyebrows together, "Does that mean you wont be at school today?" I lamented. I felt like I really needed to see him today after the letter, my stomach ached at the loss.

"No, I'm sorry." He said slowly, he was quiet for a moment before he continued, "Is everything all right? You sound upset."

"Uh, yeah, I'm just disappointed that you wont be at school with me today," I sputtered, "No one to save me from Jessica and Mike's attacks, you know."

I wasn't sure why I was lying. I mean, I was disappointing he wouldn't be there but I couldn't bring myself to bring up the letter. I felt weirdly embarrassed, I wasn't used to getting into trouble and getting a warning letter from the government felt like the Ultimate Deep Doo-Doo.

He chuckled, "I am really sorry... if anyone asks, say we're on a family trip. That's our little lie. We go on a camping trip or something when the weather's nice."

"Okay."

We both sat for a moment, just listening to each others background noise, neither of us wanting to hang up. I finally broke the silence.

"I-I guess I should head to school." I hesitated, "I am going to really miss you..."

I could hear him smiling on the other end, "Oh, I already miss you. I've been missing you since I left your room." He paused, "But yes, I will let you go. Have a good day, Bella."

We said our goodbyes, lingering on the phone a little too long before I finally ended the call and pulled myself from the kitchen table.

The moment I entered 1st period Mike sat up eagerly. I took my usual seat next to him hoping he wouldn't push any of my buttons today.

"You're here!" He said happily.

"Of course I am," I smirked, tilting my head, "why wouldn't I be?" I was confused at this line of thinking.

"I wasn't sure if the Cullen's were gonna steal you off today." He said smiling, "I'm glad they didn't."

My smile turned tight and I glanced over at him as I pulled out my things, "Yeah, I can't really miss any school." I tried to pretend I was busy with my notebook but unfortunately, Mike didn't catch the hint.

"So, Bella..." He glanced at me and fidgeted with his papers, bending the edges nervously. "Cullen, huh? I don't like it, Bella, he's not good for you."

I couldn't stop the scowl that morphed on my face, who the fuck did he think he was? "Okay, well Mike, it's not your decision who I date."

He had the decency to look sheepish, "I just mean, he's creepy." He said, "It's like—he looks like he wants to eat you sometimes!"

I had to fling my hand over my mouth to stop the laugh from bursting out of my mouth, Mike gave me an incredulous look. Thankfully, Mr. Mason called order to class and I was saved from having to respond. I was still shaking with giggles and Mike turned in his seat and huffed, folding his arms over his chest tightly.

Edward would have hated hearing that, which for some reason, made me laugh even more. The moment the bell rang, I sprung from my chair and left as soon as I could. Mike had barely even flinched by the time my heels disappeared.

The rest of the day past agonizingly slow, Jessica tried on multiple occasions to engage me in conversation about Edward but I'd always pivot the conversation to something else. Eventually she was forced to stop trying, our teachers giving her reproachful looks, silencing her.

The Cullen's were out of school for the next few days and by Friday I was relieve to see the blanket of clouds above my house. Edward and I had talked mostly through text, I'd had a essay for English due which had taken up most of my time. Charlie had informed me that the Blacks would be coming for dinner Sunday, forcing me to reveal my plans for Sunday and thus my relationship statues. He bristled at the idea for a bit until I'd mentioned it was Dr. Cullen's son, then he surprisingly seemed to deem it admissible.

"I always thought you might end up with Jake." He said after my confession.

I balked, "Dad! Jake is just a friend."

He held his hands up in surrender, "Wishful thinking, Bells, that's all." He gave me a serious look, "Alright, so this – Edwin, he's a good boy, then?"

"Edward, Dad. And yes, he's been great."

"Okay." He nodded, folding his hands in front of him on the table. "I want to meet him, then."

"Dad..."

"No, Bells, I give you a lot of freedom – I want to make sure my daughter is being taken care of."

"We're literally just dating..."

He raised his eyebrows and stood, "And I know where dating can lead, Bells, I'm not kidding. Meeting. Soon. Capisce?" He punctuated each word with a point of his finger in my direction.

I groaned, "Okay, fine – Uh, he's picking me up today for school..." I trailed off, hoping maybe soon meant much longer from now.

"Alright, might as well get it over with," He sighed and then pulled on his utility belt, gun turned in full view. I rolled my eyes.

I texted Edward and told him to be ready to meet my dad, he jumped at the idea, of course. Charlie told me he'd see if the Blacks would be willing to come tonight instead of Sunday and I agreed to the dinner. Tomorrow was the day I was supposed to go to Seattle, I wasn't sure if I was still doing that – it wasn't like I actually needed to go.

We stood on the porch as we waited for Edward to arrive and when he finally pulled up beside the curb and stepped out; Charlie stood up straighter, puffing his chest a bit. I couldn't stop myself from groaning and rolling my eyes.

Edward had on what I'd call his 'Sunday best', I suspected it was Alice's choosing. All the Cullen's were typically very chic in their clothing choices, a decision made by Alice, I was told. Edward wore a white button up with a dark blue fitted sweater on top, tucked into khaki chinos with some simple white low top sneakers.

I couldn't stop myself from glancing down at myself, I was dressed in one of Charlie's old band tees, flannel over top and black jeans with my scruffy Chucks. I wasn't quite sure what Edward saw in me, honestly.

I had to let Alice know that my father wasn't easily impressed with fashion. Not that I didn't like it, because I did. My eyes roved over his lean chest appreciatively. But I knew Charlie didn't see the attempt, all he was looking for was Edwards character.

Edward smiled softly at me as he stepped up onto the porch, "Hello, Chief Swan. I'm Edward Cullen, It's a pleasure to meet you." He spoke with his velvety smooth voice politely, sticking out a hand for my father to grasp.

Chief Swan? I huffed and Edward's eyes flicked to me for a second, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

Charlie did a once over before clearing his throat and accepting the shake, "Edward. Uh, I've been told you're dating my daughter?" He raised his eyebrows, pressing his lips into a line.

"Yes, Sir."

Charlie hummed, "Well, you seem like a good kid, Edward and I respect your father. Don't give me any reason not to like you, you hear?" He placed his hands on his hips, jostling his utility belt in a meaningful fashion.

Apparently, I'd be rolling my eyes a lot today.

"No, Sir. Of course not." Edward smiled and glanced my way again, I took that opportunity to break the tension and make our get away.

"Okay, Dad. You got your chance to intimidate him." I spluttered, "Let's go, Edward." I pulled him lightly by the hand and allowed him to relieve me of my backpack, figuring it wouldn't hurt getting him into Charlie's good grace – Dads liked gentlemanly gestures, right?

"Alright." Charlie grumbled, "Edward, you drive safe or I'll hear about it." He threatened, staying planted on the porch and watching us as we left. I threw a hand up in understanding as we walked away.

In the car, Edward turned up the heater and left without speaking but when I looked his way I saw he was smiling and laughing quietly. "What?" I asked a little irritated.

He glanced my way and smiled wider, "Nothing," He said, "I just don't think Charlie mean for that to bother you more than it did me."

"Well... I hate the whole macho-intimidation display, " I whined, "I get he's just being my dad but... it still annoys me."

"He was mostly putting up a front," He chuckled, "He was surprisingly receptive in his mind."

"That still doesn't make it better –" I stopped, realizing something, "You can hear my dad?" I don't know why this surprised me, it wasn't like he ran into people he couldn't hear often. I also felt a little protective of my dad's thoughts, they weren't anyone's to hear.

"I can but it's kinda muddle," He said slowly, "It's more like I can guess what he feels and catch vague words in between."

I felt relief, "Oh." I said softly, turning over this new interesting information in my head.

He seemed to follow where my mind was going because he added, "If I could, I wouldn't listen." He grimaced, "I really do wish I could stop it."

I knew he didn't do it on purpose and I shouldn't take it out on him, "I know," I said, smiling slightly, "I'm not upset, just for some reason, I felt a little annoyed."

He nodded, "I get that, it's an invasion of privacy. You have every right to not like it."

I nodded, accepting his words and stared out my window as we arrived in the school parking lot; feeling suddenly very excited for the day with Edward back at my side.