Chapter 1
They were hiking through the murky woods. Scattered rays of sunshine escape the tall foliage of the over grown trees to light their path. It was a bit cold, but his touch was colder. She grits out the uncomfortable shiver every time his hand holds her. But she is stubborn and determined. She will get it out of him. The clues were everywhere. It should have been impossible, a fairy tale, a hoax. But it was right in front of her, standing tall, his pale hand holding her hand.
"You're impossibly fast and strong." Bella tried to show fearlessness, she was treading unknown waters. She breathes in deeply, she has to say it now before she looses courage or worse he runs away again. He seem to do that a lot.
"And… and you're skin is pale white and ice cold. Your eyes change color. Sometimes you speak like you're from a different time."
Edward let go of her hand, he was rounding on her as she stands in the middle of a clearing, careful to pass by any sunlight that escapes the tree's canopies. He was looking at her seriously. Her next question would define the next days of their lives. He was not in a hurry to face this conclusion, he has after all lived a long time, but Bella has always been the stubborn one.
"You never even drink or eat anything. You don't go out in sunlight…" Her breath was cold, small fogs coming out of her mouth. Breath in, breath out. It was now or never.
"How old are you Edward?" Her voice trembled a little.
She was nervous, her anticipation making her anxious. Or excited, a small voice in her head is saying. She tries to shake it off. Standing still as a rod, she waits for his reply.
Edward was just behind her, he could hear her heart throbbing like a monkey on a drum set. Should he tell her and compromise the family. He always tried to be more understanding, to have more patience, to be more compassionate, and forgiving. Much like Carlisle. He never wanted to be a monster. But wouldn't it be nice to be selfish for once. Did he not deserve happiness, like the rest of his family.
"How old are you?" She asks again.
"17" He whispers to her ear. He could see the tiny hairs at her nape raise from the coolness of his breath.
"How long have you been 17?"
"A while"
Bella gulps. Her suspicions were correct, however mind blowing. But she needed him to say it. To admit and confirm the nagging thoughts she has been having.
"I… I know what you are Edward." She grimaces as she stammers what her heart wants to say.
"Say it. Out loud. Say it…" His darkened eyes bore at her. Tempting her to name the monster he is.
"You're a…" But before she could finish, she was suddenly interrupted. Edward was in front of her in a blink, one arm protectively covering her tiny shaking frame.
*Snap*
"Ughhh.." They heard a groan from a distance. The sudden interruption not just halted Bella's monologue, but her thoughts seemed to stop too. She was too confused to notice the new figure that has emerged from the thicket.
Edward was ready to pounce on any threat coming their way. He has not sense anyone before they came to the small clearing until he heard the noise from an intruder.
"Who goes there?!" His voice was hard. A growl escaping his throat.
"Ugh Merlin! Fuckity Fuck Fuck Fuck!" The apprehension in his face changes to amusement. He did not expect such foul words in what clearly is an English accent. His mouth has opened a bit, his stance was still the same but he was more befuddled than guarded. He just heard a tinkling female's voice with a pirates mouth to boot!
"Oh! OOHHH!" Hazel eyes stare into gold ones. The peculiar woman had the identical surprise look the man has. She stopped dusting her jeans and openly stared at him.
"I'm sorry! I'm just trying to look for something… I didn't mean to disturb your meal time!" She smiled awkwardly, hefting a large bag in one of her shoulder.
"What?! What do you mean!?" Edward defended.
"Excuse me?!" Bella shrilled at the same time.
"Uhmm? Were you not going to eat her? I mean it is a pretty deserted forest Mr. Vampire." Her awkward smile was starting to falter. Vampires could really be weird and dramatic when it comes to their victims.. no - a prey, because it is not their fault they have a different diet. But Mr. Vampire seem to be the animal drinking type. Hmm curious.
Edward was staring incredulously at the witch. Of course, he would know right away their kind, the wand on her hand was a dead give away. Besides she smells like jasmine, books and old paper, much like parchment, but nothing like the seductive smell of blood he usually smell from mortals.
"Sorry, you are mistaken. She is not my victim and she will never be. But you are within our territory wi…" He wasn't able to finish his sentence. The witch suddenly forced his mouth closed.
"How daft could you be?! You have no right to say who I am! Not in front of her you.. You!" A red spell spark from her wand to stun the girl rendering her unconscious.
Edward catches Bella fast. The witch before him didn't seem dark, but she has just trained her wand to a non-magical. Something he was sure the Wizard's government does not allow.
His eyes narrow at the witch, the golden tinge gone, its shade darker now. He doesn't know how powerful the tiny witch before him is, but he will not back down from a threat. Edward was crouching on the ground now, adjusting his frame to easily attack the witch. They may know a lot of spells and curses but he was fast, he could grab the wand from her.
"Daft Mr. Vampire! Crouching there like an idiot! Can you please stand up and talk like a civilized person!"
The witch's arms were crossed now, a tiny sneer on her face. She was tapping her right foot, her patience growing thin. She was tired and hungry and she needed to find that Merlin damned tree before sun down.
Her petulant form does not falter him. As he stare at her, Edward decided to look into her mind. He needed to know if threat is imminent, if he needed to run with Bella to a far away place then warn his family. Angering a witch is not healthy to your health. Unfortunately all his efforts were futile, he was abruptly thrown away from her mind before he could even glimpse at her thoughts. 'Definitely powerful' he thought.
"That was not nice Mr. Vampire. Do that again and I won't think twice of burning you." Her voice was cold now, and her demeanor has changed. It surprised him to see, that such a tiny witch is capable of such. The way she stand and regard him reminds him so much of one of his brother. She looks like a soldier, no a general, someone you should not trifle with.
As they stare and silently scrutinize each other, Edward slowly raised his two arms - as if to surrender. He didn't want to receive the witch's ire. Very few magical can close off his special skill so easily. And a witch who is alone is someone who is truly capable to defend herself.
"It seems we got on the wrong foot Ms. Witch" Returning the formal greeting to her, trying to soothe the heady aura that surrounds her.
She smiles a little. Her wand was gone from her hand now, and she's hoisting the large bag with two hands now, balancing her weight from foot to foot.
"Well Mr. Vampire.."
"Please call me Edward." He offered with a charming smile. His amusement before coming back and is now paired with curiosity.
"... Yes, yes, Edward. I'm sorry to stun your girlfriend…"
"Friend" He interrupts again.
"Pardon?" She had a funny look in her face now.
"I mean she's just my friend" 'What are you saying Edward' He mentally berates himself while a stiff smile was plastered on his face.
"Riiight.. well I had to stun your friend because of the Statute of Secrecy. You know how it is. I'm sure you're quite familiar with that, the Volturi has the same terms do they not?
Besides, I do not want to work on that paper work. Unless, you're planning on turning her?"
"Nope." Making the p pop from his mouth.
They just stood there, smiling awkwardly at each other. All this smiling was kind of painful for him, even if he feels no muscle stretching. He got a better look at her now. The tiny witch was wearing some awfully tight trekking clothes, her dark jeans tucked-in her knee high boots. She had a blue hoodie with puffed out vest, her arms covered by the long sleeves. But all this was just small details, because her beautiful face was framed by the most captivating long curls all the way down her waist. The sun shining down on her mahogany locks made her look like a greek goddess from the olden times.
He had to break the awkward tension.
"So you said you were looking for something? I am quite familiar with these lands. We did live here for almost a century." His hands were behind his back now, and he tries to look friendlier than before. He didn't know how he could smile so much.
"Oh yes!" She beams at him. "I'm actually looking for a tree." His eyes widened at her response, a single brow raise slightly.
"Well you came to the right place!" A weird sounding chuckle escape him. Jeez, could he sound more like a dweeb. He had to bite his lips from laughing at his awful attempt at a joke. He knew if he were not a vampire he could have sworn he would be sweating a little now and blushing like an idiot.
"Ha ha Mr. Vampire. I'm actually looking for a very specific tree. A magical tree actually! I was actually sensing it somewhere north of here, but my feet suddenly betrayed me and decided to stumble on this awfully large root." She kicks the culprit. Her large set of hair must have blocked her view because she's trying to blow it off of her face now.
"Yes roots do seem to do that"
"They trip people?" She was utterly confused by his statement that made her face curve into an incredulous expression.
"Yes, because they're on the ground and obstruct you from walking straight." He said with a stiff smile. He was awful at this… whatever he was doing.
She grimaced at him, her brows furrowed. She was already looking skeptically, thinking if her parents were really right about not talking to strangers.
"Mr. Vampire you're very weird." She said dryly, then proceeded to drop her bag to the side, giving up on carrying it any longer. She leans on the offensive tree, resting her tiring body.
Edward was properly humiliated now. Alice was right, he has no idea how to approach the opposite sex.
But before he could even berate himself for being such a moron towards the lovely lady he heard her laugh. And not just the feminine chuckle that sound cute and endearing. No, this was a full blown laughter, her head was lolling backwards, her shoulders were shaking and she was snorting for god's sake! When he thought that she had enough, the crazy witch just looks at him and laughs hysterically again, one hand clutching on her stomach and the other balancing herself by the tree.
He was deeply offended, but her laugh where infectious. Next thing he knew he was laughing like a mad man. They sounded like crazed hyenas.
"Oh Edward…" Her voice was breathy and she tried wiping the tears from her eyes. "Thank you for that! I can't seem to remember the last time I laughed like that" She was breathing heavily, and he couldn't help stare at her chest going up and down. He was thankful he was no mortal or he could have been catching his breath and blushing at the same time. Not a good sight to see. Thank God for small blessings.
She walks towards him, dragging that bigger-than-her bag, and throws her hand at him.
"Hermione Granger" she said with a big smile.
"Edward. Edward Cullen" he was not even surprised when she didn't flinch away from his cold hands as they shake.
"So you're looking for a tree." He asked teasingly.
"Yes Mr. Vampire. It's just north of this place." Both of their smiles never leaving their faces. He decided then he should accompany and guide her. Esmee would have his head if he did not show proper manners towards a lady, a beautiful lady at that.
"Well it will be awful of me if I don't offer to carry this big bag of yours. I may be a vampire, but I was raised as a gentleman." He hoisted the bag easily. It was not heavy for him, but he had an idea that it weighed more than it looks. Edward then offered his arm to the witch.
"Why thank you good sir. Lead the way!" Hermione curl her hand in the crook of his arm
They were already heading north a few steps away from the clearing, when suddenly Hermione pulls her hold in his arm demanding his attention.
"Uhm.. what about her?" She points at the unconscious body behind them.
"Oh." was all his reply.
…
"Once I revive her, I kind of have to obliviate her" Hermione said, looking apologetic at him.
"Alright!" Her eyes widened a bit when his answer did not waver.
"Wait.. What is that?" He asked innocently.
Hermione already has a small frown on her lips, and she started backing away from him a little bit.
"You're not a very good friend Mr. Vampire" She said with narrowed eyes. What a friend he is, very willing to allow a witch to cast a spell - he has no idea about - on the girl.
"Hey, I am a good friend! Besides, you don't seem like the type who will hurt her purposely." He said sheepishly. God wasn't he just very protective towards Bella a while ago.
"I can't believe she's actually friends with you. Does she know who you are, or rather what you are?"
"We were actually getting on that part. Until you disturbed us." He mumbled under his breath.
But Hermione did not seem to hear him because she just went on with her questions.
"Were you luring her out here to turn her? Or perhaps eat her? You must have good control not to drink her dry."
"What? I am not a human drinker!"
"Yes, yes you're eyes are abnormally gold."
"What is with you and insults witch!"
"So Mr. Vampire, what were you doing out here in the middle of the woods? You are a bit far from the nearest road, and she doesn't seem the trekking kind" Her arms were folded, her button nose were scrunched up, and she was looking at him with squinted eyes, like as if trying to solve the puzzle before her.
"I was actually about to tell her who I am. She does have a bit of an idea already." He wanted to get irritated at the witch before him, but he was more than thankful for her interruptions. He never wanted to reveal himself to Bella. A monster like him could not have any relationship with her kind. What was he even thinking? 'You certainly weren't thinking with your brain, that's for sure.' A voice in the back of his mind said, it suspiciously sounded like Rosalie.
"So you mean to changer her? Has she given her consent to the transformation? Is she prepared for the pain? How did you two even meet? You really trust her that much to tell her your secret? You must be a nomad. You do know the Volturi will either kill you or turn her if you mess this up."
"How did this turn into an interrogation. Do you have a badge, officer?" His sarcastic retort didn't go unnoticed. Both had their arms crossed, looking like 5 year olds arguing in the middle of recess.
Hermione sighs. Ron did warn her she could get irritatingly annoying at times with her incessant questioning.
"I'm sorry. My mouth seem to have a mind of its own. But I still have to obliviate her. It's a form of erasing or altering certain parts of memory. I'm pretty good at it, you can trust me with that at least."
"That's very convenient." He whispered.
Edward stared at her with wide eyes. A spell that can alter memories. Gods must truly be real, here a solution to their family's problem standing right in front of him. 'But what about Bella.' Another voice in his head said, this one sounded like Alice.
He breathes deeply, the scent of the forest and jasmine wafting his nose. He must be going crazy if he could hear his sisters' voices as his conscience.
He looks at the witch before him. If it weren't for her sudden appearance Bella would've found out the truth about him, and in extension his family too. She could be running for her life right now. However Bella did seem like she wanted him to give her something he vows never to do. She should know that being turned into a monster is no adventure. But nothing exciting ever happens in Forks.
"Can I ask something of you Hermione? A favor if you will. Then after I will help you scour the land for your magical tree. I have no need for sleep or rest like you mortals, I can search for it when your body start to tire."
"It depends Edward, what is it that you want?" Hermione seemed uneasy, the vampire had gone serious all of a sudden.
"Will you remove any knowledge about me and my family being vampires?" He looked meaningfully at her, his eyes pleading. Here's a chance to avoid a tragedy and he is not stupid to let it pass.
"You do not wish for her to turn like you?"
"Yes." He said flatly.
"Are you sure Edward? My skills at altering memories is quite permanent." Of course it is, it was a very well executed spell that she can't seem to reverse the one she did to her parents many years ago.
"This is for the better."
She looks into his eyes for any sign of guilt or hesitation. But Edward looks more determined now.
"Alright. But I think you have to return her first somewhere not in the middle of the woods with a vampire and a witch."
Edward nods at her.
She took a deep breath, then raised her wand towards the unconscious female. She peeked into her mind, analyzing every moment she has shared with him and his family. It seems the girl's immune towards his gift.
"I will not completely erase all her memories of you, it will seem too suspicious"
"Obliviate"
…
Edward settled Bella in her bed. Her scent was not as appetizing as before, but he didn't want to analyze that now.
The witch beside him turned her wand to him, and he instinctively took a step back.
"I'll just disillusion us. We can't have her see us now once I revive her." A tingling feeling wash over his body as the witch taps his head with her wand. He was surprise to see himself transparent and the witch completely gone.
"You can't see me now, but I suggest we meet in the clearing after she wakes. I can apparate there myself."
"Apparate?"
"Teleport, I really don't want to climb your back again. I almost vomited my lunch running around like road runner."
"Alright." He won't stop her. If his heart could beat he knew it would be just as fast, her soft body pressing his back almost made him loose his concentration.
"Rennervate"
He heard a tiny pop right after the witch said her spell. Bella started to toss in her bed. 'Goodbye Bella.' He last glanced at her before he jumps off her window and run back to the clearing.
…
"So a tree"
They were back at the clearing. He found her eyes closed and in deep concentration. He noticed her long dark lashes grazing the apples of her cheeks. Bella was pretty but Hermione was truly beautiful and captivating. However he didn't want to think over it too much. He just avoided an almost failed romance with Bella, he didn't want to jump into another one. Besides Hermione doesn't seem the type to fall for a monster like him. They do tend to choose their own kind.
"There. Probably half a mile away from us."
They walk silently in the woods. She was quite fast, especially now that he's the one holding her bag. She must be accustomed to walking through harsh terrains like this forest.
"Why are you looking for a tree here in Forks? You sound awfully far away from your home."
She looked at him questioningly.
"The accent gave it away."
"Ah yes I'm actually from London. And because I'm an Intern" She said it like it was the most obvious thing.
"An intern?"
"I'm actually an apprentice. But I feel more like an intern, the errand girl who gets the cup of coffee and orders lunch for everybody."
"I still don't quite follow" He chuckled.
"I'm an apprentice for Mr. Ollivander, he's a wandcrafter back home. I was tasked to harvest wood for him. An evergreen tree. It looks like a Spitka Spruce, something that is native here in Washington. I never wanted to be a harvester, but I guess it's part of the craft. I just hate it when he sends me with only clues to go by. I've been walking in these woods for 3 days now. The only lead I got brought me here. But I'm always optimistic so I carry on." She said with a smile and he can't help but admire her dedication.
"Well we've passed by many of those trees now. Anything specific?"
"This one will be surrounded by a field of flowers. Flowers that are not native to these lands, but the magic let them sprout."
"Field of flowers?" He stop walking. "I think I know where to find this tree."
Hermione turns to look at him.
"Well then lead the way Mr. Vampire!"
"You know, I am pretty sure where we're headed. It would be faster if…"
"No, no! None of that. We walk peacefully, I never wanted to ride a hippogriff back then, I will not ride you now."
"I don't know what a hippogriff is, but I can carry you" He offered with a smile.
But Hermione just scowled at him
….
They arrived at the clearing. She was a bit out of breath, but the exercise was good for her. She needed to get in shape if Mr. Ollivander will keep sending her to excursions like these.
"Oh my! This is beautiful." The tree stands in the middle of a field of wild flowers. Lavanders, creeping buttercup and red poppies. It was such a beautiful place. And the trees canopy shading the ground. Oh it was the perfect place to bundle up against the tree and read a book.
"I take that you like it?" He smiled at her awed expression. She was like a child in a candy store.
"Like it? It's lovely! If only I have my History book and a hot chocolate."
"History?"
She looked sheepish. People did tease her for reading too much historical books. She has lost count rereading Hogwarts a History, and that's just the from the first version she got.
"Hey I love History too! I did live some of it"
"Oh right, I am with a vampire of course" She was just glad he didn't tease her.
"How old are you anyway? If.. if you don't mind me asking" She asked.
"How dare you ask a young man his age!" They laugh at his half attempt at a joke.
"I'm 17, been that way for over a century."
"Oh not that old! My mentor is just as old as you! And mind you, for an old man his memory never wavers."
Of course, their kind do age differently from the normal mortals. He wonders then how old she is.
"And you?"
"And me what?" She asked innocently.
"How young is thy lovely lady?"
"Mr. Vampire. That is not a proper question for a lady" If this was any other girl, he would think she's flirting with him. But he can see the mirth in her eyes.
"I'm actually 20." She glances at his eyes, then added. "For 23 years now."
"What?" He did not follow.
"Oh I was an alchemist before I decided to learn wandlore, still am actually." She said it off handedly. He still did not get it but he couldn't question her further when she dove half her body in the bag.
Hermione set the bag infront of her, and started rummaging for the equipment she needed. She couldn't used her usual tiny bag. But some of her equipment were restricted to shrink properly and Ollivander did give her this bag. Besides, that special bag is safely hidden inside her shoes. Constant vigilance as Moody said, and there's nothing more vigilant than hiding your more important items to your person.
She took out a large leather pouch, which seems to have glass in them because he could hear the tinkling of glass hitting each other. And a very large cleaver.
"Woah!" The cleaver was longer than her arm, and she could barely hold it with one hand.
"It is of extreme importance I use a special cleaver for this type of tree. They do tend to runaway from magic."
"Run away?" His day was getting more confusing with her.
"Raaaa!" She charges for the tree, her scream echoing the field.
He was amazed at the sheer strength the tiny witch has, but nothing surprised him more when the tree did start to run.
…
"The tree can run" He was standing beside her. A dumbfounded look on his face.
"Yes of course silly! You would flee too if someone tries to run after you with a large knife." She giggled. The tree was now binded by some magical rope and it was wriggling trying to get free.
"The tree can run"
"Yes yes the tree can run. Hold this for me please." She shoved the cleaver at his face. He haphazardly tried to catch it, but he was still bewildered by the running tree.
"Hello Mr. Tree" She tried in a soothing voice, but the tree seemed to shriek. "Oh apologies. Ms. Tree. You're a beautiful tree aren't you?" She cooed.
"So beautiful, I was just really mesmerized by your beauty. You have such a beautiful skin, a remarkable bark. Truly the sight of wonder Ms. Tree." The tree remained silent. If it had a face, Edward would think it's looking at her disbelievingly.
"Isn't she the most remarkable tree here in the woods Edward?" She looked pointedly at him.
"Yes. The most beautiful tree. The very best. I did always like you tree. I.. I mean Ms. Tree" He stammered.
"See, even the sparkly vampire likes you." He swears the tree looks like it's preening and purring from their compliments.
"I just can't help my self Ms. Tree. I'm truly sorry for scaring you like that but I mean you no harm. It's just I'm always amazed by beautiful things. Perhaps if you could share a strip of you bark with me, we will bother you no longer and I will release you from these chains. Pretty please." She added, fluttering her eyes at the tree.
As the tree willingly strip it's bark into Hermione's hand. He still couldn't believe the tree can run.
…
"Did you just charm a tree into giving you what you want?"
"You make me sound spoiled Edward!" She narrowed her eyes at him as she started to pack her stuff in the bag. The bark was now carefully placed in a leather pouch.
"Besides, the tree is truly magnificent. Isn't that right Ms. Tree?" She shouted at the tree, but it just ignored them. The tree rooted itself again in the same spot as before, shaking its branch making some leaves fall off. Silent and steady again, like as if it was not running a moment ago.
He helps Hermione stand up and she magically brush off any dirt from her with a wave of her hand.
"Thank you for your help Mr. Vampire." She smiled beautifully at him.
They stared at each other for a while and Edward can't help but return the same smile. He gulped when he saw her eyes flicker to his lips for a moment. But he must be imagining it.
He was about to speak. But a deep rumbling interrupted their silence.
"Sorry. Walking through these woods and chasing after a tree can make one hungry." She blushed. She mentally chastise her stomach for being too obvious.
"Would you like to go to my house, I live near here. I'm sure my family would love meet you."
"Introducing me to your parents Mr. Vampire? On our first meeting nonetheless." She teased and Edward laughed at her playful innuendo.
"No, my mother is an excellent cook. Despite not being able to taste the meal herself."
"You keep saying family. Is your whole family all vampires?" Her inquisitive nature comes out again.
"No we are a coven of animal drinkers. Carlisle, our head of house prefers we be called a family. He is our father, and his wife Esmee is our mother. I have four more siblings, which makes us a coven of 7 vampires."
"Truly Amazing! Well then lead on Mr. Vampire!"
They start walking back to the house. He was sure Alice has seen this already and a meal has been prepared for her. As he looks sideways at the witch, he couldn't help feel a warm sensation building deep in him. It seems this is a start of a nice friendship.
…
…
AN: Welcome to another FF. Just decided to write the plot bunny that's been hopping in my head for some time now.
I claim nothing of JKR or Meyer's works.
Enjoy!