* * * Rambling Dialogue * * *
Meanwhile, Dumbledore's internal brainstorm has grasped onto the only idea that seems a feasible answer to the incredible paradox of Edward's motivations: Perhaps we don't fit his… modus operandi? Just trying to imagine himself in the vampire's shoes, has shown him how hard it is to even fathom a conscientious life filled with the compulsion to prey upon humans. Very possibly beginning with: everybody that was closest to him. Being thrust into such an eternal existence cannot have been an easy thing. I suppose, he guesses, in the process of that… if I had to hear everyone's thoughts all the time – I might be a little picky, too.
Undoubtedly,Albus can't help but be pleasantly dazed at Edward's willingness to respect all of their persons; the simple sparing of innocent lives is a profound offering for a vampire… and it gives him no preconceived expectations that such a being would further be inclined to defend them. Even so, as he unabashedly admires how genuinely this formidable predator interacts with his entirely unafraid human lady-friend, this is far more than just 'sparing' going on here. So impressively more that… might it not be unreasonable to ask him, or better yet: them, if they would join the fight against Voldemort? Tom may have even provided enough personal motivation already. But alas, the awesomely wishful image of any human-drinking being fighting safely alongside humans… on a battlefield, not unlikely sporting blood… does seem a particularly hard one to believe. Insanity, really. Not to mention the extra danger that would introduce his young lady into. (Wince.) Nevertheless, I believe that, if there ever could be a chance – and what a lucky chance it veritably is – it would be this one right here.
"Alright then, what if…" Bella scrambles, clearly trying to keep the conversation going, "how would things have gone different if I hadn't come with you?"
"Well…" Edward considers, frowning, "Other than suddenly worrying about you getting home safely, without me being there to make sure…" it doesn't surprise him to see her roll her eyes, as his twinkle, "the biggest difference is that… without you here to show the way – " he pauses, more serious now, "what reason would they have had to believe anything I said?" His half smile is somewhat sad at this truth, and his voice softens. "I probably wouldn't have stuck around."
"Which is a reason for me being here, rather than against… since it would have made it harder on them, not knowing. So then: what would you have done if…say… Angela and Ben had tagged along instead?"
His eyebrow raises, now that her 'what if' question has delved into the ridiculously unlikely category. What is she trying to accomplish here? This sounds more like humor than seriousness, because she couldn't possibly ever want them in this place. "It might have been a bit difficult trying to explain away my zombie immunity."
"Good thing your father is a doctor. Maybe he gave you an experimental vaccination," she offers. Yes, definitely humorous.
A doctor? In stunned surprise, neither wizard knows what to make of this. But any experimental vaccination that would turn one into a vampire – doesn't sound particularly encouraging. What kind of doctor could a vampire be?
"I'm not sure how helpful that tidbit would be in the face of those action thrillers Ben likes to watch," his lips twitch at their banter. "Wouldn't that tend to cast me as the deranged guinea pig of a mad scientist? Poor Carlisle."
Bella giggles. "I can't even imagine your dad in that role… but yeah, I guess. Sooo…you be the mad scientist then… and enlist Angela to help us turn that thriller into a Disney movie. All of a sudden, he'd be the odd English gentleman grandfather, whose son invents a flying car…"
Edward nods, recognizing the role. "Caractacus Potts, of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I think his name was intended to make a statement."
"Probably," Bella agrees, clearly playing with him now. "Though I'm sure you could play the role quite admirably. You know what they say about hearing voices."
"Hmm," he regards her shrewdly. "Dancing up a circus… making music with a lollipop… and wooing the candymaker's daughter…" silently, he notices the appropriateness of her namesake and smiles secretively, eyes twinkling with adoration, "all while making a clown of myself to save the day… as I keep both children entertained with the story."
Nodding amusedly at his apt summary, she wonders about what must have crossed his mind. "Something like that."
"Not bad," he slyly cooperates; "I suppose I could handle that. Although, by casting me as Caractacus Potts, surely you realize you've just doomed yourself."
Bella is confused. "Doomed myself?" And the wizards beside her are understandably wary of his terminology.
Edward nods. "Aside from how much dancing the role would require, have you considered who that would cast you as? I couldn't have just anyone playing the leading lady. Do you remember what her name is?" he adds innocently.
"Oh, right," she grimaces, definitely daunted by the amount of dancing and singing inherent to the part; to the whole movie, really. It wouldn't fit her at all. There's just no chance. "Um…" she scrunches her nose up, trying to remember the name of the candymaker's daughter, "I think it was Truly… Truly…" suddenly she laughs freely as it comes to her, understanding now what he had been getting at, "Truly Scrumptious." No wonder he thought the role fit her.
"Indeed," he smiles wryly, eyeing her with clear adoration, and amusement. "You're just not cut out for acting, are you."
"Definitely not," she agrees.
Still completely comfortable in his arms, even after that, Dumbledore muses. Amazing.