Chapter 44: Difficult discussions

Jasper looked at his family members, uncertain. He had just explained to them that he wanted to make Harry his chalice and the reactions were mixed. Rosalie was afraid it would draw the attention of the Volturi to them, Alice was trying to see the future without success. Esme was glad he had a solution that didn't require turning the wizard and Carlisle was confused. Edward was confused, counting the pros and cons while Emmett had no opinion. The conversation was going in circles. The biggest problem was Rosalie's behavior. She didn't even try to understand the others' point of view. No matter how much Jasper explained to her that they were taking more risk in the current situation than by making Harry his chalice, she wouldn't listen.

"You tell us about it before you make Harry your chalice and I thank you for that," said Carlisle, ending the deaf debate that was playing out in the room. I think everyone should take some time to think before continuing this conversation. Maybe we can talk about this again tomorrow."

Jasper was glad his companion wasn't there, he was sure that listening to the arguments against them, like Rosalie's, would have hurt him. He watched his siblings leave the room without saying anything. Esme came and hugged him before leaving.

"Everything will be all right," she told him tenderly.

The empath returned her embrace, watched her leave the room and then stood up to leave, but Carlisle held him back.

"What do you say we both go for a walk?"

Jasper nodded, understanding the implied message. They both ran through the woods until they were on top of a cliff surrounded only by nature.

"Does it really matter what we think about this?" the doctor asked.

Jasper thought about how to phrase his answer. He felt nothing but benevolence coming from the one he considered his father, which helped him say what was really on his mind.

"I will make Harry my chalice whatever you think, but if... if you don't give us your consent, we will certainly leave."

"I see, either we agree and add new members to the family, or we refuse and lose you."

Jasper nodded, he could feel Carlisle's pain as he spoke his words.

"I can't watch him grow old and die."

"I understand son, I understand. You have to think about what this will do to the two of you and to the treaty."

This remark annoyed Jasper, he had already thought about the consequences for both of them and that's just it, he didn't want to throw that in the trash because of the treaty, but he understood what Carlisle meant.

"Talk to Harry or Hermione, maybe it will help you understand better that this is the best solution for us and it shouldn't be a problem for the treaty. I'll be even less of a threat to the people of Forks."

"Do the rest of the Weasleys or Andromeda know?"

"Harry wanted to tell them, I don't know if he has or not."

"Okay, I'll talk to them to find out more about this process, if you do it here, I'll have to tell the Quileutes..."

Jasper huffed, but he understood. If the wolves ever accidentally found out later, they might consider that he wasn't respecting the treaty and attack them. Suddenly he sensed something was wrong with Harry, he was sad, angry and disappointed all at the same time.

"Harry," he said as he immediately started running towards the house.

He didn't need to check, he knew Carlisle was behind him.

Harry had decided to talk with Andromeda and Ron about the chalice, at the same time Jasper was talking to his family. What he didn't expect was that all of the Weasleys would be there by then, along with the Malfoys, Luna, Seamus and Neville. He hesitated to speak, not comfortable talking about it in front of so many people, especially people he wasn't close to. His dilemma was cut short rather quickly, however.

"Draco and I wanted to thank you for saving his life and for taking us in. We're moving to Salem so he can attend medical school." announced Narcissa.

She and Draco went around the room greeting people.

"I'm sure becoming a chalice will work out very well for you Mr. Potter," Narcissa said as she shook his hand.

Harry felt the red flush in his cheeks and stammered an almost inaudible response, now feeling all eyes on him.

"What is she talking about, Harry?" asked Arthur once the Malfoy's had left.

The dark-haired man huffed, he was at it, he had to explain his decision to... a lot more people than he could have imagined.

"Jasper isn't just my boyfriend, he's my soul mate." he declared in a very stressed voice.

There was a moment of silence, Harry could see that those who didn't know were processing the information. A big smile lit up George's face as Arthur and Percy's faces softened. Bill had settled back into his corner, his wife's hand in his. Andromeda was smiling sweetly, as was Hermione. Ron was... Ron, puzzled.

"So in order to stay by his side you're going to become his chalice," Percy summarized.

"Yes."

"Uh... what's a chalice?" asked Ron.

"No, but isn't anyone listening in class or what?" exclaimed Hermione in annoyance.

Her remark made everyone laugh and lightened the mood.

"Basically Harry will be the food source for his vampire, but will live forever," Bill replied dryly.

"What's your problem, Bill?"

"He's going to spend eternity getting his blood sucked!"

"What's the big deal? It's not like it's going to hurt him, kill him or turn him, it's going to make him stronger and allow him to live as long as Jasper."

"How can he choose to watch all his loved ones die, including Teddy?"

"Hey!" shouted Harry. "I'm still here and it's my life you're arguing about! Bill, whatever you think, Jasper is my soul mate. And I would like, for once in my life, to be able to make my own decisions!"

The Survivor left the room in frustration. Hermione tried to follow him, but he told her he needed to be alone. He replayed all the decisions in his life that had been made without him. He left the house, still brooding, and walked through the forest. He walked without paying attention to where he was going, ruminating. He wondered why it was always necessary for everyone to interfere in his life, until now all his decisions had been dictated by others for the good of all or by magic. Of course he didn't regret that magic had led him to Jasper, but he did regret having to hurt Charlie in the process. He didn't stop walking until he came to a beach. He sat down on the sand and lost his gaze in the waves, genuinely saddened by Bill's reaction.

"I don't know what your problem is Bill, but Jasper is a good man!"

The concerned vampire, who had just arrived near the house, recognized George's voice and appreciated his friend's words, but he didn't like the tone, nor the emotions he felt. There was a lot of anger in the room where the Weasleys were gathered.

"Seriously Bill, Harry's had a shit life, if he's happy being Jasper's chalice, we don't have to say anything, it's his choice," added Ron.

Jasper walked into the room, Carlisle on his heels, touched by the words of the dark-haired man's best friend. He knew his support meant a lot to him.

"Where's Harry?" the empath asked anxiously.

"He left, he needed some air and maybe if he didn't call you it's because he didn't want you."

Jasper's eyes turned black at Bill's words, ever since the almost-wolf had hit Harry, Jasper had been dreaming of reeling him in, tempting him like this was clearly not the best thing to do. Carlisle put his hand on the empath's arm, telling him to control himself. It took a tremendous effort to focus on Carlisle's calm and regain control, his eyes slowly lighting up.

"Bill, you should go," Arthur said wearily. "I think you need to calm down and think about the situation in peace."

The spellbreaker answered nothing, but obeyed his father, apparating. Fleur walked out of the room, picking up Victoire in the adjacent one and apparates as well, without a word.

"Jasper, let me walk with you, I'm sure you'll have no problem tracking Harry down."

The vampire nodded, he concentrated on the scents and effortlessly found his companion's. The two of them walked side by side through the forest, Jasper suppressing his urge to run to find his wizard as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, they soon reached the border of La Push and Jasper stopped.

"I can't go any further," he raged.

He wanted more than anything to forget the treaty and pass. Knowing his companion was in the wolves' domain was torture for him, especially since he could still feel his sadness in his heart. Now he suspected that the young man's emotions were due to Bill's reaction, but that didn't stop him from worrying.

"It's all right," said Arthur. "This young man has been like a son to me for a long time, I have no doubt that I will find him and bring him back to you."

He gave him a sincere smile and left.

Jasper looked at him worried, pulled out his phone and tried to call Harry, but he didn't pick up. Soon he was joined by Edward and Emmett. He wasn't stupid, he knew they were there to stop him from crossing the border. His brothers chatted with him, keeping him busy despite his stress, waiting for Arthur to return with his precious companion.