A take off the little mermaid only without fins. To get Edwards' attention, Hermione must enlist the help of Alice, Rosalie, Jacob, and a handful of witches to show Edward who his true mate is. If she didn't, she might as well jump into the sea to become bubbles.
Introduction
Mermaid syndrome happens when a vampire refuses to claim his mate and chooses to mate with someone else. This action leaves The Vampire's Mate open to claiming and without the consent of the mate. In some cases, the Vampires Mate may choose another. In severe cases the vampire's true mate falls into deep despair and eventually takes a dive into the ocean to become bubbles, like that in the case of Ariel from The Little Mermaid written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Don't let the humor fool you, this story is not for the faint of heart. You will see scant details with sporadic dialog, jumping from one scene to the next with no warning. You will find the inner dialog of a vampire hard to comprehend and the musings of a selfish girl rather interesting and vain. You will encounter the threat of war, after years of peace, over a girl that is seen as an asset on all sides. And you will encounter selfishness, sorrow, and death.
Part One
It's been about a year since the wizarding war ended and the dark lord vanquished. The wizarding population had slowly righted itself and thanks to wizards and witches comingling with muggles, there was a rise in magical births the likes the wizarding world hadn't seen since King Arthur took the throne of Camelot.
Our tale begins one bright summer morning, Hermione, Ginny, Harry, and Ron were sitting down by the lake watching George and Lee do flying stunts over the water. Harry and Ginny had their heads pressed together, Ron was yelling at George and Lee to try something different. Hermione was just enjoying their merriment, when Luna arrived at the Burrow in search of Hermione.
"I have been looking for you," Luna says in her ethereal voice, "I have something important I must tell you. Is there somewhere we can go to talk? Ron won't mind."
Hermione hardly had time to respond, where Luna turned around and headed towards the Apple orchard on the other side of the Burrow. When Hermione finally caught up to her, Luna stopped dead in her tracks before turning around to put her hands on Hermione's shoulders, looked deep into her eyes and said, "Hermione, you must go to Forks, Washington, your mate in is danger."
"I'm sorry did you say mate?" Hermione asked with concern, "I did not realize I had a mate, Luna." The scenery was all but forgotten, they certainly weren't thinking about how the apples were starting to grow, the trees were froth with the growth the autumn would bring. How the sun was shining just right through the trees
"Oh, yes," Luna said in agreement, "you two will hit it off well, you have so much in common. He is tall, pale, has flaming hair and is an animal drinker." When Hermione looked at her in confusion, Luna continued, "I forgot to mention your mate is a vampire."
Hermione started to laugh and then started to pace, "you are joking, aren't you?"
"Dear sweet Hermione, he won't hurt you, in fact you were made just for him."
"Then why hasn't he come for me Luna, if he is indeed my mate?" Hermione asked
"Because before he could come and find you, he caught the scent of his singer and has been in her thrall for the better part of a year, he's going to marry her if you do not go to him."
"What happens if I do not go to him?" Hermione asked, clearly astonished at what Luna was saying, "How do you know all this?" Hermione wasn't sure she wanted to run off on another adventure. She was feeling a bit trapped though sitting in one place, everyone was moving on, but her. Ron and she were never a couple in the sense that Molly and Ginny were hoping for. They were great friends and that was all there would be between them
"You will die Hermione, and he will go into a blood rage once he realized his Singer is not his mate, once he's realized she is not you." Luna was looking at her with a serious look, this was not a joke, Luna was serious. Hermione sighed before conjuring a bench and sitting down. Looking up at Luna, she said, "Tell me everything you know."
Luna smiled walking towards the bench, sitting down next to Hermione she told her of all her visions. She told her of the family of vampires she had visions of, and Luna was set to travel with Hermione to help guide her and be her. Luna told her all she would have to do was agree, for once they took the matter to the ministry of magic, they would give high clearance and free reign in the US. Vampires are protected under the Care of Magical Creatures act, and Hermione is the mate of a protected species, so she was granted the same status.
"Okay," Hermione said in agreement, "I'm in."
"We can leave tomorrow," Luna said in agreement.
"Tomorrow is as good a day as any." Hermione said in agreement. Hermione was worried but she was also excited at the chance to have a small mission to complete. This mission would help her find her future or bring her to death's door. And that is what makes it exciting.
…
Forks, Washington, with Alice, the same day.
Alice a voice called, Alice shoed it away, she was trying to think. ALICE! The voice called again, this time louder and clearer. Her vision cleared and she snapped from the blank silence she had been inhibiting.
"Yes Rosalie?" Alice answered, turning her head and giving her a smile.
"You were having a vision, weren't you?" Rosalie asked, sitting down next to her. Rosalie was concerned that Alice had been having the same vision at least once per day, sometimes twice based on what Edwards' choices had been. By the look on Alice's face, Rosalie thought she looked a bit more pleased than usual.
"Yes," Alice said with a smile, "you can't tell Edward, but Bella is not his future."
"I could have told you that; but if Bella is not his future, who is?" Rosalie asked, curiously twisting a piece of her hair around her index finger.
""She's coming to find him," Alice said, amused as Rosalie was making faces at her, "she's coming on a moon beam."
"Oh, I can't wait to see this!" Rosalie and Alice laughed for the rest of the evening before parting ways to see their mates. Alice confided in Jasper, but Rosalie didn't confide in Emmet, he would think it a great prank and wouldn't be able to keep the secret.
Forks Washington, Forks High, three days later. Edward and Bella have been inseparable as he tries to convince her to marry him before he turns her into a vampire. Bella will not agree; however, he has not given up asking. Alice was having reoccurring visions of Edward's mate coming to town. The only problem was that the vision always ends the same, in a blood bath.
Alice had been waiting for this day all week, Jasper was sending her calming vibes because she was going to give the surprise away. She was all but bouncing in her seat. "Did you see her?" she asked him as she pretended to take a bite of her food. It was rumored that the house down the road from them was sold, and the people moving in were both the description of Edwards mate and her moon beam.
The morning drive to school was super slow, and when the Cullen's arrived at school there was no sight or sign of anyone new. As the morning passed it was clear that they wouldn't be meeting the newest citizens of Forks.
Soon lunch was upon them, and while sitting in the cafeteria, Hermione and Luna entered the cafeteria. "That's them!" Alice squealed quietly, Rosalie and jasper were shocked when two very pretty humans entered the room, Alice's description was not correct. Alice caught Luna's eye and smiled, Luna smiled a brilliant smile in return and headed towards their table. "Show time," Alice whispered to Rosalie. Alice's voice said it all, Alice would befriend her and invite her over to meet Carlisle. It was the girl she had seen in her vision a few weeks ago, it had come out of nowhere surprising her. Edwards' mate was here along with her moon beam.
Alice introduced herself to Luna and Hermione who returned the greeting in kind, they talked about their previous school, and a few other things. Alice then introduces Rosalie, Emmet, and Jasper. Edward was in the 'library' with Bella.
As lunch was coming to an end, Hermione and Luna were invited to the Cullen's house for dinner. "We have a lot to talk about," Alice said cryptically, "I know who you're looking for."
"We would be honored to accept it," Hermione said confidently with a smile. "You won't regret it, were going to be the best of friends," Alice said happily just as the bell rang to go to class.
The rest of the day went slowly as emotions were hyped up. Edward still had no idea that his life was about to be turned upside down. Alice was all but bouncing on her toes. Rosalie had a smug smirk on her face. Emmet was rambling on and on about mortal combat and beating japer in a game. Jasper was attempting to analyze the situation and the two humans they had just met. There was something weird about them, and he hoped that he learned more of them soon.
…
The Cullen's Residence- Edward meets his true mate for the first time
Hermione entered the Cullen household under some trepidation, she didn't know what to expect entering the vampire's den and all. Sure, they looked like a family, but the house of a vampire was not a place a mere mortal should enter. Luna, on the other hand, was looking forward to the experience. She wanted to ask a whole slew of questions and couldn't wait to get started.
Esme greeted them at the door, and they were surprised at how kind Esme was, how honest Carlisle seemed to be, and the rest of the family were extremely nice.
Edward was standoffish at first, he wouldn't say a word and let Alice and Rosalie hog her attention. However once Alice brought up music, he was surprised to learn that she read music, played the piano, sang, and enjoyed reading and learning new things.
Hermione smiled brightly when Edward joined them at the piano. Alice had shown her some of the sheet music Edward kept. "Edward composes his own music as well," Alice inserted as she handed Hermione the sheet music.
"You compose?" Hermione asked, turning to look at him, and she asked to see some of his music, and he gladly agreed. "Would you like me to play you with something?" Edward asked her. He was surprised at how easy she was to be with, and he enjoyed her company. When she nodded in the affirmative, he sat down on the bench, motioning her to join him. as she said, Edward started to play, and the sound was beautiful.
Hermione closed her eyes as he played, I could get lost in his music, Hermione thought, and she thought he must have read her mind because he missed a note which startled everyone. It was then that his watch started beeping, "If you excuse me, I have a previous engagement."
"Yes, of course," Hermione said, her happiness plummeting to her toes. He turned to look at her, looking deep into her eyes, there was something familiar about them, but he couldn't place it. He decided to let it go, he had to go and meet Bella.
While Hermione was disappointed, she knew already that this wouldn't be easy, she just needed to give it time. she sat at the piano and started to play a song that she had been looking at. It was one of the ones that Edward had composed. Luna and Alice stopped in their tracks, both locked in a vision.
Edward chooses Bella, and when he goes to change her the drains her dry killing her, before going on a murderous rampage. He would be approached again by Hermione to calm him, and he would destroy the two of them, and neither would survive.
Alice came out of the vision, thank goodness that Edward wasn't here. Hermione and Luna leave shortly after she finishes playing. There was homework to finish and letters to write to their friends and family back home. Hermione would send a joint letter to her friends and family. She would send a private letter to Ginny with Luna's letter. There were some things that the boy just didn't need to know.
When Edward returns from Bella's house, he's filled with questions, but when Alice gives a reasonable explanation, he doesn't believe Alice when she says that Hermione is him mate.
"Edward," Alice said holding her hand to her forehead, "did you not feel at home with her? Did she make you forget about Bella?"
"I haven't been around Hermione long enough to know what I feel," Edward demanded, as he wasn't ready to hear this, "that hardly matters, Bella is who I am meant to be with."
"He's too enthralled by his singer to see the truth," Emmet says louder than what is needed: "You'll feel better, Edward, if you just eat Bella already." Rosalie finishes his thought, "You're being creepy, dating your food." She made a disgusted face and covered her mouth as if she was going to be sick. Emmet laughed but Carlisle and Esme were not smiling. Unfortunately, this starts an internal fight and a divide in the household.
"Everyone, calm down," Carlisle's voice boomed, "it is time for rational thought, as you can probably tell Hermione and Luna are witches, they aren't normal humans. Edward, it is very possible that this Hermione is your true mate. Both Alice and Luna have had the same visions this evening after you left to see Bella. I do not believe Bella is your mate, you need to give the girl a chance."
"What about Bella?" Edward asked defensively, "We promised the Volturi that we would change her, Alice saw it in a vision."
"She must still be changed, but you don't have to mate with her, or even be with her romantically," Carlisle said, looking at Edward intently. "Edward, I must caution you to weigh your decision carefully. No matter who you choose, someone will get hurt. We don't yet know the consequences to your true mate for choosing another or what may become of you should you choose Bella. You haven't seen Alice's vision Edward; I would suggest you talk to Alice."
Edward didn't want to hear that Bella wasn't his mate, he was in love with her, he fought for her, he nearly died for her. and for what? He didn't want to stay at home, so he wandered out into the night. His feet took him deeper into the woods than he planned, past the house that was a mile or so away from them. The lights were off, but candles could be seen burning, the flickering light visible through the window.
As he continued towards the house, he saw a sight he hadn't expected. It was Hermione, her hair down around her, she was wearing nothing but a sheer piece of fabric as she bathed in the moonlight. He couldn't help but stare at her, her very presence called to him. Instead, he turned and walked away, Hermione had been clueless, but Luna had been watching from the bedroom window, her smile wide.
Edward ran to Bella's house and sat outside her window to watch her sleep. She was so beautiful, yet his mind kept drifting to Hermione who had all nut naked in the moon light. Bella would never do anything like that, she was so self-conscious she wouldn't even go swimming. As he sat and watched Bella, he decided he needed to be closer to her, so he climbed through the window and nestled in behind her to hold her as she slept.
…
The rest of the week passed rather slowly, Hermione and Luna would eat with the Cullen's, Edward and Bella had been avoiding the cafeteria at lunch so they could be alone. Soon it was Friday, Bella asked Hermione and Luna if they would like to join her and a couple of friends at the beach the following day. "I can introduce you to some of the teens from the reservation."
"That would be lovely," Luna said kindly, as they accepted the invitation to go to the beach.
After school, Hermione and Bella went to the forks diner for dinner and to talk. They were slowly being introduced to everyone in town. Several questions were asked, the most common being, "why are you here in forks." To keep the conversation short, they replied that they were part of a foreign exchange program and Forks Washington was the most exotic place offered. This caused several people to laugh good naturedly.
The next day, Hermione and Luna made their way to the beach, where they were surprised to find a group of people milling around, two were building a bonfire, some were setting up a volleyball net. "There are quite a few people here Hermione," Luna said worriedly, "I do not see Bella or any of her friends."
"I am sure they will be along shortly," Hermione said in the affirmative. Luna was looking left and right, hoping that they hadn't been stood up.
To waste some time while they waited, they decided to take a walk down along the shoreline. It really was a beautiful sight. They walked about a half mile before turning around and heading back to where they had been waiting. As Hermione looked up, she saw Bella walking towards her with the largest male she had ever seen walking next to her.
"Hermione," Bella said in a friendly voice, "Luna, I would like you to meet my friend Jacob, Jacob, meet Hermione and Luna, who are from England."
"Hello Jacob," Hermione and Luna said at the same time.
"I hope you haven't been waiting long," Jacob said, "Bella had to wait for me to finish my errands before I could come to the beach."
"We haven't been waiting long at all," Luna said with a smile, "we decided to take a walk along the beach. It really is quite lovely."
"I agree," Jacob said in agreement, catching Hermione's eye. They both smiled before they started moving to a spot to settle. As it turns out, where they had been waiting was where they were going to be sitting. Hermione and Luna were introduced to several boys from the reservation, they all were quite large in body. There was one girl they were introduced to who seemed a bit reluctant to talk to them. She seemed to be the lone wolf of the pack as it were.
The day was fun, the girls teamed up against the boys in a game of volleyball, Hermione played before, but Luna had not. She found the game absurd but enjoyed it anyway, it allowed her to forget Hermione's problems and her own.
…
Later that evening, Hermione and Luna went over to Cullen's for dinner, the conversation was lively, and although Hermione and Luna knew they were vampires she wasn't so sure they knew that she and Hermione were witches. They agreed that they should have a meeting to talk to Carlisle and Esme about it before telling Alice and the others.
As time passed, Hermione, Luna, Rosalie, Alice, and Bella were spending a lot of time together outside of school. When things started to change, Bella started to get suspicious of Rosalie taking so easily to the new girls. Perhaps they understood each other, Bella reasoned with herself, before shrugging her shoulders. There weren't many people who could understand Rosalie and her anger. She scolded herself for her rude thoughts, but it was true, Rosalie was an angry woman.
Then one afternoon, about a month after Hemione and Luna came to forks, Bella arrives at Cullen's to find everyone surrounding the piano, and the prettiest sound is coming out of it. When Bella walks into the music room, Hermione is sitting at the piano singing softly along with the pretty tune coming from the piano.
She was enjoying the music until she saw Edward standing directly across from Hermione, staring lovingly at her. Bella didn't like what she saw, she was supposed to be the one Edward looked at like that. Bella, making her presence known, drops the top of the piano while Hermione is still playing, luckily Hermione saw Bella approach, and had just enough time to pull her fingers out of the way.
Bella calls Hermione out of her lies, "You just want him for yourself," Bella moves her body into Hermione's space, her hands flying around wildly as she talks, "You don't want to be friends. You just want to take what's mine. I don't know what your goal is, but Edward is mine. Alice, please tell her, Luna reason with your friend."
Hermione is not willing to lie, she tells Bella the real reason: "You are not Edwards mate, you are his singer, Edward only keeps you around because you are his singer, and he's convinced himself the feelings he holds for you were love; instead of a trap to lure you in. I'…"
Bella didn't let Hermione finish what she was going to say next. She tries to punch Hermione, but she ducks and deflects. Bella goes crazy and attempts to rush her. Hermione pulls out her wand and puts it up and shield. Allows herself to fall into the wall and appear hurt. Bella buys it the vampires a lot.
Hermione could sense that her welcome was no longer wanted to her made her excuses and left. Sighing heavily, it appeared she wasn't going to make any headway this evening and decided she needed ice cream and pie, so she called who came over to the diner in town.
They had a nice long talk about how stupid Bella was being, and how blind Edward was. They talked about making a floo call home to talk to their friends. Luna needs to call her father as well, or at least send a letter. He had asked things of her, things that she wasn't sure she wanted to do. It will be time to address that soon.
...
Following Hermione's abrupt departure after telling Bella the truth, Carlisle spoke to Bella about her behavior in front of invited guests.
"What do you mean I don't have a right to say anything, she's after my vampire," Bella said angrily, her nostrils flaring and a snarl emitted from her mouth as she talked, "What business does she have coming here trying to worm her way into his affections."
"She is his rightful mate Bella," Carlisle said carefully, not wanting to hurt her, "she was also here as a guest, it doesn't matter the reason, what you did was inexcusable." He then asked that she leave for the time being and Edward would visit her house for the time being. Carlisle had a few phone calls to make.
…
Carlisle was sitting in his office when the phone rang. Picking it up, he was surprised to find a familiar voice on the other end. "Hello old friend," the voice said, "we have a lot to discuss."
"Indeed, Kingsley, we do have a lot to talk about," Carlisle said with a small smile. "Are you calling about Luna and Hermione?"
"How did you know?" Kingsley asked, bafflement in his voice.
"Hermione defended herself from being a human in my household," Carlisle said further, explaining.
"That sounds like our Hermione, sorry about the subterfuge, I am sure that Hermione will tell you about it once everything has calmed down."
"I knew who she was the moment she stepped foot through the door," Carlisle said, amused, "My daughter Alice has visions and has seen both girls as they truly are. Their secrets are safe with us."
"I'm glad to hear it," Kingsley said, "now what news do you have about …"
They talked for several more hours about many things, one of them being the placement of the world cup.
…
As the days pass, Hermione keeps her distance from Bella at school, she can't help her proximity to Edward. She doesn't say anything to him unless he asks her a question first. After two- or three-days Hermione thinks she is making headway to find out that he really does only have eyes for Bella. it was strange, the allure that a singer had upon a vampire, it was like she was liquid gold or something.
Edward continues to date Bella, and in fact, they were both in some way tempting fate by trying to rush to the next level. Since they returned from Italy, it seems that everything they do is pushing them deeper into a preset role. Edward wants to get married, but Bella doesn't, she wants to be turned. Edward wants marriage and a mate for life. she doesn't have to turn for a few years. She should enjoy life while she has it, yet she doesn't want to look older than Edward because she wants to stay as young as him.
"You are my life Edward," she said teary-eyed when he tried to suggest otherwise.
"Then why don't you want to get married," he asked kindly but intently.
"I wouldn't be good at it," she said and shrugged her shoulders, "can we just be together and not be married? Can't we?"
"I'm not sure, Bella," Edwards said, disappointment clear in his voice, "but I will accept it for now. I don't want to lose you, Bella, but I don't want to cage you."
"That's all I ask," she said sweetly, leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek, but he turned, and their lips met. Where there should have been sparks and tingling and eagerness there was nothing. Bella's face was flushed and her lips red, when he looked at her, she looked foreign to her. he leaned in and they kissed again and again, and they soon found themselves half clothed Bella on top of him.
...
As time passed Hermione's began to lose hope. She didn't see herself winning in this situation. It seemed Edward was in love with Bella, his mate be damned, literally. He refused to acknowledge her, and her light started to fade.
Luna was concerned that Hermione was starting to lose hope and it was clear that she had little help with Edward as the rest of the family had. "You have two choices regarding Edward. As your mate is a vampire, you are not bound to him but more like made for him. as he continues to reject you, he leaves you open to claiming."
"Which means any unmated vampire can come in and claim me. Wonderful." Hermione said sarcastically. "What's the second option."
"The second option is you can choose for yourself and mate before the words are cold out of Edwards mouth," Carlisle said kindly but truthfully.
"That doesn't leave me with much to go on," Hermione said sadly.
"There is another option," Luna chimed in, "but it involves throwing yourself into the sea to become bubbles, at least symbolically anyway."
Hermione held her head in her hands, and she laughed, "of course this will happen to me," she said dramatically.
Esme brought some cookies around for the girls to snack on, eventually they went up to Alice's room to chat and look at clothes with her and Rosalie. They were having a fantastic evening, trying on clothes, doing makeup, playing truth and dare.
...
Two weeks had passed since Hermione had started coming around to hang out with Alice and Rosalie. Sometimes Hermione would have Luna with her, and Edward found himself listening to Hermione's thoughts or trying too. He could see what seemed like still pictures, they flashed in him mind's eye, he realized he was flipping through thumbnails like on a computer. If he focused too long the picture would turn static, like watching an old black and white tv. Perhaps she was able to protect her mind from him, like she had with the shield she put up to deflect Bella. He had to admire that about Hermione, she stayed calm even when her adversary tried to start trouble.
He smacked his head; he was an idiot. He needed to think about this. He was with Bella, but according to Alice, she had seen it, everyone can sense it but Edward. He stood up and went to Carlisle's office.
Carlisle explained his actions, "I broke silence with the Volturi," Edward made a face, which Carlisle silenced by raising his hand to stop, "I must contact the ministry of magic on Hermione's behalf." Edward made to interrupt and object, what did the Volturi have to say about this matter. It was free will, Edward raged internally, on the outside he was quiet and respectful: "This will protect Hermione, Edward," Carlisle said to his attitude and to remind him that he was hurting someone unnecessarily, "You have to decide and if you keep refusing you rightful mate, then she can be claimed by any vampire or other magical creature seeking a mate."
Edward balked at the choice before him, "hypothetically if I didn't pick Bella what would happen with the Volturi, I'm supposed to turn Bella it was already decided," Edward said awkwardly, "well we haven't gotten that far. She just wants to be changed. Volturi will see that she is, as I know they are curious about her abilities. But once she is out of your thrall and needs to be near you, she will probably go back to normal," Carlisle explained.
"What will happen to Hermione if I choose Bella?" Carlisle further explained what choices lay before Hermione was claimed but she refused both options.
"Before you go to make a decision without totally making up your mind, someone will get hurt if you don't make the right decision," Carlisle said cautiously.
"How can she be my mate when I haven't felt anything resembling it other than I like being with her." Edward asked seriously confused more than ever.
"You feel the pull, son, there is no other reasonable substitution for her now. How do I know?" Carlisle asked, but before Edward replied, Carlisle continued, "Because you just said you enjoy being with her? Go hunt and think, seriously debate before going forward, because if you go from here and make a claim on her and then change your mind it will destroy her. She will fade away like a vampire would. Do you want that for her? What about you, can you live with that?" Carlisle told him in a kind but firm manner. Then he stood and walked from the room leaving Edward with his thoughts. the more that Edward thought about Carlisle's words, he knew that he needed to take his words to heart.
…
So, I have naught to jump into the sea and become bubbles, it seems, Hermione thought. Bella sat next to Edward as he explained that he couldn't leave Bella, who had already committed to never leaving her again after the fiasco in Volturi. After Edward explained what happened, she understood, she nodded and smiled. She sighed to herself, why couldn't she for once just not understand.
"I can't choose yet," he said, looking Hermione in the eye. She opened her mind to him; she allowed him to see what she experienced in the war. He saw her sorting, her first failed flying lesson, her first dance, she was her being tortured. When they finished it had been but a minute, but it felt like a lifetime. He knew that she was ready to give up, so he had to hurry. "How about we get to know one another and if in two weeks I haven't decided I will."
"As you wish," Hermione smiled, holding her hand out to him. He tentatively took her hand in his and he felt her warmth. That warmth traveled up his arm towards and through his body and it was a rush. Hermione felt a similar rush and smiled brightly, allowing her cheeks to show her blush.
...
Hermione put all her effort into schoolwork and shopping with Rosalie. Alice was doing research with Luna on Carlisle's study. Luna was running around with Emmet trying to get him to play mortal combat. Luna was getting pretty good at the game, and she really enjoyed all of the Cullen's company. Luna had changed a lot since school, but she still had an airy breath about her that made her seem ethereal. Rosalie asked her several times to show her how she keeps such an air about her. Luna laughed and proceeded to show her.
Alice really liked Luna because she understood her. She too had visions, and it was Luna who sent Hermione here. She had seen it as Alice had, and if Edward chooses to marry Bella, nothing good will come of it.
Hermione lay near death along the shoreline,
smooth pebbles lined the bank,
her blue skin, and her lifeless eyes.
She had mermaid syndrome.
…
The week crawled slowly for Hermione, Edward would spend an equal amount of time with Hermione and Bella. He wanted to be fair. Hermione and he would take walks in the mountain looking for animals and for new plants. He showed her all his favorite places, even his and Bella's secret place, the meadow. "It's magical," she said happily.
They would play the piano together and talk about compositions and new music vs old music. Edward found that they both loved to do research. They would talk for hours about anything and everything, even the colors around them.
When Edward spends time with Bella, they would just sit in her room and cuddle and talk and he would watch her sleep. When he suggested going somewhere to take her out, she would say "we don't have to go anywhere," she said and would pull him down to the couch to cuddle or touch. He had to admit that while he liked the physical activities but it all felt so wrong for Bella. He was imagining kissing Hermione when Bella slipped her tongue into his mouth.
After leaving Bella, Edward was confused, so he had a conversation with himself.
Who do I choose when I hold good memories with both, though I hold more history with Bella? Bella makes me feel jealous when she talks to other people, even my family. I must constantly take care of her, she is fragile. Leaving her might make her go into a deep depression again and kill her. We have so much in common, we both read, go hiking, enjoy nature. I don't have to take her places; she doesn't like to dress up. She wanted to be in a relationship, but she didn't want the hurdles that came with it. Her only ambition was to be with him.
Hermione was an enigma, she was well read, she read the news and had an opinion about it. She was kind and compassionate, and she loved music. She could play the piano and was learning the flute in her spare time. she was a witch and would live longer than Bella would naturally. Hermione didn't want to be with him because he was her mate, she wanted to be with him because she genuinely liked him. She hid her pain well, and she valued her friend's advice along with her own.
It's clear who the choice is, so why is it so hard? If I choose Hermione, I will be breaking a promise to Bella that I wouldn't leave her again. Last time she nearly killed herself, and he couldn't bear to be the cause of her pain.
If he picks Bella, Hermione's life is literally in danger. As it is, the Volturi is probably trying to pick the right candidates to send to try and claim her. But what would he do about Bella? Would Volturi still decide to change her, or would they make good on her threats and kill her and her father?
I choose, Hermione, no…. Bella…
"God damn it," he yelled out loud, throwing things around the room. He went to the open window throwing it open, jumping out the window and running into the woods.
Downstairs, others are able to hear him throwing things around, "He's made his decision," Alice says in a whisper, "but he keeps changing his mind, and so the answer is still unclear."
"We're doomed," Emmet said loudly.
…
With Kingly in a meeting with Volturi.
Kingsley and a selection of ambassadors set off to meet with the Volturi in a place that would be unbiased. Kingsley explains the problem and Aro laughs, "it would be easier if you let me use my powers on you, and then I will have the whole of it." Kingsley, after much deliberation allows him to touch him so that he might see. Kingsley was surprised at how quickly Aro was able to see. Aro sobered after seeing and released Kingsley's hand so they could continue the meeting.
"So, you're telling me that, the little witch is a mate to Edward Cullen, and he hasn't made a claim yet? What happens should he not make a claim?"
"She can be claimed, or she may fall into despair and die," Kingsley sobered
"Then we have no choice but to help you, as she is a mate of one of our kind, she is under our protection, and we shall see to it. You may go back to your country, and we will see that she is taken care of."
"I think," he said clearing his throat, "not so fast," Harry said from behind the group, "Hermione was my friend before she knew she was a mate of one of your kind, and as she is a magic wielder like me as well then she is one of my kind and thus under our protection."
"Let me remind you that you came to us about this little problem," Jane said Icily, her hands itching to put some pain into this little wizard before her. His eyes hardened when their eyes met, she got the feeling that his feelings were mutual.
"An action I am beginning to regret," Kingsley said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I don't know what I can do to help you, my hands are tied," Aro said with a smile that could kill.
Harry was forced to move forward when a messenger came in with a note from the receptionist. In the end nothing was decided, and the group of advisors went back to their home. Aro had a sick grin, he needed a mate, and who better than a girl that could very well be his. He puts the word out to gather a small assortment of vampires who want a mate and to prepare to travel. Meanwhile sending a message to the wizards that they would see what they could do with the intent of going back on their word.
Meanwhile Edward decides on Hermione and arranges a meeting for the next day with Bella to tell her he has chosen Hermione. He then planned for a fancy dinner for Hermione to celebrate their union and hopefully be official that evening.
…
The Volturi, several emissaries arrive in forks. Carlisle and Esme are surprised to say the least, but they are invited in none the less. Jane comments that she thinks the house is very modern and beautiful none the less.
Aro got straight to the point, and he had come to see progress on Edwards decision. Aro would kick himself if Edward finally came to his senses. However, Luna visits Cullen's in hopes of finding Hermione, who isn't home yet and wasn't answering the phone.
Alice went into a trance, Aro taking the opportunity to use his power to see what she saw, and what he saw was not good. "Where is this at?"
"It's tribal land, we are not allowed to trespass," Alice said unhappily.
"Call the tribe, get permission, we promise to hold our wild ways while we are there," Aro commanded.
Carlisle bit his tongue and called Billy; it was for Hermione I'm sure he would make an allowance just this once for this short period of time.
The wolf pack agreed reluctantly with the stipulation that a member of the pack always remained with them. That the vampires would leave when it was no longer necessary for them to be on tribal land. The vampires agreed and were honor bound to keep their promise.
…
With Bella and Edward. Bella's point of view and her thoughts.
"Edward, you can't be serious," Bella cried hugging him tight, her pleading voice in his ear, "you promised to never leave me." Who was she kidding, she knew this was coming? He had been slowly pulling away from her. Hermione really was perfect for him, made for him really. She couldn't compete with that so she would just have to take what she wanted. Devil take her, but he would be hers.
"I'm sorry but I want to be with Hermione," he said pushing her away, and holding her at arm's length , "I know I promised that I would never leave you, but I must break it. I can't pass up on my mate Bella."
Bella had heard him wrong surely, she blanched and turned pale, she had to change his mind, so she kissed him. he protested for a minute or two, but then he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight and in place and her pulse quickened. She decided then and there that she would seduce him back to her, she didn't care if Hermione didn't live to tell the tale. Let the witch fall into the sea to become bubbles. Edward would be happy with her.
She took a step back and pulled her shirt off over her head, and then took his off. She took her time exploring, and decided it was time to make her move. She dropped her pants and stood there in just her undergarments; his eyes began to turn a rich yellow color. The two indulged in pleasure for the first time and the world was silent.
…
Hermione was trying to take her mind off things, Edward was supposed to meet her 15 minutes ago. She apparated back to the house to check messages, there were none, no missed calls, "where are you?" She asked, allowing her body to fall into a chair in the living room.
She checked her watch again, 25 minutes late. She tried to call him, but the call went straight to voicemail. She tried to call Alice, but no answer, so she called Jacob's house. "Were heading to the cliffs," Jacob said, his voice kind, but filled with worry, "why don't you join us?"
At first, she thought it was a bad idea, but after another ten minutes and still no word from Edward she decided that she wasn't going to wait around. When they got there, she sat at the back and enjoyed watching the view. She had been content watching the boys mess around when Hermione felt pain in her chest, causing her to stop dead in her tracks. The pain expanded until the pain in her heart made her feel like it would explode, her body went cold, and she felt like she'd been thrown into ice water.
The wolves who haven't jumped yet notice that she is white as a sheet and borderline blue. Tear streaks were running down her cheeks as she slowly walked towards the ledge of the cliff. Jacob makes to stop her, his hand wrapped firmly around her arm. Her skin was cold and clammy, and she slipped from his grip, falling headfirst off the cliff and into the ocean.
A/N: this is an updated version, part 2 is also different and will be uploaded later this evening. please forgive my terrible grammar.