Disclaimer: I do not own anything and make no monies writing this.

Notes: I am soooooo sorry for not posting any chapters for so long! I have no excuse for this lapse of memory! So to make it up to you lovely, lovely readers, I am going to post several chapters for you! :) Hope you enjoy them and again, so sorry for the major delay! Hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Oh, to SharonH and any others who might be wondering about the "lack of Harry and Ron", wellllll, you'll just need to stay tuned. :) Thank you all for the reviews left, favorites and visits! You guys are awesome!

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Chapter 7

Two hours before sunset Godric came to life with a smile on his face. At least age had a few perks; less blood to sustain you and the sun didn't have full pull over you. Godric chuckled at the thought of how many would be surprised to learn he could actually go several days before the bleeds would start, then another few before it would become detrimental to him. It was another of his vampiric gifts and it had helped when dealing with various situations. The most beneficial was when he was able to send his maker to the true death. Godric frowned, those were not thoughts he wanted to entertain at the moment, especially when there were much more pleasurable ones to have…like Hermione.

He wondered what she was up to at the moment, if she had rested well. Eric and he had spent several hours this morning speaking of the events which had transpired. Hermione was certainly the main topic of conversation. She apparently intrigued them both and they had decided that if she was willing, they would all three become involved. Godric knew Eric would step aside if he so asked it, but he had no intention of doing so. Hermione pulled them both to her, unbeknownst to her, and who was he to disrupt what nature thought should happen?

Just thinking of being in her presence brought a warm feeling to Godric. It wasn't just the physical warmth either; thoughts of Hermione warmed his soul. A soul he thought beyond warmth for so long now. It was quite the feeling and he knew Eric felt the same. They had both gotten caught up, towards the end, in talking about Hermione's beauty and allure. The woman had no real clue what she did to them. She had curves in all the right places and both he and Eric knew she would fit against both of them very nicely. They had found release in each other's embraces and it had been quite satisfying. Godric, like Eric, preferred women to satisfy his sexual needs but he and his child had always had an active sex life with each other when in the other's company. It was part of whatever made their Maker-Child bond even more.

Eric had somewhat surprised Godric by agreeing that Hermione would be worth the wait for anything more than friendship. Not that he expected Eric to not drop an innuendo here and there, which just wouldn't be his child otherwise. But Eric was willing to not put any sort of pressure upon Hermione for more than she could give at any given moment. Godric smiled at the thought, Eric, his Eric, behaving himself around a woman he was attracted to. This would certainly be something to observe.

With a light chuckle, Godric rose and headed for the lounge. He had another hour before Eric would be up so he decided to relax until then and let his thoughts wonder to Hermione. He truly was looking forward to her company tonight. He was so full of general questions for her it was almost comical. He hadn't felt this curious about anyone in centuries or anything in decades. It amazed him that a mortal would be cause of such strong curiosity and Godric welcomed the feeling. At least she was a pleasant curiosity.

Godric sat in the living area of Eric's true living quarters to ponder the questions he would like to ask Hermione. She would be a bit yet before she would be comfortable answering more personal questions but there were so many to ask that conversation shouldn't be uncomfortable or strained for her. He knew he would only have a few more days before he would have to return to his Area but Godric planned to make the most of those few days as he could. Every second Hermione allowed him to be in her presence would be enjoyed, even if nothing at all was spoken. Just being near her had a calming effect on him. He still couldn't figure out why it was but he also wasn't really looking too hard. He didn't want the feeling to go away and sometimes, if one looked too hard, it would do just that. Life had been so…well…boring here lately that Godric didn't want to really think much on the short time he would have. He would just make the most of it. It's not like he couldn't visit every few days or so. This thought made his smile widen.

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Eric rose for the evening feeling something he hadn't felt in far too long, Godric happy. Hell, he couldn't remember the last time his Maker had allowed him to feel the bond so open and full of emotions. It was wonderful and yet a bit scary. Wonderful because it meant that Godric was truly happy and scary because it was due to a mere mortal: a woman, who was a powerful witch and not from their realm to boot. Well, they both could enjoy the varying emotions while they lasted. Eric would admit, only to himself at the moment, that he really hoped Hermione would stay in their world. He knew what she had said but he also knew how homesickness felt; it could be overwhelming and if the portal decided to open during that time…well, no need to worry about something which may never happen. She said herself that she didn't know if the portal would ever open again and she seemed sincere in her not wanting to return.

Who could blame her though? She had been in a war, a war that lasted at least a few years, and had lost so much during that time. It was hard enough to recover from such traumatic experiences with family and friends around you but to not even have that comfort brought a shiver to Eric. Well, he and Godric would help her in any way they could. Hell, she was already considered a friend by both of them and both of them wanted more. If, no when, Hermione was ready to either open up to them or try a relationship with one or both of them then they would be there. It bothered both he and Godric how easily Hermione was able to worm her way into their hearts and minds without even trying. It was strange how normal and right it felt talking with her the night previous. How comfortable they both had felt in her home even when she had left to get her house elf.

Now there was a very queer little creature. Her initial appearance reminded him of Godric in that Eric was sure many underestimated the power Daisy could wield. She came across so small and submissive. However, Eric knew in a matter of seconds she could be a force to be reckoned with if pushed. Attack or threaten that which she held dear and everyone would see just how powerful she could be…just like Godric. Many underestimated Godric due to his young looking features, soft voice and quiet demeanor but let them cross the line and, well, it was never pretty. They would learn exactly why Godric was known as Death. Eric had to chuckle over that line of thought, remembering just how many had done exactly that and paid a dear price for it. Godric wouldn't anger easily anymore but if anyone was stupid enough to push, Death definitely would come knocking.

As Eric stepped into the shower, he felt Godric's presence behind him. With a smile, Eric turned to embrace his Maker and lover. Godric was the only male Eric truly enjoyed having sex with. He had had quite a few men in the past but no one ever felt as good or right as Godric. As they washed and pleasured each other, both Maker and Child enjoyed the feelings flowing through the bond as well. They were both reveling in the healing which came from being together in all ways possible. It had truly been too long they had been apart. Unknown to the other, both made silent vows to never allow so much time to pass without the other's company. It was truly a drain on their very beings to do so.

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When both vampires finally stepped from the shower, night had almost fallen. They dressed in silence, both lost in thought over the night's agenda. Godric looked forward to spending more time with Hermione and Eric wished he hadn't need to go to the bar. However, it was unavoidable due to having missed a few nights to appear before the Magister with Bill Compton. This thought caused Eric to scowl. All because Compton sent Long Shadow to his true death over a human, Eric would miss precious time with an enchanting creature! Figures Compton would manage to fuck this up for him, he seemed to excel in being a thorn in Eric's side. It's not that Eric wouldn't have stepped in before Long Shadow could've drained Sookie but fucking Compton just had to stake the bastard instead of pulling him off of her. Oh, yeah, Bill Compton wasn't strong or smart enough to do anything else…douchebag! Ah well, the things he had to put up with being Sherriff.

For the first time since taking his post, Eric thought of stepping down from sheriff'dom. He was starting to think he would enjoy being with Hermione and Godric rather than taking care of an area. He realized he was seriously considering invoking the clause he included in his contract, just as Godric had done. He had made sure that, provided he could supply a suitable replacement, he could leave a decade earlier than the contracted century. He'd have to think of who would fill the position properly. He had worked too hard getting and keeping his area prosperous with (mostly) upstanding vampires and he didn't want the next sheriff to ruin all his hard work. It wouldn't take much to keep it at status quo. Not that he thought his replacement would run things just like him, it wasn't that at all. He just wanted someone to continue along the lines of what he had started. His area was the most profitable area Louisiana had and even with him gone, it should stay that way. He thought he might even sell the bar to the new sheriff. He would keep all his other businesses but the bar worked really well for the area and a convenient place for meetings. It was already established, not to mention the revenue was what helped Eric pay the taxes some of his vampires couldn't afford.

He briefly thought of selling it to his child, as well as suggesting her as the next sheriff, but knew she would want to be with him; especially if Godric and Hermione were a part of the picture. She had left his side a few times since he turned her but the majority of her existence was by his side. They had a close bond, not as close as his and Godric's but it wasn't far from it. The only main difference was that Eric and Godric were still physical where he and Pam were not. She preferred women over men, so their sexual relationship had ended several decades after turning her. Eric figured it was probably due to her line of work when she was turned. Either way, it didn't matter, what did was that he knew his child would want to stay by his side. Where she would have made an excellent sheriff, he understood her desire. Oh, he would ask her, just to make sure but was fairly certain she would turn him down. Once she learned of his intentions of being closer to Godric and he introduced her to Hermione, yeah, Pam would want to be as close as they were now. This made Eric smile. She was a brat and could be quite lazy but she was his lazy brat and he loved her deeply. If she wanted to follow them then he would certainly allow it.

Pushing these thoughts to the back of his mind, Eric dressed for the night. He planned to stop in on Hermione before going to the bar. She was such a ray of sunshine that he couldn't avoid the, already, deep seated need to bask in her warmth before dealing with those who came to the bar. This was, yet another reason, why he was considering stepping down. Although, when he thought about it, he wasn't sure Sophie Ann would allow both him and Godric to reside in her state. She would probably think they would be after her throne and nothing could be further from the truth. If Eric had wanted to be King, or Godric for that matter; he could have easily overthrown her many, many times over the almost century he had worked for her. He chuckled at that thought. He had so many vampires loyal to him, and not her, it really wasn't funny. All he would have had to do was let one simple word "slip" and he would have all the support he would need to overthrow her. But, he wasn't interested in being a King. He hadn't minded being sheriff, having some control over what went on where he lived but he wanted no other obligations or targets on him. He played enough political games as sheriff; it made him shudder to think how much more he would have to "play" being a king. Yeah, nope, not happening! That was so not part of his plans.

After dressing and sitting in the lounge, waiting for the sun to finish setting, Eric asked Godric when he would need to head back to his area.

"I have a few days yet. Eager to be rid of me, my child?" Godric asked, a smile dancing in his eyes.

"Of course not!" Eric promptly responded, only noticing Godric's look afterwards. Eric gave him a smile in return and shook his head. One of these days he would learn to see Godric's expression before answering.

"It amuses me you still do not always check my features before answering." Godric chuckled.

Eric smiled and shrugged, his Maker was very good at knowing when Eric wouldn't be looking to pull such stunts. It felt really good to Eric to feel his Maker in such a lighthearted mood. He then decided to broach the subject of being sheriffs.

"Godric, are you still happy being a sheriff?"

"Hmm, before I would have told you it was alright but, after meeting Hermione, I am more apt to say no. I was considering activating the clause so I could step away and spend more time with you and getting to know her better." Godric said after a moment.

Eric nodded his head and replied, "So have I. The past decade or so has really been…tedious. I wish to step down so I may have more time to spend with all three of you. Who do you have in mind to take your place?"

"Isabel, of course. She has been my lieutenant since shortly after I took the post. I believe she would be an excellent choice. The area already knows her in a position of authority and I have left the Area to her many times over the years. She knows how to handle whatever may arise and she would be welcome to contact me on any matter that she might be unsure or unprepared to deal with. You?" Godric answered.

"I thought of Pamela first but I know she would want to be with us. I will still ask her, of course. I have a few who I think would do just fine. I do not want to appoint just anyone so I can step down. I have worked hard to make this area what it has become and do not wish for it to be ruined by a bad and hurried choice." Eric told Godric.

"I believe you are right about Pamela. The relationship the two of you have is very close to ours and she has yet to learn of Hermione. You know we will need to reign her in where Hermione is concerned?" at Eric's nod and smile, Godric continued, "I also understand you wanting to make sure whoever takes your place will continue to take care of the Area and its vampires. What are your plans for the bar? Do you plan to keep it, sell it?"

"I am leaning towards selling it to the next sheriff. It is an excellent source of income but I have no need for that. I would do so only if the next sheriff agrees to use it the way I have; helping those in the area with tighter funds than others. The bar is already known as the place to find the sheriff for whatever reason needed, so it would make sense to keep it that way. I do not wish to rent it or keep it. It has done well for me but I believe it is time to let go, move on." Eric said with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Very sound thinking, my child. I am proud of you for considering the new sheriff as well as the Area's vampires. You have done well. Now, shall we start our evening properly?" Godric said as he rose and walked towards the door.

"Thank you, Master." Eric said, bowing his head at the high praise. Then answered, "Yes, we shall."

As the two ancient vampires made their way towards Hermione's tent, both were still amazed at how quiet it was. She was certainly a talented witch with her spells. Both had smiles on their faces when they "knocked" on the tent flap. When the flap moved aside to allow them entrance, they both couldn't help the feeling of awe and concern. Did she know it was them or was she always so welcoming to anyone who approached her dwelling? They got their answer when they stepped through and saw her bright smile.

"Hi! Come on in. Don't worry, my wards let me know who was at my tent." Hermione told them, seeing their looks of concern. "I don't let just anyone inside my home. Not to mention, no one but the two of you can see my tent." She smiled cheekily at them.

Eric and Godric continued to smile at her. When Godric walked over and kissed her cheek, Hermione blushed.

"I thought you would be by later Eric." Hermione said, looking up to meet his eyes.

"True but I could not start the night without seeing you first." Eric said while winking at her. Hermione continued to blush down to her toes at his flirting.

Godric stood back with a smile, enjoying the interaction between them. As he was looking over Hermione, he noted she seemed rested and in good spirits. When Eric walked up to Hermione and kissed her forehead, as he had the night before, Godric couldn't help the soft smile. His child never showed such tenderness to anyone except his own child. It was then that Godric realized just how much this little witch had gotten to both of them. He just hoped it lasted and she didn't decide to return to her world; although, he might just follow her there if she did, if she would allow it. Hopefully they would have some time to get to know each other before that became an issue.

When Eric left with the promise of returning later, Hermione turned to Godric and their night began.

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