You people are amazing and, again, sorry for the delay with getting new chapters up. Would be great to have more time to write and that is something I struggle with daily. I have plans for this story and I will continue to update when I can.

Now, let's see what Harry thinks of Aro!

Here is a disclaimer that unfortunately states that I do not own anything that I am writing about and am merely hoping to play in another author's sandbox for a short time and what follows is for entertainment purposes only.

The air rushed over Felix while he ran towards Volterra with Harry at his side; however, the entire journey was passing by more quickly than Felix would have liked but he knew that it would be in his, and therefore Harry's, best interest to arrive in front of Aro as soon as possible.

Still, even at vampire speeds the trip was going to take them at least a couple of hours. Which was more than enough time for Felix to fill Harry in on what he needed to know about the Volturi and some of the major players. Of course, not everyone in the guard needed to be discussed in depth, but the main figures certainly needed to be glossed over. Felix had already gone through the three leaders and was now providing a breakdown of who was left.

"And then there is Jane, Harry. Be mindful around her and her brother, Alec. They may look innocent but they are the most coveted of Aro's guard, and the most deadly."

"Do you all not get along or something?" Harry asked as a follow-up.

In his mind all Felix had done was advise him on the more negative qualities that each of his coven members possessed. Demetri had been the only one that Harry suspected Felix had any real friendship with.

It surprised Felix and he began to slow his pace through the hillside.

"I wouldn't say that we don't get along, but I'm curious as to why you asked that?"

This time it was Harry's turn to slow the pace, and he took the opportunity to stop running. Harry's green eyes turned to look Felix square in the face. He didn't entirely understand everything that he was hearing but Felix's words had painted a certain picture in his mind.

Felix followed Harry's lead and wasn't complaining at getting another chance to take in the features that he had already memorized but just couldn't get enough of.

"It just doesn't sound like that fun of an environment," Harry replied truthfully.

"The way you talk about life in Volterra, it just sounds like there are so many rules to go along with it. And Aro," Harry continued as his brows narrowed, "correct me if I am wrong but it sounds like you are more afraid of him than anything else."

Felix inched his head downwards; he didn't know how to really respond to that. While he loved how intelligent Harry was he didn't like thinking that all of Harry's thoughts would soon become Aro's property.

Regardless of whether it was the truth or not.

He felt like he needed to do damage control.

"Harry," he sighed.

"All of that may be true but Aro is the leader of all vampires. There is no escaping that. All we can do is be mindful of his wishes and the Volturi and try to live our lives."

Everything that Harry was hearing only confirmed the horrible feeling that had taken a hold of his gut ever since learning that the ruling Volturi existed. It reminded him too much of what he had left in the wizarding world. Still, there was something refreshing and comforting in Felix's eyes that told him that his sire shared some of these thoughts.

It was nice to feel like he wasn't alone with how he was feeling even if he didn't know what he could do about it.

"However, and please trust me when I say this Harry."

To emphasize his upcoming point Felix took a step closer to Harry and slowly reached out for Harry's smaller hands.

"I have seen the benefits of living in Volterra compared with those that live on the other side of Aro's displeasure. It is a far worse fate and we do have some freedom to live our own lives and do our own thing. Though, with that being said, please be mindful of what you think and say for all it takes is one brush of Aro's hand against your own for him to be able to glimpse everything that you have ever experienced."

Harry's face turned more thoughtful but Felix was encouraged that Harry hadn't protested at the closeness of their bodies.

Therefore, he pulled Harry's body closer to him and the scent was so strong that Felix's skin shivered as his self-control battled his desire.

"I don't say any of this to scare you because even though you may not fully understand why or how this is possible, I care about you too much to see any harm come to you."

Their lips were painfully close but Harry still didn't think he was ready to give in. Too much else was at stake to lose focus.

"It just all seems like so much, Felix." Harry whispered as his head pulled away.

Which was made even more difficult because in that moment he could see the truth of how much this other vampire cared for him. The look of defeat on Felix's face almost broke his heart.

But Harry remained focused on the immediate future, and his stance changed to reflect that.

"What else do I have to know?" he said while looking just over Felix's shoulder.

It was hard for Felix to get past the feelings of continually being rejected – even if he didn't blame Harry in the slightest. However, he focused on wanting to keep Harry alive for as long as possible and reluctantly released Harry's hands before continuing.

"Another thing that you should be aware of is what some of the other vampires can do and it will always be something that you should be mindful of."

Harry was also disappointed with the break of their hands and the passing of the intimate moment that could have been had Harry not been determined to see this through with a level head. But he forced himself to focus on everything that Felix told him as they continued their journey.

Before either of them knew it they soon approached the outskirts of Volterra and they could see the tallest tower of the walled mountaintop town in the distance.

Felix slowed to human speeds and then stopped to look at the moonlight reflecting against Aro's personal spire.

"Are you ready, Harry?" Felix asked tenderly.

"Do you really think I won't be hurt?"

Felix angled his head downwards and looked into the innocent and hesitant face of Harry.

No matter how much it hurt to know that Harry was resisting whatever bond wanted to form between them, it was easy for him to answer.

"I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, Harry. I can promise at least that much; however, I do not think that you have anything to fear. Your gifts have never been seen before and I know Aro would very much like to extend an offer for you to join the Volturi."

Even though Harry was worried about his own safety simply because he was about to enter the unknown, Felix's response and continued presence helped assuage his fears somewhat. Plus, it only made Harry more certain that whatever feelings Felix had for him were real.

If Felix had attempted to act on those feelings again, Harry's resolve may have been broken. Except that Felix couldn't bear to be rejected again – no matter how much he understood Harry's position.

Therefore, nothing happened and all that was left was for Harry to Follow Felix the last few kilometers into the city center.

Which was probably for the best as Harry's preternatural senses were in overdrive. One position that he didn't want to find himself in again was being ambushed by other immortals. He at least wanted to have some warning before another vampire crossed his path again.

Felix continued to lead Harry up the winding road into the heart of the fortified village and just as they caught sight of the fountain in the town square Harry smelled something different in the air.

It was a sharp smell and one that easily stood out amidst the tantalizing aromas from the small number of humans that made Volterra their permanent home. At once Harry knew that it belonged to another of his kind, and one that he had met before if he was not mistaken.

"You can come out, Demetri," Felix said suddenly.

Felix stopped and Harry came to rest at his side.

A fraction of a second later Harry's eyes caught sight of the form who had chased him away from Bari.

Without meaning to Harry hands drifted several inches to the right and his fingers nudged up against Felix's.

His long fingers didn't hesitate and his hand quickly grasped Harry's hand.

"Ah, Felix," Demetri smiled at his friend.

"I see that you managed to find your mate by the looks of things. That took less time that I expected considering how long our first hunt had taken."

Hearing Harry described as his mate by someone else made the situation even more awkward but Felix was determined to make this as easy as possible on Harry.

"I'm afraid that that hasn't been decided yet, my old friend."

However, instead of spending any more time on that sensitive topic Felix quickly moved the conversation along.

"Harry," he said while turning his head to the side, "I would like to properly introduce you to Demetri."

Harry appreciated the effort that his sire was putting in and acknowledged the other man.

"Hello," he forced out politely.

"It's not often that we have guests come to Volterra," Demetri replied while walking slowly over to where they were standing.

Demetri took the opportunity to eye over the newborn in more detail. Even though Demetri was straight he just had to admit how fine of a specimen Felix had selected – regardless of whether they had become official yet.

Because there wasn't a doubt in Demetri's mind; it was painfully obvious that they would end up together.

"Apologies for before," Demetri said from a few feet away.

Harry just nodded and squeezed Felix's hand for support. He couldn't help but question if coming to Volterra had been the right decision, even if he knew deep down that he couldn't live his life on the run.

To Harry's relief, Felix began to rub his thumb over his and the feeling of reassurance that he received calmed his mind and helped him to stay in the present. He could do this and he needed to do this.

"Felix explained why you were there."

Harry didn't see the need to go further than that.

"Perfect," Demetri flashed his deadly teeth.

"Aro will be most pleased to make your acquaintance. Right this way," he gestured with an outstretched hand.

A gentle nudge from Felix urged Harry to follow him once more, and this time Felix couldn't stop the smile from showing on his face given that Harry's grip of him had only tightened.

Something that Demetri also noticed, but instead of commenting on it he simply shared a look with his old friend.

Felix did his best to ignore his friend's ridiculous smirk; he couldn't let his mind get carried away that someone else saw exactly what he did and let that cloud his judgment. For his Harry was just about to meet Aro for the first time and Felix wanted to be ready to support him.

Regardless of whether Harry had admitted to himself what was happening between them, because there was always the chance – however small – that Felix's feelings wouldn't be returned. It was the part of him neglected by the Dursleys that was responsible for his doubt.

"The Volturi have been here for over a thousand years, Harry," Felix began instead to narrate their journey into the bowels of the city.

Next they arrived at an elevator and Harry did his best to calm his mind as they began their descent.

But all of his mental preparation went out the window when the elevator door opened and his nose was hit with a most delicious scent that was quite close. Only then did Harry realize that his last meal had been at the summit of Mont Blanc and his throat became quite uncomfortable.

Harry's whole body tensed and Felix immediately knew that something was wrong.

"Oh, right," he said softly and turned to face Harry.

He took the liberty of pulling Harry quite close to him and whispered into Harry's ear.

"This is our human secretary, Harry. My apologies for not bringing this up sooner but my mind was on other things. Just focus on walking past her and I promise you a feast later tonight."

Harry was quite tempted by the sumptuous smell, but his advanced odor receptors began to become overwhelmed by the even more delicious smell of Felix.

Harry leaned in closer and his face pressed against Felix's chest, allowing Felix's chin to rest atop his head – like their bodies were made for this position.

Little by little all traces of that human's scent was forgotten about and when Felix felt Harry's body relax they exited the elevator.

Of course Bridgette could not have cared less that anything abnormal was going on; she had learned long ago that it was best not to question anything lest she ruin her chances to be made into a vampire.

Unlike what had happened to her predecessor. Bye Felicia.

So she simply smiled at them as Felix, Demetri, and this new vampire passed in front of her reception desk.

"Keep up the good work, Bridgette," Demetri let slip while Felix kept whispering into Harry's ear, "I'll explain later."

"Okay," Harry breathed out.

They continued on down the rounded hall where two large and ornamental doors stood before them.

With a final squeeze of Felix's hand, Demetri pushed through to reveal a large, underground dome chamber with exquisite stained glass two hundred feet above them. Harry was glad to see that there was at least a way for him to escape should it come to that.

As his eyes took in the rest of the room he noted the expensive and opulent décor that practically screamed royalty.

The place was truly fit for a king or a Queen and the people that Harry saw before him only made that more true.

Everyone present was simply breathtaking and it made Harry wonder if being attractive was a prerequisite to becoming a vampire. But since he had never considered himself to be good-looking until he had become a vampire he was left with the alternative that being transformed into a vampire made one simply incomparable to a mortal.

Of course, no one could compete with how Felix looked, but Harry would have sworn that everyone else could have easily been a model if they had so desired.

Even the older male that sat in one of the three raised thrones in the center of the room.

No sooner had he thought that than did a middle-aged man with long black hair that was seated in the middle chair rise up and welcome their group.

"Ah, Felix, I see you have returned with the newborn. I am so glad that you managed to find him so quickly, we were beginning to get worried."

Harry got the sense that this man was the ultimate politician, except that he already knew from what Felix had told him that the man was anything but an elected leader.

This man, whose rule was quite absolute, judging by the way the other vampires treated him, could only be Aro.

So Harry did his best to project an appropriate form of respect, while mentally preparing himself to use his Raven form should he need to make for the fresh air above.

Aro guessed at the apprehension and nervousness that was likely going through Harry's mind and extending his hand outward in a warm gesture.

"And welcome to our guest tonight. Felix, you are quite right in that he is simply stunning. His green eyes – never before seen among our kind – have to be seen to be believed."

Aro took a step towards them as he continued.

"Tell me, young one, what is your name? For I, Aro, and the rest of the Volturi wish to put you at ease and appropriately welcome you to our ancient home."

"Harry, Harry Potter."

It was the first time that Felix had heard his last name and it made him fall a little bit more in love with the creature beside him.

"Ah, thank you, Harry Potter," Aro cooed, "for coming to Volterra and I hope that you have a most pleasant visit with us. In fact, I would hope that you come to see this place as an eventual home for yourself with Felix here."

Harry didn't know how else to react and so he just smiled and thanked Aro for taking the time to see him.

"Time," Aro mused.

"Such a fickle thing for someone who has been around for thousands of years, but trust me when I say that I think you are very much worth the time."

Just then Aro widened his smile and took the last step off the raised dias and began to close the distance between himself and where Harry and Felix stood.

"I've heard a little about you, young one, and I've seen your prodigious talents displayed in the minds of Felix and Demetri."

Harry swallowed the last remnants of venom that Bridgette had caused him to make away and responded to Aro.

"Felix mentioned that you could see into our minds and experience all of our thoughts."

"Yes, quite right," Aro returned.

"I would assume that you want to see into my mind then," Harry managed to get out.

While he wasn't keen with letting someone see all of his thoughts he had already known that this would happen from the moment he heard about Aro's talents.

The only benefit to this was that at least Harry would be aware that someone else was inside his mind; unlike the many times that he had experienced the vicious attacks of Legilimency that had left him reeling from either the dreadful presence of Voldemort inside of him or the confusion and disbelief that came with him being inside the Dark Lord's mind.

"Yes, Harry," Aro smiled pleasantly.

The ancient vampire thought that things could not have been going better and he quite liked the instant respect Harry had towards him.

'Felix has prepared him well,' Aro internally noted as he calm to stand before Harry.

"Shall we?" Aro said with shinning ruby eyes.

Harry answered by reluctantly letting go of Felix's grip and offering both his hands to Aro.

Aro's eyes were practically sparkling as he hungrily grabbed ahold of Harry's hands, waiting for the contact of their skin to give him a window into the memories and thoughts of the young man before him.

Harry wondered if Aro would really see everything that he had seen or if it was like how his old Potion's Professor had explained seeing into another person's mind was like glimpsing random memories here and there. From what Harry had understood Legilimency only gave you access into someone's mindscape, and for a person to see any of your memories, especially specific ones, they still had to go looking for them.

In fact, Harry began to wonder if Aro was aware of what he was currently thinking; however, all it took was a single glance into Aro's eyes to know that something was wrong.

Aro almost didn't know what to do with his face and an uneasy feeling began to develop in Harry's gut.

Had the man seen something that he didn't like?

"Fascinating," Aro surprised Harry and said instead as his face morphed into a more palatable expression.

"I see nothing!" Aro exclaimed in a breathless air.

To which the sound of whisperings could be heard from the onlookers.

But Harry remained confused: how could Aro fail to see into his mind when he had sometimes felt like it was all too easy for any wizard to jump in and see what they didn't have a right to.

"It would seem, Demetri," Aro said next, "that young Harry here is a powerful shield and I would bet that this is why he managed to foil your gift as well."

Because his attention was on Aro, Harry missed the look that Demetri shared with Felix. They too were bemused at this development, and it made Demetri feel better that Harry's gift didn't only affect him. However, his next thought Aro voiced out loud.

"I wonder, this is simply too fascinating, is Harry immune to all of our gifts?"

Aro turned his head to the side and Harry saw the Volturi's leader nod his head in the direction of a small and petite blond female. She had the most vicious eyes that Harry had ever seen – and given that he had looked into Voldemort's eyes that was saying something.

However, in that moment time seemed to slow and just as Harry made the connection that it was likely Jane whom Aro had signaled, Felix had grabbed his arm and yanked him until he was standing behind Felix's back.

A fraction of a second later Harry could both see and feel Felix's body begin to seize up and then the tall vampire crumbled to the floor and began to convulse. It reminded Harry of the Cruciatus Curse.

Suddenly, like a switch had gone off inside of Harry's entire body, he became enraged at the thought that anyone would dare to harm Felix.

His sire. His mate. His life.

A growl escaped his lips and his eyes instantly locked with Jane's. There was no fear or concern anywhere on her features. Another vicious smirk graced her lips as her evil eyes narrowed ever so slightly at him.

But Harry didn't care about the faces that she was making; she had hurt his mate and there was only one thing that he wanted to do about it.

Harry launched himself at her and readied his fist, taking internal delightful at the scene of confusion that he was causing as fear began to overtake her face.

The sensation of his knuckles connecting with her marble-like skin didn't make up for what she had done to Felix, but the sight of her body being thrown backwards into the wall helped somewhat.

"Jane!" a smaller male said from a few feet away before turning to glare at Harry.

He too had an arrogant way about him. The slender male jumped towards him with outstretched hands.

Harry thought it looked strange – perhaps he too was trying out his own vampire gift – but it didn't matter. Harry was ready for him and effortless dodged the incoming vampire and used his assailant's momentum to redirect the young man's face into the nearest column.

As the dust settled, the two vampires that Harry had so easily dispatched remained where they were; both were too stunned to react. They had relied on their powers for their entire life and simply didn't know how to deal with someone, much less fight, without them.

Harry readied himself for the next attack while inching backwards to stand over Felix's recovering body. He was crouched low and used his left hand to feel for Felix's fingers, which tenderly grabbed a hold of his.

However, before Harry could ask if he was all right the whimsical laughter of Aro filled the chamber.

"Oh, my dear, dear, precious boy. How remarkable to know that you have such a gift."

The sound of Aro's voice calmed the room and allowed for Felix to sit up. Harry immediately knelt down to try and offer support, but because of Felix's height we was nearly as tall as Harry was.

It didn't matter though, and Harry's arms were around his neck and his chin rested on Felix's shoulder.

"Are you okay, my love?" Harry breathed out without fully realizing what he was saying.

"I am now," Felix sighed to the heavens.

He had never felt such happiness, however, he knew that this was not the place to express his relief.

The situation was not yet resolved and he needed to be there for Harry.

Slowly, as the pain from Jane's curse still lingered, Felix managed to stand. Harry's body hung close to him and offered support as Felix's right arm came to rest down his back.

"Wonderful. So happy to know that you have found a mate, Felix." Aro declared as he returned to his central chair.

"My apologies for that, Harry, but I needed to know the extent of your gift. In all my years I have never seen someone as mentally strong as you. Just know that from this day forth you are not to be harmed from anyone among the Volturi."

It was a threat and even though Harry was still on high alert from his recent scuffle, the small circles that he was rubbing into Felix's back helped to relax him and gave him something else to focus on.

Harry could only nod and express the simplest of gratitude.

"Thank you, Aro."

Felix, however, was able to say more.

"Yes, my Lord, thank you for allowing Harry to join us. I will be forever grateful for this gift."

Aro was so pleased with how everything was going that he didn't even need to mouth his reply. The entire scene had played out exactly how he had wanted it to. Of course, he would have preferred to have glimpsed into the boy's mind, but he knew that the boy would never be able to leave his mate. That was quite apparent from how he had defended him, and he would use Felix to get closer to Harry and what he knew about the witches and wizards of the world.

Of course, Aro couldn't contain his excitement entirely. He wanted to see the boy's other talent with his own eyes and couldn't help himself with what he said next.

"Dearest Harry, I also understand that you have a second gift. Pardon my inquiry because I know you must be anxious to go and explore your new home with your mate but I am most interested in seeing what else you can do. I know I have said this before but I have never seen someone so exquisitely perfect for an immortal life before. It is like you were made for it."

Knowing that he couldn't turn it down, Harry hesitantly removed himself from Felix's embrace and in an instant transformed into a Raven. He took off towards the ceiling and then spiraled down the room to note all of the flabbergasted faces below him.

He came to rest upon Felix's shoulder and turned his head to get a better look at Aro.

The man's face was the epitome of want and desire.

"Extraordinary," he breathed.

"Such an amazing addition!"

Aro's eyes were hungry with power and he knew that the Volturi had just become that much stronger. All he had left to do was to extract everything that Harry knew about magic and he felt that his rule would soon become invincible.

Aro couldn't ever remember feeling this happy, and as he dismissed the rest of the Volturi guard a smile spread upon his face that stayed long after his next meal.

I certainly enjoyed Jane getting what she always had coming. It makes up for Harry and Felix having to deal with Aro and his machinations.

Next chapter will focus a little more on Harry and Felix as they come to terms with being mates.

And we haven't seen the last of Hogwarts!

Until next time!