I do not own Twilight and Harry Potter. All characters of both stories, along with their storyline, belong to their respective owners, Stephenie Meyer and J.K. Rowling. However, all unfamiliar characters and storylines do belong to me.
~O~O~O~
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
East Anchorage High
Year 2000
It was during Math class the next day with Rosalie and Tanya that she got another call from Hermione. They were solving divisions individually when Kaylee's flip phone rang, disturbing the silence that preceded over the classroom. The whole class turned their attention towards her as she quickly took her phone from her jacket pocket and glimpsed at the caller ID. She looked towards Mr. Garrison, who had glanced up from whatever he was doing in his computer.
"Miss. Gardner, if you can please—"
"Sorry, sir, but I have to take this call." Kaylee interrupted him, already standing up from her chair and walking to the door that led to the hallway.
Taken aback with her interruption, which no one had ever done before, he unconsciously let her go, his mouth agape at the nerve of her and her actions. Rosalie and Tanya glanced at one another and smirked in amusement. That was a first.
While everyone in class shrugged at the situation, Rosalie and Tanya eavesdropped on Kaylee as they worked through the problems on their pages.
Back in the hallway, Kaylee was exchanging words lowly with Hermione. "'Mione, what is it? You've already called yesterday to check up on me. Please, don't tell me this is going to be a daily occurrence. I do have classes in the mornings."
"I know, I know, but this was important. You did say that if something changed, I would tell you immediately." Hermione replied, earnestly. "Anyway, it's about your father."
This immediately took Kaylee's attention. "What is it, Hermione? Don't tell me his condition has gotten worse?"
"Worse?" Hermione laughed, joyfully. Kaylee frowned in confusion at the swift change of her mood. "It's the complete opposite, Lia! Sirius' condition is getting better which the healers has noticed, who had then notified me so I can tell you. Kaylee, he's finally responding with the help of the recent potion we provided him! Isn't that amazing?"
Rosalie and Tanya, from inside the classroom, both raised an eyebrow at one another. Potion? Who in these days call medicine a potion, or healers as doctors? They both thought.
Kaylee felt giddiness sweep over her, happiness rushing in, but she paused as she asked, "How would the healers know he's getting better?"
"Well, a healer—Susan Bones, you remember her?— checked up on him, making sure he's stable, his heartbeat normal, and he's not going worse. She told me she was talking to him about you, what you were currently doing and where you are now, and she saw his fingers move, Lia," she explained. "Your idea on adding both phoenix blood and tears in the former solution were effective. It was brilliant!"
For the first time, a full smile, one without the shadows of the past, graced Kaylee's pink lips. "I'm really glad to hear that. Thank you for telling me, 'Mione. I only hope he can wake up soon."
"Yes, everyone does. Who knows maybe he'll wake up very soon now that he's responded." Hermione wondered. "Will you be visiting?"
"Of course, expect me there this coming weekend."
And with that, they exchanged their goodbyes and both went back to what they were doing prior to the call. Kaylee walked back in class, shot her teacher an apologetic smile and sat back down between Rosalie and Tanya, who were currently wearing befuddled expressions.
"Anything wrong?" Kaylee asked them, smiling. Her hope that her father would wake up sooner than she thought made her so cheerful she could burst.
Rosalie smiled at her. "It's nothing big." she lied through her teeth, and Kaylee could sense that she was not being truthful.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, just these questions are really difficult to figure out." Rosalie said, waving her papers that held the division problems at her.
Kaylee knew that was not the truth but this time she let it go, and did not ask further questions. "I would gladly help you if I wasn't already having problems with it too."
Rosalie chuckled softly under her breath, not wanting Mr. Garrison to catch them interacting during a quiet task. "It's okay." she told her.
With that, Kaylee looked down at her own set of papers and solved the division problems one by one. Over her shoulders, Rosalie shot Tanya a look. Even though Alice filled the both of them and the family in last night regarding her father's condition, they did not really take that in fully until now. How was her father sent to a coma? And by who?
And what was up with Kaylee and her friend's terminology of things? Potion and healers?
~O~
Far away from Kaylee's math classroom, one Daniel Lewis brooded in his seat next to Edward, his eyes glaring daggers and holes on the carpet and completely ignoring their own math teacher who stood at the front, explaining a variety of formulas to solve divisions. Edward glanced at him in concern, wondering what was on his friend's mind. This was usually the kind of situations when Edward wished he could read his thoughts.
However, Daniel was glad Edward would not be able to peek into his mind since it was full of witches and wizards, magic, wars and an evil and power hungry maniac. Everything that Kaylee was and can do and had gone through and faced. If Edward had access to his thoughts, he would have suffered a heart attack and probably such anger that could rival that of a werewolf's. Then afterwards, he would have wondered about magic. Those always came last.
Unlike the watered down version his cousin had given their family the night before, Daniel had literally forced Kaylee to tell him the whole truth while they were alone before she returned home. What she revealed was beyond anything he could have imagined for her to undergo. Those bastards!
He flinched as the mental image he had received the night before, it resurfacing in his mind once more. Kaylee had described her torture in the Malfoys Manor—and even the abuse she had gone through while she was kept under their custody—in full detail and left nothing out. Everything was brought to light for him. And that was the whole reason why he was currently brooding in silent anger.
The pain of the torture…how could someone do that to his cousin? A cousin he was proud to know and have, someone who was gentle and compassionate, and who completely did not deserve any of those lashings and maltreatment. Daniel's thoughts shifted and focused on the bronze haired boy beside him. If Edward found out, Daniel without a doubt, knew that those who was responsible for her horrible treatment would die. Edward would seek them out and not leave anyone alive that played a part in Kaylee's suffering.
Edward was one overprotective and vengeance-seeking son of his mother. Daniel was even sure Carlisle would help his adopted son. Even Esme, a sweet and loving mother figure that she is. She would have been horrified of Kaylee's ordeal in the past.
A part of him wanted this to play out but he knew Kaylee would have done everything to stop anyone from killing another, if her actions in the Battle of Hogwarts was to go on. She could have shot a curse that can kill someone but instead, she chose to use her magic by just sending her enemies into unconsciousness. Although, admittingly, Daniel enjoyed the fact that the Death Eaters Kaylee had faced were currently rotting in the magical prisons. Death would have been like a mercy for them. So, another part of him chose to leave the situation as it is.
When class ended, the snowfall that fumed outside during class had finally ended and a thick layer of snow was now coating the grounds. Daniel and Edward walked together as they made their way in the cafeteria for lunch.
"What's wrong?" Edward asked. "You've been quiet since this morning."
Daniel froze. What lies can he tell someone who will be deeply affected by the truth? And a hundred-something year old vampire at that, who could detect a lie by the rate of his heartbeat? "It's nothing, Eddie." he smirked, an idea of what he could tell him already forming in his mind. "I've just been quiet because I'm trying to plan a surprise date for Kelly."
But then, what Daniel thought was a good lie, plummeted to the dirt as he realised too late that Edward knows he hated her.
As if he could read his mind, Edward raised an eyebrow at him. "I thought you didn't like her?"
"I don't." Daniel admitted, this time the truth. "But I have to say she's good in bed and I wouldn't mind tapping that fine piece of ass again." he smiled devilishly at Edward, knowing for sure he will stop with the questioning after this. He was still a man from the nineties and still set on the old traditional ways that sex or intimacy should come after marriage and only between the married couple.
Therefore, Edward's wrinkle-free face crinkled with disgust, and Daniel guffawed. "Don't say anymore." Edward said, grimacing.
"Don't worry, I'll spare you the details." Daniel replied, teasingly. Now, he just had to make sure he was actually planning on going on a date with Kelly. Edward will wonder if he actually did and if not, he will only go back to asking and he did not want his nagging to occur, less he betray his cousin's trust. After all, the magical world was kept in secrecy from humans like him, unless they were related to the witch or wizard.
Around the corner of the hallway where both boys walked, Rosalie, Tanya and Kaylee walked out of their classroom, giggling and discussing the negative traits which they each have come to acquaint with someone, targeting more towards the male specimen.
"I have a close friend—Ron Weasley—who has the most disgusting and horrible mannerism in the entire world. No matter how many times Hermione and I tell him to stop doing it, he always eats with his mouth open, and talks while he's still chewing." Kaylee responded, giving example of one negative trait which she did not find attractive in a guy.
"Oh, that is the worst!" Tanya exclaimed.
Rosalie raised an eyebrow. "And you said, Hermione is dating him?"
Kaylee nodded, smiling fondly at the example of love produced from their relationship. "They are dating, yes. Aside from his negative mannerisms, Ron's a decent guy. Although, he can be daft sometimes, he's completely loving and protective towards Hermione," she explained. "Or I would not have approved of their relationship if he was a douchebag."
The two other girls snickered in approval and without Kaylee noticing, both exchanged mischievous glances at one another. They both knew Edward was soon to round the corner with Daniel, and they had a question for their new friend while he was in hearing distance as this would help him in the long run.
"So, now that you've mentioned all the bad traits you don't like in guys, what exactly do you look for in someone if you ever wish to date?" Rosalie asked. Though this question was for Edward's benefit, her curiosity was piqued. What did Kaylee Gardner, with a mysterious persona, like exactly?
What Tanya and Rosalie both did not expect was the appearance of a blush upon Kaylee's fair rosy cheeks.
"You just had to ask that, didn't you?" Kaylee mumbled in response. Her new friends grinned expectantly, waiting. "Well, I'm not really sure exactly. To be honest, I've never really dated anyone before but I think what—"
"Wait, hold on for a moment." Tanya interrupted, incredulously. "Did you just say that you've never had a relationship at all? Ever?"
The dark haired girl nodded with a shy smile. Rosalie's jaw dropped.
How? The two blonde vampires asked themselves. How can someone beautiful not date any guys?
"I know what you're thinking. Trust me, I get that a lot." Kaylee smiled, blue-green eyes alight. "The reason why I have never dated was not because I didn't want to experience it but because I had no choice in the matter. Especially when I have a totally overprotective and frightening father who makes guys run for the hills rather than approach me. Other than he, my godbrother also chases potential boyfriends away. As a result, it's hard to find someone who's not scared of one of them, or a guy that my father and godbrother will approve of. So, yeah, because of them two I've never really dated anyone."
"That's understandable." Rosalie sympathised. As a matter of fact, if she had a daughter she would be just as protective as Kaylee's father was, and the only way to gain Rosalie's favour was if the guy did something that impressed her and benefited her daughter most. And she was not even the male parent.
Before anymore could be said, the figures of Edward and Daniel appeared. The girls quietened, Rosalie and Tanya lamenting the fact their question went unanswered.
"Hello," Edward greeted Kaylee.
She smiled at him. "Hey, how's your day going?"
Better now that you're here, Edward thought. "It feels like any other day, just surviving through the day and trying to pay attention."
Kaylee laughed. "I get what you mean. To be honest, the only way you can have fun is by being with your friends."
"That's very true," he smiled down at her. "Although, a favourite subject may also support your survival throughout high school."
"Also that," she agreed and before Edward can ask hers, she was already answering his unspoken question. "Music and art are my favourite subjects. It lets me express what I feel and losing myself through the songs is just an amazing feeling. They are also a way to relieve stress which I find to be really helpful." she explained and met Edward's bright golden eyes. "How about yours? What subjects do you love, Mr. Mysterious?"
Unbeknownst to them, Rosalie and Tanya had dispersed from their sides, smirking as they made their way outside the building through another way. They had to forcibly remove Daniel along, and he had been stubborn about not leaving his cousin. Admittedly, they found this trait of his to be irritating, yet awe-inspiring. Of course, they both did not know why he was so protective to begin with. Just one of so many things they wanted answered in due time.
Back to the pair, Edward was delighted in the fact that Kaylee loved music the same way he did. "I, too, enjoy music." he replied softly.
Her smile grew wider. "You do? What do you play? Can you sing?"
"I can sing a bit but I much prefer to play the piano," he answered. "And you?"
"I play the piano too! But most of the time, I only sing." she said, eyes lighting up. "I used to be in the choir back in my old school, and I remember that I always loved going to all our practices."
"You must be really good then."
"I'm decent enough."
Modest. One other thing to add to the growing list of her personal traits, which he keeps in his mind. So far, the list contained everything that are all positive. He wondered if there was anything that could be negative about her.
"I would like to hear you sing one day," Edward said.
"Maybe." Kaylee told him, smirking.
And before she can anything more, cold icicles splatted her on her face as soon as she stepped out of the building. She gasped, standing still and shocked, blinking her eyes at the sudden touch of frigid snow to her skin. It numbed her face, snow particles covering the whole of her face as the snowball was big in its size.
Kaylee's eyes narrowed, finding the culprit standing beside a tree. Daniel. And he was laughing. Emmett, too, looked like he was in on it, snickering along with her cousin. A sudden spike of annoyance and playfulness all at the same time washed over her. She wiped her face with the sleeve of her jacket, then dropped her things before taking off towards them.
Daniel's eyes widened and she heard him yell, "Run. Run, Emmett! Don't be fooled by her. She's fucking fast!"
And she was. She was already almost within reach of Daniel before he could even finish his sentence. This show of speed baffled not only Emmett and Edward, but also the other vampires who were just making their way towards where Daniel once stood. Emmett dodged just before she got to him, but it was for naught as Kaylee was set on reaching her cousin alone, not paying any thoughts to him. As a result, the golden eyed vampires just watched the chase between the cousins with amusement. Who knew a human could be that fast.
Edward picked up her things and made his way to his family, not once taking his attention of the figure of his mate running. Even in this chase, she was graceful. Daniel made a wrong move to turn around to face her and it cost him greatly as Kaylee, only a feet away, dove for him, tackling him to the snow covered ground. He landed with his back first.
"Oom—" Daniel was cut off as a shower of snow fell over on top of his face. And then he stiffened as he felt his devious cousin lift his shirt up, and placed a heavy amount of snow on his stomach.
Kaylee stood up, wiped her hands and sauntered off, a smirk on her face. Her eyes landed on Emmett, who slightly gulped at the look of revenge in her eyes from his earlier enjoyment of her predicament. He stepped back as she kept moving towards him but in the last minute, she went to Edward and grabbed her things from him.
"Thank you," she murmured.
At once, Edward snickered in delight over his brother's actions and was joined by the rest of his family. Who would have thought the big guy Emmett would back down from a human?
~O~
After lunch, Kaylee and Edward made their way to their music class together. They had continued their conversation on music straight after her chase with Daniel while everybody else had started a snowball fight. A couple of times, both of them had to duck down to avoid being hit by snow. Kaylee was only able to realise one was coming after her when Edward tells her to duck or he pulls her down with him. She profusely thanked him for his help every time.
When he asked about it, she had replied with, "It's not that I don't like the cold—and I do, having grown up in places where it snows makes you get used to it—but right now, I'm not in the mood to join in on their game. I think I'd rather sit back for my first few weeks here in school before delighting my cousin in playing along." she had paused then and asked him why he was not joining in on the fun.
"Someone needed to accompany you," he had said. Upon hearing that, Kaylee had smiled at him, a faint blush coating both her cheeks.
Back in the present, Kaylee and Edward was walking side by side in a comfortable silence, their minds occupied by what each had learned about the other. Although, the new things about what she had gathered of Edward took a hold on a part of her mind, the other part was reeling in the fact that the potion she and Hermione had recently mixed up was taking effect on her father. For two years in a row, none of the formulation they had worked together on had worked. No responses. Until now.
Perhaps, it was all due to the phoenix blood and tears, two ingredients they had never used before in any of their potions prior to the recent one. Whatever the case, Kaylee was grateful for she might get her father back and by doing so, Neville will be able to get his parents as well.
"A penny for your thoughts?" Edward asked, breaking the silence.
Kaylee turned to look at him, finding him regarding her with the gentlest expression she had ever seen on anyone. And only now was she finally able to truly focus on Edward Cullen. He was, in every way, different to all the guys she had ever met. Even though she did not know him to the best extent, she knew that Edward was one of a kind. Thoughtful; in his case of wanting to be with her while she excluded herself from the snowball fight. Kind; every time he talked to her, his tone was always polite and filled with kindness. Gentleman; for all the times he had opened a door and let her in first, and the moment when he picked up her things off the floor when she ran after Daniel. Musical; his passion for music, especially through the piano. Handsome. Kaylee blushed at this one.
Everyone knew, maybe even himself, that he was good looking. And those golden eyes, which happened to be the same colour as the rest of his family's, Tanya's and Kate's, were so unique and she wondered how that was even possible. She found that the golden eyes suited him more than the rest of them.
Of course, she did not ignore the fact that Edward and the others were unrelated through blood yet they seemed to have the same eye colour.
"It's nothing important," she finally answered him. "Just thinking about music and if you'll be able to give me a demonstration." And though that was a half-lie in terms of what she had formerly been thinking about, she was actually curious if he will be able to play for her in this class.
Edward smiled while leading her inside the music room. "If you sing, I'll play for you."
"Mhm. An exchange?" she raised an eyebrow. He smirked, and she could understand the meaning behind it. Take it or leave it. "Sure. We can do it during class, if you want." Kaylee was not one to back down from anything.
Edward's eyes left her for a moment and turned to their male substitute teacher. He read his thoughts and found that he would let the class do as they please. If they want to leave, they may. If they want to stay, they can. Normally, Edward would have scoffed at this idea but he did not mind it so much now if he was going to hear his mate sing for the first time. He found he could not wait.
"I'd like that." Edward told her.
She nodded, smiling. "Good."
They walked further inside and took a seat in the back row. Kaylee's eyes wandered around the room, taking notes where the instruments were placed. The guitars were at the back stacked up within its rack stand, and beside them stood the conga drums, a bass drum and a kettle drum. Those were the instruments that she could see visibly, and Kaylee guessed that the others were probably in the storage room.
Once every student were in class, the teacher stood up from the front desk. "Obviously, as your teacher is not here, I will be your substitute for this lesson. Since I am busy with my own class, having to grade some homework, you have the choice to either leave or stay—" cheers erupted from some students. "—but you cannot leave the school premises. So, with that said, you may do as you please."
Almost everyone left, save for three others besides Edward and Kaylee. She turned to face him, eyes questioning. "Come," Edward said. "I know where we can go."
They gathered their things and left, Kaylee following his steps. She sighed once the classroom was behind them. "That was disappointing for my first music class here." she stated, wistfully.
"Don't worry, our music teacher is actually very good. You'll like her." Edward assured her.
"I'll have to see for myself," she said. "Where are we going, by the way?"
"Just here." Edward announced. They had come to a full stop at the very end of the upper floor of the building, to a closed door in the middle of the hallway. "This is the back room which has a piano. Most people use this for privacy or when everywhere else is loud and they can't focus."
Curious, Kaylee stepped up beside him and opened the door herself. Edward, in amusement, walked into the room after her, watching her reaction.
"Oh, it's so nice." she said, eyeing the black grand piano a couple of metres from the wide windows, her
eyes flicking over to the bookshelf at the other side of the room, and the wooden polished floorboards. She strode towards the piano and gently run her slender fingers over the keys, before grinning. Suddenly, Kaylee was in front of him, pulling him by his freezing hand towards the piano, and made him sit on the stool. "Play."
Edward smiled at her, seeing the unsuppressed excitement within her soulful eyes. He obliged, placing both his hands over the right keys then started the tune. As the first sounds of the notes started, a flash of recognition entered her blue-green depths.
"Clair de Lune," she whispered.
He stopped playing for a second to ask, "You know Debussy?"
Kaylee smiled lightly. "Yes, 'Nocturne' was the first piano piece I learned when I was just starting out." she folded her arms on the side of the piano and leaned her chin on them. "Keep playing, Edward."
He nodded, a smile playing on his lips.
As Edward demonstrated his musical talent with the piano, Kaylee kept watch, tracking the movements of his pale, long fingers as they curved gracefully over the keys. She closed her eyes, enjoying the music that resounded throughout the room.
Edward watched her, hands still playing Debussy's piece. The familiar feeling of love that only surged for her filled him then. His entire being rejoiced over the fact that his mate was finally here in front of him. He still could not believe it. Often he thought of how a soulless monster like him could be gifted with a wonderful human being as her. What did he do to deserve her?
In all of his years as an immortal, he has had to watch the way his family members acted with their significant other, longing for one to call his own. Now, to finally gain something which he so desired was unbelievable. She was unbelievable. As he watched her take in the music he played, he thanked all the powers that played a part of their pairing. She was all he hoped for, and yet so much more.
As the last of the notes were played, Kaylee's eyes opened and locked on his.
They stared at one another, not one of them speaking. Just gazing. Each one felt different emotions overwhelming them for different reasons. Edward's were of love and devotion, Kaylee's for the enjoyment of his piano abilities and gratefulness for his demonstration.
When a moment passed, their stares still unbroken, Kaylee finally grinned widely. "That was beautiful, Edward!" she exclaimed.
He smiled, standing up and making his way towards the windowsill to lean on it. "I believe it's your turn."
Kaylee took a deep breath and sat down. She looked up at Edward, heart beating fast from nervousness. "I haven't played piano in quite a while so if I make any mistakes, I hope you can look past that." she warned him.
"I think it will be amazing either way."
She stared at him a second longer and nodded once before turning to face the piano. Digging deep through her mind, she tried to find something good to play and sing at the same time. After a minute, she finally was able to decide on something.
Meanwhile, Edward heard her heart thudding faster than normal. Gone was the girl who was confident a moment ago, now she was replaced by a timid and shy person who lacked of confidence, thinking she would not be good. Edward sought out to rectify that. "Just calm down, Kaylee, I'm not here to judge. I'm just a friend wanting to hear my friend sing."
Kaylee smiled at him, strangely finding herself calming down and finding strength within his words.
Edward waited patiently and when she started, she started out slow and a bit shaky, which improved the more she played the song. He recognised it to be Whitney Houston's 'When You Believe', and he revelled in the beautiful melody. Leaning on the sill, he was riveted as he beheld the sight of his mate completely losing herself to the song, her eyes closed as she played.
And then she sang, and Edward was at a loss for words. Speechless.
"Many nights we've prayed.
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts, a hopeful song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains long
Before we knew we could, oh yes"
Kaylee made the song different, made it unique in another way. Unlike the original version being sung breathily by Whitney and Mariah, hers were completely controlled without her breaths being heard as she sang. Yet like the their version, it was deep and soulful, so passionate.
"There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe
Oh yeah, in this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer birds
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here
My heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'll say"
Edward was captivated by her voice. Soft. Melodious. Pleasing to the ears. To his ears. He loved how her playing differed from the original representation of the song and made it her own.
"There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe
They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fears
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see the way, get through the rain
A small but still, resilient voice
Says hope is very near, oh
There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe"
Her use of a different style of the song was more profound throughout the second chorus. In the original, it was sung through a range of powerful high vocals but for Kaylee, she sang it lowly and deeply rather than singing it high. It worked, especially with the tone of her voice.
"You will when you
You will when you believe
Just believe
I believe, I believe
Just believe
You will when you believe."
And as she closed the song, Edward was, for the second time in the same week, spellbound by Kaylee.
