Hello FanFiction world! Long time no writing! I am so, so sorry; I totally disappeared off the radar! I seem to have like one week of pure inspiration and knock out a wicked chapter in my world. The rest of the time I am staring at my computer screen trying to figure out how to put all the craziness that is my thoughts into words. But I know exactly how I want this chapter to go down and it is going to be long, like wicked long. So I am kindof breaking it up a little so I can still keep my usual "…" ending. This chapter is way smaller than the last few, but the next one is going to blow you all out of the water! So here is the first taste of a big part of the entire story! I hope there are still people following and still interesting in this story! If you are I hope you enjoy this chapter and as always reviews fuel my inspiration so PLEASE review!

*Hermione's Point of View*

Light filtered through the trees creating various patterns that weaved across a worn dirt path; the same little path that I am currently traveling down. I cannot tell you how long I have been walking for; however my mind, being its usual self, is traveling at the speed of light organizing all this new information. Where is this little beaten path taking me? What could possibly be at its end? Before I knew it the path widened leading me to a small clearing perched on a tiny hill with a calm creek at its base. Have I been here before? This place looks so familiar yet I cannot seem to recall when I have been here. I surly would have remembered a place this beautiful. I feel like I am looking at a life size water painting. Everything is so stunning that is it hard to tell if it is actually real. I wonder if I was to touch a blade of grass would the paint smudge, or is it really grass?

Sunlight illuminated my exposed skin and for the first time, in a long time, my body and soul feels warm. But it is a different feeling of warmth; a feeling that I vaguely remember. Yet I do remember this feeling. What is this feeling? I know I have felt like this before and it is driving me mad! I have felt like this; a feeling of peace, safety, innocence.

It almost feels like… Me?

It feels like the old Hermione. The Hermione before the hurt, before the fear, before it all began. This is how I felt before I became imprisoned in a slab of ice. Before I lost all since of humanity; my past self that is not tainted with blood and death. Life before war, when I was first starting school, filled with excitement, nervous butterflies, curiosity, and happiness. I remember feeling like this; I remember. I got so caught up in forgetting and pushing away my dark past that I locked up the wonderful memories as well. Even through the most dreadful times glimpses of hope and happiness did shine through. Unfortunately the harshness of the world led me down a road of numbness; it is easier on the heart to ignore everything than to try to flip through chapters of regret and pain to find that one sentence of joy. Never the less there was once a time where my book was filled with only happy memories, words bursting with laughter and pure bliss. Now I feel like I have picked my beloved book once again; reminiscing my founder times.

A rush of emotion flooded over me like a title wave, drowning all common since. I staggered down to the creeks edge, kneeling on the soft earth so I can splash some water on my face. I need a wakeup call! All these old feelings are starting to disturb me in chilling yet refreshing way. But wait... Wait a second… This is not right… Who is this girl I am looking at? I whipped around to make sure no one is behind me. Once I convinced myself that I am completely alone I returned my gaze to the mysterious waters below. Who in the world could this person be? I looked harder at the reflection floating on the water's surface; it is an image of a young girl with brown hair, brown eyes… She looks remarkably familiar… She looks a lot like…

Me…

Suddenly it all clicked... My dear lord it is me… The mysterious reflection belongs to me… No scars, no forbidden history… Hermione Granger… I am looking at Hermione Granger… I am Hermione Granger. What should I do? What is happening? Slowly, as slowly as possible, I reached my shaky hand up to touch my tattered skin; to trace along the familiar engraving that are my undesirable scars. My liquid image followed each quivering move until the climax came and … Nothing… I feel nothing. No roughness… No marks… Nothing but smooth, flawless skin. Is this really me? Light brown curly hair with a slight frizz, golden brown eyes, fair skin, and I actually look as if I haven't been starved for the last year. Yes, this is me!

*Crack*

I shot out of my reverie and snapped up only to lock on eyes on a prince? Are you serious? This must be a dream and a peculiarly odd one because across the sparkling stream is a prince. There are no better words to describe what I am staring at, but… Hold the phone… This is no ordinary prince… Mr. Black? Now I know I am dreaming; it is Mr. Jacob Black dressed in full royal attire, standing in front of me. He dazzled in the sunlight with the spectacular scenery painted behind him. He flashed me his trademark smile, the smile I have surprising become very familiar with and each time I see that smile I cannot help but smile as well.

He stretched his hand out to me across the glistening waters, "So what do you want to do?" Is he talking to me? He cannot possibly be referring to me; there must be someone else behind me hiding in the woods. I can count on my hands the amount of young men that have ever taken any interest in me and truth be told none of them played out very well. Once again my self-conscious is playing a cruel trick on my battered heart making me think there is a slight chance that someone as nice and genuine as Mr. Black could ever love a girl like me. The past speaks loud and clear, no one will ever love somebody like me; a know-it-all, unattractive, intimidating, foul, broken, lonely… Mudblood. Tears pooled in the corner of my eyes, I do not want Mr. Black to see me cry, to see me weak. Quickly I looked away and tried to find who else he can be talking too; the perfect opportunity to brush away the tears. But when I found his face again he is not looking behind me, or around me, or anywhere else; he is looking at me. Jacob Black is looking at me and only me; as if there is no one else in his entire world worth seeing.

The fierceness and passion in his eyes petrified me, yet amazed me at the same time. He did not look at me with pity or sorrow; there is absolutely no hint of resentment or disappointment. Instead they are filled with understanding, as if he knows about every good and bad deed I have ever done and accepts me for who I am.

What should I do? Should I take his hand? So many questions raced through my mind. Will I be happy if I go with him? Should I risk the chance of looking back? The life I live now might not be as glamorous as I thought it would be five years ago, but I am content. I can live this life, through good and bad, I will keep living. Bloody hell I managed to survive on my own. I made by with no one to help me. I spent so much time building up my defenses; constructing my private fortress surrounded by tall barbwire fences to keep out the monsters from my past. I did that to ensure that I will never get hurt again, and that I would never hurt anybody else. I am safe in my little tower. Will I be safe with him? Can I trust him and allow him into the deepest darkest spaces of my heart?

I looked upon the path I had traveled down; the woods seem harsher and darker than I remember. I returned my gaze to Jacob and it is as if the entire world became brighter. His eyes are still locked on me; he is just so beautiful. Inside and out; body and soul. I fumbled with my hands; what should I do? Something fluttered inside of me, telling me to go with him; follow him into the sunset and live happily ever after. Happily ever after's… I gave up on the idea of happy endings long ago; I let go of the hope of living a better life. But maybe, just maybe there such a thing as a happy ending? A blissful life after the fairy tale.

Little by little, I reached for his hand; reached for a better life, reached for the freedom from the burdens that haunt my life. Just a little father, just a little more… Just a little…

"So Hermione what do you want to do? Is a movie alright?"

I had my wand out and pointed directly in Mr. Blacks face in record time, 3.7 seconds. My best wand time is actually 2.3 seconds; that is from the moment my hand touches the wood to when I have it out and directed at the poor soul who has crossed me. This time however my trained reflexes got the better of me, and thankfully I stopped myself before I actually casted any spells. Mr. Black's expression is quite comical yet at the same time there is an underlining hint of worry and sadness. His hands instantly shot up in defense, eyes filled with innocence like a child caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar right before supper.

"So I guess I will take that as a no?" He slowly lowered his hands, his body language screaming defeat. Mr. Black temporarily distracted me, but it did not take long for the overwhelming panic to surge through my veins; pumping pure terror back into my heart. Where am I? Did I fall asleep? Gradually it all made since and I regained my composure; my heart beat calmed as well as my racing thoughts. I cannot believe how idiotic I am; we are still in Mr. Black's car, parked right outside the Cullen's home. Inwardly I cursed myself for relaxing enough to fall asleep. It has been a long time since I have made that mistake and I refuse to allow it to happen again.

"Ummm Hermione?" Quickly I tucked my wand safely away. I know I should say something. Apologize, laugh it off; maybe even explain my actions. But frankly I am far too embarrassed that I allowed myself to let down my defenses enough to fall asleep then snap them back to life and over react. My dream lingered in the back of my mind like a bittersweet taste. This is why I can never allow anyone into my life. I am too unpredictable; too unstable. Something needs to happen though, otherwise my thoughts will run away and I will start to zone out again.

"Still raining isn't it?" I locked my eyes on the car window, watching each rain drop explode off the glass. Mr. Black released a deep sigh, I know I must be upsetting him since I believe he asked me something and I completely ignored him. To be honest I wish I heard his question; but I am getting far too attached to him, too relaxed in his presence. I need to remember what I am here for, work and nothing else.

"You ready to make a run for it?" It is as if he didn't even miss a beat, his voice filled with life and joyfulness. I have a feeling that ignoring him is going to be an interesting challenge. Hopefully I am up to it.

Before I knew it Mr. Black is outside with an open umbrella, opening my door and extending his hand to me. Yes, this is defiantly going to be a challenge. Slowly we made our way inside, as soon as we entered Alice was right by my side with warm towels for us to dry off with.

"I guess we are going to have to get used to the dog smell for a while." I am not sure if that statement is directed at me or Mr. Black, but seeing the look Mr. Black is giving Alice it must be towards him. As casually as possible I brought the sleeve of Mr. Black's sweatshirt to my nose and took in its sent. It smells just like Mr. Black, a mixture of some kind of men's perfume and pine needles. Nowhere can I smell dog, does Mr. Black own a dog?

"It's not you Hermione; you see the wolves have, well honestly a bad smell to us." Alice stated as she glided me into the living room.

"Well you guys don't smell like flowers to us either." Mr. Black sank into a big oversize chair opposite of me, while Alice joined me on the couch. Apparently each party produces a different scent that magnifies the animosity towards the other party. Very, very interesting.

"So what's on the agenda for tonight Hermione? It's going to be just you, Bella, and Jacob here." I shot Mr. Black a confused look, is something happening tonight that no one informed me about?

"Don't worry Hermione were all going hunting up in Canada to fuel up for when we all take on the wizard vampires. We eat animal blood remember." Again I feel ridiculous, I forgot they feed off animals, and like humans they need to eat as well. It's their overall manner that makes one forget what they truly are.

"So what are we doing tonight?" I looked to Mr. Black for some suggestions, honestly if I had it my way I would be off looking for the remaining Death Eaters, that's if I could have healed my leg.

"I was thinking maybe getting a pizza and renting a movie tonight. If that sounds good to you?" This must be what Mr. Black was speaking about in the car, and I was so rude to him and completely snub him. I cannot be impolite again. One movie and some pizza will not ruin my challenge. Nothing has changed or will change.

"Sure, that sounds nice." I attempted to smile politely; apparently it worked as Mr. Black lit up like a Christmas tree. Before I could stop myself I too grinned from ear to ear, swiftly I downplayed my inner excitement by turning my attention to the first thing my eyes laid on; in this case one of the large windows that lined the living room. The rain splattered against the glass making the objects outside appear blurry.

A ring echoed in my mind sending me to my feet. A ring notifies me of anyone that enters anyone of my barriers, and each barrier produces a specific ringing sound that only I can hear. This ring belongs to the barrier around the Cullen's home and just as I expected a red truck pulled up into the drive way and disappeared into the garage. Once again I became center stage as the entire Cullen family gathered in the living room, all curious and worried for my sudden actions.

"Everything alright Mrs. Granger?" Dr. Cullen appeared beside me scanning his property. I know I sound like an absolute snake for saying this but I cannot wait to be able to work alone again, I am getting very tired of constantly being watched. My actions always questioned.

"Is everyone ready to head out?" Edward Cullen along with his girlfriend Bella entered the room, breaking the uneasiness in the air. I almost mentally thanked him for the distraction, almost.

"Yes we are all set. There is a credit card on the kitchen counter if you all want to order any food tonight. So sit, relax, and we will be back by morning." Dr. Cullen flashed us with his white smile and in less than a second the only people that remained in the room is Mr. Black, Bella, and myself. I wobbled back over to the couch, sank into the large pillows, propping my leg on the ottoman. Might as well make myself comfortable for the show. I might not be the greatest when it comes to relationships or understanding them, but even I can since the awkwardness radiating from Mr. Black and Bella.

I have sat in silence; I have sat perfectly still, in absolute silence for more than three hours at a time. But sitting here; in this room, for only fifteen minutes feels like an eternity of silence. Mr. Black, who was not able to stand still for more than two minutes under the hot gazes of both Bella and I, found his distraction by attempting to turn on the Cullen's large flat screen television which is mounted on their wall. Bella also appeared to be on edge, rocking on the heels of her shoes and biting the bottom of her lip. I might be a major factor in her uneasiness. I cannot help but slightly stare at her actions, I am waiting for her lip to crack open and bleed.

"Well do you guys want to watch a movie? They have an insane TV package plus a really big movie selection, somewhere?" This is the first time I have ever really heard Bella speak. Whenever I saw her she either clung right to Edwards's side or towards the back of the room. She is a pretty girl; she is like me, nothing spectacular and quite ordinary. But what makes her intriguing is her connection to this vampire clan. Any normal person would be long gone after any hint or realization that they were in the presence of vampires. Or checked themselves into the nearest mental ward. Yet she stayed. Maybe there is something different about this young lady?

"Any preferences on movies?" Clearly I became lost in thought and missed Bella finding the large movie collection. I looked over to Mr. Black, who is now flipping through a pizza menu. Movie preference? I cannot even remember the last movie I saw.

"Do they have any good comedies? How does that sound?" Mr. Blacks eyes locked with mine, the question seemed to be directed more at me than to Bella. I felt like I was back in potions class and forgotten to read the upcoming chapters so I could stay ahead. This is one of the few questions I cannot answer. Quickly my hands shot up, signaling that I am throwing in the towel.

"It is whatever you all would like to watch. I am not really into watching movies." The second the words escaped my lips I could feel Mr. Blacks and Bella's eyes fixated on me, and as I dared to take a quick look at both their faces my thoughts were confirmed. They are both looking at me as if I am a crazy person. People generally like movies, yet I never really did, even as a child I preferred books over television.

"Pick whichever you like! There are a few books that I have had my eye on and would love to read. The Cullen's have an extraordinary library here." Problem adverted.

Within an hour two large pizzas were ordered, one whole pizza was consumed by Mr. Black and barley a quarter of the other was eaten by Bella and I. Mr. Black and Bella were able to settle on some kind of love comedy while I found one of the many books I wanted to read and somehow found a comfortable position on the couch. Out of the ten books I want to read I picked an American novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne called The House of the Seven Gables. This novel, written in 1851, is a tale of an English family who is accused of witchcraft and supernatural powers. Being raised in modern day life where witches and witchcraft only appeared in films and books, then crashed into the world of magic; being able to read the perspective of an ordinary family in the mid 1800's is fascinating. The book not only follows this family but also exposes controversial themes such as guilt…

R—I—N—G—G—G—.

To Be Continued…