Disclaimer : All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the intellectual property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Of Talks and Visions

"I believe we need to talk," Edward said, standing next to the door.

"Yes. We definitely do," agreed Hermione.

Now that Edward was alone with Hermione, he realized he had no intention of following what his family and him had agreed on. They'd discussed, they'd argued, they'd listened, they'd wondered, they'd talked, they'd argued some more before finally coming to a decision and Edward had agreed to follow that one, albeit with great reluctance on his part.

Bella, the Volturi and the growing threat of a war with the Quileutes were the main reasons why the Cullen household could not be considered a safe house for their guests.

The Cullens had discussed the situation for hours on end and had only agreed on a course of action not long before Hermione woke up from her deep and necessary sleep. Edward knew he'd taken a handful of crappy decisions in the past but he perfectly understood what was at stakes. He still disagreed with the possible outcomes of his decision.

He already loved his son so much that he knew he would be able to live with his son's hate in the future. It broke Edward a little more to think that it was perhaps this decision which could have brought about Tony's future hate of him. It was mostly for his security that Edward had taken this difficult decision and there was nothing to be done to change that.

They had to go. It was as simple as that. And, yet, it wasn't as simple. It could never be that simple.

The family had regrouped in the living room after Hermione had fallen asleep next to Tony in the guest room next to Edward's room and that Winky had popped away back to England to inform Harry Potter of what had happened.

"They can't stay!" Alice exclaimed, as soon as they heard the house-elf taking her leave with a distinctive pop.

"Alice! You can't be serious. This is Edward's son we're talking about here," Jasper replied. The empath sounded shocked by what he thought was been uncharacteristically heartless of his wife.

"Just hear me out please," pleaded Alice.

"Yeah, I want to hear this also. I want to know why a son should not be allowed to stay with his father," Emmett added, a hint of the bubbling anger at what Alice had said showing in his voice.

With his mind-reading ability, Edward was quick to know where the members of his family stood in regards to their hosts. It wasn't a surprise for Edward to hear from Carlisle's thoughts that the latter believed that the Seer amongst them was being unreasonable. Jasper and Emmett were thinking almost exactly the same thing; that it was Edward's duty to look after his son as well as the woman who had borne him such a gift.

He'd never really thought about it but his 'brothers' were quite similar in their way of thinking in regards to family issues. They both still had ingrained within them a fierce sense of duty and honour towards their family and extended that towards those they considered their friends. It was due to their upbringing; Jasper was from rural Texas and Emmett hailed from the mountains of Tennessee. Hence, the reason of their complete disagreement with Alice's exclamation.

Esme's thoughts were unsurprisingly somewhat similar. She was still marvelling at the novelty of having a 'grandson' and she thought that the suggestion of having Tony moving out a few hours only after the little boy had met his father was plain cruel.

Edward was however surprised when he read Rosalie's thoughts on the matter. The blond ice-queen agreed with Alice. Edward had always known that Rosalie had since her turning despised her condition of vampire. It had dampened a bit when she found Emmett and lessened again when the family had grown. But Edward knew that Rosalie resented the fact that she would never be able to experience the joys and trials of motherhood. It happened mostly when she let her mind wander or that her thoughts were focused on Emmett. She was thankful for her husband but she still felt that her happiness with Emmett lacked something important. At least, it was important to Rosalie. She resented the fact that she would never be able to have a child, a little piece of Emmett and herself.

Jealousy: it was the first reason Edward thought that could have made Rosalie agree with Alice. Having Tony around the house would have been a screaming reminder of what Rosalie considered a personal failure. Tony would be a living testament of what she would never be able to have and that Edward had achieved without actually trying. He unconsciously glared at Rosalie for what he'd thought were her reasons.

The latter only raised an eyebrow in reply before saying, "I agree with Alice. They cannot stay here."

"Babe, you can't be serious?" asked Emmett, surprised.

"Emmett," began Rosalie, "they can't stay here because they might be more at risk here than if they stayed with Hermione's friends. We already have the Volturi's threat to worry about. Not only would they be furious that Bella has not yet been changed but they'll probably tear us apart when they learn of Tony's existence."

"Why though?" Emmett asked perplexed. He did not understand why Tony's existence might be considered dangerous to the Volturi.

"That's because they'll probably think that we've created an immortal child like Sasha," Alice explained.

"We can still tell them that it's not true. After all, they'll see and hear for themselves that Tony is not an immortal child but a very lively kid."

It was Emmett's somewhat naive answer that brought a smile back on Edward's face.

"It's never that simple with the Volturi, Emmett," Alice replied, in a patronizing tone. "Even if they agreed that Tony wasn't an immortal child, they'd probably then want to take him with them and Volterra is not a healthy atmosphere for a lively child like him to grow up."

"I get the picture, Alice. But, I still believe that this decision should be left to Edward. Tony is still his son and if Edward thinks he's more in danger here, I'll understand." Emmett said. "I'll probably won't agree but I'll understand," he added, turning in Edward's direction. "It still is a father's duty to look after his child and you've already missed so much in regards to him."

Edward nodded, "I understand, Emmett. I know what you mean. Yet, there's so much at risk here and I think we need to discuss everything before coming to a final decision. I can assure you that I have every intention of looking out for Tony's safety. But, most of all, I have every intention of seeing my son grow up."

"That's good for me," Jasper said with Emmett nodding in approval.

Edward heard the approval in Carlisle's, Esme's and Rosalie's thoughts, the latter gifting him with a rare smile.

"So... how come the kid looks like a three year old? Shouldn't Hermione still be pregnant?" Emmett asked, looking at their father figure.

Edward was rather interested in knowing the answers to these questions himself as he too looked to Carlisle.

"Dhampirs, or hybrids born from vampires and humans or witches, grow at an abnormal rate due to the accelerated metabolism of the vampire father. Tony was born on the fifteenth of April, that's only twenty-seven days after ..." Carlisle hesitated.

It was not that the doctor felt uneasy talking about sex but mostly because he wasn't sure what to call what had happened between Edward and Hermione. Edward could read Carlisle's thoughts and memories of his talks with Hermione. The witch had told Carlisle that Edward had asked her to marry him and in Carlisle's mind, it could not be classified as a one-night stand.

"You mean when Edward gave his little flower to Hermione?" Emmett teased, earning a few chuckles from his family. "Technically, you're jail-bait," remarked the latter, "what a way to go for the century-old virgin! Losing it to an older woman, you've finally earned my eternal respect, bro," Emmett mock high-fived with Jasper while Edward glared at his two brothers in retaliation.

"Emmett, please be serious," sternly reprimanded Esme, although the effect was somewhat ruined by the smile their mother figure was trying to hide with difficulty.

"Well, anyway, like I was saying Hermione's pregnancy was very short and difficult. We, that is; Madam Pomfrey and I, we..." Carlisle continued to say before being interrupted by Emmett again.

"Who's Madam Pomfrey?" asked Emmett.

"She's the Matron and nurse of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Carlisle explained before adding, "Hermione's old school," after seeing the blank looks his family was giving him at the mention of the unknown school. "So, Madam Pomfrey and I monitored Hermione's pregnancy closely. Obviously, I couldn't be there as often as I would have wanted but Poppy—that's Madam Pomfrey's first name—handled it very well. Wizards have fantastic means of transport," Carlisle marvelled.

"When Hermione went into labor, it was very nasty. Tony kept kicking and Hermione had quite a few broken bones. She lost so much blood and I feared the worst for her. Thanks to a Blood-Replenishing potion and to Skele-Gro—that potion mends bones by the way—she had almost nothing to fear."

Edward listened intently to his father recounting Tony's birth and with his ability, he was able to watch Carlisle's memories and see for himself how much it had been excruciating. There was so much blood.

"The second problem we had was that the amniotic sac was very hard—almost a diamond-like texture—but that was easily handled again. A quick precise slashing spell and the sac was opened. Despite all that had happened, there was no C-section performed to deliver Tony. A wonderful set of lungs he had at birth," Carlisle reminisced with fondness, making everyone smile.

"So, anyway, that's the story behind Tony's birth and rapid growth," finished Carlisle.

"That explains why the kid looks like he's nearing three," said Jasper, in understanding.

"Okay, it's just great and everything but why has Hermione been attacked? Don't you think that having wizards going after her might pose a bigger threat to us than what we've already been through these past months? Just think about it, Jasper," Alice ploughed on, anticipating an interruption coming from her husband. "Wizards are more dangerous to us than a newborn army and you know it, Jazz. We don't know their plan but we know that in their world we are not perceived favorably. They apply a 'Kill on sight' policy for vampires. I am awfully sorry to repeat this but they can't stay!" Alice finished.

Edward knew that a part of Alice's reasoning was done in loyalty towards Bella. The latter had been the first human with whom the family had associated with for the longest period of time. Plus, she had been the first to find out their secret. She hadn't babbled their secret to the public but had actually been even more curious of them and their 'lifestyles'. A bigger part of Alice's reasoning was due to the Volturi's threat. The three leaders were not renowned for their patience despite their immortality. They would more than likely be checking if Bella had been changed as per the deal that was passed. And if not...

"Your reasoning is partly true, Alice. The Wizarding World does indeed apply a 'Kill on sight' policy for vampires but it doesn't mean that all wizards and witches think the same. If it had been true, Hermione would have already have burned every member of our family. You've met her, Alice? Did she seem biased towards you? Nope, she's willingly trusted us and not just for herself but also for her son," defended Carlisle. "I've trusted her the moment she hailed a taxi for me and this trust extends to her family and friends, even though some have been more difficult."

"There's always the odd ones out, Carlisle," pointed out Rosalie, "just like Bella."

"You don't understand, Rosalie. I don't think you can understand it now. You'd have to meet her friends. Just meet Luna and Neville, Tony's godparents and you'd get it."

"They can't stay, Carlisle," insisted Alice. "There's just too much at risk and we still don't know who's after Hermione."

"What did Hermione and Harry tell you earlier?" asked Edward, redirecting the discussion.

"Yeah, Hermione has been investigating an alleged foyer of dark wizards that had been reported in New Orleans. She'd been given a carte blanche by the President of the Magical Congress of the United States of America." Carlisle told them.

"Why would she be given such liberties? I thought she was only a bureaucrat or diplomat on exchange from her government," Esme asked.

"There's an even bigger story behind the simple explanation that I'm going to give you. Hermione is a world-famous personality in the Wizarding World and the American President—the wizarding one—sought to use her special and personal firsthand expertise with dark wizards to his advantage. Moreover, since Hermione's finished her initial assignment and had no other professional obligation, she's been acting as a public relations figure of sorts for the Magical Congress." Carlisle told them.

"Anyway, she's doing her little investigation and finds out about that strange gathering of dark wizards down in NOLA, and of course, she's goes there alone. She wasn't able to find much before she was discovered and like I said, Hermione is a famous public figure and was thus easily identified. She was able to escape before the wizards were able to put up anti-apparition wards but the damage was already done. Yesterday," Carlisle glanced at the grand wall-clock to see that it was already three in the morning, "or the day before that," he thus corrected, "Hermione came home to find that someone had broken into her flat."

Esme gasped hearing that while Edward worried that Tony might have been endangered.

"Luckily for her, Tony was at her parents in England with Winky and the cat. Whoever it was, they weren't able to get far into the flat before the wards triggered an alert to Hermione. Of course, by the time, she popped into her flat, the intruder or intruders were long gone but Hermione was properly shaken and called her friend, Harry. It was him who suggested that Hermione and Tony needed a safe house and that's the reason Harry brought her here directly.

"So, we don't know who's after her?" asked Edward.

"Nope, but I think I know why she wrote the word 'vampires' in her notebook. After the break-in, Hermione had logically upped her wards and increased its perimeter to engulf the whole building instead of just her flat. Since she couldn't stop the two couples that lived in the building from coming and going, she keyed her wards to allow only those two in. All other people passing by were compelled by the wards to change direction or if it was visitors, they were compelled to call directly instead of stopping by. Even the delivery was redirected," shared Carlisle.

"There was however only one exception to her complex wards that she allowed and that was me. Or more precisely, she allowed a vampire to enter her wards. Since I am the only vampire that knows where she is living, she allowed that one exception so that I could visit at ease without hindrance from the wards."

"But someone else saw the flaw in her wards and it was a vampire," finished Jasper, understanding what had happened.

"Exactly," agreed Carlisle.

"But who?" asked Emmett.

"I have no idea," replied Carlisle.

"Do you think the Volturi can be behind that? Did you have anything pertaining to that from your visions, Alice?" asked Esme.

"No, I haven't," replied Alice.

But Edward was reminded of something that had unwittingly slipped from his mind following the visit to Volterra. He knew that Aro would be able to know all his previous thoughts with his tactile ability and that included his time with Hermione. He read from the Volturi king's mind that the latter was very surprised knowing of Edward's time with the witch. But he was more surprised from hearing Marcus thoughts on the matter once the latter picked it up with his ability. Marcus was able to sense that Edward did indeed feel a strong bond with the witch he'd left behind. When Marcus shared what he'd picked up with Aro, he heard the former thinking that Edward had probably been too rash in his decision of leaving the witch behind. Aro had agreed with that observation, even thinking it was a pity that the witch had not been turned by a gifted vampire such as Edward.

Could the Volturi have gone after Hermione after Edward left? There was a teensy possibility to that but still how did it tie in with the wizards that his family and Hermione had disposed of earlier.

"Jasper?" the latter turned to him at his urgent tone. "You said you didn't sense a vampire in the vicinity of Hermione's flat when we went there, correct?" asked Edward. At Jasper's nod, he continued, "but we can't exclude that a vampire could have been near?"

"Yes, we can't exclude that. What are you thinking about?" Jasper asked, in turn.

"I think the Volturi might somehow be involved. Might just be one of the Guard working with the wizards or doing the wizards' bidding but I think they'd have a bigger ulterior motive." Edward said.

"Like they'd pretend to work with the wizards before outsmarting those for their plan?" asked Emmett. At Edward's nod, he added, "For what purpose?"

"They want a witch or more precisely, a witch turned into a vampire. It has always been one of Aro's dream to have a magical vampire and by securing Hermione into their ranks, they would have been stronger than ever. Nearly invincible," Carlisle whispered, the knowledge of what havoc it would bring to their world if such a thing actually happened hitting him fully.

Feeling that the conversation was finally going her way, Alice added her two cents, "Now, we know that having them staying here is a bad idea. They will be safer in the Wizarding World. There they'll be able to shield themselves more easily from the Volturi than by staying with us." Alice turned directly to Edward, "I understand that this will be a very difficult decision for you but, first and foremost, you'll have to think of Tony's security, Edward. If the Volturi are after Hermione and if they are aware of his existence, he's even more at risk staying in the open with us than before."

Was it really going to end like this? He'd just found out his existence and he would have to send him back. He wouldn't be able to spend more than a day with his son. It was too much for Edward.

But as he thought about everything, Edward could only agree that it might just be for the best. Tony would be an easy target for the Volturi and could be used against Hermione and Edward. Of course, there was also the Bella issue to be taken into account. Whether or not he agreed to it, Tony would be safer away from Forks and from Edward. Out of harm's way.

With a heavy heart, Edward nodded his head at Alice before voicing out his decision, "It's a very difficult decision but I'll have to agree with Alice. Tony will be safer with Hermione away from here. They'll have to go."

"Edward, are you sure you want to do that?" asked Esme, concerned.

"The only thing I am sure of is that I want Tony to be happy and for that to happen, I have to say goodbye to my son," he nearly choked on his words. He was already dreading having to say goodbye to his beautiful little boy.

"Edward, I am sorry but it has to be done," agreed Rosalie, while Emmett, Jasper and Carlisle were vehemently shaking their heads in disapproval.

Alice who'd chosen to stay silent to give Edward time to understand what needed to be done gasped. Edward knew that his sister was getting a vision but he was feeling so depressed that he didn't pay attention to what Alice was seeing. Therefore, he let the vision play in his mind like an afterthought. It was like something playing in the background at the movies, he simply did not pay attention to it.

However, when Tony's face flashed in Alice's vision, Edward's attention tuned right back in.

"But I want to stay with you, Daddy," cried Tony, his little hands were wrapped tightly around Edward's neck as fat tears ran down his rosy cheeks.

Edward watched the vision unfold with a heavy heart, understanding immediately that it pertained to his decision of having Tony and Hermione move out of the house. Hermione, in Alice's vision, was standing directly behind Tony and Edward watched the sad and disappointed look in Hermione's eyes. Edward expected to see her angry, he would have preferred to see her be angry towards him and not that disappointed look.

"I love you, Daddy. Why can't I stay with you?" Tony cried, cradling Edward's face in his small hands.

"I know that, little buddy. But, it's too dangerous for you to stay here and you'll be safer if you stayed with your mom," explained Edward, with unwavering sincerity looking at Tony. It looked like Edward was memorizing the face of his son, committing every little detail to his memory.

"But, I can stay with Mummy and Mummy can stay with you, Daddy. That way we'll all be safe," Tony argued.

Edward felt pride swell in him at the cool logic his little boy was displaying at such a young age. "My clever little boy!" He heard himself exclaim proudly smiling at his son. "Daddy wants you to be in a safe place, Tony. If you are with your Mummy away from here, I'll know that you'll be safe and I won't have to worry for your security. I want what is best for you, Tony and for that to happen, you can't stay with Daddy."

"But, I want to stay with you and I love you, Daddy," repeated Tony, tears still rolled from his eyes but Tony made no effort to wipe them.

Edward watched the vision of himself straighten and Edward knew what was going to happen. "Well, it's too bad because I don't want you to stay with me here and I don't love you, Tony," Vision-Edward lied.

The little boy stumbled upon hearing the cruel words before being caught by his mother. Edward glanced at Hermione to see that the sad and disappointed look that he'd witnessed previously on the witch's face had morphed into a furious look. He now regretted to see the furious face being directed at the vision version of himself.

"Winky!" Hermione called. The house-elf appeared almost instantly at Hermione's side. Winky fidgeted on the spot when the latter felt the palpable tension in the air.

"Winky, please take Tony and get him to the headquarters," Hermione asked, her eyes had not left Edward's.

"Yes, Mistress Hermione. I's shall bring the young master promptly," Winky squeaked. "Your hand, Master Tony," said the house-elf, moving to grab Tony's hand.

The young boy had not moved from where he stood in front of Hermione but only glanced at the house-elf before turning back to look at Vision-Edward.

"I hate you!" he whispered but everyone heard him loud and clear. This time, it was Vision-Edward who stumbled from the truth he heard from those simple three words tumbling from his son's lips.

A second later, Tony was gone.

I hate you.

Those three little words. The simple force behind those three little words softly uttered by Tony in Alice's latest vision were the most cruel words Edward had ever heard. And to Edward, there was something definitive with the pop that had accompanied Tony's departure. However, Alice's vision was not finished.

Hermione had straightened herself after Tony was gone. Vision-Edward flinched when he saw the cold anger brewing in her chocolate brown eyes. She didn't say a word but only stared at him.

Clothes appeared next to Hermione before disappearing into her little, black beaded bag. Next, her cat flew across the room, hissing in anger before with a wave of her wand, it went rigid in her arms. All the while, Hermione's eyes had remained focused on Edward. The situation would have been funny if it hadn't been as tense as it was.

"Now, I'm only going to say this only once, Edward Cullen!" started Hermione, in a dangerous voice. "If you dare approach Tony, my parents, any of my friends or me, I swear to Merlin that it shall be the last thing you'll ever do. And, trust me, I'm not the type to make empty threats."

Hermione took a step closer of Edward, "If you think this little trick here —" Hermione pointed at the cat in her arms and her little bag, "— is the best that I can do, then think again."

She turned to the rest of the family, "Thank you for housing us for the night, Esme," said Hermione.

"It was a pleasure, Hermione," replied Esme, with a sad smile.

"I shall leave you to your happily ever after, Edward," finished Hermione, turning to him one last time before disappearing with a loud crack.

Vision-Edward stared at the spot from which Hemione and Tony had disappeared from his life before Alice walked up to him, "It's for the best, Edward. They couldn't —"

It was Jasper who sternly interrupted her, "Save it, Alice! Edward doesn't need to hear anymore justifications for his actions, right now."

As though burned by Jasper's words, Alice nodded softly before she sat on one of the couches.

Vision-Edward looked up to face his family. "Please, leave me alone," he said, in a dull voice.

His family nodded understanding that he needed his space. Edward slowly walked up to the guest room. It was bare, as if no one had stayed in there the past night. There was nothing left from the stay of Tony and Hermione. Except one thing.

Wolfie, Tony's wolf toy. It was forgotten on the bed and Edward walked up to it. He grabbed the toy and hugged it to his chest. The vision only ended then.

Shaking himself from his thoughts, Edward focused on the present situation. There he was standing in front of Hermione who was waiting for him to say what his family and him had agreed upon.

The only problem Edward had was that he'd changed his mind. Consequences be damned, he was going to see his son grow up. He heard Alice's gasp from below, understanding that the Seer had seen his decision.

In a strong and steady voice, Edward said, "I choose you, Hermione. I choose to be with Tony and you."

Author note :

Before I update my other stories, it was necessary that I completed this chapter.

Thanks for all the love I've read in your reviews and take care.

Love,

Ludo.