Forgotten Ghosts of Haunted Pasts
By: alexis in wonderland
Chapter Four
…
Hermione smiled as she glanced out her window to see the rain lifting and the afternoon sunshine beginning to peek through the clouds. Flicking the lock and pushing her window open she relished the feeling of the fresh cool air with a content sigh. It'd been raining for most of the week as per usual for Forks and it was nice to see the sun again. Turning at the sound of a struggling grunt behind her she saw Jacob carrying three large boxes into her bedroom from the garage.
"I think you forgot how to count or something," he told her as he put the boxes down as gently as he could without having the pile topple over. "There should only be about one more? Make that three more, Hermione. I think you just enjoy turning me into some sort of slave." He wiped his forehead with the back of his arm with a relieved sigh.
His imprint rolled her eyes before pouting. "Aw, is the poor big bad wolf tired?" She put her hands on her hips with an eyebrow raised in questioning. "Correct me if I'm wrong, Jacob, but I think you're the one who volunteered your… how did you put it? 'super human wolf strength'. Now get to it."
Jacob mock-sulked. "So harsh." They stared at each other before the pair shared a laugh. Separating the tower of boxes, he looked up to ask Hermione which box they should start unpacking first but the thought left his mind when he noticed his Imprint leaning out of the window again with a small smile.
He watched her for a moment, letting the memory tattoo itself into his mind. It'd been a little more than a month now that he'd gotten to know Hermione and he found himself at peace with everything in life; his bitter anger about Bella, about being a wolf, about his duty to fight the parasites or whatever else that could bring danger to his home were swept away and he couldn't be more happy. Although, he had to admit that his recent release from this angst was most probably brought along when he and Hermione shared their first heart-to-heart nearly two weeks ago.
It was the event that sent the ball rolling for their already quickly building relationship. Jacob smiled at the memory of that night (one of the many bonfires held at the rez). The two had broken away from the group for a spot closer to the water. Jacob had taken to holding her hand for most of the evening and they sat side by side with Hermione leaning against the wolf's side for the warmth he offered. At first they spoke in hushed voices (in an attempt to not break the peace) about anything that had come to mind but as the night continued on, more personal subjects like their struggles and worries came out. Since then, they'd begun a comforting routine of having heart-to-hearts nightly over the phone where they continue to confide to each other their hopes and dreams and ideas.
The curly-haired brunette turned away from the window to look at her friend realizing he hadn't said anything for a while. "You okay?" She asked concerned. Jacob jolted backwards startled out of his thoughts and gave her a grin. Hermione rose her brow and shook her head before saying, "I think you used enough brawn for today, time to use some brain, hm?"
Jacob shoved her gently to the side in retaliation causing her to laugh at his expense. Hermione leaned back lifting her arms into the air to stretch. "How about we take a break? We've been cooped up here all day." She patted his arm gently as she walked passed him into the hall.
"Sure, I could use some fresh air," he replied as he followed her down the stairs, "What do you have in mind?"
Hermione grinned sheepishly. "Well, I do have to pass by the library to drop off some books. But we can grab a bite to eat if you want."
Jacob gave out a laugh. "Of course you want to pass by the library," he teased, "when don't you ever want to go to your second favourite hangout?"
"Second favourite?" she asked confused as the two slipped on their shoes and she grabbed her backpack that was on the ground by the door. "What's my favourite hangout then?" Locking the door behind her and then settling herself into the car she turned to Jacob expecting her answer. "Well?"
The Russet-coloured Wolf just smirked. "Well anywhere I'm hanging out is your favourite!"
Hermione blinked in surprise. "Wow... Your ego astounds me, Jacob."
"I'm just awesome that way."
His imprint rolled her eyes and nudged her head to the road. "Just get a move on before your head swells some more and somehow manages to suffocate me."
With a last laugh, they turned up the radio and sped off in direction of the library. Hermione rolled down her window letting the wind lift her hair making it fly around her face before she leaned back into her seat closing her eyes. There was something about being in Jacob's presence that brought the feeling of harmony within herself; not only in her mind but in her soul. The connection between them was instantaneous and a little startling but something in her heart told her it was okay. Despite the short amount of time that they had gotten to know each other, Hermione couldn't deny that there was something more underneath their companionship and that somewhat scared her.
She'd overheard her parents talking that morning as they were getting ready for their over night stay in Seattle for a convention, her father grumbling about the rapidly advancing bond between his daughter and this American boy and how he didn't want him anywhere near the house that night while they weren't home. His wife laughed lightly and reminded him that their daughter was a responsible girl.
Hermione could picture her father frowning at his next words. "Hermione can deny it all she wants," he said, "But that boy is going to steal our baby's heart."
Hearing her father's declaration, her heart began to race not with anxiety, but another emotion all together, one she couldn't pin point or describe.
Her mother's response to her husband's outrageous claim was a calm, "And is that such a bad thing, dear?"
"It is if he breaks her."
Hermione could picture her mother's knowing smile. "I don't think that boy can, honey. If anything, he's bringing our daughter back from whatever it was that has been keeping her away."
Hearing the concern in her mother's voice was like ice in her veins; the cold realization knowing her attempts at hiding her inner turmoil from her parents wasn't as successful as she previously thought it was. But even then, with her parents' speculation and her fears and worries, she couldn't bring herself to turn away from the strange situation that was suddenly brought to her attention. Maybe her mother is right, maybe Jacob really is good for her.
She tried to hide the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips opening her eyes again and glanced at Jacob who was changing the station on the radio. She just hoped that if he'd have her, she'd be good for him too.
Once they arrived at the library, Jacob jokingly asked if she was going to be a while because if she was, he was going to have to be quick and stealthy to snag one of the more comfortable cushioned seats. Upon entering the librarian, Joyce noticed Hermione and grinned waving in greeting.
Hermione smiled and returned the wave as she walked up to the counter.
"Good afternoon, Hermione," Joyce said in a hushed voice, "I was wondering when you'd be coming in."
A blush dusted lightly over her cheeks as Hermione glanced at Jacob who smirked at the underlining message revealing Hermione's frequent visits. Jacob pulled off the backpack he had taken from the trunk before his Imprint could from his shoulder as Hermione explained her visit.
He unzipped the bag and pulled out the books sliding them over to Joyce while Hermione glanced around the place. "It's pretty quiet today," Hermione said as a glimmer by one of the windows caught her attention.
Joyce scanned the books' back to confirm the return and put it in a basket under the desk to be put away as she hummed her response. "Yes well, it's one of those rare sunny days. No one likes to be cooped up inside after it's been storming the way it has the passed week. How have you been, dear?" The librarian then turned to Jacob. "And I haven't seen you here since the last time you came with my regular here."
Hermione's light blush was back again as she replied with a 'fine and you?' while Jacob gave the librarian his trademark grin. "Yes unfortunately the only time I'll visit Forks Library is when Hermione is here," he said.
Joyce smiled knowingly. "So it seems, make sure Hermione eats something alright, hunny? She tends to lose herself in her books this one! Can't have my star visitor getting sick now can we?" she told him before turning back to Hermione, "And I'm doing fine dear. Are you going to be checking anything out today?"
The curly-haired brunette shook her head. "Jacob and I are going to pick up a snack and soak up some sun before it's gone."
"You two kids have fun! Oh, and I should have your order ready in two days!"
Hermione smiled and nodded trying not to let her blush darken knowing Jacob's animalistic sight could pick up on it if he looked for it. The pair waved goodbye to the librarian as they took their leave.
When they were back in the car, Jacob lowered the music to say something. "You know, I think she has some sort of Hero-Worship thing for you or something."
Hermione rose her brow. "What do you mean? Joyce?"
"She obviously has some sort of strange infatuation with you."
Hermione laughed. "What are you on about? She's completely normal!" Suddenly, she hit him on the arm lightly (to which he mockingly said 'ouch' despite the fact they both knew it didn't hurt) since he was driving. "Are you saying people can't have some sort of strange infatuation with me?" Her eyes narrowed dangerously that warned Jacob to tread carefully on his chosen path.
The wolf gave her a rogue like smirk. "Well, we both know you're awesome, but come on, I can totally outshine you, why doesn't she hero-worship me too?"
His imprint returned his smirk. "Well I don't know how to break this to you Jacob without hurting your heart or ego but sometimes, people will love me better than you!" She retorted, "I'm loveable like that."
Jacob glanced away from the road and his smirk turned into a small soft smile, one side of his lip lifting slightly higher than the other. Yes you are, he thought. "If you say so," he replied instead. That response earned him a glare (though it was one without any real heated anger) and he chuckled lightly as he turned his attention back to the road and turned left onto the parking lot of the local diner.
Hermione waved 'hi' at the patrons who she was familiar with before she and Jacob walked over to the counter to order take out instead of being seated at one of the tables. They both skimmed the menu before taking a seat on the stools while they waited for their food.
Something beeped in Jacob's pocket and he pulled out his cell phone to see he got a message from Embry. Jacob smiled before turning and nudging Hermione on her side to get her attention away from the desert menu. "Are you free tomorrow?"
Jacob's Imprint hummed in thought. "What do you have in mind?" she asked as leaned her head on her hand with her free one fiddling with a toothpick she took from the container sitting in front of them.
"Embry says the nice weather should continue on till tomorrow so he and the rest of them want to take advantage of it by going cliff-diving. Are you interested?"
Hermione blinked. "Cliff-diving?" she echoed. "Really?" At Jacob's bright grin she knew he couldn't be joking. "I supposed I could pass by to watch you all jump to your deaths."
Jacob pouted. "But what's the fun in that?" he smirked suddenly. "Is Miss Fearless actually scare of something?"
She rolled her eyes at him. "I never said I was fearless, Jacob. I'll have you know I'm not too fond of heights therefore, jumping from a cliff is out of the question."
"Please!" Jacob pleaded grabbing her hands into his. "Please please please please please! You know I'll never let anything happen to you! We'll jump together or something. We'll start small if you want to and work our way higher!"
Hermione stared at him and then she sighed. "Well, even if I wanted to, I'm going to see Carlisle tomorrow."
Jacob's brows dipped together as his eyes narrowed. "Cullen? Why?"
At the sudden tense tone in his voice, Hermione froze slightly. "Well, I'm due for a check-up since I missed last week," she replied weakly unsure of how to respond to his reaction. She knew he wasn't fond of Vampires, hell, none of the wolves were, but she didn't think he'd react this tensely at the doctor's mention; perhaps if it was Edward she mentioned she'd understand the tension but it wasn't.
Her wolf-buddy frowned. "Check-up? What's wrong?" Jacob's mind was racing with worried thoughts, was she sick? Hurt? Why hadn't she told him? Why did she have to go to the Cullen's for a check up when there were other doctors available?
Hermione gave Jacob a reassuring squeeze of his hands. "I still have some twinges from the... accident. I've done some more research on it, Carlisle and I discuss it when I go for check-ups. Apparently it has some long-term symptoms for over exposure," she explained slowly in a hushed hoping he wouldn't react negatively.
Jacob's frown deepened. "Why didn't you tell me?" the worry in his voice caused Hermione to frown as well. She took one of her hands out of his grip to reach up and brush his dark hair back from his face in what she hoped was a comforting gesture.
"I'm sorry," she told him, "I just didn't think it was that important, and the thought of the twinges isn't the first to come to mind when I'm around you anyway so it didn't really matter. It's not as though it's a frequent reaction, but I won't lie. It does come and go." When Jacob's frown didn't lift Hermione sighed. "If it makes you feel better, I promise to tell you next time when I'm not feeling up to par or if I get a twinge."
She brushed his hair back again and he leaned slightly into her hand. "Fine," came his gruff reply, a little disappointed that she hadn't confided this to him.
Hermione gave him a soft smile as she pulled her hand away. "Thank you though, for worrying. It's nice to know you care about me."
"Of course I care, Hermione!" He told her. "You're─ you're my friend." He didn't say anymore as their orders were placed in front of them. Jacob quickly handed over enough money to cover both their meals before Hermione could protest, grabbed the bag of food and pulled his imprint out of the diner and back towards the car.
Hermione tried to keep up with his sudden movements and clambered into the car before he could speed off. With their food on her lap and the car back on the road she frowned. "I'm sorry if I angered you," she said softly.
Jacob sighed. "No, don't be. It's not that. Sometimes the animal instincts react quicker than I can reel it in," he said in a subdued tone. "I'm sorry I reacted that way. Just─" he turned to her their eyes connecting, "just don't doubt that I care for you."
Hermione nodded. "You misunderstood me. I wasn't doubting you." She put her hand his hand that held the gear stick. "But then, I guess I could have phrase it better, right?" A sad smile tugged at her lips. "I don't have much experience with interacting, Jacob. I didn't have many friends growing up and I can't remember any of the friends I may have had back in my past life besides vague faces and a dream of a boy named Harry."
This time, Jacob nodded in response. "Everything good between us now?" he asked. Hermione patted his hand reassuringly and his smile was back, it was small but there.
They continued to drive for a while longer before Jacob pulled over near a quiet clearing. He climbed out and up onto the hood of his car, Hermione following his example before they took out their food and soaked up some sun before it disappeared.
When they were done eating, Jacob balled up the garbage into the bag and tossed it through his window into his car to throw it into a trash can later. When he turned around to face Hermione she was laying back against the windshield, eyes closed and smiling at the sun. There was a light breeze that came and went, the temperature was cool with the slowly setting sun's diminishing warmth that brought a slight soothing feeling over Hermione's exposed skin and face.
Jacob leaned back onto his windshield and his hand grabbed Hermione's and her pulled it up for a closer reach. He fiddled with the tips of her fingers with his own before interlacing their fingers together and laying their joint hands over his stomach. He felt a little guilty about his irrational anger from earlier but Hermione had reassured him again while they ate that she understood where his emotions were coming from. His brows knit together for a moment when he realized that she didn't really know where they came from because she didn't know about the imprinting.
He glanced at this girl, this curly-haired brunette who held his heart and soul in her hands, this girl who was now his everything. He gripped her hand a little tighter when a thought hit his mind. What if this mysterious Harry guy from her dream was real? What if Harry took Hermione away when the danger was gone? What happened if Hermione got her memories back and it turned out she had someone somewhere waiting for her to return? They were all scary heartbreaking thoughts, not knowing whether Hermione was his to have or if he lost her to someone else.
"Hermione."
At her name, she opened her eyes and turned to look at Jacob. She smiled up at him and moved to lay closer to him, her head resting slightly against his shoulder.
"What do you think about Soul Mates?"
She laughed lightly. "Soul mates?" Hermione blinked up at him. "That's a little too feminine for someone like you, no?" She closed her eyes and turned her head to face the sky again letting the warmth of the sun blanket across her skin. "It's a nice romantic idea I suppose, knowing there's one person out there just for you, the other half of your soul."
Jacob sucked in a deep breath his heart racing. Untangling their fingers, he rested his hand on top of hers instead, his fingers gently brushing back and forth in an effort to keep his calm. "Do you believe in Soul Mates?"
He cursed his timing when Hermione's answer was interrupted by a loud echoing howl and a slight rumble on the ground that warned him of the approaching patrolling wolves.
"What was that?" Hermione asked as they both jolted up from their previously relaxed positions.
Jacob quickly jumped off the hood and helped Hermione down. "Get in the car and drive home. I'll pick it up when we're done."
Hermione wanted to shake her head in protest but another howl sounded and Jacob began to growl deep within his chest. "Go."
Her expression pinched in worried she ran forward to hug him and begged him to stay safe before jumping into the driver's seat, starting the car and driving off. Jacob frowned after her, an angry expression taking over his usually carefree features. Sprinting into the forest and slipping out of his clothes, he changed into his wolf form and was off to meet the rest of the pack continuously cursing the interruption loudly in his head.
…
When Hermione got home she just sat in the car for a moment gripping the steering wheel trying to calm her breathing. The howling sent her adrenaline running and her worries rocketing above the sky. She'd almost forgotten why Jacob and his group of friends were wolves in the first place: to protect their home and its people. Scenarios of the possible dangers her shape-shifter friends could be enduring now raced through her mind before she shook them away. Jacob was smart, he'd be alive and safe.
Cleaning his car from their rubbish, she pulled out the key and her bag before locking the car behind her. Once she was safe within the confines of her own home she rushed up to her room and flopped down on the bed staring blankly out at the space in front of her. Hermione brought her hands up to her head as she whispered to herself, "get a hold of yourself, Hermione. Worrying won't do you any good."
She got up from her bed, paced back and forth for a few moments before deciding to finish organizing the stuff she had Jacob help bring in. Organizing the boxes (the ones labelled Books A-D, Books E-I, Books J-N, Books O-S, Books T-Z) she turned to the one box that was taped with only her name written on it. Her hands on her hips, she tried to recalled what hadn't been unpacked yet besides her books and remembered her old clothes. She shook her head and shoved it under her bed before opening the first box of books to put on her shelf.
Hermione didn't know how much time had passed but she was in the middle of putting away the last of the books from the O-S box when her doorbell rang. She jumped at the sudden noise and glanced at the time and noticed it was a little passed eight in the evening. Rushing down the stairs knowing it wasn't going to be her parents waiting outside, she peeked out the window to confirm it was Jacob before quickly unlocking the door and swinging it open and pulling him inside.
"You're hurt!" She cried when her hand pulled away from his arm with blood and he hissed slightly. "I'm sorry." She frowned and gently pulled on his hand this time towards the bathroom. Flipping on the light and seating him on the edge of the tub, she pulled out the first aid kit and a wash cloth from the cabinet filled with linens and towels.
"You shouldn't worry so much about it," he said, "It'll be healed by tomorrow."
"It could still get infected." She set off to clean three thick gashes on his arm as she asked him what had happened.
"Jared and Sam were on patrol, ran into some trouble called the packed, got into a bit of a scuffle but that's about it. The guy got away but not without a few injuries of his own," he replied.
Hermione's frown didn't let up as she started to dress his wound. "That's a little vague," she noted. "How is everyone else?"
"Seth got a little banged up but he'll be up and running by tomorrow so it's alright. We heal pretty quickly," he assured.
She sighed but nodded. "It's just a little frightening, knowing you deliberately put yourself in danger."
Jacob smiled trying to lighten up the mood. His hand fell on her head and he ruffled her hair with affection before pulling her in for a hug. "It's part of the job," he explained before changing the subject. "Anyway, how about I drive you to the Cullen's tomorrow morning and when you're done your appointment we could head out to meet the others and go cliff-diving."
Hermione pulled away quickly. "I didn't agree to go cliff-diving."
He pouted. "You said you'd think about it when we were eating."
"You promise I won't die?" she asked.
Jacob snorted. "No, if Bella could survive her dangerous attempt at diving I'm positive you'll be fine. Besides you'll be in good hands! All us wolves will be there, Kim and Emily will be joining it'll be safe."
Hermione sighed. "Fine, but we have to start small and if I say no I stop and no begging will get me to jump again okay?"
Jacob nodded enthusiastically as he led her back to her room and dropping down on her bed while she went to finish setting her library. He whistled. "I knew you had a lot of books, but I didn't think you had this many."
She shrugged as she shoved the last book from the O-S box onto the shelf. Glancing at the last box of books she shook her head and dropped down onto her bed next to Jacob. "Worrying is tiring," she admitted. "Are you sure you want to drive me to Carlisle's tomorrow? It'll be like going back and forth for you, that will be tiring. After what happened tonight I'm sure you'd just want to sleep in."
Jacob shook his head. "Don't worry about it, I don't mind."
Hermione pursed her lips together as she usually did when she was in thought. "Well... I guess you could stay the night..." She glanced up at him shyly. "It's going to be the first time having the house to myself and I'm a little nervous. Compared to our neighbourhood in Australia or London, it's really quiet around here. Too quiet sometimes."
Jacob tried to hide the grin that wanted to split his face in two and nodded as calmly as he could. This would make his job of keeping her safe much easier. "I do have spare clothes in the trunk of my car from when I was supposed to go to the gym," he said as non-nonchalantly as he could.
Hermione smiled gratefully and they both got up, Jacob to grab his spare clothes and Hermione to prepare some more food knowing Jacob must be hungry after chasing some dangerous being around the forest for a few hours.
When Jacob came back, Hermione instructed him to change so she could put his clothes in the wash. "Oh, and..." she paused for a moment flushing slightly, "Don't mention this to my parents... or rather, my father. I don't think he'd be pleased knowing you were staying the night without his permission."
Jacob gave her his trademark wolf-like smile. "Well, it'll be our little secret then."
…
"The American Ministry Owled today," a dark haired man told the young bespectacled teen, "Dolohov was spotted near a small town in Washington. His magical signature has since vanished but his wand was recovered."
"What were the last spells used?"
"There were a few Crucio, and an unfamiliar charm. Researchers are thinking it's some sort of tracking charm."
The younger male frowned. "Is he dead?"
"I don't see why else he'd be without a wand."
The bespectacled teen nodded in thought before turning to look out the window. "Do we have an invite to investigate?"
"No. The Aurors are pretty certain a group of shape-shifters whom are known to live in the area took care of Dolohov."
"Shape-shifters? Have they been interviewed?"
The older man frowned. "No. Despite being magical beings, they are unaware of the magical world. They attack any unwanted guests on their lands, especially Vampires. It's been rumoured that Dolohov was turned at some point during the battle."
There was silence before a sigh cut through the tension.
"Alright," said the younger boy. "Fill me in when more news comes in. Bill has a look out on Lestrange and Greyback. They seem to be moving to America as well."
"Do you have any reasons why?"
"No, but as soon as we get the invite in, I'm going to find out."
…
To be Continued
…
alexis in wonderland:
I'm SUPER sorry for not updating for how many months. It wasn't my intention to have it go on for that long but things came up. (If you're interested in my disappearance, I'll have an entry up on the LJ).
On the topic of this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it! It was re-written a few times and I definitely like how this version turned out better than the other ones. The timeline has advanced pretty quickly since I mentioned last chapter was july but since a month passed, it's now august (that wasn't my intention at first but realized this thing would be super long if I kept at the pace I was going). I'll have more explanations on that on the LJ soon too so don't worry.
I'm still getting back to all the of reviews and PMs so please hold on a little longer if you haven't received an answer from me yet! And I apologize for breaking more than a couple of promises about updating soon!
A HUGE THANK YOU to all you lovely reviewers, fans, readers, etc! I've reach 100+ reviews (LAG1995 is my hundredth reviewer :D Be expecting a message from me if you haven't gotten one yet!) and even more favs and alerts (My 100th alerter (LoverGurrl411) should also be getting a message from me soon!).
I've decided that for every 100 reviews/favs/alerts I'll notify the person and you will get to request a story for me to write. In the case where it's an anonymous person, I'll ask that you leave your email for me to contact you; if you have an account but blocked out the PM option, please let me know of a way to contact you! It'll have to be a one shot since my time is limited at the moment, but it'll be at least 2500+ words. I can't tell you when they'll be done, but I can promise that they WILL get done.
You all really lifted my spirits and I'm forever grateful that you're sticking around despite my disappearance. I'm hoping to get the next chapter up soon. But no promises! I will give you a clue of what big special event is going to happen next chapter! It ends with an S. :)
(p.s: sorry for typos andddd there's a new banner.)