A.N/:
Dark Neko 4000: youuu willl haveee tooo seeee~ C:
Lady Luna Riddle: the brightest witch of her age, well I was thinking that she can figure out a werewolf that fast (Lupin), who says she can't spot a vampire, no? and about her blurting 'Bloody Hippogriffs' was just something that popped up, well spending years with Ron saying 'Bloody Hell' all the time, it's bound to rub off on you a little. :3
skydancer2ooo: yes he did. Hermione only put up her Occlumency shields up when she figured out The Cullen's were vampires and someone (Edward) was reading her mind. About Rosalie and Jasper will be explained here, this chapter is mainly about the Cullen's. The E/B/J triangle is still there :) Riley will be on the next Chapter.
crazy-A7X-fan-13: and I thought you would say something like that too. Thank you again, hahaha. xD
archmedess: Thank you! :D
Well here's the next chapter! Sorry it took so long, it's hectic at school lately and again, I'm so sorry it took so long! But hope you like it. I put an effort to make it longer than usual, and I'll be posting another chapter soon! Again so sorry! Here's the next Chapter! .'
Lea
-JASPER-
"Ready?" Alice asked excitedly.
I nodded, smiling lovingly at my beautiful wife Alice. Looking at her beautiful smiling face right now, I couldn't help myself but feel like I was the luckiest ma— vampire, on earth. She's unique and one of a kind, that's for sure. And she accepted me for who I am even though she knew of my horrid past. That's my Alice, and I love her to bits for it.
We're hunting further north than usual for today; the grizzly bears it seems have moved over there during the week due to some disturbance on their usual spot by the stream. I sniffed the air and in an instant I smelled my target. I crouched and focused on my hunt when suddenly I felt something wrong. I sensed a wave of worry; I turned around questioningly at Alice since it came from her and realized she had frozen in mid jump with a very familiar blank look on her face and I knew instantly that she was having another vision.
Out of panic, I've decided to abandon our hunting trip and quickly carried her back to the house. Can't be too careful these days with her vision, for all I know it could've been about the Volturi coming for Bella's check-up.
When we arrived, I noticed everybody was already waiting in the living room. It seems Edward had gathered everybody there when he caught the vision himself from Alice's mind when we were close enough for his 'mind reading radar' to catch. I jumped over to the balcony and quickly settle her down on the sofa. Barely hit the surface of the plush pillows, she snapped out of her trance and a mask of confusion marred my beautiful pixies face and I waited anxiously for answers as did the others.
"That was weird." Alice whispered in wonder.
Well I was definitely not expecting that.
"What is it?" Carlisle asked anxiously.
"Bella…" Edward said in a low tone. "She was all… Blurry…" he answered. A sudden wave of concern engulfed me and as expected, it radiated from Edward.
"Do you have any idea of what might have triggered that vision Alice?" Esme asked worriedly.
Alice scrunched her eyebrows slightly. "Well it wasn't actually I don't think it was triggered per-se. I was actually planning on inviting Bella for a sleepover later after we finished hunting. I might have wanted that vision to see if everything goes well, but the result as I said, it was blurry. It got me worried but I still saw that she came... though she brought someone with her… and when I tried to focus on who she was bringing I couldn't see her face at all." She sighed frustrated. "At least it's not as annoying tying to see Bella when she was near a werewolf." She muttered.
"But what does that mean…" Carlisle trailed off.
Silence engulfed the room. And I took my time to brood on the matter. Yes, what does it mean, in deed… The girl is definitely not a werewolf that's for sure. If she was, Alice wouldn't have seen her… maybe a human with some latent power? Why else would she be blurry? But if she does, what kind was it…
My brooding was cut off as a sudden jolt of irritation that was not mine shot through me as Rosalie stood up abruptly and knocked her chair back to the floor with a laud crash.
"Great! Just great" She snapped. We all looked at her as a scowl marred her beautiful face. "We still got our problem with the Volturi and Victoria and now this? Those mutts aren't enough for her are they? Just got to bring something weird to endanger us further, doesn't she?" she fumed.
"The Volturi was not her fault." Edward growled. "It was mine. Don't you go and blame it on her Rose." He snarled warningly.
Rosalie growled back. "Defend her! She's endangering our family again Edward. She's bringing something entirely new here, for all we knew it could complicate our situation more than it is! The Volturi is watching Edward. Or do you not care about the family now, do you!" she hissed. Emmett who was by then behind her rubbed her back in a soothing matter to calm the blonde vampire down.
"We've been through this before Rose." Edward hissed back. "I'm well aware of our situation and don't you dare tell me that I don't care. This family means everything to me and you know it." He said, barring his teeth in warning.
By now the two were glowering at each other and the room was rolling in deep with thick layers of tension. Being me, the one who can feel all emotions, the empath that I am; it feels very uncomfortable and I couldn't help myself to fidget around a bit in anxiety. I tried to send calming waves at them, but it seems that their will to stay irritated at each other was stronger than the usual to penetrate – Damn.
Well this wasn't the first time Edward and Rose have a verbal and emotional fight, but you would have thought after all these years I would've gotten used to this whole, thick-waves-of-emotions-that-makes-me-feel-anxious-and-fidget situation by now. Guess I will never get used to it, Pity.
"Come on now children. Break it off this instance." Esme scolded. A rare stern look was on her lovely motherly face as she cut through the tension like a professional swordsman. I sensed that their will wavered just a bit, but it was enough for me to quickly force those calm waves at them again. The tension dimmed slightly in the room after the two of them took back their respective seats and resolute to glare at each other instead.
Thank you madam for the 215th time in my existence!
I saw Edward crack a small smile at the corner of my eye. Ah, he heard, who would've thought…
"Still, no matter how many times that I've heard it I still can't believe you counted them." He chuckled.
Well you better start 4believing it brother. I thought as we both shared a grin.
"Alice, do you have any other information on the girl?" Carlisle asked after the atmosphere was more comfortable.
"All I got is that she's Bella's cousin from the UK named Hermione. She and her parents are over for a vacation, and that's it." She shrugged.
"What time will you call her then?" Esme asked.
"Right this instant." Alice said with a nod. "Edward, would you please?"
He quickly handed her his mobile. And we watched as she dialed and waited. After the third ring, Bella picked it up.
"Swan residence, Bella speaking." She said. We could distinctly hear all that laughter and chattering from the dining room.
"It's just me."
"Alice? Oh sorry hey. What is it, need anything?
"Well I was wondering if you could stay over for the night..." Alice trailed off.
"Now?" Bell asked incredulously. I shook my head as I could practically imagine her eyebrows shot up to her hairline. Edward did too and was slightly chuckling,
"Well not now, now. I meant later on around dinner silly!" Alice rolled her eyes.
"Alice I'm not sure if I could… My uncle, aunt, and cousin are over at the moment… I can't just leave them." Bella said. "Though you've probably have known that." She trailed off as an after thought. There was a sudden crash and we heard her cursing slightly under her breath when Emmett guffawed.
"Why not just bring Hermione over? Everyone wouldn't mind. Well Rose would, but you know what she's like." Alice said. Rosalie sniffed at this and stalked out of the room followed by an amused Emmett. Alice received a warning look from Esme at her behavior but she just shrugged it off with an innocent look on her face.
"She was there and now she left. Didn't she?" Bella guessed in monotone.
"I didn't know you're seer Bella?" Alice gasped mockingly. I couldn't help myself to chuckle at my wife's antic as did the others.
"Ha-ha, very funny. I'll ask Charlie and I'll ask Hermione if she wants to come ok?"
"Sure, call me soon!" Alice said cheerfully as the line went dead. She handed the phone to me and I gave it to Edward since it was his in the first place.
"Well that settles it." Alice said. Esme let out an unnecessary breath and stood up. "I'll go prepare the bedroom." She said as she went upstairs followed by Carlisle in human speed. Though she looks calm, I could sense her nervousness, excitement, and anxiety as she worked her way upstairs. Edward also left, probably to play the piano again.
"Well they'll be arriving in about 3 hours, why don't we continue where we left off earlier, shall we?" Alice asked as she took my hand in hers, leading me out of the room to the balcony and heads back to the woods to hunt.
I do hope she doesn't smell like Bella… I don't think I can take two of those in one room… I shuddered.
-ESME-
I'm so nervous! Another human… Bella's cousin Hermione. Such a lovely name, she must be a lovely girl, and she's British! I wonder what I should cook for dinner for them. Wait no, Alice said after dinner didn't she… so breakfast. Should I cook a complete English breakfast? But then will Bella like it? She likes Italian… should I combine Italian and English breakfast? Or maybe I'll just cook something simple like pancakes…
-CARLISLE-
Fascinating, this never happened to Alice before! I wonder what triggers the cause of this. Latent power maybe… No, it shouldn't have that kind of effect on Alice…
-EMMETT-
Awesome... another human to enter the vampire den! Too bad Rose doesn't like it… I hope she makes a good impression on her… though my babe is hot like that; it's good for her to loosen up a notch once a while. Hmm, wonder if I could tease the new girl…
-ROSALIE-
I know you're listening Edward, if she endanger us further I'll castrate you personally!
-EDWARD-
I just rolled my eyes when I heard Rosalie's earlier thoughts and tuned her out of my mind as well as the others. At least now I know Bella is ok… sort of. I mean, she's Bella's cousin, right? She wouldn't hurt her like some psycho…. I sighed and accidently hit the wrong note on my piano. Who am I kidding, knowing Bella it might have well been a psycho… I shook my head and continued to play from the beginning.
3 hours later – Still Edward's POV
"Now remember. Be at your best behavior. Don't let anything slip." Carlisle warned. Though it was clear to everyone he was just as anxious and nervous meeting Bella's cousin as the others. We were all waiting in the living room, when we heard Bella's truck parking at the front.
"Come on." I heard Bella said as she closed the door and walked briskly to the door.
"Um, Bella I think you might want to slow down before you trip." I heard her cousin, Hermione said in a thick British accent.
"She's going to trip." Emmett stated as he snickered while Carlisle shook his head.
"I'm fine Hermione. I can take care of my—"
"Watch out for that—!"
There was a crash and I winced. Emmett was trying so hard to stifle his laugh, though it looks like he was failing. Oh Bella…
"You were saying Bella dear?"
"Shut up Hermione" we heard Bella muttered while Hermione just laughed as they got closer to the front door.
"I'll get the door!" Alice bolted out excitedly.
We heard her opening the door and Bella gave a soft grunt. "I'm so glad you guys came!" Alice squealed. "And you must be Hermione, come on in, the others are waiting in the living room. Just drop your bags in here, we'll get them later." Edward! She doesn't have a scent!
"She doesn't have a scent…?" I narrowed my eyes as the others stared at me in confusion. "You'll see for yourself." I murmured and they shrugged and waited in anticipation.
"She's Alice. She's always like that so don't mind her." Bella said. There was a thump of bags hitting the floor and then we heard their footsteps closing in to the living room. My Bella emerged, her eyes quickly landed on me and she gave me a breath taking smile.
"Hermione, I want you to meet the Cullen's." She introduced as she led her closer. "Guys, this is my cousin, Hermione Granger." She said a bit nervously.
The girl was a bit taller than Bella, she's got the same slight curly brown hair as Bella – a shade lighter, pale complexion, and the same almond shaped eyes.
She doesn't have a scent, thank god! I heard jasper sighed mentally.
Too suspicious, I heard Rose thought as her eyes narrowed slightly.
Carlisle was the first to step up. "Welcome Miss Granger," he said politely as he extended his hand "I'm the head of this house, Carlisle Cullen."
"Just Hermione, It's a pleasure to meet you." Hermione said a bit uncertainly. We saw her shudder a bit when they shook hands. Carlisle quickly stepped back and gave her a smile to not offend her. So that's what Edward means... But how is it possible?
Esme the quickly stepped up next "I'm Esme," she said as she gave her a quick hug. "It's a pleasure to meet you Hermione." Oh my I hope I didn't make her feel uncomfortable… she thought.
"The pleasure is mine Mrs. Cullen." Hermione said smiling kindly.
"Just call me Esme, dear." Esme smiled soothingly, how polite… "And these are my adopted sons and daughters. Well you've met Alice at the door. Beside her is Jasper and Rosalie, the tall one is Emmett, and finally Edward." She introduced.
She stared at us one by one as Esme called out our name. When her eyes landed on me though, her eyebrows practically flew to her hairline and her eyes went considerably wide. I was quite comical really, and Emmet was desperately holding in his laughter.
"Bloody Hippogriffs" she blurted out suddenly with an incredulous look on her face. Wow, didn't know I make such an impact on her… but what the hell is a Hippogriff? I thought with some amusement. Emmett couldn't seem hold it in any longer and burst out laughing.
"A Hippo what?" Bella asked confused.
It seems to have snapped Hermione out of her stupor, a light blush marred her cheeks and she quickly apologized.
"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to say that. Uh, it's just that um, he reminded me of an old… friend." she said stumbling slightly.
"No, it's fine. I get that a lot." I smiled slightly.
They look so alike… Cedric… I wish Harry could meet him. Maybe he can finally move on from that guilt. I heard her thoughts. I wonder what happened to this Cedric guy…
Esme then told Alice to take them to her room, and when they were on the way to the second floor, we heard Hermione stop. "Are those graduation caps?" she asked. We all stiffened. We've forgotten about that one…
"Yup, bought this piece up north" Alice thought quickly. "We thought it represent us growing up, you know?" Hermione hummed and we heard them enter the room.
"That was close…" Carlisle sighed.
"She's too observant. She's dangerous." Rose said as she glared at me.
"But she seems to be such a nice girl Rose." Esme said softly.
"Yea babe, she doesn't seem that bad." Emmett grinned.
And with a huff Rosalie swiftly left the room.
"She couldn't sleep. She's suspicious." I told them.
"I've warned you. and I've told you Edward she's too observant." Rosalie hissed.
"Just shut up rose." I growled and continued to listen in.
We were gathered again in the living room after I told them what Hermione's been thinking about.
Pale complexion… beauty… ice cold body temperature… where have I heard that description before….
"She's heard of us… or something similar to us..." I gasped.
Where have I seen it… there was something to do with Slughorn's Christmas party and—
"THAT'S IT!" we heard her gasp. Suddenly I couldn't hear her mind at all and I heard her shuffling from the bed to get up.
"Huh? Whuzat?" I heard Bella ask, probably woken up by Hermione. "Hemione? whuz wrong?" she asked sleepily.
"I can't believe it took me this long to realize this! But their eyes… no, they could be wearing contact lenses… but if that's the case…"
"She knows!" Rosalie hissed.
"How is it possible?" Carlise asked
"That's too fast." Jasper whispered.
"Wow she's good…" Emmett whistled.
"Hermione you're scaring me... What's wrong?"
"Do you know?"
"Know what?"
"Never mind, just stay here and go back to sleep. I'll be right back." We heard her mutter. There was shuffling again and a door opening. We heard her walk quickly downstairs and we hid ourselves in the shadows.
She entered a few minutes later and took a deep breath.
"I know that you lot can hear me" she started. "And probably know what I wanted to discuss about here." she said calmly.
Carlisle, Esme, and Alice sat on the couch calmly while the rest of us stood behind warily.
"What give us away?" Carlisle asked politely.
"A fair few things actually" she sighed tiredly as she sagged down on a couch across from us. I still can't hear her thoughts… how is it possible...
"There's the general pale white marble skin, the physical appearance, temperature, unnatural eyes though I don't know the reason why—"
"We feed on animals, not humans." Alice piped in. I wonder if she'd met with another vampire before… she's confident in her information…
"Ah that explains it. And there's the other reason such as the graduation cap and the fact that I compared you to a Vampire I met while I was still at school."
That answers my questions… wait, she met a vampire at school? Edward, ask who the vampire is. Alice thought curiously.
"Who was then name of the vampire?" I asked.
"How in the world did you meet a vampire when you were still at school?" Emmett asked dubiously.
"How do we know we can trust you with our secret?" Rosalie asked, glaring slightly at her.
"His name is Sanguini."
Sanguini… I've met him before… he disappeared 30 years ago… Carlisle thought.
"Met him on a Christmas party my professor held. I'm not sure if you know him. And you guys are not the only one with a secret actually." She muttered as she took out what seems to be a stick.
"A stick" Rosalie pointed out raising an eyebrow questioningly at her.
I cant believe what I'm seeing… "You're a witch" Carlisle breathed.
"Carlisle!" Esme cried in utter shock. What in the— Never in my life have I ever…!
"No love, I mean she's a real witch!" Carlisle said hastily."You know, brooms and cauldrons and what not. I've heard stories of those with magic, but I've never heard nor seen one personally!" he exclaimed in awe.
"You really are a witch then?" Emmett asked raising an eyebrow. I doubt it.
Hermione nodded in confirmation and conjured a cup out of thin air on the table as a demonstration.
I take it back. "Awesome." Emmett grinned. This is way too awesome! I wonder if I could challenge her to a play fight.
Vampires, Werewolves, and now Witches "Of all people Bella could be related to." Jasper chuckled as he shook his head.
"Speaking of Bella, does she know?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"Yes." I said solemnly. She shouldn't have though...
I saw her sagged deeper in to her seat, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Hermione, can I ask you something? It's been bugging me for a while now" I said as the others looked at me curiously.
"Do wizards or Witches have a way of closing up their minds?"
"Yes," she confirmed. "it's called Occlumency. Not all wizard and witches could do it. It took a lot of meditation and years of practice. Why do you ask?"
"You closed up your mind the moment you figured out what we are."
"Well, that's probably because I felt a presence in my mind. I thought it was nothing at first, but then when everything snapped in. I realized someone was there. So I pulled up the shield." Hermione said. "You were the one who did it; you're the mind reader aren't you? Your gift I presume?" she asked me.
"Yes, sorry bout that." I said, nodding in confirmation. She's smart.
"It's fine" Hermione said as she yawned.
Esme looked at the clock, and was shocked to see how late it is. She must be so tired… poor thing… she thought.
"It's three in the morning, why don't you go back to sleep dear?" Esme said kindly.
"I think I will thank you." Hermione mumbled as she stood up.
"Are you planning on telling Bella?" Alice asked curiously.
"Can't you tell, Alice?" Jasper asked anxiously.
"I can't, it's all blurry." She shrugged.
"Can't see?" Hermione asked curiously.
"I have the ability of Precognition." She chirped. "I can see humans since I was one; I can see vampires clearly since I am one. Though I see you blurry because though you are human, you have magic in your blood. I knew that Bella would bring someone with her here when I asked her for a sleepover, but I was having a hard time on who she was bringing with." she shrugged.
"I see," Hermione nodded in understanding. "Well I am planning on telling Bella, maybe in the morning." she said.
"Well have a nice sleep Hermione." Carlisle said.
Hermione nodded and went back up the stairs.
"That went well." Alice said.
"Fascinating… A witch of all things…" Carlisle said in awe.
"She is awesome." Emmett grinned.
"I still don't like her." Rosalie said bitterly.
"She was a soldier." Jasper whispered.
Everyone looked at him curiously.
"Why do you say that?" Esme asked curiously.
"Being a soldier once myself I can see it clearly. The scars… her posture… she's wary, and cautious all the time. The way she brings herself… she was a bit jumpy too." He stated.
"Something may have happened in her past…" Alice said.
"Maybe…"
And they left the matter at that for later in time.