AN: Still own nothing but the plot and the Dragomirs. I decided that this chapter would get Hermione up close and personal with one of the brides, and they form a friendship. I wrote this while I was watching Desperate Housewives tonight. Sorry this chapter is so short. So enjoy my lovelies.

Chapter 15: Interview with a Vampire

Hermione was still distraught from the previous night. She let him seduce her again. But yet, she wasn't mad. She...enjoyed it. Hermione couldn't figure out where her emotions were. Dracula did remind her that it was a matter of weeks before her 18th birthday. She didn't want to imagine what kind of birthday celebration she would have.

Alas, that night, she spent researching about her family once again. She read on in the untitled book. She also examined the family tree. Sh noticed Amelia Lanoiss and Hugo Dragomir. Dracula talked about her briefly. He said she was a beauty to behold, and that Hermione was a painful, leaving, breathing memory. There was pity reserved for him when he stated this. Hermione knew that he did have a heart. He just wasn't able to find it, or use it for the right reasons.

She found her biological parents on the tree. Their names were Dimitri and Sonya Dragomir. Hermione wondered what they looked like. And the book or the family tree wasn't going to help. She was about to turn to the next page of the book when suddenly...

"The Master said you practically live in here.." a silky voice spoke. Hermione looked up. It was Verona.

"Oh yes.." Hermione smiled a bit. "Reading books is very soothing, and the more that the mind obtains, the better the mind is."

"Ah...I see." Verona was intrigued by Hermione's philosophy.

"So..what brings you here?" the mortal was curious.

"Marishka and Aleera are driving me off the walls." Verona groaned. Hermione let out a small laugh.

"Not so easy to spend eternity with your relatives?"

"Anything but easy."

"How is living by night for hundreds of years."

"Most of the time, us vampires are unaware of the years that fly by."

"Incredible."

"Of course it is. I didn't realize that we are now in the 21st century."

"Does it get boring being a vampire?"

"At times it does, but the thrill of the hunt is just...never dull."

"The thrill of the hunt?"

"Hunting humans of course. You probably won't understand until you become one of us."

"So, The Count was serious about that..."

"Only a special mortal can be selected as one of us.." she said proudly. She took pride in being a vampire.

"So..I'm...special?"

"Aleera doesn't think so, but Marishka and I could see it the moment we first acknowledged your presence. You have strong blood, brains, and beauty all together. But don't get me wrong, you still have to earn our respect."

"I know. I mean, admiration is much different than respect."

"I agree, Miss Dragomir."

"Please, call me Hermione."

"Alright, Hermione."

"Verona, tell me. How did you come to build the relationship that you have with the Count.."

"Are you interviewing me?"

"I thought I was since the beginning of this conversation..."

"I guess so, Hermione."

"So...how did you first meet?"

Verona took a deep breath. It was hard to believe that a mere mortal was fascinated by her life and its story. "Well, I believe the year was 1475. I was in my twneties." Hermione was listening intently. "My name before marriage was Verona Moretti. My family was wealthy and had recognition all across Italy. I wasn't the sort who believed in arranged marriage. I was, a free spirit if you will. Well, I still am."

"But how? Vampires.."

"Being a vampire has made me feel unchained. The freedom is endless, Hermione. Humans don't expect that. You won't know until you become on of us.."

Hermione nodded. Verona continued with her tale. "I was going to be married to some Italian Count. Until, I ran away. I wanted to lead my own life. Then, I met my Master. He found me one day, and took me in. It was only a matter of weeks before I was smitten with him. I was, infatiuated, and in love. And I agreed to become his bride."

"So..he won you over?"

"It might come as a shock to you, but yes he did. My Master has his outbursts, but I love him all the same..."

"Even though he claims to have no heart.."

Verona nodded. Hermione spoke again. "He has a heart, at least I think he does. He just can't find it."

Hermione immediately regretted saying her statement and covered her mouth with her hands.

"Is that what you think?"

"I didn't mean for that to.."

"I don't take offense to it, Hermione. Tell you the truth, its..."

"Sweet?" Hermione removed her hands from her mouth.

"Yes. Sweet."

Hermione couldn't help but feel other cold eyes lurking in on the two of them. She knew they weren't alone.

AN: Cliffie! Please Read and Review. Hope you like it. Chapter 16 up soon.

Verona: I love what you've written about me.

SlyfindorGrrl: -smiles widely- thanks. I decided not to shut you and your sisters up.

Poison: Awww! I was looking forward to that.

Verona:-nods once-I see...

Hermione: Who's watching in on Verona and I?

SlyfindorGrrl: Not telling. Muahahahha!

-Everyone except Poison stares-

SlyfindorGrrl: What? The Count Isn't the only one who can have an evil laugh.

Aleera: I can too..

Marishka: Same with me.

SlyfindorGrrl: You hve evil giggles. Not laughs.

Poison: True that.

Ok...Please Read and Review. Do you like the little convos? Let me know If you want me to add you to one.