The Meeting

"Mary Alice Brandon, Born April 9, 1901 - Died November 6, 1920." Hermione read the faded words etched into the headstone. She was crouched before the marker in the afternoon sun of the Biloxi early summer day. A slight breeze kept the stifling, oppressive, humid heat to a nearly bearable temperature. Cooling charms - and strong sunscreen - were the only thing keeping the witch from hiding inside an air conditioned building. Hermione ran her fingers gently over the worn engraving, "You were so young, much too young to die. What a waste of life.

"Did you know you have a niece named after you?" Hermione often spoke to the dead, not expecting a response today, but she knew it was always a possibility. The witch had lived at Hogwarts for six years among moving paintings and numerous ghosts, after all. "I'm sorry you died before you could have children of your own. I'd have enjoyed meeting your offspring, but I'm glad I was at least able to… meet you."

Hermione brushed away the leaves that landed on the crude, simple, worn headstone before pulling a few strands of overgrown grass that had grown wildly around the marker and its neighbors. She had discreetly placed a notice-me-not privacy ward, yet still glanced around the deserted graveyard before using her wand to clear the overgrown grass, numerous dead leaves and debris in the immediate area near her cousin's tombstone. Once the witch was satisfied with her results, she created a small wreath of green leaves decorated with dainty pink and white flowers that she propped up against the tombstone to honor her cousin. Laying her hand gently on the marker once again she said her goodbye, "Rest in peace, Mary."

"My friends call me Alice," a female voice said.

Hermione stood quickly, spinning around to face the one(s) that had managed to creep up on her. She hid her wand in the folds of her skirt - but didn't put it away - and stood in a defensive stance. She warily eyed the couple standing in the shade of the nearby large willow tree, taking note of the peculiar way the man was looking at her as if he hadn't quite made up his mind about her. How much had they seen? Perhaps an obliviate spell or two were in order. Yet another question sprung to mind. How had they seen past her ward? Had they not known she'd be there, they shouldn't have been able to see her. Playing it safe, Hermione chose to question the pair before casting any more spells, "Pardon?"

"I prefer to be called Alice. I've always hated the name Mary. So I go by my middle name." The pixie like girl was a stunning beauty, shorter than the witch by a fair few inches, waif thin with porcelain skin, short black spiky hair and golden eyes. Her companion was tall, dashingly handsome with honey blonde curls. But what Hermione found curious, was that the male had matching golden eyes and porcelain skin. While those two features could possibly make them siblings, Hermione doubted that was the case.

There was something amiss about these two that put the witch on edge. Hermione's magic was flaring in reaction to them and the man stood abnormally still, almost statuesque in nature and if she wasn't mistaken, he was holding his breath for an abnormally long time. Hermione was wary of the two and chose not to take any chances. The witch had her fill of mysteries, puzzles, fighting and war. Hermione embraced her Gryffindor tendencies and chose to be blunt, "What are you?"

The moment she asked the question, the male stiffened further. Apparently he noticed she had asked 'what' and not 'who' like normal people would when confronted with strangers. Then again, Alice did give her name, perhaps asking who they were was unnecessary, but Hermione still didn't know the name of the male. The witch tightened her grip on her wand as the blonde blinked in surprise, "You're not afraid."

It wasn't a question. It was very much a statement and the black haired woman bounced in place while happily clapping her hands. Hermione shuddered as the memory of an insane, giggling, dancing Bellatrix flit across her mindscape. The witch took a calming breath and waited for a response. Alice beamed, "I told you she wouldn't be afraid, Jasper. I told you things would turn out just fine."

"Things haven't turned out 'just fine' yet, Alice." Hermione clarified, "I asked a question and I'd like an answer. You see, I don't believe either of you are merely human. You both managed to creep up on me much too easily, not to mention the fact that you bypassed my privacy ward.

"Of those that could manage such a feat, I'd wager you aren't werewolves - even though you have golden eyes - they don't tend to stand so stiffly. The werewolves that I had encountered were too accustomed to hunting and being hunted that they stood partially crouched, as if perpetually ready to pounce.

"Veela could manage to surprise me, as they don't simply walk they glide. You're both beautiful enough to be veela, only that's not what you are either. For starters, Alice has black hair which is too dark as they tend to be blonde or more accurately their hair is white or gold. Let's not forget you lack the allure. So enlighten me: what are you?"

Jasper looked at the witch with curiosity, "What is a veela? Is that something from England?"

"They're native to Bulgaria actually, but I do know of a few half-vella in the UK and a family in France. I'm sure there are others; it isn't as if I know them all." Hermione refused to be sidetracked, "You're changing the subject and still haven't given me an answer."

"Vampires," Alice quickly gave an answer before her mate could ask more questions and possibly upset the human. The tiny vampire didn't want to jeopardize any possible friendship the two could develop.

"Codswallop," Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Every vampire I have encountered had red eyes."

"You've met others?" Alice bit back a squeal of excitement when Hermione nodded, "We're different because we're vegetarian vampires. We drink the blood of animals instead of humans: hence the golden eyes."

"Fascinating," Hermione admitted and eased her stance realizing that if the two vampires had wished her harm, they wouldn't have spoken to her first. "I hadn't realized there was such a thing. So you're really Mary Alice Brandon. I'm assuming you were turned in 1920 and that grave is empty."

Alice gave a small smile and a vigorous nod, "My father had me committed to an asylum. He had this tombstone erected; depicting the day I was locked away."

Hermione huffed, "That was rather cruel of him."

"I can't say I blame him. You see, I'm a seer and in 1920 that was considered witchcraft. I think being locked away is better than the alternative."

"Burned at the stake for being falsely accused of being a witch," Hermione correctly guessed.

"Exactly," Alice nodded in agreement, "I'm not saying that all witches are evil, but back then if anyone was accused of witchcraft, even falsely-"

Hermione sighed softly and put her wand into her pocket before stating, "I'm a witch."

"Good thing it isn't 1920!" Alice giggled softly, but tried to stifle her humor when she saw that Hermione had rolled her eyes. "Well it is…"

"Is that why your blood isn't calling out to me?" Jasper was very curious and took a tentative step forward. "It is so strange to see you, a human, standing there and I don't want to drain your body of every drop of blood. You don't smell like prey, you're practically a predator."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Hermione gave a small laugh, "I'd say I was a predator, but now I'm a healer."

"You were…"

"Yes," Hermione didn't elaborate and Jasper didn't push for answers. They had just met after all and it wasn't as if he was about to speak about his own life to the woman.

The pair turned their attention to Alice when she stilled, looking vacantly across the cemetery. When the vision was over, the tiny vampire blinked and bit her lip, "They're coming soon."

"Victoria?"

Alice nodded to her mate before turning her attention to Hermione, "You said you are a predator…"

Hermione squinted at her distant cousin and corrected her, "I was. I'm a healer now."

"We could use a healer as well," Alice bit her lip and looked to her mate who growled before taking over the story.

"There were three nomadic vampires that wandered through our town some time back. One took a liking to Edward's mate, Bella, she's human. James hunted her down, we killed him and now his mate, Victoria has created an army of newborn vampires to retaliate.

"We have been training with the local La Push werewolves in how to take down this army before they can wipe out the town just to get to Bella. We considered different strategies: leaving Forks, hiding Bella… but none ever came out favorable except meeting them head to head in battle." Jasper shot his wife a look when he mentioned favorable outcomes.

"How do I fit into this equation?" Hermione asked Alice.

"Our odds rise considerably," Alice admitted, "Instead of losing five we possibly lose one."

"You're certain?"

"No," Alice sighed and rubbed her temples. "The wolves tend to muddy my predictions when they get involved."

Hermione sighed and nodded as she thought things through, "If there's a chance of saving even one life, I can't justify staying away. I guess I'm going to…?"

"Forks," Alice smiled, "Forks, Washington."

"What an odd name," Hermione laughed softly, "Very well then. I need to get my things."

They landed in Seattle at Boeing Field King County International Airport and exited the plane, a Gulfstream G550 to be exact. It received FFA certification only three years ago. Not that Hermione had any inkling what any of that meant or the differences in the various chartered planes other than visible ones such as shapes, colors and sizes… that was until Jasper told her all about them. Apparently planes were a passing hobby of his, along with a love of world history.

Hermione stood on the tarmac and breathed in the crisp air, but what caught her attention was the view of a distant mountain.

"That's Mt. Rainier," Alice smiled at the view, keeping an eye on her mate as he moved past the airport employees without a backwards glance.

It took her breath away, "It's beautiful."

Alice smiled at her and motioned for her to follow. Hermione reluctantly tore her gaze from the mountains and followed the miniature vampire into the building. The witch had made a point of shrinking any bags they were bringing back with them to shorten their time in the airport to ease any issues Jasper may encounter from being near many humans. Granted he had fed earlier that day, but they weren't taking any chances. Alice was once again on her phone, her voice was practically mute which oddly caught Hermione's attention more than if the vampire had simply spoken aloud. The witch kept shooting her glances, but really Alice was only letting her father know they were heading back to the house and would be arriving within an hour.

"That was Carlisle, our father. I was letting him know we're back in Washington. Esme, who is our mother, is beside herself. She's looking forward to feeding you." Alice laughed merrily at the confused look on Hermione's face, "Well, Esme loves to cook. She doesn't get to cook often, seeing how we don't exactly eat."

"That makes sense," Hermione nodded and did her best to keep an eye on Jasper's progress through the building. "Jasper looked as if he were in pain earlier. I was starting to worry for him."

Alice watched her mate through the glass doors, "He'll be okay now that he's outside. It's not just the call of human blood, it's their strong emotions."

"Pardon?"

"He's an empath." Alice gave a very human response in a small shrug of her dainty shoulders, "With so many conflicting emotions around him, it weighs heavily on him, even more so than just smelling humans."

"I would imagine so," Hermione frowned, "I suppose it is a good thing that I learned occlumency."

"Occlumency?"

"It is a form of mind magic. It helps me compartmentalize my thoughts and emotions. It will help me to keep calm while around Jasper." Hermione smiled at the squeal of happiness from her cousin. "It is the least I can do for my cousin's mate."

Jasper waited until the girls had caught up to him and guided them to the waiting car. The man stood with his head back and breathed slowly as if taking cleansing breaths, "I appreciate your efforts to control your emotions, Hermione. It will help immensely. If only Bella could learn from you."

"Bella?" Hermione asked as she slipped into the backseat of the silver Volvo and strapped the seat belt on, "She's the one getting married?" Hermione kept getting distracted by the scenery out the window, "How many of you are there in your coven anyhow?"

"Family," Alice reminded her. While technically they were a coven, she wanted Hermione to be more accustomed to referring to them as a family. The last thing the Cullen family needed was for the witch to slip up in front of the wrong person. They drove to the exit and waited to pay the parking lot cashier, "There is me and Jasper, Carlisle and Esme, of course."

"Of course."

"There is Rosalie and Emmett and then there is Edward."

"And you had mentioned that Bella was human… will she be moving in once they're married, like the rest of you or are they going to move out?"

Jasper turned his attention to the side window with a grimace. Alice glanced at her cousin in the rearview mirror. "It's best to get all this out in the open now before we meet the rest of the family. Bella is a high school student that knows about our true nature. When Edward met her, he realized she is his singer." Alice flicked her gaze momentarily to the mirror to meet Hermione's in order to ascertain that she was keeping up with the details. Once she received a nod from the witch, she continued. "Their relationship hasn't been the easiest, but they survived. She's determined to marry Edward. She's even more determined to be turned before she reaches her eighteenth birthday."

At that bit of news, Hermione blinked. "Does she have family?"

"Parents, divorced. She lives with her father. Her mother remarried and travels with her new husband." Alice explained. "Edward is just as determined not to turn Bella as the girl is at being turned."

"How do her parents feel about this?"

"They don't know." Alice admitted, "They don't even know we're vampires."

"Let me guess, they're muggles?"

Alice blinked in confusion. Jasper turned and asked, "Muggles?"

"Muggles are non-magical beings," Hermione elaborated. "While I'm simply guessing from what you've said, I'd wager Bella is non-magical. A common human as is her parents. She figured out what you are, therefore she can officially date Edward. Rather convenient, that is."

Jasper snorted in amusement and Alice shot him a disappointed look before clarifying, "Bella is different. Yes, she's a non-magical human, but there's something different about her. She knows about vampires and the wolves. She's mated to a vampire, not that the wolves are too thrilled about that fact."

"Jasper, you mentioned the La Push werewolves once, something about training together. I always thought werewolves and vampires were natural enemies?"

"We still are, but there is a truce on while we deal with a common enemy." Alice agreed, "La Push is an Indian reservation south of Forks. It is the home of the Quileute tribe. Within the tribe there are numerous young adults that phase into wolves."

"That's rather inconvenient for your family."

"True," Alice shot her mate a glance, "We've got a treaty between our two people. We don't kill or turn humans; they don't hunt us and kill us. But I'm unsure of how long that pact will last if Bella gets her wish to be changed. Officially by changing Bella, even if it is by her choice, we will have broken the agreement."

"Another reason Edward is against changing Bella," Jasper clarified.

Hermione gave a small smile of understanding and watched the scenery flash in the distance. "I'm still not accustomed to your lot driving on the wrong side of the road."

"Just because it's different, doesn't make it wrong." Alice was amused and grinned at her cousin through the rearview mirror.

Hermione laughed softly and disagreed, "Seeing that the majority of the first Americans began their life as British citizens before sailing the seas; I believe that your lot changed sides simply to be contentious."

Alice laughed, "Can't argue with that."

The car slowed and as they approached the house. Hermione did a double take, not having noticed that they were already in Forks, let alone nearing a house. When Alice parked the car, Jasper stepped out and opened Hermione's door. She gave him a grateful smile and a soft 'thanks', but stilled when she got a good look at the home, "It's lovely."

"Thank you," a female voice came from the open doorway.

Hermione's head snapped in that direction and her hand reached for her wand. Jasper had grabbed the witch's wrist and gently squeezed it introducing the new woman, "This is Esme, our mother. She designed the house."

"Right, sorry." Hermione watched as nearly the entire family of vampires met them in front of the abode. The witch blushed deeply before once again thanking Jasper. The vampire gave her a small crooked grin before moving to Alice's side.

Alice began the introductions, "This is Esme and Carlisle." The woman smiled at her, but the man only gave her a reserved nod. "This is Rosalie and Emmett." The blonde girl was taller than Alice, but not nearly as friendly. She was stunningly beautiful, or could have been if she wasn't snarling like the beast she was. Emmett on the other hand was a burly young man that grinned easily and gave a small wave. "Seeing how Edward isn't here, I'm sure he's off with Bella." Hermione didn't question the logic in her reasoning and smiled when Alice continued, "Everyone this is… my cousin Hermione Granger."

"I believe I'm your fourth cousin or some such number. It's a pleasure to meet you all," The witch said and eyed Carlisle carefully, "Is there something troubling you? Jasper doesn't have issue with my scent, so I had thought… hoped really, that the rest of you wouldn't."

Alice motioned Hermione forward, "Esme set up a room for you."

"That's kind of you," Hermione stated, the gratitude was evident in her sparkling eyes, but the witch shot a look at her cousin that spoke volumes. Hermione obviously didn't miss the abrupt change in topic.

"Are you hungry?" Esme asked eagerly causing the young woman to laugh.

"I must admit that I am a bit peckish actually," Hermione admitted, "Alice whisked us away before I had a proper breakfast. She also warned me you enjoy cooking. Although with it being nearly supper time, I'd prefer not to have anything too heavy. Do you perchance have any tea?"

"I do!" Esme reached forward for Hermione and guided her into the house; she tucked the witch's hand into her elbow.

Alice watched the others go into the house and waited for Carlisle's verdict. The sire was not one to disappoint, "I can't say I'm happy about a human stay in my house, Alice." The tiny vampire winced and opened her mouth to argue, but Carlisle held up a hand to stop her. Once she snapped her mouth closed, the doctor continued, "Jasper, you appear to be fine in her presence. I've never seen you this relaxed around Bella and she's here often enough that you'd possibly grow accustomed to her. She can stay on a trial basis."

"Thank you!" Alice bounced to Carlisle and hugged him tightly. "You'll love her. She's wonderful and the spells she knows! She's a healer in her world, you two have that in common at least."

"Really?" Carlisle hugged Alice back before releasing his daughter. "I think I'd enjoy speaking to a magical healer."

"There is one thing though, Bella is not to know about Hermione being a witch. Not until she is married to Edward. Hermione said that she will obliviate her if she learns of the magical world too soon."

"Obliviate?"

"The obliviate spell erases a memory from a human," Alice nodded. "Apparently there's this secret statue-"

"Statute of Secrecy," Jasper corrected.

"Well the Mogs-"

"Muggles," Jasper grinned at his mate.

"Non-magical beings are not to know about magic or magical creatures." Alice gushed, "Did you know there are books about us? We're considered dark magical creatures!"

The three outside stopped speaking and as one, turned their attention towards the house, in the direction of where the kitchen was located before dashing inside. "Rosalie!"

Emmett was holding his mate back as the squirming blonde hissed angrily in an attempt to get at the witch. "I'm not a creature!"

"Vampires in general are considered dark magical creatures by British Magical law. I personally feel the term too broad and in light of your family, should be reevaluated. Many different peoples are considered breeds or creatures. Anything non-human, in fact has been classified as such." The witch's tone was even and calm, her wand was in hand, but held at her side. "I for one am not prejudiced against any form of life providing they do not threaten me or my loved ones. That goes for all beings: breeds, creatures and humans alike."

Esme stood in the kitchen door, one hand over her mouth as if to keep from screaming in fright or laughing at the odd scene that was playing out before her. It was hard to tell as she stood there wide eyed, head snapping back and forth from her daughter to their guest. Rosalie was spitting mad trying to break free from her mate's grip and Emmett was more amused than anything, while still a bit concerned for the witch's safety. Hermione on the other hand had her back to the nearest wall while standing in a defensive stance, wand at the ready and a spell lighting the tip waiting, begging to be released.

Carlisle looked at the scene before him and frowned. He made his way to the table and took a seat, motioning for the others to do the same. Hermione watched the family dynamics with a sense of wonder. Rosalie looked deflated, but dutifully sat as far from the witch as possible while crossing her arms petulantly with Emmett at her side. With a bit of encouragement from her cousin, Hermione diffused the spell and sat at Carlisle's left, yet refusing to put away her wand just yet. Alice took the seat beside her cousin and Jasper sat beside his mate.

Alice frowned, which looked odd on her otherwise cheerful face, "What happened?"

"Rosalie apparently heard something outside that she didn't take kindly to."

The tiny vampire winced, "Sorry. I told Carlisle that Bella isn't to be told about you being a witch. That you'd obliviate her if you had to. I also explained that since we're classified as magical creatures, it was okay that we knew about your world."

Esme came in carrying a tray with tea, milk, sugar and honey, a cup and saucer along with a plate of homemade shortbread cookies. The matronly vampire set the tray down before taking her place beside her husband.

"And naturally she took offense," Hermione calmed and stowed her wand. "I'm sure I would have reacted similarly if I had heard someone referring to me as something I found offensive."

"Milk, honey, sugar?" Esme offered the witch a cup of tea and Hermione gratefully accepted.

"Smells heavenly, thank you. I don't tend to sully my tea with additions; most are mixed to perfection when brewed properly." Hermione looked over at Carlisle who was quietly studying her. "I'm sure you have numerous questions and I will answer any that I'm able."

"There are two reasons I'm hesitant about your staying with us. First is that you're human, but both Alice and Jasper vouch for your character. Which brings me to my second reason and am at a loss how to approach this. I suppose it would be easiest if you knew about my past life as a human.

"I am the son of an Anglican pastor born in 1640 in London. It was during a time of religious and political upheaval." Carlisle had a bit of a pinched look when he admitted, "My father and others led hunts for werewolves, witches, and vampires, claiming that they were attempting to rid the world of evil and sin."

"And he was certain they were actual werewolves, witches and vampires?" Hermione asked fascinated with the subject and eager to hear more from a person who lived the tale rather than read stories.

"Many a time, those accused ended up being innocent citizens." The patron vampire grimaced slightly as he continued, "They died, regardless of innocence or guilt, at the hands of my father and the other pastors."

Hermione gasped as a name came to mind, "James Cullen." At the stunned look she received from Carlisle, the witch continued, leaning forward in her seat in her excitement. "I knew your name sounded familiar! James Cullen was one of three named pastors in the witch hunts we learned about in History of Magic."

"My shame is written in history books?"

"It isn't your shame, Mr. Cullen-"

"Carlisle, please."

"Alright, as long as you return the favor and call me Hermione," the witch continued, "As I was saying, it is due to these events involving your father that the wizarding world went underground. They erected magical wards that repelled anyone without magic, causing them to suddenly remember something important like an appointment or unfinished chore and walk away.

"Numerous Ministries of Magic were created and hundreds of thousands of families around the world suddenly disappeared from 'polite society' for their own protection. The statute of secrecy was adopted and enforced throughout various magical governments, including the Magical Congress of the United States of America."

"There's a Magical Congress of the United States of America?" Rosalie sounded almost offended by the thought of a magical government in her beloved country.

"Naturally," Hermione smiled behind her tea cup, sipping it before setting it down, "The Magical Congress even has a president. Keith Martin was elected into office two years ago."

AN: Okay a few notes:

1. I made up actual dates for Alice's birthday and death. The wiki only supplied the years. If someone knows the actual dates, be sure to let me know and I will happily update the headstone information.

2. Carlisle's background is true, but the father's name and it's impact on the wizarding world was all things I made up.

3. Keith Martin is another utterly made up name (yay for random name generators!). The only named magical president on the HP wiki is Samuel G. Quahog who was supposed to be serving in 2014. Since this is 2006, I figured he wouldn't be in office just yet.

I also wanted to say thank you to those that favorite / followed and specially the reviews. You guys are awesome.

skydancer2ooo: I hope this chapter answered your question about Alice's vision. She had seen them meeting Hermione, but she had no idea who Hermione was. And yes, there will be a pairing eventually

A word of warning... like the majority of my stories, this one is short. 12 paragraphs short. So hang on to your seats, it will be over before you know it.