The Anticipation

Summer vacation was approaching. Forks High School's graduation was early Friday evening. The Cullen family was determined to appear unprepared to any spies that Victoria may have had out there and the party that was scheduled for that same evening - long before knowledge of the battle was going to commence - would happen regardless of any objections from the Elders.

Before the pomp and circumstances could commence there were the final exams. Alice and Edward weren't concerned about the tests since they had done them at least a hundred times already, but the rest of the school aged 'soldiers' were forced to take some time away from training to study and prepare for them.

Training intensified and both sides, the coven and the pack, became more focused. Strategies were discussed, La Push guard duty was doubled, potions were brewed, counted and stored and magical wards were discreetly erected around the Swan home.

Many of the participants, along with the single non-combatant, were relieved when the wards were up around the Police Chief's abode. There were numerous arguments about Charlie's lack of knowledge of the upcoming confrontation. For once, Bella refrained from adding her opinion which Hermione found surprising seeing how Charlie was her father. As for the witch, Hermione could see both sides of the debate, but she knew how keeping secrets backfired with Harry and while she didn't go into too much detail, she did express her concerns. In the end it was decided that he was to remain ignorant of the incoming newborn vampire army.

Hermione cleared the area in the mountains at the site where the tent was to be set up. While Emmett gathered stones for a fire pit, Jasper set up the tent. Hermione frowned at the small structure, deep in thought. Jasper noticed her contemplation and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Hermione turned towards her cousin's mate and clarified, "There's nothing wrong. I just don't see the point of having that tent. Chairs, blankets, refreshments… those items make sense. It isn't as if they'll be here for long. Besides, this isn't a wizarding tent, so there are no facilities… and won't that be awkward for the two?" Hermione lowered her tone to mimic a male voice, "Hey Bella, I need to use the loo. Turn your back and no peeking."

Jasper blinked at the last comment and then let out a laugh, "I'm not sure anyone's thought of that."

"I can probably get a tent at Ehwaz and pop back in no time." Hermione mused to herself.

Emmett was back and the two males set up a fire ring. That was when Hermione began chanting and walking a full circle around the area to ward it.

When the witch was done, Emmett - who had been watching her - asked, "Are all of the spells in Latin?"

Hermione noticed the pit was complete but lacked any firewood, so she waved her wand and bluebell flames began dancing. "Not all spells, no. Many are, but it depends on who created them." She opened her palm and laid her wand down flat. She spoke clearly, "Point me." The wand spun in a full circle before the tip came to rest pointing towards true north. "It's a four-point spell which uses my wand as a compass needle." She indicated the direction the wand pointed and needlessly stated, "That is north."

"Handy," Emmett admired the simple magic. "I especially like these flames. They're… lively."

"Bluebell flames are also called cold flame meaning you can touch them from the bottom or sides or warm something if positioned above." Emmett squatted at the edge of the ring, reached out and withdrew his hand immediately hissing as if hurt. Hermione wasn't fooled and just laughed. She reached into the pit and scooped up the flames allowing them to dance on her open palm.

"I thought witches burned…" Emmett mused, rather tongue in cheek.

"Nope," Hermione tossed the flames at Emmett.

"Hey!" The burly vampire cried out in surprise and fell on his behind. Emmett stared wide eyed at the flames as they danced innocently on his jeans, "Shit…" He remained as still as a statue and simply stared at the bluebell flames. "Shit…"

"I think you broke him," Jasper grinned at his brother's horrid fascination of the fire burning on his crotch. "Somehow he's going to use this incident in a joke."

"Probably at my expense," Hermione ended the flames with a simple finite and narrowed her eyes at Emmett who was grinning mischievously. "If you try to get me in trouble with Rosalie, I'll show you the numerous spells I know to incapacitate and injure the undead."

Emmett outright laughed, but didn't deny that she was right in her assumption. Jasper shook his head at his brother. The soldier then asked her, "Do you really plan on going to that village again?"

"What village?" Emmett perked.

"Ehwaz, it's the local wizarding village." Hermione supplied as she peered at Emmett. The witch then answered Jasper, "I am going, but you," the witch pointed her finger at the bear of a vampire, "will not be joining me."

"Aw, come on, Hermione." The brunette vampire pleaded. "Please? I'll behave!"

Hermione's hard stare softened and she smiled reminiscently, "Growing up, my two best friends were boys. They both would give me the biggest puppy dog eyes. Ron would do his best to get out of studying and Harry would try to talk me into breaking some rules." The witch smirked at Emmett's hopeful look, "They never worked for them either."

"I'll drive," he offered.

"I'm apparating."

Emmett's pout melted away to his usual huge grin, "Can't blame a guy for trying."

"Care to join me, Jasper?"

"That's not fair!" Emmett blurted as he sprung to his feet.

The blonde raised an eyebrow and thought for a mere moment, "Yes."

"If Jasper gets to go, why can't-"

Hermione ignored Emmett's outburst and grabbed hold of Jasper's arm. Without warning the witch apparated them away halfway through the brunette's latest rant.

"Damn," Jasper shuddered and blinked. The witch watched the pale skinned vampire's coloring tinge a faint green before returning to its usual sparkling white. She giggled when he sighed, "You could warn a guy."

"I suppose so, but if I had, there was a slight chance Emmett would have gotten it in his head to tag along." Hermione shuddered, "Apparating one vampire was work enough. I might have splinched one or all of us if he came along."

"Splinched?"

"That's what it's called when a traveler leaves a part of his or her anatomy behind after apparation. Splinching can be as simple as leaving behind a bit of hair or as extreme as forgetting a limb." Hermione frowned with a pained look, "I once splinched my best friend, Ronald. It was a bad time… a lifetime ago." Her look cleared and she waved it off, "Anyhow, traveling with one or two extra travelers isn't too difficult, but their size and weight need to be smaller or similar to your own. A vampire is denser apparently. Dragging you along was like taking two or three people with me."

Jasper nodded his understanding and then finally took a look around him. The blonde was rather surprised at the reaction from the other village patrons, "They're not staring." He then canted his head as other things came to mind, "I feel… some of them, but… not all of them." He looked at the witch for clarification, "Occlumency?"

"Yes, I'd imagine so." Hermione agreed. She then hooked her hand in the crook of his elbow before dragging him along the street and responded to his first reaction. "These people are accustomed to magical beings, which is why they aren't staring at you. They're also used to people apparating; that is an everyday occurrence in our lives."

Hermione paused before a candy store and suddenly had an idea. "Come on."

Jasper looked at the store and shook his head in good humor. The two walked into the shop as he asked, "Sweet tooth?"

"I admit that I enjoyed a sugar quill or two during my school days." Hermione stepped through the aisles until she found what she was searching for. She collected numerous assortments of all types of sweets and smiled at the salesgirl when she paid for them. "Thanks."

"I'm guessing more than half of those are for the pack," Jasper said as he reached over to relieve her of the sacks. "I can't imagine you will be eating all of that."

Hermione just waved off his attempt and shrunk the bags. "The others are for your family."

"My…"

"Blood pops," Hermione grinned up at the vampire when his eyes widened. "I wish I had thought of those last trip."

The pair entered a novelty/second hand store and enquired about a wizarding tent. The salesman was an older gentleman with brown hair graying at the temples and a pudge of a belly. He wore faded jeans under his simple black robe and he grinned at them stating, "As a matter of fact…" He motioned for them to follow, "We have a couple. Most tents are handed down generation to generation, but then there are those that simply must have the latest models for some special event. The old one ends up in an attic… loaned out… you know what I mean…"

He shot them an enquiring look. Hermione smiled, "Yes. I went to a World Cup once; some of the tents were simple, while others were quite extravagant."

"Exactly," The salesman stopped down one of the aisles and took a good look at the two. Jasper hadn't spoken yet so the salesman brought his gaze back to Hermione, "Are you on vacation or…"

Hermione stiffened. She was still unaccustomed to giving too much information away and went for a partial truth. "Holiday, yes." Hermione prompted, "What do you have? You said you had two tents."

"They're both family sized, one for a family of six the other…" He started, but then changed his mind and pointed out the second tent, "Well, being newlyweds I'm sure you'd prefer the smaller-"

Hermione sputtered and Jasper laughed. The witch was frantically waving her hands in the negative, "No! No, it's not-"

Jasper stepped closer to the witch and put his arm around her. He grinned when she stiffened again and drawled, "Now, darlin'. The man here is no fool."

The witch stared wide eyed at Jasper. The entire time they had been there at the store, Jasper hadn't spoken, but now he spoke and with a thick southern drawl. Not just a drawl, but he wasn't helping! Hermione was stunned and stammered, "It's… but… you're…"

"He can see we're together so there's no reason to deny our love."

The vampire had gone a step too far. At his last sentence, Hermione huffed. "Oh, for pity's sake, stop taking the mickey." He didn't remove his arm, but began chuckling. Hermione hissed at him, "Jasper Whitlock Hale, you release me this instant before I hex you beyond recognition!"

Jasper's humor increased, but he wisely dropped his arm and attempted to straighten out the misunderstanding. The vampire told the salesman, "We're not really together. Hermione is here visiting family for the first time and she needs to see the beauty that is Washington. She's from England - and it's apparently really flat - so we decided a camping trip in the mountains was a good start."

Hermione crossed her arms and shot Jasper another exasperated look. "You're sharing too much."

Her statement proved true when the salesman blanched and sputtered at the mention of her name, "You're… Her… Granger… you're…"

The two looked at him and Hermione sighed softly, uncrossing her arms, "Yes. I am Hermione Granger."

"Holy mother of mercy…" The wizard covered his mouth as if to keep from speaking further and just stared at her silently. The emotions flitting across his face were moving quickly: surprise, awe, happiness, gratitude, respect and sadness.

"Can you show me the larger of the two tents… please…?"

The man straightened and grinned shyly. His face had turned a bright red, all the way up to his ears and he nodded quickly, "It'd be my honor, Ms. Granger. I'll set it up in the back. Just give me a moment to lock up the store."

As the salesman walked away to lock the front door, Jasper looked down at the small woman. "Going by the man's reaction, the information in the books Esme shared with us are real."

"Not everything," Hermione corrected. "The biographies elaborated on personal accounts, guessed or simply fabricated. Then there were other details pertaining to the battle that were wrong. No one knew what we did the year we were away, but they guessed and wrote books anyway. We were three innocent kids trying to stay alive, there was no sex happening. We were running, searching, researching, and starving during that time. Those two boys, Harry and Ronald, are like brothers to me. The thought of sex with either of them…" The woman shuddered, "just no."

The salesman was back among them and had grabbed both of the tents. He made his way through the aisles until they came to the back of the store. "I'll have this up in a snap."

He set the tent down and continued speaking, "I'm not sure what sort of tent you used during your trip to the Quidditch Cup. This one is pretty large inside. Fits a family of six," The wizard tapped the tent with his wand. The tent immediately set itself upright and the pegs plunged into the ground properly. "Then again, that's probably the same tent you used for that year on the run-"

"Mr.-"

"Foster," the salesman interrupted, "I'm Jeff Foster… but… uh, please call me Jeff."

"Okay then. Jeff, I'd rather not reminisce about that time."

"Oh," Jeff's eyes grew wide. "Right… Of course not, Ms.-"

"Hermione," the witch smiled patiently at the man, "Call me Hermione."

Smiling widely the wizard opened the flap to allow them entry, "After you, Hermione."

Hermione shifted her weight on her feet - from her right to her left - and resisted crossing her arms defensively over her torso. She was uncomfortable, edgy and… no, that wasn't it. She wasn't uncomfortable. Edgy, yes she was definitely edgy. Hermione was itching to leave the teen geared festivities and perhaps have a stiff drink… or two. The anticipation for the battle the next day was gnawing at her nerves. She should be somewhere - anywhere - else other than a children's party. Hermione felt as if she should be working… planning… reading… researching…

Instead of doing something productive, she was watching a group of teenagers celebrating their graduation, their transition from adolescence to adulthood. There was a smattering of adults milling around and, of course, the vampire coven. She had seen Charlie talking to Carlisle, Esme was fussing over the food; Jasper lurked in the shadows and Rosalie scowled at anyone that foolishly got too close as she danced with her husband, Emmett. Alice flitted around like a fairy and Edward was pinned to Bella's side.

It wasn't only the Forks graduates enjoying the shindig. There were a small handful of La Push teens as well. The pack mostly hovered together gaining the attention of the girls from Forks. Hermione watched it all, taking it in and found that she didn't think she missed anything by going to Hogwarts instead of a Muggle school.

"I could use a stiff drink."

"I'd join you, but I'm sure the local police would frown on alcohol being served at an under-aged function." Hermione giggled and looked up at the man.

"The things we suffer in the name of family," Charlie shoved his hands in his pockets and sighed dramatically before grinning, "We caught someone's attention."

The witch stiffened, "Oh?"

"That daughter of mine thinks I'm too old. I'm not that repulsive, am I?" Charlie suddenly ran his fingers through his hair. "I realize a woman prefers a self-confident man and when it comes to my job I'm about as confident as all get go, but Bella acted horrified when I talked to her about me possibly dating again."

Hermione laughed when she spotted Bella across the dance floor looking as if she swallowed something nasty and asked, "What did you say to her?"

"Just…" Charlie shook his head, "Okay maybe I shouldn't talk to my only daughter about my lack of a love life…"

"Your…" Hermione's laughter died and she frowned at him, "Charlie, you're still young and handsome. You deserve happiness. How could it possibly be wrong for you to have love in your life again?"

"Nothing, never mind…" The music slowed and Charlie motioned to the dance floor. "You… wouldn't… would you?"

Hermione glanced to her left and met the heat of Embry's stare. She felt her stomach squirm, "Sure. Why not?"

The two walked to the middle of the dance floor and Charlie took the witch in his arms. The pair swayed with the beat of the music and he came clean, "It wasn't anything specific I said really. I asked Bells what is wrong with me dating and she just went through this… ew and gross fit. Then she accused me of cradle robbing and said you're too young for me…"

Hermione laughed and shook her head, "She can be so ridiculous. As long as there are two consenting adults, age should not be a factor."

"No, I don't suppose…"

"So who is the lucky woman?"

Charlie got a goofy grin on his face, "Sue Clearwater…"

"Sue Clearwater? Sue Clearwater as in Elder of the Quileute tribe, mother to Seth and Leigh… that Sue Clearwater?"

It was Charlie's turn to laugh, "I take it you've met her."

"Hmm," Hermione simply hummed.

"You don't approve…"

"I didn't say that." Hermione canted her head, "I had a brief introduction with her, but that's all. Besides, what does it matter what I think? It's what you think that matters."

"We've known each other a long time," Charlie gave a small shrug. "She's nice. I really like her."

"Then you should ask her out." The song came to an end. Hermione smiled up at him and allowed him to guide her off the dance floor. "Maybe you can take Sue out dancing."

"I think I'll start with a dinner first… seems less frightening," Charlie admitted causing the witch to giggle.

Hermione's smile faded when she was suddenly face to… well, chest with Seth. The young man looked rather stressed. Charlie frowned at the teen, "Are you okay?"

"Sure, yeah. Uh… mind if I talk with Hermione?"

"That's up to the lady," Charlie hedged.

"It's fine. Thanks for the dance, Charlie." Hermione stepped further from the dance floor and watched in fascination as Seth grew nervous. Seth steered her away from the others in order to talk, or rather in order to talk without having to yell. "What's wrong, Seth?"

"It's not me… it's-"

"Me," Her breath hitched in surprise as the voice came from behind her; the word was spoken in her ear. He stood close. Too close. He was so close that she could feel the heat of him against her back even though his body wasn't pressed to hers. Which was a good thing… she kept reminding herself. Hermione resisted cursing, even under her breath, but just barely. The witch's eyes slid closed when he moved closer and sniffed. A low growl escaped him when he stated, "You smell like him."

"Charlie is just a friend."

"Friends don't dance that close."

"Sure they do." Hermione countered, "When they're trying to annoy Bella for the fun of it. She thinks her father is too old to date."

Embry spoke through clenched teeth, "You want to date Charlie?"

"No," Hermione scoffed, "He's handsome and a nice guy, but I have no interest in dating him."

His large warm hand landed on her hip, but it was Seth who spoke again, "Hermione…"

"It's fine; I'm fine," Hermione claimed. It was a lie. She had been actively avoiding being alone with Embry since her trip to La Push. They weren't exactly alone now, but she still felt so vulnerable and exposed. Embry was very good looking, sweet, kind, funny… but young… too young. If one was to judge by his looks alone, the teen could pass as an adult, but that didn't change the fact that he wasn't. While she was fond of most of the pack boys, Hermione was especially fond of Seth and Embry since those two helped her out with her cauldrons often and visited with her more than the others. Hermione had felt an odd pull towards the teen and dismissed it immediately. Embry just reminded her of Benedict. Or that's what she told herself. That was her excuse for the attraction that she had been actively trying to ignore. Realistically the two males were nothing alike and she knew that, or she would if she'd admit it to herself.

The hand on her hip squeezed gently. Without realizing she had done so, her body leaned back against him, seeking out his warmth. His voice sounded in her ear again, but this time she felt the rumble in his chest when he spoke. "Did you eat?"

"Not hungry," Hermione distanced her body from his and his hand slipped back to his side.

"Seth," Embry motioned with his hand towards their left where several tables were set up, "Keep an eye on Hermione."

"I'm not an invalid…" Her voice trailed off as Embry ignored her and made his way to the food table. The witch huffed, "Oh honestly."

Seth grinned down at Hermione, "You take care of us; we take care of you. It's what friends do for each other."

"You're right, they do." Hermione admitted. "It's just that I'm not accustomed to being the one being looked after."

"Maybe it's time you let someone take care of you," Seth suggested.

"Now's not the time," Hermione interjected. "We have too much going on with tomorrow-"

"That's tomorrow… let us take care of you tonight," Seth steered Hermione towards a small table. She smiled as a feeling of warmth spread through her at their efforts. Hermione didn't fight him and allowed Seth to pull a chair out for her. "Besides, you never know. You might just like it and hang around for a while longer."

Embry set a large plate filled with finger sandwiches and various other hors d'oeuvres down on the table before her. Hermione stared at the mountain of food, "How am I supposed to eat all this?"

Seth just grinned and plucked a small sandwich from the pile and began eating it. Embry had one as well. The two teens were eating more than their share. Hermione's eyes danced with mirth before she gave in… for now.

AN: And this puts us over the halfway mark. Just five more chapters to go!

I'm not a fan of filler chapters. Reading them is okay, just not writing them. I feel kind of guilty doing them, yet I do them more often than I'd like to admit and some have been fun (The entire summer starting my Slytherin!Harry's 5th year comes to mind). My filler chapters feel like drivel, but the point of this one is to forward time. Besides, I still love Charlie and he was determined to get a dance with Hermione. How could I tell him no?

Next up is the battle… I feel I should apologize in advance. I'm not fond of writing battles because I'm not very good at them. Yet I somehow manage to get myself into these pickles often. Maybe it's my way subconscious way of trying to better my writing. Well if that's the case I'd have to say I'm failing, but such is life. I'll just keep on trying!

Noble Korhedron: Dammit, you made me spew my coffee. You're hilarious as always. I should know better than to ever read a review from you while drinking! Naturally I didn't think of changing Frank into a deer, I unfortunately don't think of those things quickly enough to put it in a story until you show me that option. You have a wicked mind. It's so entertaining!

harryislife: It's funny you should say that… for the record… Embry wasn't nearly as amused as I was while writing that.