A/N: Here it is the big one. Sorry for the delay but as some of you know login has been down. That's allowed me time to write and time for Ogremen beta it for me. As always I own nothing, the character belong to their owners. Now on with the show
Chapter 7: Justice is Served and The Clashing of Two Worlds
HPOV
Harry hadn't seen much of Leah in the following two days, he'd spoken with her briefly Tuesday night after dropping her off, but she had been distracted and vague about what was going on. He sensed a distance that hadn't been there when he they had parted ways. He didn't know what had caused it, but the feelings it was evoking were bringing back memories of his early adult years; when had been alone and angry. He had tried to hide it over the next few days, but Bree was too perceptive for her age, and no matter no much Harry tried he knew Teddy was feeling a muted effect through their pack bond they shared.
Over the next two days Harry had distracted himself with the case that had come up on Monday, the dead body that was found. It was a wizard in his late forties, he had been found in alley in downtown Seattle, the small alleyway bearing the signs of magical combat, and his chest had been opened with a diffindo charm. The local mundane authorities had been baffled, not understanding the cause of death and the strange scorch marks on the walls, however the case had popped up on the Auror's radar when his prints had been run; after that the Auror office had been notified, and had taken over the investigation.
Gellel and Team 3, which contained the five most experienced investigatory Aurors, were assigned to take lead. Harry had walked into the office the day after he had taken Bree and Leah on their shopping trip, getting an update on the progression of the investigation. Gellel had informed that they had discovered that the wife of the deceased was having an affair, their working theory was that the husband had discovered the affair, and had confronted the wife's boyfriend, a fight had broken out and the husband had been killed in the struggle.
Gellel had put a BOLO out to both the mundane and magical law enforcement agencies, however the Mundane's departments were informed to not approach the suspect, to contact the FBI field office in Seattle, and inform them of their discovery. They were also monitoring both the wife's and the boyfriends phones, however his had been switch off the night that the deceased had been killed. Harry had left the office, calling Leah on his way to car, but that conservation had been short, and that's when the feelings of unease had started. He had invited her over for dinner that night but she had declined, citing she was spending some time with her friends. She had hung up without saying bye, leaving Harry feeling confused and hurt.
Harry had arrived home, acting distant to Bree and Teddy, simply starting to make dinner, not making much noise as he walked around the kitchen. When Bree had walked hesitantly into the kitchen he had been short with her, giving only one word responses to her questions. He had snapped at her and said that his personal life was none of her business. Bree had looked hurt at his statement and before Harry could say anything she had disappeared, her door upstairs slamming shut soon afterwards. Teddy had heard the confrontation and was looking at his uncle in concern, dinner had been short and Teddy had gone upstairs, walking into Bree's room.
He didn't hear from either of them for the rest of night, Harry had felt guilty as hell since he had snapped at Bree. He had wallowed in self-pity, drinking more fire whiskey than he should have, retiring to bed that night in the early hours of the morning, the walls spinning as he laid his head down.
Harry had awoken in a cold sweat, his heart beating a mile a minute. As Harry leaned up against the headboard and started the breathing exercise's he had been taught in therapy, his raging heart started to slow and his ragged breathing evened out. The dream had been a memory of his time in captivity six months earlier. It had been a particularly violent flashback, and Harry could still recall the cold hard metal of the blades as they cut into him again and again.
Looking at the time, he noticed it was early in the morning, only five-thirty, Teddy wouldn't be up for several more hours giving Harry an opportunity. As Harry got up and opened his blinds, he noticed that it had snowed over-night, there was a fresh dusting of snow on the ground and the forests, a slight mist covered the ground giving the forest a eerie and supernatural look.
As Harry walked away from the window, heading towards the bathroom he showered and dressed quickly, not bothering to shave, leaving his face with a five o'clock shadow. Harry quickly dressed and walked out of the bathroom heading towards Bree's room at the end of the corridor. He hesitated a moment before knocking hearing a quiet, "Come in," from inside the room. As Harry entered he noticed that the black drapes he had purchased yesterday now hung on the curtain poll. The only source of light was the TV, Harry noticed Bree in the beanbag chair, whilst Teddy slept in the bed that Harry had put there before Bree had moved in.
He hesitated again before sitting down in the bean bag beside Bree. Silently the pair watched the TV, neither really noticing what was on too engrossed in their own thoughts. After couple minutes of uncomfortable silence before Harry finally spoke.
"I'm sorry Bree…I didn't mean what I said last night," Harry murmured to the girl. Bree looked over at him for a moment, noticing his unshaven face and his bloodshot eyes. He had forgotten to place the silencing charms around his room last night, and Bree had heard him moaning in pain, begging for it to stop before finally she heard him wake with a start. Realising he was clearly in pain about something, made Bree a little less hurt and she sensed the sincerity in his apology.
"What to talk about it?" Bree asked after a few moments, causing Harry to look away from him. Bree reached to him holding his hand. She smiled at him before she started to speak again.
"Harry…you know how you said you'd be there for me, well it works both ways you know…I know it's only been a few days, but you and Teddy are the closest things to a family I've ever had," Bree said in an emotional tone, afraid she was about lose another person in her life. Seeing the emotionally pained look on her face made the guilt crash into him like waves.
"I feel the same way Bree," Harry replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. He felt a couple of tears falling onto his shoulder before she took a breath and backed away. Harry sighed and focused on the TV, not being able to look Bree in the eye.
"I called Leah yesterday and…it was as if there was this distance that hadn't been there before…as if she didn't want to talk to me," Harry said, Bree noticing that despite the blank look on his face, whilst he spoke there was a look of sadness in his eyes.
"Whatever it is Harry I'm sure she'll tell you eventually…maybe she's just trying to figure out a way to tell you what she is," Bree murmured to him. Harry sighed leaning back into the bean bag, sagging into its depths.
"What if she found out what I am…what if all she thinks I am is a freak?" Harry said, his childhood with the Dursley's rearing its ugly head for the first time in years. Bree reached over and grabbed his hand, silently supporting him.
"If that happens, which is a long shot, then you have me and Teddy to support you," Bree responded before thinking for a few moments.
"From the time you found me up in the mountains up until now…you've been more of a father to me than my own ever was, us freaks have to stick together don't we?" Bree spoke, Harry looked at her for a moment, before pulling her into an emotional hug.
"I'm sorry again for what I said last night," Harry murmured pulling back from her "And your right we'll be fine as long we stick together..." Harry and Bree watched TV for the next half an hour, before Harry made his way downstairs. He cooked breakfast, placing a warming charm on Teddy's food for when he awoke, made his way over to the lounge, sitting in the couch and switching the news on. Fifteen minutes later Harry's phone rang, looking at the caller ID he saw it was deputy. Hoping there had been a break in the case, a plan starting to form in his mind if he could wrap things up quickly.
"Yeah, Potter here," Harry said after picking up, putting his plater on the table.
"Harry, we got a break in the case, the suspect was picked up at the Salem Portkey station, he was trying to get one to Mexico, but the security detected his transfiguration spells that he used to alter his appearance, and he was detained by security. We're sending a couple of Auror's to pick him up now, they should be back in a couple of hours," Gellel's voice spoke in a hurry, her words almost blurring together.
"Take a breather Gellel, I'll be there in about..." Harry paused looking at his watch seeing it was just after seven, "Be there in about hour and a half, get the interrogation room ready, I want you questioning him by ten thirty,"
"Understood sir, I'll see you soon," she replied before the line went dead. Harry thought for moment, cursing when realised that he would need to find a way to get Teddy to school fast.
"I can take him Harry," Bree replied from behind him making Harry jump off the couch. Placing is hand on his chest, he swiped at her playfully with his other hand, whilst she dodged it and laughed at getting the jump on him once again.
"Merlin Beard, you scared the crap out of me, don't make me put a bell on you..." he told her.
"I dare you to try-Hey!" she exclaimed as Harry drew his wand, making a few movements with his wand, and a bell appeared around her neck, interrupting what she was saying. Bree tried to look angry, but her happiness and awe at seeing more magic broke through.
"Alright you win Harry, now can you take this off?" Bree said laughing slightly as Harry waved his wand making the bell disappear in an instant. She vaulted over the couch landing softly next to him, laying down and placing her feet in his lap. She snagged the remote out of his hands, he attempted to swipe it back but she held it out of his reach.
"Hey, remember I'm doing you favour," she shouted reminding him of the phone call with his deputy.
"Are you sure you're alright with getting Teddy to school?" Harry asked Bree, getting a nod in response.
"Yes Harry, I'm perfectly capable of getting Teddy dressed and ready for school, now get to work, go get the bad guy," she replied to him, causing him to stand and make his way towards the stairs, intent on getting to work.
"Teddy's breakfast is on the table, it's got a warming charm on it…hopefully if I get this case wrapped up, we can head to Seattle and catch a movie, you, me, and Teddy…and I'll try to get Leah too, see if she wants to come," he said as he made his way up the stairs. After showering and dressing quickly Harry hugged Bree goodbye and got in his car. As he made his way towards the highway that would lead away from Forks, a sense of foreboding fell over him; he wasn't sure if it was the still eeriness of the forest or the light mist that hovered over the roads, but he had the sense that something was coming. Shaking these thoughts off, he focused on reviewing his case before he reached the office, intent on closing it as soon as possible.
Reaching work, he swiftly made his way from the underground parking garage, hitting the sequence of button's that would bring him to the Auror headquarters floor. Gellel met him holding two coffees with another man, he was short with thin balding brown hair, with spectacles on his head and a slight gut, he appeared to be in his mid-forties. This was Richard Deeks the Magical District Attorney (or MDA) for Seattle, he had formerly worked in Chicago as an assistant MDA and this would be his first murder case where he would be taking lead as prosecutor.
"Morning Potter," Gellel said passing him a coffee, Harry taking a deep sip as Deeks started to speak.
"We've got him Potter, the teams were able to send his wand ahead for analysis," Richard spoke as Harry started to lead the pair through the bullpen heading to the stairs that lead to his office.
"What did they find?" Harry asked as they reached his door opening it and allowing the pair to enter.
"A couple of curses, several shield charms and finally the diffindo curse," Richard spoke as he took a seat, Gellel filling in another and Harry taking a seat behind his desk. Looking over at his deputy he raised his eyebrow at her.
"What do the forensic geeks say?" Harry asked her. She took out a folder she had under her arm, handing it over the desk to Harry
"Time of the spell matches up," Gellel said as Harry examined the documents. It contained an examination of the wand gathering the last five spells it had used and the time frames in which they were used. They wouldn't be able to do a comparison of the magical signatures found on the body and alleyway to the suspect. Spells leave a distinct trace that could be matched to the caster once they had a sample to compare to, similar to how the mundane conducted their ballistics work.
"How long will it take for the lab rats to make the comparison?" Harry asked, placing the folder down on the desk. The evidence was starting to mount against the suspect, but what they needed to close the case was a confession. Looking at his deputy he decided to veer to her better judgement in this case, her having done most of the leg work.
"Your case, your lead, what's your next move Deputy?" Harry asked, putting Gellel on the spot and causing her to pause for a few moments.
"When he arrives we'll get our magical sample, then we'll put him in an integration room, let him sweat it out, and once we get the results I'll question the suspect," Gellel said outlining the course of action she had decided upon. Harry nodded in agreement; if it had been his case he would have done the same thing.
"Has he asked for council?" Harry asked directing this question to Richard, causing him to nod his head.
"Yeah, he'll be arriving within the hour," the MDA responded causing Harry to sigh.
"I hate lawyers," he said putting his head in his hands causing Gellel to laugh and Deeks to sputter in outrage.
"Present company excluded, of course," Harry said smiling at his MDA. Deeks laughed back good naturedly. Despite their differing outlooks and departments of Law enforcement, a close working relationship was forming between the pair. Harry would never attempt to presume to understand how Deeks did what he did in the courtroom, however Deeks could never attempt to be an Auror either, and they needed each other, two sides to the same coin.
"Alright now with that out of the way, are there any other pressing cases?" Harry questioned the pair, causing Gellel to shake her head, whilst Richard opened up his briefcase.
"D.C sent this over, they officially declared the Seattle disappearances case closed," he said handing over more paperwork for Harry to sign, causing him to sigh and his deputy to laugh at him. He picked a pen up holding it up and pointing it at his deputy.
"Don't make me promote you," he said opening the file and starting to review the contents in the documents.
"No sir," she replied, catching herself as she realised what she said she changed her response,
"Yes sir…wait, what?" she finally finished in confusion causing Harry to laugh at her.
"It involves hours of paperwork and very little field work, still interested in a promotion?" he asked her, raising his eyebrow in question, she shuddered in response, and shook her head at him.
"No thank you sir, I'm good with my current position," she said smiling at her superior. After this the conversation broke up, Gellel exiting the office to await the arrival of the suspect, whilst Richard answered his phone, being informed the suspect's council had arrived. The pair left Harry alone in his office to start filing the necessary warrants and contacting judges to get a warrant for the magical signature. At nine, his deputy informed him that the suspect had arrived with Team 3, they were going to get a sample of his magic if the warrant had come through.
Harry handed the paperwork over to her, getting the warrant faxed through she turned and swiftly left the office intent on getting to work. Harry received a call from the lab just before ten; the magical sample they had taken from the suspect matched both the scorch marks left in the alleyway, and to the diffindo that had been cast to kill the victim. Telling them to send a copy to Gellel, he hung up his phone and rang her. She had already received the paperwork and was about to head into the interrogation room. Telling her he'd like to observe he hung up and walked out of his office, meeting Gellel and Deeks as they exited their office.
The three made their to the door, tucked at the back of room that lead to a hallway containing the mess area, interrogations room and the on-call room for the night shift Aurors. Harry entered the door just before the one that had an Auror standing outside of it. As he entered the room and looked in on the suspect via the two-way mirror, he saw that the suspect talking with his counsel when the door opened and in walked Gellel and Deeks.
They started off reading his rights and making sure he understood them as they were given to him, at which point he nodded. They started off questioning him about the whereabouts the night the murder took place. He quickly said he was at home, sleeping, and when asked if anyone could verify this, he said he was alone for the night. When Gellel asked about his relationship with the victim's wife, he said that they were friends and that was it. Gellel had given him one more chance to change his story before she sat back and allowed Richard to speak.
He started off with what the M.E had found, then he had stated that his wand had been shown to have produced spells as if he had been in a duel. By this point the suspect had truly started to sweat, and was hurriedly whispering with his lawyer. When Deeks had placed the lab comparison of the magical sample, with one's taken from the alley, stating they matched perfectly, he then asked the suspect once more if he wished to change his answer. He had truly started to sweat, eye's darting around the room as if looking for a way out. He had cracked then, starting to sob that it had been an accident and that he hadn't meant to kill anyone.
Deeks had offered him a plea bargain, in return for a full confession and pleading guilty, he would be charged with manslaughter and not murder. By eleven thirty the case had been wrapped up, and Harry, having been cooped up all morning, decided to go and grab lunch from this little coffee shop from around the corner. As he hopped in his car and pulled out of the underground lot, he felt a sense of eyes on him. He stopped before exiting out on the road, checking both ways for either suspicious vehicles or people, seeing no one he pulled out onto the road, arriving at the little café five minutes later.
Pulling up to the curb outside the restaurant he sighed and took out his phone dialling Leah's number. It continued to ring until her voicemail picked up, frustrated he hit the call end button. Getting out of the car quickly, as a light snowfall had started, he dashed into the café. It was a simple layout, a counter directly in front of entry, an elderly lady stood behind it, to the right there was a small arraignment of tables with chairs and two doors marked as bathrooms at the back of the of the room, and large glass window dominated the majority of the opposite side of the wall.
Placing his usual order, he took a seat with his back to the wall of the restaurant, he was able to see the street, the bathrooms and the door to the café, with no way for someone to sneak up on him. The elderly waitress brought over his coffee, and said his meal would be ready in five minutes. Nodding his head at her he picked up the coffee, taking a deep sip, hoping the caffeine would help calm his frayed nerves, he took his phone out of his pocket when he felt the same eye's watching here that were back at the office. Looking out the window caused him to freeze in shock, there outside stood a ghost from Harry's past, Sanguini the vampire, who had assisted him in the Second War.
As Sanguini made his way to the door, Harry's mind flash back to a dark and dingy room filled with incense and smoke that held a small get together being hosted by the then new Potions professor. He had told his trainers that he had better things to do than party whilst Voldemort was out there terrorizing the country, eventually with Hermione's help, he had reluctantly attended the gathering. He had met the century's old vampire there, he never had told Harry exactly how old he was, whilst he had freaked him out at first, Harry spoke with the Vampire during the course of the evening, discovering just how human vampires really are. After Dumbledore died and Harry had been helping co-ordinating the resistance, he had, on a whim, contacted Sanguini after the Volturi had sent messages to both Harry and Voldemort, informing them that their war was a war of magic, and to respectfully keep vampires out of it, as they wished to remain neutral in the conflict.
He had explained the situation to the elder vampire and for reasons that are still unknown to him, he helped gather three covens of vampires to join their cause, and he himself would fight beside Harry. At the conclusion of the war, Sanguini and the surviving members of the coven disappeared; he hadn't seen him in almost six years. As Sanguini made his way over to the table, Harry noted that like all vampires, he hadn't aged a day. Of medium height, he had jet-black straight hair which fell to the shoulders of the designer suit he was wearing, he had aristocratic features and a high cheekbone, a prominent nose, and small thin lips. Harry stood up holding his hand out, but Sanguini simply knocked his hand away and pulled him into a hug which just sent him further into shock.
"Harry, what a surprise," he said leaning back and taking a seat at the table, not even bothering to ask Harry if he could join.
"Same here…especially since we're apparently on a hugging basis now?" Harry asked, the vampire taking a seat across from him.
"Well I was in the area, and I detected your aroma and simply had to catch up," Sanguine replied, a sinister smile on his face.
"Right, you just happened to be in Seattle…where I happened to move to…and just by chance, stumbled upon my scent and followed it here?" Harry asked in a disbelieving voice full of accusations, making the vampire laugh.
"Alright, you obviously travelled all this way…enlighten me," Harry asked, which sent Sanguini launching into his narrative. The Cullen's were a family of vampires, the family consisted of Carlisle, the patriarch, who was valued human life and had found another way to live, explaining that while they had been travelling together his diet consisted of animals. He want to explain that over the centuries he had taken in many unique individuals, adopting them as his sort of children and even finding a mate. He named them the Cullen family, Carlisle, he had already explained, but then he told him of Esme, his mate, their 'children' and the unique gifts some of them had. Alice was able to see the future, Edward was able to read minds, Jasper was able to both feel and manipulate emotions of those around him, and the newest addition Bella, had a natural shield, and he went on to explain the other family members Rosalie and Emmet who whilst didn't have any special powers were apt fighters.
He then went on to explain the treaty they'd made a century earlier, with the local Indian tribe who had the ability to transform into wolfs. He explained that instead of attacking, Carlisle extended a hand in peace and thus an uneasy truce had been made between the two. He explained that the Cullen's had only recently moved back to the Forks area, and that the Quillete tribe, like before, began to transform once again in response to a vampire presence once again being in their territory. As he spoke, the missing pieces fell into place, helped by the information provided by both Sanguini and Bree.
The more he spoke, the more Harry became fascinated by the 'Cullen Family', it was unheard of for a vampire to feed of animals, typically the hunter instinct was too strong to fight, but Carlisle and his family had done it for centuries without harming human life. Sure all the vampire's before they joined the family fed of humans, but they had changed, choosing to instead fight their nature. When Sanguini finished, Harry was giving him a piercing look, trying to figure out his angle and why he had chosen to tell Harry himself; he hadn't even bothered to say goodbye after the war, he had simply vanished.
"Why come all this way to tell me this…what do you want?" Harry asked the vampire, getting laughter in response.
"Well, it's the next piece of news that should interest you, a vampire claims that the newest addition, Bella, has made an immortal child," he replied making Harry st up straighter and lean closer to the vampire.
"Did they?" Harry asked, a deadly tone to his voice; to turn a child into a vampire went against one of the most ancient laws agreed upon by both the Volturi, and the magical worlds. Sanguini shook his head in response to the statement.
"No, it would appear that the legends were correct…a half breed is possible," Sanguini said making Harry gasp in shock. There had rumours of course; about a half vampire-half human wandering about, but they had never been confirmed before, something that unique had to be protected.
"I sense a 'but' coming?" Harry replied, causing the vampire to truly break out into laughter.
"Well, it would seem that someone has told the Volturi, and now they have come to Forks to destroy the child and anyone who gets in their way," Sanguini said to Harry, causing his hear to start to beat in panic. The Volturi were on their way to Forks, and when they arrived there would be bloodshed. 'Teddy...' Harry thought in a panic, what if the Volturi find him, and that's when his heart stopped.
"Tell me the truth now, I know you have sources inside the Volturi…what are they doing?" Harry asked the conniving vampire.
"They're removing their rivals, is the simplest answer. Before, with the unique gifts possessed by some of the Cullen's they were a small threat…but since aligning themselves with their neighbouring tribe of werewolf's they're truly a challenge to their power," Sanguini said, confirming Harry's fears; they weren't just after the Cullen's they were after Leah and her pack too.
"When do they arrive?" Harry asked in a sudden panic causing the vampire to smile and laugh in response.
"They already have…the meeting should be starting within the hour," Sanguini said causing Harry's heart to stop again, Sanguini knowing he had Harry's attention continued, "So, what are you going to do Harry…you can do nothing, and let them all be slaughtered, or you can help them, its decision time."
Harry didn't even hesitate, throwing money down he grabbed Sanguini by the elbow, dragging him out of the store and into the nearest alleyway. Not even thinking, he apparated straight from the alleyway directly into his deputy's office. She looked up, quite shocked from where she sat, the appearance of Harry and an unknown person interrupting her phone call.
"Gellel get every single Auror in here…. and get a Portkey ready, the destination is my house…and hurry the hell up about it, the Volturi are here, and we don't have much time," Harry said to his deputy before he disappeared again, taking with him the unknown. Gellel was frozen for a moment, before she hit a button on her phone. Simultaneously it sent out a code to all Auror's ordering to report instantly to headquarter due to emergency crisis, it activated the PA system as well.
"Gear up people…we've got a class five situation," Gellel's voice could be heard over the popping noise of Auror's returning outside her office in a fury of heartbeats.
LPOV
The days leading up to Friday were stressful, after they had received the phone call, chaos had erupted. It was confirmed that there is a link between Harry and the supernatural world; a centuries old vampire, whom was on their way to Fork's. An argument like no other had broken out between Jake and Leah after that bombshell of a phone call they received. Jake had instantly stated that Leah was not to go near Harry, and that if he contacted her she would not answer any of his calls…at least until they knew more. Leah had fought it until Jake had finally made it a command as the Alpha, forcing his Beta to comply with his orders.
Sanguini had called Thursday morning to get an update on what was going on; the Denali Clan had arrived minus their sister who was with the Volturi. All of the other vampires they had asked for help were still day's away. That night no-one slept, the events and the outcomes playing throughout their minds. Leah had been forced to listen to Jake's order, and was allowing Harry's calls to go to voice mail. When she heard the sadness and confusion grow with each missed call, it was like a stab of physical pain through her heart. Jake was doing the unforgivable; he was forcing a wolf to go against being with their Imprint.
As Thursday dawned it was a frosty morning, an eerie fog clung to the forest floor. Most of the Cullen's, their witnesses, and the wolfs, were loitering around the house and the surrounding grounds, waiting for word from Alice. Leah and Seth sat on the porch, Leah looking at her phone as she saw the Caller ID; Harry was trying to call again, but she was forced by Jake's order so she put the phone down and pushed it away from her, the act causing a tear to fall from her eye. Seth wrapped his arm around his older sibling, allowing her to lean her head against his shoulder.
"It's not right what he's doing Leah," Seth murmured to his sister, making her heart constrict further.
"Then why is he doing this?" Leah moaned out clutching her chest as if in physical pain. Seth just held her tighter to his shoulder. Suddenly Alice walked out the back door, the Cullen's all trailing behind her.
"They're here…it's time to go," she murmured, the shape shifter packs and the vampires starting to gather around the front yard, people forming little groups with their loved ones and packs as the shifters started to change. Suddenly there were entire wolfs bounding around the front yard; the combined strength of Jake and Sam's packs. The Cullen's, the vampires, and wolfs started a procession, walking deeper into the forest, their destination deep in the wilderness away from humans.
Leah's pack, Nessie on Jake's Rusty brown covered shoulders, with Edward and Bella walking close by to them, Leah and Seth trailing at the rear, the rest of the wolfs and Vampire's slightly ahead of them. Suddenly the group broke out of the forest, and a wide clearing coming into place; a light dusting of snow giving a rather vibrant look for the bleak meeting that was about to take place.
There was silence in the clearing for several minutes, nothing could be heard but local wildlife, when suddenly everything went silent and a dark cloaked figure appeared in the mist, followed by another and another and another, until finally there were about forty robed figures standing opposite them in the field that Cullen's had found themselves in. While most were dressed in black robes with matching colours there were three that had hoods of blood red; The Volturi brothers. Aro stood in the centre, his black hair pointing out from beneath the hood, taking the spot to the left was his 'brother,' Caius, and to his right stood Marcus, the same look of apathy that had been etched on his face for eternity.
The wolves around the perimeter started to growl, hackles raised at the age of the scent of decay they were detecting. There was silence in the field for a few moment, before one of the 'brothers' raised his gloved hand.
"Carlisle, I believe we have something to discuss," he said indicating that Carlisle should approach. Slowly he and Esme began to inch forward leaving their protection and entering the perimeter of the Volturi guard. As Leah began to count just how many there, her panic climbing as she took in each figure. She realised they were severely outnumbered, even with the new members joining both Sam and Jake's packs, there just wasn't enough on their side to take everyone.
Leah watched as Carlisle attempted to explain to Aro about Nessie's origins and what she was. This caused all three of the brother's heads snap towards Jake causing him to growl in retaliation.
"Oh this is a treat I must see her," Aro exclaimed in their direction. Slowly Edward, Bella and Jake made their way forwards slowly towards the Volturi. Nessie used her gift to show Aro what she was and how her life had started, his facing taking on a look of awe for several moments. After this was completed Jake, Bella, Edward, and Nessie, slowly started to make their way towards the end of the procession and after a few moments Aro shook off his look, beginning to address Carlisle again.
"That being is incredible," he said a calculating look in his eye, "However there is an issue…well two to be precise," he finished looking at Carlisle holding up his hand.
"The first is simply we have no idea what kind of creature she will be…and as such she will be coming with us," Aro said holding up a hand, before Marcus finally snapped, marching up and pointing at Carlisle.
"Not only that Carlisle, you harbour a 'child of the moon,' and did not report it," he said angrily causing Carlisle to take a few steps away before responding.
"These wolfs are not 'children of the moon-'" Carlisle began before Marcus cut him off once again.
"No these are shape shifters…Dimitri has seen the moon child with his own eyes….you will hand over the beast and the child now…or you will suffer the consequences," he spat out, face etched in anger.
"I don't know what you talking about," Carlisle stated pointing to one of the wolf, "These are the only 'werewolves' we have seen and no other types, and Nessie we can watch her…you can check in on her as she develops," Carlisle spoke, a pleading note to his voice. This was not the way the meeting was supposed to be going; he could tell the guard were preparing to attack.
"Carlisle…my brother has spoken, hand over the child and tell us where the Lycan is...or, well, we don't want to make a mess, but we will if we have to..." Aro spoke, a fake tone of sympathy to his voice. Carlisle looked at him for a moment before he and Esme started to walk back towards their people. They stopped once they had reached the permitters coming to stand beside Sam and several of his wolfs.
"I'm sorry Aro," Carlisle said, a steely resolve coming into his voice, "But if you want a member of my family, you're going to have to go through me," he finished taking up a crouching position causing all the vampire and wolfs around him to do the same. The Volturi retaliated, and for a moment it looked as if the two sides would go to war, when suddenly just as Alice's dream had predicted, a figure appeared with a loud crack, raising a stick and shouting, "Protego!" A wall of blue energy formed around the Volturi cutting them off from the Cullen's and the Packs.
"Oh good...I'm just in time," a voice spoke with a hint of amusement from next to Carlisle, causing everyone to snap their attention to him. They sensed he was a vampire, and Leah couldn't make him out from here, but she was too preoccupied to try; the scent that was coming off the figure infront of her was familiar-'Harry!' she thought in shock causing Edward to snap his head around in shock.
"What…that's Harry?" Edward said, causing the Cullen's and the packs to snap and to take in their new arrival standing between them and the Volturi. As in the vision he wore robes of gold and red, however across their back was a single word in black writing; 'Auror,' his hair was also visible, his black locks sticking out from beneath the robe's hood.
"Oh splendid, some of you know him, this just gets better and better," the figure next to Carlisle replied with an obvious delightfulness and amusement to his tone.
"Auror's, offensive positions around the Volturi, now!" shouted Harry, and suddenly there were another fifteen cracks and around the edge of the shield marking a perimeter around the Volturi, all had robes on and all were holding their sticks menacingly towards them.
"Volturi hear me," Harry spoke, sustaining the shield by holding his wand up "I am Harry James Potter, a member of the DMLE, American Ministry of Magic, you are hereby trespassing on sovereign magical land, state your business and your intent!" Harry finished lowering his shield as he finished speaking. The Volturi brothers shocked faces came into focus, a looked shared by almost everyone that was standing in the field. 'Did he just say American Ministry of Magic?' Leah thought in shock?
"Did…did you just say Harry Potter?" Aro said, a slightly fearful look on his face, one that was shared by the other two 'brothers', "The Harry Potter of England's Second Magical War?"
"Yes…you've trespassed on sovereign magical lands…so I'll 'ask' again…what's your business in my town?" Harry spoke, a deadly tone coming into his voice, causing the Volturi 'brothers' to take a step back in fear, and it was Aro who gathered his wits and took a few hesitant steps towards him.
"Mr Potter, if I could, I would most like to come closer if that is ok…I'm sure we can get this understanding fixed…and you can be about your way," Aro asked Harry, causing him to pause for a moment before indicating to them they could approach, and he himself slowly took a step towards them. As soon as Harry had taken a step towards the Volturi, Leah had attempted to move to intercept him, the instinct to protect her imprint too strong, when Jake ordered her to hold her position, 'We can't break formation and look he's fine…in fact I'd have to say the Volturi look more afraid of him then he does them,' Jake thought to her causing Leah to notice the slight trace of fear coming of the 'brothers'.
"Now, what are you doing here..." Harry demanded, when he stopped just inside the perimeter making Leah's heart race, he was too close to them for her liking.
"We were unaware any wizards resided in this area…and especially no-one of your calibre," Aro said trying to win over Harry, but all he did was causing him to sigh and pinch his nose in obvious irritation.
"The treaties state it clearly! You are to inform the I.C.W., or contact the ministry of magic of any country that has one, when you choose to take you entire guard anywhere…So...I'll ask one, final, time, what the hell are you doing here!" Harry hissed at the Volturi 'brothers', causing them to shrink back in fear.
"We received word there was an immortal child and werewolf's in the area…we were simply enforcing the laws as part of the treaties," Aro spoke, a slight quiver of fear in his voice.
"I hope you're not talking about the shape shifters standing over there," Harry said, pointing to the closest wolf, "Because you and I both know, their shape shifters and not were-folk or Lycans." Here he paused for a moment, a serious look on his face.
"The accusation of the 'immortal child,' is worrying, to that I will agree," he said, agreeing with Aro for a moment, before he turned his head in the direction of the packs and Cullens' and asked, "Where is the child?"
"There…sir?" Carlisle said pointing to Nessie, who was still sitting on top of Jake, he sounded unsure of what exactly was going on, and he wasn't alone in that regard. Magic, DMLE, and Harry, it was all a smack at the centre of this situation. 'Just what the hell was he hiding?' Leah thought, never suspecting it could be something on this scale. Harry slowly started to move towards Jake and Nessie, Bella and Edward slightly tensing where they stood.
"I mean you and her no harm," he said pausing and raising his hands, Leah growled at Jake for threatening Harry, causing him to smile at her, making her jolt in realization. 'He knows it me...' she thought in disbelief, as Harry started to once again make his way over towards them. As he passed by Leah, their eye's met for a moment and suddenly she could hear Harry's voice as if he was speaking; 'Trust me!' he thought to her, as he let his hand graze her grey fur.
He stopped, smiling at both Bella and Edward, before he drew in stick causing Jake to shrink back.
"It's ok…it's my wand I'm just going to do a spell on Nessie, find out what she is," Harry said to Jake in a reassuring tone. Bella stepped forward, hesitating for a moment before deciding to trust Harry.
"You don't have to…you just have to let her touch you," Bella said indicating her daughter. Harry raised an eye brow in question, lowering his wand. As he stepped near Nessie, she reached a hand out and laid it on his cheek, when suddenly a surprised look appeared on both of their faces.
"I'm sorry sweetheart…I have a magic shield over my mind, let me lower it for a sec," Harry said closing his eyes, indicating the child to touch him again. As this was happening, Leah looked over at Edward in confirmation which he gave with a nod of his head; he couldn't hear Harry's thoughts. As the child and man continued to share thoughts, a look of amazement appearing on Harry's face and moments later Nessie lowered her hand breaking the connection.
"That was incredible," Harry said, slowly opening his eyes and looking over at the Volturi.
"This is no immortal child…it is a half-vampire, half-human child…your claim is refuted," he finished slowly walking back towards the Volturi. The fifteen wizards who had been surrounding the Volturi, started to whisper at Harry's declaration; they were just as shocked, they obviously had never heard of it before.
"Given her uniqueness, she will have to be monitored," Harry said, stopping once again in front of the 'brothers', and making the Cullen's and the Pack tense for a moment.
"However, given the fact I have recently moved to town, I see no reason why that cannot happen with her family. I can send you updates on her progress…you have my word," Harry spoke, a creepy smile coming over his face.
"After all…given the fact you forced us to expose ourselves to the Cullen's' and the shifter packs, it would make sense, since they will now all have to be informed of the magical world and its laws, now that their aware there is a wizard in their town…also making them no longer answerable to your laws...but to mine!" Harry spoke, finishing with a tone that offered no room for argument, looking each of the 'brothers' in the eye.
None of the Volturi 'brothers' said anything back; nothing they could say would bring the situation back into their favour.
"We have reports of a Lycan in the area, one of our hunters saw him…what of that creature?" Marcus asked, finally gathering some back bone. Those words were apparently the wrong ones to say, because Harry raised his 'wand' and stuck it directly into his face.
"There is one Lycan," Harry growled to him, an eerie light coming from the end of his wand, "And he is off limits…if I so much as see one of your hunting teams in the area…I will burn you…your brothers, and your entire kingdom down around you, do I make myself clear!" he finished with a tone that said, 'try it, and die!', an eerie wind starting to blow around him and the Volturi. The Volturi had looks of absolute fear on their faces, the situation quickly growing out of their control.
"You…wouldn't…dare..." Marcus was able to muster in what appeared to be bravery, but came out as nothing but fear. Harry stood right up to him, nose to nose and eye to eye, daring him to look away.
"You and your 'brothers' are in power because you are useful…but do not think for a second that makes you anything other than a common bloodsucker in my book…don't you forget it was our people who helped you gain the upper hand and take control from the Romanians centuries ago…we can just as soon as take it away as well..." he spoke in a deadly and threatening voice, as if daring Marcus to make another movement.
The three 'brothers' took several steps back from Harry and started towards their guard. As Harry slowly started to walk backwards towards one of the figures, Leah realised with a start was a women, with red hair dressed in robes, he kept his wand trained on the Volturi the entire time.
"Leave now…and don't come back," Harry said to them for a final time, before one by one the entire Volturi guard vanished into the mists. Harry sighed for a moment, talking with the red-headed woman for a second, before he looked over at Leah, Harry ended the conversation and started to make his way through the shocked Cullen's' and Pack members towards Leah. As he came to stop before Leah in her wolf form he held out his hand and lightly patted her snout.
"I think there's a few things I need to explain, huh?" Harry asked, looking into Leah's eyes with some amusement.
A/N: You guys must hate me a bit for that ending huh? Let me know what you with a review