Chapter Two

The blackened out car transporting the four vampires, perhaps even five as Hermione wasn't at all sure if the driver of the car was also a vampire or not. She would have thought so since one of the laws of the Volturi was to keep their world a secret from humans. It sped down the long and narrow road heading towards Volterra, the place that would now be her home.

Day had long since turned into night and Hermione couldn't actually say what time it was. It felt to her like they had been traveling for so long, but the closer they came to their destination the more nervous she became. She was about to step into the home of a number of powerful vampires and that thought to her was incredibly daunting.

Her gaze flickered over to Aro who sat staring out of the window. She dearly hoped that since he was the leader of the Volturi, and since he was the one who wanted her here that the others would let her be. After the journey she felt like she was beginning to get on with Demetri and Felix as well, but that probably didn't mean much at the moment. They had known the others for a lot longer, they were a coven and a family after all. Who was she really to them? She was a nobody. Just someone who was a bizarre mixture of witch and vampire. Someone who peaked their leader's curiosity. Yes, she was unique in their world but she had no bonds or ties with the others. If this was to be her home she hoped that would change, for her own sake if not for theirs.

As her own thoughts ran rampant through her mind, Aro who had been gazing out of the window barely noticing as the scenery flew by, was also having similar thoughts to Hermione. She was a prize indeed and was more powerful than anything he had ever seen before. He just hadn't seen just how powerful she was yet and in time hoped to explore that more. After all that was one of the reasons why she was here now.

His coven, as impressive as they were, had nothing on her. He knew when he had told the others that she would be joining them, they were not at all happy with this idea. At least some of them weren't like Jane. She felt put out because Hermione was stronger than her and her brother Alec, which had been proven during their little fight at the castle. They had always been Aro's strongest fighters in the coven and his most prized members. They were also the most feared amongst the vampires as everyone knew how they decimated the Romanian coven, making the Volturi gain the power in the vampire world. Now that Hermione was joining them, they felt like they were being replaced in a way. Which they weren't of course. Aro was greedy and selfish and would never give up such talents as there's no matter what. But despite his reassurances, they were unhappy. He knew that Hermione's presence would stir up some unrest, but hopefully when they saw the potential in her like he did, that they would accept her. If they didn't well he wasn't sure what he would do. He couldn't abandon his coven, his family, and he would never give up his leadership for anyone. But her powers and the fact that she could be his mate was to alluring to let go as well. So he hoped that they would all adjust and get on with each other. He wanted it all, including a happy powerful coven.

Demetri and Felix however were more curious and accepting about her and so had been the obvious choice to escort him and Hermione back to Volterra. They were not intimidated or put off by her magic, in fact they were perhaps a little too interested in her. He was no fool and understood the lure of a new female to someone who was mateless. He hadn't told anyone about the connection he shared with her yet, just in case he was wrong, and so couldn't claim her or keep her away from other males in his coven. He did have Sulpicia so in their eyes he was taken. But still he would need to keep an eye on them. Just the thought of her with another male, especially one he knew and saw as family, fanned the flames of jealousy within him.

Hermione gazed out of the window taking in the sights of couples holding hands and embracing lovingly in the moonlight, as they strolled around the streets carefree and happy. Italy seemed to be the place of romance and from what she saw it seemed true. She couldn't see much of the buildings or the famous architecture, and sighed as she realised that she probably wouldn't get to see any of the sights during the day either.

"Why the sigh my dear?" Aro asked from beside her, finally breaking the silence.

Hermione had to admit that she loved the sound of his voice. Severus had a deep silky baritone voice that was sexy as sin. But Aro's voice was so different and sexy nonetheless. It was elegant with a hint of accent and had a soft luring magical lilt to it. He sounded breathy and childlike at times, despite the fact he looked very much like a tall, dark and handsome man. Hermione suddenly scolded herself for her thoughts. She couldn't believe she had just compared the man she loved to Aro. They were totally different and neither one would probably enjoy being compared to the other. Especially not Severus, she could just imagine the snide comment he would have given her at the idea.

"Sorry I was just gazing out of the window thinking how romantic Italy appeared and I just wished I could see some of places in the light of day. Of course I understand that I can't but still, a girl can wish."

Aro felt surprised that she would take such an interest in her new settings but was pleased none the less. She was right though, parts of Italy were indeed beautiful to behold, but because of the risk of exposure the sun had on them, the Volturi rarely ventured outside. Especially not the three leaders.

"I am sorry my dear but you are indeed correct. We do not risk exposure and so hardly leave our home. The only times we do leave are when circumstances require our immediate attention." Such as going to investigate the Cullen's and them making an immortal child. Or going to investigate the witch who was turned into a vampire. Even though he didn't say it out loud, Hermione knew that's what he had been thinking, but she never brought the subject up either. Instead she asked.

"What about hunting, surely you must leave your home to hunt? Otherwise you wouldn't be as healthy looking as you are now?" Hermione would have blushed because the way she said that last part sounded as if she was flirting with him, which she wasn't.

Aro tilted his head back and laughed, the sound sending shivers down Hermione's spine. It sounded like the sweetest most sensual music she had ever heard. He was so open with his smiles and laughter, again she couldn't help but think how unlike Severus he was in that respect.

"I love your inquisitive nature mio caro but we do not hunt in Volterra. It is one of our own rules."

She frowned as she gazed at him, hiding the butterflies in her stomach at the sound of him speaking Italian to her. Maybe he was reverting back to Italian because he was almost home and it's what felt most natural to him. She had to admit, if only to herself, that she liked the way it sounded.

"Is that to protect the coven from exposure as well? You don't hunt where you live in case the villagers find out?"

Aro was impressed by her perceptiveness. She was indeed extremely intelligent as well as beautiful. A dazzling package to behold.

"Again you are correct mio caro. Hunting where we live would be too risky and would draw unwanted attention to us. Long ago the people of Volterra believed that vampires were living amongst them until Saint Marcus killed and purged the city of them. He is still to this day hailed as a hero." He smirked, something that was boyishly charming to slightly concerting and chilling to behold. "Little do they know however."

She caught Demetri and Felix sniggering as well, and so frowned trying to understand why his words were so funny. She replayed what he had said in her mind, then gasped out loud when understanding hit.

"Saint Marcus as in your brother Marcus and one of the other leaders." It was less a question and more a statement. But by the look of giddy pleasure on Aro's face, she knew she had guessed the correct answer.

"Again well done mio ragazza intelligente. You astound me with your assumptions." His eyes were wide and sparkled with joy as he gazed almost in awe at her. For one so young her mind was so quick and sharp. Her logic was flawless and she had a maturity that he had not seen, in such a long time. "He is respected in the human world as the holy priest who helped drive the vampires away. But we believe that legend was started because we do not permit hunting within the walls of Volterra. So you see the rule and legend work harmoniously together." He touched his fingers together, as if in prayer to prove his point.

Hermione frowned at his words then asked,

"So if you don't permit hunting in Volterra then how do you feed? By the colour of your eyes you feed from human blood, not animal blood like the Cullen's." The thought of them feeding from humans did not repulse her like it should have done. After all they had to eat and were the equivalent to carnivores. In the human world she had eaten meat to survive, in her eyes it was all the same. Even though she wasn't repulsed by it, it didn't mean she suddenly wanted to feed from humans. Not after everything she had went through in the Wizarding World as a muggleborn witch.

Aro smirked again but this time the look sent shivers down her spine for an entirely different reason than before. There was no hint of the boyish charm he had displayed earlier, that was gone and was replaced by the smirk of a confident predator. Seeing that look upon Aro's handsome face reminded her of who she was dealing with. This was no normal man or vampire. This was the leader of the vampires. He didn't just become leader for the sake of it, there was something in him that propelled him to rule. Seeing that look was just a reminder of the fearsome predator that he was. At the moment she shrank back from him and hoped he didn't notice, but he was too excited and thrilled by her question to see.

"Mio carissima Hermione, as much as I do enjoy answering your questions and seeing that brilliant mind of yours working. I have to refrain from answering any more for now. When we arrive at Volterra everything you wish to know will be explained and in details by my brothers and I." He smiled again, this time it was that charming boyish smile that seemed to lure you into a false sense of security. "But all I will say on the matter is that the way we feed is a treat indeed." There was a curious glint sparkling in his red eyes, a glint that made Hermione feel unsettled like he was deliberately hiding something from her. Or was being misleading in a way. And judging by the sniggers and laughter coming from Felix and Demetri it sounded as though they knew the secret and were a part of it.

Hermione's hackles were instantly raised, and she got the feeling that whatever it was that they were hiding from her, she probably wouldn't like.

"Now when I first saw you at the Ministry that very fortunate day, I couldn't help but notice that your eyes were a startling gold colour. I take it that was Carlisle's doing? His family are known for their rather unnatural ways." He grimaced at the thought of drinking animal blood. That was one of the reasons why Carlisle had left the Volturi all those years ago. He had tried and failed to convince them that drinking animal blood was the way to go. But the Volturi did not share those beliefs and wouldn't accept this alternative. For them human blood was far more potent and sustaining. Also if they were honest they would admit to enjoying the thrill of the hunt too much as well. Vampires were not meant to be 'vegetarians' and drink that which was weaker, for compared to human blood that's all it was. A weak, poor substitute.

"You are correct; I do drink animal blood but that had nothing to do with Carlisle's influence. I had my own reasons." She said turning her gaze away from Aro's intense look. What was more unnerving to her was the way his eyebrow rose. It was so reminiscent of Severus that she couldn't stand to see that look on him. The man who was not the one she ached for.

"Oh and what pray tell were your reasons then." Aro's voice was soft and soothing, again luring Hermione into a false sense of security. She did not trust any of them, with the exception of the Cullen's, as of yet for she didn't know them well. But the small things Aro did seemed to unnerve her. It was like her body was poised to strike and defend herself at any moment. Around him, she felt like she couldn't let her defences down and was kept on high alert.

"As you know because of my blood status as muggleborn witch, I became a target for the Dark Lord and his followers. If they had the chance they would have killed me." She laughed sardonically as she remembered the battle at the Ministry. "In fact they almost succeeded the night that Sanguini turned me." Her voice became solemn as she thought of the way the Volturi had killed him, right there in front of her. The anger that coursed through her body at the memory shocked the three other vampires who all seemed to feel the magical charge radiate from every part of her body.

Aro was of course pleased and excited by the young woman. But at the same time was nervous of her powers in such a small space as the car. Trying to avert her attention he lay his hand over hers and squeezed slightly. Her skin was so soft and he could feel the flames course through his veins at such a small simple touch.

"Tell us what happened that night." Unable to stand the sensation he quickly removed his hand from hers and smiled politely.

Hermione too had felt the scorching heat throughout her body. And when he pulled away she was relieved at the respite and flexed her hand, half expecting to see a burn mark from where their skin had met. She really needed to get a grip of herself but couldn't shake Alice and Carlisle's words from her mind. Clasping her hands together, she lay them on her lap and hoped that there wouldn't be any more touches from Aro. She really didn't think she could handle more just now. His change of subject was a good thing, and both she and Aro were glad of the change of direction, for different reasons though.

"It is a long story but my friend Harry was given false information and so a group of us were lured into a trap. We were set upon by Death Eaters who attacked us. We were fighting on our own until the Order of the Phoenix arrived. They were the good side by the way. Anyway, I had been fighting one Death Eater called Dolohov and it was only thanks to the fact he had been jinxed into silence that saved my life. He cast a nonverbal spell at me, which weakened it. It badly injured me though as it hit me here." Aro's eyes followed her hand to her chest, just above her odd sounding heart. "I believe he would have succeeded in killing me if it hadn't been a nonverbal spell. These Death Eaters were more powerful and experienced than any of my group were, and yet they still could not kill a group of teenagers." She laughed. "I was unconscious and in pain when Sanguini came and turned me." She smiled almost wistfully.

"How did you feel when you first found out? When you woke up as the immortal that you are?" Aro asked, his own curiosity suddenly peaked. He found himself even more intrigued by her now and was glad of the sudden change in topic. He could use this to his advantage and get to know her better without anyone knowing of his eagerness. She was fascinating to him.

"Honestly when I woke up I knew deep down I wasn't that girl anymore. I remember going through my change, feeling the burning fire ravish my body. But apparently I lay silent on the bed as if I was merely asleep. I remember hearing my heart beating rapidly and thinking I'm going to die. I could hear the crescendo and thought my heart was going to explode, then it began to get slower and slower until it stopped. I felt at peace with myself then and thought I must be dead." She laughed again at how foolish she sounded. "I was dead of course but at the time I began to question why I was still having thoughts, why I could smell and hear things better. Then I heard Dumbledore's heartbeat and got up. I wasn't angry at Sanguini, not then anyway. I sort of felt numb by everything, but seeing the red eyes was a shock at the time. I was quick to accept this new me. The only thing that confused me was the question of who I was. Was I Hermione Granger the brightest witch of her time, or was I simply a vampire? Was it possible for me to be both? I've always been one for questions. I do apologise." She laughed.

Aro smiled and tilted his head to look at her, this beautiful enigma.

"Questions are good. If you don't ask you will never learn, and if you don't learn then you will never grow as a person."

She sighed and looked down at her clasped hands.

"Severus used to be my Professor and he hated the fact I always asked questions. In fact he used to ignore my questions and my answers while in class." It was so strange to think that not long ago she was comparing both Severus and Aro to each other, and now here she was noticing the differences between the two men. She had to remember that they weren't the same. They were totally different.

Aro tried to grit his teeth as she mentioned the dark wizard again. Her constantly thinking of her lost love would not do. And the more she did mention him, the angrier and more jealous he became and it frustrated him to no end because he had no right to feel that way.

"Well I am not him." He said the last word a little too harshly, drawing curious glances from all three of the other passengers.

Straightening her shoulders more she looked into Aro's eyes and boldly said,

"I know you aren't Severus. The pair of you are completely different." Despite the clipped tone of her voice, Aro got the meaning behind her words and again had to stop himself from gritting his teeth at her.

After that remark there was a rather long lull in the conversation, as all four vampires felt the awkwardness after Hermione's words. She didn't mean for them to sound so bitter towards Aro, as it wasn't his fault that she kept likening him and Severus in her mind.

As she gazed out of the window she tilted her head up to look at the moon. It was bright and not quite full tonight. It wouldn't be full for another week at least. She wondered how Remus was doing and hoped that he was well. She still felt so ashamed with herself that she hadn't told him of her plan to leave beforehand and hoped that he would forgive her for this lapse. If Dante her raven was awaiting her in Volterra, Remus would be the first person she would write too. She would make sure of that.

The silence that descended in the car was finally broken by Aro, who had calmed down and was now smiling out into the night.

"Hermione look out of the window and in the distance you will see your new home." His eyes were shining brightly with happiness at the thought of being home once more. Despite the fact he was a predator he liked the safe sanctuary the walls of Volterra provided. And he hoped that one day Hermione would come to feel the same way as he did.

She sat listening to Aro's words and despite the excitement and the fear that she felt at entering this new world, she couldn't tear her eyes away from him. His features seemed to change at once, softening as the wide smile spread across his face. As his eyes lit up with what she could only describe as pride and warmth. From the way he looked it was clear to see that home was where his heart lay and somewhere in the back of Hermione's mind, she wished that he could look at her in that way.

Shaking the sudden thought from her head, she mentally chastised herself for being ridiculous. Of course she didn't want him to look at her that way, she was just feeling like that because she was missing Severus. That's all.

So finally tearing her gaze away from Aro's excited face, she leaned forward, not realising her hair brushed Aro's hand and gazed in the direction he was looking. Despite the fact it was almost pitch black outside, her eyesight was sharp and the sight that greeted her would have caught her breath under different circumstances.

From what she could see Volterra sat proudly on top of a hill, the lights surrounding it illuminated and cast shadows off the buildings making the atmosphere seem almost magical in a way. Hogwarts was beautiful in the night but Volterra, it looked like something else entirely.

"Magnifico wouldn't you say." Aro said softly, his gaze lingering on her face, which was only mere inches away from him. Her soft hair still gently caressed the skin of his hand. Oh how he wanted to run his hands through her hair at that moment and see if it was as soft and silky as he believed it to be.

She was a temptress teasing him with her feminine wiles, without even realising the affect she was having on him. Despite the information he had found out about her and the dark wizard, how he loathed the man without even truly knowing him, she still had this air of perfect innocence about her. He could tell that she was not aware of her beauty, she was humble and beautiful all at the same time, unlike Chelsea and Heidi who used their beauty to influence others thoughts and feelings. Of course that was part of their gifts but still, they knew of the power their beauty wielded and flaunted it provocatively. Hermione was different and refreshing. Also the fact that she had not yet killed a human to feed from made her seem so innocent and naïve as well. As vampires go she seemed so pure and untainted. Would that naivety change once she was living in Volterra he wondered? Probably, because there was no way he or his brothers would allow her to drink animal blood. That was not their way of life here and if she was to live amongst them, she would have to adopt their way. Otherwise there would be consequences.

"Yes it's beautiful and not really what I had imagined Volterra to be like, when I read the books about it." She said honestly sitting back on her seat. She really wished that she could explore and learn about the place she was to call home. Perhaps Aro would let her if it was during the night. "Do you ever leave your home to explore the town?" She asked almost shyly. Hoping that the answer to her question would be yes.

Aro tilted his head to look at Hermione and laughed, not at her but at her curiosity and eagerness.

"How marvellous your questions are mio caro? When we first moved to Volterra my brothers and I explored every part of the town under the cover of darkness. We know every street, every building, every entrance way, and every place to avoid now. So we have no reasons to leave our home. Everything we could possibly need is brought to us." Again there were sniggers from Demetri and Felix but Aro gave no heed to them as he continued on. "The lower members of the Volturi guard venture out occasionally and I'm sure if you were to ask perhaps someone would escort you." He flicked his gaze over to the two vampires then back to Hermione.

Her eyes went wide with excitement at the prospect.

"I would love that." She whispered. "I briefly read up about Volterra while I was still able to and I would love to go and see the Porta all'Arco. From what I read it is the most famous architectural monument from Etruscan Volterra. Also I would be very interested in going to the Balze Cliffs and seeing the views there, apparently they are spectacular."

Demetri laughed and leaned towards her.

"Hermione you do realise that you're not a tourist here. This is going to be your home so you have plenty of time to wander about I'm sure." He smiled, almost looking charming.

"Yes I agree with Demetri." Aro said his voice clipped sounding as he regarded Demetri. "As much as your enthusiasm astounds and pleases me Hermione you still need to remember that you are a vampire and need to remain cautious."

The truth was that he was actually both impressed and excited to see such eagerness in her. Though nothing really about her now came as much of a surprise. She really surpassed all his expectations and it left him feeling smug. What was the Wizarding World's loss, was truly the Volturi's gain.

"Of course I will." She said with a slight determined tilt of her head. "Where is your home situated in Volterra? I mean it can't be easy for a coven of vampires to hide amongst the ancient town. So how are you able to stay out of sight, but still remain out in view?"

Aro grinned at her, a look reminiscent to a Cheshire cat kind of smile. He had used it earlier when Hermione left with him in front of her dark wizard and he was using it again now.

"That is simple Hermione. The entrance to our home is in the building of the Palazzo dei Priori, the town hall which features the clock tower. It is a prominent feature where we live, one out in full view as you so put it." He smiled again. "Little do the humans know however that underneath is the home of a coven of vampires? We roam the Palazzo dei Priori and even offer visitor tours." He smirked knowingly, quirking his eyebrow up. Once again ignoring the sniggers that came from the other two vampires in the car.

Something was definitely going on and even though Hermione didn't know what that was yet, she felt both curious and excited.

The car began to climb up the hill going through narrow winding roads and streets. As they passed by buildings Hermione gazed out and admired the landscape, trying to take her mind off of what was no doubt going to be an awkward meeting.

The driver seemed to know his way about the roads as he weaved in and out through the narrow uphill streets. If Hermione had been a normal human she probably would have been sick by now as she often suffered from travel sickness. Luckily for her and the other passengers she wasn't a normal human anymore.

She watched as the looming silhouette of the Palazzo dei Priori came into view, recognising the shape of the building from the pictures she had seen. It was both wonderful and fascinating that the Volturi's home was deep in the heart of Volterra, in such an ancient building as that. How no-one recognised a coven of vampires was beyond her though. Surely one sight of the pale skinned, red eyed perfect beings would be recognisable to anyone. But obviously not.

"There is a secret passageway for vehicles to go. We do not want to draw attention to people constantly going in and out of such a well visited building at such late hours." Aro cut in just as the car travelled behind the building, going down a ramp into what would be a hidden underground car park.

As soon as the car came to a sudden stop, Demetri and Felix were out so quickly making sure no-one had seen them enter, before closing the thick heavy wooden doors behind them. Once shut Demetri came to Hermione's side of the car while Felix went to Aro's and almost simultaneously opened the doors for them.

Aro stepped out of the car looking around to make sure none of the other guard members had come to greet them, as Felix secured his black and red cloak on once more. He had specifically given them orders to stay away while Hermione arrived so that she could settle in and come meet his brother first, out of respect for the other two co-leaders. After that, he would call for the Volturi guard to gather so that Hermione could meet them all at once. It would be intimidating for her at first seeing so many new faces, but he believed it would be far more intimidating for the guard instead. After all they had seen what she was capable of.

Hermione watched as the door to the driver's side opened and instead of a man dressed as a chauffeur stepping out, a beautiful, short woman, with long flowing brown hair stepped out. She was stunning with an hourglass figure, wearing a tight fitting blue dress.

Aro stepped over to the smiling woman and kissed both her cheeks in an obvious display of friendliness, causing Hermione to feel a frizzle of jealousy.

"Mio caro thank you for coming to escort us home. I do hope you are well?" He enquired smiling broadly at her.

"I am indeed Master it is good to have you all home. And our visitor as well." She smiled looking over Aro's shoulder to Hermione. The curiosity shone brightly in her eyes as she showed no outward signs of malice or fear towards the younger woman. "May I?" She enquired sweetly.

"Of course." Aro said, his smile growing wider as the woman moved away from him towards Hermione. She looked appraisingly at her before kissing each of Hermione's cheeks in a warm greeting.

"Welcome to Volterra signora my name is Chelsea and I will be your escort and will help you to settle in. I am so pleased that you are here." Her smile was warm and looked genuine.

"Thank you Chelsea, my name is Hermione. I'm sorry to say I didn't realise you were driving."

Chelsea laughed and quirked her eyebrow.

"What, you mean a woman?"

At her words Hermione simply smiled sheepishly and nodded causing Chelsea to laugh.

"Believe me when I say that compared to others around here-" She turned a pointed stare towards Demetri and Felix who simply grinned back at her. "I am the safest driver. Come, let me show you to your room?"

Hermione looked at the three vampires but before she could follow the other woman Aro said,

"Chelsea mio caro I will be with my brothers. Once our guest has settled please bring her to our private quarters. And please do make her feel welcome." He smirked that knowing smirk of his again.

"I always do Master." She replied smoothly, her voice sounding like honey.

"Excellent. Shall we then gentleman." Aro said clapping his hands before disappearing away using his vampire speed, as Felix and Demetri gazed at Hermione once more, before following not far behind.

Chelsea linked arms with Hermione, as if they had known each other for years and were the greatest of friends, instead of simply being mere acquaintances if that.

"Where is all of your luggage? I was surprised when neither Felix nor Demetri put anything in the boot." She frowned at the thought. She believed in the world of material things, expensive outfits, shoes and jewellery and believed it was every woman's right to possess such nice things. By the looks of her, Hermione did not share that view otherwise she would have had luggage with her.

Hermione smiled giving Chelsea her own knowing look and holding up her little black beaded bag swinging it gently. She laughed at the look of confusion on the other woman's perfect face.

"Everything that I own is in here?" She said proudly.

Chelsea let out an unladylike snort and looked disapprovingly at the small beaded bag.

"In that tiny little thing I feel sorry for you then."

Hermione laughed and shook her head.

"No you don't understand, I am a witch remember so this bag is charmed."

Chelsea once again quirked an eyebrow and looked at Hermione disbelievingly.

"Sorry but I don't understand what you mean."

Hermione sighed and smiled, enjoying the fact that there were things these powerful vampires didn't know about, and that there were things that they couldn't do but she could. It made her feel more empowered.

"When I unpack it, I promise to explain things fully."

Chelsea grinned and squeezed Hermione's arm tighter.

"Come on then let's go so you can show me."

Hermione barely had time to look around her as Chelsea dragged her away to what would be her new quarters. If she did get the chance to, then either woman may have spotted the solitary figure lurking within the shadows, a jealous scowl etched on their beautiful pale face. Some vampires may have been happy at the new arrival, but this one sure wasn't.

Translations from English into Italian, if they are wrong I apologise as I used google translate lol.

* Mio caro- my dear

* Mio ragazza intelligente- my clever girl

* Mio carissima- my dearest

* Magnifico- magnificen