Chapter Three
After leaving Hermione in the capable hands of Chelsea, who would weave her own form of magic and help settle their guest in, hopefully making her feel welcome and at home. Aro broke away from Demetri and Felix and headed to the private quarters that were used for meetings with his brothers, to discuss important information and private matters, away from the other members. The rest of the Volturi guard were not permitted in these private quarters unless they were specifically asked to by one of the three leaders. And no doubt Marcus and Caius would be there waiting for him now to find out what was happening with their guest.
Aro threw open the heavy wooden double doors of their private quarters that lead into a large spacious office area, which was surrounded in old leather bound books, desks, and files containing information on every member of the Volturi guard and possible future members. Including details of some of the Cullen clan, who Aro hoped would one day join them. This was very much a masculine room with rich dark brown leather and wood furnishings and beautiful original stone walls. To brighten up the room soft creams were blended in, making the room look both elegant and lavish. Original art works adorned the walls and various sculptures featured around the room, making the office feel more comfortable and homely feeling, yet at the same time making it still feel intimidating. This room was obviously of great importance to the three Volturi leaders and the décor reflected that.
The moment Aro saw his brothers he grinned winningly at the two men who had been sitting having a quiet discussion. No doubt about their guest's arrival in Volterra.
"Ahh brother I see you have finally returned to us at last. I take it all is well." Caius asked, barely looking up at Aro from where he sat on the plush sofa.
Aro grinned again and sighed contentedly, shutting the door behind him before clasping his hands together in glee.
"Everything has gone as expected brother. I am a very happy vampire indeed." He smiled smugly moving to sit down next to his two brothers.
"And the girl?" Marcus asked his voice and demeanour looking bored and tired.
Aro sat back against the sofa and crossed one leg over the other elegantly.
"She is here now as she promised. Chelsea is currently welcoming her as we speak." He grinned again, a knowing look on his pale handsome face.
Chelsea was one of the most important members of the Volturi guard and with that status, Aro granted her, her every wish and desire including having her mate Afton, a low level vampire as a member of the guard. It wasn't because she held the power to harm and win battles like Jane and Alec, but because she had the power to manipulate people's relationships and create bonds with others.
Unlike Marcus, who could sense bonds between people, Chelsea had the power to destroy certain bonds and influence newer bonds. She kept the members of the guard loyal to the Volturi, keeping peace and harmony amongst the coven. With Hermione in her care, Aro hoped that Chelsea would bind her to the Volturi and eventually to him, if his assumptions were true. Once Chelsea had Hermione in her grip she would no longer think of the dark wizard back in her old world, or the people she left behind. The Volturi would be her family now.
"You think after what we saw that day the girl will simply bend to Chelsea's will?" Marcus asked dubiously.
Aro's grin faltered at Marcus's words, not because what he said was wrong but because he was correct and that's what worried him. Should she break through Chelsea's power then that could cause him problems.
"I don't see why it wouldn't work brother. When Jane used her power on the girl it affected her then."
"Yes but she was soon able to resist her power and repel it back to Jane. We do not know how she is going to react to those of us who wields a power."
Aro's smile reappeared, as he laid his clasped hands on his lap.
"Ahh brother remember that is the reason why she is here, so that we can gauge her power and see just exactly what she is capable of."
Caius shook his head and looked at Aro seriously. He never once hid the fact that he didn't believe the girl should be at Volterra, in their home. They knew nothing of her or her powers, and so therefore could be dangerous. He couldn't understand why Aro, who believed everyone should follow the laws of their world without question and was strict on this, would break them himself, for this one girl. To him it made no sense.
Aro's vibrant red eyes locked onto his brother, as a frown crossed over his handsome features.
"You doubt me brother." He asked smoothly, not showing the irritation that he felt at having this same argument again with his brother.
"Doubt you brother never." Caius said truthfully. "Doubt her then yes. She is not from our world. She comes from the magical world which is completely different. She does not know our ways and so may have problems conforming to them, for conform she must. How can we expect her just to leave the world which she has lived in to come here?"
Aro chuckled lightly, his eyes never leaving his brothers.
"Careful Caius you almost sound like you like the girl." Although the manner in which he spoke was cheerful, the jealousy that coursed through him at his own words left him feeling bitter, bitter that his brother had taken a curious interest in her also.
"I hardly know the girl Aro, but at the same time I do not trust her and believe she could be dangerous to all of us. I feel like she could expose our world and I don't like her being here. On top of that if she is to be one of us, then she has already broken one of our laws by consorting with a child of the moon." He had a look of disgust as he said that. Caius did not hide the fact that he loathed werewolves and those who befriended them. Not after he was attacked and almost killed by one. Since that day there was a known law in the vampire world that those who consorted with werewolves, there natural enemy, would be punished for this treachery by death. "Do we simply leave her unpunished or do we make an example of her. If the guards see her getting away with it, then who's to say they won't try and break our laws also, thinking they too can get away with it. It is a thin line Aro."
Aro didn't like the way his brother was thinking. Out of the three of them Caius was the one with the higher level of bloodlust. He was the one who enjoyed seeing others punished the most, he was the one who believed in War first think later. And Aro knew that if Caius had his way now, Hermione would be tried and killed for her association with a known werewolf. He did not bring her here to simple kill her for things she had done in the magical world. She didn't know any better and was not aware of the Volturi law at that point. Before he could answer however, Marcus was quick to cut in.
"Caius you are being unreasonable. The girl lived in the magical world, which has completely different laws and views to what we do. She was simply following those laws so cannot be punished by us for that. Now that she is here in Volterra I do agree that she should be taught all about our world and our ways. After all she is a vampire as well and while she is here should be treated as a vampire." Marcus turned weary eyes on Aro and asked, "What do you think Aro? After all she is your new pet project."
Aro did not like the way his brother referred to her as his pet project, she was so much more than that. But he could not tell that to them, not yet anyway. At the same time he would not argue with him about it, since Marcus had just agreed with him and not Caius. He was thankful for Marcus's voice of reason and was glad that he would not have to speak up regarding his true reasons for bringing Hermione here, and betray his own thoughts and feelings on the matter. He couldn't tell them until his suspicious about her being his mate were confirmed or not. The only way for him to know that, was to get to know her better and spend time with her.
"I agree with you brother." He said looking at Marcus. "We cannot hold her past misdeeds against her. Her creator did not follow the law and teach her about our ways and he was punished accordingly. Like Marcus said, she lived in the magical world which is different but now that we have her here, we can teach her, groom her and make her a part of the guard. Imagine what having her powers will do for us."
Caius sighed and stood up so that he could pace back and forth in front of his brothers. Feeling all the more agitated by his brother. Aro was a good leader, there was no denying that fact, but sometimes his judgement was clouded by greed and selfishness when it came to the likes of power. He had seen it all before many times. Turning Jane and Alec when they were only twelve, almost breaking his own law at making immortal children. He had seen the gifts they had and believed they would make a great addition. He had tried to let them grow up as much as possible but when he had heard about their intended execution, he had rushed to save them and turned them. Aro had undoubtedly been right about their gifts and they had quickly become integral to them over the years. Helping them win Wars against the Romanians and the Egyptians giving them rule over all vampires, making them unstoppable. But still that was different.
Hermione was not just a vampire but a witch and her magic was different to the gifts vampires had. Some but not all, if they were lucky, had one special gift making them even more powerful than the average vampire. If every vampire had a special gift then even more trouble and possible Wars would erupt unsettling there world. That was why Aro coveted people with gifts so much. To build a stronger more talented army.
But Hermione's magic was unlike anything they had ever seen before. She could cast different spells, use other people's gifts against them, she had more than one power herself, for he had seen her use some of them with his own eyes. Who knew what else she could do. She could control them, having had so many years' experience as a talented witch. But that wasn't why he was so concerned. In fact he was impressed by just how much control she did seem to have over such powerful magic. No, the problem he had with her was; would they be able to control her? She was dangerous and if she turned against them, she could easily annihilate them. He wanted to trust Aro's judgement again, but feared what the consequences would be if he was wrong.
"Aro you are blinded by her strength and power. What if we cannot control her and she turns against us? What then for we cannot defeat her?"
Aro sighed and began to tap his fingers against his thigh, feeling like he was losing this battle against his brother.
"I am sorry that you doubt me brother. Regardless of what you said before." Aro put his hand up to stop Caius from speaking before continuing on. "But think of it this way. If we left her in the magical world she could have been fine and happy living amongst them. But news about the vampire witch and her gifts would have spread into our world. If we left her then who's to say others like the Romanians wouldn't have coveted her. Who's to say she wouldn't have joined them? Imagine the devastation that could have caused us." Aro stood up and placed his hand onto his brother's shoulder. "She did not join them however; she came to us. Think of what we could do with her here? Think of how much stronger she will make us. With Chelsea's help she will bind Hermione to us and we will have her where we want her, a loyal follower in the guard." Aro grinned and stepped away from Caius, letting him absorb his words.
Caius simply sighed and nodded his head in agreement.
"And if Chelsea can't bind her to us, what then brother?"
Aro looked at Caius solemnly, until Marcus stood to join them.
"Then we build her trust in us and convince her that she is better off here with us. If we can't, then I fear what the alternative will be." Marcus said. "Now I believe Hermione will probably have settled into her new quarters by now, why don't you go and bring her here." Marcus said his tired gaze falling on Caius.
"Very well then." He huffed before turning on his heels, heading out of the door. Leaving Marcus and Aro alone.
Aro went to take a seat but before he could, the normal timid and bored Marcus grabbed him roughly by the arm.
"I hope you know what you are doing brother for all our sakes." He whispered.
Aro looked at Marcus, a faint smile creeping up onto his thin lips.
"I do brother, so do not fear otherwise. I am confident about having Hermione here."
"I know what you see Aro, but the possible mating bond between you and Hermione has not yet been forged, but it could. I can see the possibility of you both coming together. You cannot manipulate her feelings in this matter. She is too strong for that and her feelings are currently bonded elsewhere, which of course you know."
"If there is a possibility then that gives me hope." Aro smiled at his brother's words.
Marcus sighed half-heartedly then said,
"With possibilities there is always hope. But I must warn you Aro go about Hermione in the wrong way and you will fail. You must never forget the fact that she is a witch. She has a special and unique bond with that dark wizard. I saw the strength of it that day and it is powerful, it not will not be easy to break."
"Then how can I strengthen the bond between me and her then?" Aro asked with some trepidation in his voice, not liking what his brother just said.
"As I mentioned before, do not forget her magical roots and do not try and manipulate her. You must let her realise her feelings on her own. Invite her into our world, teach her our ways but do not push the mating bond. Let her feel it and let it grow and manifest itself. It is the only way."
"And if I don't follow this path?" Aro asked. He was naturally not a patient man and hoped that he would not need to wait too long for Hermione. If she was his mate, which he now believed her to be, then he wanted nothing more than to claim her sooner rather than later. Which is why he needed Chelsea's assistance in the matter.
"Then you will lose her completely. The choice is yours brother, so choose well." With that Marcus sat back down on the plush leather sofa, picking up a book he had been studying earlier on. Leaving Aro to contemplate all that was said.
Chelsea had escorted Hermione down a stone staircase into a long corridor with several doorways. Every time she passed a set of doors she would explain who's quarters they were and if they lived alone or with a mate.
"You should feel privileged as Master Aro requested you move next door to him. I think it's so he can keep an eye on his new prize." Chelsea said with a small chuckle, knowing the way in which her Master worked.
Curious Hermione asked,
"Master Aro lives here with his wife as well?"
Chelsea giggled again, her perfect long brown hair flowing in time with the movement.
"No, the Master's wives all live up in the tower with a guard member called Corin."
Hermione thought it strange that everyone except the leaders all lived with their mates. While they lived alone and there mates high up in a tower. Hermione being Hermione let the curiosity get to her as she asked,
"Why do they live up in a tower? Why not down here with their mates?"
Chelsea flicked her gaze down at the newcomer and smiled sadly.
"They used to, all three of them I mean. Until oneday Master Marcus's mate Didyme was killed." She sighed sadly before continuing. "Master Marcus was beyond devastated at the loss of his beloved mate and for a while we actually thought he would become so lost in despair that we might lose him too. So because of that Master's Aro and Caius wanted to make sure their mates were safe. So they got put in the high tower. We never get to see them as they are usually locked up and secured safely. The only times they do emerge from the tower is during court, when they must be present by their husbands side and during erm….private times. You know when they want to have a little fun." She said with a small giggle.
Hermione felt a slight twinge of something in the pit of her stomach at the last part. It was horrible knowing that Aro would be in the room next door to her, making love to his mate. It left her feeling dirty and slightly nauseous. She was unsure why this piece of information should surprise her or have such an effect on her, after all she did know that he was married. But the fact she felt something towards him didn't help her feel any less confused about matters.
Wanting to quickly change the subject Hermione asked,
"Did they ever find out who killed Didyme?"
Chelsea shook her head in the negative.
"Sadly they never did."
"Aren't the two wives unhappy living in the tower all the time?" Hermione asked, again feeling her curiosity peak. She knew that if she, for some reason, had to live locked up in a tower, never leaving except for those two reasons. She would go stir crazy. She couldn't understand how they could possibly live like that. It sounded like her idea of hell.
"They have Corin there, so no they are both happy and content." Chelsea replied. Before Hermione had the chance to ask what she meant by that, they pulled up to a door causing Chelsea to stop abruptly with Hermione nearly crashing into the back of her. "Here we are, your quarters." She opened the door and let Hermione enter first.
The room was so much larger than Hermione had first anticipated. There were no windows in the room, as they were below ground, so there was no natural light. There were original stone walls and the room was furnished with beautiful yellow colours and pristine white, making it feel warm and refreshing. There was a plush sofa in the middle of the room and a large oak desk in the far corner. Numerous tall bookcases stood around the room, some empty and some filled with beautiful old leather bound books. She could actually smell the wonderful aroma of the old books and couldn't wait to peruse them and see what was there. There was a large double wardrobe made from oak and a large matching set of chest of drawers and a vanity table with a lovely matching chair. Since they didn't sleep there wasn't a bed, leaving the room spacious and homely. In front of the leather sofa was an old wooden coffee table with a beautiful vase filled with yellow carnations and daisies. There was a large antique looking fireplace made from white marble and above was a beautiful gold framed mirror. It was both stunning and elegant and Hermione had no problems imagining herself living here.
"This is wonderful." She whispered having to stop herself from going straight over to the books. So instead she went to the large desk and sat her beaded bag down on top.
"You said you were going to show me how you packed everything you owned in here." Chelsea said coming up beside her, with a large excited smile on her face.
She opened up the bag and pointed to it.
"Put your hand in and see what you can feel." Chelsea bit her lower lip, something that Hermione also did when she was nervous, looking at the bag warily. "I promise you it won't bite." Hermione laughed. "Here I'll show you." She put her hand in and pulled out what looked like a tiny cardboard box. Sitting it on the floor she waved her hand over it, causing the box to enlarge.
Chelsea got such a fright she jumped back, all the while never taking her eyes off the box.
"Oh my god what did you just do?" She moved around the box as if it was going to attack her at any moment before taking a wary step backwards.
"I used my magic to make the box bigger." Hermione smiled. Opening the box she found shoes and bags inside and began to empty and put them all away.
"I can't believe all of that came from your tiny little bag." Chelsea exclaimed with wonder.
"Oh don't worry there's more still to come."
"How can there possibly be more. That bag is tiny." Chelsea was still unable to comprehend what she just saw. She had never seen magic like this being used before and it was both thrilling and terrifying to behold.
Once the full box was empty Hermione went back to the small beaded bag and put her whole arm, up to her elbow in it. She began to pull out other small boxes as well as her own vast collection of books, of which she had many.
"Wow that is so cool. Oh I forgot to say the door on the left is the washroom and the door on the right leads to Master Aro's quarters. Although I wouldn't try opening it as it's locked."
Hermione almost dropped the small stack of books she had just picked up at that piece of information. Why on earth would Aro give her the room directly next to his? And more importantly why on earth would he give her the room that had an adjourning door. It didn't make sense to her, but at the same time filled her with a confusing sense of excitement.
Shaking herself from her thoughts she continued to unpack all of her belongings, enlarging the boxes that needed to be enlarged. Putting away all of her books and carefully hanging up all her pieces of clothing. She could have used magic to unpack everything quicker but felt that would simply overwhelm Chelsea too much, if her previous reaction was anything to go by.
Once the bulk of her things were put away in all there right places, she then unpacked all of her personal items. A muggle picture of her as a little girl with her parents eating ice cream. A Wizarding picture of her, Ron and Harry in 1st year. A picture of her with Remus and Dumbledore and finally a picture of Severus, one of him standing in front of his class teaching potions. Dumbledore had given it too her when she told him about her having to leave. It was by far her most prized possession.
Lost in her thoughts while looking down at the picture, her heart clenching at the sight of the man she loved, a piercing scream suddenly tore through her thoughts. Hermione instantly spun around to face Chelsea, cursing herself when she went to pull out her wand and found that it wasn't there.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, the concern clearly etched on her face.
Chelsea pointed to the pictures with one hand, while she covered her gaping mouth with the other.
"The pictures, they move." She almost shrieked.
Hermione looked to where Chelsea was pointing too and relaxed immediately, as she laughed wholeheartedly.
"Is that all? I thought you were being attacked there." She was almost bent over with laughter now, as Chelsea stood straighter, her body rigid and a frown spreading across her beautiful red lips.
"Excuse me for being so concerned at seeing something so unfamiliar." She huffed out.
Hermione was able to stop the bouts of laughter, as she gazed at the put out vampire by her side. Getting on the Volturi's bad side on her very first day wouldn't be the best idea. She mused.
"Oh I'm sorry Chelsea, sometimes I forget that you aren't aware of the magical world. I apologise for being so rude."
Chelsea rolled her eyes and smiled timidly.
"Sorry for overreacting but seeing moving pictures is incredibly weird. Why do they move anyway?"
Hermione could understand that; after all she was a muggleborn witch.
"When I first became a witch and entered the magical world for the first time, I couldn't believe all the things I saw either. So I should have been more understanding there. These are standard wizard pictures, they move and show the moment just as it was captured. So in this picture-" She pointed to the one of her, Ron and Harry. "Me and the boys were waving at the camera." She smiled fondly at the memory. She could remember that day as if it was yesterday.
"So why doesn't that picture move?" Chelsea asked pointing to the one of Hermione and her parents.
Carefully picking the picture up, Hermione gently caressed the faces of her smiling parents lovingly, feeling guilty still that she had asked Severus to obliviate their memories of her.
"This is a standard muggle picture, that's why we don't move in it." Hermione said, again forgetting who exactly she was speaking too.
"What do you mean by muggle?" Chelsea asked curiously. Looking down at the pictures to see if there were any other differences between them.
"Muggle means non magical person."
"Wait I'm confused, if you're a witch how can you possibly be a 'muggle' as well? I'm sorry I don't understand." Chelsea said.
Hermione smiled sympathetically at the other woman, understanding just how confused she must feel. It was at that point she realised she wasn't the only person learning about a different world. They were as well. This thought made Hermione relax a little as she understood the trepidation that the other vampires must be feeling as well. Having someone of the unknown just suddenly entering into not only their world but in their home and their lives also.
"Don't worry it's a lot to take in. I was like that as well. I am not a muggle but my parents are. I am what you would call a muggleborn witch. I was born with magical blood, even though my parents weren't magic. I didn't know I was a witch until I was 11 years old."
Chelsea's eyes widened at that.
"So you were born with magic and didn't know. Wow that's so cool."
"Yeah it was."
Chelsea looked down at the picture of Hermione's parents. Now was a good time she thought. Using her power, she felt how strong the bonds were between Hermione and the people in the pictures. As she moved through each of the faces she tested the strength and found the picture of the man in black to be the strongest of the bonds. As she went to delve deeper into this bond, her power was instantly repelled. The knock of it hitting her, left her feeling momentarily confused and disorientated, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
"What was that?" Hermione said sounding almost breathless, unsure about what just happened herself. One minute they were standing talking, the next thing she knew, it felt like magic was fluttering across her skin and burying into her body. She could feel the emotional ties to everyone in the pictures, the bonds she shared with each of them, as the focus zoomed in on her and Severus. The deepest bond of them all. She could feel the bond being explored further and knew that it must be Chelsea's doing, although Hermione wasn't sure how she could possibly do that. So without thinking she raised her own protective shield and repelled whatever power Chelsea may have.
"I don't know what you're talking about?" Chelsea stuttered backing away from a magical charged Hermione.
"To hell you don't." Hermione replied as she glared at the other woman. She thought that she was beginning to make a friend. She thought someone was genuinely interested in her. But instead she realised that she was sent here to gain information on her.
"It's been a long day Hermione. Why don't you go and freshen up? I will leave you for a while then come back and get you."
Hermione could perform legilimency on the other woman, it would be so easy since Chelsea wouldn't know what it would feel like to have her mind invaded. But she refrained. For now. Instead she stepped away and forced herself to calm down. Getting angry and making a spectacle of herself wouldn't help matters. She also needed to stay calm if she wanted to know what the hell that was.
Carlisle had told her all about the Volturi and their collective powers when he was preparing her for battle, but after everything she had been through since then, she couldn't for the life of her remember what Chelsea's was.
Relaxing her shoulders, she nodded her head in agreement. Noting how that single action caused Chelsea to calm. A small smile forming on her lips.
"Good that's settled then I will come back for you in ten minutes." She walked over to the door quickly, as if she couldn't wait to get out of the room fast enough, but stopped to turn back and look at Hermione. "Please don't go wandering off yet. After you've met everyone I was told to give you the guided tour. We don't want you getting lost in here, it's much bigger than you think." With those words and a weak smile Chelsea left the room, bumping into Caius out in the hall.
"Is our guest ready yet?" He asked, sounding not too pleased about being the errand boy.
Chelsea pulled Caius away from the door and moved to whisper into his ear.
"I need to report to Master Aro now." She simply said.
"What on earth happened in there?" Caius asked, not caring that his voice sounded louder in the echoing hallway.
"Shh not here." She whispered. "She might hear you."
Caius sighed, despite the fact that he was more than interested in what had gotten Chelsea so riled up.
"Very well then, come." He barked out.
With that he marched back the way he came, up the stairs to the next level where the leader's private quarters were. All the while Chelsea's heels tapped along the stone hallway, causing him a small amount of irritation.
"Must you insist on wearing such ridiculously loud shoes?" He hissed out. Taking his annoyance and frustration out on the vampire by his side.
Chelsea huffed at him before saying,
"I'll have you know they aren't just shoes, they are Jimmy Choos."
He looked down at them and frowned, not once breaking his stride.
"And that means what exactly?" He asked.
"Nothing to you, but everything to me. One of the glorious perks of being so loyal to the Volturi." She grinned knowingly. Yes because of her power and Aro's need for it, she was kept in everything she wanted from shoes, bags, clothes and jewellery. It was a definite perk to the job.
"If you say so." Caius huffed out, knowing fully about all the perks she received because of her particular gift.
Entering the room both Aro and Marcus stood up at once, ready to greet the newcomers. Only for disappointment to flash across Aro's face when he saw Hermione was not with them.
"You come alone brother, where is our guest?" He asked with a hint of annoyance tinting his voice.
"I went along to get her, only to see Chelsea leaving her quarters. She requested to see you brother. Apparently she has something to report back to you already." The look he gave Aro was a look that said 'I told you so.' There was trouble afoot already and he didn't like it.
Aro turned his attention from Caius to Chelsea.
"What do you wish to report my dear?"
Chelsea sighed then delved in to tell them the story about what had just happened.
"When I went investigate the bond with that man, I felt like my power had been physically flung back at me. It was so strange. And she knew something had happened although I'm quite certain she didn't know what exactly." She looked at Aro, feeling ashamed at the fact her power did not work. "I don't think I'm going to be able to bind her to you. Her powers are so acute she can sense them. I just don't think they will work."
Aro felt disappointment course through him. This news was not unexpected but still, it would make things a lot harder for him in the meantime. Without Chelsea being able to manipulate her, then she had no ties to the Volturi, which meant she could leave. And he couldn't let that happen, whether she was a mate or not. Her powers were just far too great for them to ignore.
"I knew this would happen brother. We just finished discussing it." Caius snapped out.
"Quiet Caius." Aro scolded, not willing to stand there and be yelled at in front of a guard member. "We did discuss it so now we move on to the next course of action."
"Which is?" Marcus said calmly.
"We win her around without using our gifts. Chelsea go and round up the other guard members. I think it will be good to have a meet and greet of sorts." He grinned. "Maybe tomorrow we can celebrate her coming here by having a feast in her honour." He grinned menacingly.
"So soon Aro, are you sure that is wise?" Marcus asked with caution.
Aro turned to look at his brother and frowned.
"I don't see why not brother. After all isn't that what we done with every other member of the guard."
Marcus gave an exhausted sigh. There was no reasoning with Aro when he was like this. He had told him to be careful and to remember that she was a witch but of course Aro knew best, as always. Despite the fact that he knew this was a mistake, he let Aro continue on with his plans. Maybe he would eventually see the error of his way. Hopefully not before it was too late.
"One more thing Master Aro." Chelsea said before she left to go and gather the others. "She got angry and I swear I felt the whole air around her crackle, I think we should remain wary of her for now. I mean she seems nice enough but still."
Aro smiled with glee, he certainly loved that fire about Hermione. The fact that the magic and power simply radiated from her whole body. It was mesmerising.
"I know I've already been in the presence of her like that. Such a fascinating creature isn't she." Aro grinned remembering her previous outbreak. "Did you tell her where you were my dear?" He asked Chelsea.
"I told her to freshen up and I'll be back for her in ten minutes Master."
"Excellent." He smiled. "Go and gather the others, take them into the dome room then collect Hermione. After all it is rude keeping guests waiting."
With a curt nod of her head Chelsea left the room leaving the three leaders alone together again.
"Do you still think this is such a wise idea brother?" Caius asked, once again unable to mask his doubt.
"I do." Aro simply said ending the matter.
Out in the corridor all was quiet and still. At first appearance it looked empty and unoccupied but against one wall was a slight shimmer. Hermione had heard Chelsea talking to Caius outside of her room and had disillusioned herself then cast a silencing spell to stop them from hearing her heartbeat, before following them. She had heard everything that was said and felt the anger build up inside of her. From what she could gather, Chelsea's power was to feel out people's emotional bonds and manipulate them. She was going to bind her to the Volturi and make her loyal. After this little stunt Hermione was even more determined that the only person she would be loyal too was herself.
With that in mind she headed back to her room to freshen up and change her clothes. If Aro enjoyed seeing her crackle in anger so much, he would soon be delighted, she mused. Entering her quarters, she closed the door silently behind her.
