Chapter Eight

Everyone in the Wizarding world knew that Albus Dumbledore was not a wizard to be trifled with. Although he wore eccentric clothes and at times seemed a bit batty in the way he thought and acted, Dumbledore was still a formidable wizard.

In 1945 he had a legendary duel that lasted for three hours with Gellert Grindelwald, someone who Albus thought of as a friend when they were boys. They had been, up until a battle of wands between the two boys and Albus's brother Aberforth broke out, resulting in the accidental death of Albus's young sister Ariana when she tried to stop the duel between the three of them.

Grindelwald quickly fled the scene, ending his friendship with Albus. They did not see each other again after that, but Albus heard all about the goings on in the world. Grindelwald caused a World War and began to annihilate muggles, earning him the title of being the Darkest Wizard of all time. Public fear in the Wizarding world and in the Muggle world grew and everyone believed that Albus Dumbledore was the only one who could defeat Grindelwald after their shared history.

He had tried to shy away from his old friend and avoid any conflicts, but the stories of what the dark wizard was doing was too much, and Albus Dumbledore could no longer turn a blind eye to what was going on. So in 1945 the three-hour duel became Dumbledore's most famous moment in history, as the story of the incident quickly became one of legend. No-one knew then, that because Dumbledore had won the duel and defeated Grindelwald, sending him to prison, he had also earned the allegiance of the most famous and powerful wand in history, the Elder Wand.

It was because of this famous duel and his coloured past that propelled him to be called the most powerful wizard in the world. He was also the only wizard who Lord Voldemort feared the most.

Dumbledore's reputation was known throughout the Wizarding world, but it did not extend into the vampire world it seemed.

After he had discussed his concerns with Remus and Severus, he immediately sent a letter to Kingsley Shacklebolt asking for a portkey as soon as possible, quickly setting his plans into motion. Apparating to Volterra in Italy would not be possible, the distance was too great for just one apparition, so it meant he would have to apparate three or four times to get there instead. He didn't have the strength or power to travel such a distance by apparition so felt using a portkey was the best option. He also felt he needed all the strength and power that he had in order to face the Volturi. Dumbledore had no doubts that seeing Hermione would be easier said than done, and so he needed to be fully prepared for every situation, as he wasn't prepared to leave Volterra without seeing Hermione first. Of that he would make certain of.

So he arranged a safe place to stay in France courtesy of Lucius Malfoy who had heard about Dumbledore's plans and offered him the use of his French Chateau in Nice. It was on the French coast and close to the border of Italy, which made it easier to reach the town of Volterra where Hermione was staying. His reason for such generosity was because he owed Hermione so much after saving the lives of the Malfoys. He would never forget what she had done for them, and wanted to return some token of kindness in any way that he could.

Once everything was arranged Dumbledore had to wait the three days for the portkey to be made, which would take him straight to the Chateau. Once there he would get some rest, freshen up and get some food, before then apparating to the Palazzi dei Priori, the home of the Volturi.

He had read both Hermione's letters over and over again, knowing that something wasn't right with her. The first one sounded sad but sweet as she spoke about home and missing everyone. She hardly mentioned anything about the Volturi but spoke a lot about the Palazzo.

The second letter sounded erratic, not just in the tone of her words but also in the style of her writing. The letters didn't look like they even came from the same person and that was how he knew she wasn't right. No matter where in the world Hermione Granger was, Hogwarts would always be her home and the people she left behind would always love and care for her.

So that was how he found himself standing here, in front of the Palazzo dei Priori, as he watched the building. From what he could see no-one entered and no-one left the building. It almost looked as though it was empty. But when he cast the locator spell to find Hermione that was where it pointed him too. So if she was there then so too were the rest of the Volturi.

Dumbledore had cast a notice me not spell on himself, so that muggles wouldn't see him and wonder about his choice of bizarre clothing. He also didn't want to draw any attention to the home of the Volturi, as he didn't think they would thank him for that. And so he waited and watched patiently, and when the streets grew quieter because of the midday sun, Dumbledore finally made his move and entered through the doors of the Palazzo, taking him into unfamiliar territory. Although he did not walk in holding his wand, he kept it down his sleeve so that he could access it should anything go wrong. It was always best to be prepared, especially since he had no idea how the Volturi would receive him. He was walking into their world now, where different rules applied. He had to remain respectful, while showing them he was no coward and wouldn't accept no to seeing Hermione as an answer.

He walked slowly and cautiously through the stone hallway, his footsteps echoing against the cold floor. The light was dim and he couldn't see well but he still didn't want to take out his wand in case he appeared hostile. So instead he pulled out a small silver object, almost like a common cigarette lighter, from his robes and clicked it a couple of times turning lights on. This was his deluminator, something he had invented that could turn lights off or on. It was quite a handy little device, especially in times like this. Tucking it back into his robes, he walked further down the corridor listening for any sounds made by the residents who lived here. He could not afford to let his guard down. What would Alastor Moody say if he, the great Albus Dumbledore didn't have constant vigilance?

As he reached the end of the corridor Dumbledore looked both left and right, and to his great relief a woman sat at a large desk typing on a muggle computer. Dumbledore couldn't help but think how extraordinary it was seeing how ancient vampires had incorporated modern technology into their world. The Wizarding world was still far behind modern times lacking in gadgets and gizmos that he himself found truly fascinating. He could understand their world not having electronic technology, for electricity and high levels of magic did not go together. But incorporating such things as ballpoint pens instead of quills, or notebooks and normal paper instead of parchment, he couldn't understand. Heck wizards and witches still dressed as though they were in the olden days, they just didn't seem to want to modernize. And here he was walking into a coven of ancient vampires and the first thing he saw was a computer. How extraordinary indeed, he mused.

Slowly and quietly he walked towards the desk as he studied the woman in front. She didn't look like a vampire for she didn't look up at all when he grew closer to the desk, normally vampires had a wonderful sense of hearing and smell, but she gave no indication of having noticed him at all. Her complexion wasn't like Hermione's or the other vampires that he had seen briefly. This woman's skin was a lovely peach colour. Unfortunately he couldn't see her eyes, as her head was tilted to the other side and she was too busy studying the computer screen.

From his conclusions he guessed that she must be a human, not a vampire. If that was true then he wondered what on earth a human was doing here at the Palazzo working alongside a coven of vampires. Perhaps she didn't know vampires lived here?

Stopping just in front of the desk, when she still hadn't looked up to greet him, he cleared his throat quietly so not to startle her, but loud enough for her to hear. When she did finally notice, her face showed concern as she locked eyes with him and stood up briskly from her black leather chair.

"I'm sorry madam I didn't mean to frighten you, I just wondered if you could provide me with some information." His voice remained calm and steady, as he smiled warmly at her.

Straightening herself up, she glanced around them before picking out a flier and handing it to him.

"I'm sorry but you are a little late for the guided tour around the Palazzo dei Priori. Please take this leaflet and have a look, tomorrow you may come at the appropriate times." She smiled at him, trying to dismiss him at once, but Dumbledore didn't move.

Instead he smiled again then said,

"Ahh I do apologise for the misunderstanding, you see I am no tourist. I am here to see someone very special who resides in the Palazzo."

She gulped audibly, trying not to appear flustered in front of this eccentric old man.

"I'm sorry but no-one resides here in the Palazzo dei Priori it is simply a historical building." Although she spoke in perfect English, she had a thick Italian accent making her voice sound velvety smooth.

Albus Dumbledore smiled sweetly as he slowly entered her mind, garnering the information that he needed. If she knew nothing of the Volturi then he could simply obliviate her mind before going hunting for them himself. But luckily for him, she knew exactly what he wanted to know.

"I think you ought to call your three masters and let them know a guest has arrived, one who will not be leaving until he has had an audience with them. Thank you." He said dismissing her.

She moved over to a small intercom on the wall lifting up the receiver and began to speak in Italian.

"Mi dispiace disturbarla, ma qualcune e qui per vedere I maestri." She paused for a minute to listen to the voice on the other end of the phone before saying, "Non conosco il suo nome." The frustration, at the person on the other end, was evident on her face and in her voice, as she then said, "Non posso, lui dice che non lascera fino a quando non parla con loro." She turned to face Dumbledore, covering the receiver as she said, "One moment please." Then listened intently to the other voice, nodding and agreeing into the phone. She smiled before hanging the receiver up and walked back towards her desk. "Someone will be up very shortly to meet you. Please sit down on one of the chairs and make yourself comfortable." She smiled, before taking her own advice and sitting down in her chair.

He didn't get to move a step before a set of wooden doors next to the desk were flung open and two young looking vampires stepped out. They looked at him briefly before recognition flickered through their eyes.

"I do believe we have met." The male vampire said, while the female vampire glared at the secretary.

"Perhaps you ought to be more informative about who exactly our guests are in future." The young female vampire said, still glaring at the secretary.

"I'm sorry I-" The secretary began to say but was quickly stopped by the female vampire.

"Silence." Jane said, her voice quiet but cold sounding. "What's done is done?" She turned to Dumbledore, her red eyes pinning him with such a venomous look. "Come, we mustn't keep the masters waiting now." With that she turned on her heels and walked the way she had come, the male vampire following closely behind.

As Dumbledore passed the female secretary, he glanced at her worried expression, and couldn't help but shoot her an apologetic look. He wondered what would happen to her now, no doubt she would end up like the other humans who came into contact with the Volturi vampires.

They walked in complete silence, the only sound they made was his feet against the stone floor. The vampires were so silent that if you closed your eyes and listened hard, you still wouldn't even know they were there.

The female seemed to be the one in control, as she stopped suddenly to press a button. The doors opened and the wizard and two vampires stepped inside. A fun little classical tune played, as the elevator descended down two levels, before the door opened again, making a little ding noise.

"Come." The female vampire said and once again both Dumbledore and the male vampire followed behind her. Down here it was much darker than it was upstairs and he couldn't risk pulling out his deluminator while the two vampires were here. So he simply followed behind blindly, until she opened up the large set of double doors.

"Ahh Jane dear and what have you brought us today." Aro's voice said, it was just as sweet and smug as Dumbledore remembered it.

"A wizard I believe." Jane quickly said before she and her brother moved away from their guest, introducing them to the rest of the room.

Dumbledore's gaze locked on with Aro's and he saw the brief panic flash across his face, as he slowly rose to his feet.

"What a surprise you are? Elizabeth did not state our guest was a wizard." Aro said, the anger evident in his voice.

"She will be disposed of appropriately." Felix said with a grin and a respectful bow of his head.

"Good." Aro turned to Chelsea and pointed for her to step forward.

"My dear would you please go and fetch my brother Marcus. I do believe that his presence would be most prudent here."

Chelsea nodded her head before leaving quickly to follow her orders.

"Now pardon my rudeness but what are you doing here in Volterra?" Aro asked, the panic stirring inside of him. He didn't need to know the answer to this question, he knew that the old wizard was here to take his Hermione away. Was the dark wizard here too, was he hiding amongst the shadows. His eyes quickly travelled around the room but he could not see anything unusual. Flicking his gaze back to the old wizard he asked, "Did you come alone?"

Dumbledore noticed the shift in the vampire's eyes and wondered who exactly he was looking for. He himself had taken the time to glance around the room noticing there were three male vampires, and two female vampires, then there were two of the three leaders sitting on the thrones at the front of the room.

"To answer your first question, I do believe the obvious answer to that is I wish to see Hermione. The reason why is I am incredibly concerned about her welfare since coming here." He paused for a moment and pulled out the two letters, which he had already duplicated before coming here. "You see she sent me these two letters, and although she does not say anything so incriminating I can tell that she is deeply affected by something in the second letter. It does not sound like our Hermione."

Aro felt the anger surge inside of him. She was and never would be anyone's Hermione, except his. But he managed to push his feelings aside and concentrate on the letters.

"I was not aware Hermione had written to you. We do not have such things to facilitate the sending of letters here." He grinned at Albus, although the wizard never once flinched. Instead he chuckled lightly

"Ahh but Hermione does. You see the raven she has Dante, can travel long distances with letters. And has been doing that very well during the past few weeks."

Aro had not known about the bird's usefulness and hated the fact Hermione was able to communicate with the wizards back home. Had she contacted her dark wizard, had they been sending love letters while she was here? Once again he had to stop the surge of anger from boiling over.

Caius who had been sitting beside his brother, felt the anger and tension radiating from him. So giving Aro the chance to calm down, he quickly said,

"I can assure you that although it was hard for Hermione to fit in at first, she has quickly settled in well. She has made several friendships over the weeks, and has currently been with Marcus studying and learning all about our ways. That is where my brother is now in fact."

Dumbledore felt reassured by Caius's words, although still wasn't going to leave without seeing her. It did sound like Hermione especially the learning part.

"That is all very well and good but I will not leave here until I have seen her for myself." He said firmly.

"By all means stay all you want, but that's not to say we will allow you to see her. You should remember where you are old man and here in Volterra we make the rules." Caius said. He was always quick to temper when someone appeared to undermine their authority, and always demanded respect from visitors when they stood before the three leaders. Even though he had momentarily forgotten who he was speaking to, the rules still applied to the old wizard regardless of his position in the Wizarding world.

"The last thing I recall was Hermione coming here of her own free will. Which means she isn't held captive and is no prisoner." Dumbledore said, angered by the two Volturi leaders. He appeared to grow taller as his magic began to swirl around him, for he did not take to threats lightly.

"You are quite right in what you say. Hermione is indeed a visitor here not a prisoner. I apologise for my brother's rather abrupt behaviour." A new voice said. "I'm sorry I can't recall your name."

Dumbledore turned to where the voice came from and saw the woman walking back with another male vampire, who he presumed to be Marcus. At least this leader made sense, Dumbledore thought.

"My name is Albus Dumbledore."

Marcus walked towards him, his hands held out as he shook Dumbledore's hand in a respectful greeting.

"Ahh the famous Albus Dumbledore, Hermione thinks very highly of you and has spoken a lot about you to me." He let go of Dumbledore's hands then sat down on his thrown, ignoring the shocked expressions from his two brothers. "My brother was correct, Hermione has had a troubled beginning here in Volterra but she is doing well now. But I see no harm in you meeting with Hermione. I am sure she would love that. Perhaps you could even take her out for a day or two. I think getting her out from behind these walls would do her well."

Dumbledore smiled with satisfaction at Marcus, he liked this vampire and could see that at least one person was looking out for her wellbeing.

"That would be wonderful, I'm sure she will appreciate it."

"Now brother." Aro finally said, feeling angry and annoyed that his brother dared overrule him, especially when it came to Hermione. "I don't think that is such a very good idea. If she goes outside, then think of what will happen if she exposes herself to humans."

Marcus calmly flicked his hand, waving away Aro's fears.

"We have just went over the laws of the Volturi and Hermione is a smart, competent girl she will not risk herself." He reached his hand out and placed it on Aro's shoulder. "Trust her brother. Allow her this little bit of freedom and let her spend time with her friend. She will love you for it later." He gave Aro a quick nod, hidden from everyone else, as his message was passed on to Aro.

Although at first Aro had been angry, he now understood his brothers meaning perfectly. He still didn't like the idea of Hermione leaving Volterra, and being out of his sight. He didn't like the idea of her seeing that dark wizard. But if he stopped her from having this chance, and she found out she would hate him for it. He would never be able to win her if he done that, nor would he be able to earn her trust. Any chance of a future they may have had would be gone in a single instant. Did he really want to risk that?

The other option was him trusting her to come back to them, to him. If he gave her the options to stay or go, and she decided to go with the old wizard, then she would be happy. She would be grateful for that chance, and maybe trust could be established at last between them. Perhaps it could work, he thought. Perhaps if he done this good deed, it would erase his previous error. He just hated the idea of not knowing where she was, who she was with and what she was doing. He was possessive that way and wanted her all to himself.

With a small sigh he had finally reached his decision.

"Very well then we will let you see her and let her decide what she wants to do. She is not a prisoner here as long as she sticks to the laws of the Volturi." He turned his gaze to Chelsea and said, "I'm sorry dear but will you go and retrieve Hermione, but do not tell her the reason why. It's best that this is kept a surprise."

"Of course Master." With that she turned away and left the room.

Dumbledore watched her leave, glad that he would soon see how Hermione was for himself. That was all that mattered to him.

"You never answered my second question." Aro suddenly said, pulling Dumbledore's attention back to himself. "Did you come alone?" He couldn't help but ask him that. He needed to know if the dark wizard was here. He needed to know exactly what he was up against.

"I came alone. Both to Volterra and to where I am currently staying while here." Dumbledore said calmly, without giving away any clues to where he was residing. He didn't trust the leader Aro or his brother Caius, he felt like they were hiding something from him. But for some reason he trusted Marcus, as he gave him no real reason not to.

Relief filled Aro immediately, at least he didn't need to worry about the dark wizard and wondering what they were doing. Picturing them in close intimate positions. He wouldn't have been able to help himself and knew that those kind of thoughts would have driven him mad with jealousy.

"Good." Aro simply said.

Chelsea opened the doors and ushered a confused Hermione inside. When she looked around the room and saw Dumbledore standing, a wide smile broke out on her beautiful pale face as she ran to him. She wanted nothing more than to fling her arms around him and embrace him in a tight bear hug, but had to refrain herself, in case she broke his bones. So instead she stopped in front of him and smiled, before placing her head against his beating heart.

"I can't believe you're here Albus. I've missed you so much." She whispered, listening to the calming beat of his heart, and taking in his familiar scent. He smelled like Hogwarts and like home.

He gently pushed her away slightly, so that he could look at her fully. She was beautiful and her dress sense had changed since he last saw her. So looked stylish and sophisticated and very much like a beautiful woman and not the little girl she once was. She looked incredible and he could see nothing out of sorts with her except for one thing. Her eyes. He was glad that they still held the unusual red and gold colour as before, but they had darkened a little and they looked sad. His fears were confirmed as he looked into their depths, something had happened and he wouldn't leave her until he found out just what that was.

"I've missed you my dear girl. We all have. After Remus and I received your letters I know I had to come and visit you. I hope you don't mind." He smiled gently at her and watched as she shook her head no. Then her eyes darted to the three leaders who were watching them intently.

"I hope you don't mind." She said mostly to Aro, knowing just how dangerous he could be at times.

He grinned at her, clasping his hands and sitting them just under his chin. In Hermione's eyes he looked as though he was up to something and she really didn't like that feeling.

"Actually mia carissima, my brother Marcus here suggested that you might like to leave the walls of Volterra and spend some time with your friend here. Perhaps a day or two." He smiled, although it seemed forced.

Hermione turned her gaze to Marcus and felt herself fill with happiness. It could only have been his idea, for Aro would never let her leave and Caius was strict about where people went. Marcus had done this for her.

"Thank you so much." She said, speaking directly to him. He seemed indifferent about her thanks and simply gave a slight nod of his head. "I really appreciate it." She said letting her gaze travel across Aro and Caius too.

"Perhaps you may want to go and pack a bag or something." Aro said encouragingly.

She laughed and held up her little beaded bag.

"Actually I keep emergency things in here, so I always have everything that I need." She turned to Dumbledore and smiled fondly at him, feeling freedom within her grasp. "I think we should head now." She wanted to add before they change their minds, but refrained. She didn't want to anger Aro and risk losing this chance.

"Take my arm." He said to her before whipping out his wand.

"Before you go." Marcus quickly said, standing up and walking over to Hermione. He looked deep into her eyes, and in them she could see the pleading, the hope. "While you are away please think of what I asked before." He bent forward and kissed her cheek before taking a few steps backwards.

"I will." Hermione said, gently taking Dumbledore's arm.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

She nodded and before they disappeared her gaze travelled over Marcus's shoulder to Aro, who looked saddened by her departure. This must have been hard for him, she thought, not realising just how hard it actually was.

In a blink of eye Dumbledore and Hermione vanished, leaving behind just air and an empty space where their two bodies had been.

"Are you sure that was a wise idea brother?" Caius suddenly said, breaking the silence. "What if she doesn't come back?"

Marcus sighed and turned to face his brothers, knowing that they both wouldn't have liked what he suggested. But for two different reasons of course.

"You cannot keep her here brother, and you both know that her magic would have erupted from her again if she found out. It is better this way believe me. And she will come back. She has formed bonds now, and has reasons to come back." He placed his hand back on Aro's shoulder and smiled slightly. "Hermione is many things and one of those things is that she is loyal to a fault."

Aro wanted to believe him, he wanted to believe that she would come back but he had his doubts.

"What did you ask her?" Aro suddenly said to Marcus, remembering the last words his brother had said to Hermione before she suddenly disappeared. Marcus sighed, and hanging his head down low he said,

"For now that is between me and Hermione. I will tell you when she gives me an answer."

"Marcus?" Aro said cautiously, not liking the fact that he was being kept in the dark about something that was obviously important to Marcus.

"Trust me brother." With that Marcus left the room quickly, before Aro had the chance to touch his hand. It wouldn't do for Aro to read his thoughts regarding the matter. If Hermione agreed to obliviate his memories of Didyme he would do it, just so that he didn't have to live with the pain any longer. He was afraid that if Aro found out he might try to change his mind, after all Didyme was his sister, he had lost family too.

Aro and Caius stood watching Marcus leave. When the door shut behind him, Caius quickly turned to Aro and said,

"Brother I don't know if I like this idea. Hermione should not be out there? What if something happens to her?" He was genuinely concerned about Hermione, she was new to their world and didn't know their ways well enough yet, despite what Marcus had just said. He also wasn't sure if he trusted the wizard to look after her properly. She was important to the Volturi, and more importantly to Aro. Her safety was paramount to them now.

"Do not fear brother I have an idea. Demetri and Felix step over here for a moment." Aro said at once, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Yes master." Demetri said.

"I want you to follow them and watch over Hermione. I want to know where she is, what she's doing, who's she's doing it with. Understand." Aro said firmly. Demetri was there best tracker if anyone could keep an eye on her it was him. And should she get into any trouble then Felix would be there with his strength.

"Perfectly." Demetri answered, although he did not like the fact that he was being sent to spy on someone he considered a friend.

"Master." Jane's quiet voice suddenly said, interrupting the conversation. "Perhaps I may go with Demetri and Felix. Just in case they require my services."

Aro was well aware of the animosity and jealousy between Jane and Hermione. As much as he relied on Jane and her powers, he knew she wouldn't hesitate in hurting Hermione. Despite the fact he knew she could take care of herself and repel Jane's power, he knew Jane would try other means to endanger the woman she saw as a threat. No matter how in awe of Jane he was, he would simply not allow her to hurt his mate.

He chuckled slightly and looked down at her.

"Jane my dear if I wanted them to be tortured then I would send you of course. But I don't, I just want someone to keep an eye on them for me. Your skills are far too important for such a mundane task as that."

She huffed in indignation, despite Aro's attempt at flattery and stepped back without saying another word.

"Leave now and return back when you have the information that I need." Aro said. "And gentleman." He suddenly called out. "Do not fail me." He warned.

With that Demetri got a link for Hermione and set off with Felix following closely behind. It was daylight outside, making their journey dangerous, and the risk of being exposed greater. But they wouldn't fail this task. They couldn't.


Dumbledore and Hermione landed in a beautiful spot surrounded by trees and grass. There were no people or houses close to the Chateau so they had enough privacy for Hermione to stay outside and bask in the openness.

She turned her face up towards the sky and marvelled, as the sunlight gently kissed her skin. How she missed the look and feel of the sun against her, letting it warm up her body. She couldn't feel the rays on her skin as a vampire. But still it was therapeutic none the less and she loved just being outside. There were no walls trapping her. She was free.

Dumbledore smiled warmly as he saw her happy eager face, her whole body seemed to relax at once and he was glad to see her looking like herself. He really had been worried about her but seeing her like this now, his worries were left far behind.

Her skin sparkled like tiny million diamonds and she looked utterly radiant.

"It feels like it's been years since I last saw sunlight." She finally said looking at him. "The Volturi leaders don't let you leave the Palazzo. Not out of badness." She quickly added, not wanting to give Dumbledore the wrong idea. "They do it out of fear and risk of exposure. Secrecy is everything to them, it is the key to their salvation."

Dumbledore was impressed, obviously she had been learning some thing's from Marcus.

"That is understandable especially when you think back about our own secrecy laws." He agreed.

Hermione began to run and climb the trees, letting her body do things that she hadn't done since leaving Hogwarts. She was free to explore and do everything she wanted without the worry of exposing herself. It was liberating. She ran back to Dumbledore and hugged him again.

"Thank you so much for bringing me here. It is beautiful but without sounding ungrateful I need to ask, where are we exactly?"

Dumbledore laughed at her then said,

"We are in France, Nice to be exact. Thanks to your friend Lucius Malfoy." He chuckled when he saw the stunned expression on her face. "He feels like he owes you for what you done for his family. Letting me stay here was a mere token of his gratitude."

Hermione honestly didn't know what to say to that piece of information. She had never done anything for gratitude or thanks, she had done it for the simple fact it was the right thing to do and they deserved a chance to be free.

"Tell him he owes me nothing, I just want them to be happy now that they can." She smiled cheekily at him then said, "But tell him I said thanks for this."

She twirled around, enjoying her freedom so much and took a deep breath of fresh air. She could smell the beautiful scent of the trees, oak and pine, mingled with the smell of the salt sea water. She sniffed again and suddenly caught the scent of something familiar, even though it was weak. She concentrated on that one smell, as it suddenly grew stronger.

Her eyes opened wide and she turned frantically trying to find the source of the smell. Standing outside the Chateau was Remus and it was his wet dog scent that she had caught. Her heart soared at the sight of him, but she remained rooted to the spot suddenly feeling sheepish.

She was still embarrassed by the way she had left and even though she had written to him, to beg his and Dora's forgiveness, seeing him in the flesh made her feel guilty.

He wore a big grin on his face, and looked better than ever as he walked over the grass towards her. Marriage obviously suited him.

"Come and give me a hug blood sucker." He said. At his reassuring words, Hermione smiled broadly at her friend and ran straight into his open arms. She inhaled his scent and clung to him, scared that he was about to disappear at any moment.

"Remus I am so sorry. Please forgive me." She suddenly said, letting tears of joy, and sadness trickle down her cheeks, unable to stop them.

He pulled away from her and held her face in his hands.

"Listen to me Hermione, I was upset at the way you left I'll be honest with you, but I can understand why you did it like that. It takes a brave person to do what you done. We just wish that you didn't have too."

He hugged Hermione again, relieved to see her looking so good.

"The Volturi would never have stopped pursuing me. I can't risk them hurting you. Not after everything." She said quietly. Remus smiled at her and put his hands on her shoulders, so that he could look her straight in the eyes.

"Hermione I know."

She squeezed him again, grateful that he was such a kind and considerate friend.

"What are you doing here?" She asked with a big beaming smile. "I didn't know you were here."

"Neither did I." Dumbledore said joining the two of them. His tone was firm and he looked displeased by Remus's presence. Sensing the Headmasters annoyance, Remus blushed under Dumbledore's glare, before running his hands through his hair nervously.

"Albus I truly am sorry. Believe me when I say I tried to stop it." He said sheepishly.

"Stop what." Dumbledore asked already knowing the who had been watching the two men talking away, suddenly caught another all too familiar smell. It caused her stomach to summersault and her heart to plummet. Looking over Remus's shoulder she saw the tall dark figure looming in the distance.

She moved away from Remus and stared at the dark figure not wanting to believe what she was seeing. Mixed emotions filled her, regret, sadness, elation, anger, sheer joy, as she simply stared in shock, not knowing how she should react or which emotion she should be feeling. Remus and Dumbledore could do nothing but watch and as the dark figure moved towards her, causing her whole body to become rigid.

"Hello Hermione." He said sounding unsure himself. Whatever reaction he was expecting from her, this obviously hadn't been it.

She tried to find her voice but all that came out was a breathy soft whisper, as she spoke only one word.

"Severus."

Ok I used google translate so if it's wrong blame that.

Translation from Italian into English-

* Mi dispiace disturbarla, ma qualcune e qui per vedere I maestri- I'm sorry to bother you, but someone is here to see the masters.

* Non conosco il suo nome- I don't know his name.

* Non posso, lui dice che non lascera fino a quando non parla con loro- I can't, he says he won't leave until he speaks with them.

* Mio carissimo- my dearest.