Chapter Eighteen
Aro had been watching Hermione and Marcus dance and talk with ease, with the feeling of jealousy threatening to overwhelm him. Despite the fact that Sulpicia, his own wife, was currently in his arms at the moment.
He watched as Hermione stopped dancing suddenly, her gaze pinned onto something or rather someone, as Aro soon found out, to the other side of the room. He let his gaze drift over to where she was looking and smiled when he saw Alice Cullen standing there with some of her family members.
Normally he would have only invited the leaders of each coven, but he knew how much Hermione missed Alice and the rest of the Cullen's and so made a couple of exceptions. He knew seeing them would make her happy, and if Hermione was happy then so too was he.
He looked back at her just as Marcus bent his head to kiss her cheek, as she gazed up into his face rewarding him with a bright smile, before she headed off to talk to the Cullen's. The jealousy almost became too much then, but he found that he couldn't focus on that at the moment, for something even more curious happened instead.
As Hermione joined the Cullen's she spoke to each of them but when she and Alice stopped to speak, the tension between them was obvious. Something he had not expected. He had been sure they would have been happy to see one another after being apart for so wrong.
Letting his curiosity win, he bent his head down and whispered,
"Sorry my sweet I must cut our dance short. Something has come up."
Sulpicia tried not to let her disappointment show, so simply smiled at her husband.
"Will you be long beloved?" She asked hesitantly, wondering what on earth could have come up while they were in the middle of dancing.
He looked at her, trying to hide his own annoyance at being delayed. He wanted to know what was going on with Hermione and he wanted to know now.
"I'm not sure how long I'll be. But go and enjoy yourself, I will find you when I'm finished." He brought Sulpicia's hand up to his lips and lay a kiss on her unblemished hand, before walking away from her to find Hermione.
He did not go to her straight away, instead he mingled into the crowd and simply observed the two women's interactions. It was obvious that something had happened between them, he just wanted to know what.
His eyes widened in surprise as Alice said something and Hermione quickly pulled her to the side, whispering something that he couldn't hear. His curiosity grew even more at that, and so he moved up behind them. Alice was the first to see him as her gaze moved over Hermione's shoulder to him. She stiffened instantly and said,
"Hermione."
Hermione who was oblivious to his presence simply said,
"Alice no, I will not tell the Volturi, especially not Aro about the vision. They have enough to think about at the moment. And that's final."
At her words Aro tensed as sudden annoyance coursed through him. Hermione had had another vision but didn't tell him or anyone else in the Volturi. It was obviously important, otherwise she and Alice wouldn't be arguing about it now. So with that he wondered what it was she could possibly be hiding.
"Tell me about what vision exactly." He asked stopping directly behind Hermione. Unable to take his eyes off of her, he studied her body language, taking in every little detail. From the way her shoulders sagged slightly in defeat to the audible sigh that escaped.
Whatever the vision she had was, she obviously had no intention of discussing it, especially not with him.
"Well." Aro said as silence descended onto the small group.
Hermione still hadn't turned around to face him, as she couldn't tell him about what she saw. She just couldn't.
"Hermione tell him please." Alice begged. Hermione could only respond by shaking her head slowly, causing Alice to sigh in frustration. She knew this was hard for her friend but something had to be done, and although she didn't like Aro after what he had put her family through, she knew that he was Hermione's best chance. With a new resolve she looked Hermione defiantly in the eyes and said, "If you won't tell him then I will."
Hermione sighed again knowing that she was losing this battle with Alice. Aro had overheard their discussion and knew that something was wrong, and Alice wouldn't stop until he had heard everything. There was no way she could hide it from him now.
"Alice enough." Carlisle said, stepping between the two women. He looked at Hermione and put a hand reassuringly on her shoulder. "I know this is hard for you, but Alice is right. Aro and the Volturi need to know Hermione."
Aro felt anger surge through him as they spoke as if he wasn't there. He could feel the worry pulsate from his mate and that did not sit well with him, for she was a fearless warrior and afraid of very little. If the vision had Hermione and the Cullen's worried, then obviously it was something much worse than he originally feared.
"I suggest that one of you start talking now and tell me what is wrong before I call the full guard for a meeting." Aro said, unable to hide his frustration and anger any longer.
For the first time since he had come over to them, Hermione turned quickly to face him, her beautiful eyes wide with worry and concern. Something inside of his chest clenched then at seeing that look on her face. And he had to fight the sudden urge to pull her into his arms and not let go, feeling the overwhelming need to protect and care for her. He had never felt this way before, ever, not even with Sulpicia, and he found that it both excited him and unnerved him.
"Aro please don't. I will tell you everything I promise, but not here and not now." She said, as her worried gaze wandered around the room to Marcus, Caius and the rest of the guards. They all looked like they were having fun and she didn't want to be the one who ruined that, then she turned her gaze back to Aro pleading with him.
He was watching her with quiet contemplation trying to control his annoyance. If the vision was as bad as they were making it out to be then she was right, this was not the place to discuss it. But at the same time if it was that bad then he needed to know what it was sooner rather than later. With that his decision was made.
"Very well then Hermione, we shall head to the shared quarters now and discuss things there."
Her eyes widened even more in surprise as she said,
"We can't talk now, what about the ball and all of your guests. You simply can't leave them." She hoped that reminding him of where he was and what he was supposed to be doing, would change his mind. But unfortunately for her it didn't.
"They can wait; this is more important." He replied, unable to hide his concern and his feelings for her from his voice.
Carlisle and Alice heard the softer tone of his voice and looked at each other with curious wonder. Never had they ever expected to see Aro Volturi care about anyone more than himself. It was unnerving to say the least.
He suddenly turned to Carlisle and said,
"You and Alice can come with us. I will go and speak to my brothers first and tell them to keep an eye on things." With that he turned his attention back to Hermione and gently touched the soft skin of her arm. This simple gesture sent bolts of electricity rippling through his body, and although he wanted to give in to the sensations that she provoked in him, now was not the time. "You take Carlisle and Alice to my shared quarters, I will be with you all momentarily. Whatever the problem is we will get it sorted."
Hermione felt her throat constrict at his words, as his thoughtful consideration was enough to bring her small pity party to an end. The reason why she had certain visions in the first place was so that she could prepare and change that possible outcome, like the one she had of defeating Voldemort, about the Volturi coming, the battle with the wolves and now this. If those visions could be changed then so could this one. Aro was right, they would find a way to sort things, and if not then she would deal with that when the time came.
"Thank you, you're right." She squeezed his hand back in return then looked towards Carlisle and Alice. "So are you both. I'm so sorry guys, I thought not saying anything would be better for everyone. I was wrong. I need your help." She whispered.
Alice rolled her eyes and smiled.
"Of course you do silly that's why we're here. We care about you, you know." Alice said pulling her into a long hug.
Hermione smiled into her friend's shoulder and laughed, feeling like a weight had just been lifted from her.
"The feelings mutual." She replied back.
Aro who had been watching the whole thing suddenly interrupted the moment.
"Well now that, that is out of the way. Shall we, before we use up any more time."
Alice and Hermione turned to him and nodded in agreement.
"Yeah sorry." Hermione replied a small smile curving her lips.
"Good." With that Aro turned and walked towards Marcus who was standing with a group of people, laughing and joking with them. The sight was one in which he had not seen in years, and never thought he would again.
"Brother may I have a quick moment of your time please." He said drawing Marcus away from the group he had been chatting with.
"Of course." Marcus replied noting the concerned expression on his brother's normally stoic face. "Whatever is the matter brother?" He asked as soon as they were out of earshot from the others.
"Something, although I cannot tell you what just yet, has just come up. I need to go for a small meeting so I need you and Caius to keep an eye on things while I am gone."
Marcus looked at him, his face full of worry.
"Aro is everything alright?" He asked, looking around for anyone who was trying to listen in. "Where is Hermione?" He said noticing her absence at once.
Aro glared at him, feeling his possessiveness towards Hermione rise at his brother's words.
"She has gone with Alice and Carlisle." He replied tersely. "As for your first question, that's what I intend to find out." He went to walk away but Marcus quickly stopped him, by placing his hand on Aro's arm.
"What is going on, if it has something to do with Hermione then I must know." He replied, trying to keep his voice at nothing more than a whisper.
Aro moved his arm away at once and frowned at his brother.
"Why? Why must you know brother? What has Hermione, my mate-" He hissed out. "Got to do with you?"
Marcus frowned at Aro's tone, trying to understand just what it was he was trying to imply, when sudden realisation dawned on him. He laughed in Aro's face and shook his head.
"You think I have romantic feelings for her. Oh brother you are sorely mistaken there."
Aro did not like being laughed at, especially not to his face by someone who he both trusted and respected.
"Then tell me which part I have wrong because I am not the only one to think that."
Marcus looked around, noticing that they were beginning to draw some attention from the rest of the room.
"We should not discuss it here Aro, as we are causing somewhat of a scene. But believe me when I say that my feelings for her are not romantic. They are of the paternal nature. As I said before however, I will explain things to you later."
Aro's eyebrow rose in curiosity as he said,
"Paternal."
Marcus nodded his head and chuckled lightly.
"Yes. Now go to your meeting and try not to be too long. People will begin to wonder where you've gone otherwise."
Aro nodded before walking off, feeling somewhat reassured by Marcus's words. So whatever was going on between his brother and his mate wasn't of a romantic nature. All that jealousy he had been feeling earlier was therefore foolish and unnecessary. He should have trusted them but he hadn't, instead he came up with the wrong conclusion. Marcus had said that his feelings towards Hermione were of a paternal nature, meaning he saw himself as a father figure not a potential lover.
Despite his earlier feelings, this news pleased him immensely. It meant that Hermione now had a strong bond towards the Volturi, which meant she would hopefully be less inclined to leave the guard and Volterra, and more importantly him. He could perhaps use this bond to his advantage if necessary.
Yes, perhaps this was a good thing after all. He smiled smugly as he made his way towards the private quarters he and his brothers shared, where Hermione and the two Cullen's would be waiting for him. As he reached the door to the quarters he quickly masked his features, hiding the smile from his face. Now was not the time to gloat, he could do that after he found out what was causing all this tension.
Stepping into the room, he saw Alice and Hermione standing talking quietly to one another, while Carlisle stood apart from them, giving the two women a private moment together.
Closing the door behind him, Aro turned his attention to his mate, to his Goddess and quietly said,
"Now mio caro, care to explain what this vision was all about?"
Her body tensed as she turned her attention to him. She tried to speak but for some reason found that the words did not come. How could she explain to him exactly what she saw, how could she explain that in detail and out loud? Then she knew that the only way for her to explain the vision, was for her to show him instead, and seeing that vision again made her feel sick. It was bad enough that she was already haunted by the thought of it, never mind having to replay it over again.
"I can't do it." She whispered to no-one in particular, as she turned her back to the room and leaned against the table for support.
Alice placed her hand gently on Hermione's shoulder in understanding before turning to Aro.
"I'll show you." She whispered.
"Very well then." Aro replied taking his brown leather gloves off and holding out his hands to Alice. She looked from her friends back to Carlisle's face who simply nodded his head and smiled reassuringly at her.
"Go ahead." He said encouragingly.
With a small sigh Alice closed the distance between her and Aro and took his hands in hers. He closed his eyes and began to use his powers on her, as she brought the vision to the forefront of her mind and let Aro see Hermione's death in every little detail.
When he had saw everything, he let go of Alice's hands as if he had just been burned, and gasped out loud before turning his gaze to Hermione, who still stood with her back to them. Her hands gripping on to the edge of the table tightly.
She squeezed her eyes shut at the sound of the pained noise that she heard come from him, knowing that Alice had showed him it. She couldn't turn to look at him for she didn't want to see the expression on his face, or on Alice or Carlisle's for that matter. She would prefer him to be angry at her for keeping such a thing to herself, not the look of sympathy that she would surely see on all of their faces.
"Alice and Carlisle please leave us now." Aro simply said, still not taking his eyes from Hermione's back.
Alice and Carlisle turned to look at each other, before they moved out of the room.
"Hermione should you need us; you know where we are." Carlisle said, with one last look at them both before he ushered a reluctant Alice out of the room.
"Thanks." She whispered, just as the door closed behind her and Aro.
"Why didn't you tell me about the vision?" Aro asked, feeling a wide range of emotions course through him at once.
Hermione sighed before saying,
"I didn't want the vision to distract anyone. The guard have to be focused on the fight not on me." She said truthfully.
"No, I asked why didn't you tell me." He said, trying not to let his emotions affect him too much, but failing as he slapped his hand against the leather couch in anger. "Do I not have the right to know that my mate is going to die, trying to save my coven?" Saying the words out loud made things seem so real now, to both of them.
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut again, this was what she was trying to avoid happening. Aro needed to be focused on the War not her, so she had to push him away.
"You are not my mate Aro so stop saying that. I am just another vampire with attractive powers to you. That's all." Even as she spoke, the pull she felt towards him pulsated around them.
He moved over to her so quickly, surprising her, when she felt his hands go to her waist.
"Look at me." He said, but when she didn't move or acknowledge him, he turned her to face him himself, and tilted her head up slightly. "I said look at me." He commanded this time.
She opened her eyes and gazed up at him, as he pressed the front of his body against hers, while her back was pushed up against the table. He had her wrists pinned by her side as he gazed down at her, with a fearsome look burning deep within his eyes.
To Hermione, he had never seemed more beautiful to her than he was at that moment. And never had her body wanted to respond to someone's touch, as much as it wanted to now. It seemed like the whole of her body, from her toes to the ends of her hair, was burning with passion and desire for him.
"Despite the fact that you have yet to admit what we share, that you are too scared and too much of a coward." He said adding more pressure to her wrists than he intended. "Doesn't mean that I am."
She glared at him but did not try and remove herself from his grip.
"I am neither scared nor a coward." She replied defiantly, tilting her head up to him.
"If you think that I am going to let you die then you are very much mistaken Hermione." His voice had softened slightly as he said this, but his eyes were still hard and full of a determined fire.
"You need to focus on the guard not me." Hermione said, letting her body push itself involuntary against his more.
He broke eye contact for a moment, trying to bring himself under control but failed.
"Hermione." He whispered, the word full of pain and anguish. "I have waited my whole existence for you to come along, never thinking or believing for a moment that you ever would." He knew that he was being weak by opening up to her in this way, but he couldn't stop himself. He needed her to know how he felt, he needed her to know just how much he felt. "I cannot let you go to War knowing what will happen. I cannot lose you, not now that I finally have you." He bent his head and lay his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. Savouring the sweet intoxicating scent of her, and relishing in the unique sound of her heart beating.
It was funny, he never really paid much attention to the sound her heart made, but listening to it now, he focused on the steady rhythm, realising for the first time, that no matter what situation she was in, her heartbeat never quickened or slowed down, it simply continued to stay in the same steady rhythm. Letting go of one of her wrists he lay the palm of his hand against her breast, above her heart, and simply concentrated on the feel of it beating against him. It was truly remarkable.
Hermione savoured every moment with him, and every touch he made, knowing she could not give him what he wanted. If she didn't admit to being his mate, then perhaps if she did die, he would not grieve the way that Marcus had for Didyme. She did not want him to waste his life surrounded in darkness, not over her. And not if she could prevent it.
Fighting against her instincts and her wants, she reached up and gently caressed his cheek, moving his head so that she could look into his eyes.
"Aro how can you lose what you never had to begin with?" She asked, in little more than a breathy whisper.
He removed his hand from her chest and placed it on top of hers, before nuzzling his nose against her skin. He kissed her wrist gently and lovingly, before moving his lips against her palm, enjoying every last detail of her.
Hermione watched in surprise as Aro pulled her hand away slightly, before he kissed each of her fingers slowly and methodically, as both of their resolve melted away, until nothing but fire and passion consumed them. Very slowly he dropped her hand letting it fall back to her side, before cupping her face gently, and gazed longingly down at her.
Hermione wanted to stop what she knew was about to happen, but instead found that only one word escaped, and that was his name. Having all the encouragement that he needed Aro slowly brought his lips to hers, gently at first, as she tentatively responded back to his kiss. Hermione's body slowly melted into his, and she moaned with delight, as the kiss quickly grew.
The sound she made was like music to Aro's ears and he delighted in the noise that he had invoked from her. Slowly he moved his hand up her back to the nape of her neck, and tilted her head slightly, as he kissed his way from her mouth to her throat down to her shoulder, the place where he wanted to lay his mark, but not before she admitted the truth.
Pulling away from her, he smiled in delight, at her little moan of protest, as she pressed her body into his further. Looking into her eyes he noticed how they had darkened in passion and in hunger for him.
"Hermione tell me that you're mine. Tell me that I am your mate." At his words she shook her head no, so at her reluctance he bent his head down once more, and kissed her again. This time harder and more urgent. It didn't take Hermione long to melt against him, and at the contact it was Aro who moaned in pleasure.
Unable to stop himself he picked her up and placed her on top of the table, moving so that his body was now between her legs, the place where he belonged.
All sense and reason had left, as only want and need fueled her now. Lost in the moment Hermione moved her arms, wrapping them around Aro's neck, and pulling him closer to her as she kissed him back with an all-consuming hunger.
"Aro please." She whispered, as he wrapped her soft hair around his fingers.
He sighed into her mouth and reluctantly pulled away from her, but she didn't want to let him go.
"Hermione, as much as I want to continue this, we can't." He said much to both of their surprise. "Haven't you realised yet what you mean to me." He kissed her lips once more, gentle and slow, as he moved away from her. "I will not treat you like you are less than what you are." He admitted. He had dalliances in the past that were meaningless to him, with women that did not matter. He did not want Hermione, his mate to be turned into one of those dalliances. "I want so much more than this, but first I need you to say it." He whispered against her earlobe causing her to shudder. "Say it Hermione." He then moved to kiss the shell of her ear and her neck. "Tell me that I am your mate. That you want and need me."
It was Hermione's turn to pull away from him, as she let her gaze fall to his face.
"Aro I-" The words he so wanted to hear, were almost spoken but she stopped herself in time, as she gazed at him in curiosity. "Do you love me?" She asked him suddenly.
He looked down at her and frowned, not expecting her to ask such a question.
Pushing him away gently she moved from the table and away from him, but never once did she remove her gaze from his face.
"I asked, do you love me? Everything that you are saying now, is that just because of this connection we have. Or are you saying it because you love me?" She folded her arms across her chest as she looked at him, waiting on an answer.
"Why are you asking this? The connection we have, the fact that we are mates is greater than love. It is an eternal bond, something that is so precious in our world. Love is nothing in comparison to that." He made a step towards her but she moved back stopping him from going any further.
The truth of the matter was that he had never really given it any thought before. He certainly felt something for her, he wanted to care for her and protect her, he was attracted to her, and every thought he possessed was about her. He had loved only one other person before and that was Sulpicia, but what he had felt for her then, was so much different than what he felt for Hermione now. But he simply put that down to the mating bond, for nothing was as important than that.
Now as he stared at the woman he wanted, the woman who he was destined to be with, he asked himself that same question.
Was he in love with Hermione? The honest answer was that he didn't know.
With a sigh he looked away from her piercing gaze, and Hermione took that small action as all the answer that she needed. It hurt her more than she would ever care to admit, knowing that he did not love her. Knowing that the reason he said those things was because of the connection they shared. If they didn't have that, then would he still be saying those things to her now? Somehow she doubted it. But the truth was she did not love him yet either, although over the past little while she was beginning to feel something for him. Despite trying everything not to.
Trying not to cry in front of him, she moved towards the door, not letting herself look at him, for fear the tears would fall.
He took her hand in his and pulled her into his arms, holding her to him, despite her protests. He couldn't let her leave, not like that, not when things had been going so well between them.
"Hermione." He whispered soothingly, kissing her soft curls, then doing the same to each of her eyelids, where tears ran down her soft cheeks. She closed her eyes, not wanting him to see her look so weak and vulnerable. But at that moment he didn't care. "Just because I can't say it yet, doesn't mean I won't. We have only just begun the first chapter of our lives together. You are mine, just as must as I am yours. Nothing will change that."
She looked up at him and cupped his cheek,
"Time will." She said sadly.
He pulled her in closer and kissed her forehead, knowing the meaning behind her words instantly.
"No I won't allow it." Wrapping his arms around her, doing the one thing he had wanted to do all night, he held her tightly against him and refused to let her go. He would keep her safe no matter what. "You will not fight with us Hermione. You will stay here where you will be kept safe."
She frowned and looked up at him.
"I won't stay here and let you all do the fighting. That is not what you promised those people out there." She said.
He inhaled the sweet scent of her hair and shook his head, trying to dismiss her words.
"I don't care. I will keep you safe."
Hermione sighed and lay her head against his chest, letting him hold her the way she so wanted to be held.
"You can't do that Aro. You need me if you want to win and you have a duty to your people."
"I have Jane and Alec to help win Hermione. I need you safe and alive."
She stood on tiptoe and kissed his jaw, then his mouth, slowly and a little unsure.
"You need to be their leader Aro. You need to lead them into battle. And I need to be at your side. We both know that these visions can change, the future is not set in stone."
He looked down at her, and felt something inside of him melt away.
"I won't lose you."
This time all she said in return was,
"You won't."
He kissed her again just as a knock sounded on the door. He sighed in frustration as he reluctantly let her go, before calling the person to come in.
Demetri stepped through the doorway looking from the leader of the Volturi, to his good friend sensing the atmosphere in the room at once. His face showed no signs of knowing as he said,
"I apologise for interrupting Master Aro, but Master Caius asked me to come and get you. Several coven members wish to discuss important matters with you." He said with a slight respectful bow to his head.
"Thank you for that Demetri. I shall go at once." His voice was clipped as he glared at the young guard member. Sadly for him, he and Hermione could not stay hidden for the rest of the evening. "Oh and Demetri will you inform the other guard members that there will be a meeting tomorrow. Everyone must attend. Thank you." He turned his attention back to Hermione who was avoiding his gaze. Sometimes he really wished he knew what she was thinking at times. "Mio caro I must go but with regards to what we discussed earlier with the Cullen's, that business remains with us. As for the other matter, now you know do not forget. Also as of tomorrow we shall be inducting you as one of the guard members, you must prepare for War." It pained him to say the last part, knowing just exactly what he could be losing in the process. But the smile she gave him eased any such misgivings, for now.
"Thank you Master Aro." She smiled, knowing there was nothing else she could say at the moment while Demetri was there.
"Now the Cullen's and dear Marcus will be worried about you." He took her hand in his and went to kiss it, but with his back turned towards Demetri, he flipped it over, and instead kissed the tender spot on her wrist, letting his lips linger a little longer than necessary. He savoured the taste of her skin and her sweet scent, before leaving while he still could.
Hermione watched him go, a small smile playing across her lips as her other hand traced the spot his lips had been only mere seconds ago. Her skin still tingled at his touch.
"Hermione what the hell was that?" Demetri said, closing the door and walking towards his friend, breaking her from the trance she was in.
She finally noticed that he was still there and tried to mask the giddy happiness that she felt.
"What was what?" She asked, trying to play ignorant.
"What was that just now between you and Aro?" He frowned at her then said, "Are you having an affair with him?"
"What, no of course not." She said indignantly. She wasn't having an affair as such, for they had not yet crossed that line, but after everything that had just happened they weren't far away. Suddenly she became guilty as she thought of his poor wife. No matter what it always came back to the fact that he was married, and despite what they felt for each other, nothing would change that.
"Oh God." She whispered, as she sat down on the couch, covering her face with her hands. "What have I done?" She said.
Demetri sat down beside her and wrapped his arms around her.
"Tell me what happened Hermione it can't be that bad." He said.
"It is; it is that bad. I should never have let things get that far." She replied.
"So you are having an affair with him." He replied, not judging his friend at all. Not after everything she had done for him and Felix.
"Of course I'm not." She replied again.
"Then you want to." He stated.
She sighed and closed her eyes.
"I want more than an affair I think." She admitted out loud for the first time.
Demetri looked surprised by her admission not knowing what to say. He always believed that she loved Severus, her wizard back home.
"I don't understand are you saying that you love him?" He asked, trying to understand what was going on.
She sighed again all the while looking down at her clasped hands.
"Not yet but I'm close too." She again admitted. She turned her gaze to him and smiled weakly. "Demetri, Aro is my mate." She finally said the words Aro had been longing to hear out loud, but not too him.
Demetri grinned widely and hugged her.
"Hermione that's wonderful. I take it he feels the connection too." He asked suddenly.
She smiled sadly and nodded her head in reply.
"Yes he does, but I haven't given in to it yet, I haven't admitted it out loud either. Well not to him anyway."
Demetri couldn't hide the shock from his face.
"What why not?" He asked, never had he heard of such a thing before. Those who he knew were mates, they all gave in to it eventually, you couldn't not. Despite the fact that his relationship with Felix was a secret, they both had tried to ignore it and eventually couldn't. It was never that easy or simple.
Hermione sighed and stood up from the couch and began to pace.
"Demetri the whole things a mess. He's married for one and I can't be the woman who breaks up a marriage I just can't."
He stood up and went to his friend in order to console her.
"Hermione despite what you may think in our world nothing is as precious, or more important than finding your mate, believe me I know. Sulpicia, although I like her, knew she wasn't truly Aro's when they married. She always knew that one day he could be with his one. She took that chance, now you must take yours."
"It's still not that simple Demetri." She replied feeling exhausted now by all the emotions that were going through her.
"Yes because you're not making it simple. Hermione if you and Aro are mates then you need to be with each other, you belong together. What's not simple about that?"
She looked up at him, with large watery eyes and simply whispered.
"Severus."
As she spoke that one word everything then made sense to him.
"Come here." He said and wrapped his arms around her when she came to him willingly. "Hermione no-one can tell you how to think or how to feel, only you can decide that. But ask yourself this question, when you look to the future which of them do you see yourself with?"
She sighed against his chest and tried to imagine what he just said, but all she could think about instead was the vision she had. How could she possibly determine her future when it was so uncertain at the moment?
"Honestly I don't know." She replied, not able to tell him the whole truth.
He hugged her one more time before looking down at her.
"Only when you figure out that answer, will you truly know who you belong too. Until then you belong to Felix and I, and we demand a dance from our very own Goddess." He said twirling her around on the spot.
She giggled and wiped the stray tears away from her eyes. Sometimes she hated the fact that she was the only vampire in existence who cried.
"That sounds like a good idea." She smiled, feeling more relaxed and calmer than before.
"Then let's get you back to the ball." He took her arm and escorted her through the halls until they were once more in the dome room. She received some curious looks as they made their way onto the makeshift dancefloor, where Demetri twirled her around once more, before tipping her backwards. She laughed at his antics and together they enjoyed a fast moving dance.
At one point during the dance, she felt his eyes on her before she saw him. When she finally looked at him, she felt the urgent need to go to him like before. But she refrained. Instead they shared a brief look that was so full of longing and want, which neither one could disguise. Demetri spun her around the dancefloor breaking the connection with Aro, but not before several observers had seen them. Some felt happiness and relief at seeing them both finally embrace their feelings for one another, while others felt anger and betrayal at their antics and swore that they both would pay for it. They would make sure of that, even if it was the last thing they ever did.
