Chapter Thirty-One
The time everyone had anxiously been waiting for had finally arrived. Tonight under the cloak of darkness, the Volturi guard and several other covens would be leaving the safety of the Palazzo walls, as they began their march to Romania, where the final battle between two ancient vampire covens would at last be taking place.
In order to not draw attention or risk exposing themselves, the plan was for them to leave the Palazzo in groups and meet up before heading to the Hoia-Baciu forest, where they would then travel the last leg of their journey together, as a united front.
The three Volturi leaders had been both pleased and surprised when over two hundred coven members had shown up, all ready and willing to fight alongside them against a common enemy. An enemy who no-one wanted to see back in power. The Volturi were many things but they established order in the vampire world, with the aim of protecting their race from exposure and harm. If the Romanians gained back power then all of that would be ruined, as the Romanians wanted to dominate not only their own race but all races in the world. They were heartless and dangerous more so than what the Volturi ever were.
Despite the surprisingly large number of vampires to arrive in Volterra however, it was nothing compared to the Romanians newborn army. They had strength in numbers and were more physically powerful than the Volturi army. Whereas the Volturi's strength lay with those few vampires who had a unique power. Jane, Alex and Hermione being the three with the strongest defensive powers. They were deadly and so the Volturi army were not as worried as much as they perhaps should have been, as all their hope lay with these three powerfully strong vampires.
For Hermione the arrival of the other covens was both exciting and nerve wracking for her. Exciting because it brought about the arrival of the Cullen's, minus Bella and Edward who had stayed back in Forks in order to look after their daughter Renesmee. Even after all this time they still weren't close to forgiving Aro and the Volturi for the fight they almost started because of their daughter, when they had accused her of being an immortal child.
But it was also nerve wracking for Hermione as well, because it meant that all the other covens would soon find out about the existence of her own little girl Morvin. She knew that her protective side with regards to Morvin would come out if she perceived the other vampires to be a threat, which could be dangerous and make her lose her temper again, triggering her new power.
After what happened in the dome room that day, she had been slower to forgive herself than Felix and Demetri had. Her two best friends had been wary of her afterwards, and she had been disheartened to see a flash of fear in Felix's eyes when he first looked at her. But after she had explained to them what had caused her to lose control of herself, they were a lot more understanding and forgiving than she expected them to be.
She personally could not forgive herself for what she had almost done, and could no longer trust her emotions, especially not her anger. So after a hastily written letter to Dumbledore, he advised her to clear her mind and meditate in order to calm her emotions and settle them. Following his advice that's what she began to do and found to her surprise that it actually helped, when she centered herself. Now with the arrival of the other covens, she knew her control would be tested to the limit.
Despite the fact that Felix and Demetri had forgiven her so quickly, Morvin was a different matter and honestly Hermione couldn't blame the little girl. She had sworn to look after her, and protect her with everything that she had. But it turned out the only person who Morvin needed protecting from, was Hermione herself. Seeing the fear in her little girl's face was heartbreaking, but knowing it was her who had caused it made things a lot worse.
After the incident had happened Morvin didn't want to see Hermione straight away, so spent some time with her Grandfather and her two uncles. She didn't stay away because she didn't love Hermione anymore, because she did. She stayed away because she was scared that Hermione was angry at her. Morvin wasn't stupid, she saw the looks she got, and had heard the nasty whispers about her. But seeing Hermione get so mad, made Morvin wonder if Hermione still wanted her. The thought of Hermione rejecting her was terrifying and seeing her lose her temper, especially with Uncle Felix, was pretty scary too. She always knew that Hermione was powerful, after all she was a vampire who had magical powers and could ride a dragon, of course she would be powerful. But seeing her in action was both frightening and awe inspiring. She had always made Morvin feel so safe and cared for, but on that day for a split second Morvin didn't feel safe and so clung to her Uncle Demetri. It was only when Hermione left, looking so stricken and fearful, that Morvin realized she was being silly. She knew Hermione would never hurt her, so she let Hermione go in order to give her some space and some time alone.
She stayed with her Grandfather and two uncles so Hermione could calm down. In the hope that once she was calm she would realize that she still wanted Morvin. That was what she was wishing for anyway.
It wasn't until someone sat down and talked with her that she realized how foolish she was being. She needed Hermione just as much as Hermione needed her. It wasn't her Grandfather or uncles who explained things to her, no it was a vampire she hadn't met. The third Volturi leader named Aro.
She had been sitting with her Grandfather in his quarters when Aro knocked on the door with a stunning woman next to him, who later Morvin found out was called Chelsea. While Aro came and sat down next to Morvin, Chelsea and Marcus went into another room to discuss plans for the battle, away from little ears.
When Aro had sat next to Morvin, she was naturally nervous and felt a little intimidated by his sheer presence alone. Although she had not yet met Aro, she knew all about him and knew that he was the main leader of the Volturi and could be dangerous. He was powerful and every part of his person demanded respect.
But when he looked at her, he wore a pleasant look on his face and had a big smile for her. One could even say that he looked kind and it appeared that he was just as curious about her as she was about him.
Despite the fact that he appeared nice and even interested in getting to know her, Morvin knew that he was someone who could not be trusted easily and so she remained wary of him, even as he asked her questions about herself.
He claimed that he wanted to get to know her better, since he had heard a lot about her from Marcus and even Hermione herself. His mannerisms were relaxed and at times he sounded almost boyish to Morvin, making her feel more at ease in his presence.
"How are you liking it here in Volterra? Are you enjoying living at the Palazzo?" He asked giving her a small smile.
Gazing up at him, he heard the small whisper of her voice in his mind as she said,
"I haven't really seen Volterra Master Aro, but I find the Palazzo beautiful. Thank you so much for letting me stay here with Hermione."
At the mention of Hermione's name, Morvin looked away trying to hide the sadness from the leader of the Volturi. But she was unsuccessful in doing so, as he had seen it straight away.
Tilting her chin gently, so that she was now looking into his eyes. In a soft soothing voice he asked,
"Why so sad mio piccolo? I thought you would be happy here living with Hermione?"
She sighed and cast her eyes downwards.
"I am happy really it's just that…after seeing what Hermione did, seeing how angry she was I wonder if she still wants me. I didn't like seeing her like that. I was afraid."
Aro removed his hand from her chin and held both his long pale hands out to her.
"I have the power to see and feel someone's thoughts and feelings, and to watch their memories. Would you mind if I have a little look at yours, just to get a better idea of the situation? I promise to not look at any other memories." He said.
Morvin simply stared at his hands in wonder, before slowly placing her own small ones in his. She didn't think he would hurt her and she wanted to trust him, especially since her Grandfather did.
She watched in fascination as he cradled her hands in his and closed his eyes, as he concentrated on what he was doing. She didn't see or feel anything and wondered if his power had worked or not.
Only a moment or so later he opened his eyes, but didn't drop her hands right away. He gave her a small reassuring smile and gently stroked the back of her hand, a gesture that would have normally made her feel uncomfortable in the past.
"Mio piccolo I have seen your fears and worries regarding Hermione, but believe me when I say they are unfounded and uncalled for. Yes what happened in the dome room that day was both brilliant and frightening for you to see, but what happened in there had nothing to do with the way Hermione feels about you. Believe me when I say that she loves you more than anything else in this world. She would do anything for you, including threatening me in order to let you stay here." He said with a slight chuckle of remembrance. "Now I think you should go back to your own quarters, I know how much you are missing Hermione and I also know how much she will be missing you too."
While he spoke Morvin could hear only the truth in his voice. His face was a picture of perfect calmness, but his eyes betrayed the truth of the matter. As he spoke about Hermione, Morvin saw affection, longing and something else burning in his eyes, something that she couldn't quite recognize yet. And it was then that she realized the truth, he too cared for Hermione, more so than he wanted people to believe. Although she couldn't quite understand the reason why that was. Perhaps Hermione didn't feel the same way about him and he didn't want to cause any embarrassment for himself. Sometimes she just didn't understand adults and their thinking.
They had just finished their conversation when Chelsea and her Grandfather came back into the room, both of them looking relaxed and happy. She noticed how her Grandfather had lost that pinched annoyed look he had been wearing lately, and was glad, for she liked him so much better like this. It made her wonder exactly what Chelsea had said to him.
The moment they came back into the room, Aro and Chelsea exchanged a quiet look, and with a slight nod of her head, Aro rose elegantly from the chair. Turning his attention back onto Morvin he said,
"Don't forget what I said mio piccolo, Hermione will be waiting for you." And with that Aro and Chelsea left the room just as quickly as they had arrived.
Once the two visitors had gone it didn't take long for Morvin to build up her courage and face Hermione for their long awaited reunion.
Once the hard part was over with, things between Hermione and Morvin slowly drifted back to how they were. Morvin became a little clingier and needed more reassurance from Hermione, which she was only too happy to provide, as Hermione also needed this as well. She needed to know that she was doing the right thing for her little girl.
Lost in her thoughts Hermione didn't notice when Carlisle slipped into the room, not until he had sat next to her, taking her hand in his. Morvin was away getting to know Alice and the rest of the Cullen's better, while Hermione had shrunk and packed all of their belongings into her small beaded bag.
She knew that tonight they would be leaving Volterra for the last time and neither one of them would be returning. Although she didn't want Morvin to watch the battle, Hermione needed to make sure that she was close by. She couldn't leave her here at the Palazzo for it would be empty, which was why she had made arrangements for her to stay next to Athenodora, who would not be participating in the battle itself. She was a wife not a fighter after all, and Hermione knew she would keep Morvin safe. She trusted her with Morvin's life. But for Hermione, there was one thing that still needed to be arranged, which was why she had asked Carlisle to meet her now.
"Are you alright Hermione? Are you worried about the fight ahead?" He asked, concern lacing his voice.
She gazed at him and gave him a small reassuring smile. The honest answer to that question was no she wasn't worried about the fight ahead. She felt a strange sort of calmness as the hours quickly passed by. No, she was ready for this battle.
"I'm fine Carlisle honestly." She said gently squeezing his hand. "But there is something I wish to discuss with you. Something I can't leave for later."
He nodded his head in understanding, a small frown on his face.
"You know you can talk to me about anything Hermione, you're like family to me, to all of us actually."
She smiled at him and felt a surge of warmth run through her. The Cullen's had been nothing but kind and supportive to her right from the beginning, so it came as no surprise when they had welcomed Morvin into the fold with open arms. They were admittedly surprised that Aro had allowed her to live here with Hermione, but when she told them how she had threatened him otherwise, they had finally understood. Especially when news of her new power spread through all of the covens. She was a force to be reckoned with and Aro was not strong enough to take on the strength of her will.
"Thanks Carlisle, I can't tell you how much I appreciate hearing that. Which makes this easier for me to ask. Carlisle-" She said turning serious now as she pinned him with a pleading look. "If something happens to me during the battle, no please let me finish." She said trying to appease him. He nodded his head not saying a word as she continued to speak. "If something happens to me during the battle, I would love it if you and Esme took Morvin back to Forks with you. She needs a family and a home, she needs love and if anyone can provide that for her, then it's your family. Please Carlisle, will you think about it." Her voice wavered slightly with the pent up emotions that she felt. Hermione knew that she might not make it out the War alive, she had come to terms with it although she would still try and prevent that from happening. But she didn't want to leave Morvin behind without knowing what was going to happen to her. She needed to know that despite whatever outcome happened, that Morvin would be safe and looked after properly.
"Hermione nothing is going to happen to you, you will be fine." Carlisle said, hoping with everything he had that what he spoke was the truth. "I don't have to think about anything Hermione, we care for you and Morvin, so of course we would look after her. But what about Marcus? What is he saying about this?"
Hermione sighed out loud as she thought of the change in Marcus. He still cared and doted on Morvin, but he seemed a lot more relaxed about things than what he had done previously. They had sat down and had discussed Morvin, before she came to Carlisle, and both she and Marcus agreed that it would be best for Morvin to move away from Volterra. She needed a stable family life, and although she could get that from Marcus, Volterra wasn't the best place for her to live. It would still be a hostile environment for her, especially if Hermione wasn't there to protect her. And as Marcus said there was no way he could leave Volterra or the Volturi, this was his home. Even though he would miss her terribly, Marcus agreed that the best thing for Morvin was for her to go and live with the Cullen's.
"We both agreed that Volterra was no place for her. It wouldn't be safe and I need to know that without me there, she will still be protected. You and your family can do that for her." Hermione said truthfully.
Carlisle gave her a small reassuring smile and squeezed her hand once more.
"Thank you for having so much faith in us, it means a lot. I will discuss it with Esme but I don't think it will be a problem. We would be honored to welcome Morvin into our family."
At his words Hermione suddenly felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Knowing that Morvin would be loved and protected in her absence was all that she cared about at the moment.
"Thank you Carlisle." She said as a single tear ran down her cheek.
Swiping it away with the pad of his thumb Carlisle said,
"It never fails to amaze me every time I see you cry, or hear your heart beating. You are a remarkable person Hermione. We all believe in you to end this War once and for all, and those people out there, they aren't here for Aro or the Volturi, they are here for you. We stand by you as our leader and as our guide. You are our hope for a better future and our salvation."
Speechless Hermione didn't know how to respond to that, what could she possibly say in answer to his words. Doing the only thing she could, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly.
Just then there was a knock at the door as Alice popped her head into the room. Hermione pulled away from Carlisle and swiped more tears away from her face in embarrassment.
Stepping into the room, Alice also gave Hermione a hug before saying,
"We're all starting to leave now and Caius asked me to come and find you. It's time." She whispered.
Reigning in her emotions, Hermione composed herself and stood tall and straight. She gave Alice a nod of her head then said,
"Thank you for letting me know Alice. You both go ahead I will join you in a minute. There is something that I need to do first."
Squeezing her arm, Hermione watched as Alice and Carlisle left before letting out a shuddering sigh. She had to prepare herself, she had to be ready and remain strong for what lay ahead. This was it, there was no going back now.
Looking around the room that had been her home for the past few months, she thought back over everything that had happened to her since she had first arrived here in Volterra. There were some good memories along with some bad ones but overall she had been mostly happy, well except for perhaps the beginning of her stay here.
She looked at her desk where a single book lay, the first edition of La Vita Nuova that Aro had given her. She didn't feel right in taking that with her, despite how much it pained her to leave such a rare and wonderful book behind. The memories that were connected to Aro and that book were too much, and after the way he had treated her since her return to the Palazzo she didn't feel right taking it. On top of the book was a letter addressed to Aro. He would get it once the War was over.
Checking her bags one last time she made sure she had everything. With a flick of her wand she was now dressed in her Volturi guard clothes, as she didn't think it would be appropriate for her to wear her dragonrider outfit considering no-one except for Felix and Demetri knew about that. So she made sure they were packed away safely in her beaded bag as well as the circlet. Moving over to the fireplace she picked up a letter and a framed picture, running her finger along the delicate glass.
With a small smile she looked at the wizarding photograph of a beaming Remus, sitting with his arm protectively around an exhausted Dora, who gave the camera a tired but proud smile also. In her arms was a tiny baby wrapped up in a blue blanket, his small face peeking out as he let out a big yawn. As he did this, both his parents gazed adoringly down at him, before the picture repeated itself over again.
She had received the letter from Remus about a week after she had returned from Romania. She wished she could have been there with her friends during this special time, especially since they had asked her to be Teddy's godmother. But she couldn't leave the Palazzo and she couldn't leave Morvin.
She felt regret that she may never get to meet her godson, but knew that he would grow up to be a remarkable young man. Especially since he would grow up in a world where both his wonderful parents were still alive. She couldn't have asked for anything better than that.
With one last look at the picture, she packed that and the letter in her bag, then left her quarters without a backwards glance, heading straight towards the dome room where she knew everyone was waiting.
The moment she entered the room, an unnatural silence fell upon it, as everyone turned to look at her, some with fear and some with awe. She simply walked over to the Cullen's with her head held high, as she remembered Carlisle's earlier words. They were here for her and she was there leader.
"Hermione perhaps you could explain things one last time to everyone." Aro said, knowing that it didn't matter what he said, it was she who everyone was following.
Hermione moved to the front of the room with an air of command, as everyone's gaze followed her as she went.
"As you know the battle will take place deep in the heart of the Hoia-Baciu forest. The last time I was there, the Romanians had over 500 newborn soldiers. That is where their advantage lies. They have the strength and fighting skills beyond us, but they will go for the obvious attack, which is where their weakness lies. We know what to expect. They don't care about power which is where our best defense lies. With me, Jane and Alex in front we will take out most of the newborn army, while you will come in from behind for the kill. If things don't go as planned, then I will revise our defensive plans. This battle will not be quick, it will not be an easy win, but what will help us in the end is unity. We must all work together in order to win. The plan is simple we will gather together on the fifth day, in a forested area near a small town called Mera in Romania. Here we will feed before finally marching to our final destination, which is almost 7 miles away. Meaning we should reach the forest by nightfall. So the question I now have to ask you all is, are you with me?"
As soon as she had finished her speech, a large roar of approval filled the silence, as the Volturi army clapped eagerly. They were ready to follow her into battle.
With her head held proud and high she said,
"Let us march to War and end this now."
Again there was another round of applause as everyone started forming into their groups, before they slowly left one at a time. Hermione being the leader, left with the first group, but not before having a last heartwarming moment with Morvin.
She held the little girl tightly to her body and kissed her on her curly head, whispering words of love and encouragement. Before Morvin was pried from Hermione's arm, she handed her an envelope and told her to put it in her backpack. It was for her to read once all of this was over.
With one last longing look at her girl, her heart became wrapped in solid steel, as she led her group out into the night air and towards War.
Unbeknownst to Hermione or the others, Dumbledore and the fellow members of the Order of the Phoenix who were joining him, were also saying goodbye to their loved ones, before taking a portkey to the Dragon Sanctuary in Romania. They would be staying there with Charlie and his friends until the Volturi army had reached their destination. Then they would wait until it was the right time before joining them.
While everyone was saying goodbye Dumbledore stood outside on top of the Astronomy Tower, in silent contemplation. He didn't need to look beside him to know who had joined him outside for this silent vigil.
After a moment of silence Dumbledore's quiet voice asked,
"Have you got it with you?"
In reply to his question, the person standing next to him simply said,
"I do."
With a nod of approval Dumbledore simply whispered,
"Good." And with that no more words were exchanged, as they stood in silence once more.
For five nights and four days the Volturi army travelled until it was the day of the 20th. They had finally reached the heavily forested area near the small town of Mera where they stopped and fed, resting in order to preserve their energy for the night ahead.
Hermione met up with the Cullen's and spent her time with them and Morvin, who clung tightly to Hermione not wanting to let her go. After everyone had fed, Hermione led Morvin away from the others in order to find a meal for herself as well as for Morvin.
After they had fed Morvin sat safely in Hermione's lap, her head against her chest so that she could hear that familiar sound she so loved. Honestly Morvin was scared, scared that she might lose Hermione when they had only just found one another. She held on tighter hoping that the time for them to depart would never come. She honestly didn't think she had the strength to let Hermione go again.
Hermione who was sitting savoring the feeling of having Morvin all to herself, was having similar thoughts, as her heart and mind began to War with themselves. She was fighting against her duty as a Volturi guard member, and as the primary carer of her girl. The thought that this might be the last time she ever held her girl broke her heart, and made her want to run away from the fight, taking Morvin with her. She wanted to run away from this place and not look back, but knew she could never do that. Just like Morvin, these people needed her, they depended on her to help win the War. If she fled now, then the Romanians would hurt everyone she held dear and would end up catching up to them. Despite how much she wanted to, she could not run from this forever.
As daylight began to fade away Hermione held onto Morvin tighter, inhaling her sweet scent and feeling her soft curls brush against her cheek. These were all things that she wanted to imprint to her memory.
Kissing the top of her head gently Hermione looked down at her girl, and felt a feeling of love overwhelm her. Before they had to separate, there were a couple of things that she had to say first.
"Little Mo I need you to listen to me sweetie alright. What I have to say is important and I need you to know before…well you know. When I first became a vampire I thought my life was ruined, I thought that I would miss out on so much. But then you came along and changed all of that. You are the best thing to ever happen to me and I love you so much." She said holding the small girl tighter to her. "I know things are scary right now but I promise they will get better. Everything that I'm about to do, is for you. I know it doesn't seem like it but trust me it is. I want you to live in a world away from danger, protected from the evils of this world. I want you to be happy sweetie."
Morvin hated the fact that she couldn't cry like Hermione could. She felt so scared and emotional but no tears would ever fall from her eyes again.
Looking at Hermione, she saw the pain and her own fears mirrored in Hermione's eyes. It didn't sound like she was trying to say words of love and comfort to her, it sounded like Hermione was saying goodbye.
"I'm happy with you Hermione. And I'll be happier when this is all over and you come back to me." She watched as Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and groaned, causing panic to swell inside of her. "You will come back to me won't you?" Morvin asked.
Hermione didn't want to lie to Morvin, she needed her to know the truth.
"Little Mo War is unpredictable, lives will be lost and I can't guarantee that I will return safely. Believe me I will try though, I will always try and come back to you. But if I don't then Carlisle and the Cullen's have promised to take care of you in my absence."
Morvin tore herself from Hermione's arms, at hearing those words and turned an angry gaze towards the woman who she thought of as a mum. The mum she always wanted but never had until now.
Without fully realizing what she was doing, she began to hit small fists against Hermione's chest as her mind screamed the word 'no' over and over again. Hermione had made plans behind her back, which to her meant she had no intention of coming back to her.
"You promised that you would always look after me. You promised." Her small defeated voice said in Hermione's mind. "You promised." Morvin repeated, as Hermione held onto her slim frame, while her small hands finally stopped hitting her.
They stayed like this for a long time until Athenodora came walking over to them, and as soon as Morvin saw her, she panicked and clung to Hermione, shaking her head not wanting to go.
"Please little Mo I need you to be brave for me."
Shaking her head vigorously again, Hermione had to pry Morvin's fingers from her clothes and watched helplessly, as Athenodora took a struggling Morvin away from her. Before they had disappeared back to the rest of the group, Hermione whispered, "I love you." Before slumping forward onto her hands and knees, as her body shuddered and shook with heaving sobs. She knew saying goodbye to Morvin would be hard, but she never expected it to be like this. She never expected her heart to be ripped from her chest and stomped on the ground in front of her. Even going through the change hadn't been as painful as this.
Steeling herself together once more, she closed her eyes and cleared her mind, letting her anger and emotions swirl around her like a comforting blanket, causing her magic to crackle in preparation. Since Dumbledore had advised her to start meditating, she found that she was able to control her power and magic better, so that it was there on the outside but couldn't unintentionally harm someone without her letting it.
Emotionally and mentally ready, Hermione rose to her feet like the leader that she was, her face a mask of angry indifference. Her eyes had darkened and her whole posture was straight and stiff.
The moment she met with the rest of the Volturi army, they all sensed the deadly change in her, and felt the power radiate from every part of her being. She was both magnificent and terrifying to behold.
She looked around the large group of faces, noticing how there were some new people amongst them. During their journey to Romania they had bumped into several covens including Abel and his family, who wanted to join the Volturi army and fight against the Romanians. They had been living in fear from them for such a long time and had decided no more, tonight they would stand and fight as well.
"Before we march into battle I want to say one last thing. Tonight there is no Volturi, there is no you and us. Together we fight as one. Together we will fight against our common enemy and we will be victorious." At her words, the army in front of her roared once more in approval. "Now I ask you all one last time. Are you with me?"
Again a loud roar went up as everyone became impassioned by her inspirational words. They were ready more now than ever, and had the utmost confidence in their leader.
With an approving look, Hermione marched to the front of the group taking her place with Felix and Demetri on her right and the three Volturi leaders on her left. She did not look at anyone as she took her place, and began the march to the Hoia-Baciu forest. With their vampire speed it didn't take them long to cover the 7 miles and reach the outskirts of their final destination.
Without even having to step foot in the forest she could feel the darkness coming from within, she could feel the other vampires standing in wait of them, their anger and bitterness surrounding the darkened forest. Slowing down her movements, she took her time walking through the forest, knowing that her army was behind her every step of the way.
As they walked further and further into the forest, she could feel the danger and forebodingness, but she also felt something else. Something she couldn't quite explain but sent chills down her spine. Something didn't feel right but she didn't want to draw any attention to her fears. She needed to stay calm and focused in front of her army.
Finally reaching the heart of the forest, Hermione stepped out into the open space only to be greeted by the sight of hundreds of growling and aggressive vampires. They were hissing and snarling and thanks to her powerful eyesight she could see the maniacal glints in their eyes. Their minds had been so badly beaten and destroyed that Hermione didn't think any of their human selves were left. They were just angry, aggressive shells of their former selves with only two things on their minds, to kill and to destroy.
Eight of them, herself, Felix, Demetri, Aro, Marcus, Caius, Jane and Alex, headed further into the clearing, walking until there was only a short distance between them and the Romanians. Their own army followed closely behind as they all took in the sight before them.
Coming to a stop in the clearing it was Aro, not Hermione, who stepped forward in order to address the Romanians, after all he was the leader of the Volturi.
"Once again we find that you have broken our laws and have created another army, in order to reclaim the power in which you lost a long time ago. But unfortunately for you, history will be repeating itself. You will never reclaim that power, not today or any other day, for tonight you will lose once and for all. Tonight justice will be served." Behind him the Volturi army stood in silence, and watched as Aro's own power radiated from him. "Have you got any last words for us?" He asked gesturing the army behind him, as a triumphant gloating smile crossed his face.
"Save us all from your speeches. Unless you want to bore us to death." A voice said coming from the Romanian army.
Aro's eyes narrowed as he watched the sea of vampire's part, allowing two familiar figures to come walking through.
"Ahh Vladimir and Stefan how nice of you to finally join us." Aro said sarcastically, a small smile flickering across her his face.
Hermione watched the two vampires carefully. They seemed smug and excited, almost as if they were hiding something. One was small with pure white hair and an incredibly pale face. The other was tall with dark hair, and a slightly darker complexion. She noticed how the smaller of the two simply rolled his eyes disrespectfully as Aro spoke.
"Yes, yes, we have heard all of this before, it's gotten so boring and predictable now really. It's a shame we couldn't have finished this the last time we had the pleasure of meeting." The smaller one called Vladimir said.
"I agree. Where are the cowardly traitors who stole our last chance at victory away from us?" Stefan asked, as his gaze travelled across the faces before finally stopping on Carlisle and his family. "Ahh they you all are? We might have guessed you would join with the Volturi scum." He snapped.
"Now, now my friend, do not worry." Vladimir said, soothing his companion, while unable to hide his smile. "We will deal with them in due course. For now, we want only one person." Turning his gaze back onto the Volturi army he said, "Where is the famous vampire witch we have been hearing all about lately. I know you are here because I can hear you."
Unafraid of them, Hermione stepped forward lowering her hood so that the Romanians could get a full view of her. She could feel her anger rise as she gazed at the two evil beings who had caused so much death and destruction already.
Both Vladimir and Stefan turned piercing gazes onto her and smiled nastily at her.
"So, you are the one we have been hearing all about. You do not scare us little girl." Vladimir said with an angry glare.
Hermione smirked, a smirk that would rival one of Severus's, and in a cold steady voice she said,
"Then you should be."
Vladimir and Stefan looked at each other before breaking out in laughter.
"Oh do you hear that; she thinks we should be afraid." Stefan said through peals of laughter.
Wiping imaginary tears from his face Vladimir held up his hands and said,
"Alright enough of these pleasantries. Hermione Granger, we have someone here who desperately wants to meet you. Will you come with us to be reunited with them?" Vladimir asked holding his hand out towards her.
Caius lay his hand on Hermione's shoulder, stopping her from moving further before whispering,
"Don't go it's too dangerous."
"If you want to know how all of this started then you will come with us, I promise you will not be disappointed. I also promise that should you come, none of the Volturi scum will be harmed." Stefan said.
Hermione held her head high and proud and glared at him.
"And why should I trust you?" She asked.
He shrugged his shoulders and laughed at her.
"You shouldn't. But aren't you curious about who the 'traitor' is. Don't you want to know who caused all of this?" He asked gesturing all around him.
Taking a couple of steps forward she heard several murmurs before turning to look at the faces of the Volturi army.
"I will be alright, trust me." With a wave of her hand she cast a large protective shield around them all. "If the Romanians try anything in my absence, they will get a large shock if touching this shield. They will not be able to cross it and you will all be safe. I will cancel it as soon as I return and not before."
"Hermione-" Marcus began but was quickly cut off by a bored and frustrated Vladimir.
"Stop wasting time and decide." He said, with his hand still outstretched towards her.
Hermione turned, casting a heated glare towards him, causing his hand to drop by his side.
"Fine let's go." She said walking away from the Volturi army towards the two vampires who were waiting. She noticed how all the Romanian army began to sneer and snigger the closer she got to them.
As she reached the two awaiting vampires, Stefan went to grab her by the arm but she quickly pulled away and grabbed him by the throat instead, using a speed that neither vampire expected from her.
"I suggest that you don't try that again, as I will not hesitate in snapping your neck" She hissed out menacingly through gritted teeth.
Letting go of his throat, Stefan staggered backwards before sniggering over to Vladimir.
"She's feisty, I like that. It's such a pity that we will have to destroy her in the end." He said.
"Yes such a pity indeed." Vladimir agreed, letting out an exaggerated sigh.
With that the three of them began to walk through the sea of vampires, who were still sniggering and snarling in Hermione's direction. She did not let the stares bother her, instead she kept her head held high and her body poised and alert.
As they moved further through the crowd they came into a smaller clearing, where a small single tent stood.
Vladimir feeling brave pushed Hermione closer to the tent causing her to stumble briefly.
She let out a low feral growl before lurching towards him, pushing him so that he was now lying flat on his back, with her straddling him. She lifted up her hand ready to punch him in the face, when an all too familiar sounding voice came from inside the tent.
"Now Hermione, is that anyway to treat your hosts?"
At the sound of the voice Hermione moved off of Vladimir and slowly rose to her feet, as the figure emerged from inside the tent.
"You." She whispered in shock, as she focused on the red eyes of someone she believed was a friend. Someone who she thought she could trust. How wrong she had been?
"Hello Hermione." The figure said calmly, as the two of them locked gazes with one another.
