Witch and the hothead 11

Over the next couple of days, I didn't leave the house other than buying groceries and unpacking the things I ordered online that were delivered yesterday.
The house is now a home, but the stress of the mission is making it impossible for me to even appreciate it.

I've been holed up in the house going over the files once again, reading and learning what charms and spells work against vampires.

The information about shapeshifters was almost non-existent, but after going through my old documentation and the books I brought with me, I came to the conclusion that they are, in fact, humans to begin with, and all spells and charms should work on them. If only less effective.
The one thing I still have a lot of questions about is imprinting. Is it something every wolf wants and dreams about?
I mean, finding your soulmate should be a goal, right? Something to be happy about.

If it weren't for Severus text messages telling me to take a break, I would not have remembered to eat or leave the house to buy more food, totally engrossed in my research.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor in the living room with papers and books spread around.
Edward is a mind reader and doesn't seem to be against putting a human under the thrall, so that is something I really want to avoid. Severus believes that a strong occlumency shield should work against mind reading, but I have not been able to find anything in the books that suggests that's true. I need a second alternative.

The charm I used to mask my smell and sound worked on the shapeshifters, I know this since Jacob and Quil confirmed it, but I don't know if it will work with the vampires.
In my work at the ministry in England, I didn't encounter any vampires, and it's not like I can make a call and ask for advice.

The biggest issue with Edward being the main problem is that if I talk to anyone in the clan, he will know.
And Alice being able to see the future is also tricky, I have to make fast decisions and change them often to throw her off.

Groaning I lay down in the chaos and threw my arm over my eyes. It feels impossible to know from which end to start.
I have been putting off talking to the pack for days now. I've felt my wards buzz, indicating something or someone has been close by.

And my whole body feels icky, a scourgify is not a great substitution for a bath. I feel dirty, and my hair is a mess.

Glancing at the papers littered around me again, I summon the list I've made and read it through again.

Silencio and disillusionment charm
Occlumency
Cave Inimicium? - Have have to try it with Jacob or Quil
Fianto Duri – To strengthen other charms
Glacius Duo/Tria – Should work on the vampires without harming them.
Homonculus – Try on the vampires to track their movements and learn their daily routine.
Obliteration – Combined with others to hide my tracks
Tergeo – In case of bloodshed

There are too many guesses, and if things go south, I'm screwed.

Flicking my wrist, I watch my mess form neat piles on the coffee table and the books stack themselves next to the sofa before getting up and grabbing a snack.
Since I moved here four days ago, I've spent an unhealthy amount of time staring out over the ocean through the kitchen window.
But it puts my mind at ease, and the alternative would be drinking wine, so I guess this is the best option.
Casting a tempus charm: 11 a.m. Maybe I should call Sam Uley today and ask for a meeting and help with the house.

The wards buzz, and before I even have time to react, the lioness patronus of Madam President strides towards me, dropping the envelope in my hand before vanishing.
Peeling the seal open carefully

Miss Granger, I hope everything is well and your accommodations are satisfactory. I have granted your request to deliver a portkey to Severus Snape.
Since you don't own an owl, I have taken the liberty of sending it to him myself.
I'm traveling over the next three weeks and will not be able to send or receive a patronus.
I would suggest you go to Seattle and visit the wizarding district. They have a menagerie, an owl is always a good investment.

Take care, and good luck! Seraphina Picquery, President of the MACUSA

Letting out a relieved breath, knowing Severus is coming here next week makes me feel much calmer. I will postpone the visit with the vampires until I've been able to run through everything with him.
With him here, I'll be able to duel and test how my magic works under pressure, and that is going to be useful information.

The wards buzz again, and this time it makes the hair on my arms raise.
I slowly turn around and walk silently over to the door, unlocking and opening the door, stepping out on the porch.

I guess I don't have to call Sam after all.

At the edge of my wards stands the biggest wolf I've ever seen. It's midnight black, its coat is almost blue in the daylight, glowing yellow eyes staring me down.

I glance around, not seeing anyone else, swallowing nervously before lowering my wards. I raise my hand and wave before walking back inside, leaving the door open.

Seconds later, I hear the door close behind me with a soft 'click', and I turn around, taking in the man standing in my home.

He is tall, but not as tall as Jacob, but just as big in size. His hair is short and the same midnight black color as his wolf. The look on his face is stern, but he has the same kindness about him as Jacob and Quil.
His human eyes are hazel, and they shine with knowledge and wisdom.

"Hello Sam," I say and smile.

There is something about him that feels familiar. It feels as if I've just reconnected with a friend or family member and the weirdest thing is that I can feel my magic humming pleasantly, like its happy and calm.

He tilts his head, and the action makes my heart hurt. It reminds me of Remus, the lupine trait never far away from the human side.
He takes deep breaths as if he is scenting the air, and his eyes roam over me. He walks over to me slowly, his steps completely silent.

Now standing directly in front of me, almost too close, but it does not make me uncomfortable or scared. His body radiates warmth, and he smells like fresh air and moss.
His eyes meet mine again, and I notice his hazel eyes have a small yellow ring around the pupil.

Growing up around a werewolf I know this means the wolf is close and to trade carefully, but I still feel calm.

"Do I know you?" He asks with a thoughtful look on his face now.

The question makes me pause, why would he ask that? Did he feel the same weird connection as I did? No there must be something else.
Jacob and Quil must have told him about my being here and connected with their emotions.

"No, I don't believe we have met, I'm Hermione." I say and hold out my hand.

He glances down at my hand and back at my face. He reaches for my hand and grabs it, only to pull me closer. His other hand softly grabs the back of my neck and tilts my head, making me bare my neck. He leans in closer smelling me but not touching me inappropriately.
He leans back a little meeting my eyes again, studying my face.

"I know I've never met you, but you smell familiar. Like pack, how?" His voice deep, almost like a growl.

I stand completely still, my mind reeling. How is it possible? I know I haven't taken a bath or showered in days, but certainly the smell of Jacob and Quil must have faded by now.
Maybe it's the house. Quil told me the pack used to spend time here with Ana before she moved into town.

Slowly releasing his hand, I take a step back and put some distance between us, moving slowly so as not to startle him.

"I do not have an answer to that. Jacob and Quil were here a few days before, maybe that's why?"

He shakes his head, brows furrowed, looking deep in thought. He walks over to the kitchen island, sitting down and looking out of the window, just as I used to do.
I get this feeling that I shouldn't bother him and decide to start with lunch
and open the fridge and pull out the leftovers from yesterday, glancing over my shoulder.

His chest moves with every breath, but other than that, he is completely still.
I reheat the chicken and dice the boiled potatoes before throwing them in a pan and frying them.

"I know why you're here, Jacob told me. We do not usually take well to outsiders coming in to solve our problems," he says behind me.

I face him, and his eyes are hazel again, no yellow. It seems his wolf has backed down for now.

He continues, "But I'll make an exception this time. Jake says you are trustworthy, and I trust his judgment."

I let out a relieved breath and smile. If I have the alphas approval, this is going to be much easier.

"Thank you. I'll do everything I can not to make you regret that decision. I have a lot of questions, but that can wait." I smile, and I watch a small smile form on his face, making my smile grow.

"Now, are you hungry?" I ask and jump when he lets out a loud but short laugh.

"Always, "he says, and grins this time.

I laugh and turn back to the stove, and finish heating up the food. I twist my wrist, and the cupboard above me glides open slowly, and two plates sail out and land on the island softly.

"Show off." I hear him mutter behind me, and I giggle. I do the same with glasses and cutlery before setting down the food on the table.

"Dig in," I say, and I walk over to the fridge to grab some water before sitting down across from him.

"Serve yourself first, I'll eat the rest."

I shake my head in astonishment. It really is crazy how much they can eat. The food on the table could easily be two, if not three, meals for me.

I do as he says and then watch him pile the rest of the food on his plate—a small mountain. I catch his eye, and he smirks.

"If you want to make friends with the pack, feed us. None of them says no to a homecooked meal." I giggle and nod my head.

We eat in comfortable silence, and since I lowered the wards to let Sam inside, I can hear the waves hitting the cliffs. The sound is soothing, and his presence makes me relaxed and safe.
Watching him while I eat, my mind is running wild with all the questions I want to ask him, and I want to get to know him too. Not just the alpha of the pack, but I want to know who Sam Uley is.

"So, questions?" He says and gets my attention again.
His plate is clean, and he sips his water, waiting for me to ask my questions.

I grab his plate and mine and put them in the sink, start the coffee maker, and then lean against the counter facing him again.

"What is imprinting, and how does it work?" I ask and watch his eyebrow rise, and a smirk forms on his face.

"You don't go easy, do you? He leans back in his chair, sighing before answering.

"Imprinting is considered the biggest blessing that can fall upon a wolf. The legends say it's rare, but I have four imprinted wolves, including me, in the pack, so I don't know about that.
Imprinting is life-changing. Especially for the wolf, the imprintee is the one in charge and dictates the nature of the relationship. It can be a romantic relationship, a friendship, or more like a bond between siblings. That is what Quil has with Claire." He says and pauses, letting me absorb the information.
"How does the imprint affect the non-wolf? You said it was the imprintee that dictated the nature of the relationship, does that mean the wolf does not have a choice at all and has to accept whatever the imprintee wants?"
I know I'm rambling, but it sounds awful. The power an imprint has over the wolf is not something that sounds like a blessing in my ears.

A warm hand on my arm makes me snap out of it, and I stare at Sam with wide eyes.

"Hey, calm down. I can hear your heart racing, and I can only imagine how your mind is spinning." He smiles reassuringly and sits back again, folding his arms over his chest.

"While it is true that the wolf has to respect the wishes of the imprint, the bond between them is often one of romantic nature, and it is believed the imprint started to keep the wolf line strong and to produce stronger wolves."

I roll my eyes, bloodlines once again. Everything seems to come down to that. If it's not bigotry in the magical world with purebloods and muggleborns, it's some kind of biological mumbo-jumbo that breeds stronger wolves.

Sam continues, unaware of my skeptic thoughts.
"The wolves are completely in tune with the imprintees feelings and emotions, I can feel Emily even now. She is content and happy, so my guess is that she is baking." He smiles wistfully, and I can't help but smile at the cute look on his face. He looks totally smitten.

"Emily does not feel my emotions as strongly as I do, but she does at some level and subconsciously knows what I need. If I'm stressed or upset, she knows when to calm me down and how to do it.
Touch and scent are what affect her the most. She says my scent makes her feel safe, amongst other things. "He smirks, and I feel my face heat up.

He laughs, "The same with touch; those two are most important for me as well. I need to be close to her to get my wolf to calm down.

I nod my head, summon parchment and my ink pen, and quickly write down everything.
"What happens if you aren't able to be close to your imprint? Like with Jacob and Isabella?" I ask and look up from my notes.
His face is hard, and I notice that he clenches his fists hard, his knuckles turning white.

"It's torture. Imagine having your heart ripped out, and the hole won't stop bleeding. The constant feeling of loss, helplessness, and frustration"

I swallow the lump in my throat. Poor Jacob.

"The wolf is always present, but without the imprint there to help calm it down, it gets more restless and volatile. Jake has amazing restraint on his wolf, my guess is that's because he is the rightful alpha.
But no one should have to go through what Jake does," he finishes. He gets up and walks over to the sink, resting his hands on the counter, and stares out of the window.

I scribbled down the information, this is important, but it feels unfair.
How can Edward do this to Jacob? And Isabella—does she feel the loss in the same way?

I cleared my throat. "What about Isabella? You said that the imprintee subconsciously feels the emotions of the wolf. Does she get affected by the separation as well?"

"I honestly do not know, we haven't seen or heard from her in such a long time now. She used to call Jake from time to time, but it stopped after the MACUSA got involved."

That does not sound good. Is she even alive? I don't dare ask Sam that question, but now I feel even more wary of meeting the vampires. I don't want to cause more harm to the situation and make it worse for Jacob.

I let out a shaky breath, so much responsibility is resting on my shoulders. I have to make this right. And one thing that's been spinning around in my head is, does Isabella want to be with Jacob?
Sam said the imprint is what the imprintee wants, what if she simply does not want it and has chosen Edward?

That would be devastating, but I guess knowing is better than living in uncertainty.
I have to get Isabella away from the Cullens to talk to her without the influence of both wolves and vampires.

"Any more questions?" Sam asks, and I shake my head. The information I've received today is going to keep me up all night.

"No, I don't think I can handle any more right now, "I say and smile sadly.

"Quil said something about a bathtub? You need any help before I go?" He asks and looks around in the kitchen. The topic change makes me relax—enough heavy stuff for one day.

"Yeah, that would be great, I'm going to need some radiators installed too at some point. And some other stuff, but it's not a priority right now. But I could really use some help with installing the tub. Magic is not enough in the long run, "I say, blushing when he grins.

"So that's why you stink, huh?" He says and laughs when I swat him on the arm.

He walks up the stairs and disappears into the bathroom.
I look down at my notes and sigh. I got answers to one of the most important questions, but there is still so much I need to know.

Folding the parchment and put it in the folder on the coffee table along with my other research before dropping down on the sofa.
My head hurts. I could really use some pepper-up potion right now, but I want to save the potions I have for more urgent occasions.

I pick up my phone to check the time: 1 p.m. I have time to apparate to Seattle and pick up some more potions and pop by the menagerie while I'm there.
I need to buy some plants as well to give the house more life.

I walk over to the window next to the door and stare out over the front yard and the overgrown flowerbeds. Since it's October, I don't need to fix anything outside. That's a relief at least; I do not have the energy or the time.
I look over at the small garage. My plan was to turn it into a small potions lab since it was too small to fit my car.
I'm going to use an undetectable extension charm on the inside anyway, but I have more use for a lab than a garage.

The space behind the garage would be perfect for a small greenhouse. It would be nice to have something other than this mission to focus on. And since I don't have any plans to move after or if the mission is completed, it would be a good investment.

"We all used to hang out here when we were younger, before anyone of us phased "
He says from behind me, and I jump, startled. I didn't hear him come down the stairs. These wolves are going to make me jump in fright more than I'm comfortable with, I realize.

"Ana always welcomed us here, this house holds a lot of memories, only good ones," he says. He looks lost in thought and continues, "I think Paul lived here for a while after he phased " He mumbles and then shakes his head, his eyes unfocused.

He smiles and points up to the bathroom upstairs.
"The water is installed, so now you don't have to rely on your magic to keep clean anymore."

The change in his behaviour is giving me whiplash. Just seconds ago, he was reminiscing and giving off some melancholy energies, and now he's making jokes and radiating the same warmth I felt when he first stepped inside the house.

"Thank you for the help with that, and thank you for answering my questions."

He nods his head and opens the door. I grab my jacket, put on my boots, and follow him outside, closing and locking the door behind me and then warding the house.

"That feels so weird. Like there is some big electric field covering the house" Sam says, and I laugh.

"That's what Quil said, it was how he figured out something was different about me."
Sam snickers under his breath.
"Yeah, I saw that, buzzing like an electric device. I believe it was."

His smirk makes me laugh, and he laughs with me.
"Quil is an idiot, kind, loyal, and good-hearted, but still an idiot, "he says, laughing.
I walk with him to the treeline and face him.

"Your wolf is really beautiful and magnificent."

He looks surprised and almost embarrassed. He nods his head in acknowledgment before taking a couple of steps back.

"You might want to cover your eyes," he says with a smirk, unbuttoning his cutoff jeans shorts.
I let out an embarrassing shriek, and throw my hands up, and cover my eyes. I don't dare to lower them, I do not wish to see more of Sam than is necessary.

Suddenly I feel a warm breath against my face, and I peek through my fingers and gasp. I lower my hands slowly.
Right in front of me is the black wolf. He is huge. At least 4.6" tall and 10" in length.
His head is held proudly as he watches me closely, his eyes tracking my every move.

I slowly reach forward, and he whines low, taking a small step back. It looks like he is shaking his head, but I follow and keep eye contact as I reach for him again.
There is a pull that urges me to touch him, like I have to connect in some way, and it feels like magic.
I let out a shaky breath when my fingers graced his face.

That buzzing feeling Quil and Sam described when feeling my magic—I feel it now, and he closes his eyes, breaking eye contact.
I burrow my hand in the fur on his neck, and it feels like I'm getting zapped.
I drop my hand to my side and step back. He opens his eyes, staring at me again.

I smile, feeling a rush of happiness and fulfilment. I take another step back, raise my hand, and wave.
"Bye, Sam," I say before apparating away

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Another wolf introduced! There is a connection there, what do you think it is?
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