Complicated 04

By: I Should Be Sleeping (AKA: Moar Sleep)

"Bloody hell Hermione!"

Swerving sharply on the road, she narrowly avoided an oncoming vehicle as it also turned sharply to dodge the collision. A series of swears escaped the angry drivers' lips as they honked furiously and threw more than a few rude gestures out the window.

"You said you could drive!" Harry said wide-eyed and pale. It would be ironic if among all things he had lived through, it was a car crash that took him out. A car crash that was instigated by the witch that spent her life making sure he survived.

Hermione glowered as she made sure to move into the correct lane. "I can drive thank you very much. It is not my fault that American's drive on the wrong side of the road!" She threw that last bit at the car she had almost crashed into, honeyed eyes glaring daggers at the retreating vehicle in the rearview mirror.

"Uhg. This is how I die," said Ron helplessly as he clutched the seatbelt across his chest in a white knuckled grip.

"Don't be ridiculous Ron," scolded Hermione.

Both Harry and Ron looked at one another from the reflection in the mirror of the rented vehicle and shared a very uneasy glance.

"Well Harry. Which way next?"

Harry fumbled with the paper and squinted at the printed map with a frown. "Um, I think we head straight?"

Hermione matched his frown. "You think?"

"Yes?"

Ron pressed his head against the glass of the car and stared morosely at the passing scenery. He knew their good luck would eventually run out. It was a miracle the three made it this far. Merlin have mercy on them.

"Billy. Who are these outsiders?"

Dark brown eyes gazed steadily at his friend as he let out a long sigh. "These outsiders are a young woman with her son and mother. They also donated a large amount of money to the tribe along with new books and equipment for the school."

"Bah! They are strangers!"

Billy shook his head. Quil Ateara III, otherwise known as Old Quil, was a staunch traditionalist. Old Quil would eat his own hat before he would admit to his own stubbornness, but the elder man was also a very respected member of the tribe. Billy usually took his advice to heart, but knew that isolating themselves from the outside world would only hinder them in the long run.

"We will interview her fairly," Billy said sternly.

Billy resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the cranky old man. Considering that Old Quil had married an 'outsider' as he referred to them as, he really had no room to argue!

Molly Ateara née Swan was all peaches and cream complexion with dark mahogany curls and bright green eyes. She was a tiny thing and Old Quil had adored her. When she passed, he had become quite bitter and irritable, but Billy could not fault him. He too was not the same since his Sarah has passed.

"Let's hear her out," said the tribal chief patiently. "She might be a lovely young lady."

Old Quil let out a soft snort and turned his head away as he settled on the rickety wooden chair before the long desk before him. It was rather ramshackle and definitely in need of a new coat of paint, but the majority of their reservation was like that. They were a proud people, the Quileute's, and they were self-reliant and hard-working. What they lacked in monetary value, they made up for with ingenuity and community.

He remembered the days of his father, when tribal members were more self-sufficient and his people made a comfortable living relying on the land and what it provided. With progress came a whole slew of problems in his opinion and no outsider was going to just traipse in with buckets of money thinking they would just magically fix their difficulties!

The council already had problems keeping the secret of their shifters from the rest of the tribe. They did not need further scrutiny from a young heiress and her wealthy family members. Another snort escaped his lips. British to boot! They probably drank tea with their pinky raised and spent their time eating crumpets or some ridiculous hogwash like that.

"Elder? More tea?"

Old Quil looked up sharply to meet the eyes of Sue Clearwater. Despite being in her 40's, the woman was still very lovely. The definition of a Quileute beauty, Sue possessed long dark hair and beautiful tanned skin, the laugh lines around her mouth and eyes showing she spent a lot of time smiling. Still as lovely as she was when she was just a girl.

Smiling lightly at the younger woman, he nodded gratefully. Tea actually did sound nice right about now. Local herbal tea. None of that British leaf water.

"She is late," came Samuel Uley's deep baritone voice.

At only twenty-three, Sam was the youngest council member in recorded history. Being that he was also the Alpha of the current pack, such a position was his by right and the others respected his place. Despite his age, Sam held a great responsibility and his leadership skills were often tested as he ensured the safety of not only the pack, but other mortals.

However, he still had a bit of growing up to do. His obvious impatience was telling as he bounced his leg in irritation. No doubt he would rather be running freely in the woods or in the arms of his imprint. He could not blame the boy. Nothing really beat the warm embrace of a woman or what must be the exhilaration of transforming into a primal creature so connected with nature.

Old Quil both pitied and envied the young man.

As if summoned by Sam's growing irritation, a soft knock echoed throughout the building where they held town meetings. It was really the Town Hall of sorts, but given the small population of La Push and the few functions they held, it served as a multipurpose space.

It was an open area with a small stage. It could fit comfortably around 200 people, which was far more than they needed. School graduations were held here along with tribal meetings and the occasional wedding reception. It was old, but it was sturdy and served them well over the years.

Another knock echoed.

"Come in," said Billy.

A petite female with brown curls pulled back into a braid that had a few strands breaking free, entered the room. She wore a simple black pencil skirt and white blouse and held a briefcase in hand. In all honesty, she looked she was attending a job interview. Perhaps that observation was fitting considering she was, for lack of a better term, being interviewed.

"Hello."

Sue smiled welcomingly. She was rather tiny and reminded Sue of the ballerina in her music box from childhood. She was a bit on the skinny side, but there was strength about her. Those eyes. Those eyes had character and Sue immediately liked her.

Nodding her head towards the seat situated in front of their makeshift panel, she spoke. "Welcome. Miss Granger correct? Take a seat."

"Thank you very much," the young woman said, her cultured tones much more apparent as her tongue rolled over her vowels in a very foreign way.

"I am Chief of this tribe. My name is Billy Black. With me are members of the tribal council. Sue Clearwater, Quil Ateara III and finally Samuel Uley," Billy said.

"Why are you here?"

Billy shot Old Quil a reprimanding look. Trust the old man to be blunt to the point of rudeness. "What he means is, why have you decided to settle in La Push? Surely there are other places you could have chosen? Why here?"

Hermione let out a long sigh. She expected this question. It was a very logical one. If she were on the reverse side, she would be asking it herself. However, she had hoped she could have avoided it.

It was not that she did not want to withhold the truth. It was more of the fact that she did not want to go into detail about her mental state. She was still coming to terms with it herself.

Exhaling she spoke steadily. "I admit that it was not my choice to take a leave of absence. I have a horrible habit of working a bit too much and my boss knew I needed time off. My family, well my parents really, they suffer from a permanent brain injury and cannot remember me. I have also suffered a lot from personal problems stemming from various things that I do not feel comfortable detailing. Know that I bring no ill will to you or your tribe. I just needed to get away from London and be somewhere safe."

Old Quil had expected many answers, but he had not been expecting that. His deep sepia eyes took in the way her fists clenched tightly. This child was keeping her emotions at bay and it was costing her a great deal to do so.

Seeing her riotous curls barely constrained in that attempt at a braid brought back memories of his Molly. She also had a wild mane of hair that was as uncontrollable as her spirit.

He cleared his throat. "Why the money?" He asked gently.

Billy gave Old Quil a very strange look. What just happened? He went from cantankerous codger to friendly Grandfather in a span of three seconds!

Hermione laughed softly. "That is the doing of my brother in all but blood. He is a member from an old aristocratic house in the UK and is also an orphan. He has a bit of a hero complex and dotes on me a bit too much. He is also sneaky and knows that money talks. I would have reprimanded him, but he mentioned a good portion of his donation went into your local school and I am a strong supporter of good education."

"A nerd then," Sam said with a chuckle.

"And proud of it," came her light reply.

"That home you chose is a bit out of the way. It is also rundown," Billy stated.

The brunette nodded her head understandingly. "The listing made it clear that repairs and some renovations would be needed. Honestly, I love a good DIY and the front area looked lovely. When I saw it, I Imagined an herb garden with roses."

Sue smiled. She remembered that old cabin that belonged to Eden Lahote, Paul's great grandmother. When she passed, the property was sold back to the tribe and had been left empty for years. It was moldy and the repairs alone would be quite costly, but the land was prime and the view breathtaking. She could see this tiny brunette thriving there.

"What about your son and mother?" Asked Sam.

Honeyed eyes went wide. "My what and what now?"

Sam frowned. "It was mentioned that your son and mother were accompanying you. Didn't you mention her injury?"

A look of realization crossed her features. "Oh! My Godson and his grandmother."

Sam nodded, seeing the error. "Ah."

"They will join me once I have everything ready. Teddy is only two, so I do not want him to move into the house until it's prepared."

Billy tilted his head. "May we ask why they are accompanying you?"

At this, the brunette grew solemn and Billy wished he had not asked the question.

"Andromeda, Teddy's Grandmother, lost her husband, daughter and son-in-law to a sadistic cult. They were murdered."

Sue gasped.

Old Quil frowned deeply at her words.

Sam's eyes widened in shock.

"Teddy is my Godson and Andromeda has become a mother of sorts to me. We are both without family and have found comfort with one another. She needs this like I do. We both just need a place away from the memories and pain," she said softly.

Billy frowned. So young and yet she has been through so much. He admired the strength of her character, and it was with this in mind he decided that she would be a perfect addition to their town.

"You understand that the land will not belong to you. We are simply allowing you to rent out the space for a year. When that lease is up, we can discuss further if you would like to extend your stay or not," Billy said, changing the subject.

Hermione looked thankful. She did not wish to dwell on sad thoughts, especially when they had other things to accomplish. "Yes, I understand."

At this, Hermione placed her briefcase carefully on the table before her and pulled out three copies of the contract she had printed out. One for her, one for them and one for filing. She was nothing, if not thorough.

Billy looked impressed. She was certainly organized.

"I hope I am not being too presumptuous, but I already signed my name. I did not see the need to edit anything, but please read the contract again to ensure I did not alter or deviate from the original agreement."

Old Quil did just that.

It took a good half-hour, but he was also thorough.

Hermione decided she liked him best.

"Everything looks to be in order dear," he said after placed the paperwork down.

Again, Billy blinked. Dear? An hour ago she was an outsider. Shaking his head, he too signed his name along with the three others present as witnesses. As tribal chief, it was his signature that was most important.

"Well then Hermione Granger. Welcome to La Push," Billy finished with genuine smile.

Hermione's answering smile was absolutely ecstatic. "Thank you Chief Black. I am so honored. And should the tribe need help with anything, I would love to be of service."

Billy's smile warmed at her earnest yearning to help. She really was quite charming and he hoped his home could offer her peace. "Thank you Hermione. We are always looking for those to volunteer with tribal work. Sue usually delegates so she can find something that will fit you and your skill set."

The brunette nodded her head eagerly.

Sam shook his head. She was like a puppy. Cute too

"We are finished for today. If you need help with repairs, Sam would be the best person to ask. He heads his own business in contracting."

Hermione blinked. "That is perfect. I was just about to ask for a suggestion to help me with the more laborious tasks that require actual skill and experience."

Sam stood up and it was only then did Hermione realize how staggering his height truly was. She knew he was tall from spying his seated form already heads and shoulders above those beside him. However standing, Hermione likened him to her half-giant friend Hagrid, but far more muscular.

There was also something about it. She felt it upon entering the room, but it was stronger now in his presence. Samuel was making her magical senses tingle. She would have to look into that on a later date.

Oh! He was standing right in front of her now!

"Goodness. I will have a neck ache looking up at you," she said unthinkingly.

The other council members laughed outright.

Hermione blushed hotly, the apples of her cheeks staining her light complexion a lovely shade of pink.

Sam waved off her embarrassment. "Don't worry about it. It is hereditary. A few people here are of similar height and build."

Sweet Merlin if that were the case then she was definitely glad this place came up first in the google searches for places near Forks. They certainly did not build them like that in the UK.

"Why are you all flushed like that?"

Hermione avoided eye contact before she noticed the shirt he was wearing. "What is that?"

Ron grinned. "You like it?"

Like was not a word she would have chosen. It was simple black shirt with white text that read:

I got 99 problems but being Quileute ain't one! #Quileute4Lyf

Hermione blinked once.

Twice.

Three times.

"Ron, you're not Quileute."

The redhead rolled his eyes. "Obviously Mione, but the guy at the gift shop of the B&B we checked into had these made and for some reason nobody has bought one! He gave this to me for free when I bought a mug and a few magnets for Dad!"

Harry just stood a step behind shrugging his shoulders helplessly.

"Plus, feel this! It's so soft," he said excitedly and proceeded to place Hermione's hand on the sleeve to partake in the joy of high-quality cotton.

"Lovely..."

Hermione honestly did not know why she left him alone. Ron always ended up buying random and ridiculous items whenever he ventured into the muggle world. Last time, he bought fifteen Pez dispensers and no Pez.

In an effort to change the topic, Hermione looked to Harry. "I got the approval! The house is mine!"

Harry grinned while Ron let out a cheer and pumped his fist in the air.

Hermione laughed with her boys and they all joined in an embrace.

This.

This was the beginning.

AN:

Welcome to La Push.

Finally. A wolf! It was only Sam, but I have opened it to have her meet the rest of the pack soon. Contracting company needs constructions workers. That is where most of the guys come in.

I think Hermione will be driving to the Cullen home to begin her sessions ASAP, but will not move in on a more permanent base for at least two weeks in order to get the house in a livable state. It will probably take another month for Teddy and Andromeda to arrive so the house will be at full glory with furniture and everything. (Obviously she is doing the majority of this the muggle way as she has no idea about the wolfy shifters)

For now, she will just stay at a B&B. Of course someone will be the owner of said B&B and I think it will be Quil's mom Joy! I think Joy sounded like a lovely character that needed more fleshing out. Plus, as a single mother herself, she can give great advice to Hermione to taking care of Teddy on a more regular basis.

Anyways, look out for more of the pack being introduced next chapter. Will that include Paul? Maybe!

Thank you again for reading!

Me