CHAPTER TWELVE

Summary: Sent to Volterra in order to negotiate terms of an alliance to end the war, Hermione's life is turned upside down as she is brought into the world of the Volturi, better known as the Vampire Kings. There she is made a part of a new kind of family and a most trusted member of the guard, whether she likes it or not, and surprisingly, she does. Rated M for language, violence and sexual content.

Disclaimer: I do not own canon events and characters, they belong to J.K Rowling and Stepenie Myers. I am not making a profit from writing and posting this fanfic. As for the descriptions of appearances for the Twilight characters, all my research is based on the books and not the movies, but I may have changed a few things regarding Alec's height and age.

Page count: 8

Monday 27th April 1998

Hermione was woken by insistent banging on her bedroom door. She grumbled in protest, pushing herself up onto her elbows and glaring at the door murderously. She caught sight of Alec and Demetri shifting from the corner of her eye and she turned to look at them, seeing they both had narrowed eyes aimed at the door and they didn't look pleased. She was half expecting lasers to shoot from their eyes and kill whoever was on the other side.

She grumbled again and flopped back onto the bed, pulling the blanket and a pillow over her head to drown out the noise. Judging from the time she'd seen on the clock that was on the wall, she'd barely had six hours sleep and it was just after eight o'clock. She needed more sleep, so she was going to ignore whoever it was that was trying to break down her door.

"HERMIONE! WE KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!" Harry's voice called.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING HAVING BLOODSUCKERS IN THERE WITH YOU!" Ron bellowed.

"Oh, for Merlin's Sake," Hermione growled, throwing the pillow and blanket away from her and climbing out of bed, storming over to the door.

"HERMI..."

She threw the door open, a murderous expression marring her features and immediately silencing both teenage boys.

"Wha?t!" She snapped, "I'm trying to sleep."

Ron stood taller, his face beginning to turn red and she knew he was about to explode.

"Leave me alone," she interrupted. "I only returned a few hours ago and I'm still exhausted from the journey of nonstop side-along apparitions to fourteen countries. I'll debrief everyone later, now bugger off and let me sleep."

Ron opened his mouth and Harry reached out, clamping his hand over Ron's mouth to prevent him from saying anything that would anger the already visibly irritated witch.

"We just wanted to make sure you got back safely," he spoke, concern filling his tone.

Her face softened. "I'm fine, Harry, I just need sleep. I'll see you in a little while," she said gently and she made to close the door.

"Hermione? Are those hand-shaped bruises?" His eyes widened and his voice rose.

She sighed. "Yes, it's a long story and I will explain it later, I am perfectly safe and if I so much as hear an insult towards our guests, I will not be happy," she warned, shutting the door in their faces, summoning her wand and throwing up a Locking and Silencing Charm before she crossed back over to the bed.

She made herself comfortable and when she heard chuckling, she lifted her head slightly to glare at the amused vampires before ignoring them and going back to sleep. She truly was exhausted.

~000~000~000~

"How often do you need to feed?"

"Excuse me?" Alec said, pulling his focus from his book and to her as she exited the bathroom, ready for the coming.

After brushing her teeth, pulling on clean clothes and running a brush through her hair before tying it back in a ponytail, she felt she looked presentable enough to head downstairs and face the crowd that would be waiting for her.

"How often do you need to feed?" she repeated, moving to sit on the now-made bed.

"Why?" Demetri arched an eyebrow.

"Well, all I know about vampires is what I've learned from school or read in books and the information is fairly biased, and knowing what I do about werewolves and the prejudice in books, I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's a load of dragon shit."

They both snorted.

"We've never seen a magical textbook regarding our kind, we've never seen a magical textbook at all for that matter, only what you gave us last night, so we can't say whether or not if that's true, but judging by the laws surrounding our kind, I would be inclined to agree with you," Demetri tipped his head towards her slightly.

She bit her lip, her eyes flickering across the floor in thought, unaware of their eyes watching the action. "We'll have to rectify that, I'll need something to do in Volterra, writing a book regarding accurate information on your kind will be beneficial for future generations of magical folk, as well as reforming the laws pertaining to your kind. I love a research project," she grinned excitedly. They chuckled, shaking their heads. "I wanted to know if you'd need to feed whilst here."

"Due to our age and having millennia to learn how to control ourselves, we only have to feed once every few weeks. It depends on the volume of blood ingested as well as how much strength we may need," Alec answered. "We last fed a week and a half ago, we'd be physically sustained for another two weeks, but, it would be preferable if we were to feed the night before the battle so we are at our strongest."

She nodded, seemingly unfazed by what he'd just told her.

"That makes sense," she agreed. "We'll have to figure something out, the others won't understand the way I do regarding your feeding schedule and habits, we should maybe stick to criminals," she bit her lip again. "In fact, I think I've got a solution."

"Oh?" His eyebrow arched.

She nodded. "For a quick and easy target, trip the Taboo and if you're lucky, you may get four snatchers, if we're lucky, one or two Death Eaters will follow and that'll be two less to fight against in the war. In the last couple of days alone, we've taken out nine of His followers. If we keep going at this rate, there won't need to be a battle," she joked and they snorted.

Alec and Demetri shared a look before shrugging.

"That'll work," Demetri agreed.

"Great," she smiled before it faded and she released a tired sigh. "I feel I need to warn you, the others aren't like me."

"Meaning?" Alec prompted.

"They don't particularly like vampires," she admitted guiltily. "It's why I was sent to Volterra. In reality, I should've been here with Harry and Ron, making battle plans, preparing healing potions and trying to discover the precise location of one of His immortal objects, as well as a way to destroy the others. But I was sent to Volterra, and in all honesty, I was the only option we had. Those that didn't outright refuse, still have a hatred for your kind and we couldn't risk any hostility or retaliation from your coven if anything were to go wrong during the negotiations. I'm telling you this, as the others are highly unlikely to be friendly but Remus and Kingsley will do their best to control it and they won't allow any harm to come to you."

"And you?" Demetri asked, not looking the least bit bothered by what she'd confessed.

"I won't allow any harm to come to you either, you protected me when I was in Volterra and I will protect you whilst you're here. You're involving yourselves in a war you have no business being a part of and it could have major repercussions for you if we should lose," she said softly. "And I can't thank you enough for being here." She cleared her throat. "Before we head downstairs, I'll give you a quick warning regarding those we will be meeting. First, we have Harry. He's very protective of me and he won't hesitate to hex you if he feels the need to, he's very powerful and he's an excellent duellist, one of the best I've ever seen. He's been quicker to anger lately and we don't know why, and we've all been walking on eggshells around him, so be mindful of your words and actions. Then we have Ron. He's very hot-tempered, he doesn't think before he speaks and he has the emotional range of a teaspoon. He has a hatred for anything he doesn't understand, as well as most magical creatures. He hates werewolves in general, but Remus is a special exception. Now, Remus, he'll be civil towards you but he may slip from time to time, it's not his fault giving that you're natural enemies. Remus will be struggling with his inner wolf and if he growls at you, please don't take it personally, it just means his wolf's slipped through for a moment. He's also very protective of me but he knows I can take care of myself, he's a little afraid of me, actually."

"Rightfully so," Demetri muttered so only Alec would hear and he snorted in response.

"Tonks, she's Remus' wife but I doubt we'll see her, she'll be spending her time with Teddy and she had a few complications during her labour and she's still healing. If we do see her, she's very clumsy and a Metamorphmagus, meaning she has the rare magical ability to change her appearance at will." They blinked in surprise, sharing a glance. "Kingsley, I'm unsure of his beliefs on vampires, to be honest, but regardless, he will be calm and civil, he doesn't have the luxury of losing control, he's our leader and he has to lead by example. Now, Arthur and Molly Weasley, I doubt we'll see as they're staying in their own safe house for the time being. Arthur is a genuinely friendly person but he's likely to be unsure of you. Molly, she's very judgemental," Hermione sighed, her hands coming up to rub at her eyes as memories and her unfair treatment under Molly Weasley flittered through her mind. "She is very protective of her children, so it's probably best you avoid them when possible."

"Bill and his wife are staying in their own home, Bill is a part werewolf, as you know, and his wife, Fleur, is part veela, a magical being known for their impossible beauty and affect on the opposite sex. Charlie's currently in Romania, working with his dragons as he's a Dragon Tamer and he won't be arriving until the night before the battle. As far as I'm aware, he loves all magical beings, so you may have a friend in him. Fred and George..." She released a small puff of breath, her mouth twitching into a fond smile. "Be on your guard, observe carefully and don't, under any circumstances, take anything they offer you."

"Why?" They both questioned.

"They have their own magical pranking business which was highly successful before the war. They're considered the Pranking Kings of Magical Europe, and some of their products are legitimately frightening because they're so ingenious," she answered. They looked intrigued but didn't comment further. "And finally, there's Ginny, the youngest and only daughter of the Weasley children, but she's unfortunately at Hogwarts. I believe I've covered everyone," she frowned thoughtfully, trying to think if she'd missed anyone. "Other Order members will come and go, this place is a like a revolving door, but I doubt they'll be here long enough to interact with you. Now, are we ready?" They both nodded. "Great, am I ready?" She asked herself.

They snorted but she stood, reaching her wand and gripping it in her hand.

"Just in case," she said, seeing them eyeing it. "Let's go."

She opened the door and headed downstairs, gripping her wand tighter when she heard raised voices from below. When she descended the last step, Remus, Kingsley, Harry, Ron and surprisingly, the rest of the Weasleys baring Ginny, Charlie and Percy were present.

Several bangs rang out as fireworks exploded above their heads, the arguing halting to a stop and they all spun around to see her stood before the stairs with her wand in her hand and Alec and Demetri positioned behind her.

A shield had been erected before the first whispered incantation had even been spoken and the Reducto silently ricocheted off the shield, slamming into the wall opposite and blowing a hole in it.

"This is my one and only warning," Hermione started coolly, her eyes narrowed in warning, surprising everyone in the room. "If any harm comes to our guests, I will not be held responsible for my actions. Don't, Ronald," her eyes cut to him, as he was turning an ugly shade of red and his mouth opened before he snapped it shut at her glare.

"Hermione, Dear, don't be stupid, come away from those mur..." Molly Weasley's words were silenced Hermione threw a non-verbal Silencing Charm at her.

If no one was surprised before, they certainly were now. No one had ever done that before, least of all Hermione and least of all to Molly Weasley.

"I am a lot of things, Mrs. Weasley, but I am not stupid. I will not tolerate any prejudice towards our guests, it is no better than what I am forced to face. They cannot help what they are any more than the rest of us. They are under my protection. As far as I'm concerned, you should be thanking them; they've agreed to aid in a war that does not concern them. They are hated for what they are, they have been banished from the Wizarding World and yet they still came to offer their help to people they know despise them. You should all be ashamed of yourselves," she chastised, all eyes avoiding her cool gaze. "They are more than safe to be around and they won't harm anyone."

"What happened to your neck then; you didn't have that when you left?" Ron spat, eyeing Alec and Demetri hatefully, his cheeks tinting pink.

"The Volturi were very gracious towards me. Orders were given that no harm should come to me, they gave me a beautiful suite to reside in during my visit and they had a guard protecting not only me, but my rooms when I was occupying them. Unfortunately, I went on a walk with my guard and that left my rooms unprotected and another member of the Guard hid away. They attacked me and tried to bite me... SILENCE!" She bellowed when shouts of anger filled the room and everyone quieted down, surprised that she'd raised her voice since it wasn't usually something she did, no matter her anger.

"He tried to bite me but he was unable to as my guard protected me. This vampire was executed by the Volturi for disobeying their orders and after that night, I was granted two guards." They silently watched her and she felt Alec and Demetri both shift behind her at her untruthful words. "They protected me and they kept me safe. They fed me and gave me healing supplies, as I ran into some trouble during my journey there. They showed me kindness and respect and they listened to me, and for any of you to not do the same just goes to show, which of the two species are better well mannered."

She didn't allow anyone the chance to comment as she turned and headed for the kitchen, heating up the plate of food that had been left on the side for her before she took a seat at the dining table. As she silently ate her breakfast, they all hesitantly approached the table, taking their seats and watching in confusion and suspicion as Alec and Demetri stood behind her chair side by side, as if they were guarding her.

No one spoke whilst Hermione ate and she was grateful for it, giving Remus a smile when he set a cup of tea on the table before her. When she finished eating, her dishes were put in the sink and Kingsley who was sat at the head of the large table, cleared his throat.

"Judging by our guests, I take it your assignment was successful?"

"Yes, it was," she nodded, clasping her hands together on top of the table. We negotiated terms which are acceptable for both parties involved and they have agreed to help."

"I don't see how two vampires will make much difference," Ron muttered, folding his arms over his chest.

Hermione sent him an annoyed glance. "Oh, honestly, Ronald," Hermione chastised, "Don't you listen to anything I say?"

Fred and George sniggered as their younger brother looked down at the table, his ears turning pink.

"The Volturi are the most powerful vampire coven in existence and they have been for over a millennia. They have a Guard who help to uphold the laws of their kind and each member of the Guard is a vampire with a special gift or talent and it isn't a common occurrence for a vampire to have a gift after their transformation, I believe it's one in two thousand?" She directed her question over her shoulder, looking up at Alec and Demetri.

Alec nodded, his mouth twitching into a smile. Of course, his clever little witch would know that, he thought fondly.

"These gifts set them apart from regular vampires."

"Before we go into further detail regarding our guests and their talents, Hermione, what are the negotiated terms?" Kingsley asked.

"They are acceptable," she started, "The first is that they be allowed access into our world so they may purchase merchandise, as well as start their own businesses. They may be vampires but even they need to earn a living so they can keep up with the times and blend in."

Kingsley nodded. "Acceptable," he agreed.

"The final term is that the wizarding laws regarding their kind are abolished and new ones are put into practice. The wizarding laws surrounding magical creatures and beings are not doing anyone any good," she spoke passionately, her eyes darting to Remus who smiled at her sadly. "They don't protect anyone and they don't help anyone, they're ridiculous. I've had a brief conversation with Alec and Demetri," she gestured to them in turn as a short introduction before continuing, "And I've recently discovered that just as most of the information on werewolves is inaccurate, the same can be said for vampires."

"Again, acceptable, are there any more terms?"

"No," Hermione lied. "That is all they wished."

Kingsley seemed surprised and his eyes glanced at the vampires stood behind her, but their expressions remained blank.

"How are they able to help?" Remus asked.

"Both Demetri and Alec are highly respected members of the Guard. Demetri is the best tracker in the world," she explained.

"That's good and all, but how is that going to help us?" George asked confused.

Hermione sighed. "Maybe if you stopped interrupting me, then you would know."

"Ignore him, Hermione," Fred rolled his eyes, slapping George on the back of the head and the one-eared twin glared in response.

"Thank you, Fred," she smiled at him. "Demetri's ability to track is his gift, yet from what I've been told, he is one of their best fighters. He told me he can incapacitate twenty individuals in as little as sixty seconds," she glanced at him over her shoulder, Demetri feeling proud at the tone of pride in her voice. They blinked, looking up at him but he didn't respond in any manner. "But, with his tracking ability, he can find anyone he wishes to, he just needs to come into contact with them. "If we need him to find a particular person on the battlefield he will be able to do so in a matter of minutes. If we have fugitives on the run, afterwards, he will be able to track them, too. Both Alec and Demetri will be here for two weeks after the battle, to aid with the aftermath."

"Does your tracking have a distance limitation?" Remus directed his question to the vampire behind her.

"No," he spoke for the first time since leaving Hermione's room and she saw the still silenced Molly Weasley's eyes glaze over. "There is no limitation on distance, once I identity the tenor of the mind, I can track anyone, anywhere in the world until it leads me to my target. As you can imagine, it is quite useful when in need of finding any who break the laws."

Noises of surprise filled the kitchen and eyes darted between him and Hermione.

"Alec's gift... Well, I suppose it'll be easier to show you," Hermione mused. "Do we have a volunteer?" She asked but no one offered themselves as one. "George, how about you?" Hermione tipped her head slightly, smiling innocently. Fred and Harry sniggered at his affronted look. "It doesn't physically hurt."

"Oh, that's comforting," he scoffed.

"Stop being a baby," she rolled her eyes. "Alec, there's your victim."

"Victim!?" George squeaked but the shimmering hazy mist was already surrounding him.

George's body stiffened in his seat and his breathing turned into little gasps of air but he otherwise didn't move and when Alec released him, George's head fell forward and he reached out to grasp the edge of the table, gasping for breath.

"George, what happened?" Kingsley asked, his eyes flickering between him and Alec.

"I...I couldn't move," he muttered, sounding terrified and lifting his head to look at everyone horrified. "I tried but I couldn't move. I couldn't see, I couldn't hear, I couldn't smell. I couldn't do anything."

Suspicion gazes darted to the vampire in question, his expression remaining stoic.

"Alec has the ability to block the five senses, sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste. Seeing as his ability is mentally focused, it isn't affected by physical barriers such as shields or even the weather. The only way to block his ability is through Occlumency. It is why only Alec and Demetri returned with me. With them alone, we may just win this war."

"We will win," Harry interrupted with a determined look in eyes that no one could argue with.

"Demetri and Alec have amazing self-control, upon my arrival in Volterra I was injured and I bled all over the floor, they didn't even twitch. In fact, Demetri helped to heal my injuries. Everyone here is safe; Alec and Demetri won't harm anyone."

"Thank you, Hermione," Kingsley spoke. "Now, we have a war to win."