CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
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: 7
Sunday 17th May 1998
Hermione had just finished putting the finishing touches to her makeup when there was a knock on the door. She looked herself over in the floor length mirror one final time, scrutinising her appearance. Her makeup was minimal, consisting of only a little mascara and nude glittered eye shadow. Her hair was left down, spilling over her back and shoulders in sleek ringlets and it was pinned back from her face with the pretty bejewelled hair comb Aro had gifted her along with the diamond earrings and necklace that was cushioned in the valley of her breasts.
The ball gown she'd found hanging on the back of the bathroom door she had been pleasantly surprised with, as it hadn't been what she was expecting. Rather than a poufy Cinderella dress, she found herself wearing an off the shoulder gown with sleeves that fell down to her wrists. The bodice was corset style which had pushed her breasts up and cinched her waist in a little more than usual. The skirt floated down from her waist until it touched the floor and the fabric swayed every time she took a step. Hidden underneath the skirts were silver strappy heels that she had fitted with Comfort and Balancing Charms and her wand was tied to the inside of her right thigh with her wand holster.
When she heard the knock again, she took a deep breath before leaving the bathroom and answering the door to reveal Alec and Demetri stood on the other side.
The moment their eyes locked on her, the words that had been on the tip of their tongues died immediately and they stared at her with wide eyes and partially opened mouths. In their distraction, Hermione looked them over, seeing that they were both wearing dark suits with bowties beneath their Volturi Guard robes and they both looked ridiculously handsome.
"I would say you both look quite dapper, but given the fact you'd look good in a bin bag, I don't think my opinion really matters," she teased.
They both cleared their throats and stood tall, straightening her posture.
"Hermione, you look stunning," Demetri complimented, his ruby eyes staring at her intensely.
He gave her a charming smile before they both took a hand each and kissed the back of it, their ice-cold lips sucking the heat from her skin. She couldn't help it, her cheeks tinted pink and they both smiled at the sight.
"Thank you," she replied, and much to her embarrassment, even she'd heard the breathlessness in her tone and they both smiled at her wider. She cleared her throat before turning and heading into Teddy's nursery to collect him. "Do you think he'll fit in?" Hermione asked, returning with him and they both chuckled when they saw that Hermione had dressed him in a miniature suit and bowtie and cute little dress shoes.
"I think you'll both have all eyes on you," Alec commented, his eyes sweeping over her whilst she righted Teddy's bowtie, so she didn't see but Demetri did and he struggled to contain his amusement at the younger-but-older vampire's behaviour.
"Only because we're human and they've likely never seen a baby in a suit before."
Demetri chuckled at her. "Are you ready to go?"
"I believe so," she turned her attention to the five kittens and Crookshanks, who were sitting on her bed. "Stay here," she told them before she turned her attention back to Alec and Demetri.
In some unspoken agreement, she shifted Teddy in her arms before lopping one through Alec's, her hand resting in the crook of his elbow with his hand over the top of hers, and Demetri was beside her, a hand resting on the small of her back as they escorted her to the ballroom.
"Just how many are expected to attend?"
"There are thirty-two members of the Volturi," Demetri answered. "And there are thirty-four vampires that are serving out their punishments here, and are therefore, not members of the Coven. They will all be in attendance this evening as the Lords wish to introduce you to everyone, as well as issue a warning against harming you and Teddy."
She nodded. "Maybe I should ask the Lords for information on the Coven so I may learn about everyone I will be coming into contact with."
"We'll help you to familiarise yourself with the Coven members, just as you did for us on your enemies," Alec promised.
She smiled at them.
"This ball isn't going to take too long is it? I'm grateful and everything, but I'm human, the temperature in the castle is already beginning to drop and a Warming Charm will fend off the chill for a little while but not forever and I can't have Teddy in those conditions. Plus, Teddy is due a feed in a few hours time and no doubt I'd be starving myself by that point."
"You have not eaten?" Alec frowned.
"No, I wasn't sure how to go about getting food without leaving my room, and I didn't want to bother either of you."
"Selena was instructed to bring you dinner for five-thirty this evening."
"Well, I never received anything. The wards on my room prevent unwanted vampires from getting in, not humans and I haven't erected any Silencing Charms so I would've heard the knocking on the door, as I did with you."
Alec and Demetri shared a look which Hermione caught and neither of them looked pleased.
"We'll be sure to escort you from the ball the moment you feel hungry, and we'll make sure the Lords are aware of the reasoning so they will not be offended."
"Thank you," she replied. "Now, I know you said your Coven had control when humans were nearby, but are they going to be alright with me in their presence, I don't wish to cause anyone any pain or make anyone uncomfortable."
"The Lords ensured everyone fed a few days ago, so you will be fine. If anyone says anything to make you uncomfortable, just inform myself or Demetri."
"How about setting them on fire?" She cheeked. They both chuckled at her.
"That's an option, too," Demetri agreed, "But I imagine the Lords will want to award the punishment themselves."
"And here we are," Alec interrupted, turning the corner and coming to a set of doors just as grand as the ones on the great hall at Hogwarts.
Hermione could faintly hear music coming from behind them and then the doors suddenly opened and as they stepped inside Hermione, took in the sight of the grand ballroom, and grand was the right word for it. It was huge and decorated ornately with crystal chandeliers and swatches of silk and satin. The orchestra and conductor were in the back corner of the room on a small stage and the large windows in the room gave the perfect view of the slowly darkening sky and there was a dais at the far end of the room with three thrones sat atop.
Hermione was aware of the eyes on her as Demetri and Alec proudly escorted her through the crowd that parted for them and towards the dais were Aro, Marcus and Caius could be seen perched in their thrones.
"Ah, Miss. Granger, you look enchanting," Aro complimented.
He stood from his throne and walked down to her, Alec and Demetri took a step back from her and Aro took her hand and kissed the back of it, if he was trying to read her thoughts, she didn't know as she had her Occlumency shields firmly in place.
"Thank you, My Lord, although I must confess, I'm not sure if I should be worried by the colour choice," she mused, bringing note to the blood-red of the gown.
He chuckled. "A mere coincidence, I assure you, though the colour does suit you."
"You're not the first to tell me that."
"I'm sure I'm not." He turned his eyes to Teddy and his lip twitched amusement.
"I thought I'd make the effort seeing as you went to so much trouble of hosting this ball in my honour," she replied.
"How do you find your new rooms, Miss. Granger?"
"Wonderful, thank you, My Lord, with the help of Alec and Demetri, I was able to set up a nursery for Teddy."
"Excellent, now, let's make introductions."
Aro looked at the conductor and the music suddenly stopped, the room fell silent and everyone faced their direction expectantly as Aro stepped back up onto the dais.
"Thank you all for finding the time to attend this evening, as I know many of you have responsibilities that need your attention. But this evening marks the changes that are to come to our way of life, as well as two new members to our Coven." Hermione's eyes widened at his words. "And this evening, we hold this ball in their honour."
Aro looked down at Hermione and held his hand out expectantly. She took a deep breath before carefully walking up the dais in her long dress, heels and with Teddy in her arms. She took his offered hand and he turned her so she faced the crowd and stood beside him. She couldn't hear the whispers but she was sure they were happening.
"Friends and Coven members, this evening I am introducing to you, Hermione Granger, and her darling Godson, Teddy," he gestured to them with his free hand and Hermione forced her heartbeat and breathing to remain steady.
"Miss. Granger and her Godson are now residing with us at the castle and she is a vital member of the Coven. She is not only human but a witch, and a very powerful witch for someone as young as her. She is a treasure that is to be protected at all costs. Should any harm come to Miss. Granger or her Godson, punishments will not only be widely unpleasant but a death to match that fate will follow. If Miss. Granger feels threatened, she is well within her rights to defend herself, a few members of the Guard have born witness to what happens when Miss. Granger feels threatened and it is a thing of beauty, but not for those on the receiving end. Many of you may have noticed that we are a member down. Gregory discovered the hard way what happens when you disobey an order, and what the consequences are for trying to harm Miss. Granger." Hermione forced herself to not look away from the red eyes staring at her. "Miss. Granger and her Godson are not be harmed, is that understood?"
Hermione didn't hear their responses but Aro nodded.
"Excellent. Miss. Granger has recently aided in winning the Second Wizarding War. She is a remarkable fighter, she has a brilliant mind and an unwavering kindness and compassion for those that are misunderstood, including vampires. Miss. Granger is working on changing the laws of the Wizarding World to better our kind, and when she has completed her task, we will no longer be restricted to this world. She is paving the way into the Wizarding World for our kind and we can only prosper from her actions. Thank you for your attention, you may return to your conversations and dancing."
Hermione bowed her head to Aro before walking down the dais where Alec and Demetri met her.
"Well, that was embarrassing," she said airily and they chuckled at her.
"But well deserved," Demetri assured her. "It is not often Lord Aro praises someone as he has you," Demetri revealed, surprising her with his words. "Would you care for a dance?" He asked, offering her his hand.
"I can't dance," she blurted out. He arched an eyebrow. "I'm being serious, I can't dance. I only know the waltz and the opening dance for the Triwizard's Tournament, and I barely made it through them."
He chuckled at her. "I won't let you fall."
"I should hope not, otherwise, we'd have to evaluate the meaning of super strength and speed, if I am able to take you down with me." He laughed at her, the sound making her eyes glaze over momentarily.
Demetri looked at Alec expectantly before he reluctantly took Teddy from Hermione so she could dance with Demetri. Hermione kissed his cheek in thanks and he perked up at the action as Demetri swept Hermione up onto the dance floor, falling in with some of the other dancers. Demetri took his time to show Hermione the steps, and despite her protests, he thought she was a fairly decent dancer.
"Magic is a blessing," she commented as Demetri spun her under his arm before drawing her closer to him and his hand slipped from her waist to the small of her back.
"And why is that?"
"You see, without the Balancing and Cushioning Charms I have on my shoes, which are death traps, I would've fallen on my face before I even left my rooms, and I certainly would've fallen walking up the dais."
He laughed at her, the sound ringing in her ears and her eyes glazing over momentarily.
"Are you hungry?" He inquired
"I'm alright at the moment."
"Hermione, you haven't eaten since we left England," he admonished, a crease pulling at his brow.
"Demetri, I've been half starving for the better part of a year, I am not used to three full meals a day. I am not yet hungry but I imagine I will be soon," she told him and his frown deepened. She reached up and smoothed it out, her hand returning to his shoulder. "Frowning doesn't suit you."
Demetri was about to respond when he looked up and saw Alec approaching them, and Demetri knew he had to be fair, he and Hermione had been on the dance floor for half an hour and she would soon be worn out and it wouldn't be fair to Alec if he didn't have the chance to dance with her, too.
"Alec wishes to dance with you," he explained, when he stopped their movements and she turned and smiled at Alec.
Demetri took Teddy from him, as Alec swept Hermione up and continued where Demetri had left off.
"I hope Teddy wasn't any trouble."
"No, he fell asleep once he was comfortable," he replied and she smiled at him. "How are you finding the ball?"
"Surprisingly, I'm enjoying myself."
"You did not expect to?" His head tilted slightly.
"No," she confessed, "I've only been to one ball in my life at it was the Triwizard's Tournament ball my fourth year. I attended with the Durmstrang Champion, I was enjoying myself until Ronald opened his big mouth and ruined the entire night."
"How so?" He frowned.
"He accused me of being a traitor because I attended the ball with the 'enemy' as he was Harry's opponent. Ron was just mad I wasn't available to attend the ball with him; he assumed no one would ask me and left me as a last resort. When he had no option but me left, he didn't believe me when I told him I had already been asked to attend with someone else. When he discovered I was with Viktor, he flew off his broom handle and I left the ball in a flood of tears."
"From what I've seen, this friend of yours is not worthy of your friendship or loyalty," he remarked.
Hermione smiled sadly. "Maybe he isn't, but he has it."
"You're loyal beyond belief."
"Like a golden retriever," she joked and he snorted at her.
"I'm sorry for not telling you about my twin sister," he said unexpectedly.
"You shouldn't be, it's not like I asked and you don't have to explain yourself to me."
"No, I should've told you, I just forgot to. We were preoccupied with the preparations and the battle and that was followed by the funerals and tracking the fugitives."
"As I said, you don't have to explain yourself to me," she smiled.
"I want to," he assured her with his eyes locked firmly on hers and she nodded. "I don't remember much from my human life before I was turned, only what Lord Aro told me. Jane and I were born in England around 800 A.D. The town's people hated us as they believed us to be strange, they referred to us as 'the Witch Twins,' but as far as I'm aware, we didn't possess any magical abilities. When we were sixteen, they raided our home and captured us before they burnt us at the stake, and Lord Aro stepped in and changed us."
Hermione looked at him horrified.
"I am sorry you had to endure such horror."
"It was a long time ago," he smiled down at her. "Our abilities were born out of what happened that night. Whilst I was burning, I focused on wishing that I was numb to it all, numb from the pain and the sounds and smells, and when I was changed that focus manifested itself into the ability to mentally numb the senses." Hermione's expression softened and he couldn't look away even if he wanted to. "When Jane was burning, she focused on the anger and hatred and pain, and when she was changed, that manifested itself into the ability to create an illusion of pain, I believe it's similar to the curse you used on the Alpha werewolf." Her eyes widened slightly. "It doesn't cause physical injury as it's more of a psychological effect but I've never seen Jane cause the pain you did."
"You didn't deserve what happened to you, even if you did possess magic. And you should've never been exposed to that kind of horror at your age."
"Says the witch that was pulled into a war at the age of twelve," he quipped.
She laughed lightly and gave her head a gentle shake. "I chose to stand by Harry. I chose to follow him into danger and to protect him. I had a choice, you didn't. And I'm sorry you didn't have the opportunity to experience human life to the fullest before it was taken away from you."
"What can I experience as a human that I cannot as a vampire?" He arched an eyebrow.
She frowned in thought, absentmindedly nibbling at her lip, something his eyes locked onto.
"Getting drunk?" She offered. He snorted. "It's the only thing I can think of at the moment," she defended, "But I'm sure there's plenty. It still shouldn't have happened," she said softly.
She halted in her steps and he stopped with her, looking down at her in confusion before she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. He sighed, his arms gently folding around her as he breathed in her scent of strawberries and vanilla.
He never thought he'd find peace or home but then Hermione arrived in Volterra and he would be forever grateful for that day.