CHAPTER THIRTY
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 Stephenie 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: 10
Friday 24th July 1998
"Oomph!" Hermione grunted, as she found herself being yanked backwards, her back colliding with Demetri's chest as his walking came to a sudden stop. His arms automatically wrapped around her stomach and held her to him.
"You are?" His voice deepened and softened all at the same time and his breath ghosted over the shell of her ear as he lowered his mouth to her ear.
Her breath hitched and she knew he would be able to hear her heart hammering in her chest, she could practically hear it herself.
"Yes," she said breathlessly and she bit her lip to stop the moan that threatened to leave her when his arms tightened around her and he placed an open-mouthed kiss to her pulse point.
Her heart sped up further, though it wasn't out of fear, she knew he'd never hurt her and he'd never change her without her permission to do so. She wasn't afraid, she was excited and she knew it had nothing to do with his vampire allure.
The cold skin of his nose brushed against the column of her throat as he took in her scent. She felt her head tipping to give him better access and he hummed a pleased sound from the back of his throat at her actions and her insides clenched at the noise.
"I'm very pleased to hear that, glykó sýntrofo." He placed yet another open-mouthed kiss to her throat, his tongue darting out to lick at her skin.
She felt her knees buckle and if he didn't have such a tight hold on her, she had no doubts she would've melted into a puddle and hit the ground. A little gasp left her and she felt him smile against her skin.
"What does that mean? It's not the first time you've called me that," she said breathlessly, her hands gripping at the fabric of his robe sleeves, as they were still wrapped around her stomach.
He hummed, not answering her question and his nose moved lower to nuzzle at the junction between her neck and shoulder, and he teasingly dragged his teeth over her skin. She gasped and her nails bit into his arms through the fabric of his sleeves, not that he felt it.
He chuckled, a deep and rich sound that reverberated down her spine and straight to the place between her legs, she was dangerously at risk of having to walk around with damp knickers, and with her new housemates, they'd be able to smell how Demetri had affected her, that thought alone was enough to quell her growing arousal.
"We have to get you to the Lords before they send someone to look for you, I can't imagine them being pleased that we left them waiting," she said, and he must've sensed that she was over their little playful display as he pulled his head away from her neck.
"On the contrary, I think they'd be rather pleased, they've known of our shared bond since the beginning. They urged Alec and I tell you as soon as possible, but we were against the idea. I wouldn't be surprised if they found your newfound understanding as an excuse to hold another ball, they do so like their parties," he chuckled, amusement laced into his words.
"They better bloody not," she grouched.
He chuckled. "I thought you looked rather delectable," he all but purred against her ear.
She squeezed her thighs tightly together to stave off the arousal threatening to dampen her knickers.
"Yes, well, I only have the patience to attend a maximum of one ball per year, any more and they'll be a rampaging witch on the loose in Volterra."
"It'd be a sight to behold, I'm sure."
"Not really, my hair is frightening," she shrugged. He snorted and despite her words, his arms tightened around her, refusing to let her go when she made to step forward. "Demetri, we have all the time in the world, but right now, you need to see the Lords. We'll spend some time together afterwards, I know I'm not the only one that's missed you."
She heard him take a deep breath.
"No?"
"No, Teddy's missed you, too. He's grown remarkably in the week you've been gone, he's even started doing something new."
"He has?" He questioned, and she could hear the tone of pride in his voice, but he was also a little disappointed that he'd obviously missed a part of Teddy's growth.
"Yes, he might do it again later. We'll go see the Lords first. I'll race you there?"
He pulled back from her, releasing her from his hold and she turned to face him, seeing his arched eyebrow.
"Vampire," he said, pointing to himself.
"Witch," she replied, her wand appearing in her hand and she shook it in her hand from side to side, bringing note to it. "So, once again, race you?"
"And what do I receive as a prize?" His eyes gleamed as they roamed her figure hungrily, her insides twisted.
"You're awfully full of yourself, aren't you?" She said amusedly. "You're already assuming that you'll win. But, I'll humour you. If you win then I'll gladly allow you access to my clothing, meaning you can pick my outfits for an entire week, and no matter what it is, I have to wear it." His lip twitched; that could give him some amusement. "And if I win, you have to allow the same."
He raised an eyebrow. "Alright, it's not what I had in mind myself but I accept the terms."
"On the count of three?" He nodded. "One, two, three!"
~000~000~000~
Demetri entered the chamber room, his eyes darting about in search for Hermione and upon only seeing Jane, Felix, Alec, Aro and Caius, his eyes glittered in victory and his mouth twitched at the corners.
"Ah, Demetri, how nice of you to finally join us," Aro spoke.
Demetri bowed his head. "My Lords," he greeted.
"I must confess, our lovely, Miss. Granger explained the idea of your wager, and I am unsure whether to be amused or disappointed with the outcome."
Demetri frowned in confusion, seeing the smirks littering the faces of his fellow Coven members.
"My Lord, I do not understand."
An amused smirk found its way onto Aro's face. "Hermione, My Dear?" He called softly.
Despite his vampire reflexes, Demetri found himself startling when Hermione suddenly appeared in his line of sight, an amused smile on her face, her eyes alight with victory and smugness as she casually leaned against the wall with her arms folded and her wand in her hand.
"Demetri, how lovely of you to join us, I had thought you'd gotten lost," she said lightly. He blinked in surprise and chuckles rang out in the large room.
"It is my understanding that Miss. Granger now has control over your wardrobe choices for the coming week," Aro spoke.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I do hope you forgive Demetri for not wearing his Volturi robes."
"I believe we can make an exception. I confess, I am curious as to what his new clothing will entail."
Hermione smiled. "Believe me, My Lord, I assure you, you will find great amusement."
"Yes, I believe I will," he chuckled. Demetri continued to blink, unable to formulate words. "Demetri, come," he said, gesturing for him to move over to the dais.
Hermione watched as Demetri pulled himself together and approached Aro, quickly offering him his hand, silently debriefing him on his mission. Aro had a thoughtful look on his face until a sudden chuckle sounded and he released Demetri's hand.
"Finally," he commented, his eyes darting between Alec, Hermione and Demetri.
Hermione caught on rather quickly and made her way over to Demetri who was now standing back in the centre of the room. He smiled at her and automatically took her hand in his, and Alec appeared to her left, taking her hand in his, too. The three of them stood together, facing the two Lords.
"Yes, finally," Caius parroted, watching the three of them with amused eyes.
"I see you took the revelation rather well," Aro commented, his eyes gleaming in a way she didn't like.
"I didn't faint, it that's what you mean, nor did I shout or cry, or lose my temper," she replied.
"Thankfully," Alec muttered quietly so Hermione didn't hear but the others did and they smirked at him.
"I'm curious, why?" Caius asked.
"Believe it or not, discovering that I am the perfect companion to two vampires is not the most surprising news I've received lately. There was no point in overreacting, they are not to blame and neither am I. Nothing can be done or changed, and I would never deny either of them the right to experience true happiness. I was already aware of there being a strange connection between the three of us, but I did not know what it was. And in the spirit of making confessions today, I also have something to confess."
"And what might that be?" Aro asked with a cocked eyebrow, shifting in his throne atop the dais.
"I did not return to Volterra simply because of the contract. I had no intention of breaking our agreement, even if it was offered to me by some of my fellow Order members, I refused. Our contract was not the sole reason for my return. Despite knowing Teddy deserved a fresh start and that he needed to be anywhere else but England, I also returned because my magic was pushing me to do so. I didn't know why until today. My magic wanted me here because this is where I was needed. This is where Alec and Demetri are. My magic knew what I was to them long before I did."
"Interesting," he mumbled in reply. "Now that you are aware of your shared bonds, I imagine things around here are only going to get more interesting."
"They are," she promised, her mouth tugging at the corners. He smirked in reply. "And now that that's been discussed, I did want to speak with you."
"About?" He queried.
"My return to England."
He eyed her warily. "By my understanding, it has only been two months since your return, we agreed upon quarterly returns, at four days at a time."
"We did, but I wish to ask if you would allow me to return slightly earlier for my first visit, and I will wait four months for the next visitation afterwards to balance it out."
"Why do you wish to return before our agreed upon date?"
"My brother, Harry, it's his eighteenth birthday next week. And in August my sister is turning seventeen, it's an important time in a witch's life as they come of age, they are officially regarded as adults and they no longer have the restrictions on their magic that children do. And, my brother, Percy, he'll be turning twenty-two in August also. By returning early, I will have the chance to celebrate all of their birthdays early, and I know they are worried for me. I wish to set their minds at ease. I didn't reveal my intentions to return to Volterra until the evening before I was to leave, as you can imagine, most of them weren't pleased."
He eyed her warily before turning to look at Caius, silently asking for his opinion.
"Allow her to leave," she heard a familiar voice drawl, and she turned to look behind her, seeing Marcus entering the chamber and carrying the wriggling child in his arms. Hermione smiled at him.
"I hope he has not been any trouble for you, My Lord," she spoke.
His mouth twitched. "Now what have I told you, Hermione? You may call me Marcus, I am not your Master and I do not presume that I am able to tell you what to do, anyone that does is a fool," he said, pointedly looking at Aro, who looked affronted and Hermione sniggered at him. "And of course he was no trouble. He's always a little angel," he commented, showing a rare smile. "He's been fed, burped and changed, and recently woken from his nap."
"Careful, you're going to put my mothering tendencies to shame," she teased.
His mouth twitched. "Now that would be a crime, though I doubt it would be possible to out-mother you," he chuckled.
He approached and Hermione released her newly discovered mates' hands so she may take her Godson from Marcus, and he then made for his throne beside Aro.
"She is not swindling you out of the deal, she has agreed to stay for a further four months before her next visitation," Marcus said to Aro.
Aro turned to Caius. "I see no harm in agreeing to early visitation," Caius said aloud. Before adding quietly so Hermione wouldn't hear, "I believe this may be her last step in fully recovering from her grief. I have caught glimpses of her true self several times but today is the most surprising. I believe that when she returns, she'll be ready to showcase her true talents."
Aro nodded in agreement. "We are in agreement, Miss. Granger, you may take your visitation early. When do you wish to leave?"
"Thursday morning. This will allow me time to arrange for magical transport. I am no longer in danger of being tracked which allows me to use transportation that will have a travel time of a matter of minutes."
"And are your dear mates to join you on this visitation?" He cocked his eyebrow.
She felt both Demetri and Alec staring at her, waiting for her answer. "I believe that is a discussion we need to have, My Lord, and I will give you our decision as soon as possible, I know they both have responsibilities to see to and I would hate to take them away from those that require their attention."
~000~000~000~
"So, you're going back to England?" Demetri questioned with a raised eyebrow, as he, Hermione and Alec entered her rooms, being mindful to step over and around the five kittens that bounded over to him in greeting, seeing that he'd returned from his mission.
"Yes, as I've said to Aro, there's several birthdays I don't wish to miss and I know they are worried about me. The sooner I put their minds at ease, the less guilty I will feel for putting them through all this worry."
"And do you wish for us to travel with you?" Alec asked, stepping around the tiger-like marked kitten known as Archie, as he tried to climb up Alec's robes.
"That's entirely your decision. Do you believe you are able to allow me to be out of your presence for four days?" They frowned. "That's what I thought."
"I'm sensing a 'but 'coming," Demetri said.
He stepped around the ginger kitten with the black spot on its paw and tail, known as Wesley, as he tried to burrow himself under Demetri's robes and climb his trouser leg. Demetri snorted before bending to pick up the troublesome kitten, who meowed in his face and stretched his head to rub against his cheek. Hermione smiled at the sight.
"But, I can't imagine your presence having a calming effect on the others. I don't want them to be under the assumption that I'm your prisoner and you have to escort me everywhere to prevent me from escaping your custody." They both snorted. "I'm not opposed to you coming with me, I wouldn't mind it actually, but as I said, I know you have responsibilities, and mate or not, I don't want to pull you away from them. The Coven must come before me." They stared at her in surprise.
"I'm hoping Ron's come to his senses, but if he sees you..." She sighed before sitting down on her bed and placing Teddy down on his back, and tickling his stomach as he giggled and laughed loudly, pulling smiles from the three of them.
Demetri and Alec both shared a look and then nodded in agreement.
"As much as we don't want you to go without at least one of us present, we believe that you should visit with only you and Teddy. It will allow you to rebuild your relationship with your friend without us being a distraction to any of you," Demetri said.
She blinked. "And what of our separation? Do you think you can handle it?"
"There's only one way to find out," Alec said, moving sit beside her on the bed, stepping over the orange kitten with a few black stripes, named Simba, the leader and the biggest of the litter.
Hermione smiled when Teddy gave a sudden squeal of amusement and she saw him rocking slightly.
"Demetri, come here," she beckoned him forward.
He put Wesley down and he crouched down in front of the bed beside her, putting him at eye level with Teddy.
"Watch," she said with a smile, and Demetri kept his eyes on Teddy.
His eyes widened, his mouth broke into a grin and a delighted laugh left him when much to his surprise, Teddy rolled over onto his stomach and held himself up on his arms, staring directly into his eyes and with a smile on his face, whilst making gurgling sounds.
"That's my boy," Demetri laughed and he stood up and picked Teddy up, bouncing him in his arms with a pure look of happiness spread across his face.
Hermione's breath hitched and her eyes filled with tears at his words. Demetri was oblivious to her reaction, being too preoccupied with the laughing baby in his arms. She felt a cold hand slip into hers and she turned her head to see Alec watching her with a soft expression on his face. He reached up and wiped away the fallen tear from the corner of her eye.
"We love him," he said, and her eyes widened further, followed by another tear falling.
"You sound surprised by that," she muttered.
He frowned slightly. "Demetri made it clear from the moment you took custody of Teddy that he wanted to be a part of his life, not only because of you but also because this is the only opportunity he has to experience fatherhood."
More tears fell at hearing his confession regarding her mate and she turned to look at him, feeling love began to fill her chest.
"I made it clear that I would care for him and protect him for you, because your happiness is what matters most to me, I suspected I would grow to care for him, but never as a son."
"But?" She prompted.
"But, I was wrong," he admitted. Her breath hitched once more. "He's a funny little being and I will protect him not only for you but also because I do not wish for any harm to come to him. He's wormed his way into my heart, just as you have."
Her tears were falling freely at this point and there was nothing she could do to stop them. She'd never felt so much happiness, so much gratefulness, so much love. She'd been wrong before, she wasn't falling in love with them; she was in love with them.
She locked gazes with him, his red eyes glowing in the slowly darkening room as night approached.
"We love you," she confessed quietly. His eyes widened. "I know Teddy loves you, and what I told you this morning was a mistake. I am not falling in love with you because I already am in love with you."
She found herself being crushed against his chest with his arms wrapped around her tightly. Bloody hell, vampire speed was disorientating! His lips touched against hers and she coaxed him into moving them against hers, being mindful that they really should keep his fangs away from her. He pulled back from her with that beautiful, angelic smile of his coming into her view and she felt her head spin from his beauty. Luckily, he buried his nose into her neck and breathed in her scent.
"I love you both, you've made me so happy."
Even if she hadn't of heard him due to his quiet tone, she felt his lips move against her skin and she clung to him tighter in response.
"We love you," she replied in a whisper. "You've given me a chance at a happy and peaceful future."
She felt a hand touch her shoulder and she drew back from Alec to see Demetri staring down at with his penetrating gaze. When she looked back to Alec, she'd expected to see annoyance at having being interrupted, but what she saw was a look of understanding pass between the two vampires. Maybe it wouldn't be so difficult to navigate a triadic relationship after all.
Alec happily took Teddy from Demetri, though his happiness was always much more reserved than Demetri's.
Demetri held his hand out to her, she took it without hesitation and he pulled her to her feet.
"And you too, you big, goofy, idiot," she told him, tears still swimming in her eyes and his mouth pulled into a smile at her teasing insult. "I was wrong; I'm not falling in love with you because I already am in love with you."
His ruby eyes sparkled and a breathtaking smile filled his face, making him look so bloody handsome it hurt to look at him and she fought with the urge to shut her eyes. She wanted to see his happiness. Bloody hell, he looked happier than when he'd seen Teddy rollover and she hadn't thought that was possible, but she was bearing witness to it.
She found herself being pulled off her feet and into his arms, as he laughed and spun her in circles, thankfully, at human speed. She laughed at his happiness and joy and love coursed through her. She'd expected him to place her back on the ground, but he didn't. Instead, he set her feet down on the coffee table, making it so she was taller than him and he looked up at her and her down at him.
She lowered her mouth to his and his arms wrapped around her, keeping her pressed against him with one arm around her back and the other with a hand on the back of her neck, buried under her curls. She had one arm hooked around his neck and the other with her hand clutching at the hair at the nape of her neck, as they moved their mouths together, being mindful of his venomous fangs. They pulled back from each other when she needed to breathe and their foreheads pressed together, her hot skin against his ice-cold skin,
"You saved me from myself," she whispered.
"And you've brought me to life," he told her.
If she didn't already love him, she certainly would've after that comment.
She pulled back from him when she heard Teddy laughing and she turned her eyes towards the sound. Her smile widened upon seeing Alec laying on his side, his head propped up by his hand and the other ticking Teddy's stomach.
"I forgot to mention," she spoke, hopping off the table and pulling the attention of both vampires. "This morning I think I found Teddy's first tooth."
"What?" Both vampires questioned in shock.
She made her way over to the bed and climbed on the other side of Teddy and Demetri sat on the edge of the bed. Hermione cast a Cleaning Charm over her hand before she carefully put the tip of her finger inside Teddy's mouth, moving the tip over his top gums, feeling nothing, and then moving to the bottom, where she felt the slight sharp bump in the centre. She pulled her finger back and smiled.
"He's definitely getting his first tooth." Both vampires grinned at her. "Fantastic, we've got another biter in the Coven."
They stared at her in complete surprise before they laughed at her, shaking their heads. Only she could make light of their status without a care in the world.
~000~000~000~
"You've made a decision?" Aro questioned, knowing the only reason she would be meeting him in the chamber so late would be to inform him of her decision.
"Yes, we've discussed the visitation and we've all come to an agreement that only I and Teddy will be visiting England. As much as I would like for Alec and Demetri to come with me, not only do they have responsibilities that need their attention, we believe their presence will have an undesired effect. I wish to convince my family that I am safe and happy where I am, and knowing them, they'd assume the worst should Alec and Demetri visit with me."
Aro frowned.
"It's not as if she's going to run away," Marcus drawled. "She has signed the contract just as we have and her mates are here."
"Exactly," Hermione nodded in agreement. "That, and I'd never leave my library."
Marcus rolled his eyes.
~000~000~000~
"Lower your shield," Alec muttered softly.
Hermione was snuggled under the thick duvet of her bed, wearing her pyjamas and more than ready to go to sleep; it had been an emotional day. Teddy was sleeping peacefully in his crib, Alec sat on the bed to her left, whilst Demetri sat on her right.
She motioned for Demetri to lie down and he raised an eyebrow but did so, making himself comfortable and once he'd finished, she moved closer to him, laying with her head resting over his chest, where his non-beating heart was and her arm thrown over his waist. He smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"No," she said softly. "I don't think I'm going to need your gift tonight."
She reached over behind her and he automatically took her hand, feeling the way she tugged lightly. Alec moved closer to her and she pulled his arm so that it wrapped over her waist and rested against her stomach with her fingers entwined with his. This made it so his chest was pressed to her back and she was held between her two favourite vampires closely.
"I have everything I need. I have my loving mates."
For the first time in as long as she could remember, she had a peaceful night's sleep without the influence of magic, without Alec's gift and without memories of her past haunting her.