CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
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
Thursday 30th July 1998
Hermione stepped out of the floo and into the familiar surroundings of the Burrow, her eyes darting about to see if there were any changes since the last time she'd been there, and from what she could tell, there wasn't.
"They're outside," Harry said.
"You go ahead, I'll catch you up," she replied. He turned his head to look at her questioningly. "It's alright, I just need a minute to gather my thoughts so I'm on top form if Molly decides she wishes to take a dig at me."
Harry snorted. "If it's anything like the last time, it'll be entertaining," he said before making his way out of the living room, through the door and out into the sunshine were voices were carrying in the light breeze.
"Right, Teddy, let's go meet the extended family," she said, looking down at the little wizard perched on her hip. He made a squealing sound that she knew was to be the beginning of a cry. "I'd never let anyone hurt you," she said softly, offering her finger to the little wizard and he latched onto it with a tight grip. "And I miss them, too, we'll be back with them before you know it."
She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and lifted her head before making her way through the living room and out into the garden. Not far in the distance, she could see many a redhead milling around, laughing and chatting with each other and Harry had wandered off to speak with Ginny.
As if feeling her stare, Ginny's head turned towards her, she squinted before her eyes widened and a sudden squeal tore from her, drawing the attention of everyone.
"HERMIONE!"
Hermione had never seen Ginny run so fast in her life. Hermione laughed loudly as Ginny only just managed to stop herself from colliding into her, knowing Teddy would get hurt.
"You're back, I can't believe you're back, I've missed you so much," Ginny said, releasing Hermione from the tight squeeze with a happy smile on her face and her eyes watering with happy tears.
"I've missed you, too, Gin," Hermione said, feeling her own eyes prickle with tears. She hadn't realised just how much she'd missed her friends.
"What're you doing here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming? How's Volterra? You being treated well? How long are you staying?"
"Gin, breathe," Hermione chuckled, seeing that Ginny was close to going purple in the face due to a lack of oxygen or breathing between her words. "I missed everyone and decided it was time for a visit, besides, it's Harry's birthday tomorrow, and I thought I'd come back to celebrate your birthday with you early, you're only seventeen once, I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Ginny laughed as she brushed away her happy tears, and knowing Hermione would answer the rest of her questions later, she turned her attention to Teddy.
"Merlin, he's so big," she exclaimed.
Hermione laughed. "Yes, your mother must be surprised to see that not only is he alive, but he's healthy and growing quickly."
Ginny snorted. "Ignore her, there's never anything you couldn't do when you put your mind to it. I knew you'd be a good mum to Teddy, as did everyone else, they didn't see the point in voicing their opinions, mum wouldn't listen," Ginny shrugged and Hermione felt tears prickle at her eyes at what her friend had divulged.
She shook her head. "Do you want to hold him?" She asked her friend.
"Obviously, give him to me!" Ginny said and Hermione laughed, handing Teddy over to her. Teddy stared at Ginny, as if deciding whether or not he liked her before he turned his attention to tugging on her fiery red hair.
As if feeling a presence behind, Hermione spun on her heel with her wand appearing in her hand and pointed it straight in the face of Fred who had tried to sneak up on her. He held his hands up in surrender, his eyes both shocked and alight with mischief.
"Never could get one over on you, Granger," he grinned.
She rolled her eyes and her wand disappeared from view, Fred eyeing the motion curiously.
"Well, I admire your tenacity, but if you don't tell George to put down whatever prank product he's got in his hand right now, I'll turn him into a turnip."
Fred laughed loudly. "You heard her, Georgie, surrender whilst you still can."
Hermione raised an eyebrow when George appeared beside her, the Disillusionment Charm he had on himself disappearing and he grinned down at her.
"We'll get you one of these days, Princess," he said.
"Don't call me that," she scowled. They both smirked at her, knowing she hated it almost as much as she did Professor Umbridge, and her dislike for the bat-shit crazy witch had never been a secret.
"So, do we get our hug now?" Fred asked, his arms folded over his chest whilst George moved to stand beside him, mirroring his twin's stance.
"Are you going to slip something into my pocket?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No," they replied.
"Tackle me to the ground?"
"No,"
"Dump something on my head?"
"That actually never crossed our minds," George said with a slight crease in his brow. "But thanks for the idea."
She rolled her eyes before stepping forward and they both grinned as they wrapped their arms around her and pulled her into them, trapping her between them.
"I missed you," she sighed.
"We missed you, too," Fred said, his tone serious.
"You staying?" George asked.
"Not long, just a few days and I have to get back; I've got potions that need my attention."
"Right, we'll have a chat later."
"We will; I'm staying with Harry if we don't get the chance today."
She pulled back from them and they wrapped their arms around her waist and shoulders and guided her towards the group that had been watching their interaction from afar, Hermione noticing that Ginny was already beside Harry along with Teddy.
"How's Ron?" She asked.
Fred shrugged. "He blew up every piece of furniture in the cottage, mum hexed his arse for destroying Remus' and Tonks' things before repairing it. He was in a right foul mood for the first month, but he's calmed down now. It should be safe for you to talk to him."
"Not that we'd let him hurt you, we'll be nearby if you need us," George said.
"Thanks, boys, I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Most likely be bored," Fred nodded and she snorted. "You used the products we gave you yet?"
"Not yet, I've been getting used to the new environment and my new housemates, but once I go back I won't hold back, promise."
"That's our Granger," George chuckled. "We've got some new products that will knock your socks off. You wanna test them for us and send us an analysis report?"
"Thought you'd never ask," she grinned and they grinned back.
"Well, we'll release you to the horde, don't listen to mum, she's been in a foul mood since you refused her another child to raise, by the way, she's going to be pissed Teddy's still alive." Hermione snorted. "If you need us, just give us the signal."
She nodded and they quickly parted ways, just as Fleur and Bill approached her. They shared a quick hug and greetings before Charlie made an appearance, sporting an impressive scar on his face which hadn't been there the last time she saw him. After Charlie came Percy, who was followed by Mr. Weasley; he gave her a big smile and hug, looking genuinely pleased to see her. Mrs. Weasley stood by the table, her hands on her hips and watching her carefully.
She caught sight of Ron from the corner of her eyes, standing by the large oak tree with his back to her and apparently kicking something on the floor. Harry appeared beside her with Teddy sat on his hip.
"What do you think? Like a plaster?" She asked him.
"If you get it out of the way it'll be less tense around here. He's been stewing for a while now and he needs to get it out," he replied.
She sighed and nodded. "Well, give me Teddy."
"Do you really want to take him over there?" He asked, knowing that Ron's temper was not something that a young child should be subjected to.
"Not really, but I'll need him to help keep me calm. I don't have Alec and Demetri with me; he's the only anchor I've got."
"Anchor?" He questioned confused.
"Something to keep me grounded, focused, stops me from losing control of my magic, which has grown in strength and capability since we last saw each other. I don't want to risk being on my own with Ron in case he angers me and I lose control, I don't know how my magic will react."
"We all saw what you did at the Battle," Harry nodded as he handed the giggling child to Hermione.
"Well, wish me luck."
"Sorry, 'Mione, all my luck's going to Ron on this one; he's going to need it."
She snorted and then walked away, making her way over to her temperamental best friend. She came to a stop beside him, seeing him kicking a bit a mud into the distance and his eyes glued to the clouds in the sky.
"I wondered how long it'd take you to come over," he spoke after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence.
"I couldn't decide if we should do this here and potentially ruin Harry's party or wait. Harry suggested now, get it out of the way. Hopefully, we'll come to an understanding and we can spend the rest of my visit the way we used to when we were children."
He turned to face her, looking down at her and she looked up at him, seeing his blue eyes searching her, likely for injuries.
"I'm perfectly healthy, Ronald," she spoke softly.
"I know, I can see that," he admitted in a mutter. "You've put on weight?"
She nodded. "Almost back to my original weight."
"You've been sleeping?"
"Without the aid of any potions or spells, too," she confirmed.
"You're being treated well?"
"More than I deserve," she promised.
"And Teddy?"
"Perfectly healthy and well cared for."
He kept his stare on her before turning his attention back to the sky, falling into silence, though this one was less tense.
"I don't like that you left us," he spoke and before she could defend herself, he surprised her with his next words. "But I understand why you did." He turned to look at her and a chuckle escaped him at seeing her clear surprise. "I've had a lot of time to think about it, 'Mione. We lost a lot of good people, people we knew, people we cared for, people we loved, you more than most. The press would've been all over you and Teddy, more so than Harry and I. After what we've witnessed, the memories and nightmares, this is no place to raise a child. I understand why you left, but I can't understand why you chose to leave with them."
Hermione sighed. This was going to be one awkward conversation.
Ron blinked as Hermione's wand appeared in her hand and she conjured up a chair and a bench. With a little spell work, she transfigured the chair into a makeshift cot to put Teddy in and to prevent him from injuring himself. She held her hand out and Ron stared at it before putting his hand in hers and she pulled him to sit on the bench beside her and she turned to face him, keeping his hand in hers.
"Ron, a lot has happened in our lives, in my life. I've discovered things about myself, things that are both wonderful and terrifying, that are confusing and understandable. Things that can put myself and Teddy in danger. I can trust you, can't I?"
He blinked in surprise at the question. "I know I'm an arsehole but you can trust me, especially with your safety."
She kept her gaze locked with his. "What I'm about to tell you cannot get out. It should never be repeated, if it is, Teddy and I will be put in danger."
"You can trust me," he declared.
"Ron, I'm sure you've noticed some strange occurrences with my magic over the years. My outbursts despite having my wand, my unwavering need for knowledge, my passion for helping those that are discriminated against, my ability to grasp new spells quickly; these are what make me different to other witches. These are what make me who and what I am."
"What'd you mean?" He questioned with a frown.
"Don't freak out," she warned. "I'm Sorceress."
~000~000~000~
She stared down at the body of her unconscious best friend.
He'd bloody fainted!
Despite herself, a snort slipped out. She shook her head before using her wand to revive him. He opened his eyes slowly and blinked up at her.
"You alright?" She asked, partially worried and partially amused.
The confused looked disappeared from his face and his eyes widened. "A Sorceress," he whispered, his eyes darting across her face. "Of course, it all makes sense now! I should've known; how did I not see it?" She raised an eyebrow in silent questioning. "Every Pureblood family has their own tales and stories of their ancestors, one of ours is that we were related to a Sorcerer, of course, no one believes it, but growing up we were told the stories, we were told of their capabilities or personality traits. You match perfectly."
She helped him to stand up and he sat down on the bench, staring at her.
"McGonagall told me of Dumbledore's suspicions of me the day before I left. He watched me during our years at Hogwarts, he made sure I had everything I needed. He let me read his books, he had Snape teach me Occlumency and McGonagall teach me how to become an Animagus. He left the entirety of his personal library to me in a secret will so the Ministry wouldn't discover it. I hadn't decided where I was going by this point, just that I was leaving," she lied, omitting the truth about the contract. "But I felt I needed to go to Volterra, and I didn't know why. My magic guides me to where I need to be and it will never steer me wrong. I had to go where it wanted me to and it wanted me in Volterra."
"Why?" He frowned.
She took a breath, she might as well tell him since she was being honest with him, well, mostly.
"Alec and Demetri," she said, and she didn't miss the way his features hardened. "I am their vampire mate." She thought he was going to faint again. "I need them just as much as they need me. I need to be with them. They love me and I love them... Let me explain, please," she said, seeing the way his face was turning red and he was about to explode. His mouth snapped shut and he nodded stiffly. "They are so kind to me, Ronald. I have never been treated so well by anyone in my life. They never get angry or annoyed with me. They never raise their voice or insult me. They always make sure I'm sleeping and eating. They always make sure I'm safe and they're never too far away from me in case I should need them."
"They have sworn a vow to protect myself and Teddy. They adore him. They love him as if he were their own son. They spend time with him, read to him, sing to him, watch over him, bathe, change and feed him. They protect him and when there's anyone nearby they don't trust, they never leave my side or Teddy's. Their loyalty is to me and Teddy, not to the Volturi, not anymore. I don't have nightmares anymore because of them. They got me through my grief. They got me through all the pain, death and heartbreak. They do so much for me and they never ask for anything in return. All they wish is for me to be happy and safe. I'm finally happy, Ron, truly happy like I have never felt before."
He stared at in silence.
"Please say something," she said quietly.
"I don't know what you want me to say. You know what they are and you know how I feel about them."
"I know, but now you know what they are to me and how I feel about them. Ronald, they're my family. They saved me from myself. Without them, I would've withered away and crumbled into someone that'd faced a life sentence in Azkaban. Unresponsive. No feelings. No thoughts. No life. Despite what they are they are good men. You saw what they did for us at the Battle, you saw all the good they did and the lives they saved. Alec saved Fred's and Percy's lives, did they tell you? And Demetri, he saved Ginny and your mum from Bellatrix, did you know that?"
He frowned at her.
"Yes, they are vampires and yes, they drink blood, but if you can look past that, I would be forever grateful. I love them, I love them so much I don't think I could survive without them. I've only been away from them since this morning and I already miss their presence, I miss knowing the fact they're not nearby and that I can't see their faces, their smiles or hear their laughs. And Teddy, he's been a little cranky, he misses them, too. They have been with me every step of the way. Teddy rolled over onto his stomach the other day and I swear, Demetri was all but planning a celebration ball," she said chuckling and shaking her head fondly. "You may not like them, but can you please accept that they are what I want and what I need?"
He looked away from her and up to the sky, gathering his thoughts. He turned his eyes to Teddy, seeing him amusing himself by playing with his feet and giggling to himself.
"You're my best friend," he started, turning to look at her and catching her gaze. "I want what's best for you. I want you to be happy and safe, and although I hate it, if they make you happy, then I'm happy for you."
"Really?" She asked hopefully.
"Really," he nodded. "Besides, I don't doubt Harry would give me a black eye again if I were to object." She raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. "You're staying there, aren't you? You're never coming home."
"Volterra is my home now," she said softly. "I may not have you and Harry and your family, but I have Alec and Demetri and Teddy, and I'm quite fond of a few of the Guards. Lord Marcus just loves Teddy, he puts my mothering tendencies to shame," she laughed lightly. "I have free run of the castle and anything I require I only have to ask and it's given to me within a few hours, depending on the request it could be minutes. I have my own training room where I can safely train my magic, I have my own potions lab where I'm completing my Mastery and I have my own personal library."
He snorted. "No wonder you're so happy."
She scowled and shoved him, making him laugh. "I've missed you," he said.
"I've missed you, too," she replied. "So, you're not mad at me anymore."
"I haven't been for a while," he confessed.
"Friends again?"
"Best friends, always," he nodded.
She smiled widely and leaned over to hug him tightly. "I may not be here in person, but I am always with you, and I promise, I'll visit as often as I can. You can't get rid of me that easily. Come on then, let's get back to the others, Bill's eyeing the chocolate cake," Hermione said as she looked over her shoulder, before spying something from the corner of her eye hanging from a branch of the tree beside them.
Ron laughed. "Some things never changed."
They stood up and she removed Teddy from the cot, banishing it and the bench and they made their way back over to the others.
"Whatever mum says, ignore her, she's been going on about your mothering abilities since you left, you turning up suddenly will only add to the fire."
"Was my showing up that sudden?" She asked him knowingly.
He looked down at her and his mouth twitched. "No, I know you, maybe even better than Harry. You'd never miss his birthday, and to be honest, I've been expecting you for the last week."
"Am I that predictable?" She pouted.
He snorted. "No, you're anything but predictable, but I know you'd never miss Harry's birthday or mine for the matter, so I'll be expecting a visit."
She nodded. "Can you fit me into your busy schedule, Mr. Auror in Training?" She teased.
He snorted. "I think I can squeeze you in," he replied, throwing his arm around her shoulders as they approached the gathered group of magical folk, all sitting around a table.
She took a seat right between Harry and Ron, just like old times and Harry smiled at seeing that everything between the Golden Trio was once again golden. Hermione caught sight of Mrs. Weasley staring at her and she decided to get it out of the way before things had time to get worse.
"Molly," she said, nodding in greeting. "It's good to see you again." The entire table went quiet, waiting to see what would happen. "It's been a while, but as you can see, your worries regarding my inability to care for my Godson were all for nought. He is a perfectly healthy child, growing and learning by the day and I have yet to see a day go by when he isn't smiling and laughing. So, whilst I appreciate your concern for my Godson, it is not needed."
There was a throat clearing, drawing their attention. "So, Hermione, tell us about your stay at Volterra. Are they treating you well? What have you been up to?" Bill spoke.
She felt a smile pull at her mouth. "I don't even know where to begin."
~000~000~000~
Hermione looked around with a smile on her face, sat on a chair and watching as the sun set over the Burrow. Teddy was asleep in the transfigured cot beside her, Harry and Ron had left to get some snacks and use the bathroom, and the others were gathered around the table laughing and chatting.
Coming back was the right thing to do.
"I know you're there, boys," she said amusedly, hearing the grumbles of the twins as they came into her view, their Disillusionment Charms being removed and leaving them stood in front of her.
"We'll get you next time," George promised.
"If you say so, Georgie," she shrugged.
They each took the chairs beside her, getting comfortable by leaning back in their chairs, stretching their legs out and clasping their hands and resting them on their stomach.
"It's been a good day," Hermione commented.
"It has," Fred nodded. "The moment we saw Harry come out of the house we knew something had happened, and once we saw you, it all made sense. We're surprised today's been so calm."
"Yes," Hermione agreed. "It's almost as if someone slipped a Calming Draught into everyone's drinks."
"Who would do such as thing?" George asked scandalised.
"Who indeed?" She said with a twitching lip and they both winked at her. "By the way, boys, if you let slip, I'll make a dementor look like a cuddly toy."
"We have no idea what you're talking about," Fred denied.
"Wipe that look off your face, you and I both know that you're anything but innocent. I saw the Extendable Ear hidden on a branch in the tree."
Their expressions dropped and they smiled at her cheekily.
"You were terrifying before, but now that we know you're a Sorceress, it's going to be far more entertaining," George said and she didn't bother with a reply, except to roll her eyes.
"And just so you know, vampires or not, whether they saved the lives of our family or not, including mine, if either one of them harms you in any way, physically, mentally or emotionally, they'll feel the full force of the Weasley Twins," Fred spoke, all joking aside and looking deadly serious.
She felt herself smile. "I know, but now I'm curious as to what they'll have to face. I half want them to upset me so I can come running to you and tattle on them."
"I think we've corrupted her, Georgie," Fred said amused.
George snorted. "I don't think so, Freddie, she corrupted us."
"I would just like to point out you were already trouble makers before I came to Hogwarts."
"Semantics," they snorted.
"So, you're happy?" Fred asked.
"Very happy, Freddie, very happy."