Witch and the hothead 16
The first thing I did upon returning to the house was scribble down everything Ana had said to us. Her cryptic words lingered in my mind, making me almost wish I had studied divination.
"Give the land nourishment. Watch it grow. Reap the benefits. And let the magic flow."
The answers could mean anything. Perhaps it was as simple as cultivating the land and harvesting. Or maybe my mission was to contribute to the Quiliute land in some deeper, symbolic way. Was I supposed to make a sacrifice? The thought sent a shudder through me. If so, what kind of sacrifice would it require?
And then there was the other cryptic message she had given that first day. Groaning, I ran my fingers through my hair, frustrated by the endless possibilities. In my haste to jot down notes, I hadn't realized Severus was still outside. Through the window, I saw him seated on the porch sofa, lost in thought.
I couldn't help but wonder what he had seen after drinking the tea. The need to find out made my fingers itch, but I stopped myself from going out there. Instead, I busied myself with preparing a late lunch.
As I plated our food, Severus came inside. I watched as he hung his robe and walked toward me, his movements measured and deliberate. He sat down, muttered a quiet thanks, and began eating. We ate in silence, but curiosity bubbled under my skin, making it impossible for me to sit still. I fidgeted in my chair, desperate to know what he'd experienced.
But it was his memory, after all. If he didn't want to share, I had no right to press him.
I was pulled from my thoughts by his low chuckle. Looking up, I found him watching me, amusement glinting in his eyes.
"You know," he said, a faint smirk curling his lips, "at Hogwarts, the thing I detested most about you was your relentless need to know everything. I thought you did it just to show off. Now I see that's only half the truth."
His voice softened, his gaze steady as he continued. "You ask questions because you genuinely want to help. You want to be there for people, to support them. At first, I despised that about you too. But now…" He paused, his expression shifting to something almost tender. "Now I've come to appreciate it. I know you honestly care. Unlike so many others, you don't seek knowledge to manipulate."
I felt my face flush at his unexpected kindness. In all the years since Hogwarts and the friendship we had built, Severus had rarely given compliments or spoken openly about his feelings. But something had shifted after our visit to Ana's.
"My childhood, as you know, was dark," he began, his voice low and deliberate, each word measured as though he were trying to contain the emotions threatening to spill over. "For most of my life, I've only remembered the shadows, convinced there was never any light. But today, I realized I was wrong."
He paused, his gaze fixed somewhere distant, as though seeing a memory unfold before him. "There was light, even then. And for the first time, I have confirmation that I did matter, despite always believing otherwise."
His words hung in the air, heavy with vulnerability.
"I'm ashamed to admit," he continued, his tone tinged with regret, "that I always thought of my mother as a shallow, weak woman who didn't want me, who didn't care. But now…" He swallowed hard, collecting himself. "I see she was, like me, a product of a broken home. While I still can't excuse the way she let that environment affect me, I can understand her better now. I've seen another side of her."
A pang struck my chest as I realized that beneath Severus's hard façade and towering walls, he longed for the same thing everyone else did: to feel loved. To know he mattered. He must have yearned for that as a child, wishing for it in a life that offered him so little.
"I'm glad you got to see your memory, Severus," I said gently. "You don't have to share anything more if you don't want to. But I will say this—your mother would be incredibly proud of the man you've become. You fought through your years at Hogwarts, endured the manipulations of two powerful wizards, and survived a war. That's no small feat."
I smiled as our eyes met, and I saw his dark gaze glisten with unshed tears. He gave me a small nod, gratitude in his expression
The silence between us was light, almost comforting, as I turned to look out the window. The gray sky outside was a striking contrast to the rich green of the forest, and a lone leaf twirled in the wind. Its gentle dance reminded me of my own revelation from earlier that day.
"I learned something incredible today," I said, a smile spreading across my face. "My grandmother was a witch!"
Severus tilted his head, intrigued. "A witch?"
"Yes! It was a memory I had completely forgotten," I continued, excitement bubbling in my voice. "At the time, I didn't understand what it meant, but now I do. She was manipulating the wind, making the leaves dance for me."
Severus leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "So she had the ability to control the wind, much like what we did here—but back in England?"
"Yes," I said, nodding eagerly. "Now that I remember it, I realize how extraordinary it was. She made it look so effortless, almost like a game."
"Do you remember anything else about your grandmother?" Severus asked, his voice thoughtful. "Did she have any tokens or figurines in her home or garden? What did she spend her time doing in her later years?"
I furrowed my brow, trying to conjure more memories of her. I had been so young then, but I remembered loving every visit to her house. She always encouraged me to be myself, to embrace who I was without fear. That sentiment made even more sense now.
A sigh escaped me, heavy with longing. "I wish we'd had more time together," I admitted. "I wish she could have seen me grow up. It would have meant so much to have someone close who understood… someone who could have introduced me to magic that was familiar"
I paused, searching my fragmented memories. "It's hard to recall much, but I know she loved gardening. And—oh! She had a big tree in her backyard."
The memory clicked into place like a puzzle piece, and I gasped, springing to my feet so suddenly that my chair toppled over.
"She had bowtruckles!" I exclaimed, my voice brimming with astonishment. "She had bowtruckles living in that tree!"
Severus, much more composed as always stood up slowly and stared to pace, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Do you remember what kind of tree it was? And do you think it's still there?" Severus ask as I pick up my chair and sit back down.
I wrack my brain, trying to pull more memories from the hazy corners of my childhood, but nothing surface. With a shake of my head, I sigh. "No, I don't remember. Do you think it's important? Could it explain why she was able to manipulate the wind?"
"Not in this particular instance," he replies, pausing where he stands and walks over to the chaos on the coffee table. Picking up my scattered notes on Ana's cryptic words, he flips through them before returning to his seat.
"Let's brainstorm what Ana might have meant," he says, settling in with quill and parchment.
Together, we toss ideas back and forth, Severus jotting down notes as we speak. The discussion intense, the possibilities weaving a web of potential answers.
A long howl suddenly shatter our focus. My eyes snap to Severus, my stomach twisting with unease.
"Let's go," he says simply, his tone steady but resolute.
We grab our outerwear and step outside, heading towards the treeline where a large russet wolf is waiting. It bolts into the woods the moment it sees us approach, and seconds later, Jacob jogs out of the forest, his ever-present smile lighting up his face.
"Tribal meeting in 30 minutes," he announces. "Go grab whatever you need, and I'll drive you there."
I pat my pocket and give him a nervous smile. "I have everything I need right here. Let's go before I change my mind."
Jacob laughs at my nervous giggle. "Nothing to be afraid of. Okay, maybe old Quil," he teases, "but my dad's chill, and so are the others."
Severus remain quiet, but when I reach for the passenger seat, he scoffs, his stern expression enough to make me groan. Reluctantly, I open the back door, slumping into my seat with a huff.
"Fine," I mutter, feeling like a scolded child. Their laughter at my expense only makes my cheeks burn hotter, and I grumble under my breath.
When we reach the end of the road leading to my house, Jacob makes a right turn, heading toward the small center of La Push. The quiet hum of the car fills the space as we drive through familiar streets. Soon, we're on the road where Ana lives, and I glance toward her house. It's dark.
"Is Ana going to be at the meeting?" I ask, trying to sound casual.
"Yeah, of course. She's one of the elders," Jacob says, glancing at me in the rearview mirror with a smile. There's something reassuring in his tone, and while the thought of seeing her calms me slightly, I can't shake the knot of nerves in my stomach. At least I'll have one familiar face, I remind myself.
Jacob takes another turn, and the car slows as we pull into a large open space. At the end of the driveway stands a big house, its structure similar to mine, but much larger. The sight of it, lit warmly against the dark sky, feels oddly imposing.
He turns off the engine and twists in his seat to face us. "Before we start, there'll be a lot of customs and legends shared. Sam and Ana worked with the tribal council to make sure you both understand how important these stories are. They'll answer a lot of your questions about the wolves," he explains, his voice steady and kind.
"Just listen, okay? Save your questions for later," he adds with a playful wink.
I roll my eyes and stick my tongue out at him, which earns a chuckle from Severus as he steps out of the car.
Severus claps Jacob on the back. "Nice to know I'm not the only one who sees what a swot she is," he jokes, grinning.
Jacob laughs, and I groan. "I'm right here, you know," I mutter, but I can't help smiling as I follow them toward the house.
Before we enter the council hall, I move closer to Severus, the weight of the moment settling in.
As soon as we step inside, I gasp. The place is enormous, far larger than I imagined. The space is open, with a platform in the centre —almost like the wizengamot, but this place feels warm and inviting, not cold and oppressive. Oil lamps flicker on the platform and along the stands, casting a soft glow that contrasts with the darker corners of the room.
Behind the platform is a large fireplace, its flames crackling and filling the air with warmth. My gaze shifts to the walls, where various animal heads are mounted. I shiver involuntarily when I feel the piercing gaze of a wolf's head seem to watch me.
Jacob leads us to our seats in the stands, and we sit down quietly.
"I'll be sitting with the pack on the other side," Jacob says, giving us a reassuring smile before heading toward the entrance and disappearing from view.
"Everything will be fine," Severus reassures me, his voice steady. "They need your help with the vampire problem. For you to help, you need information. They obviously haven't solved it on their own, so I don't think they'll be quick to scare you off."
I nod, absorbing his words, my gaze still drifting over the room. After a few minutes, Jacob returns, pushing an older man in a wheelchair. I can see the resemblance immediately. This must be Billy Black, his father. He catches my eye and smiles, and I can't help but return the gesture. His smile mirrors Jacob's—warm and kind.
Here's a revised version of your passage with improved flow and clarity:
Billy settles into his seat at the center of the platform, waving off Jacob's concerned fussing. His easy smile stays in place, reassuring in its warmth. More people begin to filter in, taking their seats beside Mr. Black. They glance at Severus and me, whispering among themselves, their murmurs only heightening my nerves.
The door creaks open, and Sam steps inside. His imposing figure seems to make the doorway itself shrink, and behind him, the pack follows in steady formation.
I can't help but smile, stifling a giggle, when Quil looks up at me, his eyebrows wiggling suggestively. A smack to the back of his head from a man I haven't met yet makes his yelp and I suppress my laughter.
Next, a striking woman enters. She's dressed similarly to the men in shorts, but she wears a white tank top while the men are bare on their upperbody. Her face twists in an angry scowl as she shoots a sharp look at Sam, and she takes the seat furthest from him, crossing her arms tightly.
Jacob slides into the seat next to her, while a carefree young man sits beside him. His easy smile and curious gaze meet mine, and I return it with a slight nod. Embry is the last to enter, closing the door behind him before claiming the final seat in the row.
As I look around, a frown creases my face. I count the number of pack members and come up one short. From their file, I know there should be eight wolves in total.
Suddenly, a male voice shouts from outside, the tone sharp and angry. The voices fade into the distance, and moments later, the door opens once again. Ana steps in, closing the door behind her with quiet precision. She takes the last seat on the platform, settling in among the council members.
I glance at the pack once again and notice that they all share the same tattoo, their hairstyles similarly styled. Even the woman, Leah, has short hair—just slightly longer than the men's.
A soft throat clearing cuts through my thoughts, and I quickly snap my gaze back to the platform. Mr. Black has wheeled himself to the center, his presence commanding the room.
"Welcome to this council meeting," he begins, his voice steady. "Tonight, we gather to welcome two outsiders into our community. The witch and wizard present play an important role in our future and will help ensure that we continue our lives in peace." He pauses, then looks directly at Severus and me. "Please stand and introduce yourselves. State your purpose here and your goals for this meeting."
I take a deep breath and stand beside Severus, my nerves bubbling up inside me.
"My name is Hermione Granger," I begin, my voice a little shaky but determined. "I've been assigned to this mission by the MACUSA. The main purpose of my presence here is to assist in the abduction of a pack member's imprint. However, I've come to realize that I'd like to remain here after I complete that task, if that would be acceptable."
I pause, trying to steady myself, before continuing.
"Through this meeting, I hope to gain knowledge about the concept of Imprinting, and understand the roles of the imprints so I can better comprehend the severity of the crime against you. I also wish to build a connection with the pack, to understand the dynamics here, so that my presence doesn't interfere. I only wish to help."
Mr. Black nods, his expression unreadable, and I sit down.
Severus clears his throat, his posture rigid as ever. "My name is Severus Snape," he says, his voice cool and measured. "I was not assigned to this mission by the MACUSA. I'm here simply to aid my friend and ensure no harm comes to her when the time comes to meet with the vampires."
At this, a low growl ripples through the pack, the tension palpable in the room.
"My goal for this meeting," Severus continues smoothly, "is to acquire any knowledge that will assist Miss Granger—and by extension, you. I also wish to contribute in any way I can, using my experience for the benefit of the entire community."
Mr. Black nods again, and Severus sits down beside me. He takes my hand and squeezes it comfortingly, and I exhale slowly, trying to calm my nerves.
Mr. Black turns to the council members, who all nod in unison. The gesture helps ease my tension, and then Billy looks back at us.
"The council has agreed to your requests and thanks you for your willingness to aid the tribe. We will now share the legends of the Spirit Warriors and the Imprints."
Billy slowly wheels himself back to his place, and an elderly man with a cane steps forward. He takes a seat in the middle, his back to us. His voice is low and rough with age, but the silence in the hall amplifies his words, filling the room.
"Taha Aki was a leader of the Spirit Warriors of the Quileute tribe…"
As he speaks, the fire crackles, and I can almost see the story of Taha Aki unfolding in the flames. A chill runs down my spine when he describes the "cold ones," and as he reaches the part about the third wife sacrificing herself for her imprint, my eyes well up with tears. The depth of the story touches me deeply.
Gradually, the man's voice softens, growing quieter until the fire settles. He rises slowly and turns toward us. His gaze locks onto mine, piercing and knowing.
"We have seen. We have heard. And we believe. Welcome, child and friend."
He nods once, and then returns to his seat among the other council members.
I glance at Severus, who discreetly shakes his head in a subtle gesture I can't quite place. My eyes then shift to Jacob, and his smile is so wide that I almost feel as if his face will split in two.
It hits me suddenly: It must be incredibly important to him that I'm accepted here, especially since I'm here to help bring back his imprint. I smile back at him, warmth spreading through me, before my gaze returns to the platform.
Ana now sits in the center, and as she begins to speak, I find myself drifting into a trance-like state, listening intently as she tells the stories of the imprints.
At the end of her tale, she rises and faces Severus and me. Her expression is serious, her voice steady as she continues.
"An imprint, as you now understand, is more than just a partner or a soulmate. It's about balance—one cannot give while the other takes. It must be shared equally, with both giving and accepting freely."
She pauses for a moment, letting the weight of her words sink in before continuing.
"A wolf that imprints is constantly aware of their imprint. They are deeply connected to their feelings and well-being. If the pair is separated and unable to reconnect, the wolf suffers in agony. It's like losing a limb or breathing with only one lung."
She pauses again, watching us closely.
"When the imprinted pair is united, the bond can be reinforced through mating. This strengthens the connection, allowing the imprint to feel the wolf. In some cases, when the bond is strong enough, the imprint can even communicate with the wolf, just like the pack, through their minds."
A blush creeps up my neck, and I fidget uncomfortably in my seat.
"But if that bond is denied or rejected, the imprint is not connected to the wolf and will not feel its pain. The connection weakens over time, and if left unresolved, it can slowly drive the wolf to madness."
Her words hang in the air, and my gaze shifts to Jacob, worry gnawing at me. I open my mouth to ask how he has managed, but before I can, he shakes his head, his eyes clouded with sadness.
The elders rise in unison, and Ana smiles warmly. "Now, since the council has accepted your help and welcomed your friendship, we shall share food and talk as friends. The meeting is adjourned."
Confused, I glance at Severus and slowly rise, following the others as they move from the stands and head down to the floor. Jacob waits at the stairs, offering his hand to help me down.
"Welcome to the tribe!" he says with a wide grin, turning to Severus and me. "There's a bonfire down at First Beach now. Sam and Jared's imprints, Emily and Kim, have made some food. I'll drive you there—it's just down the road."
"That sounds acceptable," Severus replies, his tone as formal as always, and I can't help but giggle at his understated response.
"It sounds lovely, thank you," I say, grateful for his kindness, and we follow Jacob out of the hall.
On the ride to First Beach, Jacob chatters excitedly about the acceptance we've received from the council. "Emily—Sam's imprint—is from the Makah reservations. Old Quil didn't want to accept her at first, but Sam threatened to rip his face off, and that made Old Quil realize his opinion didn't really matter."
I burst out laughing at the thought of Sam's boldness, and Severus mutters under his breath about old men thinking they know what's best for others. I can't help but smile, knowing he's speaking from experience.
When we arrive at the small parking lot by the beach, it's packed with cars, and the air is brisk, carrying the salty sting of the ocean breeze. I immediately cast a warming charm over both myself and Severus, the cold bite of the wind making me shiver.
But then, in the next moment, an intense sensation washes over me—the distinct feeling of someone's gaze burning into my skin. My heart skips a beat as I turn, searching for the source of the stare, wondering who is watching me so intently.
Paul
I watch from the shadows of the trees as Jacob talks to the woman and the pale man before they get in the car. I run alongside them, staying hidden in the shadows the whole way to the council hall. I quickly phase, not wanting anyone to hear my thoughts.
The man is an imposing figure, bitter-looking, and smells like old herbs and soap. Boring...
But the woman—Hermione—she smells incredible. No, better than that. She smells fucking delicious.
From the first time I saw her through the pack link, an unexplainable curiosity gnawed at me, mixed with a sharp jealousy. Some of the pack had already met her. She smells like expensive wine, the ocean, and flowers—don't ask me what kind of flowers, just flowers.
I've been ending my patrols by running around her property, phasing when another pack member has and just watching her from the shadows. She seems down-to-earth, easygoing. Doesn't yap on the phone like Kim, or fret like Emily. She's content… except at night. The first time I heard her scream, I froze. I tried to break through her magical barrier around the house, but I only managed to get one leg through before I got stuck and was shoved back.
It quickly became clear—it was just a nightmare. And it seemed like they got worse when there was a storm.
Poor little witch, afraid of the big bad weather, I think, chuckling darkly.
Sam told us to stay away, but of course, the little baby alpha can't ever listen, and his dumb and dumber friends tag along and get away with it. That wouldn't have happened if it was me. No—Paul, the volatile hothead, is always pushed back into the shadows, like a naughty child.
Except when there are leeches, of course. Then they push me to the front. I don't mind it, but it's the constant distrust that burns me up. How can I prove I've grown if they don't even give me the chance to show it?
That's why I always phase back. I don't want anyone in the pack to pick up on my fascination with the witch. They'd immediately assume I had some agenda to scare or hurt her. How wrong they'd be. I wanted to devour her.
A sigh escapes me as she walks inside with Jacob, disappearing from view. I stay hidden in the shadows, waiting. The pack will be arriving soon, and then I'll finally get my chance to meet her.
When Sam arrives, he looks tired.
"What's up, boss?" I ask, smirking when he shoots me an irritated glance.
"Fuck off, man," he growls. "I've been putting up with Leah all day on patrol. I don't have any patience left for more bullshit today."
I laugh. Being stuck with Leah on patrol is like a walking execution, and it's worse for Sam since they have history together.
Jared shows up next, and then one by one, the rest of the pack arrives. Soon, the whole pack is waiting to be let inside. I can feel my adrenaline pump, excitement building. For the first time since phasing, I actually look forward to a council meeting.
Billy finally lets us know we can go in, and we move in our natural formation toward the hall. Just as Sam steps in, I hear Ana calling my name from behind me. I turn around.
"Miss Ateara," I nod, waiting for her to speak. I'm used to her mumbo jumbo and her cryptic riddles by now. The old woman couldn't make a shopping list without turning it into some kind of prophecy.
"Young Embry, close the door behind you," she says, and he nods, walking in and shutting the door behind him. When the door is closed she continues.
"You are to sit out of this meeting. Your presence will confuse and distract more than aid. You will have your time after."
My whole body burns with rage.
"Why is it always me?!" I shout, stepping forward. "Why not just tell me I'm not welcome at all instead of wrapping it up in pretty words and riddles?" My growl rumbles in my chest, and I take a step back, struggling to keep control.
Ana doesn't flinch. "Young man, I know it might seem unfair, but this is for you. Your presence in this meeting will affect the outcome of the decision. I'm doing this for you—to secure your future."
Her words hit me like a slap. "Doing it for me," yeah, right. The anger fades, replaced by something worse—disappointment. And fuck it, loneliness.
It's ironic, isn't it? Being a wolf in a pack, yet feeling completely alone. I've always been a lone wolf at heart, trying to fit in but never quite succeeding.
I glance at Ana, feeling the weight of defeat settle in, and then turn away. Phasing, I shred my shorts and take off into the woods.
I run aimlessly, the suffocating feeling of exclusion weighing me down. It's like I can't breathe. I stop abruptly, phasing back and sit down on a fallen tree, naked in the woods. For the first time since I was nine, I cry.
I gasp, desperate to fill my lungs with air, but it feels like an invisible force is crushing my chest. I almost panic, but my mom's voice echoes in my mind.
"Breathe in through your nose, baby. Out through your mouth. You're strong, fierce, and loved."
She would repeat those words until I calmed down, until my breathing evened out. I let out a shaky breath, angrily wiping the tears from my face. Resting my elbows on my knees, I bury my head in my hands.
Before all of this—before the phasing, before I became a wolf—I had dreams. I wanted more for myself. I didn't want to end up like my mom. Stuck here. But just like that, all my dreams were erased. Now, I'm stuck. I know I can't leave. My wolf would never allow it. Even if he feels a twinge of resentment toward my pack, the wolf is simpler. It doesn't need validation the way I do.
The man, though… he just wants to belong. I yearn for something, someone to make me feel needed. To be seen. To be heard. I want to talk about something other than leeches and patrol schedules.
A few years ago, I would've filled that void with sex. The first warm, willing body I could find was the quickest way to numb everything. But my wolf hated it, and eventually, I grew to resent it, too.
In the end, it just made everything worse. I knew there was no point in falling in love—not with the chance that I might imprint one day. The women I slept with never saw me as anything more than a distraction—a forbidden thrill, something they could enjoy without any deeper connection or reliance.
Shaking my head, I rise from the fallen tree and make my way back home. If the meeting went well, there'd be a bonfire tonight, but I have no intention of showing up. And fuck Sam if he thinks I'll run patrol instead.
I sit on my porch, staring out into the darkening forest. The shadows stretch closer as time passes, and I know by now they're probably finished and on their way to First Beach.
But something nags at me—pulling at the back of my mind, telling me I should be there. They wouldn't stop me. Hell, they wouldn't want to make a scene in front of Hermione and her friend.
I stand, stretching the tension from my back, and head inside to put on a plain white t-shirt. I move slowly toward the beach, my feet heavy with indecision.
I hear her car pull up just as I arrive. I pause, melting into the shadows, as I hear her soft laugh spill into the evening air. Then her scent hits me—rich, intoxicating. I groan, closing my eyes, trying to steady myself, to focus.
She stops. I can feel her awareness shift, as though she knows someone is watching. I take a step back, holding my breath, blending further into the shadows. Her shoulders slump, and she walks toward the bonfire, her figure disappearing into the night.
I hesitate, every muscle in my body pulling me in different directions. Today has been too much. I'm teetering on the edge. If I go over, I'll snap, and I can't risk that—not tonight.
My stomach growls as I catch the scent of food drifting toward me, but I turn and retreat back into the darkness, making my way home. There's safety in the shadows, and it's where I need to stay.
Hermione
As we approach the bonfire, laughter fills the air, and the flickering glow of the flames illuminates a crowd of people scattered around large logs. The scent of food wafts toward me, making my stomach growl. Near the food table, Sam stands with a woman wrapped in his arms. Her long black hair glistens in the firelight, and when Sam hears us approaching, he turns with a wide grin.
"Hey! Come say hi to my fiancé, Emily. This is Hermione and Severus," he says. I bite back a gasp.
Her face bears jagged scars, but I push aside my initial shock and extend my hand. "It's so nice to meet you," I say, my voice steady.
She smiles warmly, her eyes putting me at ease. "Same here. I've heard a lot about you."
I move aside so Severus can introduce himself, then step closer to the fire, the warmth from the flames comforting in contrast to the chill in the air. Jacob drapes an arm around my shoulders, and the weight nearly topples me over, making Quil burst out laughing.
I flick my fingers in a sharp snapping motion, and Quil yelps, rubbing his thigh where my stinging hex hit him. "No fun, lil Miss," he grumbles, winking at me.
I look up at Jacob, who flashes a goofy, carefree smile. He looks happy, but something has been on my mind since the meeting, and I've been waiting for the right moment to ask.
"Jake, there were only seven of you at the meeting," I begin, glancing around the bonfire. "But the file said there were eight wolves in the pack..."
He rubs the back of his neck, the discomfort clear on his face. "Yeah, well... we are, but Paul wasn't allowed to attend," he says, avoiding my gaze.
"Why?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.
"I don't really know the reason," he replies. "Ana said it would be best. Paul has a bad temper, so she probably made the right call."
I don't respond right away, my thoughts swirling. A nagging unease settles in my chest—it feels unfair, the exclusion. I know that feeling of being left out all too well.
As I stare into the dancing flames, I can't help but wonder how Paul, the lone wolf, is feeling right now.
"Come on, let's eat!" Jacob says, interrupting my thoughts.
As the night continues, the lone wolf lingers in the back of my mind—still there, but stowed away for another time.
.
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Hey everyone!
A third chapter is up!
It was sooo close for Paul and Hermione to finally meet! How do we feel about Paul not being allowed to attend the meeting?
Now that we've had a chance to understand Paul a bit better, I hope you like how I've developed his character and shared a little about his background.
What do you think will happen next?
Welcome to everyone who's just found my profile and story—I see you, and I'm so grateful for your support!
(P.S. Don't forget to check out my other story, Witch in the Woods! It's not a crossover, but I really hope you'll enjoy that one too. )