Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or Harry Potter.

Chapter 3 Part 1:

The third time she met him, he was no longer the little boy, but a mature, very built sixteen year old.

It was Bella's wedding to Edward. Hermione had come alone, because Ron had felt it inappropriate to celebrate a wedding, regardless of whose, if she wouldn't even accept his marriage proposal. Angry and hurt, Hermione had left for the wedding alone; to show support to the cousin she hadn't talked to in almost 15 years. Trying her best to swallow the small amount of jealousy over the young girl's unseemly perfect relationship and wedding, Hermione made sure to have a decent enough time. This was wedding after all. But it was sad that she was twenty seven, and not married. Meanwhile her still teenage cousin was planning to spend the rest of her life with a man that dotted on her every breath. It was clear to anyone that watched the couple that Edward and Bella survived off each other. They couldn't be with anyone else.

Clearly, Ron and she did not share the same uncertainty they did.

Taking another sip of her wine, Hermione scanned the reception for another face she could recognize. Billy Black was across the room, sitting at a table with her Uncle Charlie. She knew she should just go over and talk with him, but just couldn't bare the shame of coming to a wedding alone. Her uncle knew she was dating Ron, and would surely inquire where he was. She decided to pay her respects to her cousin, get it over with so to speak. Setting her glass down, she stood and made her way over to her blushing cousin and her handsome groom.

Edward sensed her first, and smiled as he gently nudged his wife to look in Hermione's direction. Bella glanced her way, and smiled beautifully, making Hermione's heart warm for a moment. No matter the troubles she was having with Ron, she was happy that her baby cousin had found happiness. "Bella, you look lovely," she whispered as she pulled her cousin in for a hug. Bella smiled and returned the squeeze, "I'm so glad you could make it despite how busy you are. I'm sorry Ron couldn't make it, but I hope you're having a wonderful time." Hermione nodded, hoping she didn't look as miserable as she felt. Turning to Edward she extended her hand and offered, "We've never formally met before, but congratulations. I hope you both share a long life full of happiness together." When she said that, Bella seemed to brighten if possible while Edward looked slightly uncomfortable. His hand was abnormally cool, but she figured he'd had a very nerve wracking day. He recovered quickly though and smiled saying, "Thank you. Bella speaks very highly of you; I hope we will see more of each other in the future. Perhaps for your wedding?"

Hermione nodded weakly, hugged Bella again and excused herself.

She needed air. She needed to get out of the room, just for a few minutes. No one would even notice. Bella and Edward smiled at each other, and Hermione's stomach churned uncomfortably. This could be her, she thought. All she had to do was say "yes" to his offer, and she could have all of this. They would have little red-haired children with bushy hair and blue eyes. She would stay home and raise her children to be well-educated, while Ron pursued his booming career as the Chudley Cannon's keeper. Molly would fuss over her children, and they would be surrounded by family all the time, something Hermione missed greatly while she was growing up. Bella was the only cousin she had, but one could hardly call them close; she had only seen the girl a handful of times in her entire life.

Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Hermione leaned on a tree decorated with elaborate ribbon. Something about the brief interaction with Bella and Edward had set off her magic. Besides the growing sense of woe over her failing relationship with Ron, Hermione felt an odd sense of danger, something she hadn't felt since the war.

Touching the wand holster in the inside of her thigh, where she was keeping her wand, Hermione ducked behind the tree. She could hear voices coming closer. A tall young man was dragging Bella out into the clearing. Hermione could make out Edward standing at the edge of the reception, watching carefully while also holding a conversation with what looked like his siblings.

She couldn't quite understand what the man was saying to Bella, but she could tell it distressed her cousin. Finding herself growing equally upset, Hermione stepped out from the trees. Bella didn't deserve to be yelled at during her wedding.

Purposely stepping on a branch, Hermione inwardly smiled when the young man's head snapped around to look at her from the sound. His face was scrunched up in pain, but it slowly started to relax as he stared at her. Hermione shook her head at the young man, amused at his stare that was growing more and more heated by the second. Edward appeared, his expression perplexed. He leaned in to whisper to Bella, who was watching the whole interaction with horror. She nodded, still frowning.

Hermione finally reached her cousin, and said to the tall man, "I would hate for you to upset the bride on her wedding night, mind if I borrow her for a bit?"

The man blushed and looked down and shook his head. Bella smiled awkwardly at Hermione, but allowed the older woman to lead her away from the scene.

Edward stepped towards the shape shifter, "Jacob, this won't be easy."

Jacob sighed in defeat, "I know."

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Once inside, Hermione pulled Bella to the refreshment table, and looked her cousin over. "I don't know who that man was, but no one should make you feel less than perfect on your wedding night."

Bella blushed and ducked her head. After a moment of comfortable silence between the two, Bella raised her head again and stared at her cousin, "I'm genuinely glad you could make it Hermione. I know it's been years since we've been able to connect and well, I guess I'm just trying to say, thank you."

Hermione smiled and pulled her young cousin into a hug, "My parents would be so proud of you Bella. I wish they could see you all grown up, beautiful and happy. I'm sorry our families fell out of touch, but always know that if you ever need help, I'm here. Granted it might take a few hours, I'd still come if you needed me. Always know that."

Bella smiled again, and nodded happily. Edward appeared out of nowhere, and Hermione had to calm herself over his sudden appearance. "Ladies, I hope all is well," he said smoothly, while wrapping his arm possessively around his beaming bride.

Both Hermione and Bella shared a glance before Hermione answered, "Just catching up on family matters. I was just about to invite Bella and you of course, to visit my home in London sometime soon. Bella and I have been separated for far too long, and I'd love to catch up. Now that my parents have passed, I've missed having family around."

Bella seemed to pale at Hermione's words and Edward only frowned. "If we can make a trip before we start school in the fall, we'll try, but no promises. Thank you for your offer though. I've always wanted to visit England," he said in a velvety voice.

Hermione was momentarily distracted by the tone of his voice that she stood there stupidly for a few moments staring at his face. She shook herself and blushed at the shame of 'ogling' her baby cousin's groom. Bella didn't seem to mind, in fact she seemed to think it funny for she chuckled and leaned into Edward who was smirking as well.

Excusing herself for the second time from the couple, Hermione was surprised to walk straight into Billy Black who had parked his wheelchair next to the refreshment table. "Mr. Black, I'm sorry, I didn't see you!"

Billy Black chuckled, "Hard to see me, when even you are taller than me in this chair."

Hermione sputtered, "Still—"

Billy shushed her, "Call me Billy. And it's fine Hermione, I'm not upset."

"Well in that case, how have you been?" she asked, pulling over a chair to sit with him.

Billy motioned for Hermione to pour them both another glass of wine as he explained, "I've been very busy these past few years raising a house full of teenagers."

Hermione chuckled, "My parents always said I was a handful all on my own, so I can only imagine three at the same time. "

Billy sobered for a moment, "Charlie told me about your parents a few years ago Hermione, I'm sorry. I didn't know them very well, but they were good people."

Hermione nodded and took a long sip of her wine. "Thank you. They would've liked to be here, I know it. Anyway, best not to dwell on such sad things on such a joyous night. How are the twins?"

"Becca is married now, living in Hawaii with her husband. She seems happy, and she's actually expecting in a month. I'll be a grandpa, imagine that."

Hermione smiled, fully aware that while Billy might only have a small wistful grin on his face, he truly was happy for his daughter and the idea of being a grandparent thrilled him. He was a family man through and through, no matter his tough exterior.

"And Rachel?" she asked, genuinely interested.

"Ah, Rach. She just moved back home after she graduated from Washington University with honors. She could get a job anywhere she wanted, but she chose to come home and help out with the house and Jacob. Plus, she managed to find a boyfriend back at the reservation, and I don't think she has plans of leaving anytime soon."

Hermione laughed at that thought. While Billy was happy his daughter was home, the last thing he wanted was for her to be distracted by a boyfriend. "You don't approve?"

Billy struggled to form what he wanted to say, "It's not that I know he isn't a good guy and that he won't treat my daughter right, Rach would never settle for anything but the best, but I'd always kind of hoped that she would leave the reservation. Paul treats her as if she were a princess, cherished above all else, but well, he has commitments to the reservation that he can't just give up, and I wish that he could for the sake of my daughter."

Hermione nodded, able to understand Billy's frustrations. He wanted his daughter to be happy, and it sounded like Paul made her happy, but at the same time, he felt that she was so much better than what the reservation could offer. She sometimes felt that way with Ron. He made her happy, but if they married, it would be expected that she give up her career to raise the children. No matter how many times she protested and explained to Ron that she was not going to be the next Molly Weasely, he still insisted that once they had children she would realize that she didn't need a career to make her happy.

"What of little Jacob? I felt so terrible for leaving him all those years ago. Did he ever bounce back?" Hermione asked, her stomach churning at the memory of leaving the little boy with big brown eyes.

Billy chuckled, his eyes twinkling as he pointed, "You can ask him yourself, he's coming this way."

Hermione looked up to see that the tall man that had been arguing with Bella outside was making was indeed making his way over. Her eyes widened, this young man looked to be in his twenties, but she knew for a fact that Jacob should only be 16 years old. He was staring at her, this odd look in his eyes.

When he reached the pair, his eyes never left Hermione's as he asked with his hand stretched out, "Would like to dance?"

Hermione sputtered, and looked to Billy to help but found that he had conveniently turned to the opposite direction to talk to another woman from the reservation. Realizing that there was nowhere to go, and no harm done from sharing a dance with a sixteen year-old, Hermione finished the last of her wine, and took his outstretched hand.

Standing to her feet, Hermione was shocked to find Jacob was at least a foot taller than her, if not more. While she was never known for her height, she felt positively tiny in comparison to Jacob. The boy's hand radiated heat, but it wasn't sweaty, which had Hermione somewhat pacified.

Jacob pulled them to the middle the dance floor, and faced her, looking somewhat sheepish. "I had this grand idea to ask you to dance, but now that I'm out here, I've realized I'm not very good at it."

Hermione smiled, "Well for starters, you put your hands here," she said as she placed his hands on her waist. She placed her hands on hands on his chest since she couldn't quite reach around his neck, and laughed when he just stood there finely looking very much the teenage boy he was. "Now, you lead me to the beat of the music, think you can manage?"

He scoffed, "Of course. If all comes to worse, I can always just place you on my toes, and walk in circles, no one would ever have to know. Besides, you're like four feet, it'd be easy."

Hermione smacked his chest, "I'll have you know, I'm 5'4 you oversized giant. Not everyone can grow to be so tall."

Hermione could feel the deep rumbles erupting from his warm chest, and she shook herself. This was little Jacob Black, a sixteen year-old, the baby that barfed on her purple jumper.

They both seemed to realize that they were in public and so Hermione instantly sobered while Jacob looked around nervously. Hermione decided that as the adult that she needed to take control, "So tell me, how has things gone since I last saw you? Still pulling perfect stranger's pants down?"

Jacob grinned, "Only if they look like they belong in a circus. Seriously, that boyfriend of yours sure was strange. I can't believe you went out with that guy!"

Hermione huffed, "For your information, I am still dating 'that' guy. And I thought it was cute at the time. Besides, it impressed your sisters didn't it?"

Jacob scratched the back of his head deciding to ignore the comment about Ron. He should've known a grown woman as beautiful and kind as Hermione would have a serious boyfriend. He'd really have to show her that he was meant for her and it wouldn't be easy with Ron in the picture. "They still talk about it sometimes. They took pictures the last day, when he was passed out on the couch. Becca thought he was so dreamy with that accent, and Rachel just liked him to piss off Becca."

Hermione chuckled, "Ron can be quite charming when he wants to be. He was trying so hard to impress me back then, that he was very careful about acting out."

Jacob pursed his lips, "He doesn't try to impress you anymore?"

Hermione shook her head, "I just mean that we had only been dating for a few months at that point of our relationship. I'd just found out about my parents and more specifically my mother when I found the letter describing what happened to your mother. It was a very hard time, and he was very kind to me during it all. He would probably handle the situation differently now that we've been dating for so long."

Jacob looked annoyed but he was trying his best to control his frustration. He would never allow himself to lose control around Hermione. He would rather die first. "I've been meaning to thank you for all you did when you were last here. It really meant a lot to me, and my dad."

Hermione nodded but didn't say anything. Helping the Black family had helped her in more ways than one. It had given her something to focus on instead of the pain of her mother's death. It had allowed her to see through Jacob the necessity of moving on for the sake of life itself.

"Attention everyone, the Bride and Groom are about to leave through the main lobby."

Hermione let go of Jacob's chest, and shivered at the coolness that came with it. Jacob slowly retracted his hands and offered her an arm as they made their way to the lobby. Hermione glanced around and noticed that most of the wedding party and family had congregated towards the exit. Hermione pulled away from Jacob and made her way over to her Uncle Charlie. She turned to watch Jacob watching her, a frown on his face. Hermione shook it off. Jacob would need to get over his little crush sooner rather than later, because she was a grown woman, much too old for someone like him

Bella and Edward glided down the stairs in new attire, made for their plan trip no doubt. They stopped at each of Edward's adoptive siblings, and shared a few words. While Bella talked with Alice, Edward was sharing a serious conversation with Carlisle. Hermione stood staring at the beautiful people, wondering why her magic was still tingling.

Alice then turned to look at her, and smiled so bright that Hermione, in her inebriated state, wanted to cover her eyes. How was that possible? Alice began to walk towards Hermione, and outstretched her arms whispering in her high soprano, "You need to calm down. I will explain everything, but not until Edward and Bella have left. Do you understand?"

Not used to being talked down too, Hermione nodded rather dumbly. With a small wave, Bella said her final goodbyes to her mother and father before Edward picked her up and literally whisked her away to their limo. It was all very romantic as people threw rice at the couple, blissfully unaware to what they were leaving behind.

Hermione's head was spinning, her heart racing. Something wasn't right about Alice Cullen, and until a moment ago, she'd been so distracted by her fight with Ron to notice what was right in front of her.

Esme Cullen set her cool hands on Hermione's bare shoulder, and softly said, "Would like to continue this conversation inside? It's getting chilly out, I'd hate for you to catch a cold."

Hermione backed away, growing more and more confused. Where did Esme come from? Feeling overwhelmed, Hermione felt for her wand holster. Just knowing it was there was all she needed in a situation like this. The Cullen's were a perfectly nice family, and for all she knew, they wanted to explain some odd family ritual with all of Bella's relatives. Taking a deep breath, and opening her eyes, Hermione looked Esme in the eye and said, "I would love to. Would you mind if I freshen up first?"

Esme beamed and nodded, showing Hermione to the nearest bathroom and then giving instructions as to where the rest of the family would be waiting. Once inside, Hermione sat down and took a shaky breath. She needed to sober up, immediately. Opening her beaded bag, the very same one from her time in school, Hermione pulled out a bottle of pepper-up potion that she always kept on hand. It was as close as she was going to get tonight when it came to sobering points. She silently cursed her own stupidity as she swallowed the potion and waited the few minutes it took to reawaken her senses.

Once she felt able to comprehend her surroundings, Hermione exited the restroom only to find Jacob Black waiting right down the hall. He was frowning, but seemed to relax a bit when he saw she could stand on her own feet without swaying. "I was worried you might be getting sick."

Hermione shook her head, "I feel fine now, thanks for your concern though."

He smiled and shrugged, "Anytime."

She walked past him and as an afterthought paused to ask, "Isn't it past your bed time? It's nearly 3 am."

Jacob shrugged again, "When it comes to these types of things, my dad is pretty lenient on my bedtime."

She gave him a doubting look but didn't fight him on it. She needed to find the rest of the Cullen's. After walking into a few wrong rooms she finally found the sitting area where all members of the Cullen family were sitting. They seemed to be having a silent conversation that stopped abruptly when she and Jacob walked in.

The blonde woman, Rosalie, turned up her nose at the sight of Jacob. "Why's the mutt here?"

Esme shushed her, but the damage was already done. Jacob stepped in front of Hermione, "I have every right to be here."

Hermione pushed Jacob aside, confused as to the statement, but not completely against it. It would do well to have another non-Cullen family member in the room with her. She was unsure of what she was walking into; it seemed the Cullen's were not what they originally appeared to be.

Rosalie sniffed, but said nothing. Carlisle, who seemed to be the leader of discussion ushered for Hermione to take a seat. Not wanting to be rude, she did, while Jacob chose to stand behind her. She had no idea why he was being so ridiculous, but she would deal with him later. She was a grown woman for merlin's sake.

"Hermione," Carlisle began, "we wished to talk to you, because according to magical law, we must."

Hermione sat up straighter and pulled out her wand. She looked at each person in the room and was mildly surprised to find that only Jacob was staring at her with confusion, "Go on."

Carlisle hesitated, "We are a coven of vampires who live peacefully in this town. We abstain from human blood by drinking what we prefer to call a 'vegetarian' diet of animal blood instead. I tell you this because of my previous experiences with your type. We know what you are, we could smell it in you the moment you entered our home. I want to make clear that my family means no harm to you or any other human."

Hermione sighed, she should've prepared for this. Ever since the war with Voldemort ended, new laws regarding magical creatures were made to help make the magical community feel safer. While she currently worked in the Department of Regulation and Control and did her best to catch un-ethical laws, she still had quite a few laws to fix; this being one of them.

"I appreciate you following protocol. I honestly should have caught on earlier; I blame it on my distracted state. I can see it now, the pale skin, heightened senses, enhanced beauty. Are your eyes that unique color because of your diet?"

The Cullen's nodded. Hermione continued; her mind spinning as she pieced the whole night together. "When Alice came to me, she knew that I would 'freak out' so to say if you didn't tell me didn't she? That I would piece it together in the middle of the reception and cause a scene?"

Alice nodded, "For some of us, when we become vampires, we also have gifts from when we were human that become more enhanced after the change. I have the gift of premonition, though it varies and I don't have much control over it."

Hermione nodded, having heard that theory before. "Does anyone else have special gifts?"

Emmett sat up in excitement, and to demonstrate pointed outside, proceed to run outside, and then pick up a few boulders and throw them across the stream. He then came back inside and sat down next to Rosalie, as if he hadn't done a thing. Smiling at his exuberance, "I take it you are stronger than normal vampires?" Emmett started to shrug when Rosalie smacked him, resulting in a large grin showing off his dimples and a nod in Hermione's direction.

They all took turns showing Hermione their talent. Jasper first made Hermione feel very giddy with excitement over absolutely nothing and then made her at complete peace. Rosalie, Carlisle and Esme explained their gifts while Alice explained that Edward could read everyone's thoughts except Bella.

At the mention of Edward, Hermione began to panic. A vampire had just married her baby cousin, and she had given them her blessing. All their little glances made sense now. "Is Bella going to become one of you?" she asked, trying to contain her growing sense of dread.

Jacob was the first to respond, with a low growl that startled Hermione. She had forgotten that he was standing behind her. Carlisle nodded slowly, unsure of how Hermione would respond. " By our laws, she must or she will die."

Hermione squeezed her wand and raised an eyebrow, "Your laws?"

"Tell me Hermione, have you ever heard of the Volturi?"

In her sixth year of schooling, she'd encountered a vampire by the name of Sanguini. After the uncomfortable encounter, Hermione had spent hours researching the Hogwarts library for information regarding vampires. "Yes. I once met an ambassador representing them at Hogwarts, though I'm not sure what happened to him after the war."

Carlisle raised his brow, "Interesting. I was not aware the Volturi wanted any involvement with the magical community unless absolutely unavoidable. As you might be aware, relations between our kinds have not been friendly."

Hermione rolled huffed, "That being a kind way of putting it. To be blunt, Carlisle, wizards have been oppressing magical creatures for centuries and don't plan on stopping anytime soon no matter how much I try to change their minds otherwise.

Have the Volturi threatened your family and my cousin?"

Esme hummed, "Yes. According to vampire law, we must not expose ourselves to humans. If we do, the human must either die or become one of us. There is no other way around it."

Rosalie growled, "Due to our melodramatic brother, the Volturi became aware of Edward and Bella's relationship. Despite Bella's willingness to throw away her humanity, we feel this option was better than death. Not that Edward would allow us to consider it anyway."

Jacob moved from behind Hermione to make his presence more known. "Maybe if you all had stayed away after you left the first time, this whole thing could've been avoided. She was getting better."

Hermione turned to Jacob, "They left her?"

Alice spoke up, "Tonight is not the night to share everything. You've have a very exhausting day Hermione, and I'm sure you're ready to relax."

At the mention of sleep, Hermione felt a yawn form, but she tried her best to hold it in. There was still so much to discuss, so much she needed to understand.

As if sensing that Hermione was struggling internally, Jacob leaned in and whispered, "Let me take you back to Charlie's. We can come back tomorrow morning once you've rested. Then you can look at things with a clear head, as well as think up questions."

Looking up at the smiling faces of Esme and Carlisle, Hermione nodded and allowed Jacob to steer her out of the house. Promises of continued conversation pacified the witch enough to sit quietly during the car ride home. Jacob was a perfect gentleman walking her to the door and waiting until he was sure she was safely inside to leave. Had she not been so tired, Hermione might have thought the situation peculiar; that a sixteen year-old was taking care of a twenty-six year-old.

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AN: Alrighty, so originally I planned on having this be ONLY 3 chapters. I was naive in thinking that I could sum up everything in only a few sections. That was just not happening, whatsoever. So, I've decided to break up the final segment into parts. I've had this part written since May, but due to my mixed feelings and poor planning, I didn't really look at it until now. As to stop teasing your poor readers, I've uploaded this part. I've got little sections of the next few parts written, but realize it might be a another week until the next part pops up.

Let me know you're thoughts on the beginning of this chapter, and I'll throw in a preview of the next part.