CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

Summary: Following the death of Voldemort, for her protection against the fugitive Death Eaters seeking revenge, Hermione is sent into hiding along with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Forks was said to be the safest place on earth for her, but they didn't plan for a family of vampires or a pack of shape-shifters worming their way into their lives. Or for three of them, in particular, being exactly what Hermione needed to heal and live. Rated M for bad language, violence and sexual content. Poly fic!

Disclaimer: I don't own any canon events or characters, only those that I create. All rights go to J.K Rowling and Stephanie Myers. I don't make a profit writing or 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.

AN

What? Two chapters in less than a week?! I know, right? And a giant-arse 14,000+ words chapter, too. I'm determined to get this completed now as there's only a few chapters left.

It's now the moment we've all been waiting for... It's time for Hermione and Edward to complete their bond. This chapter, despite being almost written when I posted the last chapter, has taken me four days to complete it. It fought me tooth and nail and it did not want to be written.

Q&A

Meldz – I do have their future living arrangements figured out, but you'll have to wait until the epilogue to see. I say this, as if it's going to be something completely exciting and unusual, when it's really not, haha. I did think about a potential pregnancy between Edward and Hermione but I decided to scrap the idea. I've already had vampire pregnancies in 'EID' and I've had a vampire pregnancy in 'SMMW' which ended drastically differently to canon, so I decided to skip it in this one.

Page count: 28

Tuesday 26th December 2006

Hermione wasn't quite sure what woke her. The feeling of intense eyes watching her, the heat that surrounded her, the movement of Jacob shifting in his sleep behind her, Hope's purring, Odin's little yips in his sleep as he dreamt and his paws digging into her lower back, or, the sudden angry chill that settled in the room.

Slowly peeling open her eyes and allowing a moment for her vision to clear, she shifted in the hold of her wolves and was careful when she pulled herself into a sitting position, her eyes slowly taking in her surroundings before they landed firmly on a jealous, furious Edward Cullen.

He stood by the closed door, his hand clenched into fists and his arms folded over his chest, his usually golden eyes had darkened, his expression was cold and angry as his gaze flew between her and her sleeping wolves. Whilst he couldn't read her thoughts, she had no doubt he'd be able to read her wolves', if they were dreaming, he'd see it, if thoughts of the night before flittered through their minds, he'd see it. And given his expression, he had. He knew what'd happened and even if he couldn't read their thoughts, a smell lingered in the air and despite having showered, she could still faintly smell it on her skin, something Edward's much stronger sense of smell would've picked up on.

She opened her mouth to speak but his eyes snapped to her, his expression so terrifying, something she'd yet to see from him, that her words died on her tongue. She turned her eyes to Odin when he released another yip in his sleep, Hermione not being surprised that Edward paid it no mind or confusion. Whilst he had other things that had grabbed his attention, with Edward's ability she knew it was highly likely he'd already known what Paul and Jacob had planned to get her for Christmas.

After digging beneath her pillow and drawing back with her wand in hand, she shifted from her wolves' hold and climbed out of bed without waking them. Pinning Edward with a terrifying glance of her own, he remained silent as he slowly followed her into her bathroom, Hermione locking and silencing the door.

If he was there, it meant he'd been let in by one of her fathers, and if that were the case, the twins were likely awake, too. She didn't want to wake Paul or Jacob or to have their conversation overheard or witnessed by anyone, so her best bet was her bathroom. If either Paul or Jacob woke and needed to use it, they'd have to use one of the others in the tent.

Hermione set her wand on the counter by the sink before she crossed over to the shower, manually setting it to run, deciding it best to wash the remainder of her wolves' scent from her skin as well as the sweat and dampness that clung to her after being sandwiched between them all night.

Once done, she turned to face him and folded her arms over her chest, watching him cautiously. He remained silent, his body tense and eyes locked on her, until he snapped.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" He demanded.

She arched an eyebrow, wondering just how much he knew.

"You'll have to be more specific," she played dumb.

"You slept with them! Together!"

He wasn't just jealous or angry, he appeared a little scandalised actually, and at the realisation, Hermione had to fight back a laugh. She'd forgotten Edward had been born in the early 1900s, a relationship such as theirs unheard of and unaccepted. Edward was a little old fashioned, she'd come to realise. It had taken him time to come to terms with having to share her, but the thought of her being with two of her soul bonds at the same time was something that hadn't crossed his mind until now.

"I did," she nodded, unconcerned.

"Why?"

"Because I wanted to," she replied, tipping her head slightly. "I don't see why this is such a big deal, whilst relationships such as ours are taboo, I'm well aware people can and do have multiple sexual partners, sometimes at the same time. It was bound to happen, I just assumed it would in a few years after we'd all settled into our relationship," she shrugged.

"They could've killed you," he argued.

"Don't be so dramatic," she rolled her eyes.

"Dramatic!" He snarled.

"Dramatic," she echoed calmly with a nod. "Paul's always careful with me and last night, he was able to help Jacob find balance, he found a way to help him control his strength so he didn't hurt me."

"They did hurt you! I saw it!"

"Yes, well," she shifted slightly, her stomach knotting at the reminder of the pleasure that swarmed her until she couldn't think, only feel. There was no ache in any part of her body, the potions having helped to heal her aches and pains and she'd never felt better. "I'll admit, it was a little painful in the beginning, but that was to be expected. As far afterwards, trust me, Edward, I was not complaining. As always, they took exceptionally good care of me."

He shifted slightly on his feet and glared at her.

"I am fine, I wanted it to happen. And if you so much as glance at them the wrong way, I'll ward you out of my bedroom for however long I see fit, and I know how it settles you to see me sleeping peacefully," she threatened.

With one last glance his way and deciding they spoken enough on the subject, she whirled around and headed for the shower, retrieving two towels and hanging them on the charmed towel rail to keep them warm. Without looking behind her or asking him to leave, Hermione reached for the hem of her t-shirt and dragged it up her body, over her head and dropping it to the floor.

"Hermione!" Edward squeaked out, scandalised and when she twisted to look over her shoulder, she bit her lip to see that he'd turned his back and was deliberately staring at the ground. She wouldn't be surprised if he'd turned around before he'd caught a glimpse of her arse, knowing his speed and reflexes would allow him to do so.

"Really, Edward?" She asked amusedly, rolling her eyes before she flicked her knickers off her hips and they slid down her legs, pooling at her feet along with her t-shirt, leaving her completely naked, her skin erupting into goosebumps at the chill in the air.

Stepping away from the pile of clothing, she opened the shower door and stepped inside, closing it behind her and stepping under the hot spray of the shower, her skin pinking at the scalding temperature. She loved her showers hot. The steam made it stuffy in the shower enclosure but she paid it no mind, knowing it was good for the sinuses.

Sighing as she tipped her head back, wetting her hair, she said, "You are aware that you'll see me naked plenty of times in the future, yes?"

She didn't bother raising her voice to be heard over the running water, knowing he'd hear her just fine.

"That's not the point," he spluttered and she sniggered.

"No? It's my body, Edward, and I'm comfortable in myself, if I feel comfortable enough to strip in front of you, you don't have to turn away. I know you're curious. Whilst you may have seen images and thoughts in Paul and Jacob's minds, it's an entirely different thing seeing it in person," she reasoned. "The human mind can rarely remember images and the like perfectly."

Peering through the glass, she saw him facing the shower but she knew the steam and frosted glass of the enclosure hid her body from his sight, only showing her silhouette.

She bit her lip, wondering how he'd react to her next words.

"Do you want to join me?"

"Excuse me?" His voice rose and his golden eyes widened.

She sniggered.

"In the shower? Do you want to join me?" She clarified.

"Hermione..."

"What? I need some help reaching my back," she replied innocently. "Edward, I don't want to push you into something you're not ready for, but we have a little over two weeks before we're forcing the battle and our bond hasn't yet been cemented. I know you're not going to stop worrying about me, but the bond will allow for you to protect me from a distance. We'll all be safer for it. You agreed to complete the bond but you wished to work up to it, to test your control. Again, we don't have a lot of time and now that we're preparing for battle, I'll be spending less time with you and more time focusing on readying everyone for what's to come. We have to take the time we have together and make the most of it. Once the holidays have passed, we'll be in full preparation mode. My fathers are even considering pulling me from school so I can spend my time working with the twins to not only figure out a way to reverse the purpose and magic of the Taboo, but to plan and create our defences, too. And on top of that, I have to write and mark examinations, teach you everything you need to know and continue with my training sessions. In all honesty, I'll barely have the time to talk to you let alone complete our bond."

"I hadn't thought of it like that," he replied, Hermione knowing he was frowning without having to look at him.

"I know," she responded softly. "Just think about it."

Turning, she reached for her shampoo and raked her hands through her tangled hair, washing the product from her mass of curls before she reached for the conditioner laced with a Hair Care Potion, helping to tame the frizz of her hair once it dried. As she made to pour the product into her hand, she startled a little when the door of the shower enclosure opened, her eyes widening in surprise when Edward stepped in. She hadn't heard him approaching or removing his clothing.

When he closed the door behind him and stood before her, she was well aware that he was doing a remarkable job of keeping his gaze above her neck, but she supposed with his speed, he could easily glance down at her without her noticing.

"I wasn't expecting you to do it," she confessed.

"I know," he replied, "Which is why I did, and you were right, we don't have a lot of time to be together and we don't know when we'll next get the chance."

Her gaze locked on his, she didn't stop him when he reached for the conditioner bottle, plucking it from her hand and squirting a measure of the product into his palm before he set the bottle off to the side on the little ledge and he hesitantly reached out, his cold fingers carding through her wet hair, massaging her scalp as he did so.

Hermione sighed, her eyes fluttering closed and her head tipping forward a little to press against his naked chest, when his hands moved to the back of her neck. She didn't open her eyes and steal a peek at him, not yet. The coldness of his body was heated by the water, finding it a little odd given how use she'd grown to his ice-cold temperature.

After a moment or two, he tipped her head back into the spray of the shower and her eyes remained closed as he washed the conditioner from her hair, the soft, wet tresses being plastered to her back and falling past her waist.

Opening her eyes, seeing his gaze watching her intently, she said, "Have you been hunting recently?"

"No, why?" His head tilted slightly.

"Your eyes are brighter than usual," she explained, noting the way the golden irises shined.

"I think that's because of you," he admitted through a mutter.

Hermione's mouth twitched in amusement. She was well aware of his reaction to her, feeling the half-erect length in-between them. Whilst her shower was by no means small and could comfortably fit two people, she found herself with a little more space with Edward given his slender build compared to her wolves' stockier forms.

"You can look, you know?" She said in amusement.

"I'm afraid that if I do, I might lose control."

"See, this is where we differ in opinion. As your mate, you could never harm me. You're too careful, you worry too much to allow yourself to let go and live in the moment. But I believe you won't hurt me because you don't want to. It goes against your very nature to protect me and care for me. I believe you to be in a similar circumstance as Jacob. You haven't had the opportunity to learn to control yourself in such situations but once you do, I'll doubt I'll have a mark on me."

"I don't want to risk harming you."

She sighed and shook her head. "You're a bloody nuisance," she said fondly, reaching for the bar of soap and washcloth, not being surprised when he took them both from her.

He started at her shoulders and moved down her arms and to her hands, keeping his eyes locked on hers the entire time. His hands hesitated slightly when he reached her neck and dragged the soapy cloth over her collar bones and down to her chest, Hermione shifting into his hesitant touch as he swiped the cloth over her breasts, Edward faltering slightly with his eyes closing tightly and his breath hitching when his skin brushed the soft, warm flesh. Dragging the cloth lower and feeling the raised skin, his eyes opened and he lowered his gaze for the first time, but he didn't look to her naked chest, rather, the scar that lived on her torso.

A frown settled on his face as he reached up with his other hand, his fingers skimming the raised scar tissue, a shiver racing down Hermione's spine, sending heat to her core.

"It doesn't hurt anymore," she said softly.

"The one who did it...?" His jaw ticked and his teeth clenched in anger.

"Dolohov, he's alive."

He took a calming breath, both hearing it and feeling it as his chest brushed against hers.

"Not for much longer," he vowed in a promise.

When Hermione shifted on her feet, he thankfully swiped the cloth over her stomach and hips before turning her around so he might reach her back and not being confident enough to move lower, he set the cloth off to the side. Hermione turned to face him once more, closing the distance and pressing herself against him, her arms folding around him and her cheek pressing against his chest, his arms automatically winding around her.

Hermione wasn't sure how long they stayed that way under the spray of the hot water, and one moment they were cuddling and the next she was reaching up and pressing her mouth against his, coaxing him out of his hesitation and worry, as was usual, and when she pulled back for air, she wasn't surprised to find her back being pressed against the tiled wall and Edward caging her in with his body.

"Do you want to test your control?" She asked breathlessly.

His gaze locked on hers, he nodded slowly, the movement so small she'd almost missed it. She had a feeling she'd have to direct him as she had Jacob and so she reached for the hand that sat on her hip and brought it to her chest, encouraging him to cup and knead her breast. There was a stark contrast between the hot water and his colder hand, her skin erupting in goosebumps and her nipples hardening into peaks.

He was careful and explorative with his movements, a frown of concentration set on his face and when he brushed her nipple with the palm of his hand, she gasped and her head tipped back.

"You're not hurting me," she assured him after his golden eyes had snapped to her in concern.

Taking her at her word, he continued with his exploration, Hermione being more than surprised when a short while later, his hand lowered and smoothed over her flat stomach, heading south, all without her guidance or directive. A choked moan caught in her throat and her teeth sunk into her bottom lip when his fingers slipped through her wet folds, expertly finding the little bundle of nerves and applying pressure, Hermione's crying out in surprise, her hands flying to grip onto his upper arms.

"Don't you dare stop," she warned after he'd paused, peeling her eyes open before they fluttered closed.

Thankfully, he continued with his light, teasing touch, until he unexpectedly slipped two fingers into her.

Her body arched against him, a cry fell from her lips, her heart pounded in her chest and her breathing sped up. He was cautious but curious as he moved his fingers inside her, Hermione finding the strength to lift her head from the wall and open her eyes, seeing him watching her intensely, his gold eyes darkening with lust.

Unable to stop herself, she lifted her leg, hooking it over his hip, moaning when his fingers slipped deeper inside her and she heard his intake of breath, his nostrils flaring as the scent of her arousal filled his nose, a growl rumbling in his throat. Reaching out, she settled her hand palm flat against his lightly muscled chest, allowing it inch lower, alerting him to her intentions. Once again, he surprised her when he didn't stop her, his eyes closing and his head tipping when she curled her small hand around him, this part of his anatomy being surprisingly warmer than the rest of him.

The water raining over them allowed for the easy pumping of her hand over him, timing her movements to that of his own hand. When her hips rocked against his hand, he added a third digit, his thumb reaching to the little bundle of nerves, her knees almost buckling beneath her as pleasurable shocks ran through her, Edward wrapping his free arm around her and holding her up.

"I'm so close," she whispered breathlessly, her head tipping back.

Feeling his eyes on her, her gaze locked with his, seeing his darkened orbs, the heavy rise and fall of his chest and his parted mouth. He was watching her intensely, lustfully, and Merlin, did she want to climb him like a tree and bury him inside her forever.

She reached up, claiming his mouth and he was the first to draw back, his mouth trailing kisses over her cheek and down her jaw, his face nuzzling at her neck and Hermione tilted her head, showing the trust she had in him not to give in to his urges and bite her. When he dragged his teeth over her shoulder, she shuddered and tightened her grip on him, hearing his groan. Smiling to herself, she realised he was close when his hips pumped into her hand and she used every trick she knew to drag him over the edge.

When Edward found that special spot inside of her at the same time his mouth latched onto the weak spot behind her ear, she cried out his name, burying her face against his neck as she went hurtling over the cliff and into her orgasm, Edward groaning as her inner walls clamped and pulsed around his fingers tightly, and her grip on him tightened, too, sending him into his own relief.

He muttered something in a language she didn't understand, knowing he was able to speak almost twenty languages, something that she found highly impressive. A growl wrapped around the words and when her body stopped shaking, her leg lowered from his hip and Hermione released her hold on him after feeling him fall limp in her hand, being spent, she set her hand on his hip and slumped into the wall behind her, her head tipping back and her eyes remaining closed as she worked to right her breathing.

Edward kept his face buried in her neck, his nose nuzzling at her skin, his chest brushing hers with every breath he took, something she found funny given that he didn't need to breathe, it was either a reflex reaction, something he did out of habit or he was unconsciously mimicking her own breathing pattern. The hand that gripped his upper arm smoothed up to his shoulder and into his wet hair, her fingers running through the strands and scratching at his scalp comfortingly.

He muttered something again, something she didn't understand as he'd said it in that same foreign language as before and she made a mental note to find out what it was and learn it.

"What?" She asked softly, feeling content and sleepy.

"Are you okay?" He muttered, not seeming to want to remove his face from her neck and she was quite comfortable cuddling him so she wasn't going to complain.

"Perfect," she promised. "If you found it difficult to control yourself, I couldn't tell. You never once hurt me, not even by accident, and there's not a mark on me, well, except maybe on my neck, you seemed determined to leave a mark there," she said amusedly; she wouldn't be surprised if she saw a love bite forming when she looked in the mirror.

"It wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be," he admitted.

"Hmmm, but that may change once we complete the bond," she said, knowing the turn his thoughts had taken. "You're full of surprises," she changed the subject. "You seemed to know exactly what you were doing? And here I was thinking I was to be the only woman you're to be intimate with."

"You are," he muttered, slightly embarrassed, she noted. She'd have to nip that in the bud, she realised. "As I've said before, my ability is both a blessing and a curse. I've found that nine out of ten people often have sex on their mind, whether they realise it or not. Being able to see their thoughts... Whilst it's horrifying when they're reliving memories, it certainly paid off for me now."

She laughed lightly. "So, are you more confident in your decision to complete the bond?"

"I think so," he nuzzled at her throat once more, breathing in her scent, happily noting that she smelled like him, more so than she did the wolves.

"Good, do you want to do it now?"

His head lifted and he stared down at her in surprise, his eyes once more golden in colour.

She laughed at him and he cleared his throat.

"I think someone might come looking for us."

She nodded, knowing he was right. They'd have to find some time to sneak away together before the battle.

"Then we best wash up and get ourselves out there, I wouldn't be surprised if Paul and Jacob are up by now and Remus might come looking for us. I'm not in the mood to be dealing with a pissed werewolf."

He snorted at her before stepping back from her, allowing her to reach for the soap and washcloth and she set to work washing his cold skin, batting his hands away when he tried to do it himself.

"I hope you know I can't accept your gift," she remarked from seemingly out of nowhere.

"Oh?" He arched an eyebrow.

"It's too expensive."

The previous day when she'd opened her gift from Edward, it had been a small box wrapped perfectly in red and gold with a neatly tied bow, and after removing the wrapping paper and opening the small black box, she found a key fob inside. It sat alone, it held no key chains, symbols or signs to help determine the brand, make or model, but she knew a car key when she saw one. And knowing Edward and the Cullens, they were much like Sirius in the regard that only the best was acceptable, which meant he wouldn't have bought her a second-hand car. No, he'd have gone straight to the damn dealership.

"I know a car key when I see one and I know you, you'd never buy a second-hand car. You are aware that I can't drive, right? Or that I have no need for a car?"

He shrugged his shoulders, reaching up to brush his wet hair out of his face before his arms settled around her, holding her against him once she'd put the soap and washcloth on the ledge.

"I know you can magically travel wherever you wish to go within the blink of an eye, but the journey itself is half the fun. You've never experienced a road trip before, have you?"

"Not really," she shrugged. "When I was a kid, I lived close enough to my school to walk there and back, and the supermarket was only a ten minute walk. My parents drove to work but I never spent much time with them given their work schedule. As for holidays, I was always half asleep when we drove to the airport, given that our flights always left in the early hours of the morning. I don't see the need in driving, not when you, Jacob and Paul do so and two of you have access to cars. And I imagine that with you, should we ever go anywhere together, you won't tire and we won't have to take shifts driving, not to mention, with your reflexes, eyesight and speed, we'd never have an accident, your abilities allowing you to see a threat before it happens."

"Hmmm," he mused thoughtfully, seeing her point. "Still, you're a teenage girl, it's a rite of passage that you learn to drive, and I'm going to teach you," he promised.

She snorted. "I don't have a permit, and I can't apply for one either, I don't have an actual address given that I live in a tent in the middle of nowhere."

He arched an eyebrow. "Should we ever get caught, I wouldn't be surprised if you could use a little magic to get us out of it."

"I could," she admitted, "And I wouldn't be surprised if you used your vampire allure to charm your way out of it."

"I could," he nodded. "As for the car, it's yours."

"But I don't need it," she sighed.

"I didn't purchase it because you needed it, I did so because I wanted you to have it. As for the key fob, it's not the actual car key; I didn't want you to figure out the make or model before I had the chance to show you it."

"As if I know anything about cars anyway," she rolled her eyes. "Paul and Jacob are going to be right mardy with you, you know? They don't have access to the funds you do and as such, their gifts were nowhere near as expensive as yours and I'm going to have to work hard to convince them that despite the cost of their gifts, I adore them just the same and they are meaningful to me. Paul gave me Odin and Hope as he knew how much I missed Crookshanks, but he hadn't expected to adopt Hope, too. And Jacob, not only did he give me his great-Grandmother's blanket, something of a Black heirloom, but he made me a traditional wall tapestry. He's teaching me about his family, Tribe and culture, something that's important to him."

Reaching behind her, she turned off the shower and stepped from Edward's hold, opening the shower door and snatching the warm towels from the rail, handing one to him and folding the other around herself. After squeezing the water from her hair, she climbed out of the shower and slipped her feet into the slippers she kept nearby before she crossed over to the mirror, reaching for her hairbrush on the counter, removing the tangles before she dried it.

Seeing Edward make no move to dry or dress and noticing him watching her, she lifted her eyes to him.

"What?" She asked.

His mouth twitched and he shook his head.

"Seriously, what is it?"

"You're so beautiful."

She fought down the blush that threatened to cover her cheeks.

"Before I met you, Jacob and Paul, I didn't see myself as such."

"And now?"

"Between you, I'm told it every day and with those words, I do believe it. I know that I'll never be the person I once was, but I'm happy with who I am, and I'm happy with who I've become. I've accepted there are things I can't change in life and there are things I can't be, and because of that, I'm happy. And that's partially because of you."

~000~000~000~

"I really don't think this is a good idea, Edward," said Hermione, her hand held in his as he led them down the steps of the Cullen house and towards the garage.

After spending the morning and most of the day lounging about the tent with her soul bonds, fathers, brothers and her new pets, she and Edward had left a little after dinner, Hermione apparating them to the Cullen house so she might visit with them for a while. After a couple of hours, Edward took her by the hand and made their excuses, Alice calling out that Hermione would 'love it', knowing what he wished to show her.

"No?"

"No," she confirmed.

He snorted at her before he opened the side door, flipped the switch on the wall until the garage was bathed with soft, white light and he tugged her inside, the door closing behind them. Hermione blinked in surprise, her eyes darting about and examining her surroundings. The garage was a lot bigger than she'd realised. Not only did it house a shockingly large number of vehicles (something she thought there was absolutely no need for) but it had custom-built storage, no doubt containing their tools and whatnot, cleverly maximising space.

"This place is like Narnia," she muttered.

Edward laughed. "I've seen your closet," he pointed out.

"That was done with magic," she argued.

Shaking his head at her, he pulled her forward until they reached the first car and it was huge, the tyres alone looked to be half her size, though she did appreciate the striking red colouring of the paintwork.

"Emmet's Jeep Wrangler," he gestured to it with a wave of his hand before he tugged her forward, briefly stopping before a second red vehicle on the right of it. "Rosalie's BMW M3 convertible." Hermione tipped her head slightly, her eyes scanning it curiously as he tugged her forward. "Carlisle's Mercedes," he gestured to the black sleek car, "Jasper's Ducati 848," he pointed to the only motorcycle in the garage. "You've already seen my Volvo S60R," he gestured to the silver vehicle she recognised well, but then she noticed the black sleek car beside it, it reminding Hermione of some kind of sports vehicle. "This is my pride and joy, my Aston Martin V12 Vanquish," he explained proudly.

Hermione blinked slowly. "You are aware I have no idea what I'm looking at, yes?" He laughed at her, shaking his head. "And why do you have two cars?" She arched an eyebrow.

He shrugged his shoulders, "Vampire thing," he said, as if that explained everything and she rolled her eyes. "The Volvo's my everyday car, the Martin's my special occasion car."

"And what classifies as a special occasion?"

His mouth twitched into a smirk. "You'll find out soon enough," he promised before tugging her to the final car in the lineup, this one also black. He dug into his coat pocket and removed a key fob, depositing it in her hand, Hermione glancing down to the see the four-ringed symbol that could also be seen on the car. "And this is your car. A 2004 Audi A6 Quattro Sedan," he smiled down at her.

She blinked slowly, struggling to comprehend what she was looking at it. He'd bought her a bloody car for Christmas! And it was even equipped with a damn red bow, too! What was he thinking buying her such an expensive gift, something she'd hardly use? Hermione surmised he obviously hadn't been thinking.

"Do you want the specs?"

Clearing her throat, she said, "Am I going to understand what any of it means?"

He chuckled. "Probably not," he shook his head. "If I simplify it, the Audi's safe, reliable and fitted with all the bells and whistles you could want."

Her eyes darting between the key fob in her hand and the car before her, she sighed. "Edward, you know I love you and whilst I appreciate the thought and gesture, I can't accept this. It's far too expensive."

"You gave me handwritten notes from the Beethoven, something that had a value greater than this car and it was a thank you for hosting you at the house," he argued. "This is not too expensive a gift. If I'm honest, I had intended to buy something else but Alice and Rosalie stepped in. They knew you would struggle to accept such a gift and they convinced me to lower my budget significantly. If it makes you feel better, my Martin's worth four, possibly five times more than the Audi I bought you."

"It really doesn't."

He snorted before taking her hand once more, tugging her closer to the car so she might get a better look, hoping she'd change her mind about accepting it. It was already paid for in full and registered to her, not him, and at his address, too.

~000~000~000~

"Edward, I really don't think this is a good idea," said Hermione, her hands clenched tightly around the steering wheel of her begrudgingly accepted car.

After taking a seat inside, Edward had done his best to explain all of the features and functions to her in layman's terms, the vampire being so patient with her and her obvious confusion and difficulty to grasp his words, Hermione had found it hard to not accept the car. After almost half an hour sat in the car in the Cullen's garage, Edward convinced her that they should take it for a drive and after leaving the Cullen's property and Edward driving with no particular destination in mind, he pulled over at the side of the empty road.

She was now sitting in the driver's seat, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, her heart pounding in her chest, her breathing quickening and sweat slicking at her forehead. She was terrified. How the hell had she let him talk her into this?

"You'll be fine and you'll do great. I've come to learn there isn't much you can't do when you put your mind to it. Just remember everything I've told you and you're not alone, I'm right here beside you."

"I don't have a licence or permit. It's too dark. I've never done this before, I shouldn't be driving in the dark if I can't even drive during the day! And there's bloody snow on the ground! I shouldn't be driving in such conditions on a first attempt! It's dark and there's snow covering the road! It's dangerous! What if we get caught? What if I crash the car? This is too expensive a car to learn to drive in. I don't even want to learn to drive," she rambled, panic setting in and she hadn't even turned on the ignition yet.

"Hermione, breathe," Edward said softly, his hand coming up to cup the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair. She relaxed a little at his touch, the coldness of his hand helping to fend off the sweat slicking her skin. "I have faith in you, I know you can do it. It's easy, I promise. If you do happen to crash the car, which you won't," he said confidently, "It's just a car."

"An expensive car," she interrupted.

"It's still a car, you know I've a small fortune of my own, and you're the wealthiest woman in Europe, stop worrying. We won't be caught. These roads are quiet during the day, worse at night and it's the holidays. We won't see anyone on these roads, not for miles, especially given the time," he gestured to the dashboard with a tip of his head, the clock showing it was a little past nine o'clock and it had long since grown darker and colder. As a precaution, Hermione had locked the doors, being afraid that something might jump out at them despite knowing both she and Edward were more than capable of dealing with such an occasion.

"As for the snow, I don't doubt you know some magic to get rid of it, improving the road conditions. So, take a deep breath, adjust your seat if you have to or you don't feel comfortable, turn on the engine, shift the car into drive, remember to check your mirrors and then off you go. It's that simple."

"I haven't even passed the theory test," she argued.

"No, but I'm sure you'd ace it like you do every other test you've taken. The majority of it is common sense. I'll prove it. You're approaching a crossroads late at night, you see a stop sign and not seeing any other vehicles nearby, should you stop or continue?"

"Stop or at the very least, slow down," she answered.

"Why?" He tipped his head.

"It's best not to take the risk, there's always a chance of a car speeding, coming out of nowhere, or a car on the road that doesn't have its headlights on, meaning it can't be seen until it's too late."

"Right," he nodded. "You're approaching a crossing, you see someone stood at the side of the road. Who has right of way?"

"The pedestrian, especially if they already have one foot on the crossing."

"Right. What side do you use for overtaking?"

"The right."

"See, it's common sense," he shrugged. "Right now, you know everything you need to and I'm right beside you. As you said yourself, I can spot a threat before you and warn you should I have to. Now, no more stalling, I don't want to be here all night and have your fathers worry about you."

Scowling at him, she took a moment to calm herself the best she could, shifting on the leather seat to make herself more comfortable and with Edward's much taller height, she did have to adjust the seat so she could reach the pedals. After she'd pulled her wand from her boot and cast a spell to melt the snow on the road, she cast a charm around the car, more specifically, the tyres. Stowing her wand back in her boot, she hesitantly reached out and turned the key, the engine coming to life and Hermione startled slightly, catching the sight of Edward biting his lip to stop himself from laughing at her and she reached out and smacked his arm with the back of her hand in warning.

"Now shift it into drive and pull off," he instructed.

She closed her eyes for a moment and took a breath before doing as he said, slowly easing her foot off the break and lightly pressing against the accelerator. Her hands tightened on the steering wheel and a squeak of surprise left her when the car slowly rolled forward.

"Good," Edward praised, his hand yet to leave the back of her neck and his thumb swiped over her skin comfortingly. "Relax," he instructed, seeing her white knuckles and tense form. "You're doing really well, now, press a little harder on the accelerator."

"I'm scared," she admitted.

"You've nothing to be afraid of, I promise. Just give it a try."

Holding her breath, she pressed a little harder on the pedal, squeaking when the car sped up.

"Now, I want you to slow to a gentle stop and then pull off again."

Gritting her teeth and clenching her jaw, she did exactly that and putting her trust in Edward, she continued to follow his instructions. Half an hour later, Hermione had relaxed considerably, she felt a little more confident and she barely thought twice about following Edward's instructions, being confident enough to perform a three-point turn when they'd landed themselves on a dead-end road.

"Okay, this is easier than I'd thought it'd be," Hermione admitted, not yet feeling confident enough to turn her eyes away from the road, even for a quick glance.

"I told you so, you're a natural," Edward smiled at her.

"Is it normal for my ankles to be hurting?"

He snorted. "Yes, given how long you've been driving and that you're not used to it, it's normal. You'll stop noticing it and it'll stop hurting when you start driving regularly."

"My arse is numb, too."

He laughed, the sound filling the car, carrying over the sound of the heat blowing from the air vents, keeping the car warm for Hermione, and the quiet radio that played in the background.

Pulling up at the side of the road, not far from where they'd started, Hermione switched off the ignition and turned to face him.

"Well, you know the basics, all that's left to do is teach you the manoeuvres, get you on the road with traffic and you'll be ready to pass your test in no time."

"I said it was easier than I thought it would be, not that it wasn't terrifying because it bloody well was," she grumbled and he snorted at her. "As for future lessons, I imagine they'll have to wait until after the battle and we deal with the aftermath. Tomorrow, training resumes and I have to split my time between training, working with the twins in my lab, putting together the information packs and writing the exam papers."

"You work too hard," his brow furrowed in concern.

She smiled sadly. "I'm under a lot of pressure and I can't wait until it's all over and I can live a normal life, well, as normal a life an ex-soldier witch who is engaged to a vampire and two shape-shifters can possibly have."

His hand came up to press against her cheek and her eyes fluttered closed as she leaned into his touch, a sigh falling from her lips. Her mouth twitched into a smile when she felt his mouth press against hers; she was usually the first one to initiate the kiss, she could count on one hand the number of times he'd done so.

As she allowed him to control the kiss, both being mindful of his venomous fangs, she grew lost in him, in the feeling of his hands burying in her hair, his fingers getting tangled in her curls, of her hands fisting into his shirt and tugging him closer to her. She was the first to draw back, sucking in a lungful of air and being surprised when she stared down at Edward's bright golden eyes glowing in the darkness as she straddled him in his seat. She couldn't recall how it had happened but it had most likely been his doing.

"Was this you or me?" She asked.

His brow furrowed, his eyes darting between. "Honestly, I'm not sure."

She snorted. "Well, considering you're supposed to be able to process information faster than me and be more aware of your surroundings and actions, I take it as a compliment that I'm able to distract you as much as you do me."

"You're so much more than a distraction. You beguile me," he muttered, his hand untangling from her hair, his fingers skimming her face, over her jaw and down her neck before settling against her waist, his fingers gently curling around her.

"Big word," she teased, his mouth twitching into a smile of amusement. "You can be very sweet when you want to be," she sighed, her own hand releasing its grip of his shirt and her fingers ghosting over his jaw, Edward's eyes fluttering closed and his head tipping further into her touch. "No matter how handsome you are when you brood, I live for moments like this. When you're relaxed, unconcerned... Free."

A puff of air left his mouth. "When I'm with you, I don't have to hide who I am or who I wish to be. And although I'm always worried for your safety, I know you're well protected. Between your own fierceness and capabilities, your fathers and family, the pack and my family, nothing will ever be able to hurt you. I just want you safe and happy."

"I am," she assured him. "And once the threat of death and danger is no longer hanging over my head, that is when our lives together will truly begin. That is when we can focus on nothing but meaningless homework assignments and finding time to sneak off together so we might have some time alone away from my fathers, Jacob and Paul. That is when we can marry..." She felt his hand on her waist tighten slightly as he pulled her closer, his eyes darkening with possessiveness and hunger. "When we can decide what we wish to do with our lives, and though I know we may never be able to leave here, due to Jacob and Paul's responsibilities and bond to the pack, it doesn't mean you have to leave as you'll worry people will notice you're not ageing. There are potions that can alter appearances, as well as Illusion Charms and if the twins and I put our heads together, I'm sure we can think of a way to charm an item so that as long as you have it on your person, no one will be able to see the true you, allowing you to have any career you wish, something I know you've never been capable of having. Perhaps you might even find a way to work from home," she shrugged.

"And when I have children, no matter if they are sired by Jacob or Paul, you will be their father, too, and they will love you. As they grew, their norm will be that they have three fathers, two who are capable of shifting into wolves and one who is a vampire."

"Do you know how many you wish to have and when?" He asked curiously.

She nibbled her lip before answering, "I hated being an only child growing up; whilst I was spoiled more than most of the children on my street, I had no one to share it all with, to play with, especially when my parents were always working and I was left with a babysitter more interested in the TV than me. I always pictured myself with two children, but since discovering my soul bonds, I think I might like four."

"Four," he arched an eyebrow, his mouth twitching in amusement.

"Four," she confirmed, "Two fathered by Jacob and two fathered by Paul. As for genders, I don't so much care of the ratio but I would like to have at least one of each. Magically and legally, I need a male heir to continue the Black family line, and it doesn't matter who is the father. And when? I don't know. When I feel ready, when I feel we're all ready. Whilst it's guaranteed that we'll be financially supported given my wealth and yours, and we'll never struggle to pay a single bill or the child-rearing costs, and I know they'll have a stable and loving family, I am well aware that our relationship is still new and our circumstances whilst accepted in my world, are odd. It will take a few years for us all to fit comfortably with one another, and until then, I wish to wait. As well as decide what I wish to do with my own life regarding a career choice, of course."

"A witch and her three husbands, four children, a cat and a dog, that is going to be one busy house," he remarked through a mutter, his face burying in her neck, his nose nuzzling at her skin, breathing in her scent and pressing a light kiss against her pulse point.

Hermione inhaled deeply, one hand tugging at his hair, the other curling into a fist as it rested in place against his neck.

"Not to mention, it is likely to be overrun with the pack, your family and my fathers, and also, it is highly likely we will have more pets."

"Oh?"

"Yes," she breathed out, tipping her head to the side to give him better access. "Do not forget than any child of mine is highly likely to be magical and every magical child has a familiar, and that can range from a toad to an owl, to a rat to a cat. A very busy house, indeed, and, I can't wait to have that life with you."

A groan rumbled in his chest and his mouth latched onto hers, stealing her breathing metaphorically and literally. It was no surprise that she felt Edward's hand shift from her hip and to her thigh, his cold palm and dancing fingers sliding up her skin, burying beneath her dress. It seemed their little activities in the shower that morning had given him some confidence and emboldened him, and Hermione, having long since felt her stomach fluttering, her heart pounding and liquid heat pooling south after his gentle, feather-light touch, had never been more glad that she'd chosen to wear a dress.

Before heading to the Cullen's after dinner, despite the current climate, Hermione had changed into a light grey, knitted jumper dress that Alice had given her for Christmas, the black leather knee-high boots Rosalie had gifted her, and she'd slotted the black, long pea coat with grey fur on the lapels and around the wrists, over the top, a gift from Esme. Not only had they all fitted together nicely, but they also were lovely and warm and helped to fend off the chill, as did the lit fireplace in the Cullen's house, it having already warmed most of the ground floor when they'd arrived.

Since getting in the car, Hermione had long since lost her coat and it lay in the back seat along with Edward's brown pea coat, Hermione no longer needing it as it was lovely and warm in the car thanks to the heating, and Edward wishing to have more room to move and not be as restricted.

Hermione's breath hitched and she drew her mouth from Edward's when she felt the first touch of his hand against her clothed centre, her head tipping back, her eyes fluttering closed and her hair cascading down her back, feeling his darkened gaze watching her. Hermione last track of time and grew lost in the feeling of his mouth trailing kisses across her face and against her neck and throat, and of his hand being buried beneath her dress and in her knickers, her hips rocking against his hand.

She wasn't entirely sure how long it took for her breathing to come out in little breathless gasps, for her stomach to stop knotting painfully, for her face to flush, it disappearing under the neckline of her dress, and when she felt her inner muscles clenching and spasming around his fingers, she wasn't certain if she was disappointed that it was over so soon, or if she was annoyed that it had taken so long. As the pleasure ebbed and she came down from her high, Edward's hand was no longer buried between them but resting against her hip as she slumped forward, her face burying in his neck as she did her best to control her breathing. Edward held her gently, his nose nuzzling at her neck, his hand smoothing over the length of her clothed back slowly as he hummed in content.

Lifting her head, her glassy eyes locked with his dark orbs, no sign of the golden colouring she'd grown to love. And whilst he watched her adoringly, there was something hungry and primal about his stare.

Taking a breath, she said, "Do you want to complete the bond now?" Her haze locked with his, her hands resting atop his shoulders, she was convinced he'd decline. Again.

He took a deep breath, of which, he didn't need, ensured he had her full attention and then he took her by surprise when his eyes darted over her face, taking in her flushed skin and soft features before he nodded.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry?" Both eyebrows rose high on her forehead, almost disappearing into her hairline.

His mouth twitched. "I want to complete our bond. Now," he clarified.

She blinked slowly, her eyes carefully examining his expression before a smile pulled at her mouth and she nodded, closing the little distance between them and pressing her mouth to his. Her hands smoothed down his chest, coming to a stop on the buttons of his shirt before she popped the first three open, Hermione's hand slipping inside and heating his cold skin as her fingers danced and tickled over his chest, catching his groan in her mouth.

When her hands moved lower and Hermione shifted slightly in his lap, feeling the bulge in his jeans and needing a little more space to reach her hands in-between them, she made quick work of unfastening his belt, button and zip, almost growing frustrated and magically removing them. Before her hand delved into his jeans and boxers, his hand quickly intercepted and he drew back from her, his darkened gaze locking with hers.

"Do you have your potion?"

She sighed. "Edward, I honestly don't believe I'm going to need it. You never hurt me once this morning, accidentally or otherwise. As I said, I am your mate and harming me goes against your very nature to protect me."

"I'd rather not take that risk," he said, his expression and tone telling her he wasn't going to back down.

"For the record, I have more faith in you than you do yourself," she sighed, holding her hand up and a potion vial whizzed from the back seat and into her hand, Hermione removing the stopper and downing the contents of the vial before it disappeared from her hand with a 'pop'.

Edward glanced at her amusedly. "I wasn't expecting you to have one with you," he commented.

She shrugged. "Whilst I don't have my beaded bag on me like I usually do, I did stuff a Strengthening Potion in my pocket as a precaution. I never expected that we'd find ourselves alone without anyone to potentially see or overhear, and neither did I expected for you to agree so easily given how stubborn you've been."

"And you're certain you're okay, not hurt or injured?" He checked, his eyes flashing with possessiveness and jealousy, alerting her to the fact he was referring to what had happened between her and her wolves the night before, Hermione being all but certain that was what had finally pushed him to give in to his stubbornness.

"I'm perfectly fine," she promised, "Just as I was this morning, my potions and creams had me all healed up and free of aches and pains before I'd even woken. And now that I've taken my potion..." She set her hand on his shoulder and squeezed, Edward's eyes widened as his gaze flew down to his shoulder after feeling a sharp stab of pain run through him. "Might we continue?"

Tipping her head, her mouth twitched when rather than answering with words, he lurched forward, his mouth latching onto hers, his arms folding around her and holding her to him and releasing his grip on her hand, allowing it to burrow into his jeans and boxers, her fingers curling around the warmest part of him. He groaned into her mouth, his arms tightening around her in a manner than might've been painful if she didn't have the potion in her system, and with a little shifting and rise of his hips, Hermione was able to tug his clothing down far enough that his hardened length sprung free and she was able to pump her hand over him without obstacle, particularly when she muttered against his lips and cold lubrication covered her hand, Edward's grip once more tightening and a growl rumbled in his chest and sent a shiver right through her.

She was quick to learn what he liked and what he didn't and when she twisted her wrist and tightened her grip, Edward's hand darted down to prevent her from further movement. He drew back from, the rise and fall of his chest matching hers, his gaze hungry and half-lidded and nodding in understanding, she rose up, muttered a spell that had her underwear vanishing and shifted her position over him before she held him at her entrance, hearing a growl rumble in his chest as her heat radiated over him and he felt the wetness of her arousal against him.

With her gaze locked on his, she took that final step and slowly, torturously, sank down onto him. He groaned low in his throat, his eyes closed, his head tipped back and his hands gripped at her hips so tightly, even with the Strengthening Potion she'd taken, she was half-convinced he'd popped her hip out of place, but none of that distracted from her own pleasure of him being buried inside her, this part of his anatomy surprisingly warmer than the rest of him and her body pulsed and clenched around him. She sighed happily, one hand burying in his hair and the other settling on his shoulder.

When he finally opened his eyes to lock gazes with her, she moved her hips over him, her hands tightening their grip on him, his hands holding her hips and soon helping to guide her in her movements and then she buried her face against his neck, kissing, nipping and licking at his cold skin, moving as low across his chest as she was able to without it being too uncomfortable.

She found it funny that despite him not needing to breathe as she did, the rise of fall of his chest matched hers, she gasped and puffed out little breaths of air, her skin flushed, her thighs shook on either side of him and she felt her body shuddering each time a groan or growl sounded from him. It was to her complete surprise that she found herself crying out his name as she buried her face in his neck, when a sudden wave of pleasure ploughed into her, sending her tumbling off the edge when his hand buried beneath her bunched up dress, his hand flattening against her abdomen and his long fingers allowing him to reach down and circle the little bundle of nerves.

Her cries rang in the car, mixing with his heavy breathing and groans, and as her body clamped and spasmed around him as she slumped against him tiredly, he kept the movement of her hips going, his own rising and pumping into her until moments later, he pulled her into him and held still, his body tensing and stiffening beneath her as he found his own relief.

She felt the tension of his body leave him as he slumped back into the seat, his body sliding down the leather a little and he folded his arms around her, holding her to him gently and she ran her fingers through his hair, scratching at his scalp.

"Well," Hermione breathed out, snuggling against him, "That's one way to break the car in."

Edward snorted out a laugh. "Yeah, I never expected for us to complete our bond in a car at the side of a sparsely used road..." She giggled, the sound warming his cold, dead heart. A sigh slipped from his lips when he felt the warmth and comfort filling his chest and stomach, swarming him. "I never thought I'd agree to do it at all," he admitted. "Damn, I was an idiot," he muttered, nuzzling at her neck.

Hermione laughed. "Yes, you were quite stubborn," she agreed, "Just think, if you'd have listened to me all those weeks ago..."

"If I'd have known it felt like this, I wouldn't have been so stubborn," he swore and she laughed. "I love you."

She sighed happily. "I love you, too," she replied, nuzzling her own nose against his cold skin. "Well, as much as I hate to say this, it is getting rather late and my fathers will worry." He hummed in agreement but made no move to release her. "I think it's best that you drive us back, I'm exhausted." She felt his mouth twitch and she removed her hand from his hair to slap at his shoulder, hearing him wince as it actually did hurt a little with the potion still in her system, before he chuckled as he pressed his lips to her pulse point. "Don't, whilst you don't require the need to breathe which results in it being possible for you to get out of breath or tire, my wolves do and despite that, they have very good stamina."

"Just not as good as mine," he gloated.

Hermione rolled her eyes before she drew back from him, seeing his eyes slowly return to the gold colouring she loved so much. She leaned forward and pressed her mouth to his in a chaste kiss, but he held her in place until she was breathless and drew back for air, looking quite pleased with himself. Shifting off him, she righted her dress and he tucked himself back into his underwear and jeans, refastened his zip, button and belt and then used his vampire speed to shift into the driver's seat, Hermione blinking as one moment he was before her and the next he was beside her.

Giving her head a shake, she slumped into the passenger's seat, lazily fastening her seatbelt, noting he didn't wear his, again, and he started the engine and started the journey back to his house.

"Can you feel it?" She asked sleepily, struggling to keep her eyes open.

He looked to her, Hermione not feeling the slightest bit afraid or worried that he was driving triple the speed limit or that he wasn't looking at the road, knowing that with his speed he'd be able to glance out the window repeatedly and without her noticing or seeing.

He smiled at her, it lighting up his features and he reached out, his hand curling around hers and he brought it up to his mouth, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

"I can feel it," he nodded, not needing her to elaborate. Before, he'd felt cold and empty inside, but now, now that they'd completed their bond, he was filled with warmth and happiness, he felt that same awareness of being around Hermione and her magic inside of him.

"I should tell you, seeing as you're so adamant that you put a ring on my finger... We're already technically married."

"What?" He blinked in surprise.

She smiled at him sleepily. "When we completed our bonds, it more or less fused our souls together. Magically and in the eyes of Wizarding Law, we are married, but, of course, that doesn't mean we can't have a ceremony and do so on paper."

He smiled at her, his god-like beauty making her dizzy and with her sleepy state, it took her longer than usual to shake it off.

"Can I sleep at yours tonight?"

He looked to her, once more blinking in surprise before a smile pulled at his mouth and he nodded. She would be alone with him all night. She'd be snuggled up beside him whilst not being pawed at by her other mates.

"Your fathers?" He questioned.

Hermione yawned before she reached down to the floor of the car and picked up her fallen wand that had slipped from her boot, and with a muttered Expecto Patronum, her wolf hovered outside the window shield, looking to her expectantly.

"Alpha, Papa, I know it's late and I don't want to worry you, so, I'm going to stay over at Edward's tonight, I'll be back in the morning but let's push training back till about ten o'clock, agreed?" She said, sending it off to her fathers.

"They'll be okay with you staying with me?" He asked, knowing how protective they were of her.

"Fine," she nodded, trying to stifle a second yawn and failing. "Whilst I'm not in the safety of the tent and surrounded by magic and wards, I will be in a house filled with vampires who not only don't sleep, but are capable of detecting a threat before it happens through their capabilities, not to mention your ability to read thoughts from miles away. And, my fathers trust you and your family with my safety. They know you'll protect me if it's required."

Edward didn't comment or agree with her because he knew she already knew that. Not expecting it, and really, it came out of nowhere and silently, Edward startled when a misty-blue dog appeared her inside the car on the back seat.

"That's fine, Snowflake," said Sirius, "We're just glad you're safe. As for training, brilliant idea pushing it back, in fact, it's the best idea you've ever had," he said proudly and she laughed and Edward, snorted, shaking his head, knowing how lazy her father was. "I'll have Paul contact the rest of the pack to let them know. We're off to bed now that we know you're safe, we'll see you in the morning." With that, the misty dog faded into nothingness.

Silence reigned in the car, Hermione having fallen asleep with her hand clutching Edward's as she held it in her lap. As midnight approached, they arrived at the house and after parking the car in the garage, Edward carefully shifted a sleeping Hermione into his arms, not wishing to wake her, and he stepped into the house, frowning at the silence. His eyes darted about, seeing only Jasper perched comfortably on the couch, his nose buried in a magical book Hermione had given him for Christmas. She'd given him a dozen or so books and he'd read all but two, the one sat on the table before him and the one he was currently halfway through reading.

At their entrance, Jasper lifted his gaze, his expression softening as he looked to Hermione sleeping peacefully in his arms.

"She's happy, peaceful," he stated softly, knowingly, not wishing to wake her.

"Where is everyone?" Edward asked.

"Emmet was bored and went hunting, Carlisle was called to the hospital, Alice and Rosalie wouldn't tell me where they were going and Esme wished to take a walk," he shrugged. "How was your little outing?"

"I taught her to drive, despite her fear, she picked it quickly, a few more lessons and she'd easily pass her test."

"Hmmm," hummed Jasper, his mouth twitching into a knowing smirk. "And the rest of the night?"

Edward scowled and shifted on his feet. "That's none of your business."

Jasper held his hands up in surrender. "I was only asking, you know I can feel the difference between you and in you, which means I know you've completed your bond with her. And you know Emmet's going to be so much worse, so if I were you, I'd prepare myself now. It's probably best you have the little witch magic-fy your room 'cause the moment he gets back you know he's going to barge in and made annoying comments and sexual innuendoes."

"He better bloody not or he'll be facing my wand," Hermione muttered sleepily.

Edward looked down at her still-closed eyes and relaxed face and Jasper snorted. "I can't wait, but you best get some sleep, we'll keep watch, just in case."

Nodding, Edward headed for the stairs and straight to his room, kicking the door shut behind him. Once he did so, Hermione's eyes fluttered open, taking in the floor to ceiling windows, forest views, grey and white colour scheme and almost every surface covered in books.

"A vampire after my own heart," she sighed and he chuckled at her, crossing over to the double bed and gently setting her down, not admitting that he'd deliberately bought it for her.

Before, he hadn't required the use for one but after discovering that she was his mate and learning that she slept better when either he, Lahote or Black were with her, he'd also hoped she'd perhaps spend the night at his house, allowing them some time for themselves, and he wanted to be prepared.

She sighed happily and rolled over onto her stomach, pulling the pillow over to her and burying her face in it. He chuckled.

"Hermione, you can't sleep in your clothes," he said, perching on the mattress.

"Hmmm, I suppose you'd have me sleeping naked."

He tipped his head; now that she mentioned it...

Knowing his train of thought, she giggled at him and turned to face him, pressing her cheek into the cold pillow, giving him a sleepy smile.

"You know what I've just realised?"

"What?" He arched an eyebrow.

"My knickers are still in the car and you just carried me into the house. I hope to Merlin I didn't flash Jasper, I might have to Obliviate him."

Possessiveness flashed through Edward's eyes but he sighed in relief before scowling down at the floor, seeing Hermione raising an eyebrow.

He cleared his throat. "Jasper is laughing his ass off downstairs," he started and her mouth twitched, "And he assures us, he saw nothing."

"Good," she hummed.

"You know everyone is going to know by the morning, right?"

"I know," she shrugged, unconcerned. "But what have I got to be embarrassed about? I'm an of age teenager that has sex with her incredibly handsome boyfriend. You're so much like Jacob."

"Excuse me?" He looked offended and she laughed.

"It's not an insult," she promised. "Paul is so blasé and shameless, but Jacob's easily embarrassed and worried due to a lack of experience. With you, however, I believe it is less your experience and more the time period in which you were born. "

He frowned thoughtfully, thinking that perhaps she was right. Some of his mannerisms and ideals were a little... Old school.

"So, my darling vampire, might I steal a shirt and perhaps some underwear?"

His eyes lit up as he looked to her, the image of her draped in his clothing flashing through his mind and it was too good an opportunity to pass up. He was used to seeing her wearing Lahote's and Black's clothing to bed and sometimes for comfort when she lounged about the tent, but she'd never worn his clothing. And now, she'd be wearing his clothing, sleeping in his bed in his house, smelling of him. The scent of Lahote and Black was always surrounding her, sticking to clothes and her skin, but now, it was so faint and covered by his own scent, it was hard to notice. And by the morning, she'd only smell of him.

He stood from the bed and crossed over to his well-concealed drawers, removing a blue t-shirt and dark boxers, returning to the bed and holding them out to her. She took them with a smile of thanks before she stood to her feet, removed her wand from her boot and left it on the bed, she kicked off her boots and slipped the boxers on beneath her dress, having to make a little magical alteration so they better fit but she was too tired to bother transfiguring them into women's underwear. Silently, with her back to him, she reached for the hem of her dress and pulled it up and over her body, feeling Edward's eyes watching her movements as she unclipped her bra and set it on the bed and then she covered herself with his t-shirt, it falling to her mid-thigh. Smiling at the cool and comfortable material, she gathered her clothing and boots and set them on and by the chaise lounge before returning to the bed and snuggling under the covers, sighing happily.

"Jasper is right, you might want to use magic on the room to stop Emmet from getting in," said Edward.

Laughing, Hermione quickly locked the door and silenced the room.

"There, the door's locked and I've placed a Silencio around the room, no one can hear us."

"And those doors, too," Edward tipped his head towards the double doors that opened out onto nothing, something she thought dangerous but didn't comment as she locked that door, too.

"Do you suppose he's a bit of a peeper?"

Edward snorted. "I wouldn't put it past him," he nodded.

Sighing, she cast a quick Illusion Charm over the windows and then buried her wand beneath the pillow.

"There, he won't be able to see anything either, it'll appear as though his vision's gone spotty."

Smiling, Edward kicked off his shoes, rounded the bed and he switched on the electric heater he'd purposely bought for Hermione to keep her warm, knowing that the house could get quite cold in the winter and that his family didn't feel the cold as Hermione would. With than done, he climbed onto the bed beside her and over the covers and she automatically shifted closer, snuggling into him.

"Get some sleep," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Dream for me."

She smiled with her eyes closed. "And what should I dream of?" She asked.

"If I were capable of dreaming, I am certain I would dream of you."

"Well, I see no point in dreaming of you. Dreams are the imagination of the sleeping mind, you, my vampire, are my reality."

~000~000~000~

Wednesday 27th December 2006

"Morning,"

"Morning," she sighed sleepily, rolling over onto her back and stretching with her hands above her head, being satisfied when she heard something click. "What time is it?"

"A little after eight," he answered.

"Merlin, that's the longest sleep in I've ever had."

She contemplated burrowing back into the covers and into their warmth before she changed her mind and sat up in bed.

"The shower's free, if you want to use it."

"I don't have any clothes with me," she pursed her lips.

He arched an eyebrow. "You are aware that two fashionistas live here, right?"

She snorted. "I'm aware; they're still trying to get access to my wardrobe."

Shaking his head, he helped her out of bed and then led her to the bathroom, leaving her to clean herself with the soap she found there and she brushed her teeth with a toothbrush she conjured. She was sure to be quick before she magically dried herself and swaddled in a towel, smiling when there was a knock on the door and she called for Edward to step in.

He had a pile of clothes in his grasp and taking them from him she quickly dressed, arching an eyebrow at both the clothing and Edward's eyes deliberately roaming her figure. It seemed Rosalie, knowing they were to be training, had opted to lend her some workout clothing. Black high-waisted yoga pants that fit fairly well in the leg given they were close in height, a white sports bra that required Hermione to alter the size given that her breasts were nowhere near the same size as Rosalie's, and she wore the matching black jacket over the top. Once she zipped it up, Edward frowned in disappointment and Hermione giggled at him.

"She is aware that whilst she doesn't feel the cold, I do, yes? It's below zero outside and there's snow on the ground, this isn't going to protect me from the cold."

"I know, she told me to tell you to suck it up and stop complaining."

"Charming," she scoffed, folding her arms over her chest.

"She said if you're going to kick everyone's ass, you best look good doing it," he shrugged, his mouth twitching into a smirk.

"Of course, she did," Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Come on, Esme's making you breakfast."

"She doesn't have to do that," her brow furrowed.

"I know, but it's not often she gets to cook," he shrugged.

After Hermione quickly slipped on her boots and slipped her wand inside, Edward took her hand and led her downstairs, stepping into the living room to see Rosalie and Emmet in the living room, one watching TV and the other flipping through a magazine, whilst Esme was in the kitchen. Carlisle had yet to return from the hospital and Alice and Jasper had disappeared.

"Morning, Dear," greeted Esme cheerfully.

"Morning," Hermione smiled at her.

"Eggs Benedict and cinnamon toast?" She questioned.

Hermione blinked slowly. "Oh, err, perfect, thank you," she replied. She'd never had either in her life.

Esme beamed at her and Edward headed into the kitchen to make her a cup of tea and Hermione took a seat on the couch, Emmet's eyes immediately darting to her, his mouth tugging into a smirk.

"Don't," she warned.

"Don't what?" He asked innocently.

"Voice your thoughts," she narrowed her eyes. "Edward, does he wish to voice his thoughts?" She asked.

He snorted. "Not if he wishes to remain in one piece," he replied knowingly. "Don't do it," he also warned the large vampire. "If I'm her mate and she sets me on fire, I can only imagine what she'd do to you."

Emmet pouted before his eyes lit up once more. "So, now that you've taken Eddie's V-card..." She heard Edward splutter and Hermione glared at the large, grinning vampire, seeing Rosalie arched an eyebrow, her amused gaze darting between her mate and Hermione. "...When's the wedding?"

"Technically, we're already married," she shrugged.

"I'm sorry?" Esme's soft voice flittered to her ears as she briefly popped her head out of the kitchen to look at her.

"When I completed my bonds with Edward, Paul and Jacob, it more or less melded our souls together, and that is highly powerful and ancient magic. Magically and in the eyes of Wizarding Law, we are already married."

Esme blinked slowly, looking a little disappointed, Rosalie looked amused and Emmet snorted.

"Well, damn..." He shook his head. "Don't be telling Alice that, she'll throw a fit if she finds out you're already married and she can't plan an over the top wedding."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione said, "I'm not one for over the top dramatics, that's more of my father's thing." They snorted at her, knowing it was true. "As for a wedding, we will have one, just so we're not cheated out of the experience and so it can be done on paper, so to speak. My father would never forgive me if I didn't give him the opportunity to walk me down the aisle or throw him a party he won't remember," she sighed and they snorted.

When Esme called Hermione's name, she took a seat at the breakfast bar and happily ate her breakfast and drank her tea, complimenting a beaming Esme on her cooking skills whilst also fending off Emmet's constant comments, innuendoes and questions. Until she grew bored of it.

"Esme?" Hermione questioned. "You have a lovely home and I promise, should anything be damaged, if I am not able to magically repair it, I will pay for the damages."

Before the motherly vampire could voice her confusion, Hermione smiled sweetly and then lobbed the Bat Bogey Hex at an unsuspecting Emmet. The tall vampire cried and shrieked, stumbling through the living room and trying to fight off the flying snot bats, seeming to completely forget that he had super speed and could easily outrun them if he so wished.

Edward chuckled and Rosalie smiled, watching as Emmet twisted and turned and ran and jumped before he tripped over his own feet, unexpectedly tumbling straight through one of the glass plate windows, landing on the ground outside with a loud 'thud'.

Esme gasped and blinking in surprise, Hermione slowly stood from her stool and approached the window, lifting her wand and muttering a Repairo, but nothing happened.

"There's too much damage," Hermione frowned thoughtfully, looking at the thousands upon thousands of shattered glass shards that littered both the floor of the house and the ground outside. "I can clean it up easily enough but I can't magically repair it. I'll pay for the repairs," she promised.

"No," Rosalie laughed and shook her head, coming to a stop beside Hermione, looking down at the sight of Emmet crying and shrieking, trying to fight off the flying snot bats, his hands waving about madly and batting them away before he ran face-first into a tree. "I'll pay for the repairs..." She laughed. "You've almost got them all, Honey, keep going!" Rosalie cupped her hands around her mouth and called down to Emmet encouragingly. "I think he deserves a second hexing," she said to Hermione after folding her arms over her chest.

Hermione looked to her and snorted. "That's your mate."

"And?" She arched an eyebrow. "You set Edward on fire all the time," she argued. "Come on, I'll pay you to do it," she offered.

Edward snorted and came up behind Hermione, pressing a second mug of steaming hot tea into her hand before he folded his arms around her, his chest to her back and he rested his chin atop her head, his mouth twitching in pride and amusement as he watched a panicking and hysterical Emmet.

"She's wealthier than all of us combined," he pointed out, barely glancing at her.

"Fine," she huffed before a smirk tugged at her mouth and her folded arms dropped by her sides, Edward arching a questioning eyebrow at her devious expression. "You should know, he's been making comments about your sex life for most of the night, coming up with wild theories and stories, not to mention, about Black and Lahate, too. For weeks."

"What!" Hermione squeaked.

Rosalie nodded. "He's been trying to convince the others to take bets on when you'd fall pregnant, the gender of the baby and who'd be the first to knock you up..."

Edward gave Rosalie an amused glance as she smiled smugly when Hermione's expression darkened and she wordlessly handed her mug to Edward who took it without hesitation, watching as she stormed forward, down the steps and proceeded to lob hexes and curses at Emmet's already abused form.

"Jasper's going to be pissed he missed this," said Rosalie, wincing when Hermione hit Emmet in the arse with something that had him shrieking like a little girl that had just seen a spider on her bedroom wall.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Esme approached, stopping beside a thoroughly amused and entertained Rosalie.

"Oh dear," she said before a laugh escaped when Hermione turned Emmet's hair and eyebrows neon pink, swearing to leave it that way for an entire week.

Edward laughed and leaned against the now glassless window frame, a mug of tea in hand and waiting for his witch to be done hexing the crap out of his brother.

God, did he love his mate with all of his cold, dead heart.