✧

At 12 Grimmauld Place, Remus Lupin and Albus Dumbledore are gathered in conversation. Usually, the rest of the Order would be present, but this exchange was solely reserved for just the two of them.

"This doesn't make sense," Remus paces back and forth, his eyes wide in disbelief and mouth hanging slightly agape. "No one besides Harry has been known for surviving the curse. It's impossible for another to do so."

Dumbledore is quiet in deliberation. Like Remus, he had been astounded at the discovery. It was one thing for Harry to have survived, but he only did due to the sacrifice of his mother. Another person withstanding the killing curse was unlikely, but it seems they were wrong.

"I was just as shocked as you were, but the evidence has been stated and you have seen it," Dumbledore calmly says, offering a tinge of comfort to the distressed professor.

With this truth, Remus isn't entirely sure how to tell Mia. She's already dealing with her father's return, so adding more to her plate makes him reluctant in revealing this, but keeping her in the dark would be more dangerous than knowing.

"I need to tell her," Remus starts heading out the door, but is stopped when Dumbledore blocks his path.

"You must not intervene. If the truth becomes known, the wizarding world will be at even more peril."

"You can't expect me to keep this a secret. She needs to know, because now she's gotten more involved in their world. When the Dark Lord sends more of his followers to her, she needs to be prepared. He also does," Remus argues in a much louder voice.

Dumbledore shakes his head, "Destiny shouldn't be intervened. This is what's meant to happen, and if you tell her, everything would be wrecked."

He scoffs in disbelief. It's unbelievable how willing he's being in letting her die. Dumbledore is the headmaster and known for protecting those who need it, so hearing him ask him to stand back and let destiny run its course leaves him ashamed and disappointed for having believed in him once.

"She will die-"

"Regardless if she knows, her fate has already been set," Dumbledore's not too fond of his suggestion, but if it means having a chance the wizarding world won't be destroyed, he's willing to stand back and watch destiny unfold. "If you tell her, she will turn herself in to save him. Love can be a powerful weapon, but it can also be one's demise."

That reason alone is what makes Remus reconsider this. He knows her well enough to know she won't be willing to stay back and watch her loved ones get hurt, especially him. If she learns about this, her entire world will become tilted on its axis, and it terrifies him not being able to do anything to protect her.

"I know you care for the girl, but it's crucial this information stays between us."

"Then why would you tell me?" Remus clenches his jaw, his gaze darkening as for the first time, he's starting to lose trust in him. If he's willing to let an innocent girl die, what more is he capable of? "I can't lie to her."

"You can and you shall," Dumbledore orders.

He shakes his head, not sparing him a glance, "I made a promise to always be honest with her. She trusts me and I won't dare break it." He can tell it's not the answer the headmaster hoped for, but in all fairness, he couldn't care less for his orders. "Telling her is what's right."

Dumbledore walks over to him, his robes brushing against the floor in a lavish way. "There is one way to save her, but you won't be too fond of it."

"What is it?"

The headmaster pauses as if for dramatic effect, "There are ways to escape death and the answers are in the town she's living in."

His cryptic sentence makes Remus tense when realizing what he's insinuating. "Mia becoming one of them is not the answer. I know she wouldn't want to give up her magic for immortality."

"It's a choice she will have to make. If she wants to live, becoming one of them is her only chance."

"There has to be another way," he argues despite knowing immortality could be a solution to this. Becoming one of them would mean she lives, but is that something she would want? Would she be willing to give up her magic just to survive?

"There's only one and you know it," Dumbledore pries. "If you insist on telling her, this would be the only way for her to survive."

"Let's say I do what you ask, what makes you believe Dimitri won't tell her?" he questions and based on the shift in his once composed expression, he's aware a point has been proven. "It's best this comes from me and not him, so don't try to talk me out of it."

Remus brushes past him and is nearly out of the Order's headquarters, but stops in his tracks when hearing those damned words, "She will die if you tell her. Are you sure you will be able to live with that?"

He pauses and from the corner of his eye can see his passive expression. His words echo throughout his mind, and he's nearly tempted to remain silent. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if anything were to happen to her because of him, but it's that same fear that makes him resilient is doing everything to make sure her destiny isn't fulfilled.

Without looking back, Remus doesn't say a word as he leaves the premises in the direction of Forks, Washington.

__________________

Deep in the meadow under a willow tree, Mia rests comfortably on Edward's chest. Her arms are entangled around his torso while his are secured around her waist. She's been listening to him explain more about his kind and how he was told he became one. It still surprises her how he doesn't remember anything from his human life and is forced to rely on someone else's words.

Transforming into a vampire sounds painful that she can't even fathom becoming one. She's afraid the venom would make her forget her past like it did with him, and all she would be left with is trusting the words of others. Not knowing anything about her previous life sounds tortuous that she can't comprehend how he's able to withstand the unknown.

Knowing there's a probability of dying in a couple months, Mia can't stop thinking about whether or not she'd want to become a vampire. If she isn't hit with the killing curse right away, there's a chance to be saved, but would she take the opportunity? Would she be willing to give up her magic just to live?

There's no denying what her answer would be, and it'd be no. She was born a witch and wants to die as one. Immortality wouldn't be a solution. It would be a curse. Living for an eternity sounds like a punishment since witnessing her loved ones age while she remains the same would be the worst possible torture. Everyone would move on and she would stay right where they left her.

She doesn't want to make a choice, but given the circumstances, choosing between immortality and death is inevitable. There's only two ways this can end and none of them are great. It would be so much easier if there was a way to cheat death and come back as herself. Not as a carbon copy with drastic differences like a lifestyle change.

Edward notices her pensive state and brushes her hair from her face. He locks his fingers with hers, both of them intertwining them in a playful stroke. "What are you thinking about?" he asks and automatically can tell it's a question she's not sure of responding to.

Mia doesn't want to ruin the mood, but she can't keep these thoughts from gnawing at her. She sighs heavily and looks up at him, "Promise me if something happens to me, you won't take extreme measures to bring me back."

His face becomes adorned with concern as he wonders why she would say such a thing. He's well aware of her father's threat and deemed he wouldn't let him get near her even if it's the last thing he does. She assured him that she would fight as she doesn't want to die, but her asking him to make this promise makes him afraid she's losing hope.

"Why would you ask me that?"

Her gaze averts to their interlocked hands and every now and then, she would look up at the blue skies. She nonchalantly shakes her head and presses her lips into a tight line, "I don't intend on giving up. I want to live, but if my father ends up killing me, I don't want to be brought back as someone else. I would want to go as who I was born as. A witch."

"Please don't say that," Edward refuses to believe in the possibility that death's carriage could come for her. He can't think of that outcome as losing her is one of his greatest fears, "Don't talk about dying. You're not going to, so don't."

Mia peers past him to the meadow a couple feet from them. She knows she messed up in bringing this up, but her request must be known just in case death calls for her, "Edward, I need you to promise me you won't turn me into one. Please."

He wants to make this promise and grant her request if such a tragedy occurs, but the thought of losing her and never hearing her beautiful laugh or melodic heart shatters him. The right thing would be to make this promise, but if he's being honest, he's not sure if he'd be able to keep it.

He would never wish his lifestyle on anyone, especially to her. He doesn't want her to struggle in controlling her thirst and afraid of becoming a monster. She's already terrified of becoming one in her human life, so putting her through this in her next life would be the worst possible thing to do.

Only now as he's hit with this predicament, he can't imagine letting her go without trying to save her. He wants to reason with her, to convince her that becoming a vampire won't be as awful as she believes, but the more he tries convincing himself of this, it's clear how wrong his words are. Asking her to accept immortality so he wouldn't suffer her loss is selfish, and he loves her too much to take her choice away.

He squeezes his eyes shut and sighs heavily, his breathing becoming tremulous and heavy. She's waiting for him to make the promise and despite this hurting him in ways he never thought was possible, he chooses to agree. If this is what she wants, then he would accept her decision.

Edward cups her face and gently strokes her cheekbones, admiring their rosy tint and embracing warmth. Her hazel eyes are a combination of brown and green, and with the sunshine striking her features, it's as if he's staring at the eyes of an angel.

"I promise," his voice is barely a whisper, filled with hesitance and heartbreak.

She dives deeper into his touch, feeling more at ease that her choice wouldn't be taken. She knows how hard it must be for him to make this promise, and it only makes her love him even more when seeing how selfless he's being.

"So, are you going to show me now?" Mia changes the topic of conversation as she doesn't intend to waste any time becoming saddened by the foreseeable future.

Still trapped in his thoughts, Edward doesn't hear her voice until feeling her hands stroking his cheek. He blinks rapidly as if to adjust to reality and forces a smile when finding her gaze on him. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Are you going to show me how you look in the sun now?"

Teasingly rolling his eyes, he groans and leans his head back, "Don't make me do it."

"You promised," she reminds him, smiling when seeing his charismatic mood returning.

Edward stands up and offers his hand. Knowing her sense of humor, he's well aware her reaction will be anything but composed. If anything, she would probably laugh or make some type of joke. Not that he'd be bothered, of course.

"Come on," he squeezes her hand as both of them head to the meadow. A few rays of light are hitting right in the center of the field, making it the most perfect place.

Despite having been here for nearly an hour, she's still amazed at how beautiful the meadow is. It's filled with hyacinths and its grassy plains are vibrantly green, their texture looking as delicate as ever as the breeze blows its edges side to side.

She stops a few feet from him and watches as he heads to the rays of light. He takes a deep breath and reaches for the buttons of his shirt to undo them. Slowly, he moves a step forward and is welcomed by the warming embrace of the sun. He closes his eyes and takes a few moments to absorb its blaze and enjoy its caress before revealing himself.

Mia becomes mesmerized by the sight in front. The sunlight reflects onto his skin and makes it appear as if diamonds are carved in him. His gem-like complexion resembles a mine, entirely replenished with all kinds of jewels that shine with every reflection.

Seeing this beautiful view leaves her completely stricken and at a loss for words. She's not sure why he was worried in showing himself to her, because quite frankly, she's becoming amazed by this outcome through every second going by.

Without intending to, a small laugh escapes her that makes her regretful when seeing bewilderment lacing his expression. She covers her mouth and tries apologizing, "I'm sorry. I know it's probably not how you thought I'd react."

He smiles as he can't help loving her even more, "It's exactly how I thought you would."

Now standing in front of him with the sun hitting her, she brings her fingertips to his chest and trails them down the expanse of his torso, "You're beautiful." She now understands why vampires are described as the most alluring creatures. If they look like this in the sun, it's impossible to be afraid as you can only be attracted to the strange but mesmerizing phenomenon.

Edward tenses at the way she smoothes her fingers against his skin. He looks down, his focus laying solely on her and the way he's becoming electrified by her graze. A faint gasp escapes his lips, one so quiet that she's unable to perceive. As much as he loves her touch against him, he would rather it'd be her lips creating maps around his body instead.

"Beautiful?" he chuckles and starts buttoning his shirt, much to her dismay. "I've been called lots of things, but never that."

"Well, believe it," she tells him as she watches the swift dance his fingers perform. The buttons land on their rightful place in a matter of seconds that it's outlandish how great he is with this. "Don't try to convince me otherwise, because I won't listen."

Edward stares at Mia, his expression so enamored and passionate. Her face displays a shade of pink as he pulls her closer by her waist, "Only you can find this beautiful."

"Don't start with that," Mia scolds him and leans closer, her nose now bumping against his. "If I have to remind you how beautiful you are every day, best believe I will gladly do so."

He's unable to prevent the grin spreading across his lips, "Shouldn't it be the other way around? It's more common for the boyfriend to do so."

She shrugs, "I've never been a fan of societal expectations."

"Good thing I'm not a fan either," Edward closes the gap between them and runs his hand through her chestnut hair. If he was still a human, he's certain his heart would be racing incredibly fast. Without deliberation, he captures her in a kiss and chooses to forget about everything just this once.

Time is as breakable as glass, resembling a thread that can be easily cut without a doubt. No matter the attempts of trying to keep it secured and well-mended, time will forever be easily shattered. It's the harsh truth and it's useless trying to fight it, which is why he's choosing not to be afraid. If she's being brave about this, the least he could do is offer the same.

Destiny brought them together and not even death could keep them apart for they would always find each other like missing puzzle pieces.

Mia gazes at him with such delicacy, almost like she's memorizing his features. She lays her hand against his cheek, still mesmerized by the jewels shining on his complexion. It's truly a remarkable sight that she can't comprehend how he doesn't see how beautiful he is.

He closes his eyes and nuzzles into her touch, loving their warmth and gentleness. God, if he could remain in this moment forever, he would gladly do so in a heartbeat. Standing in her presence makes him feel the most fortunate as never in his life would he have believed he would have found his mate in the most beautiful person.

It's strange how despite not remembering anything from his human life, he's not troubled by the unknown as he can't imagine longing for a life without her in it. The past isn't his priority. Not anymore and especially when for the first time, he sees light in his future. Every time he looks into it, she's there, and he can't wait for the hereafter.

As if it was reflex, he suddenly lays his hand on her chest. Instead of listening to her heart, he wants to feel her palpitations. He loves how flustered she gets whenever he's around, especially when getting to hear and notice with pristine attention everything. Her heartbeats become conjoined with his touch, its orchestral melody becoming in sync with his breathing and performing a folk song.

Mia places her hand on top of his and holds it tightly. She mirrors his movement and places her other palm on his heart. Even if there isn't a palpitation, she can feel his heart and the love he has for her from the way he stares at her and lowers his walls.

He trusts her like she trusts him, and she feels the most fortunate to have found someone she can bear her heart and soul to. When she's with him, she knows nothing wrong could occur. Her home, her haven, her comfort, is standing right in front that she can't fathom never returning to him.

"Mia, I lo-"

Lightning striking from afar and sudden rain falling on them interrupts his sentence. Despite the few rays of light still hitting them, the one dark cloud resisting the sun pours on them as if a water hose has been turned on.

Mia smiles and leans her head back, allowing the rain to drizzle down her face. She loves the rain and despite this town being under its constant cover, she would never get tired of it. There's something beautiful of a cloudy day and admiring a storm in the comfort of your home. Since her home is with her, she doesn't intend to let a little drizzle make them take cover.

Her hair performs a perfect circle as she twirls with open arms. Raindrops trickle down her face, forming perfect lines like an intricate pattern. She closes her eyes and for the first time in a while, she's free. Nothing that's beyond this meadow matters as all she cares for is getting to enjoy every waking moment with the person she loves. If it's short lived, then at least she'll know she lived and not just survived.

Edward runs up behind her and spins her towards him by her waist. She giggles as he kisses her neck and up to her lips, the sound of the rain performing an intimate ballad for them. He cups her face with delicacy as she runs her hands through his bronzy locks that appear darker from the rain. She smiles through their kiss, their foreheads now pressing against the other, as their hold becomes tighter.

"I don't ever want this to end," she admits, blinking profusely through the rain.

"It won't," he assures her and caresses her cheek. "I promise."

Her smile becomes greater at the promise of their future. She's hopeful and this feeling usually never lasts, so she prays it does. Nothing has ever run in her favor, but for him, she's willing to take a leap of faith because he's worth it – they're worth it – and she'd be a fool not to relish in the moment.

It's strange how much her life has changed ever since moving here. She never believed she would have found a home anywhere that wasn't London, and now that she has, she can't imagine what would've been if she never left the city.

Simultaneously, they lean forward, their lips crashing unceremoniously in a quintessential manner. They kiss each other with passion and fervent love, the rain becoming a part of them as they become one through every breath. Their hold becomes tighter, but is genteel yet consuming as if worried one of them could hurt the other. They know the time to come up for air is coming, but neither of them intend to.

The lingering light hitting them gradually fades and it isn't until looking up when they notice it's dusk. It's gotten significantly colder and despite how cold she's getting, she doesn't want to leave just yet. Like expected, Edward seems to be thinking the same thing. He's clearly disappointed at having to leave, but not wanting to risk her getting sick is what makes him able to pull her closer so he could take her home.

With his vampire speed, he dashes down the hill and within minutes, they make it to her house safely. They walk up to her front porch and she reaches for her bag for her keys. She's caught off guard when he embraces her from behind and rests his head on her shoulder. His kisses trail from her neck up her cheek, making her giggle uncontrollably as her body becomes electrified.

Her hands struggle in getting the keys that she nearly drops them, "I'm trying to open the door, ghosty."

He softly laughs and continues kissing her, "So open it, little witch. I won't prevent you from doing so."

"Little witch?"

Edward hugs her a little tighter, "It's only fair since you call me ghosty all the time. I think it suits you."

Mia teasingly rolls her eyes, "I guess I deserve that."

Reaching for the keys once more, she's finally able to open the door. He follows her in and continues to kiss her, but once the door closes, he spins her around to his direct view, "I'll be seeing you tomorrow, love. Have a good night."

"Good night," she reluctantly says, not wanting to say goodbye just yet. "You know, how about-"

"Mia."

Her enjoyment fades when seeing the worried look on her mother's face. Isobel stands under the living room's archway and even her stance serves as an indication that something is wrong.

"What's wrong?" she asks and glances over at Edward, who seems startled at having already read Isobel's thoughts. "What is it?"

Remus suddenly walks out from the room. His usual charismatic essence has faded and just like her mother, he's sporting a stern and distressed look, almost like he was dreading visiting, "Hello, Mia."

"As much as I'm glad you're here, I can tell something is wrong," Mia runs through her words, her heart banging against her rib cage and breathing becoming heavy. "What is it?"

Remus gestures to the room and glances at the both of them, "We need to talk to both of you."

She swallows hard, "About?"

He sighs heavily and nervously looks at Isobel for a brief moment, "I think it's time Edward learns the truth about his past."

Author's Note

Me writing their cute lovey moments knowing I'll destroy them in New Moon 😭
Enjoy their lover era 'cause best believe when act two comes, you'll be missing it.

So, what do you guys think is the truth about Edward's past? 👀
Let me know what you think!

Hope you guys liked the chapter!
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