✧

Standing at the bridge, Mia looks out into the endless trees. She couldn't sleep thinking about having to face the Volturi again. They gave her a second chance by demanding she become immortal and evidently, she's still human. Just stepping a foot into their castle would be enough for conflict to emerge, so it's making her rethink heading alone.

But like she's always been told, she's incredibly stubborn.

As the sun begins rising, she realizes it's time to leave before anyone awakens. It's a dangerous path she's taking, but she brought this mess into the Cullens' lives, so it's her job to fix it. If she has to head to Italy to get the Volturi on the right side of this war, then she will do it. Even if it will be a hard task, she's certain their thirst for power will bring them forward to accept offering a lending hand.

Or maybe, she's heading right into the lion's den.

With a quick turn, Mia starts walking to the end of the bridge, but footsteps rushing to her are suddenly heard. She glances past her shoulder, finding Edward, Jackson, Hermione, and Harry joined together as if they had become the core four.

"What?" Mia simply says in a deadpan tone.

"Edward told us what you're planning," Harry speaks up, practically shriveling down when she shoots him a glare.

"Of course he did."

"He didn't want to tell us," Hermione tries coming to his defense, taking a step closer to her. "I practically forced him to."

Curious as to how he managed to get persuaded, she relishes in pondering on all the possibilities that brought this. "Please tell me you hexed him."

"I threatened him with it," Hermione proudly says and Edward was nearly tempted to find a hole and bury himself in it. "He didn't have much choice either way. Magic outweighs one simple vampire."

"You truly are the brightest witch of our age," Mia's proud smile soon disappears, a neutral expression taking over. "But you're not coming. None of you are."

"Like hell we are," Jackson shoves past them toward her, his eyes dark and full of disappointment. "What in the world are you thinking?! Heading alone to a place with sadistic vampires?! I thought you were smarter than this!"

Mia sighs at his relentless ranting and wonders if he's aware she's not paying any attention. With one final look, she turns around and leaves him talking by himself, not bothering to waste anymore time when she should have apparated to Italy by now.

"Mia, wait," Edward calls out and trails after her.

"Don't try to convince me to stay," she tells him, not bothering to stop walking. "You're not changing my mind. None of you can."

When Dumbledore told him about her intentions, Edward was beyond infuriated that she was choosing to go alone. The Volturi have no respect for human life and even if she's a witch, there's many ways to contain them. He wanted to demand an explanation, but he knew it wouldn't be right of him to push for answers when he hasn't proven himself worthy of her trust. No matter his reservations against this, he's letting her go through with this, but not alone.

"I'm not here to convince you to stay," Edward tells her, taking her by surprise. "I'm here to come with you."

Mia comes to halt, her back still facing him as she says, "There's a reason I didn't tell you."

"It's because you don't trust me," Edward says, maintaining his expression neutral despite the pain her lack of trust causes him. "I get it. I really do, but the Volturi are unpredictable. Anything can happen, so it's better if you have backup."

As much as Mia wants to argue against this, she hates that he's right. There's a reason why she felt so on edge to travel alone and it was arriving in Italy as one person and walking out as another. The Volturi asked her to become immortal and it's been months since their conditions were made. If they see that she's still human, the second chance they offered won't be taken lightly.

"Did you need to involve them?" Mia gestures to Harry and Hermione, not wanting them to become introduced to the vampire world, especially when it involves a heartless coven.

Harry scoffs in offense, "Excuse you, but many would die to have the chosen one's help."

"Don't call yourself that," Mia reprimands before slapping him on the forehead.

"But I am the chosen one," he insists and quickly staggers back when she takes a step toward him, but Hermione is able to smack him on the back of his head. "Blimey, Hermione!"

"We're coming whether you like it or not," Hermione raises her voice like a mother scolding her child. "You're home now, which means you won't have to go through this alone. We've been apart for too long, so don't think we're letting you out of our sight again."

Mia turns quiet at their stubbornness and stares at them as if trying to make sense of their thinking. Harry and Hermione wait for her to say anything, simply glancing at the rest as if expecting an answer, but she disrupts their momentary curiosity with something much more grave. "Where we are going, it's not meant for people like us. I know you've experienced your fair share of battles and come out unscathed, but don't underestimate the people you will meet."

Hermione only nods to affirm she understood, but Harry's become the representation of sheer unease. He tries to maintain an impassive look, but his eyes have always been expressive. Being practically family has given Mia the key to his doors and it's only now when he's wishing it to not be the case.

"Human life isn't of value to them. Any offense and they will kill you," Mia grimly explains, her voice remaining calm and detached. "If you insist on coming, do what I say and you will be safe. Don't try to outsmart them and stay behind me."

"How did you become involved with them?" Hermione asks.

She looks at Edward, who's practically about to defy all laws of vampirism by turning a beet red, "I met them when I stopped him from killing himself."

Harry furrows his brows in confusion, "Why would he...?"

"I thought she was dead," Edward says, the torture of believing it still lingering like venom. "I couldn't imagine living in a world where she didn't exist."

Mia can feel herself drowning at his words. She wants to believe in him again, but he had been so willing to abandon her without a care. He had chosen to live his life without her, so it didn't make sense for him to want to die if she had perished.

Moving past the momentary silence, Mia walks away and the others quickly follow her like a herd of sheep. She's aware her warnings weren't the proper thing to say, especially since they have barely been introduced to the vampire world. It's not meant to be an effortless task, but it needed to happen. If not from her, then who else?

As they approach the gates, she hands the guards a small paper with Dumbledore's signature, granting the green light to let them go through. While it's refreshing not needing to sneak out, it's vile how willing he was to accept his students to recruit new members for the war, especially with the knowledge on how dangerous it is.

Like expected, she's not surprised.

"Hold my hand," Mia orders and Edward wastes no time in taking it. She tries ignoring the electricity his touch causes her. He still has an effect on her and no amount of attempts would rid her of this sensation. She appreciates how hard he's trying to make things better and it's only for a moment when she considers forgiving him, but convinces herself that it would make things too complicated now.

Within the blink of an eye, the five of them are consumed by darkness and intense pressure. In all directions, a strong force presses against them and takes their breath away. Their eardrums, eyes, and limbs are pushed together, but just with how quickly the sensation began, it disappeared as if it never happened.

Lightning strikes and the clock chiming is heard. In front of them, a large fountain and an empty center are standing. This had been the exact place Edward attempted to reveal his vampirism. The exact place Mia saved him in spite of the curse debilitating her. This is the place that reunited them and set their future. For better and for worse.

"It's raining," Jackson glances up at the sky as he dives deeper under the tower for cover. "How convenient."

"Where are we?" Harry asks.

"Volterra, Italy," Mia takes in her surroundings before opening the door and entering the tower. "Get ready."

Edward trails after her, but once they enter, he places himself in front for better protection. Their presence becomes known and he internally curses when recognizing Jane, Felix, and Demetri's thoughts.

"How surprising it is to see you again," Felix's disdain is undeniably obvious, even more so when receiving the harsh glare from Edward.

"And you brought guests," Demetri notices. "How thoughtful."

Mia moves away from Edward's protection and her lack of immortality becomes noticeable. Their expressions change to betrayal, as if a promise had been broken and no remedy could be granted.

"You're still human," Jane's blood red eyes intensify as she remembers the curse placed upon her during their last meeting. "Aro will love knowing the second chance he offered was wasted."

"I'm here to speak with him, so your attempts to threaten me won't work," Mia's firmness is entertaining, but Jane remains unimpressed. "I have information that is beneficial."

Felix takes a step closer, "What information?"

Her hidden anger masks itself into a cold smile, "That is something I must discuss with him. Now, if I remember correctly, Aro is not the most patient person." The guards exchange a few looks with each other, "Shouldn't you take me to him instead of wasting time?"

Edward moves closer to her, his calculated steps making sure to be put to good use on the right person. He notices the anger seething from Jane and her gift is the one thing he can't defend her against, but he's willing to take on the pain if it means she's safe.

"Right this way," Felix gestures with his hand toward one of the doors, the malice in his eyes becoming more intense.

"What about them?" Demetri asks, referring to Hermione, Harry and Jackson.

"They're with me," Mia tells them and hopes her friends don't make any sudden movements or say anything that could be taken as an offense.

"More entertainment for us," Jane remarks.

"And more for me if anything should happen," Mia glares at the vampire, both of them recalling what occurred between them during the last visit.

Edward becomes fearful her defensiveness could start a brawl. No matter how powerful she is, he's afraid her defiance could be viewed as an insult. His only comfort lies within his ability to read their minds, offering a tinge of alleviation that he could protect her better.

The five of them are guided down the same path she and Edward took. Nothing changed. The same eerie feeling and impending sense of devastation courses through the corridors. As much as Mia doesn't want to be afraid, it's inevitable not being edge in the place that could cost her everything.

Jane pushes through the familiar doors and the thrones greet them as if a curse had been injected. The vampire walks with pride toward Alec, who visibly tenses when recognizing Mia.

Aro's unnerving smile and welcoming stance still takes her aback. Mia takes a deep breath, making sure to keep her expression stoic and heartbeat at a normal rate. She stops halfway in the middle and scans her surroundings. Jane and Alec become fixated on Harry and Jackson while Felix remains focused on Edward, their personal vendetta being the one thing refusing to disappear.

But an unfamiliar vampire approaches the scene. His blonde hair that nearly appears white combines with his pale skin, but his bloodthirsty eyes are the greatest contrast. He stands with a commanding posture and his chin is raised slightly. A smug smirk becomes evident as he scans her up and down as if she were the prize he desired.

Mia's repulsed by him, but she maintains herself calm. However, he makes it much more complicated when he becomes infatuated with Hermione. She clenches her hands into fists, her stoic expression dropping for a millisecond until remembering how important it is to remain pacific.

"What an astonishing surprise!" Aro extends his arms in delight, his disturbing smile remaining the same while Marcus and Caius remain uninterested. "A visit from my favorite contenders," he pauses, noticing the newcomers, "And you seem to have brought new friends. How marvelous!"

Mia returns to her previous cold smile, "Yes, how truly marvelous, indeed."

"But I do seem to notice your lack of immortality," Aro points out, his smile loosening for the briefest seconds. "I do remember I offered you a second chance and we do not offer second chances."

"A chance that was not taken for granted," Mia calmly says. "You gave me a second opportunity, so I'm here to return your kindness."

Aro approaches her and holds his hand out, "Would you do me the honor?"

His icy hand collides with hers and his expression turns blank as he learns the true reason for her visit. She notices his unease and the anger of his immortality being threatened. It's just what she wanted him to feel. He's power hungry, so anything that serves as a risk would make him willing to join the fight. Anything to keep him at the top of the hierarchy.

"Oh my," Aro releases her hand and turns away. He exchanges a worrisome look with Marcus and Caius, who loosen their impassiveness when seeing their leader's concern. "A grand knowledge you have given me, but this kindness isn't meant just to be kind, is it?"

"I'm certain you've heard about the approaching war."

"A war between the same kind, both fighting for power. A war that is not so different from the ones we've fought," Aro gestures toward himself and the rest of his guards.

"Then you agree how grave it would be if the Dark Lord were to maintain these weapons," Mia walks closer with Edward and the rest following behind. "Surely, you don't want to lose everything you worked so hard for. It would be devastating to see an empire fall for an abhorrent reason."

"Do not pretend this information isn't for your benefit," Caius points out and walks down the steps toward her. "You want our involvement to protect him," he points in Edward's direction, raising his voice as if attempting to frighten her.

"Wrong," Mia lies, not wanting to admit to his correct statement as it would be used against her. "If the Dark Lord takes over the wizarding world, nothing will stop him from wanting to pursue other realms. With those weapons, he will be able to control vampires. He will take their immortality and defeat every single one of you. All of this, it will be his." They continue listening as they consider her words, "You will cease to exist and nothing will stop it."

"If you join the war, you won't only be saving yourselves, but also us," Harry suddenly speaks up and Mia has to refrain from stopping him. "You will have witches on your side and you won't have to worry about any attacks to your kind."

Aro laughs maniacally, "I sure hope not. It would be such a shame to need to interfere for our greater good." He narrows his eyes in curiosity, a sudden interest taking over, "And who might you be?"

"Harry Potter, sir."

"Ahh," Aro's eyes widen in amazement when he recognizes him. "You're the boy who lived. Like Edward, you survived death. How fascinating!"

Mia notices the unfamiliar vampire getting closer. His red eyes keep staring into her as if he could read into her soul. She's no stranger to this look. It's one she's encountered in dark alleys and the same one those drunks from Port Angeles gave her. Even if he isn't human, his malicious intentions remain just as vile as if he still were.

Edward moves to her right side to prevent the vampire from getting closer. Aro notices right away and asks the vampire to move forward with a nod, "This is Valerius. A new member of our guard."

Valerius steps forward, his assertiveness appearing more as if he believes he were superior. Unlike the rest of the guards, he wears armor like guards did in ancient times. Mia's tempted to make a joke about how he's missing his sword, but that damned look he gave her is now being addressed to Hermione, who is visibly uncomfortable and trying to remain apathetic in spite of this.

"You seem familiar," Valerius tells Mia and narrows his eyes as if giving some thought to it. "I'm pretty certain I made you mine back when I was traveling through France."

"Careful," Jackson threatens.

"Watch how you speak to her," Edward seethes, fumes practically coming out from him.

"Valerius, she's our guest," Aro's red eyes turn darker and his expression drops into repugnance. "Show respect."

"My apologies," Valerius' insincerity is infuriating and it's taking everything not to let her impulsivity take over. "Perhaps I mistook you for someone else, but the other one, she surely is a stunner."

Hermione glares at him with an indifferent look, a mixture of unease and repulse gathering within her. She remains silent as she remembers Mia's warnings to not interact to avoid any conflicts, but the vampire makes it hard to do so.

"Who might this be?" Caius asks.

She sighs heavily before answering, "Hermione Granger, sir."

"What about the other one?"

Jackson moves forward, now reflecting Edward's position of standing beside Mia. "I'm Jackson Winchester."

"Four bearers of magic in the same room," Aro's eyes widen in amazement before he looks toward Edward. "Five, previously. I hope your memories have adjusted well."

Edward clenches his jaw, "My memory is better than ever. Nothing to concern yourself about."

Mia glances past her shoulder at Harry and Hermione, noticing how attentive Hermione's become of Valerius. She isn't worried about Aro or Caius, but it's this vampire she's concerning herself with. He's too direct and believes he has liberties to do as he pleases. If he keeps this up, she doesn't expect him to live by sunrise.

"More at our disposal," Valerius says in a lower voice.

"Step away," Aro orders him, his dark gaze practically burning a hole into him.

Valerius returns to his spot, but never once looks away from her. Her calmness has become his challenge to break, one he desires to control and handle like a simple task. His arrogance is enough for her to decide that before she leaves, she's destroying him and making the world a better place.

"Tell me, what are you offering?" Aro asks her.

"A chance for you to remain at the top," Mia explains. "Fight for the right side and you shall continue with your reign. Your empire will remain standing and your power will multiply."

Aro's eyes become full of contemplation, "Having witches at our fingertips is an intriguing concept."

"I am not talking about witches," she corrects him, unwilling to let him believe he would have magic at his disposal. "I hear you have a collection of powerful artifacts. The Book of the Damned, for instance. If you fight for us, one of the weapons the Dark Lord created will be yours."

Caius actually smiles at the idea, "More dominance. More power. More control."

Edward doesn't trust the Volturi won't use those weapons to destroy covens. He worries they would utilize them against his family, seeing as Aro is obsessed with recruiting him and Alice. Now with Mia on the precipice of immortality, it's a certainty that Aro's infatuation will become greater.

But he trusts Mia more than anything.

He knows there's more to her plan than she's allowing him to know.

"It is a rather interesting offer," Aro appears like he's still doubting his involvement, but there's a hint of acceptance gathered in his eyes. "Yet I cannot help but wonder the shame it would bring the Volturi if the war were to be lost."

"Our chances of winning are favorable," Mia states, not an ounce of uncertainty.

"If that were true, you wouldn't have come to us," Marcus speaks up and she's surprised he can actually talk.

"There's nothing wrong in wanting more allies," she retorts with a tone that expresses the obvious. "You surely must have experienced many battles-"

"We have," Caius says.

"Then you must know there's nothing wrong in wanting to make an army stronger," Mia tilts her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as if studying a subject. "The more power, the more strength. Anyone with strategy would know this."

"Sharp thoughts from someone who is not experienced," Aro points out as an attempt to diminish her. "Perhaps you're allowing your hubris to cloud your judgment."

A cold smile crosses her face, "And perhaps your arrogance has made you believe you're undefeatable. Perhaps it's you who's allowing his hubris to cloud his judgment."

The tension in the room can practically be cut with a knife. Her defiance can either be taken as an insult or viewed as impressive. Edward prepares himself for any sudden attacks, but Aro's thoughts remain surprisingly calm. Her insubordination is making him consider her proposal, but it's Caius he's worried about. Contrary to Aro, Caius finds it insulting and would rather cut ties than endure more of the conversation, and Marcus is deciding on following through with whatever decision is made.

Harry and Hermione discreetly reach for their wands to prepare for any attacks. They exchange understanding looks, an indication of following Mia to battle if needed. However, their action becomes noticed by Valerius, who approaches them and harshly removes their wands.

"Preparing yourselves to attack? How foolish," Valerius smirks with satisfaction at their defeated expressions and walks toward Aro. "All yours."

"It's not what you think-" Jackson tries to amend the situation, but is interrupted when Mia holds her hand out to ask him to stop.

"You're plotting against us right in front!" Caius bitterly exclaims. "You come asking for our help and hand us dishonor?!"

Mia internally panics that her plan is going to waste. The Volturi are impulsive and nothing is stopping them from killing them in an instant. She looks at Jane, who's waiting for the green light and then there's Felix, who's preparing himself to fight again with Edward. The rest of the guards' stances are commanding and menacing, a fearful encounter at being outnumbered.

"No dishonor has been made," she tries reasoning. "There's no intention to attack. It's just a matter of remaining cautious. Surely, you must understand with all the guards you have."

Aro looks at the wands as if they were an artifact he was searching for. He caresses them delicately, relishing at having power in his hands. "A true soldier is always ready. Only a fool would lack such quality," he says, and his lips curve into a sinister smile. "But are you a soldier?"

Mia was forced to be one ever since the day she was born. An unwilling task imposed upon her without means of escaping. She would want nothing more than to be accepting of it, but like every child at war, innocence is an expected sacrifice. It just so happens that her innocence was a thread maimed by the scissors of a burden. That burden being the name she's carried and been forced to endure.

"But are you a soldier?"

The question lingered like a fever refusing to be abolished. Admitting to her rightful place meant admitting fate always had her in its claws. It meant signing her name with blood and she, for one, couldn't endure the torment. But things are different now. Times have changed. Fate has never been on her side, but it's brought her purpose. A reason to sustain the inevitable.

Mia now understands the importance of destiny. Running away was for cowards and she's grown tired of it. She's a Grey, so it's time she acts like it.

"Until I take my last breath," Mia declares, raising her chin lightly as a cold smirk crosses her. "And yet death will have to fight for it."

Impressed, Aro takes a step closer. He stares into her eyes as if searching for a lie, but finds only genuinity. "Immortality will become you, Katerina. A true gift to nature, indeed."

"Such a treasure," Valerius says to himself, failing to remember the other vampires present.

Mia glares at him through her peripheral, an insatiable rage consuming her as the urge to obliterate him becomes stronger. "Your decision to join, what is your answer?"

Caius and Marcus look toward their leader, a mixture of acceptance and doubt ricocheting between them. Aro is a complicated enigma and while his thoughts are open, the words parading against his skull create a vigorous wall. The feeble attempts of acquiring an answer have become an unforeseeable task, making the clock tick at a slower rate.

Holding his hands together, Aro paces by the steps in a circle. Mia checks on her friends, ensuring they're still supportive of her plan. When receiving the nod of approval, her efforts are brought to light in a perfect splendor. The minutes run incessantly, but follow the speed of a tortoise. The torture of waiting is maddening and alters the perception of everything, but there's also comfort. With time, there comes a sense of security. Learning how much longer a condition, a life, or a word has left is a fortunate curse humanity has been forced to carry. Nothing will prevent the calendar from continuing, not unless the last ticking of life ends.

"I shall have all the weapons," Aro finally says, firmly declaring his conditions.

Mia denies, "One."

"All of them," he insists.

"One."

Aro is stubborn and the most arrogant of vampires. He's placed himself on a pedestal and nothing will bring him down. These weapons have a chance to ruin his balance. They're a step closer to destroying his empire and acquiring all of them will prevent devastation. But as his condition is denied, even he realizes the importance of fighting this war. One weapon will be enough, enough to evoke fear, to bear power, and to survive.

And for now, it's enough.

With equal accord, the three leaders of the Volturi come to an agreement. No discussion was exchanged, except for various nods and an exchange of glances. Aro's pacing comes to a stop, Caius and Marcus paving a path for him as he approaches Mia with a dire need of a bind.

"I will take the most dangerous one."

With no hesitation, Mia agrees, "Done."

"The deal will be set tonight," Aro's declaration takes them by surprise. Mostly since they expected the agreement to be made and depart as quickly as they arrived. "A ball will be occurring at dusk. There will be a feast and I would very much like for you all to attend."

Mia isn't sure if this is the right idea. The Volturi are one thing, but other vampires are another. With four humans and one vampire on their side, the possibility of everything going south is much greater. She needs their help, but spending more time with them is the last thing she wants. But if she wants to protect her loved ones, sacrifices must be made.

"It would be an honor," she says, and Aro smiles in the same unnerving way before handing Harry and Hermione their wands back.

"Felix, escort our guests to their rooms," Aro orders.

Mia shoots Felix a glare and heads to the door, but Valerius prevents her escape. She's disgusted by his close proximity, more so when his breath hits her face with vigor. He wants her to cower, but she's never been one to satisfy her enemies. Through a look full of repulse and coldness, she looks up at him and tries refraining from ending his life at this instant.

Valerius delights in the triumph, savoring every minute of having a desirable witch with him. He soon directs his attention to Hermione and the most obscure thoughts become present. Now with having two just where he wants them.

Edward steps forward, his cold gaze burning a hole into him and fists clenching with anger. He shoves the vampire back, allowing for Mia and the others to walk out with ease. Felix soon walks out and begins guiding them further down the corridor, but Valerius destroys any chances of surviving.

Valerius takes a deep whiff of Hermione and licks his lips as if she were a delicious cuisine. Mia loosens her forced stoicism and the anger she kept bottled up rises to the surface. She breaks his stone fingers with her magic and fumes with rage. His blood red eyes become a darker shade and if it weren't for Edward putting himself in front of her like a shield, things would have ended differently.

Mia secures Hermione by holding her by her side. If anyone hurts her friends, she will make it rain hellfire on them.

Felix guides them further into the corridor. There's two rooms at the end standing next to each other. The doors are unlocked and hastily, the five of them enter the first one. Before Felix can intervene, the door is slammed and the Muffliato charm is casted.

"Mia, are you sure letting them keep a weapon is right?" Jackson asks the question everyone wants to ask, but is too afraid to do so.

"At least they agreed," Harry speaks up.

Hermione nods at him, "They do seem to value power over anything. I truly hope this doesn't worsen things."

Edward maintains his gaze strictly on Mia and remains quiet. He knows this wasn't easy on her and adding more worries would only add more to her plate. She's the most calculated, cunning, and ambitious person he knows, so underestimating her would be the gravest mistake he'd be making.

As her friends keep discussing with each other, Mia can only focus on one thing. She managed to secure an alliance with the Volturi and promised them the most dangerous weapon of all. When Aro looked into her mind, she made sure not to reveal her true intentions. If she were to hand them more power, nothing would stop them from controlling the supernatural world. She wouldn't be helping put an end to a conflict, but she would be starting a new one.

Not to forget how she doesn't have the knowledge about their whereabouts. Dumbledore only offered her so little information, so really, how much advantage does she have?

Mia has run through every possible way on how to acquire information about the weapons. Only one seemed doable, but it would require taking a step into the dark. Voldemort doesn't trust many, but just his right hand. Her father is his most loyal subject, but she can't trust him. She won't consider the idea of it, so her last option lies within one person right in her fingertips.

And that person just so happens to be his son – Mattheo Riddle.

His sudden interest to speak to her made her consider the opportunity of acquiring information. The Dark Lord's son is bound to follow in his footsteps and in order to do so, preparation must happen. Secrets, strategies, all kinds of plans are the information needed to be inherited.

Mia is aware that manipulating someone is the lowest thing she can do, but in all honesty, she couldn't care less. Her loved ones are in danger and for them, she would go through hell and back. It just so happens that hell comes in the shape of Mattheo Riddle. When the time is right, she would destroy the weapons and deal with the Volturi then. All in good time.

"Mia, those weapons are worth more than anything," Jackson tries reasoning with her.

Harry agrees, "I know getting more allies for the war is important, but don't you think you're giving them more power?"

Hermione isn't certain of her plan, but she knows better than to go against Mia's ideas, "Guys, I think she knows that. I'm sure nothing will go wrong, so let's not dwell on the improbability."

"Handing those weapons would be like handing the key to the world," Jackson argues. "Those vampires are already powerful, so if you give them this, they will become much more power hungry."

Mia appreciates their concern, but she doesn't need to be constantly reminded of the possibility that everything could go wrong. "Your advice has always been important and your worries are justifiable, but doubting me is more of an insult."

Harry slowly approaches her, "What exactly are you planning?"

"Agreements never last. Just like promises, they're meant to be broken," she vaguely says, causing them to exchange a few looks. "Those weapons won't ever set foot here. Never in a million years."

Curiosity overcomes them, but they know better than to doubt her. Whatever she's planning, they would follow her without a doubt. Anywhere, even to death, that is a promise made without an exchange.