A Potter Secret

Volterra

Jane leads Edward, Bella and Alice through several narrow, dark alleys. Felix and Demetri bring up the rear. Edward never loosens his grip on Bella's hand. Their path dead ends at a wall of brick. Jane just strides forward and, without breaking pace drops down into an open hole in the street; it's a drain. Alice follows Jane. Bella looks down, sees nothing but blackness. "It's alright. Alice will catch you," Edward says. Edward takes her wrists, dangles her over the hole. She drops through the darkness, to be caught by Alice. Edward lands beside them, then Felix and Demetri. Edward pulls Bella close as they follow Jane through the sewer. He meets Bella's eyes, trying to look reassuring, but he's tense as hell. Bella looks around, taking in everything we can. Finally, they reach a folding iron elevator door. Jane easily pulls it aside. They all enter. As the door clangs shut on them.

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An elegantly decorated space with old world charm. They're greeted politely by Gianna an attractive human receptionist. "Buon pomeriggio," Gianna says. They head through the lobby to the long corridor that Edward traversed earlier. Finally, they reach the carved double doors which open to a circular white marble hall.

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Bella, Edward and Alice enter to face the three ancients; Aro, Marcus, Caius. Eight Volturi guards including Jane, Felix, Demetri line the walls in a variety of modern dark overcoats. The floor has a depression in the center that leads to a drain. Bella shivers. Aro rises, greets them like old friends, taking Edward's hand and shaking it. "What a happy surprise! Bella is alive after all. Isn't that wonderful?" Aro suggests. Caius responds with a sour expression. Marcus could care less. Aro doesn't release Edward's hand, looks at him before turning to Bella. "Her blood appeals to you so much it makes me thirsty. How can you stand to be so close to her?"

"It's not without effort," Edward mentions.

"I can see that," Aro laughs.

At Bella's look, Edward explains. "One touch and Aro can see every thought I've ever had in my life," Edward explains.

"You're quite the telepath yourself, Edward. Though you can't read Bella's thoughts. Fascinating."

He releases Edward's hand and turns to Bella. "I would love to see if you are an exception to my gifts, as well." He reaches for Bella's hand. She stands firm and offers her hand. Aro laughs at her slightly bold gesture. He holds her hand, confusion sweeping over him.

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Within their minds, Aro and Bella stand facing each other. Aro looks around. "I must admit you are quite a unique specimen," Aro begins. "I've never experienced this before when looking into someone's mind."

"That's because I've allowed you in so we can speak privately. Do you know the name Voldemort?" Bella says.

Aro backs up and takes up a serious expression. "How do you, a mere mortal, know of he who must not be named?"

"I can't tell you that," Bella says. "I would like to know where you stand in connection to Voldemort."

"You speak his name as if you don't fear him," Aro notes. "In the last war, the Volturi sided with the Dark Lord. The magical world sees us as a nuisance and refuses to give us rights."

"So you side with a mass murder who is serious into blood purity?" Bella asks. "He is more likely to kill you, and he can very easily, once your purpose is complete."

"What would you have us do?" Aro asks. "Help the lighter side and let them kill us?"

Bella shakes her head. "The wizarding community has food that vampires can eat and from what I've heard and seen of actual vampires, it's just as good as human blood. I can send you things to try. I just ask you to keep an open mind. Give me the chance to show you how much better things could be. I have connections and know people who are very influential. Give me the chance to help you. I only ask that you stay out of the war until you give me a chance."