A Potter Secret

Graduating

"When we were five, they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up," Jessica starts. Dozens of seniors watch as she continues her graduation speech as valedictorian. "Our answers were thing like astronaut, president. Or in my case, princess. When we were ten, they asked again and we answered– rock star, cowboy, or in my case, gold medalist. But now that we've grown up, they want a serious answer. Well, how 'bout this: who the hell knows?!" Loud hoots and hollers from the audience, in which we find Bella. Jessica's words are sinking in. "This isn't the time to make hard and fast decisions, it's the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train, and get stuck somewhere chill. Fall in love – a lot. Major in philosophy because there's no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind. Then change it again, because nothing is permanent." Bella knows there will be no changing her mind once she makes her decision. The speech continues. On the stage, Bella walks to the school principal and shakes his hand while receiving her diploma. Out in the audience Charlie claps loudly, beaming with pride. "So make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask again what we want to be- We won't have to guess. We'll know."

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Charlie and Bella walk away, Bella awkwardly shouldering out of her gown and mortarboard. Ad-libbed "See you at the party's" with various students including the usual suspects. Charlie wraps an arm around Bella's shoulder, emotional. "I'm so proud of you, Bells. I can't wait to see what you do next. You're my biggest accomplishment," Charlie says.

"Dad, that's not true," Bella says.

"Yeah, it is. And it's- Well, you'll see, when you have kids."

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Riley, exasperated, stands next to a late model sedan that lies upside down in the dark street. Smoke comes from the engine, a fire ignites. Inside the car, a woman screams. "What did I say, about low profile?" Riley asks. Riley, exasperated, stands next to a late model sedan that lies upside down in the dark street. Smoke comes from the engine, a fire ignites. Inside the car, a woman screams. "Something's coming- Something- bigger than any of us alone. And if you can't- Control yourselves- We're all going to die." A male newborn ignores him, as he pulls the screaming woman from the car and begins to feed on her. Nearby, two other newborns feed on prizes of their own– a prostitute and a bike messenger. Riley gives up. "What's done is done, just- Clean up after yourselves."

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The Volturi stand ready. Jane with her misleadingly angelic face. The hulking Felix, elegant Demtri and cherubic Alec. All wear dark coats with hoods. Jane is calling the shots. "They've already drawn too much attention," Felix says.

Demetri looks towards him. "So has our 'inaction'. Others may begin to question the Volturi's effectiveness."

"Let them," Jane says.

"Maybe we should consult with Aro," Felix suggests. Jane shoots Felix a look – Searing Pain shoots through his body. The massive Felix drops to the ground writhing silently.

"Aro's decisions are being watched. We must decide," Jane replies.

Alec carefully, gently touches her shoulder, interceding, "Then decide sister. It's time."

She releases Felix. Demetri helps him up. She smiles at Alec, utterly uncaring of the agony she just caused Felix. "Yes, it is. Either we let them do what they were created for- Or we end them. Decisions, decisions-" Jane replies.

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Music pounds, audible outside the reaches of the Cullen house. It's wall to wall with teenagers. Dancing, celebrating. Alice has transformed the place into a magical nightclub. As Bella enters, immediately overwhelmed by the crowd. She weaves her way through the throngs, searching for Edward. She finally spots him. Edward is deep in consultation with Carlisle, Emmett and Jasper. Their mood is intense. Bella heads toward them but Jessica and Angela swoop in. "You've made it," Angela greets, excited.

Jessica comes closer and laughs. "Hey. What'd you think of my speech? Too easy-breezy, too self-helpful? You may admit it."

"No, you pretty much nailed it," Bella assures.

Jessica watches her. "Yeah? It's like I was born to lead, right?"

"Oh, great. I love this song, let's go," Angela says. She pulls them to the dance floor where Eric and Mike find them. Mike and Eric start a robot battle. The girls laugh. There celebratory mood is in striking contrast to the atmosphere in the kitchen. A dance floor is Bella's idea of hell, but she forces a smile, shuffles a bit. Then she sees Jacob enter; calm, confident. Quil and Embry flank him, looking tense, eyes darting around the room. Bella maneuvers off the dance floor and into Jacob's path.

"What are you doing here?" Bella asks.

Jacob smirks, "You invited me, remember?"

"Was my right hook too subtle for you?" Bella asks, still angry. "That was me uninviting you."

"Look, Bella. I'm sorry- About, you know- The kiss and your hand- I'd blame it on the whole inner animal thing- But it was really just- Me. Being an *ss. I'm really sorry," Jacob apologizes. She sees he's sincere. She softens, nods. "I brought you something. A graduation present. I made it myself." He takes her hand and clasps to her wrist a charm bracelet with a charm of an intricately hand-carved figuring of a miniature wolf.

Bella looks at it, moved. "Oh- You made this? It's really pretty. Thanks." Jacob's pleased. But then Bella's eye is caught by Alice, standing by the staircase, frozen. She's having a vision. Alarm clouds Bella's face. Jacob see it. "I'll be right back."

Jacob looks at her, confused. "Why? What's going on?"

"Nothing. Just wait here a sec," Bella assures. Jacob shares a suspicious look with Embry and Quil as Bella pushes through the crowd. Bella reaches Alice just as she comes out of her vision, her face alarmed. "Alice, what did you see?"

Jacob appears beside her. "Okay, something is going on. Tell me."

Alice looks concerned. "I- Need to talk to Jasper."

Jacob puts an arm against the wall, blocking her. "Why don't you talk to me?" Jacob asks.

Suddenly Jasper is there. His expression lethal. "I suggest you remove- your arm. Before I do."

Jacob does so, slowly, carefully. "The decision's been made," Alice says.

"What's going on? You're not going to Seattle?" Bella asks.

Alice shakes her head. "No- They're coming here."

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Riley passes Bella's red blouse amongst the newborns. As they inhale, picking up her scent

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