A Potter Secret

Team Up, Take Two

The party comes to an end with everyone inside being none the wiser. They meet in a living room and the discussion is tense. Bella, Alice, Edward, Jasper, and Carlisle debate as Jacob tries to follow. Quil and Embry are nearby, on guard. "How long?" Edward asks.

"They'll be here in four days," Alice replies.

Carlisle thinks for a moment. "This could turn into a blood bath."

"Who's behind it?" Edward asks.

"I didn't see anyone I recognize. Maybe one-" Alice remembers, thinking about his face.

"I know his face. He's local, Riley Biers," Edward informs. He catches Bella's eye as she recognizes the name, shaken. "He didn't start this."

"Whoever did is staying out of the action," Alice assures.

"They must be playing with the blind spots in your vision," Carlisle considers.

"Victoria could be manipulating him," Bella interrupts. "He knows Forks and is a kid. That works for her."

Edward looks at him. "Either way, the army is coming- And there aren't enough of us to protect the town."

"Hold up. What damn army?" Jacob demands. He's about to explode.

Carlisle and Edward share a look. Edward shakes his head no, but Carlisle decides differently. "Newborns. Our kind."

"What are they after?" Embry asks.

Alice looks up. "They were passing around Bella's scent. A red blouse."

"They're after Bella?"

"What the hell does this mean?" Jacob tries again.

Carlisle sighs, "It means an ugly fight. With lives lost." The weight of it lands on all of them. Beat. Jacob shares a sober look with Embry and Quil. An imperceptible nod is passed between them.

"Alright- We're in," Jacob says.

Bella shakes her head quickly. "No. You'll get yourselves killed, no way."

"I wasn't asking for permission," Jacob reacts.

"Edward," Bella tries.

"It means more protection for you."

"Jacob," Bella mediates again.

Carlisle looks at Jacob. "Do you believe Sam will agree to- An understanding?"

Jacob nods, adding, "As long as we get to kill some vampires."

"Jasper?" Carlisle asks, knowing he has the expertise.

Jasper considers it for a moment. "They'll give us the numbers. And the newborns won't know they even exist. That'll give us an edge."

"We'll need to coordinate."

Bella is shocked. "Carlisle, they're gonna get hurt."

"We'll all need some training. Fighting newborns requires knowledge that Jasper has. You're welcome to join us. Alright."

"Name the time and place," Jacob agrees.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jacob, Quil and Embry head for the door. Bella catches Jacob. "Jake- You don't know what you're getting yourself in to," Bella tries.

"Bella- This is what we do. You should be happy. Look at us, working together. You're the one who wanted us to get along, remember?" Jacob convinces. Jacob strides out leaving her in the house.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

That night, Bella locks her window before opening her connection to Harry. He responds immediately. "Izzy? Izzy, is everything alright?"

"Yeah," Izzy says, unconvincingly. "Yeah, everything's fine. I just needed someone to talk to who will listen to me and not judge me or try to fix everything for me."

"Then I'm your guy. How are you?" Harry continues.

"I'm scared and lonely. I'm not supposed to use magic but I- I could be in real trouble right now," Bella explains. "There are people coming to this town and it's- they're coming for me. Or rather, the person I am currently living as while the real person is off somewhere else. I don't know what to do. My friends could get hurt, Harry. They could die and it will be all my fault."

"Then run, Izzy. Keep yourself safe and keep those around you safe," Harry replies. "Those who want to hurt you will follow you and leave them alone, right?"

Bella shakes her head. "No," Bella states. "That won't work. One of them is- she's a seer. She can see the decisions someone makes and what will come of it."

"I- I'd come if I could but-"

"You'd blow my cover and be in danger yourself," Bella realizes. "I can't let you do that."

"For that matter," Harry trails off. "I don't even know where you are and you can't tell me. Izzy, I want you to promise me something. No matter what happens, if your life is in danger you have to use magic, alright? I need to know that you'll be as safe as you can be."

"I- I promise, Harry," Bella replies. "How- how's papa and- and all our friends?"

Harry hesitates for a moment. "Ron's with his family. They're preparing for a wedding that'll happen in the coming weeks. Hermione- I haven't sent a letter to her yet. The year just ended so we haven't had the chance. I'll tell them that you miss them and can't wait to be home."

Bella smiles. "I love you, Harry. I miss you so much. I want to come home already."

"I know," Harry replies. "But being there is safer than being here right now. No matter how twisted that sounds."

"You didn't tell me about Papa," Bella realizes. "Harry, how is he?"

Harry hesitates again. "Isabella, I'm not sure how to tell you this," Harrys starts. "But he's on Voldemort's side. He's- he's not a good guy."

Bella freezes for a moment. It's not long before she realizes that her Papa has started spying again in order to protect them. She can't believe that he would ever do such a thing. "He- he wouldn't. Harry, I know him. He would never," Bella says, playing it up.

"Bella, it's the truth. I'll explain when I see you again, alright? If finds you somehow and goes to wherever you are, promise me you won't go with him," Harry explains.

I shake my head. "He's my papa, Harry. He's raised me since I was a baby. He would never hurt me!"

"Please, Izzy. He- he could hurt you. I don't want you to leave with anyone unless you know that it's really them, alright?"

I sigh. "Fine, Harry. I'll stay put but I want a seriously thorough and detailed explanation of everything when I get back."

"And you'll get it," Harry promises. "I swear."