A Potter Secret

Hiding in the Mountains

Riley leads the army of newborns across this ghostly yard. They move at a trot, leaping over pyramids of rotting logs. As they head for the water, Bree has doubt on her face.

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Jacob runs with Bella, maintaining a steady jog, effortlessly carrying her weight. She holds onto him, he mind heavy with concerns.

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On the misty deserted beach, eerily, Riley rises form the water. Muddy and drenched but unfazed by the frigid water. He doesn't break stride, simply heads for the woods. One by one the rest of the army appears behind him. They follow Riley, picking up speed. First walking, then running- an unstoppable force. At the rear is Bree.

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Jacob is still carrying Bella, climbing the mountainside, going up and up. Jacob and Bella reach the peak where Edward waits near the tent. Snow falls in earnest now, glacial winds blow, Jacob sets Bella down. They hurry to the left side of the peak to find– a campsite– erected against the sheltering face of the peak. Edward stands by the tent pacing, waiting. He's acutely relieved to see her. He hugs her, then turns to Jacob. "Thank you," Edward says.

Jacob nods. Bella turns to Jacob as well. "You should get back before the storm hits."

"No, I'm staying. You'll need my connection to the pack, to keep tabs on what's going on," Jacob replies. Edward looks down, none-too-happy but knowing Jacob's right.

"You're not going to fight?" Bella asks.

"Seth will spell me in the morning. He's not happy about missing the action, but it'll keep him out of trouble," Jacob assures.

Edward notes her disappointment. Be he covers, guiding her toward the tent. "Let's get you inside."

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Snow blows sideways as the wind batters the tent. A light glows from inside; a lantern burns. Bella's wrapped in her down sleeping bag, fully dressed. But her teeth still rattle. It's that cold. "I should have chosen a site lower down," Edward says, thinking to himself.

"No, It's fine. I'm okay," Bella promises. His family is going through so much to protect her, she doesn't want to sound ungrateful.

"What can I do?" Edward asks. She can only shake her head.

Suddenly the front zipper opens to reveal Jacob. "I can't sleep with all that teeth chattering going on," Jacob complains.

Jacob starts to climb into the tent. Edward reads his mind. Edward looks at him, disgusted. "Forget it."

"She may need her toes someday. And let's face it- I'm hotter than you," Jacob says, his last comment leaving others questioning in which way he means. Jacob begins to crawl to Bella's side but Edward's hand is suddenly hard on his shoulder. Jacob's jaw clenches. "Get your hand off me."

"Get your hands off her," Edward retorts.

"Don't fight," Bella says, barely able to get the words out. She's seriously considering getting her wand out for some heating charms.

Edward sees her severe discomfort. He very reluctantly pulls his hand away. Jacob looks at him in all seriousness. "She gets sick, it's on you," Jacob says in a last ditch effort.

Edward debates, then makes a hard choice- He nods. Jacob climbs into the sleeping bag next to Bella. Edward seethes. "Why. You're freezing, Bella. Relax, you'll warm up soon. Faster if you took your clothes off."