Immortal Magic (Book 1)

Chapter Forty-Five

Third Person's Point of  View.

Esme stood near the couch in Carlisle's office, carefully checking through their bags for what had to be the fifth time that evening. 

In truth, she wasn't looking for forgotten belongings at all. She was simply trying to keep herself occupied instead of worrying endlessly about Allison.

The familiar crack of Apparition suddenly echoed through the house. Esme's head snapped up instantly.

Without hesitation, she sped from the room and downstairs toward the sound. When she reached the foyer, she found the rest of the family already gathered around Professor Dumbledore.

"Is she alright?" Esme asked immediately, not even bothering with greetings. Dumbledore smiled kindly and nodded. "She's alright," he assured her. "Carlisle and Jasper knew exactly how to help her."

Relief visibly washed over Esme's face. "I simply thought," Dumbledore continued, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses, "why wait until tomorrow when I could bring you all to Hogwarts tonight?"

The Cullens exchanged surprised looks. "I suggest gathering your things," Dumbledore added calmly. That was all the encouragement they needed.

Within seconds, the family disappeared throughout the house before reappearing just as quickly, bags in hand. Dumbledore chuckled softly at the sight.

"Well," he mused, "that certainly saved time." He lifted his wand and shrunk each of their bags until they were small enough to carry easily before reaching over and picking up one of the decorative pillows from the couch.

The Cullens all looked at him in confusion. "I'm turning this into a Portkey," Dumbledore explained. "Once activated, it will transport us directly to Hogwarts."

Understanding crossed their faces. Dumbledore pointed his wand at the pillow. "Portus." The pillow glowed blue for a brief second before returning to normal.

"Everyone grab hold and make sure you keep hold of it," Dumbledore instructed. One by one, the Cullens placed their hands on the pillow. A second later, the familiar pulling sensation of the Portkey yanked them forward.

The world blurred around them. "Let go," Dumbledore instructed calmly. They stumbled onto the stone floor of Hogwarts' Great Hall. Emmett straightened immediately with a grin.

"Well," he announced cheerfully, "that was weird." Dumbledore chuckled softly as the Cullens looked around. "Where is she?" Esme asked quickly.

"The Hospital Wing." That was all she needed to hear. Esme disappeared instantly, slowing only once she reached the Hospital Wing doors so she wouldn't startle anyone inside. Quietly, she stepped through the entrance.

Her expression softened immediately. Allison was asleep, curled safely against Carlisle's side, her head resting on his chest beneath the blankets, while Jasper sat nearby in a chair keeping watch over her.

Both vampires looked up when the rest of the family quietly entered. Carlisle blinked in surprise. "I thought you were all coming tomorrow," he whispered.

"Albus thought it would be better if we came tonight," Esme explained softly, unable to take her eyes off Allison. Edward sat carefully at the foot of the bed.

"How is she?" he asked quietly. Carlisle gently brushed several loose strands of blonde hair away from Allison's face. "She's alright," he assured them.

Jasper then quietly explained everything Allison had told them. The Imperius Curse, the heightened senses, the blood, and the way her vampire instincts had finally surfaced.