This just came to me. I'm watching Charmed and listening to Black Magic by Little Mix and it just happened. Not my usual genre but I hope you like it and I'd really like to hear your thoughts : ) This is a very short fic (three-four parts max), I just wanted to break it up a little rather than do it all in one drabble.
Spellbound
Part 1: Magical Mystery Tour
The Magical Mystery Tour...is coming to take you away
Royale St, French Quarter - Thursday
"Caroline, do you think you could maybe, I don't know, do something?" Bonnie asked exasperatedly, dropping the large cardboard box on the front counter. Caroline stared wistfully out the window at the passing foot traffic not bothering to turn around immediately.
"You know manual labour isn't my thing, Bon," she replied. "Plus, I just did my nails and I'd prefer not to break them."
"You've obviously been around Katherine too long," she growled.
"I don't understand why you insist on doing such menial tasks when you could just use your powers instead," she scoffed, spinning around to face her friend. "I mean there has to be some advantages to being a witch."
"Says the newbie who just managed to shatter my latest bottles of potions whilst trying to turn an eraser into a mouse," she teased. Caroline had only just recently discovered her powers but luckily had Bonnie and Katherine to rely on during the difficult transition.
She'd arrived in town a month back and had been at a bar on Frenchman Street and accidentally set the napkin under her drink on fire. She'd been noticing emerging abilities the past six months but had no idea what they were or how to control them especially when they unexpectedly reared their ugly head. Luckily two strangers had also been at that bar and managed to extinguish said fire and cover her accident to the curious onlookers.
"Look, I thought the same thing when my powers first appeared but one of the most important things you'll learn in your training is that witches need to conserve their energy."
"For what exactly?"
"For sex of course," a mischievous voice interrupted. "I'm surprised you even needed to ask that, Caroline."
"Geez, you have to stop appearing like that," Caroline gasped in fright. Katherine Pierce had a habit of eavesdropping on conversations and then dropping in unexpectedly.
"Yes, Katherine," Bonnie scowled. "Number one, that is not a proper use of your powers and number two, we have a perfectly functioning door at the front of our shop."
"Why are you always such a buzzkill, Bonnie?" She whined childishly. "You're like Darren from Bewitched, Samantha had so much promise and then she had to go and marry a mortal."
"Because someone around here needs to be," she muttered ignoring her television reference and pulling things from the box and placing them on the counter. "Last time I checked we have a business to run and I'm not the only one who works here." Spellbound was a small shop in the French Quarter that sold an array of potions, oils, incense and spell ingredients. It hadn't been open long hence Bonnie's anxiety, even though business had been relatively good so far.
"Exactly why I was out doing some reconnaissance," Katherine said. "Turns out Spell bound's popularity has reached the higher echelons of New Orleans hierarchy."
"Just great, that's the last thing I need right now," Bonnie groaned.
"Higher echelons?"
"The Mikaelson family," Katherine explained. "They rule New Orleans like the Queen rules Britain and the Commonwealth."
"What? Like sitting on thrones and wearing crowns?" Caroline joked.
"Probably a bad comparison in hindsight," Bonnie offered. "They're the Original family of Vampires; I'm actually surprised you've never heard of them, Caroline."
"Well, excuse me if I've been too busy with my training."
"They're extremely powerful."
"So, why are they interested in this little shop?"
"It's no secret there's been no love lost between witches and vampires, even more so in New Orleans. The Mikaelsons have always controlled the witches; it's the way things work here. Word of our arrival and subsequent success obviously hasn't sat well with them."
"Why? Because we've sold a few potions?" Caroline scoffed. "These Mikaelsons really need to get a grip."
"Something I hope you won't say to their faces given our attempt at making our business a success," Bonnie replied.
"Are they really that scary?" Caroline asked doubtfully. Before either witch could respond the bell above the door jingled and a tall brunette strolled inside, his chocolate eyes trained on the three girls at the front counter.
"Well, not this one," Bonnie drawled knowingly. "If it isn't the court jester."
"That's no way to talk to an Original, Bonnie," he muttered, picking up some incense from a shelf and holding it to his noise curiously. "You know I've never understood the appeal of incense."
"Well, feel free not to buy it then," Katherine muttered.
"I'm surprised business is going so well given your poor customer service skills, ladies," he quipped. Caroline watched him with interest, this guy was definitely gorgeous but she wasn't in the slightest bit scared of him. "And who might you be blondie?"
"Who are you?" She shot back, folding her arms across her chest. Caroline refused to be intimidated by anyone. He raised his eyebrows curiously, a smirk playing on his lips.
"You're joking right?" He chuckled.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" She scoffed.
"I suggest you change your tone, witch," he growled, those brown eyes darkening slightly. Maybe there was something a little sinister hiding under the surface than she'd first expected.
"Caroline, this is Kol Mikaelson," Bonnie interrupted. "Don't worry his bark is worse than his bite." Kol's eyes darted to the brunette, drinking in her appearance slowly, a knowing smile on his face.
"Don't tempt me, darling," he murmured. "As much as I'd love to chat I'm actually here for a reason."
"And annoying us isn't a reason?" Katherine joked.
"You've always had too big a mouth for your own good, Pierce," he growled. "I'd like to see you try and flap that in my older brother's presence." Suddenly the room went quiet and Caroline sensed something resembling fear. Just who was this older brother that had her friends frightened?
"What is it you're after?" Caroline asked, probably against her better judgment.
"My brother has requested your presence for dinner at our compound, tomorrow night. Eight o'clock sharp, he has a thing against tardiness just so you know."
"Why us?" Bonnie asked.
"That's not for me to say, but let's just say it would be a big mistake not to attend."
Before any of them could reply Kol had swept out of their shop, taking a handful of incense with him as he went. So much for not liking it. They were silent for a moment, processing just what had happened. Why did the Mikaelson family want witches, of all creatures, at their dinner table?
"We can't go, this is obviously a trap," Katherine insisted, voicing what they were all thinking. "It's a well-known fact that their compound is immune to magic. We would be powerless and unable to fight back if they attacked."
"That's if something was to happen," Bonnie intercepted. "Did you ever think that maybe the Mikaelsons are desperate for dinner company because they've alienated everyone else in this town?"
"I know that you and Kol..."
"That's ancient history," she snapped, making Caroline more curious. She'd sensed a connection between the two but wasn't quite sure what their background was. Witches and vampires didn't consort, in her limited training that was the one thing she did know. Caroline had to admit Bonnie was the last person she expected to break the rules in that regard, which made everything even more interesting. "If we don't go then they will come after us. I don't see much choice, Katherine."
"Who is this wonderful sounding brother he talked about?" Caroline asked. Both girls glanced at each other wearingly before responding.
"Kol has two older brothers and a sister," Katherine explained. "We haven't met any of them but have heard stories."
"Well, don't keep me in suspense like that," Caroline argued.
"Rebekah is not like any of them. Beautiful but dangerous, if you cross her she will attack without hesitation," Bonnie said.
"Elijah is said to be honourable and family orientated but like Rebekah has the power to attack if provoked, his favourite party trick is to rip your heart right from your chest before you even realise he's doing it." Caroline swallowed, wondering why she'd asked in the first place.
"That doesn't compare to Niklaus though."
"Why?" She murmured, almost scared of the response.
"He's not just an Original, he's also a hybrid. Half vampire, half werewolf. The most powerful creature on earth." Katherine finished.
"So, why are we considering this weird, little dinner party then with the Brady Bunch?" Caroline squeaked.
"The best thing we can do is just sit through until dessert and hope our powers are still intact afterwards."
"Wow, I've never known you to be so submissive Bonnie," Caroline whistled.
"Unfortunately we have no choice," she shot back, busying herself with the inventory on the shelves. Caroline wasn't sure what to think and would be lying if she wasn't just a little scared about what she'd just heard.
Jackson Square, French Quarter - Friday AM
Caroline loved beignets, that much was obvious. She'd been in New Orleans only six weeks but she couldn't last a day without her sugary fix. All of the reputable retailers knew her so well she'd actually been given a discount but even now they were wavering on that deal given her addiction.
She managed to get some from her favourite shop front on Jackson Square and munched happily on it making her way towards Spellbound. Katherine had sworn off sugar because of her latest diet apparently and Bonnie was gluten intolerant so she'd stuffed a paper bag full of the goodies glad she didn't have to share. She was so immersed in her beignet that she didn't notice the person coming in the opposite direction, banging into his shoulder in the process. The remainder of her beignets fell out of the bag and onto the street in a white cloud of icing sugar.
"Excuse me?" A distinctly English voice exclaimed. She was so used to thick southern accents around New Orleans that it came as a surprise.
"You were the one who made me drop my beignets."
"Because you weren't looking where you were going," he muttered. It was at that point Caroline realised that this stranger was kind of good looking with those dark, blonde curls and some teasing crimson lips. His dark jeans were hanging low on his hips and the black Henley he wore fitted snugly across his toned chest. Pity his behaviour left a lot to be desired and her witch senses were telling her this guy certainly wasn't human.
"Obviously chivalry is well and truly dead," she growled. He may have been gorgeous but there was no reason to be rude about it.
"Well, given all you women want is equality these days I'm surprised you care."
"I don't," Caroline huffed, facing him directly. "But you do owe me some beignets."
"I think we've already established that this wasn't my doing," he insisted, raising his eyebrows.
"You know I've got far better things to do than waste my time with some clumsy stranger," she growled. Instead of a snappy retort he was strangely silent for a moment, his blue eyes flickering over her body causing a few foreign shivers to ripple over her.
She crossed her hands over her chest wishing she'd worn a top with a little less cleavage on display that day. He leaned forward and surprised her by placing his thumb on her cheek and rubbing it softly. It was impossible not to get lost in his dark, blue eyes at that point he was that close.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, mister?" She growled, slapping his hand away, even if it was spreading warmth to places that hadn't felt it in a while.
"You had some icing sugar on your cheek, wouldn't want you walking around town like that now, would we?" He smirked. "Consider that my payment for the beignets."
"Thanks for nothing."
"No need to get your knickers in a twist, love," he grinned, his eyes dipping lower almost like he was trying to ascertain whether she was wearing any and what colour they might be, Caroline was glad he didn't have x-ray vision because then he'd know just how little her white G-string was covering.
"I'd say it's been a pleasure but I'd be lying," she shot back, stalking away so she didn't need to see that smug grin any longer.
"The pleasure was all mine," he called out to her retreating back. All Caroline knew was that she needed more beignets, not sure whether it was her sugar addiction or something to combat residual thoughts of a certain idiot touching her.
Cafe du Monde, French Market - Decatur Street
Caroline knew it wouldn't be a good look to go back to the same place after her massive purchase earlier so found herself at Cafe du Monde, waiting impatiently to be served.
"Don't even think about pushing in line, gorgeous." Caroline looked up into a pair of penetrating, brown eyes surprised to hear her second English accent that morning. What were the odds?
"I'm surprised you don't just compel your way to the front of the line, isn't that what your kind does?" She enquired.
"Well, I'm surprised you don't just conjure up a spell and make your own," he shot back. At least they didn't have to go through the formalities of what they were and could get straight to the point which was something.
"I have a feeling they wouldn't be as good," she muttered, thinking just how woeful her powers were at the moment.
"So, do you come here often?" He asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Seriously that's the best you've got?" She scoffed.
"It was a joke," he teased. "At least you're finally smiling; I was a little worried you were going to kill everyone in your path with that frustrated look on your face."
"It's not that bad," she drawled. "Anyway what is it with you Englishmen?"
"Well, that might take a while to explain," he chuckled. "Fancy a coffee with your beignets?" Sure he was a vampire but he seemed okay and after her earlier encounter a friendly face wasn't unwelcome.
"As long as you're buying," she joked, knowing that he wouldn't be paying for anything.
"I'm Enzo," he introduced himself. "Enzo St John."
The Mikaelson Compound, French Quarter - Friday PM
"Oh for the love of god Katherine, hurry up!" Bonnie complained, turning around to face the brunette who was teetering precariously on her nine inch heels. "I don't know why you insisted on wearing those given how unbelievably impractical they are."
"Hey, if I'm going to die tonight then at least I want to look pretty doing it," she argued, holding onto Caroline for support navigating the cobbled pathway leading up to the Mikaelson's intimidating residence.
"You are not going to die," Bonnie groaned. "Why must you be so melodramatic all the time, Katherine?"
"It's a talent," she quipped. "And why aren't you telling Caroline off for her ensemble?"
"Because at least she can walk in her heels, that dress though could be a few inches longer."
"Gee, thanks mom," Caroline drawled. "If you must know I was hoping they'd be less likely to inflict bodily harm if my hemline was on the shorter side."
"I can't believe you both," Bonnie stopped. "I wouldn't have suggested we come if I thought we were in danger. The Mikaelsons might be dangerous but this is an intimidation exercise pure and simple."
"I still don't understand why we're considered such a threat," Caroline murmured.
"Business is good and with that comes a wider network of contacts in the witch community; they want to make sure we behave with all of our increased popularity."
"Well, they've come to the wrong witch if they want that," Katherine laughed. "I'm impressed you got all of that from Kol's vague invitation yesterday, although you two never really did need words."
"Shut it, Katherine," Bonnie hissed, Caroline's curiosity only increasing about their past. "You realise they probably all just heard that, right?"
"Well, consider it an icebreaker then, dinner parties can be so awkward," she teased, just as the large doors opened without having to knock. Caroline was fairly certain they'd heard everything if that was the case.
The courtyard was impressive, Caroline's eyes widened at the sheer size of it and the number of levels it spanned. Given only the four siblings resided there Caroline was betting there were quite a few spare rooms. Lanterns were dotted around the courtyard and on the balconies above, creating a mysterious glow but no sign of their hosts as yet. They all looked around curiously, wondering if this delayed entrance was all part of the drama, the Mikaelsons were well-known for that after all.
It was at that point they noticed a few figures emerge on the upper balcony, Caroline was immediately impressed these Original vampires certainly knew how to dress. The only female, obviously Rebekah, was stunning in a long black, gown that hugged her curves. Kol and a tall, dark haired male were equally handsome in black suits but it was the blonde that caught her attention. It was him, the idiot from earlier. He smiled at her knowingly, those dimples she'd briefly caught a glimpse of earlier returning. He didn't seem at all surprised to see her either.
"For the love of God," Caroline cursed under her breath. Of all people and he had to be a bloody Mikaelson! She was torn about whether it was better she angered the one who was the big, bad hybrid or the one who removed hearts. She figured both scenarios were pretty damning for her. They continued to stare downwards without speaking when a loud voice interrupted the prolonged silence.
"Oh, am I late for all the scary 'we are the Mikaelson family' theatrics?" A familiar voice enquired. Caroline turned around slowly hoping it wasn't who she thought it was. Unfortunately it was her coffee companion from earlier that day who she had regaled with stories about a certain, arrogant, English idiot that also happened to be a Mikaelson. This was certainly going to be an interesting evening.
