Hey guys,

this is the last story from my little series which started with Just Pure Knowledge, followed by Little Brother, Big Brother and Upcoming Shadows. That means here will be S8 re-written. I hope you'll find some joy in it and let me know what you think of it.

Recall (of what had happened at the end of Upcoming Shadows):

Zankou took in the Shadow and was then vanquished by the Charmed Ones. With some little help of the boys and their magic. The Triad had returned as well and sent their lackey Dumain above to re-unite the Ultimate Power.

A Question of Power

Summary: A new babysitter named Billie Jenkins steps into the Halliwell family. The young woman seems nice but she has some secrets. Dark secrets. Are the Halliwells going to survive?

Disclaimer (for all chapters!): I don't own Charmed. If I did, this certainly would have happened. :D

1. A Meeting of Sisters

A few weeks later Dumain stood in front of an university. Christy's sister was studying here and it was time that the two sisters meet. He sighed and hoped this meeting would go well. A lot depended on it. "Christy, time to go in," he only offered and went ahead.

The older Jenkins sister followed her teacher and best friend to the mansion. She was eager to see her younger sister Billie again. It'd been such a long time since they were separated. What changes they may have gone through?

"Focus Christy," Dumain got her attention. "You were raised well by us and you've got your aim in mind. This plan has been going on for 15 years and now it's time."

"I know, and I can't wait to see her again. The plan is fool-proof, I'm sure," Christy replied smiling. "Are we there?"

"Yes." They stopped in front of a door. Dumain turned to her. "Don't tell her too much in the beginning. You should get to know each other first. We need to get her slowly to our plan. You understand?"

Christy nodded eagerly and walked past Dumain to knock at the door. A young woman opened and was shocked. She stumbled back in disbelief. "Billie?" the older sister asked carefully. "It's okay. We're here to talk only. Do you have time?"

Billie Jenkins just nodded and let the two in. She was confused but happy to have her older sister back. "What's going on and what are you doing here? Who's he, by the way?"

Christy grinned suddenly. "I see you haven't changed a bit. Always asking questions." Then she became serious. "He's an old friend of us named Dumain. You may remember him if you think long about it." She looked at her sister closely. "We're here to make you an interesting offer."

"What do you mean?" Billie switched her gaze curiously between her sister and this Dumain.

Dumain took over speaking. "You see, Billie, you and Christy are special, very special. Your magical destiny is huge and you need to be prepared. And when it's time for you to step in, we'll give you a sign."

"A SMS or what?"

Dumain's look said everything. "We'll find a way to let you know. But now it's time for you two to catch up, alright?"

And, indeed, the two sisters began to chat away what caused the demon to roll his eyes. Typical women! As he was about to shimmer away, Dumain nearly forgot he'd walked in and so he needed to do the same! He had another order—which led him to a nanny. Wonderful!

THE MAGICAL WORLD

The elf nanny was packing her things, though she was ruly working for the Halliwells temporarily now. Piper's kids were not too stremous but with having powers, let's just say, it was getting harder.

A tall man appeared behind her. "Hi, I'm sorry to disturb you," he apologized quite firmly. "My name's Dumain and I've heard you're working for the Halliwells here and there."

The elf raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You are very well informed, Dumain, and so I wonder," she crossed her arms over her chest. "What do you want?"

"Well," Dumain began slowly and knelt down to the nanny's level. "You see the Halliwells are only selfish and Piper's kids will be the same." As she was about to protest, he continued quickly, "I know and have heard about the great hero, Chris Halliwell, yet what for?"

"The Halliwells are selfish?" The elf nanny began to corner him. "You're certainly not up to date, eh? All they ever did was to protect the Innocents and their family. I guess I know why you're here. You want to turn meagainst them."

The man grinned all of a sudden. "You are quite good, I have to admit." Then he grabbed her by the neck hard. "I want you to quit your position at the Halliwells-for good! You got it? There's someone out there who can take it. Are we clear?"

"Sure," the nanny stuttered afraid. "Sure, no problem. Go ahead! But I should let the Halliwells know this."

Dumain let her go. "That you should indeed. And when you're done, give a sign. I'll know then, believe me."

The elf nanny could only nod and swallow hard. She should take this threat seriously and could be killed easily. If she should ask for help? The nanny didn't know.

Dumain shimmered away, leaving the elf alone. It'd go as wanted and planned. He needed to go, anyway. His daily report was due to his Masters.

AT THE MANOR

Chris and Wyatt were in their playpen, playing together whereas Piper and Leo starred open mouthed at the elf nanny. Okay, they didn't use as often as before but now she wanted to quit? It was kinda extreme, so to speak.

"I'm sorry," the elf apologized in tears. "But your boys are too strong for me and I can't handle it anymore."

Leo sighed and looked at her directly. "I don't understand. We barely used you lately. It doesn't make sense. Really."

"I know, but it's for the best, believe me." The elf nanny looked away. Her gaze went to the kids and some silent tears run over her cheeks. "I'm just sorry, I think."

"What has gotten into you?" Piper wanted to know in shock. "You aren't in danger, are you? Please, tell us. We might be able to help you."

The elf nanny shook her head immediately. "You can't. And for me, it's impossible to do so. Just...just accept it and we'll have peace."

Leo and Piper shared a look before nodding. "It's okay," the father said calmly. "You can go now. We wish you all the best for the future though."

"The same to you." The elf nanny stood up and quickly went away before anyone could see her tears. The Halliwells were so nice but she really had no other choice.

Again the parents shared an incredulous look. Something big was going on here and they intended to find out! But both Piper and Leo let their nanny go. Now they were in need to find a new babysitter for the boys who would need to have special qualities and could unite both worlds.

"So what are we doing now, Leo?" Piper wanted to know nervously. "We're in need of a nanny, because we can't give them to my Dad all the time. He might get a job."

"I know," Leo admitted sadly. "And Magic School is only a part of it. The magical one, but as you said, the boys need both sides." He looked at his wife directly. "We can't place an ad in the paper with these qualities, now can we? We'd risk exposure."

"True." Piper sighed very dramatically. "Maybe we should ask Phoebe for help. After all, she works at a paper."

"Alright, let's wait for her." Suddenly he had an idea. "How about we play with our little sunshines meanwhile?"

Piper giggled and took Leo's hand, guiding him to the playpen. As if the boys could read their minds, Wyatt and Chris promptly orbed away. And this, ladies and gentlemen, was the day when orb-and-seek was invented.

Later that day the parents were simply exhausted. And so Paige and Phoebe found them when they returned home.

SOME DAYS LATER

Dumain was back at university, this time with a newspaper under his arm. Christy had yet to return which meant the two blonde sisters were still talking. He sighed. Typical women! But now, all went like planned. Time to let Billie in.

As he entered their room, Dumain froze. Christy and Billie were really still talking. "Okay, time out! Time for action now."

"What do you mean?" Billie asked surprised. "What's going on?"

"Well, my dear Billie, I've got the elf nanny to quit at the Halliwells..."

"Wait. The Charmed Ones?"

Dumain rolled his eyes. "Yes. Them. Anyway," he continued his speech, "….and now you should prepare yourself to go to them. As their new babysitter."

"What?" Billie and Christy shared an incredulous look.

Again the demon rolled his eyes. Great, who, in God's name, had the Triad chosen? "They don't know you, and so you can step in easily," Dumain explained calmly.

"Oh I see, I think," Billie said confused but accepted it finally. "When do I start?"

"Soon." Dumain held the paper out. "Piper's placed an ad and you need to go there, Billie. I'll take care of the other...interested people." He rubbed his hands in glee. "The Charmed One may not say it openly but she'll accept only a witch to watch her kids."

"And the great goal behind it?" Christy now wanted to know curiously. "Are we after the Charmed Ones or their offspring?"

Dumain cleared his throat nervously. "Well, that's still under discussion but we'll let you know right on time. So, go ahead, Billie?"

The younger Jenkins sister nodded and went straight to the Manor whereas the older sister and her mentor grinned. One step closer to the great plan and now it'd work. One generation would definitely be lost!

AT THE MANOR

Leo and Piper were slowly getting frustrated. They couldn't find a suitable nanny for their kids, though Wyatt and Chris behaved quite well today. Still, a nagging feeling remained in both their heads and thoughts.

"I don't understand," the mother said quietly after some time. "It's as if there's a big conspiracy going on and we're in, though with no idea of which role."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Interesting theory, really," the father said sighing. "But who's started it and how long has this been going on already? That'd be my questions."

Before Piper could answer, Paige stormed in happily. "Good news. There's another one. A young student at the local university. Can she come in?" The youngest Charmed One looked around. "Where's Phoebe, by the way?"

"Looking for her Cupido, maybe?" Piper said shrugging. "Anyway, show us this young student! We have nothing to lose anymore." She sighed.

Leo agreed nodding and Paige walked briefly to the door, coming back with a blonde teenager who lived to her cliché, it seemed.

"Hey, my name's Billie Jenkins and I'm a student here. Looking for a job as well at the moment and being a babysitter would help my social skills." The younger Jenkins sister smiled the whole time and hoped to get the job, like wanted. "I'd like to start fast if you don't mind."

Leo wasn't so sure. "You'll have to know that our boys are very special. This whole family. So I want to know how you stand to Wicca, in general." He had to be careful here. Not anyone knew about witches.

Billie swallowed hard. How should she explain this? "Well," she began nervously. "I've heard about it and I just found out that I'm a witch." All looked up shocked. "Yeah, only recently, I swear."

Paige then piped up curiously. "I take it that you've heard about the Charmed Ones, the Halliwells. That'd be us." She gestured to her nephews. "And this is our next generation, Wyatt and Chris Halliwell. Aren't they cute?"

"Paige!" Piper scolded smiling. "You already sound like Phoebe." Her youngest sister stuck her tongue out. "Very mature."

Leo decided to step in since they still had to make a decision, or to be honest, the kids should. He cleared his throat. "Well, Billie," he started smiling. "It seems you're accepted but important is for me, us that the boys like you. Would you please go to them and we'll see their reaction, okay?"

Billie became even more nervous and slowly walked to the playpen where the boys were in. Wyatt took Chris's small hand and led him to the bars, still Chris had an uneasy feeling about this stranger. The younger boy would hide it since all seemed to like her, but his older brother had sensed something.

"You nice," Wyatt spoke quietly. "But Kwis kinda afraid, y'know."

Billie knelt down and smiled at Wyatt and Chris. "I understand, boys. I'd have done the same. Can I come then?"

The brothers nodded slightly and the family behind the young witch sighed in relief. A new babysitter was found, though it was rather quick.

"It seems you can," Piper said happily. "But it'd be good if you start firstly in two days. We have to clear something. Okay?"

Paige and Leo shared a look but Billie accepted quickly. "That's fine with me. I'll be there," she offered smiling. "But now I need to go back to my studies." And she was gone such as quickly.

"Well, that was awkward," Paige commented dryly. "So, where's Phoebe, again?"

Leo rolled his eyes. "We have no idea. Either she's at work or really looking for her cupido. Why are you at home, Paige? No new charge yet?"

Paige crossed her arms over the chest. "No, the Elders are quiet at the moment which is strange. And the others have found their way meanwhile." Then she turned around. "I'm going to look for Phoebe." She orbed away.

"Wow, what an exit!" Piper commented wryly. Then she looked at her boys and turned to her husband. "Why was Chris so afraid of Billie? He hesitated at first, you saw?"

"Yeah, I've noticed but I think Wyatt would be the best to find out. They're so close." Leo sighed and kissed his wife briefly. "If you don't mind, I'm going to see if our Shadow is still there."

Piper nodded and Leo went to the basement. The eldest sister then watched her boys playing. Still, she wondered what Chris had sensed before-with Billie. It already seemed that her baby boy was more sensitive than his big brother. Could be, because Leo had been an Elder this time. Just like with Excalibur.

Piper sighed and waited for anyone's return.

WITH BILLIE

The young witch raced back to the university where her sister and Dumain were waiting, as expected. She grinned knowingly. "Yeah, I'm in. I'm the kids' babysitter, though Chris doesn't like me, I think."

"What makes you say that?" Dumain wanted to know curiously. If anything went wrong, the Triad would kill him—in more than one way. "Chris is the younger son of Piper, right?"

Billie looked at Christy confused. "Yeah. Why?"

"Because there were rumors about a young man who travelled back in time, to change fate. In the end, he succeeded but died." Dumain watched both sisters and waited for their reaction. "The rumor said it was Chris."

"WHAT?" they shouted in shock. "That's impossible!"

Dumain rolled his eyes. "It is. But go further and don't get distracted. Let us regularly know what you've found out, okay?"

Billie nodded. "What about you and Christy?"

"We'll stay in contact. Don't worry." Dumain and Christy shimmered away, leaving the younger sister alone.

Billie sighed and decided to go back to her studies. After all, she had to learn here.

MANOR, BASEMENT

Leo sneaked quietly through the door and whispered into the darkness. "Shadow? Shadow? Are you back?"

A little 'miaow' caught his attention. "Oh cat, did we forget you? I'm so sorry and the boys will be happy to have you back as well," the man apologized sadly. "And we even didn't name you, eh?"

Still, there was nothing but silence in the basement. The Shadow seemed to be gone—for good. Leo was sad. "Shadow, if you can hear me, please return to us. We need you, especially Chris. Something big is going on here, again!"

Half an hour later, particles slowly began to form in front of Leo. They formed into the Shadow who smiled at him. "Ah Leo, good to see you and to be back." He stretched a bit. "What's going on?"

Leo sat down on the steps, with the kitten in his arms, and told the Shadow all he knew. From Zankou and also Chris's strange feeling about Billie. As well as Piper's feeling about this being a conspiracy.

The Shadow just listened and nodded from time to time, taking all in. Though he was not surprised that the Triad was back. They always returned, like him.

"What do you think?" Leo wanted to know, stroking the cat lovingly which purred softly.

"Well, I intend to agree with your wife, man," the Shadow said sighing. "We'd need someone to find out more. I think, Kira would help here."

"You think?" Leo asked shocked but then again. "Maybe you're right, and she was a Seer and demon before. Great idea."

The Shadow smirked, and so he and the mortal caught up on everything what had happened recently. It was quite a lot.

PHOEBE & COOP...+ PAIGE

The middle Charmed One was happy. She'd found the Cupido again and this time, he was eager to speak with her. It was a dream come true. Now she could start her own future!

"Phoebe, why are you here and not with your family?" Coop wanted to know curiously. "I don't understand you."

"Well," she began blushing. "You said you'd come back to me this year but I thought I'd do the first step. After all, you're a cupido."

"I am, but the Elders...?" An orb distracted him. It was Phoebe's sister, Paige. "Paige, I'm glad you're here. Why are you?"

"Trouble at home, I think," she replied grinning. She looked at her older sister. "Phoebe, you're needed there. Coming?"

"Sure. What's going on?" the middle sister asked confused.

"The elf nanny had quitted and so we have a new babysitter, a blonde student named Billie Jenkins who also happened to be a witch. Got it?" Paige explained quickly. "So?"

"Oh...okay," Phoebe drolled out slowly. She let go of Coop's hand. "We'll see us soon again, Coop. I promise." She turned to her baby sister. "Let's go!"

Paige nodded and waved good-bye to Coop. In the next seconds, both Charmed Ones were gone.

Coop sighed, went with his hand through his hair and wondered what was going on—at the Manor and in the magical world. But something definitely was what was obviously clear. Well, he'd find out.

TBC...

If you wanna know more, you know what to do. ;)

Reviews are very, very appreciated!