Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Charmed Characters from the show. All other new characters I do.

Summary: AU season 6. Oh My Goddesses never happened. P/L based, but the whole gang is here. A nanny comes to help out, but is there something evil behind her arrival?

To readers: Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks.

Unfulfilled Dreams

Chapter one

The early morning sun broke through the clouds with tiny rays, casting a yellow glow over the Halliwell Manor. Upstairs in the master bedroom, two figures lay snuggled together in deep slumber; oblivious to the pin pricks of light, which filtered through the windowpanes. The peacefulness of the moment was shattered by the sudden cries of a child from the small nursery just off the main room.

Piper stirred at the interruption and squeezed her eyes tight hoping it was just a bad dream. Leo let out a soft groan and rolled over onto his back. When the cries continued and knowing his son would not be denied, he threw back the covers and stumbled out of bed. Rubbing the palm of his hand over the top of his head, he made his way across the room.

A smile of contentment spread across Piper's lips as the cries subsided and she was able to drift back to sleep. Leo grinned at Wyatt as he entered the nursery. The little one was sitting up in his crib, chubby cheeks glistening with spent tears. Said tears had stopped the moment he had seen his daddy. He raised his arms up, leaving little doubt what he expected next.

Reaching down, Leo plucked his eight- month old son out of his bed with sure hands. "Hey buddy. What's the matter?" His answer was a smile and Wyatt leaning his head against his daddy's strong chest.

Chuckling, Leo leaned his chin on top of his son's blond head and relished a quiet moment of pure contentment. It didn't last long and soon Wyatt began squirming and stuck two fingers in his mouth, indicating it was time for breakfast.

On silent feet, he crept past his sleeping wife. Last night the Charmed Ones had to deal with yet another advocate of evil and Piper had only gotten to sleep a few hours ago. Wanting her to rest, he made his way to the door. Just as he stepped across the threshold, a familiar jingle sounded from above. "Now?" A pause as he listened. "It can't wait?" A frustrated sigh escaped his lips as he reluctantly reversed course and made his way to the bed.

"Piper." He whispered and gently nudged her shoulder. Nothing. Compressing his lips into a thin line, he nudged her again. "Piper, I have to go."

Blinking a few times and then focusing, she looked up. "What?" Was her groggy response.

"I have to go. I'm sorry, I was hoping to let you sleep but..."

Propping herself up on the pillows she let out a grumble. "They have the worse timing."

"I know honey, I'm sorry."

She waved a hand as he placed their son on her lap. Grabbing some clothes draped on a nearby chair, he quickly dressed. Bending over, he gave them both a quick kiss on the tops of their heads, then disappeared in a flurry of blue and white lights.

Looking down at her son, Piper said, "Looks like it's just you and me kid. Let's get some breakfast."

The kitchen was quiet as the two entered. Neither Phoebe nor Paige were up and from their late night, and would probably not be for some time. Going to the refrigerator, she pulled out a bottle and started a pot of water to warm it. Placing Wyatt in his high chair, she dumped some Cherrios into a bowl for him to munch on. The immediate need seen to, she was free to see to her own, which meant a hot cup of coffee. Watching her son put one piece of cereal after another into his mouth, she smiled and yawned at the same time. The simultaneous actions pretty much summed up her life. She loved her child with all her heart, however being a mom and a Charmed One was taking its toll. They had attempted to hire a nanny a while back to make things easier. They came to find out, that being a Charmed One had its drawbacks in the magical community. None of the applicants were willing to risk life and limb, which was a requirement for spending time in the manor. Needless to say, it was decided they would make do the best they could without a nanny.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Phoebe stumbled in, covering her own yawn with the back of her hand. "Hi bright eyes." Greeted Piper, and getting a frown and grumble in return.

Handing her sister a steaming mug of fresh brewed coffee, she waited for her younger sister to take the first sip. "Well, I know why I'm up, but why are you?"

Phoebe answered while rubbing her tired eyes. "I've got to get to the paper. Meeting with Elise."

"Hmm."

"Hey, is there anyway we could schedule these demon vanquishes earlier in the evening?" Muttered a grumpy Paige as she too entered the kitchen.

Passing another mug to her youngest sister, Piper grinned. "Wouldn't that be nice. Vanquish at six, dinner at seven, family time at eight and bedtime at ten. Works for me!"

"Okay, sarcasm not appreciated this early in the morning." Complained Paige.

"I know why I'm up and I know why Pheebs is up, but what's your excuse?"

"New temp job, can't be late." She answered as she snatched a Cherrio out of her nephew's bowl.

Still sipping from her mug, Phoebe sighed. "I swear, there must be a demon convention going on or something. This is what....our fifth vanquish in the last two weeks."

"I know, its getting ridiculous. How am I suppose to do the mommy stuff if all I'm doing is the demon stuff."

Pouring another cup of coffee, Paige asked, "What does Leo think?"

Taking the warmed up bottle from the pot on the stove, Piper handed it to Wyatt who grabbed it with enthusiasm. "He doesn't know anymore than we do, although he was called out earlier. Maybe 'They' have some information."

"The Elders have information. That would be novel."

"Paige." Warned Phoebe.

"What!" She answered back innocently.

"Well, until Leo gets back there is no sense in speculating."

The two younger siblings agreed and after giving Wyatt quick kisses on the cheek, they headed upstairs to get ready. On her way out, Paige asked, "You gonna be okay here by yourself?"

"Oh yeah. Wyatt and I have lots planned, don't we sweetie."

Lauren sat in her tiny apartment looking out a small window. It wasn't much of a view and it was getting dark, but it was all she had. She spent many hours by this window contemplating her life or lack of one. She was twenty-six with a mediocre career, no friends, and no family. Part of this came from what she was. When she was very little she knew she was different from other people. From the beginning she had been shy and awkward, but then the odd feelings came. She could sense things before they happened. Usually bad things. Later she would come to find out it was more than just a sixth sense. Her senior year of high school she had met Audra. The vibrant red head introduced her to the world of Wicca. It was at the weekly meetings, she discovered her true self. All her oddities were a result of being a witch. Excited at first, to find out there were others like her, however it soon became apparent she was not a very powerful witch. She possessed no active powers, only her feelings and a knack for doing small spells. Having little self- confidence to begin with, this discovery was a blow to her low self- esteem. She was no longer an active member of the Wiccian community, but occasionally attended meetings.

Hearing a sound from behind her, she jerked out of her dark musings. A startled gasp left her lips as a man materialized in the middle of her living room. He was fairly young, not too handsome, but not ugly. Dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and black tie.

"Hello Lauren." He greeted in a quiet voice.

Not good in any social situation, least of all a surprise one, she merely stared.

Smiling, the man went on. "I'm sorry for the abrupt entrance."

Finally finding her voice, she asked. "Wh...who are you?"

Hesitating for just a moment, as if considering the best way to word his response. "Let's just say I'm a friend." When she gave her head a negative shake, stating she did not understand, he made to clarify. "I was sent here to help you. Think of me as your guardian angel."

"You mean like a Whitelighter?" Tentative hope threading her words. Only important witches received a Whitelighter.

"No not exactly. I'm more of an observer . We've been keeping an eye on you for some time now."

"Me? Why?"

"We feel we can help you and in return you can help us." When she remained silent he carried on. "We've been watching you at the child care center and have been impressed with your work there. We have a job opportunity for you should you wish to accept it. You know of the Charmed Ones correct?"

"Of course, every witch knows of them."

"Good!" He smiled pleased. "Well, they are in need of help and you are just the person for the job."

Letting out a choked laugh, she said. "Oh you are obviously talking to the wrong person. How in the world could I possibly help the famous Charmed Ones?"

"I think you are missing my meaning. It is not your witch powers they are in need of, it is your child care experience."

Totally confused now, Lauren sat down on the couch. Taking a seat next to her he patted her leg. "The Charmed Ones are in need of a nanny for the eldest one's child. No one from the MNA or Magical Nanny Agency wants the job, because of the dangers. I've been sent to ask you if you'd like the position. We're asking you because of your employment with the San Francisco Child Care Association." Halting her reply with a raised hand, he said, "Now before you say a word, you must realized this is a dangerous job, but a very important one as well. Guarding and taking care of the twice- blessed child will be a huge responsibility. We feel you are up to the challenge and your gift for sensing danger a great advantage."

A million thoughts raced across her mind as she listened. Nanny to the Charmed Ones? Could she? Could she not? The man was speaking again, and she brought herself into focus.

"I have here a letter of recommendation from the MNA. The Charmed One's won't even look at you unless you have this document. Now, this does not guarantee you the position. You will have to convince them you are the right one for the job."

Convince them! She wasn't even sure she could talk to such famous women let alone convince them to hire her. Sensing her doubts, the man pressed on. "Lauren, you are quite capable of doing this. That is why I came to you. I have complete confidence in you. With your experience and this document, you should have little difficulty."

Gazing into his dark eyes, she felt a surge of confidence wash over her. She could do this. This what her life was missing---a purpose!

Knowing success was within his grasp, the man handed her the pristine white envelope, which held the recommendation. Make sure you give them this when you arrive. "Here's the address." And he handed her another piece of paper. Good Luck, and I'll check back with you."

Looking at the two pieces of paper, she could hardly believe what was happening. He was so sure she'd get the position, she thought. Rising to his feet, he gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be in touch." In a whirl of dark clouds, he was gone.

The man materialized again in a dark room. "Well?" Came a raspy voice from within the shadows.

"It has been set in motion. Now we wait."