Chapter 37:
Jasmine had always enjoyed writing, so long as it wasn't with a blood quill, she took her time with her cursives and always enjoyed the end product when she had finished an essay on some parchment.
Right now she was signing her name at the bottom of six different invitations. She wanted to keep Teddy's first major holiday small, though small was a whole different meaning when you grew up with the Weasleys. A small family meal to them was Nine around the table. Jasmine was going to keep this get-together Weasley small.
The first invitation was for Draco and Narcissa. Though they had already been invited it was common courtesy, plus she had to give them the dress code, the thought of them both dressed in muggle style Halloween costumes made Jasmine's choice to have a traditional American Halloween party so much more enjoyable.
Her second invitation was for Damon. He may be a pain in the arse but they were still good friends, though inviting him meant Jeremy had to hide. Jeremy decided it would be a good weekend to visit another state and celebrate with kids his own age anyway. Jasmine was happy to take him where he wanted to go and give him a ride there and back, and by ride she meant apparition.
Damon's invitations specifically said no Elena's, she didn't want the night ruined by her stupid face. That reasoning made her next invite a little hypocritical. Katherine, her vampire bestie and preferred doppelganger. She explained how she bargained her freedom from Klaus and that she had Jasmine's word that he would not harm her if she attended. Invitation number four was for the original family themselves. Though she only named Nik, and named the rest 'and family'. She may enjoy writing, but she didn't enjoy hand cramp, writing all their names would drag out. She was hoping they would all turn up in costume too. She was sure Nik would come since it was Teddy and Katherine and Damon would come for the same reason too. Teddy was an easy baby to love and he had lots of powerful people at his fingertips. Elijah and Niklaus were slowly starting to fall under his spell too. Jasmine was even debating have the little boy tested for being a Veela.
Jasmine couldn't leave out Luna and Xeno, so invite number five was for them. They brightened up any and all gatherings she had ever been to with them. Figuratively and literally. She'd never understand their love for yellow clothing.
The final invitation was for Hermione and Ron. Jasmine had been feeling lost of guilt for the past week or so. She missed her best friends and she knew neither of them would miss Teddy's first Halloween, plus they knew it was a very hard time for Jasmine. She just hoped that they would all come and make the night as happy as possible. After sealing them with wax and stacking them in a neat pile Jasmine felt complete. She would send them out tomorrow and hopefully have confirmations before October 30th.
A pleasant smell filled Jasmine's lungs and she sighed in content, Andy must be cooking something up. She made her way down to the kitchen as fast as she could, Jenna didn't like it when they apparated in the house.
"What you cooking, Andy? It smells good-"Jasmine sniffed the air but was taken back when she saw the cauldron. One glance at the liquid in the pewter bowl, she knew what it was. The distinctive spirals the smoke was making as it emerged from the cauldron, not to mention the mother of pearl colouring. Jasmine narrowed her eyes at her friend, "Why are you brewing a love potion?"
"It does smell divine, doesn't it." Andy sniffed the potion with fondness and smiled like she was reliving a personal memory in her head. "It smells just like my, Ted. As for your question, dear, George is running low on his love potion and he's short-handed in the store. He knows I'm good with potions, so he sent me a letter asking for help." She smiled and Jasmine nodded. Andromeda would have made a brilliant potions master, had she followed her dream and became a professor, Jasmine might have been taught Potions by her instead of Snape. She was most of the brains behind the blood replenishing poly juice potion they had made for Klaus.
"It's designed to smell divine!" Jasmine said, but still leaned forward and took another lung filling sniff. She could smell scotch, not the cheap kind. The sweet, smooth kind that had been aging for centuries. As always, amortentia came with more than one smell. She could smell leather too, it wasn't a bad smell either. It smelt like home and comfort, she wasn't sure why maybe it was because she always wore leather. The last smell stumped her. It wasn't something she remembered smelling. It smelt like a cologne, with some sort of spice mixed with it. It was strong and sort of refreshing.
The smell plastered a smile on her face, even though she was feeling exhausted from the ball last night. After the heart to heart with Nik, they had gotten really drunk and spent the night laughing in his study.
Jasmine went to their potion cabinet and pulled out a Hangover remedy.
"And plans for today, dear?" Andy asked as she kept brewing. Jenna had just come in the room, laughing about something with Jeremy, who had Teddy in his arms. Teddy was growing fast, now it was October and he was nearly seven months old.
Andy was almost positive that the little guy would start cutting his first teeth soon, he was also sitting unsupported and Jasmine had noticed that he was developing faster than the average baby. He was already trying to stand and his sometimes his incoherent babbling contained a real work. Jasmine had charmed a fluffy wolf toy she had bought at the Mall to change colours a few times a day. The toy had instantly become the little boys favourite.
"Well, I've just finished the invites for the Halloween get together, it's muggle themed so start looking for costumes. Though I have already got Teddy's." She told everyone and then turned to Jeremy. "Decided where you want to visit, yet?"
Jeremy looked thoughtful, "I'm still not sure. I was hoping that maybe you could get me a tour around the Romanian Dragon enclosures." Jeremy said and Jasmine looked shocked. Andy had obviously been teaching him more than Math.
"If that's what you want, though I know from personal experience, not all dragons are friendly," Jasmine told him and he smiled. "It has to be okay with Jenna though!"
Jeremy deflated and looked towards his guardian with wide eyes.
Jenna looked reluctant but rolled her eyes and agreed.
"That settles my plans, I'll go write a letter to Charlie," Jasmine smirked and left the room, leaving a kiss on Teddy Bear's forehead.
-x-
It didn't take long for Jasmine to realise that there was no such thing as a quiet day in Mystic Falls. Andy and Jeremy had gone to Diagon Alley to get some more potions ingredients after she ran out during her second batch of Love Potion. Jer tagged along because he enjoys the ice cream from Florence Fortescue. Jenna had offered to take care of Teddy and Jasmine was stuck stirring a cauldron in the kitchen. She knew that Andy wouldn't be much longer but she still didn't enjoy stirring the potion. Her arm was beginning to go numb. Not to mention Teddy's was screaming at the top of his lungs. His teething wasn't going so well, andy was picking up a few things from the apothecary for him. Jenna was having a hard time trying to console him, Jasmine was starting to think she had the easier job.
Jasmine was so away in her own thoughts as she stirred the pot, she jumped slightly when Jenna entered the room Teddy on her hip, his eyes swollen and red. His hair and eyes were a sad blue-white colour. Jasmine frowned, wondering if there was anything she could do.
"Klaus is at the door for you," Jenna said a deep set scowl on her face. She was beginning to tolerate Klaus a little more but she'd probably never forgive him.
"Okay," Jasmine took Teddy from Jenna and Jenna to the wooden stirring spoon from Jasmine. "Just stir it counter-clockwise until the egg timer runs down. Then turn off the heat. it should turn a light pink colour." Jenna nodded and picked up where Jazz had left off.
Teddy began to whimper quietly again as Jasmine made her way to the front door.
As Jenna had said, Klaus was here. What she didn't expect was to see Kol stood behind him, his usual cocky smirk plastered on his face.
"Nik, Kol. What do I owe the pleasure?" She asked cradling Teddy.
"Well, love-"
"Is that baby's hair blue?" Kol asked looking down at Teddy with confusion and concern on his face. "Is it a modern trend to dye baby's hair?" Nik rolled his eyes, but Jasmine just smirked. Kol did not look like he agreed with dying baby's hair.
"I'm not a moron, Kol. Teddy's hair isn't dyed. He's a Metamorphmagus."
"A Meta-morph-a-what?" Kol asked confused.
"A shapeshifter." As Jasmine said that, Teddy's hair faded to its natural brown. He'd fallen asleep with his tear stained face on Jasmine's shoulder. Kol looked at Teddy with his eyes wide.
"I thought they were a myth, like unicorns!" He said. Jasmine laughed out loud at this, though quickly caught herself. Not wanting to wake up the tired baby.
"They're both real, now are you going to tell why you're both here?" She asked and Klaus smiled. He'd never seen Kol stunned to silence.
"Do we need a reason to come and see our favourite witch?" Klaus asked and Jasmine rolled her eyes, before turning around and telling them to come in.
"You vampires really are a pain in the arse," Jasmine said as she entered the kitchen. Jenna's head whipped around to glare at Jazz. "Not you, Jen," she smiled. Jenna noticed the sleeping baby in Jasmine's arms and her jaw dropped.
"How did you do that?" She asked as she continued to stir.
"Magic." Jasmine winked and Jenna rolled her eyes. Jenna took the sleeping baby from Jasmine, taking him upstairs and Jazz resumed her stirring while Nik and Kol sat at the breakfast bar. Kol was still reeling from finding out that Unicorns exist and Klaus was just looking at the pink potion Jasmine was brewing.
"What is that?" Klaus asked, breathing in till his lungs filled. The scent was amazing and familiar.
"Amortentia, or, as it's more commonly known, Love Potion." She told him, "It smells different to every person according to what attracts them most."
"Utterly astounding," Klaus muttered as he eyed the pinky white potion.
Jasmine picked up the last flower petal and dropped it into the potions. The potion glimmered and then settled, the smoke was still spiraling from the pot, but the brewing was complete. Jasmine turned off the heat under her cauldron with a swift flick of her hand. She placed the lid on the cauldron and then turned to her two guests.
"So, you never actually told me why you were here." Jasmine stated and smile, "Can I get you a drink; Water, Bourbon, Blood?"
Klaus smiled and shook his head, "We're good love, I actually came here to see if you'd like to join me and my brother here for a drink down at the local." Kol seemed to snap out of his stupor at his brother mention of him.
"Are you trying to kill me? My liver can only take so much!" Jazz joked.
"Is that a no, Darling?" Kol asked, his usual smirk had snuck back onto his face.
"It should be, but I've always been more of a reckless type. I'll grab my coat." Jasmine smiled wider and walked past them towards the door, maybe another drink would rid her of her horrible hangover. She knew it wasn't a good idea, but she'd deal with the consequences tomorrow.
-x-
Jasmine, Nik, and Kol made their ways into the bar, and out of the cold. It wasn't as cold as Scotland at this time of year, but it wasn't as warm as Jazz would have hoped.
As soon as they were in the grill, Jasmine started to warm up and pulled off her black scarf.
"Thank the lord for central heating," She said and she felt the blood in her veins warming. Nik just laughed at her and she glared at him. She made a mental note to had a heating charm to all the clothes in her wardrobe when she got the chance.
"So, where shall we sit?" Jasmine asked as her eyes scanned the room.
"Where we are closest to a refill." Kol said, and Jasmine saw him eyeing the 'Sexy Psycho Doctor', as Damon dubbed her, who was sat at the bar with Ric.
"Just to clarify, Kol. I won't let you eat the locals." She told him, her face stern. "Today is exclusively for alcohol and to keep this killer headache of mine at bay for at least one more." Jasmine grabbed a seat at the bar. She sat next to Alaric, it would probably be best that she be there, in the event of a misunderstanding.
"A shot of tequila please," She smiled at the Bartender, who just looked at her like she was crazy. Jazz rolled her eyes, "I will only ask nicely a second time. Tequila, please!" Jasmine said the words more forcefully and the bartender looked as though he was confunded for a moment. Before he began to get Jazz' drink.
Alaric and Meredith were discussing the serial killer on the loose. Jasmine was listening to their theory as Klaus and Kol took the seats on her right. Meredith was voicing her opinion on how she thought the killer was a vampire. Jasmine knocked back her shot, not bothering with the traditional salt and lime and then turned to face Ric. Meredith looked past Alaric and at Jasmine with slight concern. She had never seen this girl before and she had overheard them talking about vampires. Neither she nor Ric had noticed they had company.
"You know, sometimes the biggest monsters turn out to be human," Jasmine told them and Ric swivelled his stool. "Hello, Ric."
"Jazz," he nodded curtly. She hadn't really spoken to him much since he and Jenna weren't really on good terms. It angered Jasmine slightly that Ric was able to move on while Jenna was cut up over their break up. Jasmine made a gesture to the bartender to keep the shots coming. Her head felt as though it was about to split in two.
"Precisely. Let's not go blaming the new family in town just because you lot have got yourselves a killer at large. Don't mind us. My brother and I are just here to let off some steam, right Kol?"
"Right," Kol confirmed what his brother has said and Meredith's gaze drew back to Jasmine.
"And you? You look little too young to be 'letting off steam'." Meredith raised her eyebrow in Jasmine direction.
"I am too young, but that doesn't mean I don't need to let loose. I need it more than most people." Jasmine told her and picked up her second shot before downing. Her headache started to fade slightly. "Besides, Alcohol is my favourite anesthesia."
Jasmine turned back to face, Klaus, who was on her right. He had a small amused grin on his face.
It wasn't long before Alaric and Meredith left for a game of pool. Jasmine was two more shots down and her headache was now just a slight throb in the back of her mind.
"I remember her from last night. She looks like a tasty little thing." Kol said, pointing towards Caroline who had just entered the Grill.
"Say another word and I'll tear out your liver. Caroline!" He shouted her and Jasmine watched carefully as Caroline looked up to them. Her eyes caught sight of Klaus and Caroline's pleasant smile dropped.
"Oh, it's you." Caroline glared and Jasmine smiled, Caroline was obviously still sore from the whole killing her boyfriend and making him a hybrid incident.
"Join us for a drink?" Nik said being polite and Caroline's glare just hardened.
"Mmm, I'd rather die of thirst. But thanks." The blonde vampire smiled and then turned to leave the bar.
"Isn't she stunning?" Klaus said and Jasmine looked up at Klaus was watching Caroline leave. She didn't understand the feeling jealousy that shot through her when he spoke.
"She certainly looks good walking away from you." Kol agreed.
"I'll take that as a challenge." Klaus placed his drink back down on the bar and followed after her.
"And then there were two," Kol smirked and turned to Jasmine. "What do you say we take this somewhere else love?"
"The only place I'll be taking you is the morgue." She smiling dangerously at him.
"Oh, you wound me." He said theatrically, acting as though what Jasmine had said had physically hurt him.
"Oh, please Kol. I'm not even nearly drunk enough for your bullshit." She told her new original friend, though there was a small smile on her face.
"Why do you act like you don't care?" He asked her suddenly and Jasmine looked at him as if he'd grew another head. "Don't act like you don't understand me! He only chasing her to make you jealous."
"Don't be ridiculous," Jasmine told him, making the connection.
"It's getting boring watching you two play cat and mouse all the time. I thought you were a woman that took what she wanted? It'd make both yours and his life easier if you just admitted that you want to ravish each other un-" Jasmine's eyes grew wider with each word Kol had said, she was so thankful when her phone began to ring in her pocket and cut off. She answered as fast as she could.
"Hello?" Jasmine said into the phone. In her fumbling to answer, she hadn't looked at the caller I.D.
"Meet me outside the grill, we need to talk." Damon's voice said through the phone.
"Damon?" Jasmine was about to question his sketchy demands when the line went dead. "Son of a bitch."
"You go deal with your annoying friend, I'm going to play some games," Kol said as he watched Meredith from across the room.
Jasmine knew that what Damon had down was unusual, but nonetheless, she wasn't scared of the man who named his Pygmy Puff after his brother. Jasmine slipped on her coat and left the grill. The alcohol in her system acted like an internal radiator and kept her warmer than before. The wind flowed in her hair as she stood on the sidewalk, waiting for Damon.
Across the street in the town square, Klaus sat talking to Caroline. A smile on both their faces. Jasmine felt the pang of jealousy run through her once again. She didn't like the feeling. It was the same one she had had in her fourth year when all the girls from Hogwarts and both other schools would swarm Cedric in the halls to tell him how brave they thought he was for fighting a Dragon. When she watched Klaus happy with Caroline, it was more intense. Like she'd ate a bad pumpkin pasty and her stomach was rebelling against it.
"Stalk much?" Damon's voice startled Jasmine and instead of gracing his with a witty retort she just glared.
"Why am I here Damon?"
"What? Too busy to hang with your old friend." He joked and she rolled her eyes.
"I know, you didn't just give me a creepy call to make me come out here in the cold just so we could small talk about how our days have gone." She narrowed her eyes. Damon should have known that Jazz would see right through him.
"Well, I-" Damon was grasping for straws. "It's about Esther."
Jasmine didn't even have time for it to sink in before she heard Klaus shout from across the street. "What did you do?" He repeated and Damon cursed from beside her.
"Whats going on Damon?"
"I-"
"This was all a diversion, wasn't it? But, why-?" Jasmine's eyes widened. "Kol!"
Jasmine ran back towards the entrance of the grill and pushed the doors open just in time to see Alaric and the Sexy Psycho Doctor pulling Kols body out of the back exit. Jasmine cracked away from the spot and reappeared right next to Stefan, a quick hand motion sent his straight at the wall. Both Damon and Klaus weren't far behind her, Nik un-daggered Kol and killed Alaric. Meredith looks shocked and ran over to his lifeless body. Jasmine was about to immobilise Damon but Klaus rushing at him made her lose concentration. Right now she was the only thing in between a vampire fight in the alleyway.
"I should have killed you months ago." Nik snarled at Damon.
"Do it. It's not going to stop Esther from killing you." The Salvatore brother snapped back, gain both Jasmine and Nik's full attention.
"What did you say about my mother?" Nik seemed more affronted than intrigued, which is exactly how Jazz felt in that exact moment.
"You didn't know I was friends with your mummy? Yeah, we have a lot in common. She hates you as much as I do." Damon knew exactly what buttons to press when it came to aggravating people. Klaus was on the verge of ripping his heart from his chest.
"Leave him! We still need them, Niklaus." Elijah's voice came from the top of the entrance to the alley.
"What did mother do?" When his brother didn't answer it only made Nik angrier. "What did she do, Elijah?"
"You tell me where the witches are or I'll have my sister kill Elena right now." Elijah held his phone out threateningly to Damon.
"You told me we had until after nine."
"I'm sure Rebekah will be more than happy to start her work early."
Damon looked conflicted.
Jasmine turned to Elijah now knowing that Klaus would kill anybody else, Kols skin was starting to return to normal. "Have you tried the Old Witch House?"
Hey, guys. I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in so long. The truth is that a close friend of mine died very recently and it's really hit me hard, so I haven't been in the best of minds. This chapter was supposed to be mind-blowing and everything else I promised, but as you know I overwrite and I almost wrote over 8,000 words for this one chapter, so it will have to be split in half. I'm not sure how good it will be considering I haven't really been feeling up to writing the rest of this chapter, but I want to at least have something uploaded. I will try and get the second half of this up as soon as I get the chance.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Kat xox