Ilvermorny Year Four: Puritans Uprising

by Flurry of Freezing Flames

It's Year Four at Ilvermorny for Nick, Saryna and their friends and enemies at America's Wizarding school. Unfortunately, with Saryna's biological father Auron Sayle, the leader of the Puritans, resurrected that means the enemy count is higher than ever. With their love reignited, and an even wackier clause to their betrothal or marriage contract, the chaos mounts..

4. Summer of Unknowns Pt 2

Chapter Three

The Summer of Unknowns Pt. 2

Over an hour after Cordelia had assaulted Nessa, They as well as Nick, Saryna, Laura, Nashrah and Jasmine were all seated in the library as Nick, Nessa and Laura explained the gist of the situation Cordelia knew nothing about. Cordelia shook her head in bewilderment. "So, that clause you told us not to worry about when I first looked over the marriage contract," Cordelia said slowly, speaking to Nessa. "It came to pass anyway?"

"Yes, Cordelia. But you can't blame Nick or Laura for their actions. Nick was hurt, Laura was being a good friend in more ways than one and neither of them knew about the clause when they started dating."

"I can't believe you two were dating all of last year and we never realized it." Nashrah said, amazed at how easily Nick could keep something secret.

Cordelia sighed. "Be that as it may, this is a serious issue, Nessa! Not only has my fourteen year old son gotten one of his friends pregnant, but that act in itself has now set off a chain reaction that can only end so well for everyone involved. And then, to add salt to the wound, you fell into it as well!"

"And I'm not ashamed of it, Delia!" Nessa said, her words surprising Nick as well. "Yes, it wasn't what we planned for, but as the contract stands, I was the one affected how it should have affected Saryna."

"I wanted it, mom. I wanted Laura and Nessa, and this harem clause is still messing with me. I have the chance, as it stands right now, to ensure the Halliwell family doesn't just end with Nessa and Saryna, Merlin forbid anything bad happens to either of them before that point. I.. I like this, mom. I know it sounds weird and pretty stupid coming from a fourteen year old, but ever since the four of us let this happen, I've been happier than I have been since before Fontaine messed with Saryna. And as much of a reason to hate me as it is, Saryna supports my decision to go through with it. It can't get that bad before we hold the wedding after graduation. We already have a set plan."

"Which is what? Corrupt these two sweet girls into the sluts Laura and Nessa have become?!"

"Don't talk about them like that! It isn't entirely their fault they're overcharged sexually. This is my marriage we're talking about and I've made my bed. I'm perfectly content lying in it." Nick frowned at his mother, arms crossed as he defended his lovers.

Cordelia groaned. "Oh, that you will. If this.. Situation is to be permanent, then I will not have any inappropriate behavior from any of you, most of all you, Nessa." She walked out of the room, making Nick sigh.

"That went better than I expected. Are you alright, Nessie?" He looked at the older Halliwell sister, who had tears in her eyes.

"I'll be alright, baby. Your mom's just been so good to us this summer since we moved in and I just feel that I've betrayed her trust."

"Well, we all did really. But, mom will come around eventually. Even with that initial reaction, you really think she won't be doting on each and every grandchild she gets?"

"Still, I don't like how she's feeling about all this."

"Nessa, stop. It's all going to be fine, I promise. You and our future children will be safe through whatever life has in store for us, and I'll give my life for each and every one of you. Even you two." He added, pointing to Jasmine and Nashrah.

"Who said we even want in on this ridiculous harem idea?" Jasmine said, hands on her hips. "Seems we were just lumped together with the rest of you."

"No, this is.. Much deeper than that. You two consider us all family, right?" The two nodded. "It's the same for me. And the trend of this harem is my considered family, so naturally I expect one or both of you to start showing some sort of signs."

"You can't just bend our will like it's an Imperio, Nick." Nashrah chimed in.

"You're right, I can't. Again, it runs a lot deeper than that. Look at Laura. She wasn't a bitch in heat for me from the beginning. She grew into that the longer the initial affair went on, culminating in her use of the fertility charm against her better judgement. Then Nessa, who went to check on Laura and confirmed her pregnancy when Laura made out with her like Ness had warned me would happen to Saryna. I won't force either of you into this, just don't be surprised if you start feeling the effects."

"But if we're not being affected now, why later? Seems it would be better for you to just screw us all right here and now."

Laura's eyes glazed over at the thought, Nick pinching his nose. "And here she goes. You two need to be careful how you word things around Laura specifically. She's the worst affected as we can all tell. Laur, focus. This isn't the time." Laura frowned as Nessa spoke next.

"Jasmine, Nashrah. I know this is a lot to take in, and it isn't ideal to know one of your closest friends is a ticking time bomb of lust. But, it happened and now as it seems, you both will eventually feel a similar way. I've tried to find any other way out of the situation growing out of control, but the only end to the growth of this harem is quite literally marriage, and at that I'm the only one currently of age to even go through with marriage unless Nick was emancipated. So, sorry girls. Guess you're going to have to resist the pull longer and harder than either myself or Laura did."

"Um, but we were both pretty far gone real quick. Saryna's not feeling it yet and it's been a week. Maybe it's dependent on the individual?"

Nessa hummed. "You might have a point. My uncle Hermes, he had a good number of wives, and he always used to tell me how one of them gave him a long run for her attention. We'll have to wait and see."

"Yeah. You girls best get back home before it does start affecting you. Plus, I think the adrenaline from everything today is finally wearing off, I'm beat."

Nashrah and Jasmine both nodded, getting up to leave. As they passed where Nick sat, Nashrah put her hand on his shoulder. "My family was very traditional in the same way when my parents were young. I'll see if they know anything that might help you guys out."

Nick sighed. "Thanks, Nashrah. See you guys later." With smiles, the two still neutral girls exited the house through the library floo.

Now alone, the four breathed a collective calming sigh. "Oh, and by the way, love." Saryna smiled. "Forget what I said about no Puritans. Steal that bitch Lizzie from Looper. And make him watch."

The others looked at her incredulously. "Saryna, what the fuck?! That's dark, darker than anything I've ever heard you say." Nessa said.

"Not that I don't like the more assertive, tough post-mind alteration Saryna, but that idea is legit terrifying." Laura added.

"I'm with them, babe. Not that I wouldn't like to see Jack Looper in total shock, but that would be a declaration of war."

"So what?! Jack Looper deserves a hell of a lot worse than a bruised ego from watching his girlfriend beg his archnemesis to fill her with cum."

Nick couldn't help but imagine the sight, Lizzie on her knees, tongue lolling out of her mouth as Nick tore her apart from behind. His cock twitched and Saryna smiled, running over it. "Mm, it seems someone's up for it. Please, Nicky?"

Nick groaned. "Damnit, Ryna! For one not as deeply affected as Laura or Nessa are, you sure are a freaky little thing." He smiled. "Fine. Once school starts, if the little jackass tries to start anything, then I will sic Laura on that poor girl and bring her into the fold. Poor bastard won't see it coming."

Despite the dark suggestion, Nessa couldn't help but feel hot under the collar from it. "Fuck, I gotta get out of here before we all wind up the same as Lizzie will be. Again. Laura, come on. Someone has to help you keep your own control around here." She dragged Laura out of the library leaving Nick and Saryna by themselves now.

"Why the sudden change of heart about Lizzie? Or the idea of adding those Children of Purity?"

"Lizzie knew something was up when she saw all of us hanging on your arm, Nicky. You noticed it, didn't you? The spark of longing in her gaze?" Nick nodded as Saryna continued to try and coax him into more sex, whispering her words in his ear as she ground her hips onto his. "And with how she wouldn't stop hitting on you despite that Puritan connection last year, I don't think much effort would be required for her soon-to-be induction."

"It scares me how darkly arousing you are these days, my love. Is that leftover jealousy for not being the first one I had sex with?"

Saryna giggled. "Maybe. I'm starting to think what Fontaine did to me isn't all bad."

"I would say so. I mean, you're a lot more assertive now, and you don't just take everyone's crap like in our first year. I think we've had enough excitement for one day, though. Rain check?"

Saryna slid off him with a pout. "Fine. But only because we have all the time in the world to catch up to Laura."

"Jealousy isn't a good thing, but damn does it let you focus. Get some sleep, love. The secret's out now, and things can only get tougher from here." Nodding, Saryna laid her head on Nick's chest and closed her eyes with Nick following soon after.

The Next Day..

It was Sunday, which meant the weekly breakfasts at Nick's house for the group of friends. And after being woken up by the three women who held his heart, Nick began to worry if the new relationship dynamic and the possibly inevitable addition of Nashrah and Jasmine had alienated the two girls not yet involved. Thankfully, as pissed off at Nick as they were, the two still arrived and at least tried to act like everything was normal. Cordelia, however, still held a grudge. Whether it was really because of Nessa's inclusion in the harem, Laura's initial and successful attempts to 'steal' Nick from Saryna or even the matter of future additions, Nick couldn't tell. But, Cordelia had refused to say as much as a word past greeting to any of them. It's understandable. Nick thought. Mom didn't know anything about this until it was too late to stop it. She can't stay mad forever.. She can't possibly ignore how happy I am now despite the situation..

"Mom, I'm sorry we never told you any of what's going on.. I know you're my mother and I can always come talk to you about things, but this situation was different. This isn't the same as when I told you I was crushing on Saryna in first year." Despite her newfound boldness, Saryna still sported a blush. "Or some issues with an upcoming subject for school. This is something else that you're scared about because you don't completely understand it. Neither do I, but I'm trying to just take it one day at a time, just like you taught me to when I let dad's death get me down."

Cordelia stopped her washing of the few dishes she had just used. ".. I know that, Nick. This isn't a situation any mother wants their son in, especially not at such an age. There is definitely a tinge of dark magic behind that condition of your contract and as harmless as it seems now, that may very well change. Take your situation now. You have Saryna, Laura and Nessa wrapped around your finger right now, but you know it won't just stay at those three.

"Laura, bless your heart but you know something darker is going on. Look at how insatiable you are after all this. It's unbecoming of such a beautiful young woman. And Nessa.. Damn it, you knew more about this than anyone and you still intentionally withheld that information and due to that you're just as much a victim to it as Laura. Poor Saryna should be utterly destroyed by the whole situation leading to her own late knowledge of Nick and Laura's affair but no! You've become some kind of semi-twisted version of yourself ever since Nick broke whatever mind altering spell Fontaine put on you and are now actively trying to persuade Nick to add more women into this than the five he's specifically chosen.

"I heard you two last night, planning such a horrible thing to do. That boy doesn't deserve that no matter how his parents raised him to think."

"But that doesn't excuse his trash attitude, mom! Yeah, it might be extreme but honestly I don't think there's an easier way other than killing him to get him to back the hell off of me and Saryna especially. He never hesitates to make Saryna's day hell. It'll be justified. And Nessa has all three of them taking the potion to calm themselves so hopefully by the time school starts back up, Laura can at least not be a hazard to anyone at school. If I have to I'll look it up in the Ilvermorny library for any other possible solutions. I won't let this get out of control, mom. You should know me much better than that." With half his plate uneaten, Nick got up from the table and stalked off.

Saryna sighed and went to find him, Laura in tow. Nessa pinched her nose. "Cordelia, that boy is the furthest thing from dark I've known in my twenty years of living. He's a fucking paragon to his peers for how fearless he is about the Puritans. No, your rage is understood. Shit, I understand how badly it's warranted, but Nick trusts you to be on his side about this despite what little control you had over it. He needs his mother's support, and here I am giving him that when I'm technically bound to him as a wife. That boy worships the ground you stand on, and you can't just try and support him?"

"I want to, Nessa, but this changes things and you know it. You must know how that kind of power corrupts even the most virtuous. If Laura was at least done with her own schooling-"

"It's too late for that, but she chose this pregnancy, whether it was the lust from the contract or her own love for Nick and you should at least respect that."

Cordelia nodded, knowing the younger woman was right. "I do. I won't be one of those mothers who force their children to make that sort of decision. This is just so hard now. Parenting was easy before Nick went and cheated."

"Really? When Nick was only being hunted by Puritans because of his connection with Saryna? I'll agree now is different, more dangerous for him but I think his display of power in Vertic Alley yesterday will have Sayle think twice about just throwing attacks at the populace. What doesn't make sense is why Vertic Alley? The Puritans are all about destroying the No-maj population, so why attack the center of Wizarding shopping?"

"Who knows what that backstabbing fuck thinks!" Cordelia said, slamming a long-handled spoon on the counter, her words conveying knowledge beyond Nessa's own.

"Wait, did you and Nick's father know Sayle when you all were younger?"

Cordelia sighed wearily with a nod. "Yes, we did. In fact, Nick probably has exactly what Sayle really wants."

"What do you mean? What could Nick have that my all but stepfather wants?"

"It's quite simple, really. You went to Ilvermorny. You even graduated somewhat recently. Have you ever heard of the Covenant of Chaos?"

That Night..

Nick sighed as he ignored yet another incoming call on his cell, this time the fourth consecutive time Nessa had called him. He held out the small electronic lantern, the neighborhood dark and as creepy at night as Nick had always thought. He had decided to take a walk, just wanting to get away from the drama and hostility with his mother. He spun as he heard a voice behind him. "Fancy seeing you outside without your harem for a change." There, illuminated in the light more so by her blonde curls, was Lizzie.

"Lizzie? What the hell are you doing here? And what are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb, Nick! I know you may have forgotten ever since heir of evil Saryna came into your life, but I haven't forgotten all the years of sharing a school with you."

That confused Nick. Lizzie had been part of his life since before Ilvermorny? He tried to think, to remember the girl as they were younger. "Why don't I remember you?"

Lizzie scoffed. "Beats me. In my experience you've always been the oblivious one in town out of us kids, even more when it comes to us Ilvermorny students."

That reminded Nick of almost everyone's exact words to him back in first and second year, telling him it was obvious Saryna and him felt something towards one another. "Hold up. Why are you even talking to me? Your boyfriend wouldn't like knowing you were conversing with his nemesis. And better yet, what harem?"

"Hah. What Jack doesn't know can't hurt him until it does. And again, don't play stupid with me. I may be blonde, but I'm not dumb. I saw how those three acted with you yesterday in Vertic Alley. It was obvious, really, especially from two factors. The first was that Laura has been suspiciously gaining weight that hangs lower than her stomach all summer, not to mention she's been all but M.I.A. from the neighborhood for half of that time as opposed to last year when she was always over your place. The second factor was how Saryna looked at me like a piece of meat. Like a sexual trophy."

If you only knew what she had in store with you.. "Again, what about Looper? How do I know you won't go blabbing whatever I tell you to him?"

"If I really wanted Jack to do anything to you, I would have told him about your situation with the girls so he could go do whatever the fuck he thinks is right by his parents. And I.. I have my own reasons not to tell him."

Nick raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh really? Like what? Knowing each other prior to Ilvermorny can't be the only reason you would choose to sideline your boyfriend's harassment of me when all of you in the Children of Purity have a grudge against me as it is."

Lizzie sighed. "You really don't get it? What happened to little Sherlock Negron from fourth and fifth grade? When did you become such a dunce?"

Her words triggered a memory, one of a time before he ever knew his family had magic. A little blonde girl laughing at his choice of Halloween costume, commenting it suited him and calling him the name that became Nick's nickname for months, almost an entire year in fact. "You.. You used to follow me around when you thought I wasn't looking."

Lizzie gasped and put her head down to hide the blush creeping up her face. "Oh, that you fucking remember?! Way to embarrass a girl." She said, crossing her arms and turning slightly away from him.

"Well, nicknames and where I got them tend to stick around up here." He chuckled, tapping his temple. "And that was the first time Sherlock was ever used to describe me. So, if you're not saying anything about this to Looper, tell me why. The past be damned, you started dating him."

"Yes, well, actually he asked me out. I only said yes because.. Well, I have my reasons."

"Like what? A girl doesn't just date someone ignoring shit they say or do wrong. Especially not when one of the main targets is an old friend."

"Not all girls are the same, you know." Nick knew, alright. Lizzie was the odd girl out when it came to most of their schoolmates, having the thicker body she did and the strangely lax attitude considering her involvement with the other Children. "But that's not the point."

"Then what is the point? You know, this summer has already been one hell of a roller coaster ride. I don't need any more unknowns."

Lizzie wasn't sure what he meant, but she could hear the conviction in his words. "I.. I guess I can understand that. Fine, if you really must know. It started sometime last year at school. I have night terrors occasionally. Very rare but potent when they happen. I have a pass to walk the halls to clear my mind, so I was doing just that that night. I was wandering around the North Tower," Nick stiffened. "And I heard some very provocative noises coming from the storage room everyone believes is perpetually locked. Being curious, I cracked the door open and what do you think I saw?"

Nick sighed. "The reason you know about Laura's condition. That makes enough sense, then. But, what does that have to do.. Merlin, you didn't stay and watch us did you?"

Lizzie's blush deepened. "I didn't mean to! But once I realized what was going on, what I was looking at, I just couldn't look away. It became a habit that I would go wandering just to witness the act again. I still don't understand why, not fully."

Nick's eye twitched, barely visible even in the light of the small TAC lantern. "Jeez, you pervert."

"Says the guy who not only cheated but impregnated a girl who wasn't their significant other."

"Well, it wasn't like Saryna was putting up with me last year, is it?"

"That's another thing. What was her deal last year? If she wasn't hating you because of the whole Laura thing, then why?"

"Not that it's really your business, but Fontaine altered her mind at the end of second year. I broke it the night we showed up in the Great Hall saying Sayle returned. The whole affair with Laura at the time was partially me falling for her, otherwise she was just being the best and most caring friend she could. Even if that meant confessing she wanted me since first year."

"You work quickly. Of course, I know that already. But, how did Saryna's sister get involved? And why are you suddenly amassing a harem?"

"Why are you so interested if this doesn't have to do with Looper?"

Lizzie giggled, rolling her eyes. "Maybe I'll tell you. If you tell me why all this is happening to you these days."

"Hard bargain. I would say pass, but maybe the truly third party perspective could help me clear my head. Alright, you want to know how everything started? Well, from you spying on Laura and I.." He began recounting the ridiculous story for the girl, who just stood and listened to the tale.

Meanwhile..

"Where is he? He's never just disappeared like that." Laura said as the three women walked through the neighborhood, the only place Nick could be while he wasn't found at the house. Not to mention, Nick hadn't been present at home for more than a couple hours now and the girls worried, both for Nick and for the possible hijinks he could (and probably would) happen across.

"I don't know. Cordelia knows how to hit the chords enough to get him upset. I feel like he could be rethinking this whole thing." Nessa said, clutching her heart in worry.

"He won't. Nick cares about us all too much to end the idea. Plus, the only way to cancel everything out in a way other than marriage is destroying the contract, and Nessa is the only one who actually knows where it is." Saryna pointed out.

"Whatever, let's focus on finding our man right now. Wait, isn't that the other little lantern from the house?" Laura said, pointing to a light floating in the air some ways ahead of them.

Saryna looked and recognized Nick standing there, not recognizing the girl he was standing with. She rushed up to them, her sister and Laura following close by. ".. And that's everything until you walked up."

"Nicky! There you are!" Saryna said as she jumped to give Nick a hug as Nessa and Laura walked up behind her, both eyeing Lizzie nervously.

Nessa noticed Laura starting to shake, as if something was fighting to come out. She realized that Laura was still looking at Lizzie and the longer it went on, the more fidgety the sixteen year old became. The lust..? Why is she being affected by Lizzie? Nessa put her hand on Laura's shoulder, the younger girl looking at the eldest of the three with a pleading look. "No, Laura. You promised Nick you wouldn't let yourself go berserk on any other women." She whispered.

"I can't help it. I felt like this yesterday when she looked at us, too."

Not good.. Nessa sighed as she held the girl from doing something she didn't mean as Saryna finally noticed Lizzie standing there. "What the fuck do you want, Lizzie? Why are you even here?"

Lizzie pointed to the house directly behind her. "I live here, Saryna. I'm allowed to be outside my own house. It just so happens to have been with Nick wandering around needing someone to listen to him."

"The fuck did you say?!" That got Nessa irked as Nick held his hands out between the two groups. "Girls, that's enough. Lizzie isn't the enemy, I can feel it."

Saryna groaned. "That's not fair! Now who do we use to get back at Looper?"

That got Lizzie's attention. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Nick cleared his throat. "Saryna has, since accepting and embracing this harem situation, been trying to persuade me in turning others to our side, if that's the right term. Most recently, sparked by her own hatred of you hitting on me constantly last year," Laura growled at Lizzie just at the reminder of the blonde's actions while her and Nick had been an exclusive (yet secret) couple.

Lizzie hummed as she eyed Laura. "So, Lizzie, I told you the story of how this madness started. You mind telling me why you're so interested in it now?" Nick asked, trying to just finish the conversation so they could go and not possibly have a lawsuit on their hands.

Lizzie nodded. "I guess you deserve that much for telling me what's obviously somewhat of a secret still. I want in, simple as that."

"Jeez, seriously. I didn't need that right now. Looks like you may still get your wish, Ryna."

"No! It's not the same if she knows about it!" Saryna pouted.

Nick chuckled. "You're so cute when you pout. Lizzie, we may be inclined to bring you in. If you don't mind doing something as kind of a favor."

"Anything. What do you need?" As eager as she seemed, Nick couldn't figure why she wanted to be a part of the chaos his life was slowly falling into. Despite that, he told her what Saryna had decided was a 'good' course of action.

Three Weeks Later..

"You know, if you two are starting to feel anything, you can tell me, right?" Nick said as he lounged by the pool, Nashrah, Jasmine and Laura lined up with him while Saryna and Nessa played with young Kari, the girl being levitated by the older Halliwell before being tossed to the other side of the pool, where Saryna waited with a target-shaped pool lounger.

Jasmine picked her head up from the book she was reading to frown at him from behind the rose-colored sunglasses she wore. "Nick, quit asking us if we're okay every two hours. If we do start to feel anything Laura described when she started falling to the effects, then we'll tell you."

"Unless we get affected as hard as Laura was. Then we'll be three insatiable peas in a pod." Nashrah added, not looking at any of the others as she spoke.

"Laura wasn't always as bad. That's actually like this summer kind of new, as you both should know, having been around her all of last year."

"You mean when none of us knew you were literally impaling her almost wvery night? That's what you said, right Liz?"

Lizzie, who had been invited over for whatever reason by Saryna, was also sunbathing but as far from Laura as she could get, now knowing why Laura kept licking her lips towards the other girl. "It wasn't that often. Well, maybe by the time Nick fixed Saryna's head."

"Why did Saryna even invite you?" Muttered Laura as Nick chuckled.

"Oh, Laura. It's our fault for not locking that door. Because of it now we have a closet pervert. But you do have a point. Lizzie, why did Saryna invite you?" This better not be some kind of plan, babe. He thought as Lizzie shook her head.

"No idea. She wouldn't tell me when she did, and I asked. She said she'll tell me later, when is anyone's guess." She shrugged, leaning back in the chair with a sigh. "I wish we were done with school."

"I think we all do, for various reasons." Jasmine said. "Laura so she could try to kill Nick from sex, Nessa and Saryna fighting over him like sisters do," And had in the last couple weeks, to Nick's confusion. "The two of us so we don't have to be dragged into this damn chaos."

"I don't know, girls. From the sounds of it, Nick might be more man than any of our classmates. Having watched him in action, I can honestly say Laura was ruined for any other man from night one of their affair."

"It wasn't totally an affair. Saryna wasn't even considering me a friendly acquaintance, let alone lovers. Laura only stepped in because she already felt something for me. Why exactly I don't know. I've said it before, but I'm no one that special."

"That couldn't be further from the truth and you know it somewhere in your heart, lover boy." Came Nessa's voice as her smooth barely damp arms wrapped around his neck soothingly. "And I think I may be able to answer what has made you somewhat irresistible to the ladies."

"Like what? What the fuck do you know now that we don't, Nessa?!" Half-shouted Saryna, the building anger between the sisters noticeable.

"It's not like that, Saryna! Stop making problems with me. If it wasn't for me in the first place, you wouldn't even be betrothed to Nicky here." Nessa's words shut Saryna down even as she had a retort on her tongue.

"Come on girls. This is supposed to be a good day. The guys are finally coming back and coming over so they know what half-cocked chaos they've missed over the summer. It's a day for our family."

That made both sisters instantly calm down and sigh. "Alright." Came the dual reply as Nick smiled.

"Good. Now, Nessie, what are you trying to tell us now?"

Nessa seemed nervous but spoke anyway. "It may not be entirely your fault, the whole 'addiction' angle that made Laura how she is." Nessa emphasized. "My aunt, one of them at least. She told me when I was young, Saryna hadn't been born yet, that when my betrothal cane around, she wanted to ensure I found someone who would be able to, in her own words, 'save the family'. Now, I know she was talking about her own clairvoyance, having seen Sayle murder everyone other than Saryna and I. But, she said to look for an attractor. I asked her what she meant and she told me it was simply a man who has women drawn to him, even at unnatural levels. These men and occasionally women are rarer than rare, usually born every few generations or so. I believe Nick is one such man. It adds up. His familial feelings towards all of us, the almost instant crushes/love we formed for him, you both not included yet." She pointed to Jasmine and Nashrah. "And Laura's ability to sway others into the harem is a sort of side-effect of them being the first girl.. Chosen, let's say. Which is why Saryna and I should be a little grateful to her."

Saryna crossed her arms, still not completely on board with Laura's involvement. "Still should have been me."

"But without her, neither of us would be in this, and as much as I would have said I hated it, I don't. I kinda wish it had happened earlier, underage consent and whatnot be damned. Again though, that thinking is the contract acting through us."

"So should you guys really keep this going?" Jasmine asked, worried. "This could destroy all of us in ways we never would have thought."

"You're right, Jas, and that's why this will only end if Nick tells me to terminate the contract, whatever kids already born-"

"Stop, stop. Jasmine, it might seem unlike me, but I want this. I would be absolutely lying if I said I wasn't attracted to either of you, especially with the adorable stubborn bang Nashrah has or the fact that you're a fifty-fifty mix of Japanese and Dominican." Jasmine blushed while Nashrah tried to hide the mentioned strand of hair hanging over the right side of her face, biting her lip.

"Nick, don't just compliment them! We have no idea whether that brings the contract further into play." Nessa scolded him. Although that would explain how you got to me. She thought.

"We're fine, Nessa. No impure thoughts here." Jasmine said determinedly as Nashrah nodded, her eyes hidden behind her sunglasses.

"Fine, fine. Where are those boys? Always running-"

"We're back!" Came Colin and Tyler's voices as they entered the backyard, towels over their arms and dressed in their swim trunks. "So, what did we miss?" The others all gathered looked at each other to the two returned boys' confusion. "No, seriously, what did we miss? And why is Lizzie the Serpent here?"

Nick sighed. "Sit down you two. This is gonna be a long story. One that I've already told too many times this summer." The two boys sat down, unsure of what was going on as Nick started speaking again. "So, remember how Laura was extra clingy with me last year..?"

Later..

Tyler and Colin sat there, jaws and eyes wide in a mix of shock and confusion. What.. The.. Fuck?!" Colin exclaimed.

"No fair, bro. Why do you get all the cool shit happening to you?" Tyler asked incredulously.

Nick's forehead pulsed from a forming headache. "I didn't want this to happen at first, Ty. Hell, I didn't want the contract clause to even go into effect. That was spurred on by Laura's actions before school ended." Neither Nick, Nessa or Laura had even entertained the idea of telling the others that the beginning was in fact the night Nick actually impregnated the older girl, also being the night they had all gotten home from Ilvermorny for that summer.

"And now I wish I could take back some of it, at least."

"I know, Laur, I know. I don't want this to end. Not if that means I lose the three of you I already have."

The three women in question all swooned at his words, a reaction Nashrah and Jasmine almost had to fight off whereas Lizzie just wished she was already involved in the harem.

"But then why is Lizzie here again? She was nowhere specified in that recap."

"Honestly? Only Saryna knows. She invited her, not me." Nick saw the look that passed over Tyler's face as he looked at Jasmine. "Hey, Ty? Don't worry. As of right now Jasmine, Nashrah and Lizzie aren't part of this." That was all he said, but Tyler nodded anyway.

"The hell I'm not!" Lizzie said. "I'm the one being used to get back at my shithead boyfriend."

"Not now. The guys don't need to know about Saryna's very dark turn in her thinking yet. They'll see enough of it at school, I'm sure."

"That's another thing. How are you going to cover all of this up once we go back? I doubt the professors or even Fontaine are going to let you go and screw your girls all the time, which seems needed on what you've said about Laura's own attitude adjustment."

"Fuck you Colin. Just because I'm.. You know what, nevermind. The little one doesn't need to hear such talk." She said, smiling warmly as she rubbed how showing belly.

"And you already have one on the way. Wait, are you sure Nessa isn't preggo too?"

The situation only descended more into chaos as the two boys tried to find reason in what had gone on the past year that they had known nothing of beforehand, each member of the group making arguments and questions about everything they could think of. The brain trust is together and still stumped beyond all reason.. Fuck me.. Nick thought as the sun began to set and the lights in the backyard turned on, illuminating any shadows that had threatened to take over the yard.

"And Laura's parents are okay with all this?" Nick had expected the question to be asked by anyone at any point that summer, especially as Laura had been at the house more often than her own home.

Laura sighed. "They're not entirely okay with it. Thanks to Nessa, they at least understand that right now, I'm my own worst enemy in a way. The potion Nessa has been making for all of us already involved has us more in control, but I'm much further gone in this whole lust shit than either Nessa or Saryna. Staying close to Nick keeps me better in control."

"That we can tell. From how Nick told it, you can't keep yourself off him."

"Not entertaining the facts there today, sorry not sorry."

"Alright alright. That's enough. We have more important matters at hand, like our friends finally back from vacation! So, how was it you two?"

"Oh it was fine. Much less stressful than anything going on at home. Which reminds me, nice one-liner against those Puritans in Vertic Alley. That was priceless."

"I try. I was just really pissed off for them trying anything in such a public and contradictory place."

"Agreed. So, what's next?"

Nick sighed with a chuckle. "I have no idea. As far as I'm concerned, I have enough on my plate for our fourth year, what between my girls, Laura's own extra issues and whatever Sayle has planned this year to try and stop us from fighting him."

"Then we start there. What could Sayle possibly be looking for at Ilvermorny that he can't find anywhere else? Especially during the school months."

Nessa gasped. "That's right, I never got the chance. Accio photos!" Out from one of the upper floor windows flew several old photos, ones Nick recognized as some moments from his parents' time at Ilvermorny. "You all know who these six are, right?" She asked, holding up a picture that was also featured at the school.

"That's my parents and the other four members of dad's little group the Covenant of Chaos. But what does that have to.. Oh, shit." Nick realized what Nessa was trying to tell him as he looked closer at the four people present other than his parents. "Sayle was one of the Covenant?!"

Nessa nodded. "As it seems. Your mother told me back in school Sayle wasn't always a bad guy. Not until he started thinking up darker and more dangerous pranks, the ones I've been told are hidden within that last locked compartment of your schoolbag."

Nick thought about the Bag O' Tricks up in his room, how the last compartment seemed like it hadn't just been locked to keep those documents inside, but from outside forces bent on obtaining them. He had tried, with Fontaine's own assistance the year before, to force the pocket open, but the case itself seemed hard-locked against forceful entry. "That's why Fontaine warned me about those, but that doesn't help anyone because nothing I do gets that damn pocket open."

"And it should stay that way." Came Cordelia's voice as she came outside with levitating platters of food to plop onto the grill. "Those plans are much more dangerous than even the infamous Weasley Twins in Britain could have thought up, and just that much more dark. Auron can't be allowed to get his hands on that bag, Nick. Your father thought that it would be safer that way, except he didn't realize his superb locking of that bag's most dangerous contents would make it a genetic lock."

"But, mom.. That still doesn't add up. I can't open it."

"Because it's not any of our family's genetic code it wound up locked to, sweetheart. Think."

Nick thought about it. It did make some sense, the pocket only being hardwired to someone's DNA, but it would have made more sense to use his father's- his own at this point- as the locking force. He looked up at the sky for a second before meeting Saryna's gaze as he cursed. "How would that happen? Sayle's DNA being used to unlock dad's case.. Maybe the fact the pocket holds Sayle's designs and not my dad's.."

"That's how I've always thought of it. That's why I told you to always keep it safe, although you may in fact have had the means to open the pocket all along. Isn't that right, dear?" Cordelia asked Saryna.

"I'm not going near that thing if it means my father might get to it. What aren't you telling us though, mom?"

Cordelia gave a sad smile. "Something I've regretted ever since that.. Man changed. In fact, if he hadn't gone dark until later, he might very well have been Nick's father, not yours."

Nick screeched in terror, most unlike him. "Oh hell no, I'm not listening!"

"Oh, so mature. What do you all see in him?"

"He's protective." Came the Halliwell sisters' voices in unison.

"He hits places I didn't even know I had." Laura said offhandedly, much to the same reaction Nick had, but now Colin and Tyler were the ones chanting they couldn't hear anything.

"Damn, hit him hard with the fact, Laur. I'm sure no one other than us girls is even remotely interested in that fact." Nessa deadpanned, arms crossed across the teal bikini top she wore.

"You're just jealous I'm having the first baby." Laura said childishly, sticking her tongue out at the oldest woman involved.

"I am not jealous! Ugh, if I wanted it to happen already, I would have let it and without resorting to goddamn fertility spells."

"Well, this escalated very quickly into a conversation I want no part of. Maybe we should go, let you guys talk out whatever issues you're all having with each other and we'll see you next week for our day before school party. Sound cool?" This was met with nods from everyone as the two boys left with Jasmine and Nashrah in tow, both girls in denial about the butterflies they had been starting to feel throughout the conversation and wanting to get out of there before it did suck them into the apparent drama.

Nessa stalked off into the house, followed by Saryna and Lizzie, whom Saryna had beckoned to follow. This left Nick and Laura alone, with Cordelia at the grill. "That was a little harsh, mama. I know it's partially your hormones and partially the lust at work in tandem, but Nessie is just as much a part of this as you or Saryna, and I can't have my ladies at each other's throats."

Laura looked away. "I know. I'm just so.. I'm not sure what the word is. Protective, maybe? Of you and the fact you technically chose me first and somewhere in my mind I feel the others are trying to one-up me in some way. I'm sorry I snapped."

"I know you are, but I'm not the one you need to apologize to. I just hope your words aren't awakening something in Nessa. One strong push is all she needs to fall to her own desires like you did, and I'd really rather that happen naturally with any other women who get involved with this. I should be the one apologizing to you. I created a sexual monster unknowingly with you last year, I don't need that happening again."

Laura nodded. "I understand. I'll go find her." Laura got up and walked back inside, leaving Nick to lean back in his chair and sigh. Life.. Harder and harder every month these days..

Meanwhile..

Saryna brought Lizzie into what had originally been planned as her own bedroom (before the instant decision that Nick and her would instead share his) and closed the door as she sat on the almost unused bed. "So, Lizzie.. I have a bone to pick with you."

"Isn't that bone attached to Nick?" Lizzie said, making Saryna's eyes shine before she shook her head.

"No, don't even try. That trick works on Laura, maybe Nessa, but not me. I'm the furthest from being a bitch in heat out of all of us, even Jasmine and Nashrah. It was small, but there was an effect on them. They had the right idea, leaving with the other boys."

"Even though Tyler obviously has a crush on Jasmine?"

"I'm afraid so. Not to mention, we don't know what could happen if Nick somehow attracts another girl at school who already has a boyfriend."

"You mean like you were intending to experiment with using me?"

Saryna laughed nervously. "Yeah, more or less.. But that brings up my actual question for you. Why are you so fucking adamant about joining this chaos? The real reason, not that bullshit answer from three weeks ago. 'I want in. Simple as that.' my ass! What's the real motivation?"

"And here I thought Nick was the Sherlock-level detective. Fine, you want the truth? Sure. I want into this whole harem business for something that to you or maybe Laura should be obvious." When Saryna didn't continue, Lizzie did. "It was only a crush, back in elementary school. Following him around when I thought he didn't see me, teasing him endlessly about almost anything I could figure to. Then came the time our Ilvermorny letters came. I never saw him in Vertic Alley that year, but it sure was a surprise to see that boy I had a crush on walk onto the Gordian Sorting Circle in first year. After I saw how well you and him bonded during that year, well I got a bit jealous. I put it out of my mind, thinking he might have just been taking pity on you for what Sayle did to your family. I never would have guessed he was your father.

"Then came that summer. After the heroics Nick went through to keep you safe, my crush only got stronger, and so did my jealousy. Seeing you two together almost all summer when I was trying to actually talk to him set me even further in those feelings. I hated you, but only because you came into Nick's life from nowhere, but he chose you as became obvious in second year when you made it official. And yes, I knew you two had gotten betrothed or whatever come that January. I must have been the only student to notice the ring on your hand at the time, probably in general."

"What about last year then? You technically had all of the Ilvermorny year to try and snag him. It wasn't like I was very amicable towards him."

"Knowing it was Fontaine's doing, I can't fault you actually. But, I was pretty elated when I saw you two fighting and the subsequent walks around the neighborhood last summer trying to see if you were ever at his house. By that time, Nick knew me as the semi-Puritan bitch in our class, so I knew he wasn't just going to talk to me. So I stayed quiet that year at school, constantly teasing him to try and get him to notice me again like he used to in elementary. Well, until I started spying on him and Laura. I did have an urge to tell you about it, but it wouldn't have done anything from your attitude then."

"So you kept spying on their sessions? That's worse than Laura is now with the mix of untamed lust and pregnancy hormones!"

"So what?! Part of me dating Looper was also trying to get him to notice me, and I mean I guess it did work. He's remembered my name since, at least."

That made Saryna laugh. "Then what about the hatred toward me for last year? With me and Nick not being together until literally the last day, why were you always such a bitch to me?"

"Because your total one-eighty in attitude pissed me the fuck off, Saryna! I've wanted to even just kiss that boy for years and you had that. Your turning your back on sweet little Nicky hurt me, but not as much as it did him. Every single duckinf time he looked at you, all I saw was sadness and longing, just like me. So yes, I tried to make your year hell, but only because I hated the fact you broke Nick's heart after only about a year. And partially because Laura beat me to it."

"Now that you know the extent of how this whole harem thing has gone, would you really put yourself in Laura's place?"

Lizzie nodded. "Yes, I would have killed to be in the positions he had her in. I didn't even think some were possible."

"Laura is pretty flexible, I will admit." Memories bubbled to the surface of Saryna' mind. "But she has become a very special case. Nessa has no clue why Laura wound up being so damn insatiable. We've actually been limiting how much sex she gets trying to snap her back into control of herself, but that hasn't really been working out."

"I can tell. Seems Laura has a very unhealthy case of sex on the brain."

"That she very much does. Hopefully it does calm down a bit once the baby's born." Saryna subconsciously rubbed her own stomach which made Lizzie eye her cautiously.

"Saryna, how badly has Laura's pregnancy been affecting you? That's the fourth time today I've seen you longingly rubbing your stomach and I know you're not already pregnant."

Saryna looked at her, wide-eyed. "What? I haven't been-" She stopped herself as she saw her hand rubbing the area, sighing. "Shit. Alright, I'm still royally pissed at Laura for what she did in the fog of her mind, but I know she didn't want it to be so.. Strong a reaction to having sex in general, let alone get addicted to it. So yeah, I do want to mother Nick's child but.."

"You're afraid any of us involved will become as bad as Laura once it happens." The weary nod Saryna gave told Lizzie just how much the thoughts had been whirling inside her head. "Is that why you've been at your sister's throat lately? You're afraid Nick will leave you for last and breed every other girl involved, even me."

"Fuck, am I that transparent?"

"Not to everyone. The whole school is going to be shocked beyond hell you're even back together, let alone when the secret of Nick starting a harem- as accidental as it is- gets out. I mean, plenty of girls both on the Puritan side of things and not are actually pretty enamored with him already, you know. Even some of the older ones, including Tsume."

Saryna gasped. "No! Tsume Urahara is interested in a guy who stands for everything Sayle doesn't?" Lizzie nodded. "Why?"

"You just said. Tsume wants nothing to do with Sayle. And her and I aren't the only ones within this stupid Children of Purity group. It's all bullshit, right? I mean, why are any of us kids being dragged into this upcoming war?"

"Because our parents forced us into it. Look at me. I'm Sayle's only child, and I would rather kill myself than join him." From there, neither girl spoke for a minute.

"You should go for it, you know? Having a baby." Saryna looked at her in shocked confusion. "The only way you're going to know whether getting pregnant is really why Laura turned into Nick's personal slut is to just get it done and see what happens."

Saryna shook her head. "Jeez, of course you'd just say it like that. Lizzie, I can understand you want this, but it's a much heavier situation than that. If I go full-Laura, then I'll be just as bad around other women and probably attempt to sway them to Nick's bed. Laura already did that exact thing with Nessa, and I don't want to be like that."

"I get it, Saryna. All I'm saying is you're obviously intent on marrying him, harem or not. The least you could do is give him another child. Before your sister does, at least."

"Ugh, don't remind me. Nessa's already dreaming about it, and she's calmer than I or Laura most of the time. I don't want her beating me to it, but at least she wouldn't be around the other girls at school. Less problems than if it was me or Laura."

"So what? You're gonna let him paint Nessa's insides first instead as a test? Not fully fair to you."

"The whole situation is unfair towards me! I was the last of the current three to even know about the harem clause."

"I get that, I do. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry you wound up last to know. Nick didn't know about it until after he technically got Laura preggers. He's such an idiot sometimes. Why do we all love him so much?"

Both girls hummed in thought before answering in unison. "Because he's our idiot!" The two broke out in a fit of hysterical giggles as Saryna looked at Lizzie with half-lidded eyes, one hand tucking the insufferable strand of hair that never hesitated to get in her face back behind her ear.

Lizzie looked back at her quizzically. "What's that look for, Saryna?"

Saryna seemed to snap out of whatever daze she had suddenly been in. "What look?"

"The look that told me you wanted to make out with me, maybe?"

"Fuck. Damn it, and for you? Jeezl. You gotta go, Lizzie. If I kiss you right now, you won't last until school to let our little plan even come to fruition."

Lizzie frowned, not entirely sure the plan Saryna had laid out was even necessary. "We could just record it? I can send it to Looper and he'll fucking have a heart attack. Maybe it'll kill him before school anyway." She shrugged.

Such casual use of such a suggestion had Saryna biting her lip. It would be- no! No, I am not turning into Laura. She shook her head. "No, Lizzie. Sorry. I just don't want to live in the hazy veil of lust Laura does."

Lizzie smiled. "Alright, I get it. If you need to talk, you know where I live now."

"Don't think you're tricking me so easily. We'll see you next week, yeah?"

"Yeah. Feel better, Ryna." Lizzie left the room to find and say goodbye to the others around the house before going home.

Saryna laid back, hands covering her face. "Shit. Why did Lizzie get me to react like that?" She asked herself..

Next Time: The gang head back to school with some new surprises and Looper has an anime-style nosebleed.