Hello, thank you for reading so far. Some of you have already red this story. There are chapters that will differ from the Original. Kol will appear in chapter 14! Hope you enjoy this!
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The morning of the Comet Festival, Rowan woke up earlier than usual. She sat in her bed thinking of the things she's done and would have to do soon. She smiled as she thought of her plan to mess with Damon but quickly frowned. She had forgotten the arrival of a certain 500-year-old vampire, searching for her mother. Anna. She would be here soon and Rowan felt a headache, first thing in the morning. The witch would have to handle Damon as quickly as possible, to make room for another pest. She seriously felt tugged in all directions. For the next couple of months, the problems will be constant and consecutive.
Despite that she sighed and attempted to construct her mind. She thought of a happy accident that occurred because she meddled. Elena had yet to meet Damon. Stefan hadn't disappeared from school after his confrontation with the older brother. So Elena never got ignored or pressured by Caroline to chase after him. The doppelgänger couple was going slow and steady. Rowan enjoyed watching her sister, finally try and return to her happy self. She was never close to Elena but they were sisters and the older felt better when her siblings were doing well.
Speaking of siblings, the Gilbert-witch's mind wandered to her brother. Jeremy wasn't a dealer in this version of events. However, he was still reliant on drugs and infatuated with Vickie. Jenna had caught him trying to sneak out of the house, after they grounded him, to go to the hospital and visit the manipulative bitch! Because that's what Vickie is! She was interested in her drug-induced intercourse with Jeremy but was attracted to and attached to Tyler's wealth and status in town. Rowan shook her head, feeling sorry for the woman. She never had a proper role model to inspire her.
The witch had a rough past life but she had a small support group. Vickie didn't have anybody and her reputation, in town, seemed to spiral downhill as time went on. The witch debated befriending the woman a while back but they never had anything in common. Especially not with Rowan being the 'perfect' elder child to the 'perfect' Grayson and Miranda. Children often teased the witch for being such a smartass and close with her parents. The truth was, Rowan had felt uncomfortable befriending very emotional, unstable teens when she had reached the mental age of 30! It was weird!
Nevertheless, the witch felt bad for giving up on Vickie and decided to allow Jeremy to visit her, supervised of course. Rowan got up to start her day, she was actually excited to see the Comet. Sheila had texted her that they could go to the SWH and watch it together. Rowan wore some top and jeans and headed downstairs to start breakfast. She quietly avoided the creaking step and walked into the kitchen. She enjoyed these mornings, where everyone was still asleep and it was peacefully quiet outside and inside the house. The witch hummed a tune as she made some pancakes.
Half an hour later, she heard the doors upstairs open and close, indicating that her family was awake. The pancake mix was complete and Rowan had finished frying the first three rings. Another half an hour later, Jeremy popped down the stairs. "Good morning cub," greeted the witch. Her brother scrunched his face in disgust at the nickname. He had hated it since he was a child, which was a plus for Rowan, so she kept using it.
"Would you ever stop calling that?" He whined as he plopped himself on a stool and grabbed a plate.
"Jeremy, how else am I gonna embarrass you in front of your future girlfriend?" Teased the witch with a 'isn't that obvious?' face.
"I hate you," fired back the boy.
"Well then, you don't get any pancakes!" Announced the witch and jokingly grabbed his plate.
"Come on nooo! I need my energy!" He whined again.
"Cub, it's not very manly to whine. However, I shall allow you the taste of my magnificent cooking, if you say you loooove me," drawled the older with a smirk. The boy groaned and whispered it. "Can't hear you Cub." Rowan placed her hand on her ear to pretend to hear better.
"I love you okay? Now please stop and give me food!" Argued Jeremy and he was rewarded with his plate, followed by a heap of fruit and syrup. He made an appreciative sound as he bit into it. Right then, Elena came down. Rowan and Jeremy had to take a double-take after they greeted her.
"Well, well, who are you trying to impress pup?" Teased the witch with a smirk, as she noticed Elena's outfit. The doppelgänger hadn't worn such a cute outfit, since their parents' death.
"What? No! I just thought I'd wear something different today," defended the younger girl with a deep blush on her face.
"Oh my god, Elena you look gorgeous! Are you trying to get Stefan to be your date for the Comet?" Asked Jenna, who had come down as well. Her voice was chipper and Elena's eyes widened and then she glared at her sister.
"You told her?" Accused the doppelgänger.
"Of course I did. Now if you disappear we'll know where to look," joked with the witch. Elena just glared and sat down to eat. "Oh and good morning aunt Jenna." The aunt returned the greeting and they sat down to finish their breakfast. The two youngest left for school after that, with Stefan picking Elena up and Jeremy getting a ride with them. Rowan can only imagine the sour look on her brother's face, as he was subjected to their flirting.
When the two guardians were left alone Jenna stared in worry at the witch. "Rowan, I had a call from the Sheriff this morning. They're really worried about the presence of a vampire. I can't help but think...is it Stefan? It only makes sense since he's the only new person in town!" Rambled the aunt.
"Relax aunt Jenna, he's a vampire but he's not the one causing trouble. He's helping get the person actually," said the younger. It wasn't a lie but it was vague enough for the truth. Jenna's eyes widened.
"You're letting him near Elena? Rowan what is wrong with you?!" Said the woman angrily. The witch didn't react, instead, she stared at her aunt with a stoic expression. Rowan had many things wrong with her but allowing some asshole to hurt her sister wasn't one of them.
"Do you really think I'd allow him near Elena if I didn't trust him? Or if I didn't know I can kill him?" Asked the witch, maintaining a reasonable tone. Jenna opened snd closed her mouth multiple times but sighed in defeat.
"No you wouldn't," she admitted.
"Exactly," responded Rowan with a soft smile. "Please relax, we'll catch the culprit soon," reassured the witch, placing her hand on her aunts. Jenna gave a soft smile.
"I'm sorry Rowan, it's just...it's all so much so fast. Your parents passed away not long ago and now this vampire is here...Stefan and Elena are moving very fast...," rambled the redhead.
"You have a presentation due in a few days," continued Rowan. Jenna's eyes widened and the teen grinned in victory, at distracting her aunt.
"Oh my god! The presentation!" Cried Jenna.
"Relax aunt Jenna, that's why I'm here. I'll help you nail it, to the point of getting an A just by entering that conference room," said Rowan with fake confidence. Gesturing dramatically to paint the scene. Jenna snorted at her niece's confidence.
"I don't think that's possible Row and besides, you're the not exactly the best presenter," teased the redhead.
"Please, I am a great public speaker," argued Rowan with a cocky tilt of her head.
"Hmm, so it wasn't you who sweated bullets during their middle-school graduation speech? Or the one who nearly tripped going down the stairs, for the Miss Mystic Falls presentation?" Asked Jenna knowingly with a smirk. Rowan's eyes widened and she blushed deeply.
"That...that is not fair!" Argued the witch, point her finger accusatorially.
"Whatever you say Row, whatever you say."
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At night Rowan and Sheila went to the SWH and watched the Comet with the witches. The Salem Witches were as welcoming as ever and the power surge from the place was intoxicating. Rowan understood why some witches fell into unorthodox methods, to gain power. Magical power was endless and you can gain it through many means. It was addicting to feel the rush in your body and the power in your soul. The Gilbert witch, however, had seen far too many shows and movies and read many books that warned, of gaining too much power. She'd like to remain sane and alive, thank you very much.
The night ended with the woman picking up her siblings from the festival and heading home. They weren't joined by Stefan, surprisingly, as the vampire wanted to go to sleep too. Rowan spent the ride listening to her siblings, excitedly recounting their night. Then, Elena mentioned Bonnie's distrust of Stefan. How she had felt uncomfortable around him, ever since she accidentally touched him and felt 'death'. The younger Gilbert girl asked permission to host a dinner party for her friends so that Stefan can impress Bonnie. Rowan agreed, after a teasing comment, that Stefan has to impress her too.
The next day, Rowan received a message from Stefan, telling her that Damon had shown up to school with Caroline. The witch panicked for a moment, until Stefan reassured her, that the blonde had no visible injuries, nor was she wearing a scarf. The blonde was in top shape and showed up to class on time. Rowan felt slightly better at that. It seemed that Damon maintained his original plans. Unfortunately for him, Caroline was on vervain and he couldn't feed on her. That was an extra pro in Rowan's favour, as Damon won't be able to harm the girl without causing suspicion.
After calming down the witch spent her time studying for an upcoming exam. She informed Jenna of the dinner party and they worked together to make a nice meal for the group. Jenna was going to be out during the party, to allow the younger ones some freedom. Rowan would remain for it, to supervise. Jeremy was still grounded but he was permitted to go out with Jenna, during the party. They would go out and have some aunt and nephew bonding time. Jenna suggested a movie and although annoyed, Jeremy agreed to go. Anything to avoid the heart eyes the doppelgänger couple was throwing at each other.
When it was time for the party, Bonnie showed up a few minutes early. The young Bennett had started showing magical abilities and it was confusing for her. Rowan had discussed the matter with Sheila many times. The Gilbert witch had urged her mentor to come clean to Bonnie as soon as possible. Sheila was hesitant and still believed that there was time. She wanted her granddaughter to experience things alone first. Rowan disagreed with the method but refrained from arguing too much. After all, she wasn't Bonnie's mother or guardian, Sheila was.
Shortly after Bonnie arrived, Stefan showed up. Elena had a huge smile on her face and she greeted him warmly. Rowan smiled as she saw how happy her sister was. "They're moving quite quickly, don't you think?" Bonnie asked, as she uncomfortably watched her friend swoon over Stefan.
"Relax Bunny, teen relationships are always like this. Besides he's making her happy, so I'm not complaining," said the older. Bonnie sighed in defeat, Rowan had a good point. The four started conversing, as they waited for Caroline to show up. The blonde was taking a while and Rowan and Stefan grew worried. Stefan had tried his best to impress Bonnie, with his talk on Salem witches and their history. The young witch was growing fond of him, as he complimented her ancestry and shared his knowledge of them.
Finally, an hour after the start of the party, the doorbell rang. Rowan got up and she immediately had a disapproving look on her face. Damon was out there with Caroline. "Hey, Care took you long enough," greeted the witch as she opened the door. The blonde greeted her with a weak smile and red eyes. Rowan had a feeling that Damon had either hurt her or said something rude.
"Hey sorry for that. I got desert," said the human. Rowan smiled and grabbed the plate of brownies.
"No problem. Who's this?" Asked the witch, as she grabbed the younger teen and guided her inside. Damon stood at the threshold of the door with a charming smile.
"I'm Damon Salvatore, Stefan's brother," introduced the vampire. Rowan gazed at Caroline in question.
"We're kind of going out," explained the blonde in shame.
"After Stefan specifically said that he didn't get along with him?" Whispered Rowan, knowing that Damon could hear. "Care, you're better than this. You shouldn't have invited him," lectured the witch. Caroline stared at her feet and blushed deeply. Suddenly the three were joined by the rest. Stefan wasn't happy and the girls stared in confusion at the scene.
"What's happening?" Asked Elena. "Caroline is everything okay?" She went to comfort her friend and the blonde hugged her tightly.
"Damon what're you doing here?" Asked Stefan, angrily.
"Waiting for Rowan to invite me in, little brother. Come on, relax I come in peace. I'll behave. I came because Caroline invited me," explained the older Salvatore with a sweet smile.
"Bonnie, Elena, take Caroline inside, while I have a chat with the Salvatore brothers," ordered Rowan. The girls knew that tone very well. Rowan had used it only in very serious situations. She usually looked after them and kept them in check when they misbehaved. She rarely used it and when she did, it meant there was no chance of arguing. The three girls scrambled to get inside and sat in the living room waiting. Rowan and Stefan stepped outside. "This way, Damon, I don't want the girls to spy on us while we chat."
The vampires and witch walked to the other side of the house and stood. "What is this? I'm just here to have a nice time with Caroline," defended the older vampire. Rowan and Stefan exchanged glances.
"Does your brother think I'm stupid? Or that I don't know about vampires?" Asked Rowan. Damon's eyes widened in shock and he took a step back. His eyes were sharp and his jaw clenched.
"I don't know, which one would make you angrier at him?" Asked Stefan, mockingly and gave his brother a smirk.
"My intelligence is my best asset, I don't forgive those who insult it easily," replied the witch calmly. She then gave a surge of magic and Damon clutched his head in pain. "Oh, I don't think he's done enough research."
"You mean he didn't know that you're a witch, that can kill him?" Stefan asked in fake wonderment. "Huh? And here I thought that he was being thorough with his plans." By now Damon was on the floor in agony, as Rowan continued to give him aneurysm after aneurysm.
"So, do you want to ask to enter my house again?" Said the witch as she released the vampire from her spell. Damon stared at her with unadulterated hatred. He got up quickly and then sped off. "He's going to attempt to kill me."
"Well, we never mentioned that you can detect him, so he's gonna be in for a disappointment," responded the Ripper. Rowan nodded and they went back inside. The girls bombarded them with questions, especially Caroline. Stefan told them that his brother was trying to use Caroline to get to Elena, so he could get to Stefan. Surprisingly, the Ripper spoke of how he and Damon had fallen for the same girl once. That Damon was never over it and he chose every chance he got to torment Stefan about it. "She died because of a mistake I made. I grew distant and lonely and he grew angry and blamed me for her death," admitted the Ripper.
"I'm sure it wasn't truly your fault Stefan. And besides, it's still no reason to treat you like he has," said Bonnie. Caroline was now in tears.
"I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have ignored what you said about him," she apologised and Elena rubbed her arms in comfort.
"Care it's okay, you didn't expect it to be this bad. Never, feel sorry for seeing the best in people and giving them a chance," said Rowan. Afterwards, the dinner party was back on track. It was slightly awkward during dinner but once they got into games and charades, things picked up. By the end of the night, Stefan had gained Bonnie and Caroline's approval and Elena was rapidly falling in love.
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The next day was the first game of the season and the day Tanner was meant to die. Rowan felt guilty for not feeling anything towards his demise. She debated saving him but she realised that his death played an important role in the progression of events. If Tanner doesn't die, Alaric won't get the job of a History teacher. As much as his morals were screaming at her to do something, Rowan chose to allow Nature to take its course. If Tanner died then it was meant to be, if he didn't then that's one person alive, that Rowan didn't have to worry about.
The witch was more concerned with Caroline. If Damon no longer had access to her, he may choose to hurt her. Thankfully the blonde had yet to invite him inside her house and Rowan had been very persistent, in her lecture, that Caroline avoids him at all costs. The witch still asked Stefan to keep an eye on the blonde just in case. It was easy for him since he was now on the team and could use it as an excuse to spend time with Caroline.
Elena on the other hand had quit cheerleading. After a deep conversation with her sister, she realised her passion for it was gone. Rowan supported her sister in the decision and reassured her that, whenever Elena was ready again, she can still return to cheerleading. The older Gilbert encouraged her sister to pursue what felt right for her, always. Elena was hesitant, due to the great memories she had with her best friends but ultimately decided to quit. Bonnie was also supportive, as was Caroline, although she was heartbroken, to hear that Elena would stop.
The day went mostly like the original timeline, with Tyler and Jeremy getting into a fight. Rowan got the news from Elena when the younger sister called to tell her of what happened. "Did you know? That Jeremy and Vickie were sleeping together," she asked Rowan.
"Yes, he wasn't exactly subtle," admitted Rowan.
"Are you serious?! You let him sleep with her?" Yelled Elena.
"What was I meant to do Elena? Forbid him from seeing her, like some barbaric, old fashioned mother?" Asked Rowan, heatedly. "He was devastated and she comforted him. It want healthy correct but she still gave him comfort that we couldn't! If I tried to cage him and forbid him from things, he would've rebelled and gotten worse!"
"So what now? Aren't you gonna at least talk to him?" Responded to the doppelgänger, feeling frustrated with the situation. She knew that Rowan had good points but it still felt infuriating that her older sister, their guardian, hadn't protected Jeremy better. Meanwhile, the witch felt guilty but also hand-tide. She wasn't perfect by any means and most of the time, her best efforts still backfired in her face. This was one of those times, where she couldn't win. If she was strict with Jeremy he might slip from her and fall into a dangerous path. If she just let him be, then he'd believe it was okay and continue to ruin his life.
Despite this, Rowan stood by her decision but apologised for not doing better. Elena felt a little guilty for accusing her sister of not thinking of a better solution. She knew how stressed Rowan was and how hard her sister was working, to provide the best support for the family. The doppelgänger said she'd have a chat with Jeremy herself and Rowan shouldn't worry about it. The witch thanked her sister and they ended the call.
At night, most of the town was at the bleachers, ready to watch the game. The cheerleaders entered and were giving a warmup performance for the audience. Rowan watched with butterflies in her stomach. She was anxious for the possible end of the night. She prayed that everything worked out, even if Tanner died. Fortunately or unfortunately, she got her answer quickly. The game was held off, because coach Tanner was found dead by Stefan and Bonnie, in the parking lot.
The ambulance was called and the body of Tanner was taken. Rowan drove her siblings back home and informed Jenna of the news. The aunt was upset but just as Rowan, wasn't truly remorseful for his loss. The witch comforted her siblings as they sat in shock. "Who would've thought? Tanner of all people," said Jeremy. The family members sat down in silence for a few hours. They had nothing good to remember the History teacher by, however, he was still a human and he died abruptly and viciously.
When Rowan was finally able to convince her siblings to head to bed, she got a phone call from Sheila. "Rowan, I think I am going to tell Bonnie next weekend," said the older witch. "She came crying to me tonight, saying that she had a vision of Tanner's death and the numbers, of the parking lot spot, he was found at."
"I think that's wise Sheila, the sooner she knows the easier for her to adapt," responded Rowan. The young witch got another phone call that night. This time it was Stefan.
"It was my fault! I coax Damon into proving he had no humanity!" He rambled in guilt.
"Stefan listen to me! You can't let the guilt eat you up, otherwise, you may lose control!" Said Rowan with worry. "You didn't know. Damon was probably trying to prove something. I don't think he lacks humanity either but his hatred of you outweighs his guilt. That's what you need to do. Find something that outweighs your guilt and concentrate on that," said the witch. Stefan sighed in defeat.
"I don't know Rowan. I'm going to try, for you and Elena and myself," responded the Ripper.
"There you go, that's the spirit. We'll take care of him, Stefan, don't worry." Rowan sat on her bed and sighed. Her head ached from the strain and she truly wanted nothing more than to leave town and go to Chicago. Sadly that wasn't in the books for her, for the time being at least. She needed to focus her efforts on getting Damon under control.
It was now September 12th 2009
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Well, that was the chapter, tell me your thoughts!