Author's Note: Okay, I'm now going to attempt to incorporate the next stage of my fanfic. I'm sorry that there will be a lack of Phoebe/Cole in this chapter, but it had to be done to move the story along. I promise there will be more of them in the story later on.

Barb: You just about read my mind, read on. *winks*

Chapter 9: The White Council

"I've just received word that yet another demon has attacked the Charmed Ones with the intention of taking revenge on Balthazar. This cannot be allowed to continue." The figure who spoke was in sparkling white robes, as were the other figures seated around the stone table. "The number of demons attacking them has already increased due to the Child's birth. We cannot expect them to perform their duties as Charmed Ones if they must constantly rescue Cole Turner from his past. It was a mistake to send him back!" There were murmurs of agreement among the Elders as Abraham stood up, absentmindedly stroking his beard.

"I will not argue with you on your observations, my friend. However, you have all seen that Phoebe is faring better after we brought Cole back as a mortal; taking him away from her now would only cause more harm. How do you propose we solve this problem?" Abraham stroked his beard as he spoke.

"Well, I have an idea." The voice that spoke did not come from any of the Elders, but from a handsome man who seemed to be in his late twenties. He had entered the area without anyone taking much notice. "You all seem to agree that Cole is indeed good, at least without his demonic powers. So why not grant him a means to defend himself, and others as well? Make him a witch, or a warlock, or whatever you call it." Instantly his suggestion was met with loud opposition.

"Andrew, it is not your place to try and have a say in these matters. You have no idea what Cole Turner is capable of if he is given power." Many of the Elders agreed with this argument, but the young man wasn't about to give in easily.

"What do you mean I have no idea? Prue and I have been watching Cole and her sisters for over a year now. Are you so blinded by your prejudice that you cannot see that he genuinely wants a chance to redeem himself? You spend all of your time concentrating on what he's done in the past, but you fail to realize that you've created a new Cole, a Cole that is no longer half demonic. Just give him another chance." Andy had grown close to Piper and Phoebe when he was with Prue, and his gut instinct told him that the love Cole and Phoebe had together was real; and love always deserves a chance.

"Perhaps you are right about Cole Turner, but we can't simply give him powers out of thin air; they have to come from somewhere." Yet another good point was brought up that threatened Cole's chances of remaining in the mortal realm with Phoebe.

"If you'll recall, there is a spell that will transfer the powers between a witch and her soul-mate, Gabriel. In the past, Phoebe Halliwell held power over fire; she did misuse it, and it was bound forever so that she could not use it again. However, she is still a carrier of that kind of magic. If she and Cole are truly meant to be, then she can transfer the power to him." Said Abraham quietly.

"But Abraham, you must realize the consequences of such an action. . . if they are not soul mates, then the spell will backfire and Cole will die." A member seated at the table brought up the repercussions of such an act of magic.

Yet another Elder spoke up. "I think the two of them should decide whether or not they want to take that risk. If they do succeed, then I believe we should attach a Whitelighter to Cole; to watch him, as well as protect him. That way we would, hopefully, gain some warning if a problem develops. But who would want to be a Whitelighter to an ex-demon?"

Prudence Halliwell had moved to stand beside Andy, and now she spoke up. "I would." There was dead silence, as the members of the Council stared at the eldest Charmed One. "For over a year I have been separated from my sisters. I've watched Piper nearly kill herself with a fearless spell and I've seen Phoebe get her heart broken. I've seen my newest sister struggle to find where she fits in, and I've wished that I could tell her that I've come to love her just as much as my other sisters. Your rules have kept me on the outside looking in; you wouldn't even allow me to go back for the birth of my nephew. Well, I'm not going to sit around and watch any more. Make me a Whitelighter and I'll make sure that Cole never tries anything demonic. I want to go back."

The Elders would have started arguing yet again, but most of them recognized the determination in Prue's voice; she wasn't going to back down on this one. Finally, they all nodded in consent, though a few did so grudgingly. Abraham was smiling, and his eyes sparkled when he spoke. "You present yourself so convincingly, my dear, that I hardly believe we can deny you your request. We will contact Leo and tell him to inform Phoebe and Cole of the decision they must make; if they decide to perform the spell, and if the spell succeeds, then you will become Cole Turner's Whitelighter."