TWO

"She really thinks it should be okay to use magic in public?" Phoebe asked that night.

"That's what she said," said Cole. "I figured the three of you might want to talk with her. Try to convince her how dangerous that thinking can be. She might get careless. That could put us all in danger."

"Yeah," said Piper, "like taking the Book of Shadows to work to punish a coworker."

"I don't think she'll do that again," said Leo. "It sort of backfired on her."

"Yes, but it hasn't changed how she thinks," said Phoebe. "Cole is right. Unless she's convinced that magic has to be protected, she might get careless. Just like we did. Remember when we went to the future?"

"I'll never forget it," said Piper. "The next time she comes over we'll talk to her. We should be able to convince her how wrong she is. We'll jus tell her what we went through. That should change her mind."

"Leo," said Cole, "can I speak to you in the living room privately for a minute?"

"Sure," said Leo a bit confused.

"Keeping secrets are we?" Phoebe asked jokingly.

"Not really," said Cole. "I just want his advice on something, that's all."

"Well, dinner will be ready in a few minutes," said Piper. "Don't take too long."

"We won't," said Cole.

"I wonder what that was about?" Phoebe asked as Cole and Leo went into the living room.

"He probably wants some ideas on where he can hide from the bounty hunters," said Piper. "Leo is sure to know some places where they'll have trouble finding Cole."

"Yeah, that's probably it," said Phoebe.

Leo and Cole were still in the living room talking when Paige got home. She said hello to them and went into the kitchen to see Piper and Phoebe.

"Hey there," said Phoebe. "Cole said you stopped by this afternoon."

"Yeah," said Paige. "I figured if I'm going to be a Charmed One I might as well learn all I can."

"You aren't going to try sneaking the Book of Shadows out of the manor again, are you?" Piper asked.

"Oh, no," said Paige. "Once is more than enough. I think I'll just leave it in the attic where it belongs."

"Good," said Phoebe. "Magic has a habit of doing something different from what you think it's going to do. You learned that first hand."

"I sure did," said Paige. "Of course, if we were allowed to be open about our magic it might not be so hard. But you guys keep saying we have to keep it a secret and protect magic. Frankly, I don't see what there is to protect. With magic we can do just about anything we want."

"Paige," said Piper, "maybe we can convince you that it's very important that you keep our secret. A couple of years ago we accidentally got sent to the future."

"You think you can pull this off?" Cole asked Leo in the living room. "I know someone who can do it but I'm not sure a demon is the best choice."

"Well, you're right about that," said Leo. "Don't worry. It won't be a problem. We have a White Lighter who specializes in cases like this. I can get hold of him right away. It shouldn't take long."

"Great," said Cole. "We need to get this taken care of right away."

"For once I agree with you," said Leo. "I'll contact Chandler and see if he can drop by for a bit."

"Thanks, Leo," said Cole. "I appreciate it."

"Well, it's as much for the girls as much as for you," said Leo. "It's the least I can do."

"I still appreciate it," said Cole. "How long before this Chandler can get here?"

"Not long, probably," said Leo. "Like I said, he specializes in this."

"Great," said Cole. "Well, we'd better get back in the kitchen. Piper and Phoebe are bound to wonder what we've been up to in here."

"You're right about that," said Leo. "Come on. With any luck Chandler will get here and we won't have to answer a whole lot of questions."

"Good," said Cole.

They went into the kitchen where the girls were talking. As they entered the kitchen Piper was just finishing her story to Paige.

"So you can see what can happen if magic gets exposed," said Piper.

"Yeah," said Paige, "but you said that was because Phoebe used magic for personal gain. If we don't use it for personal gain I don't see what the harm could be."

"I give up," said Piper.

"Don't worry," said Paige. "I understand what you're saying. I know we have to keep our magic secret. I don't necessarily agree with it but keep the secret."

"That's all we ask," said Phoebe, glancing at Piper.

They still weren't convinced. Even if Paige did keep the secret she might be careless, just like Cole said.

"Well, dinner is ready," said Piper. "Let's all sit down and enjoy a nice quiet meal for a change."

"I'm for that," said Cole.