Disclaimer: I do not own the vampire diaries.

03

Witchy witch.

The air grew thick with tension as Alex paced anxiously around the living room, refusing to meet her parents concerned stares.

"We need to talk." Alex told her parents in a serious voice minutes ago, "I think it's time to tell you the truth. I can't hide it anymore."

Although confused, they didn't question their daughter. Her unusual behaviour was enough to worry them so they merely opted to sit on the couch, hands intertwined as they watched their daughter pace around in front of them, face pale and trembling.

Miranda shared a worried look with her husband, who squeezed her hand to encourage her, "Alex, honey. It's everything okay?" She asked gently, "Is this about school? Mr. Carter already told us about the test you failed last week..." She paused to share a look with her husband, "We're not mad at you. These things happen to everyone..."

Alex halted at her words, slowly turning to face them, tired of beating around the bush she just blurted her words, "I'm a witch."

A pregnant pause fell upon the room. Though it didn't last long as her father spoke, blurting out the first thing that came to his mind.

"That's okay honey, you love who you love- Wait, what?"

"What?" Alex echoed his response, her voice higher as she fought back a laugh. She cleared her throat before speaking again, "I'm a witch." She repeated each word carefully to let them sink in.

When no one spoke, Alex turned to study their faces and didn't not like what she saw. Especially on Miranda's face, her completion was as pale as paper as a mixture of emotions flashed over her. She was an open book that Alex had no problem reading. Disbelief, hurt and sadness were the obvious ones before she blinked.

Her mother opened her mouth to say something and closed it immediately to try to find the right words.

When she found none, Miranda turned to her husband then, who was just as confused as her, finding some comfort in the fact that he was just as bewildered as she was, "A witch?" She asked, frowning at her daughter and then, realisation dawned upon her as a mirthful grin bloomed across her face, "Is this because you watched Harry Potter last week? Are you waiting on your admission letter like Jeremy is?" She said lightly, smiling at her, a tad annoyed to be caught in the joke.

Alex growled, frustrated, "No, mom. I can do magic. Real magic."

Her father was obviously amused by the whole thing. He sunk further into the sofa, relaxing his body. He motioned at her with a hand, "Enlighten us, then, Miss Granger." He joked in a bad English accent.

Alex accepted the challenge, a little offended at their lack of faith, "Fine." She said, pointing her finger at him, "Don't do that accent ever again." She requested before she turned her focus to the orange flower vase on top of the coffee table. The flowers were wilted, dry and brown beyond salvation. Perfect for her demonstration.

Alex chanted the incantation mentally, not wanting to freak them out even more by muttering Latin words, she hovered her hand over the flowers and soon, they returned back to life, vibrant and colourful like the day they were cut and brought to their home as a gift from Elena to their mother.

A heavy silence fell upon the room that no one dared to break.

Impatient, Alex spoke first, "Well?" She asked, folding her arms over her chest, "Do you believe me now?"

Miranda was dazed, eyes going back and forth from Alex's hands and to the vase, "How..."

Grayson's expression shifted in a blink, Her father's face was serious now, any trace of his previous amusement gone in an instant, "Is not a trick, isn't it?" He asked, though the tone he used told her he already knew the answer. Alex shook her head to confirm his statement, "Do Elena and Jeremy- Do they..."

She shook her head quickly, "No. They don't know."

Grayson's curiosity won over his rational side. As far as he knew this was the first time a witch had been born into the Gilbert lineage so to say he had many questions was an understatement. He'll have to re-read his ancestors journals in case he had missed something.

"Alright... When did you learn about them?" He asked, sitting straight, "Your powers." He clarified, "Did you learn yourself or..."

Her mother wasn't having any of this nonsense.

Miranda turned her nervous gaze towards him, "Dear, you can't possibly entertain the idea that our daughter is a witch?" She pleaded, squeezing his forearm to get his attention. This couldn't be happening, not to them and not to their little girl. After what had happened to Abby years ago... she was terrified of her daughter following the same path to protect Elena. That was their job as their parents, not hers.

"You saw what she just did, Miranda."

Her mother shook her head, looking down, she released her hold.

Alex knew it was time for plan b, "I have visions too-"

Her mother gasped, "Visions?!" She repeated bewildered before her expressions hardened, Abby hadn't had those and that fact weighed heavily at the bottom of her stomach, "Alexandra, I do not know what kind of elaborate prank this is, but it is not funny." She admonished her with severity. Still clinging to the idea that this was a tasteless joke her children had decided to pull on them. She was naively waiting for Elena and Jeremy to jump from behind Alexandra to laugh at them.

Of course that didn't happen and the longer she waited the more real it became.

Alex on the other hand couldn't for the life of her understand why her parents, the parents that were members of a vampire killing society were having such a hard time accepting her revelation- wait, no, it wasn't that. They just couldn't accept the fact that their daughter was a witch, she wisely concluded. They had spent a good chunk of their life protecting them from the supernatural and here she was, confessing that the supernatural had been living right under their noses and they had been none the wiser.

Alex sighed, she really didn't want to do this, but left with no other choice, "I know Elena is adopted." She dropped the bomb without a warning. Their faces paled even more, "Her mother's name is Isobel Peterson," she gave them the fake name the knew of, "The day she came dad was carrying me as he tried to find his favourite cup," her gaze landed on him, "You said a swear word and asked me not to tell mom."

"You swore near our baby?"

Grayson gulped, exasperated, "This is hardly the moment to discuss that, Miranda." He said and addressed Alex, "What else do you know?" He said quietly and his wife gave a defeated sigh by his side.

"I know how you're going to die."

(...)

She met Caroline Forbes by accident one lovely morning by the end of the summer.

The sweat made her clothes cling to her body like a second skin and the scalding heat had her heaving like a dog when she heard the sound of someone's crying, and of course that someone turned out to be one of the main characters because that's how her life worked now.

Alex followed the sniffles, coming to face a little blonde girl with pigtails at both sides of her head, sitting on her porch, knees up to her chest to hide her pink face.

Alex felt sorry for her but didn't know what to do beside letting her be. She didn't know if she was emotionally capable of comforting a stranger and she didn't want to find out now.

Alex was about to leave when she heard the argument taking place inside of the suburban house.

A woman cried in anguish, "I can't believe you're doing this to me!" She yelled, slamming something and the little girl flinched at the sound.

"Please, Liz. Let's sit down and talk this out like adults."

'Oh shit.'

Alex was witnessing Caroline's parents divorce on the front row and with no ads. It felt bizarre in a way that she couldn't explain. The chances of meeting Caroline like this, in this precise moment of her life were slim to none. Alex had done a great job at keeping her distance from her sister's friends, mindful of the possibility her sole existence could ruin their relationship, she had tried her best to be out of the house whenever her friends came to visit. All of her efforts had been futile because it seemed the universe, fate or whatever great power was watching over her had their own plans for her.

Alex felt a little silly when the urge to glare at the sky overcame her. Somehow she managed to push it aside as she approached the girl.

'I'll just have to accept my life is going to be full of strange coincidences.' Especially if she took into account she was directly related to the main character and had accidentally met another main character in a completely unrelated scenario.

Another yell coming from inside the house made her hurry.

She had to do something. No one should be hearing this type of thing so young, "Hey, my name is Alex. What's yours? "

'Nice.' Her inner voice dripped with sarcasm.

At least now she knew she had the emotional sensibility of a shrimp.

The girl jumped at her intrusion, barely lifting her head to see her, "W-what?" Her voice was rough as the tears continued to pour from her baby blue eyes.

"Your name." Alex said smiling encouragingly.

"Ca-Caroline."

The sound of breaking porcelain and more shouting was the final straw for Alex.

She extended a hand to her, "Let's go to my house. We can rent a movie if you want. I heard Gone with the wind is quite good." She said, hoping she had gotten the name of Caroline's favourite movie right.

When she didn't answer right away, Alex retracted her hand back awkwardly.

'Well, that was totally a completely normal way to talk to a emotionally distressed girl. Not suspicious at all. Way to go, Alex!'

Her blue eyes narrowed as she tried to create some distance, taking a cautious glance back at the closed door behind her, "Why?"

"Would you prefer to stay here?" Alex shot back, offering her hand again.

Caroline licked her lips, unsure she glanced back at her house once again, "Not really." She said, accepting Alex's hand.

"You can call your parents at my house and let them know you're with a friend." Alex said as they started to walk away, "You know, so they don't get worried."

Caroline stammered as she stared at Alex in wonder, "Friend? I barely know you."

Alex's heart broke at her tone, "Yep. We are friends now." She raised their intertwined hands for Caroline to see, "Forever!"

It hadn't been her intention really, initially she had planned to avoid Elena's future friends as if they were the plague forever, not wanting to ruin or influence their bond with her actions. Of course, things don't always come out the way one expects them to, and yet, she doesn't have in her to regret talking to Caroline.

Her tears are long gone by now, her eyes are shining now with admiration as they watch Scarlett O'hara rip the curtains from the windows to make a new dress. Caroline's gaze remained glued to the screen as Alex studied her quietly.

Alex knew Caroline was a loyal friend, capable of risking her own life to protect those she cared about. She was fierce and brave as a vampire but as a human, even now, Alex can tell the girl is a shadow of her future self. In a way, becoming a vampire was the best thing that happened to her, it gave her the boost of confidence she needed to become her better self. It was something that had to happen but Alex wished that this time around she gets to have a say in it.

Perhaps it would be for the best to keep her away from Elena. Their friendship hadn't been bad, but Caroline had the tendency to compare herself to the brunette to the point of trying to be more like Elena to get the same attention her sister got. Definitely not a good influence.

She felt like it was her responsibility now to help Caroline become her better self. While she wouldn't outright influence her decisions, Alex could offer her advice and her friendship if she wanted to. It wouldn't make her any different from Damon if she were to manipulate the blonde to her convenience. Caroline deserved better.

Her inner musings were interrupted by her mother, who entered the living room with an apologetic smile, phone pressed in her ear, "Yes, Liz. She is here with my daughter watching a movie- Ah, yes. Is no problem really- Take care, goodnight." She said before hanging up, "Well, Caroline. Its looks like you're staying the night with us." Miranda announced, "You and Alex can have a sleepover and play dress up and talk about boys-"

Embarrassed, Alex cut her off, "We get it, mom."

Caroline was smiling as she shook Alex's shoulders excitedly, "We can stay all night watching movies!"

Miranda laughed, "Alright, but don't stay up till late, okay?" They both nodded, "Are you girls hungry? I can order some pizza?"

"Yes, please Mrs. Gilbert."

Alex watched her mom dial the pizzeria number as she walked away towards the kitchen. Things had been a little weird between them since her confession but they seemed to be returning to normal each passing day. At least her mother stopped ignoring her now.

Her parents had taken her warnings to heart after Alex broke down crying for them to believe her and finally, they had and promised her to be careful in the future. They also made her promise to keep her witchy situation a secret between them, 'Mystic fall doesn't take well to witches.' Her father had said as an explanation.

It was a request Alex was more than willing to comply, seeing what had happened to Abby years ago had marked her. Alex couldn't think about that day without shivering with fear. That fateful day she had been down with a fever after a kid from her class had coughed near her, and since she possessed the immune system of a baby chicken, Alex had gotten sick and had slept during most of the ordeal. She had only woken up because the pull of Abby's magic had been powerful enough to stir her awake from her cough drops induced slumber. By the time she made it downstairs the whole thing was already over, Abby and Mikael were nowhere to be seen as her mother was busy comforting a crying Elena and calling who she assumed was Bonnie's dad.

Returning to the matter at hand, as much as Alex trusted her siblings, she knew they were far too young to keep such a secret to themselves. She could picture it as clear as day, the words slipping past their lips and reaching the ears of any random bystanders. Alex didn't want to be ostracised like Sheila Bennett was.

She would tell them at some point, just not now. In return, she had asked her parents to be honest with her sister, Alex's condition for her parents was to tell Elena the truth about her birth.

'In case the worst does happen.' Was her explanation.

She didn't give them an ultimatum, it wasn't her place to make such a decision, but she wanted Elena to know that her parents loved her regardless of their blood ties before it was too late.

She was not a pessimist, she was being realistic.

As if summoned by her thoughts, the front door opened and Elena made her entrance, cheeks red and a thin layer of sweat on her forehead as she returned from her dance class.

"Welcome home." Alex greeted her and Caroline gave a little smile to her sister, "How was your day?"

She opened her mouth to answer but closed it once she saw the blonde girl sitting next to her older sister.

Elena's brows knitted together as she watched the scene before her, she had no idea Alex was friend's with Caroline too, "It was okay. What's Caroline doing here?" She asked, setting her bag down.

The blonde was the one to answer, there was a flash of sadness that clouded her vision for a moment before it was gone as soon as it came.

With a big grin on her face, Caroline addressed Elena, "We're having a sleepover!" She bounced on her spot excitedly as she rambled, "We're going to do a lot of fun things! Like painting each other's nails and doing our makeup!"

There's a barely perceivable frown on Elena's expression that spoke volumes of her opinion on the matter.

Trying to keep the pace, Alex patted the empty spot next to her, "Come join us," she said, smiling before their mother returned.

"Go wash yourself first, honey. Pizza should be here any minute." Miranda said, hurrying her younger daughter upstairs, "You can join the fun once you're clean from sweat."

"Yes, mom." Elena obeyed the command, throwing another glance in their direction.

Well, looks like she already ruined their friendship in less than a day.

Later that day, when their bellies were full with pizza and Caroline's was done painting their nails in a matching bubblegum pink colour with a surprising steady hand for a girl her age, Alex was pleased to see that both girls were getting along just fine once the ice had been broken and Caroline's bubbly personality came through.

Elena relaxed on the girl, keeping up with the blonde's fast topics changes with ease. Later into the night, Jeremy joined their party after he returned from a friend's house and so, their game of warrior princesses vs karate kid began.

'Looks like I was worried for nothing.'

(...)

The next morning, once Caroline's was gone and back to her house, Alex prepared her bike for her adventure of the day. She tied her hair in a ponytail and double checked her barbie backpack for her water bottle, snacks and the necklace before she set off to the woods.

Even though this was her first time driving down the path in her physical form, she knew where to go. The direction was ingrained in her brain after many years of going there.

It came to no surprise to her that her poor bike can't push through the last part of the path as the ground was covered in leaves and sticks that constantly got stuck on the wheels, forcing her to abandon her bike near a tree and continue by foot.

Alex reached the house several minutes later, like her bike, she was covered in mud, leaves and sticks that clung to her clothes and hair after her endeavour around the woods. From this distance, the house looked haunted. A chill crawled up her spine as she started to make her way to it, fully aware that this would be her first time interacting directly with the dead witches.

As soon as she set foot inside she was able to feel their magic calling upon her. The house was a ghost of its former glory with the peeling walls and the spider webs at every corner. The place looked like the right spot to do a paranormal investigation.

She dared a glance up, seeing the many rooms yet to be explored on the second floor. After a brief contemplation, Alex shook her head, resuming her treak around the living room. She could explore the place later once she'd got rid of the cursed necklace.

The wooden floorboards creaked after her steps, following her around the house like a shadow as she ventured further into the basement after maneuvering her way around the dusty furniture. Downstairs, the smell of humidity was too strong on her senses but it couldn't compare to the particles of dust flying around the air and getting stuck on her lungs.

Alex is too busy coughing her lungs out to notice the presence by her side.

"I see you finally decided to meet us in person." Emily called to her, unfazed by her loud intrusion.

Alex jumped, heart racing she answered, "Yes, ma'am. Sorry it took me so long. My parents are very protective and they don't like me wandering around on my own." She explained, setting her bag down, "I brought something of yours." She rummaged to her backpack, fingering around for the necklace.

She pulled it out in one single motion and the sunlight reflected on the stone simultaneously casting an orange light around the place.

Emily's face betrayed nothing, emotions on check, "Where did you find that?" She inquired, appearing by her side in a blink.

'Too close.'

"On the Lockwood's Mansion." She confessed and didn't elaborate further.

The witch inspected her quietly, assessing her words for a lie before her gaze fell on the necklace on the girl's hold, "You must destroy it."

"Why?" Alex asked, knowing the truth already, "I thought this was yours?

Emily nodded stiffly, "It belongs to me." She confirmed, "That necklace is the key to set free a great evil that you do not want to release in your town."

Alex hummed in contemplation, "How can I destroy it?" She asked, twirling the thing around to admire the way the sun reflected on the gem.

"You must be able to channel me. Give me your hand." she commanded and Alex diverted her attention from the necklace to look at the witch as she obeyed.

That was the last thing she remembered before she woke up several hours later confused and scared at the entrance of the tombs feeling drained and tired like never before.

At last, the necklace was gone and she had earned Emily's trust.

(...)

Here's chapter 03! Let me know what you guys think so far. By the way I'm typing this whole fic on my phone so I apologise if the formatting is a bit weird (?

Thanks for the reviews! Can't believe we reached 39 follows in a day! I'm very happy to know this many people are enjoying this.

Special thanks for their reviews to: Roxycall18, lostfeather1, angelicsailor, Blackson88.

Blu3b3rryT3a: Yup, someone's need to put a leash on Damon or wack him on the head every time he does something he's not supposed to. I have a soft spot for the original family so don't worry ;)

Selene088: Thank you! I'm trying my best to build their relationship a bit before entering the show's plot to justify Alex's affection for her family.

flawsome4ever: Aww thanks! I'm glad you like my interpretation of Grayson and Miranda. I'm trying to give them more of a personality besides being the 'death parents'. There's going to be lots of Stefan and Alex interactions in the future I assure you.

DarkWolfYingFa: Klaus is my fave too!

AnosDT95: omg I 100% agree with you. All they had to do was swallow their pride and cooperate for a bit. If I remember correctly Klaus also offered the Salvatore's a dealt for Elena's safety for the remaining of her natural life in exchange for a few blood baths every once in a while and honestly to me, that was the best outcome possible for Elena, but no, they wanted to kill the originals lol.

narwalass21 : Thank you! you're so sweet. Does it make me evil to be glad I almost made you lose It? Probably lol Enzo deserves better than what he got :'(