Chapter Six
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, Vampire Diaries or Charmed even though I wish I did
As Rebekah waited for her brother to come home, she couldn't help but think of how angry she was at him for keeping something so important from her. Rebekah had always wanted to have a family of her own – that was her dream since she was a child – to be a mother and a wife and have her happily ever after. Thanks to her parents that dream was ruined as a mortal and because of her siblings and some truly spectacularly bad luck in choice of lovers the same dream was unlikely to come true as an immortal. The fact that her brother was literally living the most important part of her dream and not inviting her to share that part of his life with him was very hurtful.
"You alright Bekah?" asked Kol from behind her as they looked out the window together. They might not be the closest, but they were still siblings who loved each other and knew each other very well so it was easy for Kol to guess what his sister was feeling.
"I'm fine Kol, just a little hurt by Nik but what's new about that," said Rebekah as she turned away from the window.
"You know as well as I do that he didn't mean to hurt your feelings. It's just that Niklaus is selfish and most likely wanted to keep this to himself for as long as possible," said Kol as he sipped his drink. The youngest Mikaelson brother just hoped that the child wasn't as annoying as Marcellus was.
"I know but this is a child Nik calls his son, not a ward like Marcellus was. That makes him family and we don't know anything about him."
"Well I'm just hoping that he isn't a brat like Marcellus was."
"Come on Kol, Marcel wasn't that bad."
"He was spoiled, selfish, disobedient and somehow learned all of Nik's worst qualities – lets hope that he did better this time."
"We can only hope," said Elijah as he sauntered into the room. He couldn't believe that his brother had been a single parent for a decade and managed to hide that from the world and especially from him. It was beyond baffling to the straight-laced Original.
"Well we'll know what the boy and his nanny are like in a few moments since Niklaus's car is pulling up into the driveway," said Finn as he and Sage walked down the stairs.
"You might want to give them some space so that you all don't overwhelm them," said Sage even though she knew they wouldn't listen to her, but she had to try.
As the Mikaelson's could hear them walk up the front steps several thoughts went through all their heads. Rebekah was battling her anger and jealousy at being left out of this part of her brother's life. Kol was wondering if he would get along with this new member of the family better than with Marcel and if he'd feel upset again over his siblings caring about someone else more than him. Elijah was feeling hurt that his brother didn't ask him for help in raising his son and Finn was wondering how having a new member of the family would change things, if his siblings would actually be able to act as adults instead of spoiled brats and he included Elijah in that description as well.
"This house is a lot bigger than the townhouse in London," said Harry as he walked through the door. "I can't wait to go exploring."
"Well there's going to be more people living here than just us and I'm not one who doesn't go all out when I create something new."
"True enough," said Angie with a smirk. "Though I would prefer it if you wait a few days before you go explore the woods Harry or if you do, go with your father or someone else."
"Sure Angie," said Harry with a smile. "Are we going to bring all of my pets from England?"
"We'll see dear. Now I think there's some introductions to be made," said Angie as she stared at Klaus with a look in her eyes saying 'Why are you just standing there? Introduce us idiot.'
"I suppose your right love," said Klaus as he turned to look at his family, "Everyone this is Angelina and Hadrian and…"
"Can I guess please Dad," asked Harry as he waved at everyone during his introduction with an adorably innocent smile.
"Have at it," said Klaus with a smirk.
"OK so you're Rebekah because you have golden hair and pretty eyes and you're Sage because of your red hair," said Harry as he pointed at his aunties.
"Oh aren't you sweet," said Rebekah with a smile while Klaus smirked at his son. No one knew better than him that the best way to get on Rebekah's good side was to compliment her. Klaus was glad his son paid attention to his stories.
"You're holding hands with Sage so you must be Finn, you're wearing a suit so you're Elijah and you're smirking at me looking like you're going to get me in trouble so you're Kol."
"Right you are lad," said Kol with a smirk. Kol was now somewhat hopeful that he'd be able to get along with the newest member of the family. Afterall getting people in trouble is what Kol does best and it reminded him of a time when he wasn't the youngest brother. When Kol would primarily be the one to play and take care of his younger brother Henrik because Finn was always with their mother and Elijah, Klaus and Rebekah were always together.
"It's very nice to meet you Hadrian," said Elijah in a very proper and somewhat pompous tone. He was somewhat uncomfortable around his brother's son and wasn't sure how to treat him.
"It's nice to meet you took Uncle Elijah," said the young wizard with a laugh. "And you all can call me Harry, I'm only Hadrian to strangers or if I'm in trouble."
"And I'm Angie for the same reason."
The Mikaelson's turned around to look at the witch. They had almost forgotten about her as they focused on Harry.
"Yes, we're delighted to meet you as well," said Rebekah somewhat reservedly. She was somewhat hopeful that she could finally make a friend in this era after all she already knew that Angelina was loyal to her family. "I do hope we get along. How do you feel about going to the spa and getting to know each other?"
"That sounds like a great idea, I haven't had a nice relaxing spa day in years – too busy keeping these two out of trouble."
"Hey!"
"Now really love we're not that bad," said Klaus somewhat offended. He was over a thousand years old and most certainly didn't need a minder.
"Says the child who though it would be a good idea to enchant a few tiles to explode just so you can scare the minions and the adult who encouraged him and gave him even more prank ideas."
"Really Niklaus," said Elijah in a long-suffering tone over Kol's laughter and Rebekah's giggles. Even Finn manage a smirk in response while Sage smiled at the little boy happy that Finn was starting to connect with his family even if only a little.
"What sort of parent would I be if a stifled my child's creative tendencies?"
Elijah's only response was to face palm and wonder why the gods had cursed him while Kol started laughing again. "I think you and I lad are going to get along just fine."
"I think we're going to have a lot of fun together Uncle Kol."
"Oh boy," said Angie as she rubbed her forehead. "I think it would be a good idea not to leave you two unsupervised."
"I second that motion Miss Angelina," said Elijah as he glared at his youngest brother.
"Third," said Finn in agreement. The eldest Original could already see the writing on the wall and wanted to do everything in his power to avoid a prank war breaking out.
"Motion passed."
"Don't worry," said Klaus with a snicker. "I'll supervise."
"Well that'll do absolutely nothing Nik," said Rebekah. "All you would do is encourage them just for your own entertainment."
"Rebekah how could you think so lowly of me darling?"
"Because she knows you," snarked Angie as she finished levitating the suitcases into the foyer.
"No respect," said Klaus as he picked up and spun around a giggling Harry. "I get no respect at all."
"Don't worry Dad I still love and respect you."
"Why thank you son, I don't know what I'd do without you," said Klaus as he cuddled his son with his entire family staring at him. They hadn't seen their brother be so open and loving since Henrick's death. It was like the wounds in their brother from all those years ago had finally started healing.
"So what are your plans Nik," asked Rebekah as she smiled and tried not to cry tears of joy. After so many years her brother was finally letting someone in his heart again.
"Spend some time giving them a tour around town and the surrounding areas – maybe check and see if some old natural sights are still there for a week or two and then we'll be heading to California."
"Why California Niklaus?" asked Elijah.
"There really isn't much to see and do here brother."
"We're going to Disneyland and then to San Francisco to visit my cousins." Said Harry with a yawn. "Will everyone be coming with us Dad?"
"Well I don't mind but it's up to them," replied Klaus as he stared back at his siblings.
They weren't quite sure of how to react. Was their brother inviting them on a family vacation or subtly telling them they're not invited. It was quite the conundrum for the Orginals.
"Well why not," said Kol as he took the first step. If he was wrong, it's not like he hasn't pissed his brother off before and he did want to get to know his nephew. "It's not like we have any plans – may as well see what this Disney thing is all about."
"I have heard about it," said Rebekah. "According to everyone at school it's one of those things everyone has to do at least once."
"It really is," said Angie. "You know since you three are a bit behind on things since you slept the past century why don't we binge watch Disney movies? It's the sort of thing everyone should know at least the basics of, and they are classics. Then we can choose other things for all of you to catch up on."
"That sounds like a good idea," said Finn. "What do you think Sage."
"Sounds like fun. Everyone likes Disney movies – it doesn't matter how old you are. The only people who don't are complete monsters."
"Well…" said Rebekah as she planned on saying something snarky to the harlot her brother was in love with.
"That sounds like a delightful idea Miss Angelina," interrupted Elijah. He was going to do everything in his power to keep the family together for as long as possible.
"Please all of you, call me Angie or Angelina. I'm sure once we all get to know each other better you'll see I'm not the formal sort."
"Well darling I wouldn't mind getting to know you better," smirked Kol.
"I'm sure," said Angie in a dry tone rolling her eyes. Men are boys no matter how old they get – especially those that never have to grow up.
"Not going to act like a territorial Neanderthal?" asked Rebekah.
"Why should I? Afterall I'm well aware of how good Angie is at taking care of herself."
"Speaking of taking care of people I think it's time I put Harry to bed," said Angie as she reached for Harry. "It looks like he's fallen asleep in your arms Nik – he hasn't done that in years."
"Hmm he must be more tired from traveling than I thought," said Klaus as he held his sleeping son in his arms. "Don't worry I'll put him down Angie – why don't you follow me and I'll show you to your rooms then come back down and finish the discussion with my siblings."
"Sounds like a plan," said Angie as she waved her hand and started levitating the luggage again. "It was wonderful meeting you all but I'm knackered."
"It's been a pleasure Angelina," said Elijah. "Good night"
"Night Darling," said Kol as he watched them go upstairs. "I look forward to getting to know you," he said with a wink just to try and mess with his brother.
"Sweet dreams," said Finn as Sage said, "Sleep well." Sage was quite fascinated by the woman who Klaus seemed to respect and trust, who'd helped him raise his son to be such a sweet boy.
"Yes good night and we'll plan for that spa day tomorrow dear."
"Looking forward to it Rebekah."
"Well that went different than I expected," said Rebekah as she sat on the couch and accepted the drink Kol passed her. "But Angie seems nice and Harry is utterly adorable."
"I'm more shocked to see Nik acting like a parent," said Kol. "What do you think brothers?"
"It does seem that Niklaus has changed for the better but only time will tell if the change is just skin deep," said Finn. Seeing Niklaus with his son gave the eldest Original more hope for his brother than he'd felt in years. Real hope that maybe there was more to him than the monster he'd become thanks to his parents.
"What do you think Elijah," asked Rebekah.
"I am cautiously hopeful that this will end well."
"Now, now brother I'm a little insulted," said Klaus as he sauntered into the room. "You're acting as if I don't know what I'm doing."
"I'm just worried – after all if anything happens we'll be fine but Harry is a child that depends on you."
"Please don't tell me you actually believe that the doppelganger and her friends are a threat?" said Klaus in disbelief as he reclined on the loveseat like the predator he is. "They're completely pathetic and they don't even know anything about the magical world."
"True enough, if I didn't dislike all of them so much I would actually pity them because of their ignorance.
"Now what's this about going to San Francisco to visit family Nik?" asked Kol. "I would have thought you'd kill anyone who might have a claim to your son."
"I don't deny that I considered it. They're relatives on his mother's side of the family and came looking for him when they found out their cousin and her husband were dead."
"And you didn't kill or compel them?"
"Normally I would Rebekah dear, but these relatives are a trio of very powerful witches that I would rather have as allies then enemies."
"Who?"
"The Charmed Ones," said Klaus to his siblings with a smirk.
"Really?" asked Kol. "Those three have been prophesized for centuries. Do they live up to the hype?"
"They do," said Elijah as he stared at his brother. "Which is why I'm surprised that they didn't take him from you."
"I don't deny that they thought about it but it took them a couple years to track us down since my witches spelled us with anti-tracking charms and by then the two of us were father and son and it would have done more harm to take him from me. Angie was friends with Harry's mother, so the sisters knew of her and trusted her so when she defended my parenting ability's they believed her," smirked Klaus. "And my son would never forgive anyone for taking him away from his family. Besides if they took him, they wouldn't be able to give him the attention he needs since they all are married and have started families of their own – he'd just be another Halliwell child. We compromised with visits and trips together as a family."
"I'm surprised you compromised that much Niklaus," said Finn as he wondered about the truth of his brother's motives. Niklaus was an extraordinarily selfish being and never did anything without some benefit for himself.
"Well as far as in-laws go, they are the best option. Powerful, independent witches who don't mind passing on anything they hear that might possibly be dangerous to me or Harry out of familial loyalty are hard to come by."
"And the occasional spell if you need something?" asked Kol.
"But of course – not to mention the fact that they know the best places to go demon hunting when you're bored. It'll be interesting to see how they'll react to all of you."
"I've heard rumors of the Charmed Ones," said Sage as she reminded everyone that she was there. "It's said that they're not as prejudice as most witches but at the same time if you come after them or an innocent they're twice as vicious and ruthless."
"All true."
"Then how do they put up with you Nik?" asked Rebekah. "Sparing the innocent has never been something you've cared about."
"I've been somewhat restrained ever since becoming a parent and as long as I don't cause any trouble while I'm in their territory they look the other way," said Klaus. "They're not stupid and they know that in order to keep my reputation there are certain standards that I need to uphold. A reputation that has been forming for a thousand years is not something I can afford to lose – even to play nice with the in laws."
"Damon I can not believe that you tried to pick a fight with Klaus!" shouted Elena as she walked through the doors of the Salvatore boarding house. "The truce is barely a few days old and you're already causing trouble."
"I wasn't causing trouble I was just introducing myself to the newest supernatural and seeing if she could be of use in taking down the Originals," said Damon as he went straight for the parlor and his bourbon with everyone following him.
"Damon you're going to get yourself and all of us killed due to your stupidity," said Caroline.
"Killed how honey?" asked Liz Forbes.
"I think I'd like an answer to that question as well," said Rudy Hopkins.
"Mom!"
"Dad!"
Shouted Caroline and Bonnie. They were beyond shocked to see their parents and Jenna in the Salvatore home.
"Jenna, Jeremy what are you guys doing here?" asked Elena.
"Well we all decided that we needed to talk to you kids about magical society but now I'm worried that Damon has already broken the truce."
"No he hasn't but that was mostly because I broke his neck and carried him out of the Grill," said Stefan as he sat down on the couch.
"Damon," sighed Liz as she shook her head, closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead.
"You couldn't even last a week before causing trouble?" asked Jenna as she reached for her drink and patted the space next to her for her niece to sit, away from the vampires that had caused them so much trouble.
"Honestly I'm wondering if it might be a better idea to just desiccate him and lock him the cellar for the summer," said Caroline only partially joking.
"It would make things a lot easier on us," said Bonnie already thinking of the spells she'd love to use on the elder Salvatore.
"Ha, ha, ha," said Damon as he grabbed the bottle of bourbon.
"You guys said that you wanted to talk to us about magical society," asked Elena as she desperately tried to change the subject.
"Yes after our meeting with the Mikaelsons I realized that I probably know more about the magical community than you kids do since Sheila died before she could tell you everything," said Rudy.
"I've gone through all of Grams grimoires and I haven't found anything on the magical community," said Bonnie to her father. After the meeting she'd been so curious that she'd torn her Grams' home apart to find something but she didn't find anything that gave her any answers, just more questions.
"That's because most of the time magical children are raised in the society so they pick everything up as they go along. After everything that happened with your mother your Grams and I agreed to wait until you were at least 16 before telling you about your heritage. I have a few books I can give you that have the basics but to really learn how to navigate the society you'll need to contact your mother or cousins – maybe get a mentor."
Bonnie was a little flabbergasted, she hated being reminded about how much she didn't know about her heritage and people because her family decided to hide everything from her because of her mother.
"Ok Mr Hopkins what can you tell us – even the very basics is more than we know now," said Caroline to get the attention off Bonnie. She knew how upset the Bennett witch still was over her ignorance.
"The one thing you kids should remember is that all stories have a core of truth to them. Most of the magical creatures of legend do exist or did exist once upon a time. Goblins, dragons, mermaids, unicorns, centaurs and more are all real."
"But Mr Hopkins if all of them are real how come no one knows about it – I mean they're not like vampires that can blend in. How can you keep dragons a secret?" asked Jeremy.
"Because there are teams of witches and wizards all around the world whose job is to maintain the statue of secrecy using glamours and memory charms."
"What's the statue of secrecy Dad?"
"Basically, exactly what it sounds like hun. It's the law that the existence of magic remains a secret from normal people. From what your mother told me most magical creatures either live on reservations or so deep in the wild that no one can find them without magic. The people who are part of the squads are devoted to keeping the secret and if anything happens to reveal magic, they're there in flash with memory charms to make it all go away," said Rudy. "Magical society will do anything to prevent a restart of the witch trials – apparently the loss of life both magical and not, was more catastrophic than the history books tell us."
"If there's witches going around erasing memories of those who expose the supernatural world then why haven't I seen any of them?" asked Damon. He was skeptical of the entire situation and didn't believe Rudy at all.
"You probably have, you just didn't know it and they may have thought you were nonmagical and erased your memories as well," said Rudy. He did not like the elder Salvatore because it was obvious that the vampire saw Bonnie as a magic eight ball – something you shake in order to get a solution to the problem.
"Something you really need to know about Bonnie is that there are differnt types of witches."
"Wait what do you mean there's more than one type of witch Dad?"
"There's the type of witch you are which is called a nature witch – you draw power from nature or the spirits or other things to fuel your spells. Then there are wizards – they have a magical core and channel their magic through wands or staffs. They're spells are more diverse than yours and they use magic for literally everything."
"What do you mean by that Mr Hopkins?" asked Caroline. She was fascinated by the fact that there was more than one type of witch.
"An example is if there were dirty dishes – they would use a spell to clean them or if you want to pack a suitcase, they would wave their wand and it'll be packed. As a society they're very anti-technology because tech seems to short circuit around very magic heavy areas so they don't even bother using it. They're also they ones who have squads of people going around erasing memories to make sure the supernatural world isn't exposed. They also run all the reservations for magical creatures and magic only towns and shopping centers."
"Wait there's magic only areas?" asked Elena. She was happy to find out that there was truly more to magic than what she's experienced in Mystic Falls. In the doppelganger's experience magic is generally used for casting curses and then trying to break that curse or something along that line."
"Yes the entrances are enchanted so that they're invisible to anyone who doesn't have magic or doesn't know where it is. The closest one is in Richmond – I'll take you kids there on my next day off if you'd like."
"OMG that sounds amazing Mr Hopkins," said an excited Caroline. "It'll be so cool to go somewhere where we're considered normal."
"Are you sure it's safe to take the kids there Rudy?" asked Liz. The teenagers had forgotten that the other guardians were even in the room.
"We can all go together if you'd like Liz."
"Honestly that sounds like a good idea to me," said Jenna. "I'd rather be there with you kids instead of finding out about the crazy things you hide from me out of some ridiculous need to protect me."
"Jenna I just don't want you to get hurt," said Elena making puppy eyes at her aunt.
"I understand your views Elena but I'm your guardian not the other way around," said Jenna with a steely tone. She was getting quite fed up with her niece. "Added to that fact you're under the assumption that I didn't know all about the supernatural before?"
"What?!" said Jeremy and Elena in shock.
"I'm a Sommers – a member of one of the founding families remember?" said Jenna snarkily. "If Stefan and Damon hadn't come back to Mystic Falls and caused all this trouble, I would have told you guys about the supernatural when you turned 18 just like everyone else in the family."
"Ok moving on," said Rudy as he cut off Jenna. The last thing he wanted was to get sidetracked by Gilbert family drama. "The thing you have to remember about wizards is that they are a very insular community and they generally have a bit of disdain for those without magic. Purebloods are usually very stuck up and if you can't prove that your magical heritage goes back centuries on both sides of the family then some of them will treat you as lesser. Not all of them are like that but imagine being someone who just moved here and then interacting with some of the snottier members of the Founder's council."
"Oh boy," said Jeremy. "But Bonnie would be ok right since her family's magical history goes back centuries."
"Maybe – it all depends on which pureblood you meet, but moving on," said Rudy. "Another type of witch are wiccans. They can do amazing things but their powers are at the same time very limited. The first is that they can't use their powers for personal gain – they have to use their powers to help people. Most of the good witches follow the Wiccan Rede: An it harm none, do what ye will. They're also the type of witch that are watched over by whitelighters."
"What's a whiteligher Dad?" asked Bonnie. "I've never seen anything like that in one of my grimoires."
"A whitelighter is someone who was once human you did extraordinary good in their life, like relief workers or doctors who carried people from the battlefield, ordinary people who go into burning buildings to save everyone, that go back even though they know the roof will collapse just to save just one more person. When they die they're offered a chance to become a guardian angel. They're usually assigned to a wiccan witch or a mortal who may become a whitelighter in the future so they stay on the right path."
"Why are they only assigned to wiccan witches?" asked Stefan. It was the question that was on everyone's mind especially Bonnie's. Considering all the dangerous things that have happened in the past couple of years a guardian angel would have been a wonderful thing.
"Because wiccan witches are usually in more danger than any other type of witch."
"How in the world are wiccans in more danger than any other witch Dad," asked Bonnie as she started to get angry.
"Wiccans are usually the ones who fight demons from the underworld Bonnie," said Rudy. "They need all the help they can get."
"Oh please now you're trying to tell me that demons are real," said Damon. He thought that Rudy was delusional and lying to make it seem that he knew more about the world than anyone else.
"I honestly don't care if you believe me or not Damon," said Rudy. "All I care about is making sure Bonnie and the others have all the information they need to navigate this world, but yes demons are real and very dangerous. Wiccans are usually given assignments by whitelighters to kill them and it's very dangerous to do so. Only the most powerful or the most cunning live through the first few years and they have to be very careful. If they're too successful waves of demons will go after them to kill them but if they don't do their jobs innocent people will suffer. That's why they usually don't go to the underworld and just hunt demons. Wiccans wait until demons causing trouble on the surface and then kill them. That's why they have powers other magicals don't – they need them to stay alive."
"Holy crap I though our lives were bad – can you imagine have to fight demons as well?" asked Caroline in shock. She could not imagine growing up knowing that your destiny is to fight the forces of darkness.
"The last type of magical you need to know about are warlocks. They're the bad guys among witches. Some are born warlocks and they're raised since birth to be evil like demons – they're the counterpart to witches. Witches can become warlocks by either going deep into dark magic or by killing a good witch and stealing their power," explained Rudy. "It's like falling from grace for an angel – it's choosing to do the wrong thing for power. What you need to worry about Bonnie is that another way to become a warlock is to marry one in a Dark Binding ceremony."
"Dad I can tell you right now I will not be marrying someone who's evil," said Bonnie. The very though was laughable to the Bennett witch.
"You don't have to be a willing participant Bonnie," said Rudy to Bonnie as her eyes widened in shock. "All you have to do is be kidnapped by a warlock and for a dark priestess to perform a Dark Binding ceremony. The evil will spread from the warlock to the witch turning them into a warlock despite their previous morality and for the conversion to be complete, the witch must kill an innocent person. The only way to save the witch is to kill the warlock before they kill an innocent."
Everyone in the room was shocked. They literally just sat there starring at Rudy.
"I'm not saying this to scare you Bonnie – I just want you to be careful. Most likely you won't meet any warlocks or demons. They usually stick to the big cities – more opportunity for them to cause evil."
"Right just another thing I'm going to have nightmares about," said Bonnie as she held Caroline's hand.
"Another thing you should know is that because warlocks are demonic creatures, they're immortal as well."
"And the good news keeps on coming," said Caroline with a strained laugh.
"Wait is that why vampire are classified as abominations by witches – because they're demonic?" asked Jeremy
"No vampires are abominations because they're created by a witch who went against the laws of nature – they may be unnatural but they're not evil by nature. Demons and warlocks on the other hand are not born morally neutral – they're beings who are literally born evil. Vampires are only demonic if they chose to get involved in the underworld but most don't," said Rudy. "They may be immoral but even vampires have lines they won't cross and most don't have anything to do with demons and the underworld. Rumor has it that the Originals hunt down and kill any vampire who's stupid enough to make a bargain with a demon or warlock."
"Well at least we know that there's magic so dark even and Original won't touch it."
"OK how do you protect yourself from demons and warlocks?" asked Jenna. This was not how she thought that this conversation would go.
"Under most circumstances you can't," said Rudy. "They're very hard to kill and you need a wiccan to create a vanquishing potion. Though Sheila did tell me if there isn't a wiccan in the area usually beheading will work."
"Well that's something," said Elena in shock.
"Not to say that there aren't dark witches and wizards – warlocks are just those whose powers are more demonic in nature."
Notes: Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited and followed my story. I read each and every review and thank you all so much for your support – it really helped to get me past my writer's block and I'm really sorry it took so long to update. It took me a while to carve out some time to write.
Review and tell me what you think but please no flames