A/N: I'm so glad you guys are enjoying the story so far, I hope I can keep things intense up as it progresses and trust me things will get intense. And thanks you a million times over for the reviews they mean so much to me. Yup it's a kind of early update but expect the new chapters to go up on either Thursdays or Fridays. And I will keep writing after I finish up my career here on Fanfiction, I'm trying to get a book publish some times for next year but more on that later. For now enjoy!

The Last Christmas

By JDWrites101

Chapter Two: Team V Assemble

Nicholas placed his hands on the golden rail and did his best to focus on the dome. It's purpose was to keep the infinite snowstorm at bay but even now in the darkest part of the night he could see the small cracks that ran along the inner curve. He raised a gloved hand to the white stubble on his chin in contemplation of the events that were to transpire. To think after all these years he was going to finally return home, even if it was just for a moment. He held out his hand and within it a small glass orb appeared. One by one the citizens of Whitechapel flashed before him. Each one has a different outline to represent the list they had fallen under, a daunting task but one that needed to be done. As the outlines shifted between red and green, a familiar face appeared and all at once the orb turned black and shattered.

Nicholas clenched his fists, it was just as he feared. A darkness had taken refuge in his home and it needed to be purged.

Even the bright morning light could not justify the sudden and mysterious appearance of the Claustrum. Against his better judgment Ethan placed a hand on the cover and watched as the both the title and what he assumed was a poinsettia shimmered. There were no words to describe the strange sensation of energy that emerged from the artifact. He took a step back and reached for the leathers gloves on the desk. With his hands covered he turned the book over, slipped it into a bag and tied it shut.

"Did you open a window last night or something?" Asked Jane as she walked by his door. Her breath rose into the air as she spoke. "Because I swear it feels like it's snowing in this house." She tapped her foot on the floor and he watched as a small piece of something broke off from the ground. "There's even ice on the wood…. Hey what's that?"

"Something that came to me in a dream," answered Ethan. He placed the bag on his bed and rubbed his hands together in a futile attempt to warm up. "I'm taking it over to Benny's to see if we can find anything out about it."

"While your there ask him if he knows any heating spells because this cold is ridiculous."

It only took Ethan a minute to cross the yards between the Weir and Morgan household. As he did the wind blew against his face in sync with each crunch of snow underneath his boots. It wasn't just a bitter chill but a solid cold that seemed to engulf everything within its grasp. Combined with the harsh wind it felt as though the temperature was continuing to drop with every passing moment.

"Jack Frost nipping at your nose?" Joked Benny when he opened the door.

"Shut up," said Ethan with a laugh as he pushed passed him into the house. When the door shut behind him the first thing he noted was the warm fire that burned in the living room. Unlike the one at his house, which Jane had struggled to get started, this one seemed almost magically endowed with a unique warmth that combated the sudden cold snap.

"Is that the thing you texted us about?" Asked Benny when Ethan produced the bag and placed it on the living room table. "It's a supernatural object?"

"Yeah." Benny reached for the bag and Ethan quickly shook his head. "I'd rather wait for everyone to get here first."

"Fair enough."

"Jane wanted me to ask you about heating spells. It feels like it dropped to below freezing over night."

"I noticed that too," said Benny thoughtfully. "I'll teach her a few things the next time I see her. The change in temperature is extremely weird though... almost like it's unnatural. Not going to have to worry about that much in Greece huh?"

"I guess," mumbled Ethan with a frown. He hadn't really put much thought into his future at college.

Benny turned to look at him with a sad smile. "Don't be like that E."

"Like what?"

"Like that! I can see it on your face, you're sad because that means you won't be spending time with me or Rory, Erica or or Sarah. Especially with Sarah finishing up her school and coming home next semester."

"Is it really that obvious?"

"In some ways yeah. But that's what best friends are for, am I right?"

Ethan was silent for a moment. "Yesterday you asked if I was afraid and I am. I feel like I'm putting an expiration date on everything. That everyone has until February with Ethan, and then… poof I'm gone."

"Your over thinking it too much," said Benny. "No matter where you are, or what school you go to we'll always be friends. I doubted that for a moment yesterday and I realized there's nothing in this entire world that could tear us apart. And if your that worried talk to Erica she grew up in Whitechapel, if anyone knows what you're going through it'll be her."

They shared a look and before either could comment there was a knock at the door. Evelyn opened it and invited in their friends. With a smile and a hug Ethan greeted the two women.

"It's been so long since I've seen you," said Sarah as she gave him a hearty squeeze. "You look taller did you get taller?"

"A little," said Ethan with a small blush. "How have you two been?"

"Good," said Erica dismissively. "It's been boring, who thought I'd ever miss this place? So what's this thing you texted us about? I want to see it."

"I won't be able to hang out for too long," said Rory sadly. "I've gotta get back to work soon. Things have been insane since Thanksgiving and they're no signs of it slowing down. Did you know the teachers have an annual winter party at Hick's house? And they play darts with pictures of the students they hate?"

"Ok then," said Ethan. He opened the bag and held up the book with his gloved hands. "Behold the Claustrum." The four of them leaned in for a better look. "I had a dream about it, it was almost like the book was calling out to me and when I woke up it was in my hands. The definition said it was a prison, what do you guys think?"

"I think," began Evelyn as she entered the room with several cups of steaming tea. "That there is serious magic in that thing. I could feel it all the way from the other room."

"So what do we do with it?" asked Rory as he took it from Ethan's hands. "Don't give me that look I don't have any supernatural mumbo jumbo to activate it." He tested the weight and asked: "Should we open it?"

"If what Ethan said is true," said Erica as she crossed her legs and leaned back in the chair. "Then that things a prison, and last thing anybody wants to do is open a prison. We have no idea what may be inside."

"Grandma you don't know anything about a Claustrum?" Asked Benny. When Evelyn shrugged he opened his own spell book and began to shift through the pages. "I went searching through all of our old books last night I didn't find anything. Let me try something."

He waved his hand over the cover and muttered several incantations. For a tense moment they all leaned forward expecting something to happen. When it didn't he gave a disgruntled sigh. "Well I've got nothing."

"Whatever it is," said Ethan as he sat crossed legged with his back to the warmth of the fireplace. "It can't be good. It came from my dream into the real world, how many times has something like that even happened?"

"Maybe Rory is on to something," said Sarah as she picked up the book and touched the poinsettia on the cover. "Don't get me wrong we should be careful, but that might be the only way to figure out what's going on. It almost feels like it's alive. Any idea on what the flower is?"

"Poinsettia," said Erica. "One of the only natural poison for white magic." They all gave her a look. "What? I heard it from Benny."

"Now that you mention it," said Benny as he picked up the plastic bag and then the book. "I can feel the magic it's giving off, and it's just like my spell book. As for the poinsettia I'd say it was a seal of some sort. Whoever made this I'm one hundred percent sure had no intention of letting whatever's in out. As for what kind of magic it is I couldn't say."

"Don't open it," said Erica suddenly as she looked at her friends. "What if it unleashes some curse on our city? I don't want Christmas to be ruined because we did something stupid. Lock it or bury but whatever you do don't open it."

"I say open it," mumbled Rory with a grin. "Because I've got to get back to work and I want to know what it is. Besides sometimes you need to take a leap of faith. I did and look where it got me with this job."

"Don't," said Benny as he handed it back to Ethan. He shook his head and sighed. "Nothing good ever comes from messing with magically infused items, especially ones with a seal like this."

"I'm with Rory on this one," whispered Sarah as she looked at him. "If it came to you then it has to be for a reason right? You said it yourself, it was calling out to you, and you have the power to jumpstart these things. Plus if it is a curse it's better to get it out of the way now before Christmas starts. I say open it."

"Than it all comes down to what I decide on," said Ethan as he placed the Claustrum on the table in front of them. "No pressure right?"

He removed his gloves, flexed his fingers and placed a hand on the cover. The flower seemed to react to his touch and he felt a chill go across his body. Benny and Erica shook their heads while Sarah and Rory nodded. Could he? Should he? He looked at Benny, his best friend and then pulled his hand back. He had failed him the other night he wouldn't do it again.

"We need to all make a decision together," said Ethan aloud. He looked between the two groups. "I trust you all, but we're Team V, and unless we can make decisions as one then we can't move forward."

"I hate to say this," said Erica as she looked up with an embarrassed grin. "But you're our leader and whatever you choose we'll be behind you."

"She's right," said Rory. He patted him on the back. "You've always been there for us, and no matter how bad it got you always made the right decision."

"You can't disappointment us," said Sarah as she placed her hand on his. "Because we'd follow you into hell and back if you asked."

"We trust you E," said Benny with a nod. He extended his fist. "Always know that your friends will have your back."

Ethan touched it to his own and smiled. He couldn't explain why the book had come to him, but he knew there had to be a reason for it. But if what the definition was right? What if something was being contained within, something that wasn't meant to get out? His hand wavered for a moment and then he thought of the crowds he had seen on Main Street, the lack of interest in others, and gently slid a finger under the small part of the cover. In the distance he could heard the single bell of the clock tower begin to ring, and in that moment he had his answer.

"It almost feels sad," whispered Ethan aloud. He tried to flip it open. "Doesn't it?"

Nothing happened. He tried again and found it was being held closed.

"Give it here," said Erica. She pulled with all her might but the covered remained taut. One by one the others tried each with less success than the last. For now it appeared as though the book was going to stayed closed.

"It's bound by some powerful dark magic," said Evelyn. She waved a hand and said something in Latin. The book vibrated but remained closed. "I have no idea what this may be but it's something with serious power. Keep it somewhere safe."

"This has been fun but work's calling," said Rory as he held up his phone. He gave his fellow vampires a hug and waved. "I'll catch you guys later."

And with that he was off. The girls turned over the book and continued to pass it between themselves. A few more minutes passed and the book was forgotten as Benny recounted his and Erica's recent investigation into Santa Claus.

"Santa as a real being," whispered Ethan in silent contemplation. "Huh, for some reason I just never put that much thought into it. I always just assumed… I don't really know what I assumed."

"Can Santa be real?" asked Sarah. "Is it even possible?"

"Belief is a powerful magic," said Benny and Evelyn together. The older woman smiled and then added: "When something is universally believed in such as the idea of Saint Nick, it can be given life."

"Yeah," added Erica with a grin. "We've gone through various sightings and evidence and it's definitely looking in our favor. As of this moment I'd say there is definitely a Santa Claus."

Ethan opened his mouth to respond and stopped when something collided with the door. Evelyn opened it, examined the wood paneling and then in a ominous voice called out:

"Snow ball."

Erica, Ethan and Benny all shared a knowing look and Sarah asked: "What does that mean?"

"I keep forgetting you didn't grow up in Whitechapel," said Ethan. He picked up his scarf and tightened it around his neck. "A snow ball to the door means only one thing."

"It's a challenge to a snow ball fight," said Benny and Erica together. They laughed and rushed outside only to stop. Standing in front of the Weir household was Jane, David, Della, Sunday and a various collection of other students and friends.

"Oh boy," said Sarah as the group raised their snowball filled hands. "Does it normally go like this?"

"More or less," answered Ethan as they all dove to the side. He darted behind and tree and watched as Sarah rolled across the ground. Benny appeared at his side with a snowball and pelted Della squarely on the forehead.

"I've wanted to that for longest time." He began to make a fortress around them. "I never realized how many friends and rivals we'd made."

"I know right? I've lost track of Erica. How's our team doing?"

"Out numbered and we're being flanked on all sides," called out Erica from the other side of the yard. A flurry of snowballs fell down around her. Benny let out a dramatic yell and fell to his knees.

"She was so young!"

"We need a plan leader," said Sarah. She darted across the lawn and fell to the ground as a snowball hit her in the shoulder. "I'm hit!"

"Charge forward," called out Ethan. "Show no mercy!"

After their charge he found himself behind the side of the Weir household with both Sarah and Benny in tow. The Spellmaster was trying to catch his breath and utterly failing with his small fits of giggles, and the vampire looked sad.

"What's wrong?" Asked Ethan. He peered around the corner and once he determined it was safe turned to her. "Aren't you having fun?"

"I am," whispered Sarah. She looked down and let the snowball fall from her hand. "Where I came from there wasn't traditions like the ones in Whitechapel. No snowball fights, or snowman building contests, and... sometimes I'm just reminded I didn't grow up here. I feel like I'm an outsider trying to fit in."

"But your not an outsider."

"And that's not it is it?" Asked Benny suddenly. "It's something else that's bothering you."

Sarah sighed. "My parents never did anything like this when I was growing up. We got a tree but that was about it, no decorations, always traveling, no snow, and no time for Christmas at home. It just... it makes the feeling worse."

"I know how the parent thing feels," whispered Benny. He tossed the the snowball around in his hands. "My dad's always traveling and you know what happened with my mom last year. My Grandma tries her best but it's the not the same as having your mom and dad. But don't let that get you down, you have friends who care about you."

"I may not understand what it's like," whispered Ethan as he picked up some snow. He motioned for her to hold out her hand and he placed the snowball in it. "But you do belong here with us. You're as much a part of Whitechapel as anyone else and you've earned that right a dozen times overs. Rule three remember?"

"Rule three." She smiled. "Thanks guys."

Together they rushed out from behind the house and were hit with a fresh wave of snow thrown by both friends and family. The next hour passed in a flurry of snowballs and laughter. When they were done Ethan found himself shivering in the cold embrace of winter. He bid farewell to both Erica and Sarah with a hug and the promise to meet up with them again. He followed Benny into the Weir house and took a seat in front of the warm fire. Little by little the chill began to abate.

"So what are we going to do with the book?" Asked Benny. "Or is the question what can we do with the book?"

"I'm not sure yet," said Ethan. He looked over at the bag and frowned. "Can I ask you for a favor?"

"Yeah what's up?"

"Can you make a copy of the Claustrum? If this is something as powerful as we think it might be then it's very possible someone might try to either take it or worse steal it. It would be handy to have a diversion in case that happens."

"Consider it done."

Ethan sat comfortably in his own living room and watched as the flames danced back and forth in the fireplace. He typed away on his laptop and then stopped when he caught sight of the shadows dance across the book's cover. They took the shape of several figures then vanished. He rubbed his eyes and placed a hand on top it, was he seeing things? The clock tower began to ring in pace with each sound the book vibrate underneath his hand. At once he wasn't sure why but he knew that he could open it and felt his own powers suddenly activate. Emotions were surging forth: anger, sadness, hate, happiness, love, loss. Unable to take it he flipped the cover open. The fire went out as snow rushed down the chimney and chilled the living room.

Ethan looked up in enough time to watch as a man appeared in front of him with a bright red coat. He caught sight of the figure's face before he felt himself pulled away from the scene. The next thing he knew he was resting on a cold wooden floor. He looked up and felt his heart skip a beat.

"N-no way," whispered Ethan as he got to his feet and took in the sight around him. "This isn't possible."

Standing in front of him was a young man with bright white hair, white stubble, and a bright red coat resting across his shoulders. It took him a moment to register who it was and then in a soft voice whispered:

"S-Santa Claus?"

"Nicholas Claus," said the man as he extended his hand. "And I'm afraid you've set a very dangerous chain of events in motion."

A/N: I've got a surpirse for you all next week. Since the next chapter got so big I split it into two parts. So you'll get two updates next week! Don't forget to drop a review, even if it's just to give me a critisim I'd appreciate it. Every little bit helps! Take care and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!