A/N: Well here we are finally. The beginning of the 1864 vampire round up by the Founder's council. Enjoy.

Damon POV

I sat on the side of the sofa listening as father lectured. I tried not to look more than slightly interested as father explained the situation. Everything made sense now; the vervain, the plot. Father and others in the founder's council were planning to kill the vampires. I tried to fish for more information but father was not forthcoming. He asked of Stefan and me to help and I agreed straight away while Stefan took a little longer. Perhaps if father thought I was on his side he would offer me more information.

Once we had left father's office, Stefan excused himself to run off to Katherine of course. I made my way upstairs to tell Elena what I had found out. I knocked on her door.

"Come in!" she called and I opened the door and shut it behind me. She smiled as she noticed me and I couldn't stop the grin that crossed my face. She was everything I wanted even when I didn't know what I wanted. I loved her completely. I crossed to where she was sitting on her bed in a simple day dress. I sat down across from her and explained everything father had told me. When I finished she looked alarmed.

"You couldn't find out anything more specific?" she asked without judgement.

"I tried, I really did but father would not tell me anything. It was like...It was like he knew not to trust me." She nodded, looking unsurprised.

"He knows that Katherine and I are vampires. With how close you and I have been lately, he assumes you know too." Well at least he had deduced one thing right. Elena groaned and placed her head in her hands.

"I just wish this would all disappear!" she exclaimed with a scowl. I couldn't but smile even though the situation was dire. It was adorable to see her angry. She looked up and noticed me smiling and she fought off her own. She sighed.

"Sorry. I'm being incredibly childish but I just can't understand why this is all happening. And I can't understand how the Founder's Council hunting us down ties into whatever Katherine is planning." That was what I couldn't see. They had to be connected but I could not figure out how. Why would Katherine be in on a hunt for vampires, which will most likely end in her own death? It was too far -fetched.

"Given the situation, I think you're entitled to a little childishness. We'll make it through this though. I promise. I won't let anything happen to you." She smiled happily at my words and pulled me closer. She rested her forehead against mine.

"I will never let anything happen to you. I love you so much." she whispered. I closed the small distance between us placing a soft kiss on her lips. She quickly reciprocated and soon the kisses turned hungry.

It was quite late when we awoke, having fallen asleep in each other's arms. Her head was resting on my chest, hair fanned out beautifully. I smiled in bliss. She loved me and we were together. What more could I want? Immediately a frown appeared as I remembered that there was still the possibility of her being killed. Instinctively my arm tightened around her waist. She stirred then and looked up at me with a sleepy grin.

"Hello. How long was I asleep?" she asked yawning slightly. I smiled at the sight. Utterly adorable.

"A few hours. Nothing seems to have happened though. So here's to hoping that the town decided what a ridiculous notion it is to go after vampires." She chuckled softly.

"I don't believe the world is that kind but it is an optimistic thought." We lay in silence for a while just enjoying each other's presence.

"You know that I would die before I let them take you away?" I stated breaking the silence. She tensed a little.

"Don't say things like that Damon."

"Why not? I mean it." She sighed and relaxed once more, burying her face into my chest again.

"I know. But I would do the same for you." I was about to kiss her head but there was a commotion in the room next to Elena's. I frowned and she sat up looking confused too. We looked at each and then quickly rose from the bed. I followed behind her tensed for what we might find. Elena opened the door slowly and we both gasped at the scene before us.

Katherine was lying on the ground bound with ropes and with a strange metal mask over her mouth, clearly to stop her from using her fangs. She looked unconscious. Father was standing there glaring down at her and Stefan was looking at her in a lost, guilty way. Elena made a choked sound and rushed towards Katherine. This movement seemed to snap father out of it. He rounded on her and grasped her from behind, plunging a syringe into her neck. Almost immediately she fell forward, unconscious. I caught her and knelt with her on the ground.

"Elena? Elena please wake up!" I cried, shaking her. Father let out a callous laugh.

"Don't bother Damon. I've dosed her with enough vervain to keep her down for hours. Speaking of vervain, it's lucky that your brother is a little more gullible than you. I was able to spike his drink so easily. So when Katherine went to feed on him it back fired on her. Serves the horrid demoness right!"

"This is wrong father! These people have done nothing to harm anyone!" I knew it was a bit of a lie but I would say anything to save her right now. Father scoffed.

"These are not people Damon! They're demons! You've been put under a spell just like your brother." I was already shaking my head.

"No! Elena never compelled me. Never!" Father raised his brow.

"How can you be sure Damon? She could have made you forget." I held Elena closer to me.

"No. Elena wouldn't do that. She loves me, just like I love her. I will kill you if you hurt her, I don't care if you're my father or not!" Father's face dropped. He looked disgusted. He shook his head.

"Once again you've disappointed me Damon. You're just as bad as them. When these demons are gone I will take you somewhere where you can get well again." I glared at him but we were interrupted as two men appeared. One I recognised as William Forbes. They approached where I was holding Elena and tried to pry her out of my arms. I pushed them away aggressively. They would not take her! I did not see the blow coming until I felt something hit me in the head. As I fell backwards I witnessed father holding his cane, staring down at me impassively. I began to fade into unconsciousness. I numbly watched without being able to intervene as Father and the two men carried Elena and Katherine away. I tried to move, to run, anything but it was useless. The last thing I saw was Stefan hovering over me, calling my name.

A/N: There you have it. Please review. Next chapter will continue right after this.