Hello, my beautiful, wonderful readers! I hope this finds you all happy and healthy and ready for a new scene! Enjoy:-)

Disclaimer: I do not own Charmed. So please don't take me to court.

"Them"

(upstairs hallway outside of the bathroom. The adults, led by Phoebe and Cole, run to open the door. Phoebe pushes in front of Cole and gets there first, flinging open the door to reveal a scared Warren)

Phoebe: (arms open) Philip, sweetie—

Warren: Daddy! (he runs past Phoebe and jumps into Cole's arms, leaving Phoebe looking awkward and Cole slightly triumphant.)

Cole: Shh, it's okay, slugger.

Phoebe: (snaps to attention) Slugger?

Cole: (ignores her) What happened, buddy?

Warren: (eyes wide) It was "Them", Daddy.

Cole: (surprised) "Them?" Both of "Them?"

Warren: (nods) Yep.

Cole: Together? Here?

Warren: Uh huh. I had just wash-ed my hands when "Them" came in and tried to make me drink that potion thingy. (he points to a small, blue bottle on the sink, which Cole snaps up and sniffs, groans)

Cole: Did you drink any of it?

Warren: No.

Cole: Did you use any of your powers around "Them?"

Warren: Nope. I did just what you told me to do, Daddy. I saids "No way Jose!" and I shouteds for you and "Them" went away.

Cole: (absently) Good job, buddy. (to himself) Crap... (he turns to Piper) Take him for a minute. I need to use your attic.

(Piper reaches out to take Warren from Cole; Phoebe steps in front of her and takes him instead)

Phoebe: C'mon, Philip. Let's go watch a movie.

(She bustles out of the bathroom. Cole starts to say something, clenches his jaw shut, and moves towards the door. Coop stops him)

Coop: Hold on a second—

(Cole just shoots him a contemptuous glance and shimmers out. Coop frowns and follows his wife. Piper, Paige, Leo and Henry head for the attic)

(the attic. Piper, Leo, Paige, and Henry enter to find Cole flipping through the Book of Shadows)

Paige: Excuse you! You can't use that.

Cole: I believe the Book decides who can and can't use it, Paige. (he lifts it up) And seeing as how it isn't trying to shock me or hide, I'd say that I can. Not that it's helping any. (he shuts it) Where are the crystals?

Leo: Look, Cole—

Cole: Where are the crystals?

Paige: (folds arms) Why? What do you want with them?

Cole: That's none of your business.

Paige: If it involves Phoebe's son, then yes it does.

Cole: (almost growls) Piper...

Piper: I didn't tell them.

Paige: I figured it out on my own, thank you very much. And I told them.

Piper: So our deal still stands.

Cole: (deep breath) Does...Phoebe...know?

Piper: No.

Paige: Unfortunately.

Piper: And neither does Coop or anyone else outside of this attic.

Cole: Fine. Whatever. You all know the secret. Now can somebody just give me the damn crystals?!

Paige: Crystals! (they orb into her hands. She gives them to her husband) Henry, please give these crystals to Cole. If I get any closer I might punch him.

Henry: Sure. (he takes the crystals and gives them to Cole)

Cole: Thank you. (he sets the crystals up in a circle, steps back)

Leo: What exactly are you doing?

Cole: You'll see. (he takes a small coin out of his pocket and tosses it to the floor.) Come!

(green smoke fills the circle and clears, leaving behind a tall, appearing to be just past middle-age woman. Quite pretty, with strong, clear features and big gray/brown eyes, her auburn hair is shot with silver at the temple, and pulled into an elaborate bun. She's wearing a well-cut, navy blue business suit, and smiles broadly when she sees Cole.)

Cole: (grimly) Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: (chiding) Now Coleridge, what have I told you? I simply insist that you call me Mother.

Surprise! The next scene is ready too!