This is the 3rd to last chapter. The next chapter finishes the story with the Source getting ready to attack as per "Charmed and Dangerous". The final chapter is my comment on and description of the Charmed World and a teaser from the next story. Both of these will be posted at the same time, hopefully this coming weekend.

This chapter is mainly to deal with the Matt's relatives and Homeland security. Which is the last of the five main plot lines I had in this story.

1 The Wolfen are almost history and the next chapter will describe what happened to the survivors.

2 Matt has now accepted Prue and her magic, more or less, thanks to various demons, Wolfen, the Rising Moon coven and his parents interference.

3 I hope I have done a good job of examining what it would be like for a non magical family to find out and adjust to a son or daughter marrying into a powerful magical family.

4 And I have set up Homeland Securities involvement later on in season seven.

5 And lastly set up why the Source intended to use the Hollow and the Seer's involvement (more in the next chapter).

Thank you very much for your support and comments. I am looking forward to the next plot line after I have finished the last two chapters.

Returning to the Manor

All seven orbed back to the Manor to regroup and heal, only to discover another complication. As Paige orbed into the conservatory with Matt supporting a badly hurt Prue, all three found themselves looking at Matt's grandparents. Leo who had arrived in the hall, cradling a still unconscious Piper in his arms along with Phoebe and Cole, found themselves looking at Vi. And from under the Dining room table, emerged Kay.

For several seconds no one could say anything. All four Battagliana's had witnessed their orbing in and were obviously shocked and confused. The Halliwell clan was also surprised as after their confrontation with the Wolfen and the demons, this was the last thing they had expected.

Kay recovered first as his training took over. Grabbing his wife, he started to walk around Leo's group as they headed for the door. "I think its time we left" he said loudly for his parents benefit.

Without hesitation Cole stepped between them and the door with the comment "I don't think so". Phoebe also moved to stand alongside him as she stared at Vi. Prue said "Matt, stop them please" as she could no longer hold herself upright and sagged into a cane chair.

Matt called out "Wait" as he ran after his grandparents who were also heading for the front door. Getting between them and the door, he was visibly upset as he confronted them. "What the hell are you doing here?".

Intimidated by Cole and Phoebe and unwilling to force a confrontation, the Battagliana's allowed themselves to be pushed back into the Sitting room. Sitting together on a sofa, they made a cramped group. There they sat together, facing Cole, Phoebe and and a now furious Matt. "You don't learn do you" he yelled. "you can't leave well enough alone".

Phoebe touched Matt on the shoulder saying "See to Prue, she needs you and we will keep an eye on these four". With another furious look at his parents, Matt turned and quickly walked over to Prue who was being watched over by a concerned Paige. Prue was holding her blood covered broken left arm with a great deal of care and watching the events in the Sitting room with concern.

Seeing that the Battagliana's were confined for the time being, Prue said "Paige, help Piper, she's needs your help more than me". Leo gently laid Piper on the floor and started to check how badly she was hurt as Paige joined him.

Both Clara and Stephen gasped as they saw the extend of Piper's injuries. A burn covered a large chunk of her right side and the rest of her was covered in additional cuts and wounds from being blasted through the wall. The steady blood flow from her head, both from a large cut and her nose looked especially bad. Clara said "I have extensive paramedic training, I can help" however a look filled with contempt from Paige stopped her from getting up.

All four Battagliana's watched in surprise and then confusion as Leo held Paige's hands so he could channel her healing power. As the white light spread from both Leo and Paige's hands, Piper's wounds closed and the burn slowly reduced in size. Finally she woke, and after taking several deep breaths, she sat up to see the four Battagliana's looking back at her with a mix of confusion and awe on their faces.

"Who the hell are they?" asked Piper. "Apparently Matt's parents and grandparents" replied Paige who recognised Vi from the previous day. A moan from the conservatory reminded them that Prue was still hurt. Leo touched Paige on her shoulder to get her attention and said "Watch Piper please, I will help Prue". Getting up and joining Matt, it took less than a minute for Leo to heal her wounds.

Both Piper and Paige joined Cole and Phoebe as they examined the four Battagliana's who sat quietly. However it was apparent that they missed nothing as all four could not help but stare at a now healed Piper. From what Phoebe and Paige could sense, they were both intimidated and fascinated by what they had just seen.

Leo, Matt and Prue returned to the Living room and the four Battagliana's could easily see that Prue was also no longer wounded. Kay in a voice filled with anger said "What parlour tricks are these?". He stopped as Matt stepped forward to confront him. "Be quiet for once, just shut up and learn".

As Prue stepped forward to place a hand on his shoulder, he stopped and turned to look at her face. "I'mm sorry, I never thought they would do this" in a voice filled with shame. Prue led him back into the conservatory where he could unwind. Seeing this, Kay started to get to his feet as he realised that Matt was leaving them. Without hesitation, Piper used her power to freeze all four of them.

"OK, what do we do now?" she asked.

"Well I assume vanquishing them is not an option" replied Cole.

Leo added "We can't hurt them, they are Matt's parents".

"What was he doing under the table?" asked Phoebe who had suspicions of her own.

As Matt returned to the Living room, he looked at his frozen parents with anger. "They work for Homeland Security and they suspect that you are involved in something. They don't know what exactly so I guess they are planting surveillance equipment. Two years ago, they did this to an middle eastern girl friend and screwed that up too. It cost me both her and her families friendship".

Phoebe couldn't help but look under the table. Tucked into a shadowed corner of the table, was a light brown cord that would be almost impossible to see if she hadn't been looking for it. Getting her finger nail under the cord, she pulled it out, finding to her surprise that several flat squares she had not seen were attached to it. She emerged from under the table, holding the bug carefully like it would bite her. "Yes, thats one of their toys" Matt said.

Cole turned to Paige and asked "Can you call for anything else they may have left". A by now angry Paige paused as she considered what to say, then held out both of her hands and said loudly "SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT". The device in Phoebe's hands disappeared in a cloud of orbs and reappeared on Paige's hands. Other electronic devices, some the size of small pills, several with long cords and four the size of a pack of cards also appeared.

Picking up the three that fell from her hands, Matt said "These small ones are audio devices I think, probably placed in your phones, these big ones are camera's and all are capable of transmitting some distance".

Prue finally remembered that Darryl was still over by the hostel and would not be aware of what had happened. Neither Sheila or Victor would have reached him and she had promised to call her father when they did return to the Manor. Reaching into her pocket for her cell phone, she realised that she had dropped it when the Wolfen had attacked. "Blast, thats another cell phone I have to replace, Piper, can I borrow yours". Piper reached into a pocket for hers, only to discover that the fireball that almost killed her, had also literally fried the phone. Holding it up to show Prue, she added "Mine too, lets see if we can put in a bulk order this time".

As Phoebe started looking for hers, Prue said "Its Ok Phoebe, I'll use the land line". Pressing the speed button for Darryl's phone, she was relieved when he answered before the second ring. "Darryl, its Prue, I am calling from the Manor".

"Are you all OK, the building is an inferno and I couldn't connect to your or Piper's phone".

"I dropped it in the building and its probably cooked by now, so is Piper's. Not only the Wolfen were present but a whole lot of demons arrived and things got very nasty, very rapidly".

Darryl asked "Are the Wolfen history, because thats not the only problem. I think we were being watched and if I am right, they are good".

Prue replied "I don't know about the Wolfen but there were a lot of demons and they had to be after them. I can't imagine many got away. We almost didn't. Can you ring Sheila and tell Dad we are OK. We have Matt's parents in the Manor, we found them planting bugs."

"Great" added Darryl, "its probably better if Sheila and I headed back to the safe house. What about Victor?". "Tell him to go home as well" replied Prue, "I don't want him exposed to Homeland Security. Tell him we will be around to see him soon".

"Homeland Security?" asked Darryl, "Boy you really pick-em, you know that".

"Yes, we do, don't we. Thanks so much for all your help and the party. Drive carefully".

Prue hung up the phone and turned back to look at the Battaglianas'.

"Wake them up Piper, we need to talk to them" said Leo. With a wave of her hands, Piper unfroze them. As Kay stood up, Cole stepped forward and pushed him back onto the sofa with a rough "Stay there". All four Battagliana's confusion grew as everyone else's positions changed from their point of view instantly.

Kay saw that both Paige and Matt now held all of the electronic bugs that he, Stephan and Clara had spent so much time hiding. And it was Vi who noticed that the time on the grandfather clock had jumped forward. Seeing that Kay was looking at her, Paige dropped the devices she still had onto the floor in front of them. Matt threw the rest on to the pile and turned away to stand alongside Prue as his anger once again rose within him.

It was Clara who asked the most important question "What are you people?, ten minutes ago you were on the other side of the city, an hour away at least and then you appear in front of us out of thin air and what did you do to us just now?".

The sisters looked to Prue for a decision as she was the most familiar with Matt's parents.

As Prue considered her answer, Matt gently placed his hand on her shoulder and said "You don't have to tell them, they won't keep your secret". After another pause, Prue replied "Actually there are ways to make sure they do" in a voice that actually sent a chill into Vi, Clara and Stephen. Kay just gave a short laugh although he stopped quickly as he saw the grim look on Cole's, Piper's and Phoebe's faces.

"Do you mean a spell?" asked Matt. "Its one option" replied Prue and she turned to look at Phoebe, "can you write one". "No problem" was the reply. In a disbelieving voice Kay said "What are you, witches?".

"Actually yes" replied Prue, "good witches in both senses of the word".

Matt turned to look at his parents "Prue's telling the truth, thats the secret. There's a whole magical world out there, full of demons, Wolfen and a whole lot more. Everyone you see here is part of it and now you know".

"No" said Vi, "What we have seen can be explained, you can see it on TV all the time".

Kay motioned towards the surveillance equipment "I don't know how you found all of these but they will show the truth". Piper without hesitation used her hands to direct a series of explosions that destroyed each device. "They won't now".

None of the four Battagliana's could believe what they were seeing as Piper destroyed the devices. However this time it was obvious what she was doing and for the first time Kay also found that he was becoming scared of the sisters. Turning to Matt, "Please Matt, whats going on here?".

After a glance at Prue, who nodded in agreement Matt replied "Welcome to a world you know nothing about, a world of magic. The sisters are witches, real good witches with powers of their own. They can cast spells, make potions and they fight demons".

As Kay and Vi looked increasingly skeptical, Matt stepped forward to confront them face to face. "Over the last week I have seen what they do and taken part in it. There are evil creatures out there and they" as he pointed to the sisters, Leo and Cole "use their powers to protect people like you. All my life you kept telling me that to protect people from evil is the most important job ever. Well thats what they do and now I am part of their world and I am proud of it"

"You have terrorists, well they have demons, real live evil demons who love to kill. I have even vanquished a demon, two actually and been hurt by them as well. Leo is a Whitelighter, an Angel if you like, he healed me just like he healed Piper and Prue".

"Demons?" said Kay in a tone that showed total disbelief. "Yes demons" replied Matt, I have seen them with my own eyes, several times and the sisters have fought them all".

Kay once again tried to get to his feet as Cole had stepped away from him. This time Piper froze just him with a simple flick of her fingers. As the other three Battagliana's stared at Kay who was frozen in an impossible position, Cole returned to stand in front of him. As Piper visibly unfroze Kay, he fell back into his seat in surprise when he found Cole appearing in front of him. "Where did he come from" he demanded. Vi replied "Actually she", pointing to Piper, "did something with her hands and you froze, just you and then he just walked over. She waved her hands and you unfroze".

"Like I said, they have powers so don't lie to them. They'll know. Thats why Prue knew you were lying this morning" said Matt. Vi turned first to stare at Prue and then at Paige. "That was you behind me, wasn't it, you warned Prue somehow" she stated. Paige refused to answer, just staring blandly back at Vi.

"What else can you do" demanded Kay in a voice that was far too eager. "No one tell them any more" said Leo, "they know too much already for my piece of mind". Turning to look at Phoebe, "We will need a spell, memory dust is out of the question". This did not make the four Battagliana's look any happier.

Matt tried one more time. "You still don't get it, their powers came with a destiny, to protect innocent people from evil. Thats were we just came from, we were after demons who killed the people in that building and many others. The police officer called Andy Trudeau was Prue's boyfriend and he knew they were witches. He died protecting them, killed by Rodriguez who was a demon". Before Matt could go any further, Phoebe placed a hand on his shoulder and in a quiet, soft voice said "Thats enough, you don't need to justify us to them".

Vi spoke up "If you are good people, why don't you help us with what we do?". Ironically it was Cole who replied "Thats forbidden, there is a law that the magical and mortal worlds must stay apart as much as possible. We help keep them separate and the last thing you would want is for that law to be broken. You have no idea of the chaos and destruction that would result if evil could interfere whenever it wanted".

And with a smile on his face he added "Ask your boss what they would think of the sisters putting a spell on them next time they are in front of a senate hearing. Say a spell that would only let them tell the truth when asked any question. The sisters can do that very easily, well ?"

None of the Battagliana's were willing to answer that question.

"Who are you?" asked Stephen who had been examining Cole with care, "We have looked into both you and Leo, none of your histories match". Cole laughed and in a bitter voice "I am or was half demon and I have been around for a very long time, I know all about what evil wants". Phoebe put her arms around him to hug Cole gently and he stopped to take several deep breaths.

"And you" asked Clara as she looked at Leo, "You look a lot like a Leo Wyatt from World War two who died in the battle for Guadalcanal". Leo sighed and said "That was me, I became a Whitelighter, what you would call a guardian angel when I died, and my job is to help the sisters and those around them".

Kay said "The authorities have to know about this, I mean you could help us". He stopped as he saw the look of resignation or distrust appear on all their faces.

Phoebe stepped forward and said "Listen carefully" as she recited the spell she had just finished.

What you have of your memories

That are not to be learnt by our enemies

Keep them secret from those who would know

And talk only to those who will cause no woe

As Phoebe started the spell, small pinpoints of light gathered around the four Battagliana's, steadily gaining both speed and numbers as they circled the sofa in a whirling cloud. As Phoebe finished the spell, the lights turned and dived into each of the four.

With a scared yell both Kay and Stephen raised their hands to try and stop them. Only to see the lights pass completely through their hands and disappear into their heads and hearts. Clara and Vi had only enough time to try and turn away, before the lights did the same to them.

"What have you done to us" demanded Kay after the last of the light points disappeared into them. "Nothing nasty" replied Phoebe, "just a spell will make sure that you can't talk to anyone about magic except those who already know about us and won't seek to hurt us. Basically that means only us and no one else".

Both Phoebe and Paige at the same time turned to look out towards the street with an unfocused look on their faces. Phoebe turned to look at the Battagliana's and said "Some of your friends have just pulled up". Page added "They want to come in and see what they" as she indicated the Battagliana's, "have managed to do".

Piper quickly moved over to one of the Living room windows, carefully pulling the curtain back to one side, just enough to get a good look at the street. "Damn, there are three men in black suits heading our way. What now?".

Matt replied as he pointed to his parents and grandparents, "Send them out now, it will prove that you are here so you couldn't be near that burning building which will confuse who ever is in charge. Your best witnesses will be government agents. That is if you are certain Phoebe's spell will work?".

"It will work, Phoebe's spells always do" replied Prue. Prue turned to Phoebe and Piper, "would you two and Cole, greet our guests". With that quiet, dangerous look on his face, Cole joined Phoebe and Piper who had just enough time to open the front door as the three agents reached it. Seeing who was waiting for them, all three men stopped. Phoebe could clearly feel the uncertainty in all three as only the four Battagliana's should be present.

Good, at least they couldn't blame the Halliwells for the hostel burning down.

Inside the Manor, Matt confronted his parents and grandparents. "I am asking you to leave now and if you love me, then respect my decision". Turning his back on his parents prevented them from seeing the by now considerable pain that he could no longer hide. As his family quietly got up and walked outside, he started to shake as what had happened finally started to catch up with him.