Wyatt dropped Zach and Matthew off at school the next day. The two cousins walked into school together and promised to meet up at lunch before heading off in different directions. Zach was not surprised to already see a number of the more academically inclined students in his grade sitting outside their history classroom. He knew their teacher, Dr. Joy Keenan, was in her classroom, but she never opened the doors until a minute before class started. Zach spotted Sophia Watson sitting off by herself with her nose almost touching one of the pages of the textbook. He headed over to join her.

Sophia was the kind of girl a lot of boys would overlook to their chagrin. She had long blonde hair, which she kept in a ponytail at school. Her kind grey eyes were usually hidden behind glasses. As a member of the girl's soccer team she was physically fit, and Zach knew she had a great body. At school though she almost always wore loose clothes a year or two out of style. If boys would take a few minutes to get to know her they would find out she loved playing video games and had a very sarcastic wit.

Zach and she became friends in seventh grade after he caught a bunch of the popular girls teasing her outside the girl's locker room. They were making fun of the fact that Sophia was not as developed as they were and could not get a boy to kiss her even if she paid one. At which point, Zach, over taken by a surge of courage, strode up to the group. He gave the popular girls, one being Angela, his most disgusted look and kissed Sophia on the lips. The kiss was his first, and he later discovered her first as well. Needless to say, the act shocked the other girls into silence, and they stalked off, muttering. Sophia disappeared into the locker room and did not speak to him for a full week. When she finally did approach him during their shared art class she thanked him and sat at his table. Their friendship was the closest relationship Zach had to having another little sister even though she was a full six months older than him.

"Who was the first president?" quizzed Zach as he sat down.

Sophia jumped and smacked herself in the face with her textbook. "Ouch! Damn it, Zach, don't scare me like that."

Zach chuckled and zipped open his backpack, pulling out his color-coded notes. "So, who was the first president?"

"The president of what?" countered Sophia. She snapped shut her book. "I heard through the grapevine you finally asked out Rebecca."

A dumb grin spread across his face. "Jealous?"

"Nah, you're cousin's a better kisser," teased Sophia.

"I didn't know you'd met Richard? Or are you talking about Michael? I've heard he's had more experience in that particular department," retorted Zach with a cocked eyebrow.

Sophia playfully hit him on the upper arm. "Tease all you want, Zachary, but Matt and I are perfectly happy."

Zach pulled a face. "Don't call me, 'Zachary!' And the height difference still gets me. I mean he only comes up to what your chest? How is that comfortable dancing?"

Sophia just smirked. "I'm sure Matt is perfectly fine with out height differences when we're dancing. And come to think of it, so am I."

Zach shuddered. "Ok, ok, no need for greater detail. Are you ready for this test?"

"Of course," said Sophia proudly. "And before you go all nervous, you can forget getting any sympathy from me. You threw off the last curve with your perfect score, and you did the bonus essay."

Zach felt his cheeks heat up. "Fine, alright, ok."

Andrew joined their little group. Zach noticed his friend's lips were redder than normal, and his perfect hair was not as meticulously styled as usual.

"Meet up with anyone?" asked Zach innocently.

"What? No!" Andrew shot him a warning look.

Sophia oblivious to the situation started packing up. "She's about to open the door."

The brass doorknob wriggled, and Dr. Keenan stepped into the corridor. She had her shoulder-length brown hair up in a bun today and wore her librarian glasses, which did nothing to hide her startling pale green eyes. Zach like all the boys in the corridor was immediately hanging on her every word. Most of the girls hated Dr. Keenan on principle.

"Backpacks up front. Please grab a test booklet and answer sheet from my desk. Also due to the academic integrity infringement on the last test I would like you all to sit in alphabetical order for the exam." Dr. Keenan spoke softly and clearly. She stepped aside and ushered them into the classroom.

Zach set his backpack down close to the door and collected the testing materials. His peers were quietly figuring out exactly where in the room they were meant to sit. Despite roll call being done every day for the past few months most had not paid that much attention after the first week or so. Zach knew he was after Thomas Green and located the freckly lanky boy. He took his seat behind the already situated Thomas after greeting the boy with a head bob. Thomas returned his greeting with an awkward half-wave.

Once everyone was settled, Dr. Keenan told them to begin and took her seat behind the large desk in the front of the classroom. Zach opened up the thick packet of questions and began reading through the first page. His heartbeat slowed as he recognized the right answer in the first three or so questions. He flipped to the back and read the three essay prompts. Two were simple regurgitation of facts, while the third required more thought and analysis. There was no extra credit essay on this exam.

He risked a glance up at Andrew and saw his best friend flipping through the packet lazily. Zach knew it was Andrew's way of calming himself down before an exam. Sophia was behind him and he could not risk looking over his shoulder, but he was sure she was perfectly filling in every correct answer on her answer sheet. Dr. Keenan got up from her desk to make one of her many passes during the exam to ensure there was no cheating. He looked back down at his exam and began selected his answers.

Time slipped by faster than normal as it was wont to do, and Zach barely finished writing his concluding sentence on his essay when Dr. Keenan called for the exams. He waited for his three friends outside the room, and they began comparing notes as they walked to their next classes. Sophia and Zach had Drama while Andrew had Biology. They separated at the science corridor.

"Have you finished your script yet?" asked Sophia, changing the subject from the exam.

Zach shook his head. "I've got Comedy Sports after school today. I'll finish it then."

"Maybe I should join the team as well."

Zach laughed. "You hate improv. Besides I thought you were…"

Zach voice failed him. Ahead of them, standing in the middle of the hallway, was Peter Thomas. Tall and lean, Peter was the captain of the school's swim team and the bane of Zach's existence. Peter's father had been the star swimmer before Zach's uncle Chris had joined and completely outcompeted the man. The father's high school grudge had infected Peter at a young age, and he picked on Zach ever since elementary school. The dirty blond boy had always been taller than Zach being a year older. Their fights had even lead to both of them being suspended for a week when Zach was in fifth grade. The fight after the suspension would have landed Zach in the hospital if his father did not have the power of healing.

Peter crossed his arms over his chest and grinned menacingly. "Halliwell, cheating already?"

Zach gulped but stood his ground. He would not give Peter the satisfaction of knowing he was intimidated by the older teen.

Sophia rolled her eyes. "Move out of the way, Peter."

Peter steel blue eyes lingered on Sophia, and he slowly licked his lips. "My offer still stands, pretty lady. Ditch the squirt, and I can show you what being with a real man is like."

Sophia chuckled. "What with your little Peter?" she scoffed.

Peter took a step toward them. Zach reacted. He placed himself between his foe and Sophia. Peter took another step toward him, and Zach noticed Peter's shoelaces were not tied. Careful to keep himself between Peter and Sophia, Zach stepped to the side a bit. Peter mimicked him just as Zach hoped he would, stepping on his shoelace. Zach lunged forward, and Peter tired to step back out of range. Unfortunately his shoelace caused him to trip over his own feet, twisted trying to catch himself, and fell flat on his face.

"You should learn to tie your shoes," mocked Zach.

Peter groaned and spat out a glob of saliva tinted with blood. "Fuck you, Halliwell. I know what you and your family are. We all do. You're nothing more than a bunch of freaks."

Zach's breath hitched. The fact that his family were witches was public knowledge, but not general knowledge. The Halliwells still liked to keep a low profile with only a few government officials knowing for a fact what they were. The few people who suspected something at school never said anything to him. Besides which he was not a witch, his powers were bound.

Zach tried to not let just how much the insult affected him. "'Freak,' that your best insult?"

Peter pushed himself back up onto his knees. "You go near Rebecca, and I'll rip your balls off."

Zach folded his arms defiantly. Peter was not nearly as menacing when he was on his knees. "I'd like to see you try."

Zach was sure Peter would have tackled him right then and there, but they were right next to the school office. Ms. Quinn the elderly Drama teacher stepped out of the office's door.

"What's going on here? Halliwell? Watson? You are going to be late. The rest of you as well," said Ms. Quinn strictly.

The students dispersed. Peter glared at Zach before retreating. Zach and Sophia followed their teacher quietly to the auditorium. Once they reached the room they took their usual seat in the back of the room. Class proceeded normally until halfway through when the door opened, and Ms. Quinn, who had been regaling them with one of her many stories from her aspiring acting days, stopped and turned around.

"Can we help you?"

Rebecca Starling sheepishly stepped into the room clutching on to her backpack. "Uh, yes, ma'am. I—err—just finished meeting with my counselor."

Ms. Quinn waved her hands. "Of course. Henrietta was just telling me about her student. You will be Rebecca Starling?"

"Yes, ma'am," said Rebecca meekly.

Ms. Quinn swept over to her and hugged her. "It's Ms. Quinn or Jia. Ma'am is for my beloved mother."

The class laughed; they all loved Ms. Quinn.

Ms. Quinn smiled at them. "Right, usually we would have you introduce yourself, but that will have to wait until next class. There is a free seat next to Mr. Halliwell. He'll be able to share the week's script with you."

Rebecca nodded and hurried over to the circular table Zach and Sophia were sitting at. She smiled shyly at Zach and pulled out a notebook and pencil before shoving her backpack under the table. Ms. Quinn was already back to tell her story, and most of the class had returned their attention to her.

"Hey," said Zach, smiling broadly.

Sophia held out her hand and leaned across him. "Hi, I'm Sophia, but please call me Sophie."

Rebecca shook Sophia's hand. "Hi, Sophie."

"What happened with your counselor? Why are you here?" asked Zach quietly.

Rebecca glanced up at Ms. Quinn.

Zach followed her eyes and shook his head. "Don't worry. Thursdays and Fridays are pretty much free periods unless there's a play we're putting on. Then we're rehearsing lines."

"The next play's after Christmas break. I think Zach should try out for King Arthur, but he's still fighting me," added Sophia.

Rebecca frowned at Sophia.

Sophia giggled. "Relax, chica. I'm taken."

"What? I didn't say anything," defended Rebecca.

Sophia snickered. "You didn't have to."

Zach cut into the discussion. "Sophie's just a good friend."

"Yip, we're besties," squealed Sophia softly.

Zach rolled his eyes for Rebecca's benefit.

Rebecca tried to keep her face straight, but failed.

"So what's with the mid-term class shuffle?" asked Sophia.

"Well—um—I was in Art Appreciation, but—well—the teacher and I did not get along. So I've been speaking with my counselor for a few weeks begging her to switch my classes. I guess she finally found a teacher who would let me switch so late in the semester."

"That sucks about Art," consoled Zach.

Rebecca gave him a thankful look. "So how is this class?"

Zach shrugged. "Ms. Quinn is cool. You have to memorize a scene and perform it for the final. And every week there's a quiz over whatever play we're studying."

Ms. Quinn called for everyone's attention and started outlining the audition process for Camelot, the winter play for the school. As members of the Drama department their choices on what part they would like to pay in the play would be given a greater consideration. This usually translated to students in the three Drama classes getting all but the very minor roles. The year before, the part of Romeo went to a non-Drama student, but he had been exceptional and a senior. The last Zach had heard Tyler was attending some private acting school in England.

"So, are you?" asked Sophia once Ms. Quinn dismissed them.

Zach blinked slowly. "Sorry, what?"

"Are you going to try out for Arthur? You'd be amazing. Have you seen him act, Rebecca? He's the best, and he's the reason our school's even in the running for Regionals in Comedy Sports," blathered Sophia.

Rebecca who had been packing away her notebook shook her head. "No, but my friend Caroline was telling me about the skit you did a few weeks ago."

Zach blushed. "God, I'd hoped everyone had forgotten about that."

Sophia slung her backpack over her shoulder. "Right, I'm off to the joyous subject that is physical education. Wish me luck."

"Good luck," said Zach on reflex.

Sophia bent down and pecked him on the check before rushing off to catch up with a few of the other girls who shared her PE period.

Zach pulled his backpack on to the table and was surprised to see Rebecca still standing next to his seat. "Oh, sorry."

"My dad wants to meet you," said Rebecca very quickly not meeting his eyes.

"Huh? What?" Zach's heart beat faster.

Rebecca twirled a loose thread around her finger. "I told my parents yesterday that you and I were going to the mall on Friday night. I told them you'd been over to the house before and met them. But my dad still wants you to come over before we head to the mall."

"R—right." Zach stood up. "Friday. Perfect. I can get my mom to drop me off at your place then."

Rebecca cleared her throat. "What? You're ok with it?"

"I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't nervous, but yeah. You're their daughter, and they want to meet who you're going to hang out with. Sounds reasonable," said Zach as smoothly as he could while his heart continued to ramp up its pace.

Ms. Quinn walked passed them. "Next class starts in five minutes, Mr. Halliwell."

"Sorry, Ms. Quinn," called out Zach.

Rebecca, a smile back on her face, picked up her bag. "Well, I've got English next."

"Same here. Want to—uh—walk together?"

"Yes!" exclaimed Rebecca.

Zach lead the way out of the classroom and before his nerves could stop him he took hold of her hand. Rebecca interlaced her fingers with his, and they walked down the corridor oblivious to other students around them. When they reached Rebecca's classroom she let go of his hand and leaned up to kiss him of the cheek. She vanished in to the classroom and immediately was surrounded by a group of giggling girls. Zach waved goodbye awkwardly and continued to his English class and few doors down.

The rest of the day did not fly by, but Zach could not remember anything of note happening. He ate lunch with Matthew; Andrew was serving out a detention. Kenny joined them halfway through the period and was slightly more talkative than the day before. They were seated a few tables down from Rebecca and her friends. Matt argued they should invite Rebecca to come sit with them, but Peter and his cronies were sitting right next to Rebecca's table. Zach did not feel up to finishing up the fight from earlier in the day. He needed to remain out of trouble.

Biology and Geometry slipped by without merit. Kenny once sat in Zach's seat, but Zach had arrived with enough spare time to claim the seat on the other side of Andrew. Health class was as cringe worthy as normal. He and Kenny switched seats, so he got to sit next to Rebecca.

Zach caught a ride back to the Manor with Matthew and his Aunt Serena. He apologized for missing the previous night's family dinner. Serena kissed him on both cheeks and used him as an example for how Matthew should behave. This earned him a mock glare from his cousin.

Thursday nights were dad and son bonding nights, so it was no surprise to find his father waiting for him when he walked into their home. Having the ghostly figure of his great-grandmother also standing in the parlor, however, did cause his heart to skip a beat.

"Grandma Patty!" greeted Zach. "Hey, Dad."

Wyatt grinned. "Hello, how was your day?"

"Busy," replied Zach

Patty Halliwell stepped out of the circle of candles and approached her great-grandson with arms wide open. Zach stepped into the hug enthusiastically. He always got along with his Grandma Patty. Grams on the other hand scared him.

"What's brought you from the great beyond?"

Patty shrugged. "Can't a great-grandmother come and visit?"

"'Course you can, but you don't."

Wyatt placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "It's nothing to worry about. We were just discussing a few things."

Zach caught the look shared between the two adults. "What things?"

Piper walked in through the door carrying a bag of milk, eggs and bread. "MOM!"

Wyatt used the distraction. "Zach, take the bag from your grandmother and take it into the kitchen."

Zach knew he was being sent out of the room and was not happy. Nevertheless, he took the bag from his grandmother and kissed her on the cheek. He made his way to the kitchen very slowly, ears straining to catch a whisper of the conversation. The adults were too used to having unwanted prying ears around and spoke in rushed but hushed tones. When he returned Piper was admonishing his dad about something, but before he could ask Patty swept over and dragged him into the Conservatory.

"You are getting so big!"

Zach forced a smile. "Tends to be what teenager's do, Grandma P."

Patty sat down in one of the old white wicker chairs and indicated he should take the seat next to her. "It feels like only yesterday that I was helping your grandmother organize your Wiccaning. And now your mother told me you've got a date for the Homecoming Dance?"

Zach nodded.

"She must be a very special person to have caught the eye of my great-grandson."

"She is," said Zach still trying to hear something from the entranceway.

"And how are your cousins?"

Zach turned to face Patty. "They're all fine."

Patty pursed her lips. "Fine? That's all I get?"

"Matt's flying through high school. Last I heard Richard and Michael were on their way to spend a month in India on some experiential education tour."

Patty nodded along. "I take it you still don't see Richard ad Michael much?"

"No, but Dad said we might try and spend Christmas this year in England."

Wyatt walked into the room with brow furrowed. "I thought we'd go play a round of golf, and let your grandmother and great-grandmother catch up."

Zach nodded. "Sounds good, Dad—ah…"

Wyatt cut him off. "Do you have any school work?"

"No, finished it all yesterday."

"It was nice seeing you again, Grandma. Tell everyone 'hello' from me." Wyatt waited for Patty to nodded back and left the room.

Zach felt very confused. His dad usually got along very well with Grams and Grandma Patty. In fact out of the whole generation of Charmed children Wyatt and Chris were the only ones to talk to their family from the Great Beyond on any sort of regular basis. He glanced at Patty, but she had her mother's poker face on and he knew he would get nothing from her. He hugged her and said his farewells and rushed to find his father.

Wyatt was waiting for him at the front door, both sets of golf clubs in hand. When he saw Zach he took a deep breath. Loudly he said, "We'll see you, Mom. Sarah wants to try the new sushi restaurant by the Bay Mirror, so don't wait for us to have dinner."

Piper's voice drifted down to them from up the stairs. "Bye, Wyatt. Zach."

"Bye, Grandma."

Wyatt steered him out the door and toward his car. He unlocked it, popped the trunk, and threw the clubs into the back. Zach unsure how to act around his father when he was in such a mood quickly climbed into the car. He buckled his seatbelt and waited with baited breath for his dad to join him. When Wyatt climbed into the driver's side he smiled at his son.

"You sure golf is ok?"

Zach nodded. He was on the school's team and had been meaning to go practice all week. Ordinarily his dad would just drop him off at the course, or more often it was his mother who drove him to the course. It was a rarity for his dad to actually join him.

"Are you ok, dad?" asked Zach hesitantly after fifteen minutes of silence.

Wyatt let out a long breath. "I'm good."

"What were you and Grandma arguing about?"

"None of your concern, Zach," said Wyatt steely.

Zach nodded and looked out the window. After a few more minutes of silence his father turned on the radio. Zach tuned out the music and suck deeper into his own thoughts. Tomorrow he would be going out on a date. Grandma Patty never just showed up for no reason. The last time Grandma Patty had appeared out of the blue was a memory Zach would sooner forget.

"Your mom told me you've got a date tomorrow."

Zach laughed at the irony. "With Rebecca Starling. She's in Health class with me."

Wyatt bobbed his head. "Not a class I would have chosen to pick up girls."

"It's not like that, dad," deadpanned Zach.

Wyatt turned into the parking lot for the course. "Is she smart?"

"Yes."

"And what about the other girl you were going out with? Angela, wasn't it?"

Zach sighed. "We've been broken up for two months."

"I know, doesn't mean she doesn't still have feelings for you."

"She lost the right to have feelings for me when she broke up with me," said Zach a little heatedly.

"Just be careful, Zach, ok? People can get mean when their feelings are hurt. And—and it's not the best time to be sticking your neck out."

Zach frowned. "What does that mean?"

"It's just—it's nothing. Forget I said anything." Wyatt switched off the engine. "Let's go see just how badly you can beat your old man."

Even more confused Zach got out of the car. He met his father at the car's trunk, but he dad did not open it. He looked over at his dad and saw a man lost in thought. Whatever Grandma Patty's visit was about it clearly was something huge.

"Dad?"

Wyatt jumped and blinked. "Oh, sorry."

"We don't have to play golf…"

Wyatt shook his head. "No, no, it's ok. I'm just—well, it's nothing."

"Why did Grandma Patty come and visit?" asked Zach quietly.

Wyatt sighed and leaned against the car. "She just wanted to talk to me and Grandma Piper about some things."

"Bad things?"

"Possibly. There are just—there's a lot of things going on. She—uhh—she—it doesn't matter. Not really."

Zach tried to follow his dad, but the man was not making any sense. He was clearly holding something back that he did not want Zach to know about. Given the source of the information he could guess it had something to do with magic. Zach shuddered involuntarily at the thought. Magic had not been a big part of his life. His powers had been bound soon after Anakin had died; he could not even remember what his powers had been. Sure his father had taught him the basics, but it had been years since anyone had gone up to the attic or touched the Book of Shadows.

"Can we go somewhere and talk?"

Wyatt frowned. "There's nothing to talk about, Zach. It doesn't concern you—or anyone."

Zach shook his head. "Ok, ok, dad. But we can talk about other stuff."

"Like?" asked Wyatt hesitantly. "If it's the 'birds and the…"

"GOD NO!" interrupted Zach. "Please, no. You—that's done."

Wyatt smiled. "Thank, God."

Zach returned his dad's smile. "No, I—well, I want to talk about Uncle Annie."

"Huh? What? Why?"

"Well, I just—he was such a big part of your life, of this family. And I don't remember much about him..." Zach trailed off lamely.

Wyatt patted him on the shoulder. "We can go to the diner across the street and talk there."

"Thanks! Can I get a milkshake?"

"Sure."

Both of them got back into the car. The short drive was silent as both men were lost in their own worries and thoughts. They reached the diner, entered, sat down, and ordered before Zach broached the subject.

"So—Annie…"

Wyatt grinned but the smile did not quite reach his eyes. Whenever the subject of his dead brother was brought up he was always unusually quiet. "What do you want to know about him?"

Zach drummed his fingers against the slightly sticky tabletop. Honestly he wanted to know about how his dad had handled Anakin being gay. He knew the broad strokes; he knew his dad loved his baby brother. He needed details, now; he needed to know if what he was feeling was normal. Their waitress returned with their milkshakes and a basket of French fries. Wyatt thanked her, and she left.

"He was a wonderful man, and you loved him. He was probably your favorite uncle when you were a baby. When he left for university you were depressed for like a week."

Zach smiled, twirling his straw between his fingers. "I still have the wristwatch he gave me."

Wyatt arched an eyebrow. "You never wear it."

"Yeah, it—it's hard. I mean, he's someone I don't even remember, but I miss him as much as I miss Pax."

"That's only natural. He's family, and you guys were very close. Even if you do not have definitive memories of him your love for him is still there." Wyatt explained slipping into psychologist mode.

"Andrew's gay," blurted out Zach.

Wyatt nodded nonchalantly and took a sip of his chocolate milkshake. "I was wondering when he'd tell you."

"You knew!"

Wyatt shook his head. "I suspected, but it was not my place to label him. He needed to feel comfortable enough to tell us himself. Although I'm sure he would not be happy with you telling me."

Zach scratched his ear. "Yeah, probably not, but—how'd you know?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Right, right. Ok. How'd you handle—uh…"

Wyatt's eyes lit up in recognition. "How did I take it when Anakin told us he was gay?"

Zach nodded feeling foolish. It should be ok; he should be fine with Andrew being gay. He was still the same person, and there was nothing wrong with being a homosexual. He was brought up to be accepting of everyone, but there was just something wrong. Not with Andrew, he knew that. No, there was something wrong with himself.

"That's a long and complicated story."

Zach snapped back into reality. "Why?"

Wyatt folded his hands in front of himself. "I learned about Anakin being gay from a different Anakin or rather I was given irrefutable proof by another Anakin."

"Another Anakin?" Zach was lost.

"The whole thing was confusing, and we had bigger things to worry about than Anakin being gay. But there was always a part of me that hoped he was lying to himself, that it was just a phase. Life is hard enough without being different. And he was my baby brother, I didn't want anything or anyone to hurt him."

Zach slurped on his milkshake. His dad had explained exactly what he was feeing. There was nothing wrong with being gay, but it was going to be tough. He could not imagine putting himself through something like that. He was going to have to watch his best friend be bullied and picked on. There would be times he could help him, but he was not around all the time. Then there were Andrew's parents.

"How are you feeling?"

Zach blinked and pushed the milkshake away. "It's going to suck for Andrew."

Wyatt shrugged. "People are a lot more accepting in this day and age than when I was growing up."

"His parents—oh God—his parents are going to kill him. How—what do I do?"

"He's going to need his friends. That is what you are going to do, Zach, you are going to be there for him. He's going to need a place he feels safe and loved. If as you say his parents aren't going to be able to provide that safe haven then it up to us."

"Us?"

Wyatt reached across and took his son's hand in his own. "Andrew has been your friend for years. He's a part of this family, and this family takes care of family."

Zach blinked rapidly to try and stop the tears from forming. He took a deep breath and felt a thousand pounds lighter. "Thanks, Dad."

"So this date tomorrow?"

"We're going to the mall, get dinner at the food court and walk around." Zach could not help but smile as he thought about Rebecca.

Seeing his son light up, Wyatt stayed silent.

"Can you drive us? Will you be free? I guess Mom could, but she'd want to ask ten thousand questions. Please, Dad, please?"

"Of course I can drive you."

Zach clapped his hands together. "Perfect. Oh—oh yeah, we'll have to go to her house first. Her parents want to meet me."

As he spoke he got more nervous. The idea of meeting a girl's parents terrified him. He had never met Angela's parents when they had been going out. She always sidestepped the topic of family. Along the way he had surmised she was in foster care. When he met Sophia's dad for the first time, the man had grilled him, and they were just friends. He could only imagine the insanity of the conversation between a father and a potential boyfriend.

"They want to meet you already?"

Zach nodded not paying his dad much attention. So many things could go wrong. Her dad could hate him. The same was true for her mother. Or they could be fine with him initially but he could say something stupid ad turn them against him. Meeting the parents was a dumb idea. He started to hyperventilate.

"Hey, kiddo, calm down," said his dad and he pushed the half-drunk milkshake back in front of him.

Zach took a deep, long sip. "Why'd I say I'd meet her parents?"

"You are a great kid. They may not like you, but they won't hate you. How could they?"

"Thanks, Dad," said Zach sarcastically, "big help."

Wyatt chuckled. "Kiddo, she's their little girl. They're going to dislike anyone she brings home, but don't worry you'll win them over."

Not wanting to discuss the topic any longer Zach bit his lip. "So what did Grandma Patty have to say?"

Wyatt's lips thinned. "It's nothing to concern yourself with."

They drank the rest of their milkshakes in silence. Zach was chewing on the last of the French fries when his mom called. They paid the bill and drove downtown to meet her at the sushi restaurant.

"Thanks for today," said Zach, hoping to get rid of the awkward silence.

Wyatt patted him on the knee. "Anytime."

Zach breathed out slowly and stared out the window. He should just forget about what his grandmother Patty wanted; it had nothing to do with him. Between school, Andrew, and his date tomorrow, there was enough concern without adding magic into the mix. He could not do anything about a demon uprising or whatever was going on. He should just stay focused on what he could do. He should phone Andrew when he got back home, and maybe Matthew. Maybe Matthew knew what on Earth was going on with their family. No, that was not his to be messing with. Rubbing his temples, Zach opened his mouth to talk and shut it again.

They pulled into the parking structure across the street from the restaurant. His dad found a parking spot, switched off the engine, and unbuckled his seatbelt.

"Wait here," said Wyatt just as Zach reached to unbuckle his own seatbelt.

"Wha—why?"

His dad ignored him and stepped out of the car. Zach wanted to follow, but a ripple in the shadows stayed his hand. He screamed out a warning as the shadows struck out at his father. His dad spun back around and tossed a pulsating blue and white orb at the shadowy figure. The orb of light struck the figure who stumbled backwards, inky darkness pouring out of the wound. Zach held his breath; an icy shiver rippled down his back. He knew what the shadow was but refused to believe his eyes. No one had seen a wraith since Glyndwr had been vanquished.

The wraith waved its clawed hand at his dad, and his dad flew backwards into one of the cement pillars. It turned to face Zach and fixed its beady red eyes on the trembling boy. Zach bit his lip completely lost at what to do. He was powerless even if he had his powers there was almost nothing that could vanquish a wraith. The wraith strolled toward the car, and Zach sunk deeper into his seat, breath quickening.

"HEY BASTARD!" yelled a woman in the distance.

Both Zach and the wraith searched for the owner of the voice. Zach recognized the voice instantly and actually laughed when his mother ran into view. Everyone in the Underworld had a healthy respect for his father, but seeing his mother he felt that the respect was misplaced. His mother looked like a very angry and protective mother bear.

"Stay the hell away from my son!"

The wraith laughed coldly. "And what is a shaman going to do?"

"This!"

Sarah Halliwell flicked her hand, and a half dozen fireball smashed into the wraith driving him to his knee. Zach cheered.

The wraith roared creating a shockwave. Sarah fell to the floor, and Zach gripped tightly to his seat as the car rocked violently. The wraith got back up onto its feet and called forth a twisted and barbed staff. Zach knew the staff was a pleiomorph and that each barb was tipped with a deadly poison. The wraith advanced on his mother, and he jumped out of the car.

"Leave her alone," yelled Zach.

"Zach, NO!" cried Sarah.

The wraith spun and struck out with the pleiomorph. Zach ducked and kicked nearly toppling backwards. His aim was true, and he hit the wraith on the side of one of its knees. Only the wraith was made of stronger stuff than the practice dummy, and his kick barely budged it. The wraith grinned showing off its razor sharp teeth as it reached out to grab hold of Zach. Zach squeezed his eyes shut.

"FUCK OFF!" bellowed Wyatt returning to the battle.

Zach opened his eyes and saw the glowing blade of Excalibur inches from his nose. The wraith screeched and melted into the shadows. Zach felt himself being yanked backward and yelped in fright. He fought back.

"Stop, Zach!"

Zach went limp with relief on hearing his mother's voice.

"Where is it?" asked Sarah still holding onto Zach.

Wyatt keeping Excalibur ready shrugged. "Maybe it's retreated."

"That was a wraith. A wraith!"

Wyatt agreed slowly lowering Excalibur. The shadows had lost some of their darkness.

Sarah spun Zach around and hugged him tight. "Thank God you're alright."

Zach hugged her back still shacking. "You too."

Wyatt banished Excalibur and joined the group hug. "That was very foolish, Zach."

Zach just nodded, unable to speak because of the large lump in his throat.

Sarah was the first to break from the hug. "I thought your brother said that wraiths could no longer take physical form."

"Not here. We can't discuss this here."

Sarah let out a shaky breath. "Then let's go. I don't want to be here if it comes back."

Wyatt approved mutely and wrapped his arm around Sarah. "We'll meet you back at the house?"

Sarah leaned in and kissed Wyatt. "I'll wipe the security tapes."

Zach watched his parents silently as they matter-of-factly dwelt with the details of a demon attack. His mind was slowly shutting down, and he struggled to keep his thoughts straight. They had just been attacked. He allowed himself to be steered back into his seat by his dad. He pulled his legs up to his chest and hugged himself; he had almost died. The ride back to the Manor took no time at all.

"MOM!"

Wyatt gentle maneuvered Zach into a seat in the living room.

"MOM!"

Piper appeared with a frown. "What is it, Wyatt?"

Wyatt reluctantly left his son and walked over to his mother. "We were just attacked."

Piper blanched. "Wha—what?"

Wyatt patted her on the back. "By a wraith."

Sarah walked through the front door, looking a little worse for wear.

"Are you ok?" asked Piper softly.

Sarah nodded. "Yeah, it's just a few bumps and bruises. How are you Wyatt?"

Wyatt rubbed the back of his head. "Must have healed myself."

"You drove with a head injury!"

"SHH!" Wyatt put a finger to his lips. "Zach isn't taking this well."

Piper pulled them out of the living room. "Are you sure it was a wraith?"

Wyatt and Sarah looked at each other before gradually nodding their head.

"And it wasn't a newbie. I hit it squarely with a light orb and it barely slowed it down. I had to call forth Excalibur to get it to retreat."

"So they were right—some one is…" started Piper.

Wyatt lowered his voice. "We've got to tell Chris and Prue."

"And then the kids," argued Sarah. She quieted the argumentative comment from Wyatt with a glare. "I don't like it either, Wy, but if someone is reorganizing the Underworld again they're not going to leave our children out of it. They have a right to know what is going on. They have a right to choose."

Wyatt ran a hand through his hair. "Isn't this why Annie died? Wasn't loosing him enough?"

Sarah wrapped his arms around Wyatt. "We won't loose him, babe."

"I'll go call Chris," said Piper dismissing herself.

Wyatt hugged Sarah tighter, both adults lapsing into silent trepidation for the future.