Chapter Three

Author's Note: Alrighty, so the fic gets a totally rewritten third chapter because I've decided to take it in a new direction. I hope you like it, but the good news is the fic is continuing once more. Hopefully no more writer's block.

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Derek folded his arms even more tightly, if that were possible, and that trademark scowl was back.

'Okay', Stiles thought- so teenage Derek could be a Sourwolf just as well.

They'd been in Scott's living room for what must have been thirty minutes now, but it was obvious to all of them their young, and very inexperienced alpha didn't have the slightest idea how to reverse spells.

Scott had spent the last ten minutes or so pacing and biting at his lip in that nervous way that meant he was at a loss.

"Where's Ethan?" the young alpha sighed aloud.

"What good will he be?" Derek grumbled.

"He was with Deucalion remember?" Scott pointed out. "Maybe he knows something about spell reversal."

"Seems to me Deaton would be the one to ask about that," Stiles blurted suddenly.

Realization dawned on all their faces.

"Oh my god!" Scott exclaimed. "How could we have been so dumb?"

"Gee I dunno," Derek retorted sarcastically. "Seems to come naturally to you and Prince Geek here."

"Now wait a minute!" Stiles protested.

"Oh save it," Derek snapped, cutting him off. "Your dramatics never help anybody."

Stiles huffed and placed his hands on his hips, sizing Derek up.

"Excuse me, but as I recall Derek- I've saved your life quite a few times with my dramatics."

"Yes Stiles, and you've also gotten us all in trouble quite a few times too. In fact, I recall very recently a trip to the carnival that... "

Derek's theatrics were cut short by knocking. Stiles rushed to the door, compelled as ever by his hyperactivity, and opened it to a very amused Ethan.

"Heard you guys arguing at the end of the block," he explained with a chuckle. "You and Derek arguing again?"

"Oh stuff it," Stiles griped as Ethan shuffled past him, pausing in surprise.

"Oh my," was all Ethan could say, wide eyes sweeping down the much younger Derek in front of him. "Its really true. You don't look half bad."

Derek shot Ethan a scathing look that would have killed him ten times if looks were deadly.

"Relax," Ethan grinned.

Derek forced his eyes shut and inhaled deep, trying to think of anything to get his temper under control.

"Let's cut to it," he grumbled, sounding at least less hostile. "Do you know how to reverse spells?"

"Not one like this," Ethan said with an apologetic grimace. "Sorry bro. If what Scott told me on the phone is true, only the old woman can reverse it."

"She won't," Derek sighed in resignation. "Now she's vanished. Damn it!"

Stiles eyed him suddenly, gaze slightly worried and apologetic. Did the boy blame himself?

"Hey its okay," Derek told him, voice less aggressive. "I didn't mean it Stiles. Its not your fault."

"All the same," Stiles sighed. "I should try to do something to reverse it myself, perhaps."

Those whiskey eyes were thoughtful now, maybe even intent, and he was eying Derek like his next great project.

"I'm a little skilled with magic, as you all know."

Scott snorted in amusement.

"Yeah if a botched attempt with some mountain ash counts," he interjected.

"Do not try me! I also used a Ouija board one time when the sacrifices were happening."

"Oh that's an achievment," Scott retorted snarkily.

"You laugh," Stiles told him. "I've been itching to try some spellwork again actually."

They all noticed that Stiles looked thoughtful again, and the teen remained silent for awhile.

"Right," the boy said finally, turning back to Derek. "You come home with me. We'll need to stop at the store for some ingredients."

"What are you now?" Derek replied with amusement. "The pack wizard?"

"You'll be thanking my ass if this works," Stiles reminded him. "I daresay you'll be indebted, but I'm sure you'll think of something."

Something about Stiles's amusement made Derek want to laugh, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Guess I'm staying over?" Derek asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm sure the sheriff will love this turn of events."

"Guess he will," Stiles agreed, managing to mask his sudden anxiety somehow.