Holly paced nervously around the kitchen, her mind racing with a thousand scenarios of how the evening could go horribly wrong. Every possible outcome seemed to end in disaster: Draco's cold, cutting stares, Andromeda's scrutinizing gaze, or even Teddy's wide-eyed questions about Kol's vampire nature. Her heart pounded as she imagined each scene, her stomach twisting itself into knots.
And then there was Kol—calm, infuriatingly smug Kol, who didn't seem to care that tonight he would be judged by the most critical people in her life. She had tried to prepare him, offering advice about her family's quirks and potential reactions, but every time she'd brought up something that could go disastrously wrong, Kol's grin only grew wider, as though the challenge excited him.
From the living room, Holly could see him lounging casually on the couch, flipping through a magazine as if this was just another ordinary night. His relaxed demeanor only heightened her anxiety. How could he be so unbothered?
Unable to contain her frustration, Holly paused in her pacing, arms crossed as she stared at him. "I can't believe you're so calm," she muttered, half to herself.
Kol glanced up, his lips twitching into a knowing grin. "Darling, I've survived dinners with my own family. Trust me, no one's going to dagger anyone tonight." He tossed the magazine aside and stretched leisurely, as if the thought of facing Holly's family was nothing compared to his past experiences. His carefree attitude, while charming, made Holly even more nervous.
"This isn't just any dinner, Kol," Holly groaned, wringing her hands. "It's my family. And Draco's still furious that he had to find out about us through the press."
Kol chuckled, his laugh light and unconcerned. "Malfoy's going to be fine. He just wants to size me up, like any overprotective brother would. It's his job."
Holly huffed, clearly unconvinced. "He's not going to be fine. He's going to interrogate you, probably threaten you, and then spend the rest of the night making you feel like you're not good enough for me."
Kol stood and crossed the room, his expression softening as he gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Darling, no one is good enough for you. But I'm definitely the closest thing." He leaned down to press a quick kiss to her lips, his playful charm momentarily breaking through her anxiety.
Holly couldn't help but smile, despite herself. "Just… don't antagonize him, okay? Please?"
Kol raised his hands in mock surrender, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm a perfect gentleman. Malfoy won't even know what hit him—metaphorically speaking, of course."
Before Holly could respond, the doorbell rang, making her heart drop into her stomach. She froze, her nerves tightening as Kol straightened his shirt, his grin growing wider. "Showtime," he whispered under his breath, his excitement palpable as he strode toward the door.
Kol opened the door to reveal the Malfoy entourage standing in all their grandeur. Draco stood at the front, his sharp gaze sweeping over Kol like a knife. Daphne was by his side, her expression neutral but her eyes brimming with curiosity. Behind them, Narcissa Malfoy stood poised and regal, followed closely by Andromeda, who had Teddy bouncing by her side. Lastly came Blaise and Luna, the latter dressed in a flowing gown adorned with images of stars and planets, her ever-present necklace of Butterbeer corks bouncing with each step.
"Potter," Draco greeted coldly, his eyes narrowing as they settled on Kol.
Kol tilted his head slightly, his grin unfazed. "Malfoy," he said casually, letting his gaze sweep over the others. "Everyone else." His tone was light, almost dismissive, as though he were greeting an old friend rather than standing in front of his potential in-laws.
Holly rushed forward, eager to break the tension that hung thick in the air. "Draco, Daphne, I'm so glad you could make it," she said, giving Draco a hug that lasted just a bit too long, as if she hoped to thaw some of his icy demeanor.
Draco barely nodded, his cold gaze flickering back to Kol. "You must be the vampire."
Kol's smile widened, never missing a beat. "And you must be the overprotective no-brother."
Before Draco could respond, Narcissa stepped in with her usual grace, her tone firm and commanding. "Shall we?" She gestured toward the dining room, uninterested in any verbal sparring between the men.
As they moved toward the dining room, Blaise clapped Kol on the shoulder with a knowing chuckle. "Relax, mate. Draco's always like this. He'll warm up eventually."
Kol raised an eyebrow. "Eventually? Is that before or after he threatens me with something magical and unpleasant?"
Blaise laughed, clearly amused. "Definitely after."
Once seated, the conversation drifted into the usual pleasantries, though the tension between Draco and Kol lingered like a storm cloud waiting to break. Kol, seated next to Teddy, found himself on the receiving end of the boy's curious gaze.
"Do you really sleep in a coffin?" Teddy asked, wide-eyed.
Kol leaned down, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Only on weekends," he said, winking. Teddy chuckled, delighted by the answer.
Holly shot Kol a warning glance, but Kol only winked back, clearly enjoying himself. Across the table, Draco's scowl deepened, but he remained silent—for now.
As dinner progressed, Luna's dreamy voice cut through the polite conversation. "Kol, you've got a wonderful aura. It's tinged with deep purple—a rare hue for vampires."
Kol met her gaze with mock seriousness. "I do try to keep my aura in check. You never know when a stray Nargle might get tangled in it."
Luna's eyes lit up, nodding enthusiastically. "Exactly! You understand."
Draco sighed audibly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Luna, please. Let's not encourage him."
Despite Draco's growing frustration, Holly could feel the tension beginning to ease, just a little. Kol was handling himself better than she had expected, and even Narcissa gave him a rare smile when he offered her the wine with a perfectly timed compliment about her elegance.
But the calm was shattered when Draco, his patience finally running thin, fixed Kol with a sharp look. "How exactly do you plan on taking care of Holly?" he asked, his tone icy. "Vampires aren't known for their… stability."
For a moment, Kol's smile faltered. Then he leaned back in his chair, meeting Draco's gaze with calm resolve. "Malfoy, if you'd been paying attention to Holly's life, you'd know she doesn't need anyone to take care of her."
Draco's eyes narrowed, but Kol pressed on, his voice firm. "Holly's fiercely independent. She's built her own empire, made a name for herself, and is changing lives with her initiative to empower young witches in Italy—all without any help from a man."
The table fell silent as Kol's words hung in the air, heavy with truth. "I'm not here to coddle her," Kol continued, his tone serious. "She doesn't need that. What she needs is someone who can stand beside her, someone who can match her strength and understand what it means to face eternity. And that's me, whether you or your family approve or not. Fate and Lady Magic have already decided that Holly and I are perfect for each other and you will honor the old ways."
Holly squirmed in her seat, sensing the rising tension, but before she could say anything, Narcissa spoke up, her voice calm but commanding. "Let him speak," she said, her eyes never leaving Kol.
The room turned its attention to Narcissa as she continued. "A vampire who bends to Draco's whims wouldn't be strong enough for Holly."
Draco's scowl deepened, but Holly could see that even he understood his mother's point. Kol leaned in, lowering his voice just enough to draw Draco's attention. "You know, Malfoy, you should really lighten up. It's not good for your skin to be that tense all the time."
Despite himself, Draco's lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smile trying to break through his stern expression. The tension between them, though not entirely gone, seemed to have loosened just a little.
Holly let out a small sigh of relief, but before she could fully relax, Teddy's voice rang out from across the table.
"Kol," Teddy began, his young voice brimming with innocent curiosity, "what's the most disgusting thing you've ever eaten?"
Kol raised an eyebrow, pretending to ponder the question seriously before his face broke into a mischievous grin. "Oh, that's easy—once, on a dare, I drank the blood of a ferret. Absolutely foul."
Holly shot him a warning glance, though it was clear Kol was thoroughly enjoying the horror creeping over the table. Draco, in particular, looked as if he might lose his dinner, his nose wrinkling in deep distaste.
"Disgusting," Draco muttered, his expression one of pure revulsion.
Before anyone could comment further, Teddy's eyes lit up with that particular spark of excitement only young wizards possess. His wand slipped out from his pocket almost by instinct. "A ferret?" he echoed with glee, his quick mind already at work. "Let's see one up close then!" He brandished his wand at the center of the room and gleefully chanted, "Ferula incantatem!"
In an instant, a ferret materialized on the table—a particularly large and lively one at that. It bolted across the plates, its tiny paws knocking over a goblet of wine as it skittered straight into Draco's lap. Draco yelped in surprise, leaping out of his chair, trying to rid himself of the creature as though it were a particularly nasty hex.
"Bloody hell!" Draco flailed, his usual composure shattered as he danced around, desperately trying to shake the ferret off. Meanwhile, the creature, entirely unbothered, bounded onto a nearby shelf, sending a series of delicate vases crashing to the floor.
Pandemonium erupted. Luna was beside herself with laughter, her musical giggles filling the room, while Blaise made a valiant attempt to snare the ferret with his napkin. Narcissa stepped back, torn between horror and bemusement as she watched the chaos unfold, and Andromeda's lips curled into a small smile as she surveyed the scene with quiet amusement.
Kol, clearly delighted, shook his head in mock disapproval as he rose from his chair. "Finally! Some action I needed," he said with a smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Holly groaned, though she couldn't quite hide her smile. With a quick flick of her wand and a murmured incantation, the ferret froze mid-leap, hovering just above the wine-soaked tablecloth. She caught it easily in her hands, shooting Teddy a playful scolding look. "Honestly, Teddy…"
Teddy merely giggled, clearly pleased with himself. "You were supposed to eat it, Kol!"
Kol leaned forward, taking the now-subdued ferret from Holly's hands, holding it up for dramatic effect. "You know, Teddy," he said, flashing a grin, "you might just be right. Perhaps I ought to reconsider my stance on these little devils." He glanced over at Draco, whose face still bore traces of shock. "What do you think, Malfoy? Fancy trying some?"
Draco muttered something darkly as he straightened his robes. "Very funny, Mikaelson. Next time, perhaps you'll stick to less… eccentric animals."
Kol's grin only widened as he handed the ferret back to a delighted Teddy. "But where's the fun in that?"
Holly gave him a half-exasperated, half-fond look before turning to Teddy, her brow furrowing slightly. "Teddy, why aren't you at school anyway? It's the middle of term."
Teddy's playful expression faltered, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "They let me come home sometimes after a day's lessons," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. "I don't have many friends at Hogwarts. Most of the kids… well, they're scared of me. Because of, you know… the werewolf thing."
A heavy silence followed Teddy's admission, but Kol leaned in closer, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper. "You know what I'd do, Teddy?"
Teddy's eyes widened as he looked up, curious. "What?"
"I'd bite the ones who are most afraid of you," Kol said with absolute seriousness, though the glint of mischief in his eyes remained.
For a moment, there was stunned silence—and then Teddy burst into fits of laughter. The sound was infectious, and even Andromeda, who had been quietly observing the exchange, allowed herself a small, approving smile. Holly, meanwhile, shook her head with a sigh, though she couldn't help but smile at the sight of Teddy so animated.
"Kol, no," Holly scolded half-heartedly, though her amusement was evident in her tone.
Andromeda, however, seemed far more appreciative of Kol's unorthodox approach. "I must say," she said, her eyes glinting with approval, "I rather enjoy your attitude about Teddy's condition. Too many people treat him like he's a plague, as if he's going to explode into a werewolf at any moment. It's nice to see someone who doesn't."
Kol winked at her. "I am just not afraid of him. I would probably play fetch with him."
Blaise, who had finally managed to sit back down after the chaos with the ferret, chuckled from across the table. "I would pay to see this."
The atmosphere shifted after that, the tension that had clouded the evening lifting ever so slightly. Holly could feel it—an easing, as Kol's irreverent humor began to work its magic, slowly winning over even the most skeptical members of her family. The evening, while still unpredictable, was starting to feel… manageable.
As the dinner continued, Narcissa cast a discerning eye over Kol, subtly testing his manners with every interaction. When Kol poured her another glass of wine, he did so with a flourish that would have made any aristocrat proud. "For a lady with such exquisite taste," he said smoothly, flashing one of his signature charming smiles.
Narcissa arched an eyebrow, but Holly, watching closely, noticed the faintest twitch at the corner of her lips. It wasn't much, but it was something. A small victory. Kol's antics might be cheeky, but they were evidently intriguing her, rather than offending her.
Meanwhile, Andromeda had been silently observing Kol's interactions, particularly his treatment of Teddy. After his offhand remark about biting those who feared him, she seemed to be warming to the vampire, appreciating the unusual mix of wisdom and irreverence he carried.
Later, as the conversation turned toward the treatment of those who were different, Kol offered a rare moment of quiet reflection.
"I've never fit in anywhere, either," he admitted, his gaze flickering toward Teddy. "But sometimes, being different isn't a curse. It's what makes you stronger."
Andromeda nodded slowly, her expression softening. "You're right," she said quietly. "It is."
Holly watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction. It was subtle, but Andromeda, too, was starting to see what she had long known—beneath Kol's cheeky exterior, there was depth, wisdom even, born from centuries of experience.
Across the table, Luna was enthusiastically describing her latest theory about how Crumple-Horned Snorkacks could possibly be related to dragons. She leaned in, eyes glowing with excitement, while Kol listened with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"You know," Kol said thoughtfully, "there's a rare species of bat that's said to carry a dragon's flame in its belly. They don't breathe fire, but they can sneeze out tiny sparks. Of course, they only do it when they've eaten something particularly spicy."
Luna's eyes widened in fascination. "Really? I've never heard of such a creature! What are they called?"
Kol leaned closer, lowering his voice dramatically. "The Flaming Sneeze Bats of Transylvania. Extremely rare. You'd have to feed them enchanted jalapeños to get the sparks, though. Ordinary peppers won't do."
Luna's expression was one of pure wonder, as if she had just discovered a new chapter in a long-lost magical encyclopedia. "Enchanted jalapeños... that makes sense! Do you think their sparks could be used for potion-making? Perhaps something to enhance a fire-breathing charm?"
Kol chuckled. "Oh, definitely! But you'd have to be careful not to sneeze while handling the potion, or you might accidentally set your cauldron ablaze."
Blaise, sitting nearby, shook his head with a grin. "He's making it up, Luna."
But Luna didn't seem the least bit discouraged. "Whether or not they exist," she said serenely, "the idea is wonderful. You never know—sometimes the most marvelous creatures are the ones people refuse to believe in."
Kol smiled, charmed by her unwavering sense of wonder. Holly, watching from the other side of the table, couldn't help but laugh quietly to herself. It was moments like these that made her realize just how perfectly Kol fit into the peculiar world of magic.
And then there was Teddy, who, after the earlier ferret fiasco, had taken to bombarding Kol with endless questions about his life, his powers, and his many adventures. Kol, naturally, reveled in the attention, giving exaggerated answers that left Teddy wide-eyed with awe.
"Well," Kol mused, "I wonder if I could fly if I drank enough dragon's blood. Might give it a go sometime."
Teddy's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Really?"
Holly nudged Kol with her elbow. "Kol, stop filling his head with nonsense."
But Teddy was already enthralled. "That would be amazing!"
Kol leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk on his lips. "Stick with me, kid, and you'll learn all sorts of tricks for surviving this mad world."
As the evening wore on, the mood around the dinner table gradually softened, like ice melting under the warmth of a spring sun. Despite the initial wariness that had clung to the air like a damp fog, Kol had managed—through a combination of roguish charm and unpredictable wit—to endear himself to most of Holly's family. Even Blaise had cast him an amused glance or two, while Teddy, eyes alight with curiosity, seemed utterly fascinated by the enigmatic vampire.
But Draco remained unmoved. His sharp, aristocratic features remained set in that familiar expression of skepticism, though now tinged with something more—an undercurrent of rivalry perhaps, or the usual Malfoy disdain for anything that did not fit neatly into their carefully curated world.
As the conversation meandered over topics as light and ephemeral as summer clouds, it wasn't long before the question of family legacy surfaced. Narcissa, with her elegant poise, commented on the importance of the Malfoy name and the responsibilities it carried—something Draco seized upon with the precision of a predator that had scented blood.
He turned to Kol, his chin tilted ever so slightly upward, his voice carrying that habitual air of superiority. "Naturally, family legacy must be of some significance to you as well, Mikaelson," Draco began, his pale eyes glittering under the candlelight. "I imagine a thousand years of existence would provide ample time for… reflection on one's contributions to the world. Or do vampires find such matters beneath their notice?"
Kol, who had been toying absentmindedly with the edge of his wine glass, looked up, a slow smirk spreading across his face. If Draco had expected to strike a nerve, he would be disappointed. "Oh, we're deeply concerned with legacy," Kol said with a lazy drawl, his gaze gleaming with mischief. "Mine just happens to involve outliving most of the people who insult me."
There was a brief flicker of something in Draco's eyes—annoyance, perhaps—but he didn't miss a beat. "And what, precisely, will your legacy be?" Draco asked, voice smooth and cutting as a finely honed blade. "Aside from leaving chaos in your wake wherever you go?"
Kol leaned back in his chair, one hand resting casually on the armrest, the picture of nonchalance. He considered Draco for a moment, as though weighing his words. "Well," Kol began with a feigned sigh, "I've got a rather impressive collection of ancient artifacts, if I do say so myself. Saved the world once or twice—nothing too dramatic, of course. And I've dabbled in a bit of magic that would make even Death Eaters turn pale. Honestly, it's exhausting being this accomplished."
Draco let out a derisive snort. "Artifacts and magic," he repeated, the words laced with contemptuous amusement. "How terribly predictable. You must be so very proud."
Kol chuckled, unfazed. "Oh, I am," he said lightly. "But let's not pretend your legacy is much different. Family wealth, a grand manor, and a reputation for… what, exactly? I hear Slytherins have quite the high opinion of themselves, but what is it that you're known for, Malfoy? Besides a surname that turns heads and a fondness for immaculate tailoring."
Draco's jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed to icy slits. "I don't have to justify myself to you."
Kol shrugged, the picture of easy confidence. "That's the beauty of it, Malfoy. Neither do I."
Across the table, Holly sighed inwardly. She could sense the subtle rise of tension between the two, like thunderclouds gathering on a distant horizon. Yet, even as their egos clashed, there was a strange harmony to it—a battle of wills neither seemed inclined to back down from. If nothing else, she found a certain comfort in the fact that, for once, the sparring wasn't about her but about the collision of their unrelenting pride.
The rest of the family watched the exchange with a mix of amusement and mild exasperation. Blaise and Luna exchanged knowing looks, while Teddy, who had been on the edge of his seat, stifled a giggle. Narcissa, ever the diplomat, allowed herself a small, indulgent smile as she glanced between the two men. "Well," she said softly, her voice carrying a subtle note of amusement, "at least neither of you are lacking in confidence."
Draco rolled his eyes, though the corner of his mouth twitched in the faintest hint of a reluctant smile. Kol, however, seized the moment with typical bravado, flashing Narcissa a triumphant grin. "Confidence, my lady, is something of a Mikaelson family tradition," he said with a wink. "I'm merely upholding it."
As dessert arrived—delicate tarts with cream and shimmering berries—Kol leaned in close to Holly, his lips brushing her ear. "See? Told you they'd love me."
Holly couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her lips. "You got lucky with that ferret incident," she whispered back, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Kol's grin broadened. "Luck had nothing to do with it, Darling," he replied, his voice rich with playful arrogance. "It's all part of my irresistible charm."
The evening drifted on, the earlier tension dissolving into light-hearted chatter and laughter. Holly glanced around the table, her heart lightening as she watched her family and Kol engaging, even if it was through jests and subtle barbs. Perhaps, she thought with a glimmer of hope, things might just work out after all.
After dinner, everyone migrated to the family room, settling into the plush armchairs and sprawling sofas, drinks in hand, as the warmth of the evening deepened. The atmosphere had shifted into something more relaxed, with the fire casting a soft, golden glow across the room. Still, Holly couldn't shake the faint undercurrent of tension. Despite Kol's remarkable ability to navigate the earlier conversation with his usual wit and charm, she could feel the weight of her family's expectations lingering like a specter in the air.
Kol, however, appeared unbothered. With a smirk playing on his lips, he leaned forward, raising his glass in a casual toast. "Alright, enough about me and this little inquisition," he announced, his mischievous gaze sliding over to Holly. "Now, I'd like to hear some embarrassing stories about my lovely Holly—ones that didn't make it into her official biography, preferably."
Holly's eyes widened in alarm. "Kol, no—"
But her protest came too late. Draco was already chuckling, his voice rich with anticipation. "Oh, this is going to be good. Let me start with the time Holly decided her Hogwarts robes weren't quite glamorous enough for a Quidditch match." His eyes twinkled as he recounted the story. "She added so many magical sequins to them that by the time she made it to the pitch, the robes weighed nearly one hundred pounds and sparkled so brightly half the spectators had to shield their eyes. She couldn't even fly properly—just hovered there, struggling under all that glamour."
Kol chuckled, clearly delighted by the image. "A Quidditch runway model, you say? I would've loved to see that."
Holly groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I was just trying to bring a bit of style to the game!"
Andromeda, who had been watching with quiet amusement, chimed in next, her eyes glinting with fond mischief. "But nothing compares to the time she baked a cake for Teddy's birthday. She charmed it so that it would grow bigger every time someone complimented it. By the end of the evening, it was the size of a dragon, and we had to eat our way out of the kitchen."
Holly's face flushed crimson. "That was a disaster," she muttered, her voice muffled by her hands.
"Oh, and let's not forget the love potion incident," Daphne added with a smirk. "Fifth year, wasn't it? Holly accidentally drank one during Potions class. Poor Snape—she couldn't stop professing her undying love for him for hours. I've never seen him so terrified. He nearly fled the castle."
Kol threw his head back, roaring with laughter. "Holly, professing love for Snape? Now that I would've paid to see."
Holly groaned louder, sinking deeper into her chair. "It was an accident!"
Draco was wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "Oh, but the look on Snape's face… Absolutely priceless."
"And who could forget the time Holly enchanted her shoes to run faster during a race with Fred Weasley? The charm backfired, of course, and she ended up sprinting through the castle for hours, unable to stop. Filch had to chase her down with a broom, and it took half the staff to finally reverse the spell." Blaise chimed in, shaking his head in disbelief.
Kol slid an arm around her, his grin wide and teasing. "Holly, love, you've been holding out on me. You've had quite the adventurous life."
"I'm never telling you anything again," Holly muttered, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement.
Kol pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. "Oh, Darling, I think I love you even more now", he said, not noticing his slip.
The room was alight with laughter, the family reveling in Holly's most absurd escapades. Just when it seemed the stories might subside, Luna, who had been sitting serenely, her eyes half-closed in thought, spoke up in her usual dreamy tone. "And then, of course, there was the time Holly decided to communicate with the creatures of the Forbidden Forest in Parseltongue."
Holly's face flushed an even deeper shade of red. "Luna, please—"
But Luna continued, utterly unperturbed. "She believed the creatures might respond better if she spoke their 'language,' so she walked right up to a herd of centaurs and started hissing at them."
Kol's eyes widened, his laughter bubbling up again. "You hissed at centaurs?"
"They thought I was cursing them!" Holly groaned. "I was nearly shot full of arrows before Firenze intervened."
"Oh, I remember that," Draco said, grinning wickedly. "You were lucky Firenze didn't let them chase you out of the forest."
"The look on their faces," Luna added, her voice filled with wonder. "They were utterly confused—not sure if they should be offended or impressed."
Kol was now laughing so hard he could barely keep his glass steady. "Holly, this is gold. Hissing at centaurs!"
Holly threw her hands up in exasperation. "It seemed like a good idea at the time!"
"Clearly, your creativity knows no bounds," Kol teased, kissing her cheek as the others chuckled.
The stories continued to flow as the night wore on, each memory more ridiculous than the last. Blaise was the next to contribute, his grin widening as he recounted another of Holly's less-than-glorious moments. "Remember the potion accident in Slughorn's class? Holly thought she was brewing Felix Felicis but ended up grabbing the wrong ingredient and made an exceptionally potent Cheering Charm instead. She spent the entire day floating through the castle, giggling uncontrollably. By the time McGonagall found her, she was halfway up the Astronomy Tower, declaring she could see through time."
Holly buried her face in her hands again. "I thought I was being insightful!"
Draco smirked. "Insightful? You were trying to explain how the castle was 'singing' to you."
Kol's laughter intensified. "And here you are, almost always so serious with me. This is absolutely brilliant."
Holly crossed her arms, pouting. "I'm going to hex you all the moment this is over."
But Kol, grinning ear to ear, simply pulled her closer, kissing her forehead. "Oh, Darling, I'm enjoying this far too much to be worried about hexes. You've definitely outdone yourself."
Holly huffed but couldn't quite hide the smile creeping across her face. "I'm never inviting any of you over again."
The room erupted into laughter once more, and despite her lingering embarrassment, Holly found herself joining in. After all, her past may have been filled with ridiculous mishaps, but seeing Kol's joy—and feeling the warmth of her family around her—made it all worth it. Well, almost.
After everyone had finally gone home, Kol and Holly retreated to the quiet refuge of the library, the scent of old parchment and polished wood filling the air as they began poring over newly discovered information Kol had brought back from Italy. The subject was grim—clues about the Other Side, the spectral realm where the dead linger, observing the living. Luna, ever curious about the unseen and inexplicable, had managed to sneak out a few books from the Hogwarts restricted section for them, brimming with theories on the afterlife. It was just the sort of thing that piqued her unrelenting curiosity.
Holly broke the silence first. "So, the evening could have gone worse, I suppose," she said, her voice light, though still tinged with embarrassment.
"Hmmm," Kol murmured absently, his eyes never leaving the brittle, yellowed pages of the ancient book he was flipping through.
Holly crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair. "Could've gone without all the embarrassing stories about me, though."
Kol smirked but didn't look up. "Darling, I was practically interrogated by a group of wizards. Having them laugh at your expense is a piece of cake compared to the tortures I've endured."
Holly rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. It wasn't torture. You love the attention—you were enjoying every second of riling them up!"
Kol finally looked up, flashing her a mischievous grin. "Of course I did. Everyone loves me." He paused, the smile faltering slightly. "Well, apart from my siblings."
Holly chuckled, but the brief shadow of sadness in Kol's eyes didn't escape her notice. As they continued their playful banter, their connection as strong as ever, neither of them saw the figure standing silently in the shadowed corner of the library. A slender, blonde woman watched them with a bittersweet smile, hidden by the veil that separated the living from the dead. She stood on the Other Side, observing her brother with a mixture of joy and sorrow.
She had never seen Kol like this—so happy, so utterly at peace, his usual chaotic energy softened by love. And in love he truly was. It was written in every stolen glance, every teasing smile he directed at the witch beside him. The blonde spirit could hardly believe it. But her heart ached as well, for at his light-hearted quip about being unloved by his siblings, she knew there was more truth to it than he would ever admit.
A pang of guilt shot through her. The truth was, their family had done little to convince Kol otherwise. She, too, had betrayed him—forgotten him, neglected him, cast him aside. Yet here he was, the only one who had taken it upon himself to avenge her death. Nik, with his endless plotting and obsession with power, had failed spectacularly. He had been too wrapped up in the politics of Mystic Falls and too consumed with his infatuation with Caroline to notice what truly mattered. Elijah, noble as ever, had been blinded once again by another doppelgänger's face, distracted from the very real needs of his family. But Kol—Kol, who had always been the wild card, the brother no one expected to do the right thing—had been the only one to truly care.
Kol, whom she had wronged in the past. Kol, whom she had never shown enough loyalty or love. And yet he was the one who had exacted swift and merciless vengeance on her killers and their accomplices. He was the one still working to bring her back, tirelessly delving into ancient magic, chasing every possible lead.
As she watched him now, his laughter ringing softly in the warm, dimly lit room, she vowed that when she returned to the land of the living, she would never abandon him again. He had shown her what true loyalty looked like, and she was determined to repay that loyalty tenfold.
To hell with their family's broken promises of "Always and Forever." For her, there would be something far more real: an eternity by Kol's side, bound by the kind of love and loyalty that transcended death itself. Until the end of time, it would be her and Kol—along with, it seemed, her future sister-in-law, Holly.
She smiled once more at the scene before her, full of warmth and hope, before the invisible veil shifted, and she faded away into the depths of the Other Side. But the vow remained, strong and unyielding. One day, she would return, and this time, she would not fail him.
