I don't own Vampire Diaries or any other references I will use in this story. I only own my OC.

Chapter 4 -Family Ties

~ Harmony's P.O.V. ~

I was finally out of the hospital, and back in my own home relaxing on the couch watching the news. It appeared that the animal attacking people was caught. I still believe there's more to the story than what is given. I would have thought a mountain lion would shred a person up, not just leave one bite on the neck. As I thought this, I heard my Aunt Jenna in the kitchen calling out names.

"Scum ball. Scum bucket," Aunt Jenna said.

"Who're you talking too?" Elena asked.

"Him," Aunt Jenna said.

"The news guy?" Elena asked.

"Also known as Logan 'Scum' Fell," Aunt Jenna said, "Did your mom ever tell you why I moved away from Mystic Falls?"

"Oh, no way," Elena said, "You and him? He's cute."

"I've seen better," I called out.

"He's not cute," Aunt Jenna said, "There's nothing cute about him."

I turned off the tv, before getting up from the couch and walking to where Elena is. She had a lot of our parents' belongings.

"What are you doing with that?" Aunt Jenna asked.

"I went yesterday and got it from the safe deposit box," Elena said, "Mom had told Mrs. Lockwood that she would loan it to the Founder's Council for their heritage display."

"Is that Grandma Beth's wedding ring?" Aunt Jenna said.

"Originally, it was great, great-grandma Mary's wedding ring," Elena said as Jeremy walked up.

"How much do you think this stuff is worth? You know like on eBay?" Jeremy said picking up one of the items.

"You're not gonna find out," Elena said taking it away.

"That stuff is Mom and Dad's. You can't just give it away," Jeremy said.

"I'm not giving it away. It's called a loan, Jeremy," Elena said.

"They're gonna give it back though right?" I asked, "They're not gonna play dumb and keep it right?"

"Of course they will," Elena said.

"Really? What if they don't?" I asked just as the doorbell rang.

Elena went to answer it, and when she didn't come back or say who it was I went to see for myself. When I went to the door, I didn't see anyone. That's when I had the feeling I knew it was Stefan, my sister's boyfriend. I usually don't snoop, but I couldn't pass up the chance to embarrass my sister. I quietly went up the stairs to her room. Her door wasn't fully closed so I pushed it a little bit to get a better view inside. When I did I saw Stefan on top of my sister on her bed. I was about to call out to them when I saw Stefan look up at the mirror of my sister's room and I saw veins appearing under his eyes. I was so shocked to see his eyes changing that I ran to my room.

I locked the door and went to my drawers that had a false bottom, which held emergency money, an extra first-aid kit, my extra inhaler, and my diary drawing pad. My drawing pad was a form of a diary that if something big happened I would draw it out with the date to always remember it. So, I don't draw in it all the time. I grabbed my drawing pad and drew Stefan's eyes. When I was done, I stared at the drawing before sending a picture to my Uncle John. I wanted answers on what that can be. I knew it couldn't be medically, and since I always believed in the stories Uncle John told me when I was little I figured he could tell me. I soon got a reply, saying it was how a vampire looks like when it's hungry. He asked if I was okay and if I got hurt. When I replied that I was fine, he then told me to stay away from them and to fill me up with this herb called vervain. He promised to visit as soon as he can and told me to be careful. After that, I placed the date on the corner of the drawing before putting the pad back under the false bottom and closed my drawer.

After a deep breath, I decided to call Matt and asked if he could be my date to the Founder's Party tomorrow night.

"Hello," Matt answered.

"Matty, I need to ask you something," I said.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Are you busy tomorrow?" I asked him.

"No. Why?" He said.

"Would you be willing to be my date for the Founder's Party tomorrow?" I asked him.

"Uh, sure," Matt said.

"Thank you, Matty," I said with a smile, "I will see you tomorrow. Though I have a feeling Mrs. Lockwood is going to ask me to perform at the party. So, I don't know if I would be a good date."

"It's alright. If that does happen I'll be sure to listen. You have an amazing talent," Matt said kindly.

"Thank you," I said before someone else was trying to call me. When I looked it said 'Mrs. Lockwood'. "I have to hang up Matty. Mrs. Lockwood is calling me."

"Okay, see you tomorrow. I'll pick you up," Matt said hanging up.

I answered. "Mrs. Lockwood," I said, "How may I help you?"

"Well, I'm pretty sure you know what I'm about to say. I am asking if you can perform a bit for the Founder's Party tomorrow," Mrs. Lockwood said.

"I had a feeling you were going to ask, so I already have some ideas on some songs I can play there. I will send you a list. Am I playing the whole night?" I said.

"No, you won't play the whole night, but a very good portion of it. The other band will play during the breaks you will take. That will give you some time to enjoy the party. I'll be sure to pay you for your time. I will look forward to seeing you play tomorrow. Until then," Mrs. Lockwood said.

"Until then," I said before hanging up and sending her the list of songs I will be playing.

After getting the okay for them, I went to my closet to see what I would wear to the party. When I was done I decided to practice the songs that I am playing tomorrow. Night soon came and I changed into my pajamas and got some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.

~ Next Day ~

~ Tyler's P.O.V. ~

I was at the Grill with my parents. We were talking about the football season.

"So what happens with the season? One big forfeit. Are they looking for another coach?" My dad asked.

"I don't know, dad. I doubt anyone's thinking about that right now," I told him.

"Charles, Founder's Party focus," my mother said to my dad, "By the way, I managed to get Harmony Gilbert to play for us tomorrow for a portion of the night,"

"Well, we'll be sure to pay her for her time," My dad said, "She's a very talented girl, and she's even one of the Founder Families which is a bonus for her."

My mother nodded in agreement, and I tried so hard not to roll my eyes. It's not that I don't like Harmony. She's my friend, but to be used to boost my family's image is too much. She deserves better. Oh well, at least the night won't be so bad. Harmony plays better music than what my parents usually play at parties.

Just then, Vicki showed up.

"So, how are you all doing over here?" She asked.

"Ah, we're doing great over here sweetheart," my dad answered.

I can't believe she is talking to us right now. My mother doesn't like her.

"Is there anything else I can get you?" She asked me.

God, I just want her to leave right now.

"We're fine thank you," I said.

"Just the check honey," my dad said.

"Here you go Mayor Lockwood," Vicki said.

"Thanks," my dad said as my mom looked at me.

I kept looking down. Vicki soon left, and after my parents left I asked Vicki to the Founders' Party. She agreed and told me that Matt was also going to the party as Harmony Gilbert's date. My best friend is coming? Even better.

~ Back at the Gilbert House ~

~ Harmony's P.O.V. ~

I was getting ready in my room, as Elena and Bonnie were getting ready downstairs. I was putting on my makeup for the party. A smoky eyeshadow with a very faint touch of blue (you can barely see the blue), eyeliner, mascara, foundation, a little blush, and light pink lip gloss. I was fixing my hair in curls and pinning half of my hair up with a blue flower hair clip. I put on a pearl bracelet on my right wrist and stud (pearl) earrings.

During this time, I heard a commotion downstairs. It appeared that Elena was stopping Jeremy from fighting Tyler as she was giving him our parents' belongings. Soon the girls moved to Elena's room where I could hear them finishing on getting ready. It wasn't until I hear Bonnie ask what was wrong, that I peeked out of my room to see Elena marched into Jeremy's room.

'Uh Oh,' I thought as I quietly walked towards both brother's room.

Apparently, Jeremy took the Gilbert Watch from the box Elena was giving to Mrs. Lockwood. I was angry Elena actually ask if he sold it on eBay. As I heard the argument about to finish, I ran back to my room and put on my blue high waist belted lace panel maxi dress, that was shorter in the front and long in the back, and my Antonio Milani pearl-colored strappy two-inch heels. I went to my sister's room and opened the door gaining their attention. Both of their eyes dropped, and I smiled as I gave a little twirl.

"Wow, you looked beautiful, Har," Elena said with a smile, "Going all out?"

"Well, since it's a Founders event I figured such an important thing needs me to look my very best. So, I went all out," I said with a smile, "Besides, Mrs. Lockwood wants me to perform for the party. Have to look my best with the whole town watching right?"

"What instrument are you going to play?" Bonnie asked.

"I was going to play all of them.," I told them, "Well, besides the piano." A/N: I'm not sure if I listed all the instruments Harmony can play. She can play: the violin, cello, flute, piano.)

"I can't wait to hear you play," Bonnie said.

"Who are you going to the party with?" Elena asked.

"Matt is going with me," I said, "He told me Vicki was going too."

"Oh, well at you have a date," Bonnie said.

"A date I won't even spend a lot of time with at the party," I said sighing as I leaned against the door, "At least I'm getting paid to play music."

"That's a huge plus," Bonnie said.

"Well, I'm going to let you girls finish getting ready," I said as I turned to walk out of the room.

When both Elena and Bonnie were to focus on getting ready, I took the watch, that Elena took from Jeremy, from her bag and went to his room. As I opened his bedroom door, Jeremy turned his gaze to me and watched as I showed him the Gilbert Watch and placed it next to him. He thanked me silently as I put a finger to my lips.

"You look beautiful," Jeremy said, "Knock them dead."

"Thank you," I said laughing a bit.

Just then, Matt texted me saying he was in front of the house.

"I got to go. Matt is waiting for me. Bye Jer-Jer," I said.

"Bye," I heard him say as I closed his door.

I texted Matt if he could help me put my cello in his car. When I opened the front door we grabbed my instruments and placed them in the back seat. As we were leaving, I texted Elena that I already left for the party. Mrs. Lockwood wanted me there early to know where I was going to perform.

~ At the Lockwood House ~

When we got there, Matt helped me carrying my cello, while I carry my violin and flute to the Lockwood house where we were greeted by the Lockwood Family.

"Harmony, it's good to see you. You look beautiful. Thank you again for doing this for us," Mrs. Lockwood said with a smile.

"You're welcome," I said, "It's nice seeing you three also."

"Why don't I show you where you will be performing," Mrs. Lockwood said.

Matt and I followed her to the back of her house and showed me where I was performing. After that, she allowed us to set my things down and encouraged us to start grabbing something to eat. Soon, the whole town started to flood in. Matt and I were sitting down near my instruments when it started to get crowded and I told Matt that I was going to start playing a few songs and that he could go find Tyler if he wanted. He wanted to stay with me, but I wouldn't want him to get bored.

"I'm going to be taking breaks, Matt. You can stay and watch me play later. Go have fun," I told him.

He gave me a smile before leaving. I grabbed the first instrument which was my flute and began to play. The crowd seems to enjoy it so far. I wonder when my sister will get here.

~ Elena's P.O.V. ~

Stefan and I arrived at the Lockwood house.

"Hi, Mayor Lockwood," I said.

"Hey, guys. Come on in," Mayor Lockwood said.

"Thank you," Stefan said.

We entered the house and walked around for a bit. I will see my sister later after the little exhibit of the Founders' stuff.

~ Harmony's P.O.V. ~

I had a break after a couple of songs with my flute and went to grab water and something to snack on. I need to keep my energy up. Mrs. Lockwood came up to mem and asked if I would be willing to play songs people would recommend. I agreed.

"If someone does ask me, and if I know the song I will play some recommended songs as well," I told her, "I am going to be playing my violin after this break. So, if you have any recommendations let me know and I will play it if I know it."

"Thank you, dear," Mrs. Lockwood said before leaving.

~ With Elena ~

~ Elena's P.O.V. ~

"The Founding Families in Mystic Falls welcomes you to the inaugural Founders Council Celebration," I read before looking at Stefan, "Wow, look. It's the original guest registry."

Stefan stood next to me also reading it.

"Look at all these Familiar names," I continued, "Sheriff William Forbes. Mayor Benjamin Lockwood. Is that... Damon Salvator? And Stefan Salvator?"

"The original Salvator brothers," Damon's voice was heard and we turned around, "Our ancestors. A tragic story actually."

"We don't need to bore them with stories of the past," Stefan said.

"It's not boring Stefan. I'd love to hear more about your family," I told him with a smile.

Then Caroline ruined our moment.

"Well, I'm bored," she said, "I want to dance and Damon won't dance with me."

"Mm-mmm," Damon agreed.

"Could I just borrow your date?" Caroline asked me.

"I don't really dance," Stefan said.

"Oh, sure he does," Damon said, "You should see him. The waltz, the jitterbug, the moonwalk. He does it all."

"You wouldn't mind, would you Elena?" She asked me.

"It's up to Stefan," I said not really answering her question.

"Well, sorry but I'm not taking 'no' for an answer," Caroline said grabbing Stefan's hand and taking him outside.

~ Outside ~

~ Harmony's P.O.V. ~

I was getting ready to start playing my violin when I saw Caroline with Stefan.

'Weird,' I thought.

I began playing my violin as they came to the dance floor and began to dance. They were talking for a bit when I saw Stefan grab the champagne glasses and gave some to Caroline, but not before I saw him quickly pour something in her drink. I was about to freak out, thinking he was going to do something horrible to her but calmed down slightly as she seemed fine. Soon, Elena and Damon walked up to them and started to talk. I don't know what came over me when I notice there was tension between the two brothers. I stood up after I finished the song I was doing before I walked to the microphone.

"Hello, can I have everyone's attention please," I said gaining everyone's attention especially my sister's little group, along with the Lockwood family and Matt who was next to Tyler, "I have a surprise for all of you this evening. I have a performance for all of you, and I wrote this song so I hope you enjoy it."

The crowd cheered.

"For this, I need space on the dance floor," I said before putting the mic away as people moved from the dance floor.

As I walked to the dance floor, I could see the question looks I was getting from everyone. I quickly brought my inhaler to my mouth and breathed in my medicine before passing it to my sister. I stood in the center of the dance floor and caught the eye of the Lockwood Family. I gave them a smile before music I had given to the band was playing, and I began playing music while dancing. (A/N: Listen to Crystallize - Lindsey Stirling)

When I was done, I received huge applause. I thanked everyone as Matt came up to me with a glass of water. Smiling, we walked off to relax somewhere before I had to perform with my cello later.

"You did great. I really liked how you were expressing your music in a new way," Matt said, "But be careful not to go overboard."

"I know. Thank you," I said to him.

We spent the time talking and finally it was time to continue playing.

The night went on, and finally, the night was over and people were going home. Matt was my ride, so he waited for me until the party was over. Mayor and Mrs. Lockwood walked up to me with smiles.

"You outdid yourself, Harmony. That was a wonderful surprise you gave us. I look forward to more of your work," Mrs. Lockwood said.

"You did a wonderful job. Your parents would be proud," Mayor Lockwood said making me smiling a bit sadly.

"I hope so," I said.

"As promised," Mrs. Lockwood said giving me an envelope filled with cash, "Payment for your time. You earned it. Have a safe trip home you two."

With that, the couple left, and I turned to Matt. I opened the envelope and I gasped.

"What is it?" Matt asked.

I showed him the envelop and his eyes widened.

"That's a lot," Matt said.

"I know," I said before looking up at him, "We should go."

We loaded my instruments in his car and we took off.

When we stopped at my house, I turned to Matt and said, "Thank you for being my date and taking me home."

"Your welcome," Matt said.

I then grabbed $300 out of the envelope and gave it to Matt. As he tried to give back the money I told him that it was to help him and Vicki with anything. Whether it would be rent, food, or any other bills he can use it for.

"Consider it a thank you, Matty. I'm giving you this because I want to. I want to help you," I said, "Even if you decide not to use it now, save it for an emergency if you want. I still have $700 that I'm keeping."

Matt agreed after a moment of silence and thanked me with teary eyes.

I grabbed my belongings and entered my house after watching him drive off. I went to my bathroom and washed my makeup off before taking a shower and putting on my pajamas before going to bed.

~ After everything late at Night ~

~ No One's P.O.V. ~

The secret Council of Mystic Falls were having a meeting.

"Are you sure?" Mayor Lockwood asked.

"Five bodies all drained of blood," Sheriff Liz Forbes said, "I'm certain."

"They've come back," Logan Fell said.