Mystic Falls Welcomes You Home.

Stefan didn’t get much other information from Korrie, although he didn’t blame her. He hadn’t asked her anything else about her friend, he knew the blonde was human so she wouldn’t really pose a threat to him or the people he cared about. “No, I didn’t even know Elena was here. I came back to visit some family,” He explained as he had come back to visit his distant nephew Zach, which he did every few years considering Zach lived and took care of the Salvatore house and he did that alone.

Stefan glanced over in the direction that Korrie had, he saw Elena watching them with Bonnie and Caroline. “She’ll be fine, I’ll explain all of this to her later. But right now, I’m taking you to my brother. You know he’ll go off at me, if I don’t come with you.” He chuckled softly as he moved past Korrie and opened the passenger side door for her, he held it open until she climbed into his red sports car which is when he shut it behind her.

As he stepped around his car, he sent a slight nod in Elena’s direction. He knew she would be concerned about all of this as he hadn’t told her about Korrie, he didn’t ever think he’d need to tell Elena about the woman he was meant to marry before Katherine lured him in and he ruined everything good in his life. Starting the engine of his car, he pulled away from the high school and headed towards his home. “Have you taken a look around yet?” He asked her as they fell into silence as he drove.

---

Callie nodded her head, “She is my best friend. She’s always been there for me, I’d do anything for her.” She smiled as she spoke about Korrie, their friendship was stronger than just friends. They were family and even though they weren’t related by blood, nothing would be able to break their friendship.

She looked at him and without any hesitation, she answered Jeremy honestly. “I am a witch,” It did feel good not having to keep that from him, it didn’t even matter that they had only just met that morning. She got a good feeling from him. A small frown settled on Callie’s features as she listened to him, so the girl wasn’t Katherine but they were related? Callie remembered her Grandma telling her about what a doppelganger was, but her Grandpa had never seen one so Callie wasn’t sure if the story was true or not. Now she knew it was.

“Oh…” She didn’t know what else to say, she looked at Jeremy as she took in that Katherine wasn’t in town and that made her body relax. “I’ve heard stories of what Katherine has done, she’s pretty much the reason Korrie was turned. If she hadn’t come here then Korrie would have married Stefan, like their parents had arranged. But then Katherine showed up and ruined all of that,” There was bitterness in her voice as she spoke about Katherine, she loved Korrie but she would have preferred if the brunette had stayed human and had a happy life with the man she loved.

“So Elena is still human then?” She asked just to make sure the girl wouldn’t cause any trouble for her family, because she’d protect her loved ones even if Elena was Jeremy’s family.
=

@ sugarplum.
Korrie was hesitant but when Stefan assured her she stepped into his car throwing her bag down by her feet and buckling herself in. She watched as the male walked around and stepped into his car, she couldn't help the feeling of unease that spread through her. She felt awkward around Stefan and she had a bad feeling about the two of them hanging out especially that he had a girlfriend. If she was anything like Katherine she had reason to be worried. Even though she was human she was sure there were things she could do. She could manipulate Stefan.

"No I haven't had a chance yet, I only got into town this morning and Callie and I came straight to school," she said her eyes locking with the males. "Where are you living? Surely the Salvatore mansion from the 1800's isn't still standing?" her tone was light. Something out the corner of her eyes caught her attention a flash of blonde hair and her heart instantly began to race. Her head snapped around however she calmed down when she realised it wasn't who she thought it was.

It was a male their age, he was making his way over to Elena and her clique. Blonde hair, blue eyes broad chested definitely attractive but most definitely not who she thought he was.

"Who is he?" she asked turning her attention back to Stefan. The car had now purred to life and they were rolling out of the car park. "He seems to know your girlfriend." she noted when he began to engage in a conversation with the girls. "I think he and the brunette would make a cute couple... no I don't mean Elena... the other one."

---

"Yes, I did notice she is rather protective of you... with what happened this morning... uh... what caused that? If you don't mind me asking." Jeremy was startled by how easily she admitted that she was in fact, she didn't even try to hide it from him. He watched her reaction when he told her that Elena wasn't Katherine. She looked shocked? Confused even he couldn't put his finger on what emotion she was conveying. Then when she told him about Korrie and Stefan's past it was his turn to be shocked.

"Wait what? the two of them were engaged? AS in to be married... like husband and wife? And Katherine destroyed that? How... how was she the reason that your friend became a vampire? There is so much I want to ask you now... how much do you know?" the questions flew from his mouth as he thought everything over.

"Sorry... I just... uhhh... it's crazy..." he trailed off as he thought wandered to Stefan and Korrie back in 1864. No it would have been earlier then that. The two had been engaged. He couldn't get that out of his head. He turned to look at the blonde and tried to swallow his questions as he wasn't sure she was going to answer them. Instead he tried another question this one directed at her.

"Why are you in Mystic Falls?"

Stefan glanced over in the direction of where Elena was standing and saw that Matt was heading over to the girls, “That’s Matt. He had been dating Elena before I arrived in town,” He stated as he drove off, no doubt Matt would be wondering why he was in the car with the new girl. But Stefan couldn’t care less, he did however notice the way Korrie reacted when she saw Matt.

“Actually yes, Damon and I still live at home. Zach, my distant nephew, has taken care of the house for years.” He grinned as he looked over at the beautiful brunette, “A lot has changed. But it’s a nice town, apart from all the supernatural creatures.” He chuckled softly to himself.

He turned a few corners as he drove through the streets of Mystic Falls, “Who did you think Matt was? I heard your heart beat change, is that why you came back? Are you hiding from someone?” He asked knowing how much trouble his older brother tended to get himself into, nothing ever seemed to change for Damon and there had also been times when Stefan was younger and he got himself into trouble.

Maybe Korrie was in trouble. “If you are, you can tell me. I’ll do whatever I can to help, and so will Damon.” He assured her in case she wasn’t sure if she should tell him the reason why she returned.

---

Callie thought back to her nose bleed that morning, “I saw who I thought was Katherine. Sometimes my emotions get too much and knocks my powers off centre,” She explained to him as she never liked to admit that, but it was true and she’d been honest with Jeremy so far.

She nodded her head lightly at Jeremy’s question about Korrie and Stefan, “Yes. They would have gotten married, well Katherine gave Stefan her blood so when he was killed, he was turned. Which broke Korrie’s heart because she was still human, but she got really sick and a friend of hers turned Korrie. So if Katherine hadn’t done everything she did, then neither Stefan nor Korrie would have gotten turned.” Callie explained as she continued to walk with Jeremy beside her, it was nice being able to talk to someone about all of this as Callie usually had to keep it all to herself.

“I know a lot,” She decided to leave it at that, she knew about vampires and werewolves, witches and hunters. Then Jeremy asked about why she was there and for a second she faulted, she didn’t speak for a minute or so as she debated with herself as to what she should tell him.

“Korrie wanted to check the tomb, she thought Stefan may have been stuck in there… but my mom would have moved us here either way, my dad died a few months ago… mom wanted to move to a small town, and we knew Korrie had lived here before.” Callie’s voice softened when she spoke about her dad, she was dealing with his death but it was still raw to think or talk about him or what happened to him. “How much do you know?” She asked to hopefully get off the topic of why she moved there.

@ sugarplum.
Korrie nodded her head as Stefan spoke about Matt and his past with Elena she watched out the window at all the students that were filing into their cars. As Stefan exited the car park she smiled when he mentioned how nice Mystic Falls was.

"Mystic Falls has always been nice Stefan, even with the supernatural creatures. Granted we were oblivious to them for the first seventeen years of our lives. Until we became one." she turned back to look at the male. Even though physically he was still seventeen years old his eyes held their age. They had seen so much. So much joy and happiness as well as so much pain and sadness. "And I will be honoured to meet this cousin Zach, however if he is as devilishly handsome as either you or your brother he should be worried." she joked playfully as they continued through the streets.

As soon as Stefan questioned her about Matt she instantly felt herself stiffen in her seat, should she tell Stefan the reason they had come back to Mystic Falls or leave him out of it. She smiled knowing full well what the Salvatore brothers would do for her but at this point in time she didn't want to drag either of them into her situation. She didn't come back to town to complicate their lives further.

"No one Stefan, It's fine... don't worry about it," with that she turned her attention back out to the passing scenery before she saw a boarding house come into view.

---

As Callie told Jeremy everything he knew he couldn't help but feel sorry for Korrie having the one person she loved ripped out of her arms. He knew what that felt like. It was the most painful experience. Then when Callie began to explain everything she knew about the supernatural he was instantly intrigued to learn more about everything, he wanted her to tell him everything she knew.

"Really?" he asked when she listed off supernatural beings. However he noticed her stammer when he bought up why she had come back he instantly regretted asking it and if he could he would have taken it back in a heartbeat.

"Oh I am so sorry to hear about your dad..." he trailed off not sure where to go with his words but that was when she changed the subject.

"I know about vampires and honestly that is about it... no one has told me anything else. In actual fact my ex-girlfriend had been killed by a vampire but my sister thought it wise for her Stefan's brother Damon to compel me to forget everything... it wasn't until recently that I even knew Vicki was actually dead... I was told she had moved away."

Stefan smiled fondly as he drove, “I could take or leave this town. But you always made the place so much better,” He told her honestly as she had made Mystic Falls worth living in for him, that was something he had never told her. Although he usually always shared his feelings with her, that was something he decided to keep close to his chest.

“I’ll have to warn Zach then,” He chuckled softly before glancing over at her, “But please don’t say that to Damon. His ego has already taken over his head, I don’t need you making him think any more highly of himself.” Stefan could barely handle his brother now, he would hate to see Damon get more compliments.

Stefan did notice the way Korrie’s body changed when he asked about Matt, but she didn’t tell him the truth. He wanted to push her for the answer but decided he was better off leaving it, only until Korrie wanted to tell him what was ready going on. As he reached the large house, he parked his car before looking over at Korrie. “Off you go, he’ll be somewhere inside. Probably drinking so check the first living area, I’ll follow you in.” He didn’t want to ruin the moment of when his brother first saw Korrie again, so Stefan would stand back and allow them to reunite.

---

Callie found it nice to talk to someone about this, someone who wasn’t her family or Korrie. “I can tell you more, if you’d like.” She knew the dangers of telling Jeremy more about the supernatural, but she figured if that was something he truly wanted then why should she refuse him. Of course, she wouldn’t tell him everything she knew straight away. She would start off with one creature and go from there, which is how she learnt about creatures other than witches.

“Thanks,” She spoke softly as she didn’t want to linger on the subject of her dad, it was still painful to talk about. Then he brought up his ex-girlfriend and how he had been compelled to forget her death, “I’m sorry you went through that. Korrie’s never compelled me, so I don’t know what it’s like but she’s explained it to me. That must have really hurt, finding out that they decided to keep that from you.” Callie looked at him as she couldn’t imagine what that would have felt like, being lied to and having someone take a memory without permission.

“I guess your sister thought she was doing the right thing by you,” People were known for doing stupid things, when they thought it would benefit a loved one.

@ sugarplum.
Korrie couldn't help the smile that spread across her face, "Like wise Mister Salvatore," she agreed. It was true Stefan had always made Mystic Falls that little bit better, both him and Damon. Turning she looked at the male as he drove along a laugh breaking her lips when he mentioned Zach and his brother.

"Your brother has always had some sort of an ego... It was only a matter of time before it went to his head and became oversized." Before long Stefan's car pulled up and she saw a large boarding house when he told her to go inside she couldn't get out of the car quick enough. She got out so quick that she didn't even bother shutting the door. She barged through the front door.

"DAMON SALVATORE GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE!" she shouted into the building a wide smile spread across her face as she waited for the raven haired vampire to appear before her.

---

Jeremy nodded his head as soon as she suggested telling him more about her powers. It fascinated him, all this supernatural power in Mystic Falls. He wanted to learn more about the creatures he was living among.

"That would be amazing! I would really like that," he may have come across a little too enthusiastic but he couldn't help it. "Yeah it sucked. My sister thought she was doing the right thing. I mean Vicki had tried to kill me but still... I would rather have had the memories then have one of her boyfriends manipulate my memories."

Damon had been standing in the lounge room, an empty glass sitting on the bar which had been filled with whiskey a second ago. His hand had reached for the bottle before stopping, he heard Stefan’s car pull up in the driveway but it wasn’t his brother who moved through the front door of the house. Her voice soon hit his ears and he froze to the spot, it couldn’t be true. Someone had to be playing mind tricks on him, “If this is a sick joke. I will tear you to shreds,” He threatened but moved across the room, he stepped into the hallway and looked towards the owner of the voice.

But there she was. “Korrie?” He looked at her and she appeared to be real, but he wasn’t letting himself believe it was truly her. “How are you here?” He asked even though it was obvious, someone had turned her into a vampire. All these years he believed she had died, Stefan believed the same thing as years of them searching for her. His light eyes moved past her as Stefan walked inside, if Stefan had brought Korrie home then this had to be real. But Damon still wasn’t sure until he moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her body, “You’re really here. You finally came home,” He whispered as he tightened his grip on her, he never wanted to let his best friend go again.

---

Callie chuckled softly, “I wouldn’t be too excited. It’s not all that great,” She told Jeremy as she grew up in this life, it was normal for her to learn about vampires or a werewolf pack. It wasn’t normal for Jeremy and she truly hoped it wouldn’t become normal for him, she didn’t want to drag him further into his life but still wanted to teach him enough to make sure he could protect himself against any danger that may arise.

“I can see where she was coming from though, admittedly it wasn’t her place to decide if you should forget or not. But she was coming from a good place,” She would have been angry and upset as well if anyone made her forget something that happened, or kept a secret from her if it involved her. But Korrie had always been pretty straight with her about what happened in her life, before Callie was born.

@ sugarplum.
The threat that came from the male's mouth caused her lips to turn up in a smile, always the same impulsive Salvatore. When he saw her she saw the way he changed his demeanour as if he couldn't believe she was standing there before him.

"Well... the same way you are..." she dropped her voice to a whisper "I'm a vampire," before shooting the raven haired male a wink. The last time she had seen Damon he had just returned from the Civil War. That was when she had taken her leave and how much she wished she hadn't. She knew she had missed Damon but when she saw him she knew just how much she had missed him. When he wrapped his arms around her she felt home again. He had always given her the best hugs, the two had formed a strong friendship when she became engaged to his brother and that had never wavered. Until Katherine arrived, both he and Stefan were pulled away from her.

"I did... one of the hardest things I have ever done," her tone was still low but she knew Stefan would have heard what she was saying. She pulled away from the male her light eyes moving across his face, he still looked the same from all those years ago but his eyes, they were the only thing that had changed. They truly showed his age just like Stefan's eyes.

"So... what to talk about? I mean there is so much... Maybe Katherine would be a good start. The bitch that stole my fiancé and my best friend." she kept her tone light but her eyes flared with a fire.

---

"Yeah maybe," Jeremy scoffed as the two continued to walk along, "But she basically made it so that I didn't get to grieve for Vicki, how is that remotely okay? I deserve a chance to grieve don't I?" he snarled. Instantly apologising for the fierceness in his words.

"Anyway, moving on... tell me more about yourself? Where are you from? Where are your parents? Why Mystic Falls? How long are you staying for?" the questions bubbled from his lips as the two continued to walk, the male was genuinely interested in finding out more about Callie. Sure he wanted to know more about her supernatural side and talents but he thought he should try and learn more about her normal side before rushing into her more confusing side.

"Would you like to check out the Witch Burial grounds we have here?"

Damon chuckled softly when Korrie brought up Katherine, he saw the fire in her eyes just by mentioning the bitches name. “Still the same,” He grinned as he leaned closer, placing a kiss on the top of her head. “How about we don’t let that bitch ruin our day again? Where have you been? What have you been doing?” He asked knowing the three of them would need to have the talk about Katherine and what she had done to them, but Damon didn’t want to do that right now. He just wanted to enjoy the time he had now that Korrie was back, he missed her terribly and wanted to catch up with her.

“Also I want to know who turned you.” Damon brought it up straight away, he wanted to know who the vampire was so he could track them down and kill them for not letting him know that Korrie had been turned. Then they wouldn’t have gone so long without having each other in their lives, Stefan would have always had Korrie there and may not have become the ripper that he had been many many years ago.

“You still look good too,” Damon winked at Korrie before he guided her into the lounge room, “Can I get you a drink? We have whiskey, vodka, bourbon or Stefan has a supply of blood in the fridge.” He offered Korrie in case she was thirsty.

---

Callie smiled softly at all the questions that came from Jeremy as they walked, “Yeah. I’d like to see the witch burial grounds,” She nodded slightly as she let him guide the way, “Well I’ve always moved around a lot. So I’m not really sure where I was born, but I think it wasn’t all that far from here. I guess I’ll stay for as long as my mom wants, she tends to be the one who decides when we have to move. Not sure why though, sometimes it’s planned and other times something panics her.” She explained to Jeremy all that she could, she has asked her mom many times why they have to move so often and she always gets nothing in return.

“My dad passed a few years ago, so I just have my mom and Korrie now.” She told him softly hoping he would ask too much about her dad, she still didn’t like talking about him or how he died. She knew her mom was keeping something from her about that, again it was something she asked about and never received an answer. “We came partly because of Korrie, and she has always told me stories of how beautiful the town and surrounding areas are. And well, here we are.” She smiled at Jeremy as she was looking forward to exploring the small town, going to the same places that Korrie had back when she had been human.

@ sugarplum.
Korrie rolled her eyes at the dark haired male, she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face when she felt the blue eyed vampires lips press against the top of her head. She knew that they would have to eventually talk about Katherine Pierce but she thought she would let it slide for a while.

"A whiskey sounds perfect," Korrie smiled as she sat down on on of the decedent leather chairs. "I think the question should be where haven't I been? As for what I have been doing... that is also an extremely long list. As soon as I fled Mystic Falls I moved onto Chicago for a decade indulging in the lifestyle. Slowly I made my way around America seeing things change.I worked as a nurse in both world wars then at the turn of the century I spent in Paris. That was where I worked as a can-can dancer for a while, seduced a Prince with my charm and movements. After that I moved to Scotland for a decade spending days tending to fields as well as cooking for the people who took me in, a helpless sixteen year old. That was until they tried to marry me off. After that I left, went down to London, spent several years there where I worked in a dress shop, I worked as a designer made so many friends. Traveled to Africa with some of them, then returned to London for a few more months then moved on. For a period I lived in Australia. So much sun, so glad for my daylight ring while I was there. Down there I worked as a cattle muster, and a roustabout and recently I have been spending my days in Las Vegas working in the casinos.

As for who I changed me, Do you remember Annabelle Zhu and her mother Pearl? Her and I struck up a friendship and when I fell ill with Consumption it was Pearl who turned me. It wasn't long after that I skipped town. Good thing to. Otherwise I would probably be in that tomb but I am not instead I am living life and loving every minute of it."

"So what about you two? What have you been doing with yourselves?" she asked as she took the glass from Damon's extended hand flashing him a toothy smile.

---

Jeremy listened as Callie spoke, he nodded his head but was instantly intrigued by her constant moving around. He wondered if she just wanted to settle down and make roots somewhere and live her life. When she mentioned the death of her father he knew how she felt considering he had lost both of his parents.

"I'm sorry to hear that, I lost my parents too, if you ever need to talk I am here..." he told her as the two continued to walk toward the burial ground. they weren't far from it now. "Well at least you have your mother and Korrie. From the looks of it that girl would do anything for you." a laugh fell from Jeremy's lips. "Well it's probably changed a fair bit since Korrie has been here, but yeah Mystic Falls isn't too bad... and here we are..." he walked toward the stone building that was falling apart, covered in vines and surrounded by trees. "The history behind it is kinda morbid, one hundred witches were burned to death here, it's still haunted... so they say."

Damon poured a glass of whiskey and handed it over to Korrie as he listened to her story, by that time Stefan had also joined them and had taken a seat on the leather couch across from Korrie. He snorted as he looked at his best friend, “Since when have you ever been helpless.” He held his own glass of whiskey as he sat beside Korrie, “I do remember Anna and Pearl. At least you liked who turned you,” He muttered as he was glad that Korrie had been turned and hadn’t been trapped in the tomb, but another part of him wished that she had lived a good life as a human and had died of old age.

“We did pretty much the same thing, travel the world. Meet beautiful women, sleep with them and drink from them. Party with whoever was around,” Damon explained as that’s what most vampires did, it was a way for them to forget what they were for a few hours before they were dragged back into their reality. He was glad that Korrie had spent her vampire life well, unlike both the brothers who each had moments in their lives that they wish they could change.

He sipped the amber liquid as he looked at the brunette beside him, “What brought you back? Did you hear that I was here,” A smug grin formed on his lips as he sent Korrie a cheeky wink.

---

Callie was shocked that Jeremy had lost both his parents, she thought losing her dad was bad enough. She couldn’t imagine the pain he would have felt when both his parents died, “I’m sorry about your parents too. And thank you,” She looked at him, now she understood why there was sadness deep in his eyes.

“Yeah, Korrie would. She’s been with my family for a very long time,” She smiled fondly as she would also do anything for Korrie, not that she usually had to because the vampire was normally getting her out of trouble. She followed Jeremy through the forest until they reached the spot, a stone building had fallen apart over the centuries but the magic from the one hundred witches still lingered in the air and in the ground. Callie could feel their magic surrounding her, the spirits were welcoming her.

“I can feel them,” She whispered to Jeremy as she carefully moved around the abandoned area, suddenly a breeze picked up sending leaves across the dirt ground. Callie smiled as it was her own magic causing the breeze, she felt like she belonged there and like she could get a handle on her magic.

@ sugarplum.
"Of course Damon. When I heard you were back in town I was in my car in an instant and coming back to see you," she teased poking her tongue out before turning her head to Stefan. "Hmmm that was a little different to what I heard about Stefan. The Ripper of Monterey... sounds fascinating. Seems like Stefan had a more interesting experience then you my dear Damon." Korrie stated flicking her gaze over to Damon before back to Stefan.

"So who helped you come back from that brink of insanity?" Korrie remembers when she had been like that, it hadn't lasted long, she had learnt to control her bloodlust with a little help from a vampire she met in Scotland Jamie McGregor. He had spent years helping her even when he had to dry her out and make her weak enough to break her insane side. She shot back her drink before waving the crystal in front of Damon's face a wide playful grin spread across her face.

---

Jeremy felt the breeze pick up around him and he was startled at first but then he relaxed and a smile spread across his face as he watched the blonde, she was smiling. It must have been a good idea to bring her hear, it was something she knew about and from the looks of it she was learning something.

"Wow," he gasped as he looked around him at the swirling leaves and the wind that blew his hair and clothes around. This was like nothing he had ever seen before and he was fascinated. "You look happy," he stated as he watched her he felt the breeze die down and the rustling of leaves stopped.

Damon rolled his eyes at Korrie’s comment and how she was asking for another drink, “First you make rude comments about me and now you’re drinking us out of house and home.” He tsked her as he grabbed the bottle of whiskey and poured more into the crystal glass, before his eyes landed on his younger brother. He knew Stefan hated even thinking about the time he spent as a Ripper, but maybe he would tell Korrie because… well it was Korrie.

Stefan’s gaze never once left Korrie, not even when she brought up his past. “A vampire named Lexi, she was my best friend for many years. She never judged me for what I was doing, and she never once gave up on me.” He explained as he did miss Lexi terribly, she had always been there for him even if they weren’t actually together. They had gone their separate ways centuries ago, “As you can imagine I’d rather not go back to that time in my life. Not even to remember it,” Stefan still hated himself for how he let himself get that bad, for all the people he had killed. “Have you just been living life on your own?” He asked his dark orbs watching her, not studying or judging her. Just watching her, like he used to do when she danced in the garden or laid on the grass watching the stars.

---

“I am happy,” Callie smiled as she looked over at him, “My mom doesn’t want me using my magic unless I’m somewhere private. She’s scared someone will see me,” She signed softly as all she wanted was to be herself, and that included being able to use her magic. Of course, she would use her magic in a public place or around people who wouldn’t understand. But she missed feeling her magic run through her body, it was partly the reason why sometimes Callie couldn’t control her magic as well as she should at her age.

“Thank you for bringing me here, even if it’s a witch burial site. It’s just beautiful out here,” She looked around at the forest that surrounded them, it was peaceful and made Callie feel more relaxed. The birds were singing and none of the noise from town could be heard, it was a place that she wanted to visit again. “I bet you bring all the girls out here,” She joked as a bright smile settled on her face.

@ sugarplum.
Korrie shook her head, she understood where Stefan was coming from not wanting to remember his darkest days, she could relate. She looked at each brother shaking her head.

"No once I was changed I struck up a friendship with Jeremiah Hudson. He was kind to me, I had control of my bloodlust so I could be around him and his young family. He had done everything to keep me safe when they came for all the vampires in this town and in return I promised to keep his family safe." Well up until a few years ago when she hadn't been able to save Callie's dad, the one thing she regretted most, so she was making up for it now by making sure the blonde was safe and as far away from danger as possible. "So through the years I have spent my fair share of time living with the Hudson family line right up to now. I live with Callie Hudson. The great, great, great granddaughter of Jeremiah. I do believe at the moment she is spending time with a Jeremy. Seems like a nice guy, kinda cute too got to admit." she paused for a moment to shoot back her alcohol before getting to her feet.

"Well which one of you charming gentlemen would like to show me around this establishment? Or do I have to show myself around?" she asked her eyes darting between each brother.

---

Jeremy smiled at the female before shaking his head a light chuckle falling from his lips.

"No I've never brought a girl here before. I honestly think most of the girls around her would freak at the mention of it. But I thought considering you are a witch you might get something out of it... and it seems that you did." Jeremy couldn't deny how nice it was out here, despite the crumbling building it was peaceful, no loud noises from the town instead you could hear birds singing, wind rustling the leaves. It was nice.

"So when is your mum coming to town?" he asked walking over to the blonde before taking a seat and waiting to see if she would follow suit.

Stefan was more than pleased to know that Korrie hadn’t been on her own after she was turned, and it was all beginning to make sense now. The blonde girl was a witch, her family had been helping Korrie all this time. Damon snorted as he looked at her, “Seriously? If you think that kid is cute, then you must be the first blind vampire to exist.” He commented as he rolled his baby blues, Jeremy could be a pain as he seemed to always attract trouble or get in the way.

“I will,” Damon spoke up quickly as he made a move to stand up, “No, you won’t.” Stefan spoke as he stood up and reached out his arm which he offered to Korrie, once she took it he guided her out of the living room. “Not much has changed, just the furniture really.” He told her even though with all fights that have occurred here, he was surprised that all the walls and windows were still intact. Taking her into the kitchen, he looked at her with a fond smile on his face.

“I remember trying to show you how to make Damon’s favourite slice in here, although we did end up burning it.” He had been too distracted by her beauty, that he hadn’t noticed the burning slice in the oven until smoke filled the room.

---

Callie followed as she sat down beside Jeremy, “In a few days. She had some business that she needed to finish before coming here, but I wanted to come as soon as I could. This is where my family is from, Korrie met my great, great, great Grandfather here.” Maybe that’s why she felt at home so quickly in Mystic Falls, because her family lived here so long ago.

“It is the first small town that I’ve lived in though, my Mum usually decides to move in big cities.” So far Callie wasn’t sure why, of course there weren’t as many shops or places to go. But it was calmer in Mystic Falls and the pace was slower, people weren’t in bad moods as they rushed about their day. It was a nice and much needed change for her.

“Did it freak you out when you first learned about what actually exists?” Callie was interested in how Jeremy would have taken the news, well how he reacted the second time he found out as he had been compelled to forget the first time he found out about the supernatural.

@ sugarplum.
Korrie laughed at the memory she remembered it vividly. He had been so determined and excited to show her how to make his brothers slice, however he stopped watching it and it ended up burning almost starting a fire inside the mansion. Stefan had been yelled at harshly by his father for being so careless. Korrie had jumped in saying it was her fault, she was the one who had meant to be watching the cooking. Which in returned had caused Giuseppe to give her a hard glare.

"I do remember, and I hope your cooking has got better since then," she joked. "That was an experience, I remember Damon walking in he looked horrified," he had also been quick to jump to his brothers protection. That was one of the many things I loved about Damon, he loved his brother so much, he was so protective of him. "You haven't tried to burn the house down with Elena have you?" even though it hurt for her to talk about the Katherine look alike she knew that she was the one in his life now and even if she didn't like it she would have to get used to it, so talking about seemed a good start instead of pretending that she doesn't exist.

---

"It was a little strange, I mean vampires, were-wolves, witches kinda strange but it all started to make sense, especially with the attacks that have been consistent around here," Jeremy stated shrugging his shoulders turning to look at Callie. "So when did you know you were a witch? Were you shocked or had you been around magic all your childhood?" he was genuinely interested in finding out, he thought it was cool especially if her abilities hadn't been kept a secret.

Pulling his phone out of his pocket he saw he had a message from Elena asking him where he was. He shot back a message telling her before tucking his phone away. He really didn't want to talk to his sister so he decided that he was going to ignore any further messages. He was spending the afternoon with Callie and getting to know her a little more.

Stefan hadn’t been bothered by his father’s lecture, because he had been surrounded by the most important people in his life that day. Korrie and Damon. “Actually no, it hasn’t improved. Luckily, I don’t need to cook or bake anything these days,” He grinned as he looked at Korrie, her beauty hadn’t changed a single bit. It still glowed from inside her because she was truly beautiful inside and out, which was becoming rare nowadays.

But then she brought up Elena, who admittedly hadn’t crossed his mind until now. “No, I haven’t really stepped into any kitchen since I lost you.” Stefan told her honestly, she needed to know that how he felt for her hadn’t changed either. It was more complicated now because he had Elena in his life, and he wasn’t even sure if he could make Korrie happy in the way she deserved. “Have you become any better at slow dancing? I still remember my bruised feet,” He grinned a little smugly as he teased her, much like he always used to do.

---

“I always knew, my Grandma was the one who first told me. I think I was about seven, they didn’t want me telling my friends and then people thinking I needed therapy. But my Grandparents never hid it from me, they would do magic in front of me all the time.” Callie smiled as she remembered the memory, she missed her grandparents greatly. “It was my parents who have always been more cautious about my magic, not sure why though.” It confused Callie but again it was something that she never got a straight answer for.

“I was twelve when I first experienced my magic, I had just gotten my first boyfriend and it lasted two whole weeks until I catch him talking to an older girl.” She laughed softly at how childish it sounded, but she had still been a child. “I was telling Korrie what happened after school, apparently the wooden bench behind me had floated up into the air before it came crashing down. It broke in half too,” Callie looked at Jeremy when his phone beeped, “If you have to go, you can. I can find my way home,” She didn’t want to hold him up.

@ sugarplum.
Korrie looked down at her feet, the way he said the word lost it caused emotions to stir inside her. It sounded sincere like losing her had been one of the worst things to happen to him. She could imagine him not entering a kitchen. She nodded her head in understanding, it was true they didn't need normal food to survive but she thought he would have at least done something to win his new lady love over.

"Oh dear," she felt her cheeks heat at the memories of the two of them slow dancing, she had two left feet when it came to dancing. She remembered the embarrassment of constantly stepping on her dance partners feet, Stefan had always been so patient and good to her even when she was certain she had broken a few of his toes. "Believe it or not Mister Salvatore I have become considerably better at dancing. Working in the Moulin Rouge they made sure of it." she shot back shooting him a playful wink. "Perhaps one day I could show you," she looked around the kitchen, it was decedent. "This is a great kitchen. It's a shame it never gets used. Perhaps I could cook for some of your friends. You know how much I loved to cook. Plus it would be nice to meet some of your friends. I could bring Callie along... Damon of course would have to be on good behaviour," It had been a while since Korrie had been able to cook for anyone, she had spent the better half of a decade running from a blonde haired Original. "Before you object I insist. I think I should get to know the people I will be spending most of my days with."

---

"No, no it is fine, just my sister checking to see if I would be home for tea... so you broke a bench... wow... sounds kinda dramatic doesn't it?" he teased shooting her a playful smile. He wondered what it would have been like to be surrounded by people who were in touch with their powers and comfortable with who they were. "How did Korrie react to you telling her? How did your parents react?" he was genuinely interested in knowing how everyone had reacted to her magic appearing.

As he sat there he tried to think of other places he could take her, but the only other one he could really think of was the Grill but that would have to wait until later, he was hoping she would like to join him for dinner because he honesty didn't want to go home.

“You’ll have to show me because I don’t believe you,” Stefan teased her with a smile on his lips, he was certain that Korrie had gotten better. But this was his way of hopefully getting to dance with her again, it had been something she loved to do and could dance well on her own. But when it came to having a man lead her in a dance, that is when she would step on their toes. But Stefan didn’t mind, it had been adorable to watch her cheeks flush as she muttered an apology.

Looking at her he had been about to shake his head, she didn’t have to throw a dinner for his friends. “You really don’t have to do that, you don’t even have to spend time with them if you don’t want.” He didn’t want Korrie to feel like she had to be nice to his friends, of course he would rather all the people in his life to get along but he wouldn’t push it if they didn’t. “And when is Damon ever on his best behaviour?” He chuckled softly as he reached out and tucked some dark hair behind her ear, it was a habit he did when they had been humans. He didn’t apology for it as his hand dropped back down to his side, because it had felt nice. “But I would like to meet Callie, she must be an amazing person to put up with you for this long.” Stefan teased and laughed softly at the expression on Korrie’s face.

---

“Shut up,” Callie smiled as she gave him a light shove, “I was angry and heartbroken. Besides I didn’t know what I was doing until I heard the wood snap,” She defended herself knowing that Jeremy wasn’t being serious or having a good at her, she hoped that she wasn’t holding him up. She knew he didn’t want to see his sister right now, but she also didn’t want to give off a bad first impression on his sister either.

“They all knew my magic would come, we just didn’t know when. It was strange, Korrie was happy to begin with but then suddenly she became… I’m not sure how to explain it, but it was like she realised something was different or she was worried about something. And my parents were the same,” Callie remembered the look of concern in Korrie’s eyes, like she was afraid something bad would happen. But nothing has, magic hasn’t really changed Callie’s life all that much. “Sometimes I still see that look in their eyes,” She shrugged her shoulders lightly, “So do your friends know about all of this too?” She asked looking at him.

@ sugarplum.
"If that is an offer Mister Salvatore I will be sure to take you up on it," she stated shooting him a smile. Korrie instantly saw the look on his face and she knew that he wasn't sure about it. Korrie sighed before shaking her head.

"I know I don't have to Stefan but I want to. I think Elena deserves it plus it will give me a chance to get to know her. I'm sure is better than Katherine, which to be honest wouldn't be hard." she kept her tone light. It was true. Elena deserved the chance to know what was going on when Korrie suddenly blew into town. That and she wanted to meet the others that Stefan hung around with. When Stefan's hand brushed away strands of her hair she dropped her eyes feeling his slight touch all through her body.

"Not very often but I will have to make sure he is..." she paused before her thoughts flashed to her blonde haired friend. "Hey!" she reached out and slapped his arm before laughter broke from her lips. "She is pretty amazing I must admit. Now this Uncle Zach, I haven't met him yet." she pointed out before she began to look around. That was when she felt a presence in the doorway turning she saw a male standing there. Her eyes widened at who stood there. "Wait this is your uncle Zach?" she asked turning her attention to Stefan before turning her head back to the male in the doorway.

"Korrie? Korrie Langston!" he looked just as shocked as her. 'What are you doing here? My God it has been years." Korrie could see from the confused look on Stefan's face that he had no idea what was going on.

"Well I see Zach here never mentioned me. We attended college together. You uncle was very much the ladies man... too bad he couldn't woo over me. Though he did try... Didn't you?" she teased the older man who now looked bashful but he had a smile spread across his face.

---

"Oh... I wonder what made her change her mind about magic," he answered pondering on the thought. It was rather odd he had to admit, one minute being all for her having magic and the next fearing. Perhaps she had a reason. "Yeah, ever since Elena started dating Stefan Salvatore we became exposed to this new magical world of vampires, were wolves and witches. It's kinda strange but at the same time really cool," his phone went off in his pocket again he chose to ignore it, instead he got to his feet.

"Come on lets go get a drink, I know the best place," he chuckled reaching down to grab the female's hand.