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Chapter Text

Harry James Potter was sitting in an uncomfortable white chair in the social services office.

An american couple, a man and a woman with a kind smile, had spoken to the person at the counter, and were now filling out the paperwork to legally adopt the young boy.

His relatives had been arrested for child maltreatment, physical and psychological abuse.

The couple walked back, smiling at the young boy.

"Are you ready to come with us?"

Harry nodded quickly, getting up from the uncomfortable chair without waiting any longer.

"At home we will introduce you to the rest of the family."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The flight had been a completely new experience, but not an unpleasant one, Harry thinked, as he followed his new parents up the driveway that led to a nice house style fence with a dog from the advertising.

The woman, his mother, opened the door and motioned for Harry to enter.

The fourteen-year-old boy entered in the immaculate hall, but a clean lived-in one and not aseptic like the one at Privet Drive.

"This is my sister, Jenna. And these are your new brothers. Elena and Jeremy."

"Welcome to the family!" exclaimed the boy, slightly older than Harry himself. "What is your name?" "His name is Henrik. Henrik Gilbert."

Harry held out his hand to his older sister, saying. "Nice to meet you all."

Chapter Text

Henrik woke up listless, not wanting to go to school that morning.
Once again, he had lost his parents.

Miranda and Grayson were two wonderful people and, during those seven months, they had given Harry a home, a home that, unlike Hogwarts, didn't involve constant danger.

They had died in a car accident (the irony was not lost on Harry, who had lost parents to a car accident for once), with the only miraculously survivor Elena.

Jenna, while incredible, was having a hard time dealing with three grieving teenagers, each with a different method of coping.

Elena spent all the time writing in her diary, most often in the cemetery, in front of her parents' tombstones. She had survivor's guilt, and Harry had tried to help her through her grief, but other than sitting next to her, he didn't have much else to offer her.

Jeremy had embarked on an incredible path of self-destruction, using drugs and spending his time locked up in his room, not eating too much.

Harry had initially faced a period of great discouragement, fear of being sent away, and then he had faced it all by throwing himself into the study of magic, never wanting to lose anyone he loved again, therefore Jenna, Jeremy and Elena.

The older sister had left her longtime boyfriend, Matt, following her bereavement, and now that they had to go back to school, Harry was afraid there would be embarrassments in their little company.

But, as he put the books in his backpack and watched his brother from the door jamb, embarrassment was fine if it meant improving and finally feeling good.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The Grill was always the best place to go in the evening after a day spent studying.
Harry had commandeered all of Jeremy's drugs, telling him he needed his older brother to stay healthy.
Guilt had soothed Jeremy who, Harry discovered that night, had finished his relationship with Vicki, leaving her alone with Tyler and wanting nothing more to do with her.

Harry looked away from the drama between his older brother and his ex-girlfriend to focus on finding his sister.

"His name is Stefan Salvatore. He lives with his uncle at the old Salvatore boarding house. He hadn't been here since he was little, military family, they moved often. He's Gemini and his favorite color is blue."

Henrik saw Bonnie put on a shocked expression as she asked. "Did you find out everything in one day?"

"Oh, please, I found out between the third and fourth period. We're planning a June wedding."

Henrik sat next to them, saying. "It seems that congratulations are due then. Who are you getting married to?"

"Henrik!" Caroline hugged him and Bonnie gave the boy a sweet smile.
"We are talking about the new boy."

Henrik thought about it, before nodding to himself. "The one that Matt hates?"
"He's just jealous because he saw him messing with Elena, but Stefan is a really sweet person." Caroline said immediately, then took a sip of her smoothie.

Henrik nodded, looking around. "I guess I'll meet him at school tomorrow, then." "Definitely, you must meet him, Henrik, you will love him." "Sure." Commented the younger boy, not at all convinced by it.

Matt joined their table, asking Bonnie. "How is Elena?"

Henrik murmured. "Elena's younger brother right here." as Bonnie answered. "How do you think she is? Her parents died and she pretends to be fine, but it's only been four months."

"Is she with someone?"

Henrik glared at the blond, oblivious to his heartbreak. Mention of his parents' accident always put him in a foul mood.

"Oh, no, don't put me in that. Pick up the phone and call her."

"I feel uncomfortable calling her, she left me."

Henrik suddenly understood Tyler's teasing of Matt, even though he still found Lockwood to be the quintessential pain in the ass.

"Give her a little more time, Matt."

At that moment, as in a cheap love movie, Elena entered the Grill, attracting the attention of the four guys sitting at the table.

Unlike that morning, she seemed in a great mood, which could be related to the boy walking in after her.

Matt looked at Bonnie bitterly as he said. "More time, huh?"

As Matt got up and walked over to the couple who had just entered, Henrik addressed the two girls. "Who's the guy with my sister?"

"That's Stefan Salvatore, Henrik. I'm glad Elena brought him here, you'll love talking to him."

Henrik smiled, nodding, before looking at Matt, crossing the corner of his eye Tyler who checked his best friend. Maybe he wasn't a complete jerk then.

Matt had held out his hand to Stefan, saying. "Hi, I'm Matt. Nice to meet you." "Hi, I'm Stefan."

The two shook hands, before Matt looked at Elena who greeted him with a smile. "Hello." "Hello."

Elena then pushed Stefan over to the seated trio.

"Hi girls. Hi, trouble." Elena ruffled Henrik's hair before turning to Stefan. "This is my younger brother Henrik. The youngest."
"You know what they say, first the sketch, then the masterpiece."
Henrik winked at his sister, before extending his hand to Stefan.

"Pleased to meet you."

Henrik squeezed the vampire's hand, ignoring his shiver as their skins touched. Probably, he was just in a draft.

When the couple also sat down, Bonnie started talking to Stefan

"I can't believe you were born in Mystic Falls!"
"I moved when I was little."
"And your parents?"
"My parents are dead."

Silence fell on the table and Henrik shifted uneasily.
The mention of dead parents always had a paralyzing effect on others.

It was Elena who spoke. "I'm sorry. Brothers or sisters?"
"Nobody I'm in contact with. I live with my uncle."

And Henrik hoped his uncle was better than the one he'd been entrusted with, strange feeling or not.

Caroline intervened. "So, Stefan, you're new and you won't know about tomorrow's party."
Bonnie explained. "It's at the falls. It's the New Year's party."

Stefan turned to Elena, asking softly. "Will you be there?"

"Of course she will." answered a smiling Bonnie, causing Elena to smile who then looked sideways at Stefan, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she did.

Henrik pretended to throw up. "Ugh, not in front of the kids, Elena."

Caroline laughed, kissing the boy's temple.

Chapter Text

"Why am I here, though?"

Jeremy nudged his younger brother, saying. "Obviously to make memories of your high school years."
"I like those between the desks."

"Not funny. Come on, come on."

"Uh, idiot danger twelve o'clock."

Both Gilberts easily avoided both Tyler and Vicky, who apparently wanted to have Jeremy running after her for personal satisfaction and hadn't taken well to the boy's change.

Then Henrik nudged his older brother, nodding towards their sister and Bonnie by the bonfire.

"Shall we go to the beloved sister?" "Absolutely yes."

The two Gilberts cheerfully walked towards the two girls, arriving just as Bonnie crooned. "Eleeeena."
"Okay, he's nice."
"He's like something out of a novel."

"Uh, who are we talking about now?"

"Yes, our sister has a suitor and no one warned us? Are we worth so little to you, Elena?"
Jeremy squeezed Henrik, saying. "I'm here for you, Henrik. I won't leave you. Never."
"For any suitors?"
"For none of them."
"My beloved brother!"

The two hugged, while Bonnie laughed and Elena pushed them. "You are two idiots."

"Where will he be?" Bonnie asked, looking around.
"I don't know, you tell me, you're the psychic."

Henrik frowned in confusion. "Bonnie is a psychic? Since when?"

Bennett shook her head, giving Elena a little nudge. "I didn't tell you this to be teased, Elena. And it's my grandmother telling me about family tradition and stuff. Nothing serious, Henrik."
"If it's about family, maybe you should talk to her about it. Sounds important."

Bonnie smiled at Henrik, hugging him before saying. "I will, okay? Maybe you're right and there's more to it than what she told me."

The two turned and Stefan was there.

"Hello."

Elena was the first to recover. "Hello."

Seeing everyone else's stares, Stefan asked. "I did it again right?"

Elena winced as she nodded.

"Wait, is that normal for him? He just appears out of nowhere and it's okay?"
Henrik pointed to him, saying. "That's what causes heart attacks, don't you know?"

Elena laughed as Bonnie and Jeremy grabbed his arms and carried him away from the couple.

"Come, let's have something to drink to make you less frightened."

"Ugh, okay. But I can't drink alcohol."

"We know," the other two boys chorused.

^^^^^^^

Henrik was sitting on a bench, looking around with a bored expression.
He wanted to leave, but he wasn't the one driving.

And he really didn't want to walk.

"Little Gilbert all by himself? Where are your knights?"

Henrik turned to see Tyler watching him, an obnoxious grin on his face.
"Hi, Lockwood. As you can see, this is a party. My friends are at the party. Try to guess where they are."
"But you're here. Not one for parties?"

Henrik pointed across the patio to Matt, who had also been sitting for quite some time. "We are two."

"Matt is recovering from a breakup, Gilbert. He needs time to get over your sister's charm. What about you? Do you watch someone from afar? Caroline, maybe?"

"Oh, no, you caught me. I'll just have to hide for the rest of my life now that you know my dark secret."
"Don't be like that, Gilbert. Don't you want to spend time with me?"
"Not particularly. Feel free to go to Vicky, she's looking for you."

Tyler nodded once, before disappearing back into the crowd, clearly avoiding Vicky.

What an arrogant pompous.

A scream distracted the boy from his torpor.

Up until this point he'd watched Stefan reject Caroline and Elena be embarrassed in Matt's presence.

The boy was the first to get up and run, followed by Jeremy, Matt, Elena and Bonnie, with Caroline and Stefan close behind.

"Oh, it's Vicky!"

Henrik leapt forward immediately, pushing a neurotic Matt and Tyler aside and putting pressure on the wound in his neck.

"Call 911. She's losing a lot of blood, something bit her. I can apply pressure, but she needs help now!"

Caroline immediately picked up the phone and, with shaking hands, called for help.

Henrik then looked at the other boys, seeing that the others at the party had also surrounded the area.

"Oh, she's not a damn attraction! Everyone step back now, she needs some air!"

The boy's loud voice immediately convinced the others to step back, and the younger Gilbert said. "I need water, we need to clean the wound as much as possible. And very strong alcohol to disinfect a cloth here. Now!"

Tyler and Matt jumped to their feet, the first then handing the bottle of vodka and the second of water.

Henrik made Jeremy open both bottles, first pouring a little vodka on the wound and then on a piece of the shirt which tore. Then, he poured a little water over her lips, wetting them, before wetting her cloth and using it to dab the wound.

"Matt, keep her lips moist. She can't drink, she's unconscious, but she mustn't dry out too much or it will be worse."

Matt took the bottle from Jeremy and did as his friend said.

Shortly after, the paramedics finally arrived, who made the three boys leave, saying. "We'll take care of it now. You can relax, she's safe."

The three paramedics climbed back into the ambulance and the last one looked at Henrik. "Obviously you're Grayson's son. You'd make a great doctor, Henrik." before following colleagues in the vehicle to leave for the hospital.

Elena took Henrik's hands, saying. "Come, let's go home. You did good, but you really need to rest, Henrik."

Before the three could leave, Matt pulled the boy into a hug, saying. "Thank you, Henrik. I think you just saved my sister."

Henrik returned the hug, glad he could have done at least that.

Chapter Text

Henrik watched his sister come down the stairs the next morning with a huge, sincere smile.

"Are you happy to see your boyfriend again?"
"Don't be like that, Henrik. I shouldn't have left you too much time with Bonnie and Caroline, those two girls lack any filter."

Henrik hummed as he drank his coffee from a cup, ignoring all of Jenna's warnings that fourteen-year-old boys shouldn't drink coffee.

"You are exuberant today."
"I woke up like this, and I decided to take advantage of it. Take flight, enjoy every moment, stuff like that."
"What a philosophy, folks!"

Henrik applauded, and Jenna, as soon as she entered, took his coffee. "Too much sarcasm, boy. I'll take the exciting off you now."
"Nu, Aunt Jenna, I need it! I live by that, don't deprive me of my life source."

Jenna shook her head, clearing all the coffee off the table.

Henrik absolutely did not pout after that. He didn't wear it at all, never mind the giggles from Jeremy and Elena.

"Come on, come on. Bonnie's here."

The three Gilberts said goodbye to their aunt, before leaving the house and getting into their friend's car.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Henrik was walking the corridors, and when he saw Elena and Stefan walking together, he pulled up his hood.

"Henrik, hey!"

"Oh, no, big sister alert. She saw me, we have a problem."

Elena joined him, pulling down his hood. "Don't ignore me in the hallways."
"I don't want your presence to ruin my reputation, Elena."
"Ha ha, you are so funny, Henrik. Look what Stefan gave me."

Henrik took the book with incredible delicacy, stroking the spine with almost adoration. "Wuthering Heights by Ellis Bell."

Henrik looked at Stefan, an adoring look in his eyes. "This is one of the first, isn't it? It's not signed with her name!"
Elena laughed at her brother's enthusiasm, and Stefan smiled too. "I still can't believe she didn't use her real name."

Henrik answered, as he gently opened the first page. "All the Bronte sisters used pseudonyms, Elena. At the time, female writers weren't very accepted."

Elena smiled tenderly at her younger brother, who then looked at Stefan about her asking about her. "But where did you get it?"
"I asked him too. Apparently it's a family heirloom."
"They must have got a bargain, then. Now these editions cost a kidney, almost."

Elena smiled, and Henrik looked at Stefan asking. "Can I read it? It's the first edition"
"Sure, read it. In fact, I gave it to Elena. I have a lot of books at home."
"Can I come and see them? I wouldn't take them away, I can read on the floor too."
"Sure, I don't see why not. I'll take you this afternoon, okay?"

Henrik nodded enthusiastically, before looking at his sister, saying. "I'm going to read this masterpiece in peace, away from hyperexcitable teenagers. See you at home, okay?"
"See you later, Henrik."

Henrik accepted Elena's kiss on the cheek, rolling his eyes glaringly afterward.

Stefan laughed, and then the younger Gilbert nodded goodbye to the Salvatore before departing, seeking an empty, hidden classroom to read the first edition now in his possession.

Stefan Salvatore could be with his sister, after all.

^^^^^^^^

While he waited for Stefan to send him his home address to return the book, Henrik sat at the Grill with his sister, Bonnie, and Caroline.
Bennett was explaining. "My grandmother told me the comet is a sign of impending doom. The last time it passed over Mystic Falls, there were a lot of deaths. All that blood and carnage created a layer of paranormal activity."

Caroline smirked before saying. "Yes, then she uncorked the second bottle of brandy, and you talked about the aliens."
The blonde looked at Elena, saying immediately. "So?"
"Then nothing."
"You and Stefan talked....all night. Wasn't there any awkward kissing before, or touching of any kind?"
"Nothing."
"Not even a handshake. Elena? You and I are friends, you should share the dirty talk with us."
"No, you shouldn't, not now, please."

Henrik moaned, making Bonnie laugh.

"We just talked for hours."
"Why do you have this block? Just jump on him!"
"Ugh, why me, exactly?"
Caroline ignored Henrik, saying. "Okay, is it simple? He likes her, she likes him…sex."
"And the brother is throwing up. Seriously, can we talk about the massacres instead? They sounded interesting."

Elena was about to answer to Caroline's statement and Henrik stood up.
"This conversation, that scarred me for life, thanks for the trauma, Caroline, but it's the cue for me to go give Stefan the book back and barricade myself in that house and read. See you tonight, sweet big sister I don't want imagine never again with a boy."

Henrik walked off quickly, walking up to the Salvatore boarding house.

He knocked on the door, which opened to let him in.

"Hello? Stefan, I brought the book back! I'm going in, huh. Don't kill me on sight, please."

Henrik entered, and after he had gaped at the beauty of the living room, a crow flew past him, causing him to turn around.

The door slammed shut, and Henrik jumped. "That's great, I'm on the set of a horror movie. I'm going to die."

"Do not be like that."

Henrik jumped, whirling around.
In front of him, a boy with black hair, very clear green eyes, and an incredible appearance observed him with his head tilted

"Hello. Sorry for entering like this, but the door was open..."
Henrik looked at the closed door, before turning and saying.
"I know it's closed now, but I knocked and it opened. I didn't want to go in like this, but I wanted to give Stefan the book back, and…I'm really sorry."
"You must be…Henrik, right? I'm Damon, Stefan's brother."
"He didn't tell me he had a brother." Henrik noticed, confused.
"Stefan is not one to brag."

Damon put his arm around Henrik's shoulders, leading him into a room lined with books.

"Is this your living room?"

"Living room, drawing room, furniture to be auctioned. It's a little pretentious for my tastes."

Henrik smiled at the raven boy, before handing him the book.
"Stefan loaned this first edition of The Wuthering Heights."
"Yes, you wanted to read more books, didn't you? Please choose your favorite and settle down on one of those sofas. Stefan should be here any moment."

Henrik smiled at the older boy before walking over to the bookshelf and scrolling through the titles.
"You have a surprisingly well-stocked library. Your ancestors must have been serious literature enthusiasts to buy all the first editions."
"Oh, it almost feels like I've lived those moments."

Henrik looked questioningly at Damon, before smiling at the First Edition of War and Peace.
"Can I really read here? Won't I bother you?"
"Not at all, I love company. I'm a social animal."
"Stefan seems more like the brooding type."
"We're just different yeah. Hi, Stefan."

Henrik turned to the door, where Stefan stood there, very thoughtful.
"Henrik, I thought you'd come by later."

"I really didn't want to hear Caroline goad my sister into jumping on you. There are things a guy doesn't want to pay attention to, especially if they involve his older sister. Never mind the guy her friends push her towards at a library that would put that to shame of Beauty and the Beast."

Stefan smiled at the boy, saying.
"Have you finished Wuthering Heights yet? Have you chosen the new novel?"
Henrik showed the title to his sister's peer which he approved with a smile.
"You can also take it to your house and read there. Damon and I need to talk, brother talk."

"Sure, I'll leave you home free."

Henrik walked between the two boys, before nodding at Damon and saying. "It was nice meeting you, Damon."
"My pleasure."

When the two shook hands, Henrik hid his shudder.
Once again, he had felt that cold, dead feeling coming from the boy.

It didn't mean anything, he thought, as he walked out, it meant nothing. It was just a draft, surely.

Not even Henrik believed the words he was thinking.

Chapter Text

"He didn't call you know? Nor wrote! Then, I realized, that we never exchanged them."

Henrik sighed as he, Bonnie, and Elena handed out flyers.

"Why always when I'm with you? What have I ever done to you wrong?"

Bonnie said instead. "Haven't you ever gotten to the texting stage? It's a very important stage in any relationship."

"Right? Bad timing, by the way. I'm not ready, Bonnie."
"And who is it?"

Henrik sighed, before pulling away and saying. "I'm not to hear this discussion, oh no."

The laughter of Elena and Bonnie followed the boy as he walked across the plaza, handing out flyers for the evening's party.

Henrik's walking away from his sister brought him close to the Grill, where he was ambushed by Vicky Donovan.

"Hey, Henrik."
"Hi, Vicky, how are you?"

The girl smiled, before patting him on the shoulder and saying. "I know I owe you my life for what you did. Matt and the doctors told me you were incredible."

Henrik smiled ruefully.
Vicky approached him, asking. "Where did you learn?"
"I... I was afraid that an accident might happen again and... I couldn't lose also..."

Henrik lowered his head, making Vicky smile softly, who gave him a hug. "I'm really sorry. I can tell you reacted well, though. It's amazing to react so that it doesn't happen again."
"Glad you're okay, Vicky."
"Me too. I'm going to argue with Robert. You would think that being attacked should guarantee a minimum of rest, right?"
"Ah, not here. Child labor and slavery are the guiding principles of Mystic Falls."

Vicky laughed at him before Henrik asked. "What animal was it, did you see it?"
"I'm not sure. A mountain lion, I think."
"And are they here?"
"They were. Maybe they came back, or he ran away. I'm going, see you tonight at the party, Henrik."
"See you tonight."

Henrik nodded to Vicky before continuing on his way.
"Won't you give me the flyer, Henrik?"

The boy turned, looking at Tyler. "You have it in your hand!"
"Maybe I want it from you, don't I?"

"Here. This event only happens once in a lifetime. You can't miss it."

Henrik was about to walk away, and Tyler joined him. "Why don't you like me, exactly?"
"You are an idiot, you are immature, you are a total idiot towards my brother. Choose your favorite."
"You do not even know me."
"You are a total idiot to my brother."
"He's not really your brother."

Henrik looked Tyler straight in the eye, then said. "And that's why I don't like you, Lockwood. Feel free to choke on that flyer."

Then, the younger Gilbert, scurried away, wanting to be as far away from the mayor's son as possible, the point-blank sentence burning with the profound truth of him, a truth Henrik didn't want to think about at all.

^^^^

That evening, Henrik and Jeremy were together, each holding a candle.

Henrik, seeing Elena and Stefan close, nudged Jeremy, saying.

"I already figured it out"

Jeremy looked at him confused, asking "What?"
"But they still don't"
"Who?"
Henrik sighed, saying. "They are falling in love and our trio will become a duo."

Realizing what his brother was doing, Jeremy laughed, saying "Oh"

"Between the stars and the full moon, there is an air of magic. And such a romantic moment... You'll see, it takes it away!"

"You really need to stop Disney movies, Henrik."
"The Lion King is a work of art, Jer. And those two are worshiping each other with their eyes."

Jeremy looked at his younger brother who, sighing, admitted. "And I really spend too much time with Elena and the two friends, right?"
"A little, yes."
"I can't take it anymore, Jer. I have to hear Caroline invite our sister to undress Stefan."
"Disgusting."
"Do not say that to me."
"Next time come with me, Henrik. It's not healthy."
"No, it's not. I have trauma."
"We'll take you to visit."
"I fear I will never be the same."
"I'm sorry, I should have been there for you sooner."

Henrik looked at his brother, understanding the seriousness behind his statement.
"You are now. And that's enough, Jer."

The Gilberts smiled at each other, before returning their gaze to their older sister.
"If he breaks her heart, I'll break his arms."
"And I the legs."
"What good younger brothers."
"Yeah, well done us."

^^^^^^^^^

When everyone was looking for Vicky, Henrik also joined the crowd, later seeing Stefan run towards a building.
Right away, he followed, thinking he'd somehow found Vicky.

When he saw where he was going, he stumbled in his steps: Damon Salvatore was balancing her on the building's parapet, far enough away from the plaza that he couldn't be seen, but close enough to be easily reached on foot.

Henrik blinked as he saw Stefan leap and land directly on the railing.

A whispered spell, and Henrik could see and hear what was happening on the roof of the building, wondering whether or not he should call for help.
He didn't know what he was dealing with.

"Not bad. Have you had a feast of bunnies?" Damon asked his brother as soon as he saw him leap onto the roof in one leap.

"Let her go."

Damon looked at Vicky, as if he were considering the fact, before returning his gaze to Stefan. "Oh really?"

Damon started to throw Vicky off the roof, making her cry a chant of "No, no, no, no.." then, he threw her at her brother, who caught her before she fell to the ground.

"Take it easy!"
Damon stepped off the rail grinning, approaching the couple.
Vicky, crying, asked. "What is happening?"

Damon was walking up to his brother, saying. "See, I don't need her dead, but you could."

Stefan's expression became confused, not understanding where his older brother was getting at.

While Henrik was trying not to scream, thus drawing the attention of the two vampires on himself.
Because that's what they were: vampires.

"What attacked you last night?" Damon asked to the girl, who, crying, answered. "I don't know, an animal."

"Are you sure about that? Think about it." Damon had dropped down to Vicky's eye level, whose expression suddenly changed.
"A vampire. You!"
"Wrong answer. Stefan did it."

Ignoring his brother's remarks, Damon forced the girl to blame Stefan for her attack, before pushing the girl towards his brother after peeling off the plaster covering her stitches.

"If you couldn't fix it before, I have absolutely no idea what you can do now. Your choice in life has made you weak. A couple of athletic vampire tricks are nothing compared to the power you might have, and now you need. But you can change it."

Stefan looked up, and Henrik, seeing him through his spell, stepped back.
The veins under his completely black eyes were raised.
It really looked like a monster, and he had seen his professor become a werewolf. He knew what he was talking about.

"Human blood gives you that power."

Stefan pushed Vicky away from him, displaying incredible self-control.
Henrik had no doubts that the vampire would love to drink her blood, but that he didn't do it just out of respect for her or perhaps out of want to hurt any human being.
Whatever the reason, the boy scored points in Henrik's roster.

"You have two choices. You can feed yourself and make them forget, or you can let them run wild, yelling 'vampire' through the city streets."
"Is this about it? Do you want to reveal me?"
"No! I want you to remember who you are!"
"Why? I feed, so what? So I kill, so I remember what it's like to still be brothers? You know what, let her go. Let her tell everyone the vampires are back in Mystic Falls. Let them charm me, impale me straight to the heart, because at least I'd be free from you."

Henrik hated sympathy so much that it shot right through him at Damon.
Damon didn't deserve his pity, but seeing him hide the flash of pain after the hope he'd felt at the end of his brothers was taking a toll on Henrik's natural empathy.

Damon walked over to Vicky and, after locking his gaze with hers, said. "An animal attacked you. You were injured by an animal. Stefan Salvatore is not a vampire and vampires don't exist."

Damon then nodded contentedly at the girl to his younger brother.

"What happened? Where are they? Oh, my stitches are open."

Stefan asked her. "Are you ok?"
"I took some pills, man. I'm great."

Henrik watched the girl go down the stairs, before looking back at the two Salvatores.

"I like being home again. I think I might stay for a while. This town might need to be woken from its slumber, don't you think so?"
"What are you planning, Damon?"
"This is for me to know and for you to .... dots, dots, dots. Give Elena my best regards. And little Henrik too. He looks adorable, with his fondness for reading."

Damon disappeared and Henrik broke the spell, taking Vicky and bringing her to Matt, writing to everyone that he had found the girl and that she was fine.

^^^^^^^^^^

Arriving home he saw his aunt having an adult crisis.

"Aunt Jenna, what's wrong?"
"I've become my worst nightmare. The authority figure."
"What made you so crazy?"
"Your history teacher made me feel so useless yesterday."
"You got Tanner right away. We've all been there, Aunt Jenna."
"Discover the impossible, Miss Summers. I figured it out. Thank you. As if you didn't know I'm screwing up."
"You're not screwing up, Aunt Jenna."
"Yes, Henrik, I am. Do you know why? Because I'm not her. She made everything sound so simple. You know, high school, marriage, having you, taking care of you. I can't do it. I'll say or do the thing wrong, and I'll screw you all up and it'll be my fault. With Jeremy, you solved everything, not me. That's impossible."

Henrik took his aunt's hand, sitting down across from her. "That's just fear talking. You're a little scared, that's all. We all are, Aunt Jenna."

Henrik looked at the woman who had become his aunt over time, saying. “You don't have to be the mom, Aunt Jenna. You're amazing just the way you are and we need you, we need you now, aunt. I helped Jeremy, and that's okay. Because we're family and we help each other. I will make a wrong thing and I'll hurt Elena, Jeremy will screw up and hurt me, Elena will start lying to date her boyfriend and it'll make you mad, you'll forget to order pizza and we'll all grieve. But that's okay, because in the end of the day, we are family and we are together."

Jenna hugged Henrik, saying. "You are one of us, you know that?"
"I know, Aunt Jenna. And I love you dearly for it."

Chapter Text

Henrik sat next to Jeremy, watching Elena get out of Bonnie's car, followed by her friend.
"What are you doing?"
"Elena and Stefan kissed yesterday and Bonnie disagrees."
"Didn't you say she was pro relationship?"
"I know, but Bonnie doesn't like him anymore. Any hidden intrigue?"
"You're too young to worry about that. Here, take this."

Jeremy dropped his history book on his brother's lap.
"Ignore the romantic drama down there and focus on the historical drama right here."
"Your inability to complete a historical essay?"
"Tanner is a finger in the eye, Henrik. You know it too."
"And I'm his favorite because my coping method is to study and not think about anything. Yes, okay. I can write your essay. When do you have to give it?"
"Today, lesson after lunch."
"Thank that I can forge your handwriting, big bro."

Henrik hopped off the low wall he'd been sitting on, stuffing his brother's history book into his backpack.

"How, can you fake my handwriting? Since when?"
"Elena's too. They'll come in handy when you're of age and I need permission to sneak out. For now, I have Aunt Jenna's."

Henrik waved over his shoulder to his brother, walking towards the school, mentally preparing for his lessons.
He had a blank hour before lunch, he was going to use it to write his big brother's essay.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Henrik was scrolling through the list of extracurricular activities. He surely would find something to do.

"Busy?"

Henrik turned, seeing Damon standing before him.
"Don't tell me, are you a new professor?"
"Oh, no, it's not for me, no."

Damon's gaze fell on the book sticking out of Henrik's backpack.

"Isn't that two years ahead of you?"
"It is, yes, not mine, no. My older brother needed some help with history, I'm a bit of a nerd. Tanner loves me."
"Stefan had a little fight with him, I hear."
"Oh yes, he defended my sister's honor. Very princely of him."
"Stefan has the nature of a hero, yes. What are you doing?"
"Mom, she…was very fond of these activities. This is our home, we have to live it, not just live in it. And, for me, right now, it's doing extracurricular activities with peers."
"Anything you're interested in? Book Club?"

"Oh, already signed up for that. I'm also in the chess club. I've unknown a real wizard in chess and this reminds me of him. And I was thinking if the art club deserved a second thought."
"I think yes."

Damon walked over, saying. "I hear you're hosting a dinner party tonight."
"Do I? Oh, that's why Jeremy and I got kicked out, dinner. I think Elena wants to convince Bonnie that Stefan is cool."
"And you, do you think so?"
"Is Stefan cool? His library speaks for him."
"Will you be there tonight too, at the party? I really want to spend more time with you."

Henrik thought about it.
Damon and Stefan were dangerous and Elena was going to spend time with them. He had the magic, he could beat them, or at least he hoped so.
He nodded. "Of course, I'll use my adorable smile to point out that I have no friends."

Damon snorted in amusement, asking. "Why? If I may ask."
"Uh uh, no reason, I guess. I'm not Elena, I'm not Jeremy."
"You are Henrik."
"And I'm a fourteen year old. Not exactly into cool activities. Although, you're right. The art club deserves my intervention. See you tonight, then."

Damon walked away, and Henrik took a deep breath, writing his name on the third club directory, thus filling up most of his afternoons.
His coping method was actually to study so hard that he didn't have to talk to anyone, that he didn't have to think about anything.
Maybe the clubs would have allowed a dialogue, at least.
Don't shut out everything and everyone just because the world sucked and stuffs like that.

^^^^^^^^

Henrik was cooking, glaring at Elena and Bonnie as they tried to get near the stove.

"Don't touch Henrik's kingdom, that's a pretty simple rule, girls."
Henrik pointed the ladle at them. "I'll kill you with this and hide your bodies in the woods, girls. No remorse."
"Okay, sorry, little brother."

Elena kissed Henrik's head, and he pushed it away with his arm as he stirred the gravy.

"Today I'm obsessed with numbers, three numbers. I keep seeing 8, 14 and 22. All the time."

"Then maybe we should play them in the lottery." Elena said, and Bonnie glared at her.

Henrik asked, as he drained the pasta and divided it among plates. "Set up the table, girls. And, Bonnie, have you talked to your grandmother about this?"
"She would just tell me I'm a witch. I don't want to be a witch. Do you want to be a witch?"

Henrik snorted, thinking about the irony of the question, before saying. "At best, wizard. And, no, I don't want to be a witch. Oh, no, there's already Elena as such around here."

Bonnie laughed as Elena set the dishes on the table.

Henrik put the pasta, topped with the sauce, into a large bowl while he took the potatoes out of the oven and inspected the roast.

"Thank goodness you can cook, Henrik."

"Someone had to know how to do it, or we would all have died in here. Luckily I'm the one saving these three from absolute starvation."
"Yes, he's territorial with his cooking. We are his servants in here."
"And out here unknowingly."

Bonnie laughed, and the doorbell rang.

"I can still leave, right?"
"No, you can't. I already told Stefan you'd be here."

Henrik pouted, placing the bowl of entree on the table, watching Bonnie shrug her shoulders.
"There are two of us being forced here, Henrik. Don't look to me for safety."
"Good. We will die."

^^^^

During dinner, the silence was really tense.

Henrik sighed, taking the knife and passing it through the air, drawing attention to himself.
"What are you doing?" Bonnie asked and Henrik, smiling, said. "I cut the tension in here. It was really suffocating."

The trio laughed, and Elena invited Bonnie to talk about her witch lineage.

"Cool is not the word I would use."

Thinking about what he'd been through as a wizard, Henrik had to agree with Bonnie. It wasn't cool.

"It's interesting, though. I'm not that well informed, but I've heard that there were migrations of Celtic druids here around the 1800s."
"My family is from Salem."

"And the druids were before 1800, Stefan. They came here in 1712, after an attack on their native land. From northern France, Spain, Portugal, and then they crossed the Americas of the time to get here."

Stefan smiled at Henrik, before telling Bonnie. "What about the witches of Salem? I'd say it's pretty cool."

"Really? Why?"

"The Salem witches are a heroic example of individualism and nonconformity."
"Yes they are."

Henrik took a sip of water, thinking Stefan had just won over Bonnie.

Someone rang the doorbell and Elena went to open it.

Stefan followed, and then the two of them returned, along with Caroline and Damon.

Henrik glared at the dessert.

"Caroline."
"Henrik, we got it from Frank."
"The last one?"
"Yes."
"Taste?"
"Dark chocolate."
"How many?"
"80"
"Kept?"
"Fridge until we put it in the car."
"Done when?"
"This morning around six."
"Fine, I guess that's fine."

Stefan and Damon watched in confusion, and Caroline explained. "Henrik is the boss in the kitchen. He cooks really well, you've tried it, Stefan?"

"Did you cook?"
"Yes. I like it, it's a sense of... control, tranquility. And I don't produce poison, so, victory for us, right Elena?"
"Only happened once."

Elena went to share the cake, and Henrik said. "Once too many, I'd say."

"You have a beautiful house, Henrik."
"Yeah, there's not much to auction, but I'd say he's doing well, right?"

Damon smiled in amusement at the mention of their first meeting.

^^^^^^^^^

They decided the table was too casual for dessert, and headed into the living room to eat it.

Caroline laughing, said. "I can't believe Tanner let you on the team. Tyler must be upset. But good for you. Go ahead."

Henrik snorted, saying. "Whatever bothers Tyler is a win for me."
"What did the Lockwood do to you?" Damon asked and Henrik shrugged. "A total idiot for my older brother."

Caroline went on, saying. "Elena wasn't so lucky today. But only because you missed summer camp. God, I just don't know how you could learn the steps and everything."
"I'll work with her. She'll learn them."
"I guess we could put her in the back."

"You are sunshine today, Caroline." Henrik said, glaring at the girl.

"You know, you don't look like the cheerleader girl, Elena."

"Oh, it's just because her parents died. She's just going through a very dark phase. She was so much more fun before. And I mean that with all the empathy I have."
"Which is underfoot now, Caroline. Don't talk about our parents or that's the door." Henrik stood up, wringing his hands and glaring at the blonde.

Then he took the dirty dishes and went to the kitchen to clean them.

"I'm really sorry, Henrik."

The boy turned to see Damon leaning next to him, a sad expression on his face.
"I know what it's like to lose both of your parents. In fact, Stefan and I have seen at least every person we've ever cared about die."

Henrik smiled at him before asking. "You're talking about Katherine, right?"

Damon looked at him in amazement and Henrik smiled. "Elena told me about her. She didn't want to be a replacement for a dead girl."

"Katherine died in a fire. A tragic fire."
"She must have suffered a lot. I am sorry."

Henrik started loading the dishwasher, then asked. "What type was she?"
"She was beautiful, very much like your sister in that. She was quite complicated, and selfish, and not very nice, but really sexy and seductive."

"And which of you two was there together first?"

Damon smiled at Henrik, nodding. "Nice deduction. Ask Stefan, his answer will be different from mine."

Henrik began to fold the placemats, then helped by Damon.

He stopped, looking at the vampire and saying. "I'm sorry."
Damon looked confused and Henrik explained. "For Katherine."
The confusion remained.
"You lost her too."

Damon gave him a gentle smile, one Henrik thought was sincere.

Chapter Text

"Tanner is dead."
Henrik nodded, reading his history book. "I know. I know. I'm trying to figure out how some goddamn mountain lion attacked Tanner in the parking lot and couldn't be seen."

Jenna ruffled Henrik's hair, saying. "Everything is alright?"
"Yes, Aunt Jenna, everything is fine."

Elena arrived, with a cup of coffee, before looking at her aunt and asking. "And who did you offend before?"
"Him. The news guy, a.k.a. Logan asshole Fell. Did your mother ever tell you why I left Mystic Falls?"
"Oh, no, don't tell me, Aunt Jenna." Henrik groaned, watching the boy on the news.
Elena shared. "You and him? Come on, he's cute."

"There's nothing cute about him."

Jenna turned off the television and Henrik was grateful when he saw that they were changing the subject.

"What are you doing with this stuff?"
"I went yesterday and took it out of the safety deposit box. Mom promised Mrs. Lockwood that she would display it at the Founders Collection for their exhibition."

Henrik looked up, saying. "Remember that the watch is Jeremy's, Elena."
"We're not giving it away, Henrik."
"But Jeremy doesn't want it given to the Lockwoods, Elena."
"Well, we'll say the watch was withheld for personal reasons. Are you happy?"
"Incredibly, sister."

The doorbell rang and Elena went to open the door, followed, unseen, by Henrik.

The door revealed a smiling Stefan, who Elena pulled in for a kiss.

"What a romantic scene."

The two separated and Elena glared at her younger brother. "Seriously, Henrik?"
"Sorry, I was just going to get dressed, I have art club after, and I wanted to look my best. Good to see you, Stefan."
"See you at the Fundraiser."
"Oh no, I don't do that. No fundraising for me. Not the party guy, but hey, have fun for me too. I'll just do normal research here."

Henrik waved, walking up the stairs to get dressed.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

In the classroom, Henrik was drawing a landscape, a sunrise, when a shadow appeared behind his back.

"You have a really good hand, Henrik."

The boy turned, seeing Tyler there.
"What the hell do you want, Lockwood?"
"What did I do today?"
"Today, nothing. Yesterday, you took it out on my brother. For no reason."
"I haven't..."
"Have you noticed that he's not interested in Vicky? Have you vaguely seen him around her lately? Why don't you leave him alone, then?"

Gilbert turned away, continuing his painting.
"And you cover the light for me, get off."

"Sure, I'm sorry. I'm just going away."

Tyler walked away, and Henrik tried hard not to feel sorry for him.
He'd been a jerk to Jeremy and he certainly didn't care what Henrik thought about him.
Period, end of story.

^^^^

Henrik heard the doorbell ring and went down to open the door.

Out front, Tyler Lockwood waited.
Henrik started to slam the door shut, but Tyler stopped it with his hand.
"I'm here for my mom. I should get a box full of stuff."
"The things you talk about were my parents', Tyler."

Elena arrived just then, carrying a box and smiling at Tyler.
"Here you are. Please be careful with these."

Tyler nodded, and Elena, glancing at her brother, headed up the stairs.

"Will you be at the party tonight?"
"Not even dead. Have a good evening."

Henrik closed the door, then went upstairs for a healthy dose of Mystic Falls historical documentaries.

^^^^^^^^^^^

Elena came in with a shocked Caroline, clamoring for Henrik.

The boy ran down the stairs, seeing the shocked blonde.

"I couldn't take her to the hospital, and I don't know where else to go."

"You did well, Elena. Come, make her sit here."

Henrik help her to sat down on the sofa, checking the wound and saying. "I need strongly laced tea, and the first aid kit under the cabinet in the bathroom."

Henrik looked at Caroline's wounds, saying.
"You're bleeding, what happened?"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm fine, I'm fine."

Henrik concentrated on helping her, dressing her wound and then soothing her with tea.

He bit his lip, then called the Sheriff while her sister was out of the room and Caroline was asleep.

"Sheriff? It's Henrik."
"Are you okay? Were you attacked?"
"I wasn't, but I think Caroline had a bad night today. She walked in here crying with Elena. I just wanted to let you know that she…she'll sleep here tonight. You don't freak out if you can't find her at home when you gets back."
"I appreciate it, Henrik. With everything going on now..."
"I know, Aunt Jenna is overprotective too. At least they got that mountain lion."
"At least. Have a good evening"
"You too. Good night, sheriff."

Henrik ended the call, before picking up his phone and searching on internet for vervain.
He would order quite a few, first of all for Caroline.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The next day, Henrik woke Caroline up with a nice breakfast in the form of pancakes and chocolate.

"Henrik, you are so sweet."

"Caroline, I'm sorry if I freaked out at dinner the other day. Now I know you had your own problems on your mind and maybe you weren't thinking about what you were saying."
"No, I was wrong. I don't even know what was on my mind."

Henrik knew, which was whatever Damon put into her head.
Instead, he pulled a small box from his pocket and said.
"Bonnie told me that you feel like you're everyone's second choice to Elena, but you're not. She's my sister and I love her, but I love you just as much, Caroline. That's why I feel so hurt. You talked about their… about that and you called them Elena's parents. As if… they weren't mine too. And I know they aren't, not really, but…"
"Hey, don't say it! They loved you so much. And they chose you, Henrik. It means so much."

Henrik smiled at her, saying. "They rescued me and I'd never had parents before, not that I remember at least. And they become them for me. But… I realize I've snapped, I have a bad temper, sorry."
"No, don't apologize. We are friends, and not for Elena."
"I know, I think so too."

Henrik handed her the box, saying. "I hope you like it."

Caroline let out a little scream when she saw it, saying. "Oh, my god, it's amazing and goes with everything! You have taste, Henrik."
"I've spent a lot of time with you, right? The best in all of this."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it."
"I'm glad to hear it."
"Just for me?"
"Well, I have a leather bracelet for Jeremy. I thought the necklace wasn't really his style."
"I don't know, it would have lit up his eyes."
"I'll let him know, then."

Caroline's laughter made Henrik gleeful too.

He hadn't seen her happy in a while, and he felt guilty that he hadn't seen it before.

Caroline didn't deserve that, nobody did, but especially not Caroline.

Chapter Text

Henrik opened the bathroom door, finding Jenna busy putting on her makeup.

"You are a beauty, aunt. Why are you occupying my bathroom?"
"I won't be home for dinner."
"Because you actually cook so often, Aunt Jenna. Doesn't that answer the question of why my toilet?"

"Caroline is in Elena's bathroom."
"And?"
"Oh come on, don't you want to see your aunt beautiful?"
"I see my aunt beautiful every day. I don't like seeing her in my bathroom instead."

"You're sweet sometimes. Then you ruin everything with sarcasm."
"I know, I'm pretty awesome. Who's the lucky guy?"
"Logan Fell."
"Are you dating the news idiot? Why? Do you give charity?"
"I'm going to show up and torture him, just like that. When you're older you'll understand, Henrik. Elena?"
"In her room. She's not a squatter."
"Wish me good luck, Henrik."
"Torture him aunt!"

^^^^^^^^^^^

Henrik was cornered by Caroline.
"What happens?"
"Car wash service, you'll be there."
"Uh, no, I won't, nice try, Care. I appreciate the effort."
"Elena and Bonnie will help me."
"Good for you."
"And you will too."
"I'm not going shirtless to make you money, Caroline!"

^^^^^^

Henrik was cleaning a car window, shaking his head.

He moved on to the next one, ignoring the laughter of Bonnie, Stefan, Elena and Caroline.

"Hello Henrik."
"Lockwood. What can I do for you?"
"You can clean my car, or get in with me and run out of here. You look like you need a five minute break."
"And not with you, so, no thanks. I'll just clean the car."

When he finished, he nodded to the boy, smiling to Jeremy, inside Matt's car.

"Does he know you robbed him?"
"Does he know you're afraid of Caroline?"
"Everyone is afraid of Caroline. I admit it too."
"Good for you. The car must be neat."
"And then? Matt comes to take it back, big brother?"
"Oh, yes. I just have to make fun of you."
"It seems right to me. It's not like I would do it differently if it were the other way around."
"Caroline adores you."
"Just my luck."

^^^^^^^^

Henrik got a call on his phone.

Confused, he took it. "Hello? Elena?"
"Henrik where are you?"
"Sorry, got stuck at the archive, you know they're open in the evening."
"Stay there, okay?"
"Elena, you scare me. What's going on?"
"Just…girls night out. Don't go away from there. I'll see you, okay? Call me when you get home, let's put away the girls' things."
"Uh...sure?"

Henrik blinked in confusion.
He had no idea what his sister had, but he didn't like it.

He looked out, seeing that it was night.
Maybe Damon had managed to escape the prison Stefan had forced him into.
Vicky was also missing.
Were those things related?

Henrik looked at the messages he had received about Vicky.
They could be linked.
Jeremy had written to him saying that the girl had flirted with him after Tyler had definitively rejected her, saying he loved someone else.

The fact that Tyler could love anyone surprised Henrik far more than the existence of vampires, although the lack of reaction to vampires may or may not have been due to having seen his own professor become a werewolf and almost kill him.

But Henrik didn't want to be too strict about that.

His phone started ringing.

"Elena, I understand, I'll leave you home."
"Henrik? I need help. I don't know what happened, or why I'm here..."
"Tyler? How do you have my number, exactly?"
"I didn't know who to call. I need help."
"Where are you?"
"In front of the school. In the parking"
"I'm coming."

^^^^^^^^^

Henrik pulled into the middle of the parking lot, seeing Tyler standing in the middle.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

Tyler shook his head, not knowing what to say. "I don't know, I... I don't even know what I'm doing here, Henrik!"

The boy approached, lifting Lockwood's shirt.
"Well, you cracked a couple of ribs when you didn't know what you did."
"How can you tell?"
"The bruises. They're cracked ribs at best, broken at worst. Come on, we'll take you to the hospital."
"I can't go to the hospital, Henrik. It will drive my father crazy."
"What would you like to do then?"
"Everything else."
"Good. Let's go to your house. I have to reposition them in the best possible way to avoid damaging your lungs."

^^

That night, as Henrik read a book from the incredibly stocked Lockwood home library, a murmur came from the bed. "Henrik..."

The Gilbert turned around, ready to help the boy, but he realized that he was still asleep.

What the hell?

Chapter Text

Henrik was waiting outside the police station.

The night before, at the Halloween party he'd avoided for obvious reasons, Vicky had disappeared.

And Henrik knew enough to know she hadn't run away.
Elena's looks were enough to confirm it.

Vicky Donovan was dead.
And Henrik would intervene before anyone else would be involved.

^^^^^

"Little Gilbert?" Damon smiled at Henrik as he opened the door for him.

"Have you finished that huge novel you picked up two days ago yet, Henrik? You read very fast."

Henrik entered and, after confirming Elena's absence, turned to the vampire.

"Let's skip the part where we pretend we don't know you're a vampire, that you've turned Vicky and that you have a problem with Stefan. Let's skip all that and get to the part where you tell me what the hell you want from Mystic Falls."

Damon blinked, and footsteps came down the stairs.

Stefan appeared, stopping his brother from hurting Henrik. "Elena would never forgive this, Damon."
"I just wanted to subjugate him."
"It doesn't work for me. I'm a wizard, I have magic. The compulsion doesn't work on witches."

Damon sat up and looked at Henrik. "When did you find out?"
"Why are you here?"
"You can tell me."
"It has something to do with the church fire, right? She's not dead, Katherine."

Stefan looked at Damon who jumped. "She's not dead, no. She was held for 145 in a crypt, along with the other vampires of the time."
"You stole a necklace from the Antiques Exhibition."
"Of Emily Bennett."
"Caroline gave it to Bonnie. Where is the crypt?"

"Would you help me?"
"Then you and Katherine can ride together to the glittering rainbow. I don't want another Vicky in town."

Damon nodded.

Henrik started to leave, but finally looked at Stefan. "Elena told me about your friend in a towel and your birthday. Best wishes."

He reached for a book, then put the novel down. "And yes, I had finished it."

Then he walked out of the house, hearing Damon's laughter and his. "I like this one."

^^^^^

Henrik looked up as there was a knock on the door.

"Right, there's only me here."

He went to open it, blinking when he saw Tyler.

"What do you want?"
"I wanted to thank you for what you've done for me. I wanted to, you know…there's a party at the Grill, Kelly threw it."
"Kelly? Oh, Caroline's going to have a stroke for the snub."
"Uh, yeah, right. Do you want to go with me?"
"What? What part of me suggests I want to go to a party at the Grill?"
"None. But I really need a partner. So..."

Henrik shook his head. "Uh uh. I'd rather stay at home. Less people."
"Sure. If you change your mind."
"Not likely but it's nice to have hope."

Henrik closed the door, returning to the sofa to read.

^^^^^

After a couple of hours, at the time of the party, Henrik thought Tyler must be feeling pretty lonely right now.
Vicky was no longer in town, he was feuding with Matt, and everyone else was worse than him at everything.
He figured he could be the social butterfly for once.

He hoped Jeremy wouldn't kill him for helping the enemy.

^^^^^^^^

When Henrik walked into the Grill, he thought Kelly had done a great job.
The next thought was that he would die if he ever expressed such a thought in front of Caroline.

He immediately saw Tyler sitting alone, near the pool table.
He walked over to him, standing beside him.

"It's a very interesting table."

Tyler spun around, looking at Henrik in amazement. "Did you really come for me?"
"To support Caroline in her fight against Kelly."
"Sure. I...saw her over there."
"Tyler, I was joking. It might surprise you, but I joke a lot. It's the Gilberts genes."
"Be annoying?"
"Friendly, intelligent and incredibly attractive."
"Don't forget modest."
"False modesty is an offense to another's intelligence. And I would never disrespect you like that. Never."
Tyler laughed, nudging Henrik.
Then he pointed to the table. "Do you want to be beaten?"
"Uh, sorry? I'm very good at pool, I'll let you know. Come on, I'll let you smash too, Lockwood."
"Okay. Bet?"
"You're on."

^^^^^^

After they finished the fourth game, the first Tyler managed to win, Liz Forbes entered the Grill.

"What's up? Why are the police out?"
"Is the girl hurt? She looks really out."

Henrik frowned, looking at the girl as she scanned the crowd.

He then saw her pointing to a corner where Damon and a blonde girl from behind were talking.

Henrik texted quickly to Stefan

Damon is into something, the blonde girl is in danger. Counsil here.

"Henrik? Everything okay?"
"Tyler, don't worry, okay? They seem to have everything under control."

In some strange way, the police overtook the blonde girl and Damon, taking Kelly instead.

"Oh my God."

Henrik grabbed Tyler's arm, preventing him from moving.

"Do nothing. It will just attract attention."
"But it's Kelly."
"We don't know what happened, Tyler. Maybe she did something bad to the other girl. Out of jealousy or something. Lets the adults handle it."

Then Henrik looked to where Damon and the blonde were sitting earlier, seeing only Damon.

The phone vibrated and Henrik read.

Thanks for the warning. Lexi almost lost her life today. We both owe you.

Henrik looked up, meeting Tyler's worried gaze.

"Are you all right? Henrik you look pale."
"See, I don't go to parties. Something always happens when I do."
"You're not bad luck, Henrik."
"You'd be surprised."

Tyler hugged the smaller boy, just saying. "You are not a jinx bringer. I would know if you were."
"Lovely. Come on, let's see if we can get out of here. Too much time in the crowd, I need to recharge."

Chapter Text

"Good morning everyone. So, Alaric Saltzman. Yeah, it's weird, I know. But it's my name. Saltzman is of German origin, my family emigrated to Texas in 1755. I was born and raised in Boston instead. Now , the name Alaric belonged to a late great-grandfather whom I can't thank enough. Anyway, call me Ric. I'll be your history teacher."

^^^^^

At the end of the lesson, Alaric called Henrik back.

"So, Henrik Gilbert. Elena and Jeremy's younger brother?"
"The best ones are left for last, you know that."
"Yes. Indeed. Now, let's talk about grades."
"I didn't know I had problems with my grades."
"Oh, no. Your brother had it, but then he got so much better. So who could possibly have helped him?"
"Are you accusing my brother of cheating?"
"And you to be the accomplice."
"Just to say, if anyone's an accomplice, it's Jeremy."

Alaric smiled at the boy, saying. "You have a smart tongue? I like it. Now, let's start from scratch, okay. I know you love history and we're in a small town. An essay on local history, done right, and I won't look when Jeremy's homework is too good to be his."

Henrik nodded, saying. "Okay, deal."

Before leaving, he turned around, saying. "Mr. Saltzman? Jeremy loved the story. He didn't have time to get over the loss. I'm just covering his back in the meantime."
"I figured that out. Which is why we have this discussion to even get started."
"You are good. I hope you stay."
"I have every intention of doing so. Have a good day."
"You too, sir."
"Call me Ric."
"Okay. You too, Ric."

^^^^^

Henrik was reading all of Jonathan Gilbert's old diaries when the laughter of his aunt and Alaric made him look up.

"Aunt Jenna! Tomorrow is school! Shame on you."
"Henrik! Where are Elena and Jeremy?"
"Elena boh. Jeremy good question. I haven't seen him."
"Were you alone at home?" Ric asked and Henrik nodded, saying. "I like peace and quiet. And after a while, I get tired of seeing how the other half of the population lives, the ones who don't use their minds."

Henrik went up with the boxes containing the journals, hearing Jenna's voice behind him. "You're grounded!"
"Make me stay at home, aunt! I would love it!"

"It makes it really hard to punish him. He loves everything you make him do."

^^^^^^^^

The next morning, Henrik opened the door to see Tyler standing.
"What are you doing here?"
"Your aunt called me. Something about a detention?"
"Ah, you're my punishment. Well, chauffeur. I hope you're okay with it, because I have some research to do."
"All that you want."
"Nice."

^^^^^^

As Henrik accumulated books he would take home to complete his term paper, adding them to his ancestor Jonathan's diaries, his phone vibrated crazily with messages.

Psychovampirehot
Henrik, Emily destroyed the amulet! The crypt cannot be opened, not anymore

Henrik is urgent, I need a magical consultation!

Henrik, the amulet is GO-NE! What should I do now?

Henrik, answer, it's urgent. Very urgent

Stefan
I'm sorry about my brother. Emily was Katherine's maid and a Bennett witch. She possessed Bonnie for her amulet and then destroyed it. In the crypt are twenty-seven other vampires. The ones the council locked up.
Damon is dangerous now. Don't come unless you have good news for him.
I would advise you not to come at all.
He wants to leave and so do I. This city doesn't deserve our messes

Henrik looked at Tyler, saying. "Can you give me a ride to the Salvatore boarding house? Stefan wants his book back, urgently."
"No problem."

As the two boys were walking towards Tyler's car, Lockwood said. "I haven't forgotten the strange incident with the police at the party, Henrik. Nor the way you seemed to know what was going on. What's going on?"

Henrik looked at Tyler, telling him. "Let me talk to Stefan. And then, I'll tell you everything."
"Promise?"
"Absolutely. You have my word."
"Okay. Let's go to the Salvatores then."

^^^^^

After talking with Damon, explaining how the amulet wasn't necessary, but that he needed a little more time to solve the mystery, Henrik went with Tyler into the woods.

"Look, what I'm about to tell you is a bit…secret. It's dangerous to know, it makes you a target."
"What are you talking about?"

Henrik reached out a hand, showing the small flame on his palm.
"I'm a wizard."

Tyler looked at him, and seeing the fear of rejection in his gaze, he said.
"It's beautiful. And it's incredible."
"Do you really think that?"
"Yes, Henrik. Thanks for trusting me."

Henrik genuinely smiled at Tyler, before sitting back and saying. "When my parents adopted me, I told them what I was, I didn't want to risk them finding out later and going crazy. They made me promise never to use my magic, and they wouldn't have a problem with me."
"Did they ask you to give up on yourself?"
"They were going to give me a family in exchange and I was alone at the time. And all the years before. It seemed like a fair trade to me."
"And then?"
"Then there was that accident. And, if I had trained, if I had studied… I could have saved them. They wouldn't have died."
"You feel guilty."
"That, but I'd also feel guilty if I broke their promise and saved them. It's a bit of a mess."
"You trained in your magic and in the emergency first assistance, didn't you?"
"Yes. I didn't want to be unprepared and I didn't want to rely only on my magic. In front of other people... it's dangerous. You've studied what they do with what they don't understand something."
"Yes. Damon and Stefan, are they like you?"

Henrik shook his head.
"They're vampires. I found out when I saw Vicky being threatened by Damon. They have some sort of sibling fight and she got in the way."
"She didn't run away."
"I can't be sure about that. But I think not. I think she was turned and then she, being out of control, was killed."
"Poor Matt. What are you up to with them two, then?"
"Damon came to town for a reason. And I wanted to know what it was. In 1864, when they were both turned, the Founders brought 27 vampires into the church. Emily Bennett, an ancestor of Bonnie, was a witch of that time. She served as a maid to one of the vampires, Katherine Pierce. She locked the vampires, including Katherine, in the crypt. She didn't want them to continue to threaten the safety of the city. She tied the spell on an amulet, but recently destroyed it. Damon was in a crisis about that."
"Who knows about all this?"
"Damon, Stefan, Elena and Bonnie sure know. Elena told Bonnie everything after Emily possessed her. And then there are the Council members. Mainly the Founder families and some police representatives, like Logan Fell, before he was killed for being a vampire. The Council members want to kill everything supernatural. I don't think they really believe in the existence of witches. We keep to ourselves, given the past and the reactions to magic shown. Vampires on the other hand, they live on hedonism. They like to flaunt their power and they do it by tormenting humans. Stefan is okay, he eats rabbits. Damon started with the blood bags to stay here. The vampires in the crypt terrorized the trade routes of Mystic Falls."

Henrik pulled a leather journal from his backpack, saying. "Emily had provided my ancestor, Jonathan, with the means to find vampires and to kill them all."
"Nice dude."
"He was protected his home, and from what I've read, the deaths of the period were almost all due to vampires. They were savages."

"So, Damon is going to have his girlfriend and leave?"
"That's the plan, and I'm inclined to help it."
"Why?"

Henrik bit his lip, staring into the distance. “He really loves this girl, you know? I've seen it, the pain he felt when he thought she was doomed in there. And he wants to mend a relationship with Stefan, but he can't understand why Stefan doesn't embrace his vampire nature. He is making an effort to meet him, he wants... he wants his younger brother back and the woman he loves back. I can... I know it hurts to be alone, and I'm really sorry for him."
"And you feel guilty about empathizing with him, don't you?"

Henrik snorted. "Empathy and guilt. You described me perfectly."
"I think it's noble."

Henrik looked Tyler in his eyes, amazed.
"And I want you to know that I'm with you."
"I'm glad you're not freaking out, honestly."
"I'm two years older than you."
"And I know Jer would freak out."

Tyler laughed.
Then he reached out to take Henrik's phone from the boy's backpack.

"Excuse me?"
"I'm saving my number, because judging by the fact that you answer the phone when I call you it led me to assume you hadn't save it."
"I did it after last time. You looked in a bad way."
"Vampires, right?"
"Probably, yes."

Tyler looked up his number, then raised his eyebrows when he saw how he was saved.

"Why is Damon psychovampirehot and I'm pompousass?"
"Because you are."
"Not even hot at the end?"
"You are not."
"Wow, thank you."

Henrik reached for Tyler's phone, being intercepted by the boy.
"You saw mine."
"So what?"
"I want to see with what fantasy you saved me. Henrik Gilbert? Little Gilbert?"
"Henrik."
"Wow, at least I had a little imagination."
"Who is fabfantasticqueen?"
"Caroline, of course."
"Painintheback?"
"Elena."
"painintheotherback?"
"Jer."
"SuperJ."
"Jenna."
"witchygirl"
"Bonnie"
"witchygrandma"
"Sheila"
"quarterback"
"Matt"
"Does Stefan only have Stefan?"
"We're not that close to having his own title, okay? And, by the way, I'm changing the names. Matt has his since awards week, Bonnie and Sheila recently when I figured out what they were, Elena and Jeremy since I got here, a month later actually. Caroline since I spoke to her."
"Jenna?"
"Always."

Tyler scrolled through the list, coming up with two names "Mom, Dad."
"Miranda and Grayson."

Henrik turned and Tyler hugged him, saying. "I'm sorry when I said Jeremy wasn't really your brother. He is, Elena is your sister, Jenna is your aunt, and Miranda and Grayson are your parents."

Henrik buried his head on the older boy's shoulder, accepting the warmth of the offered hug.

Chapter Text

Once again in the library, Henrik was walking up the stairs, a sheet full of book and essay titles in hand, ready to retrieve any needed ones.

As he read the lower titles, books from the shelf below fell to the floor with a thud, and then a female voice said.

"Oh my god. I'm so sorry. There was this book wedged under another one, and I pulled and so kaplunk, kaboom. Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm slightly lost, I didn't drink my coffee. My aunt took it away from me to avoid addiction."
"And how are you?"
"I already am, so now I'm in withdrawal."
"Sounds awful."
"I know, but I can get over it. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and stuff like that."
The girl laughed, holding out her hand before introducing herself. "I'm Anna."
"Henrik."

When they shook hands, Henrik felt the same feeling he had with Damon and with Stefan before her.

Before him was a vampire.

"What are you doing?"
"An essay to turn a blind eye to having done my older brother's essays the previous months."
"What do you need?"
"Local history, 1860s. Do you work here or are you just a social butterfly like me?"
"I study from home, and I often come here to fake the school environment."
"Uh, it's nothing like that. Less noise, less football."
"You are quite a social butterfly, as you said."
"Yeah. Now, to cut the bull's head off, what is a vampire like you doing here? You know what they do to vampires, right?"
"I'm not a vampire."
"I take it you're…Annabelle Zhu, right?"

The girl jumped, and Henrik understood.
"Your mother is in the crypt, isn't she? Jonathan has recognised her as a vampire?"
"Yes. I want my mother back."

Henrik looked around before taking the phone from Anna's pocket.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm putting my number on your list, Anna. I'll help Damon for his lover. You can take your mother in the meantime, but I need to figure out how to open it. Emily possessed her descendant and destroyed the amulet."
"I understand. And, where are you at?"
"Give me a break, okay? I have one point I won't compromise on. All the others die."
"There are a couple okay. They don't deserve that fate."
"They're leaving this city. I don't want angry vampires making my city uninhabitable."
"No, okay. It seems right."

Henrik wrote to himself from the girl's phone before handing it over.

"Are you a Gilbert?"
"How ironic, in the past one was a real idiot and now I, a little wizard, help you. Tell me, what possibilities were there?"
"Not many."

Henrik walked away, to retrieve his books, saying then. "We'll both pretend we don't know that you were going to use me to take your mother and kill me in the process, okay?"

Anna's eyes widened and Henrik winked. "I'm not just a pretty pair of eyes."
"You are all beautiful."
"Does shock make you ready to give compliments?"
"Sorry. It seems fair to me."
"And you wanted revenge, okay. Got it, no hard feelings. I'm a hippie at heart."

Henrik walked away, finally going to get his books.

To: Pompousass
I met a very nice and pretty girl

From: Pompousass
I'm glad for you. How did you meet?

To: Pompousass
She came on me in the library and then, shock, vampire. Second not so much shock, her mother is in the crypt, and she wanted to take revenge on my ancestor, aka crazy Jonathan, by using me to feed her desiccated mother.

From: Pompousass
Are you ok? Did she try anything?

To: Pompousass
Great conversation, heart to heart, and I'll give her mother back as soon as I figure out how to open the crypt.

From: Pompousass
She wanted to kill you

To: Pompousass
We are friends now. I think she will join me in class and, thank goodness she's physically young, I'll have company in class.
I will have someone to converse with.

From: Pompousass
A very old vampire? 145 years old?

To: Pompousass
I think older. The Zhus were a prominent family in China in the 1300s. That makes her a 700-year-old teenager.

From: Pompousass
And are you friends?

To: Pompousass
I foresee interesting historical debates to come. It will be a breath of fresh air.
SYL, I have to study.

From: Pompousass
Grill, tonight. You can't miss.

To: Pompousass
No.

From: Pompousass
See you later.

Henrik snorted, pocketing his phone as he grabbed the books off the shelf. "Jerk."

^^^^^^^^

Henrik entered the house, waving the essay in his aunt's face.
"Aunt Jenna, I finished the essay that your hot new professor gave me."
"You did good, Henrik. What are you doing tonight? Book, creepy research or movie?"
"Tyler and I are going to the Grill. I'll be back early, don't worry."

Jenna smiled at her nephew, shaking her head.
"I don't worry. Not for you, at least. Have you seen your sister?"
"Not since her and Stefan discussed at her career choice, but even there I heard her on the phone, I was at home."
"I'm calling her now to find out where she is."

^^^^^^^^^

The next morning, Henrik heard someone crying from his sister's room.
"Toc toc? Elena?"
Henrik's head entered the room, looking at the girl.
"What do you have?"
"I'm adopted, Henrik."
"Well, join the club."
Elena laughed, tears in her eyes, before reaching out to Henrik who held her tightly.
"We're still brothers, do you know Elena? It doesn't matter who your parents are, you're my older sister."
"Thanks, but would you hate me if… It doesn't matter now."
"If? Elena, is everything okay?"
"It does not matter."

The doorbell rang, and Jenna's voice bellowed up the stairs. "Henrik, Tyler is waiting for you!"

Elena looked at him with a smile.
"Tyler? Are you friends now?"
"Kind of, I think. I don't know, it gives me a ride in school, we both have art club today."
"Are you sure?"
"Keep your judgmental eyes to yourself, Elena. I gotta go. Bye bye. Don't get too depressed, you're still a Gilbert."
"Thank you, Henrik."
"Nothing. See you later, sister"

Kissing his sister's cheek, Henrik walked downstairs to say hello to Tyler.

"Hey, Tyler. Shall we go?"
"Sure. Thanks, Jenna."
"Nothing. You two, have fun."

Henrik rolled his eyes, pushing Tyler towards the boy's car.

"What was that?"
"A nosy aunt, who thinks she knows everything."
"That is to say?"
"She thinks we're together."
"Really? Would you like it?"
"Pretty much like going to Miss Mystic Falls' party and dancing as a contestant."
"A no was enough, you know?"
"You're probably right, but I would have missed the fun."

^^^^^^^^

Henrik was stuffing books into his briefcase when Ric dropped his essay in front of him on the desk.

Henrik took it, seeing a red A+ on the top.

"Surprised? It's a great essay. Your thoughts are clear and your arguments well stated."
"Yeah, not surprising. I'm surprised how quickly you corrected that, Ric."
"You delivered it in two days when you had a week ahead of you."
"I like having some free time to get on with work and do other things."
"Like the three clubs you're a member of?"
"Someone has to do it, sir."

"Just out of curiosity, you don't think vampires actually exist."
"No, I just think there's been more animal attacks and mysterious deaths and disappearances of people in this city than anywhere else in Virginia, but that's just called bad luck."

"It's called conjecture, but it's creative, hence the plus. Just don't get too wrapped up in all this conjecture."

Henrik thought about what he was going to do, then said. "I will not do that."

As he got up and walked towards the door, he was stopped by the professor, who said. "And, Henrik, the source you cited for the information from those years, Jonathan Gilbert's journal."
"My ancestor's diary?"
"I'd like to read it sometime."
"For real?"
"A first-person account of the Civil War? It's like…porn for a history professor."
"Uh, that's why Aunt Jenna didn't invite you to stay the other night. It all clears up."

Ric looked amused at the boy, who took the diary from his backpack, saying. "If you think my essay is creative, wait until you read this." then placing it on the chair.

Alaric took it, almost reverently, thanking the younger Gilbert who walked out the door.

Henrik, not knowing Anna well enough and knowing Damon too well, wrote to the last of the vampires in town.

To: hairhero
Stefan, check on Alaric Saltzman. He was interested in Jonathan Gilbert's diary. And tell Damon I found Emily's grimoire. I may need some time because she was writing in Greek.

From: hairhero
I thank you. I'll see what I find out about the professor. Don't tell Damon anything

To; hairhero
Why would I tell Damon about Rick? I like him as a history teacher, I don't want another Tanner.
On the other hand, the chemistry one is a real finger in the eye, if you want to point your brother at someone

From: hairhero
I think I should warn your sister that you know about us.

To: hairhero
No, I'll tell her. I'm waiting for a good moment to say it. Don't spoil my fun, please.

From; hairhero
I will not do that. But I understand why Damon adores you. You are similar to him as a human. He was good, you know?

To: hairhero
I think it still is, deep down. Just give him time to come out of ego and resentment, Stefan.

From: hairhero
Thank you

Chapter Text

Henrik stared at a fifties-style Tyler.

"What are you doing here? And what are you wearing?"
"A dress for tonight's party. And you?"
"My pajamas for bed."
"Oh no."

Tyler entered the house, taking Henrik by the arm and dragging him towards his room.

"Hey, leave me!"
"No, no, no. You come with me to the party, my dear Henrik. You are my date."
"Eh, no, thank you. Be nicer and go with anyone else."

Tyler just threw Henrik's clothes on the bed, saying. "I stole from my parents, so be kind, smile and wear them."
"But why?"
"I'm alone, Henrik. And I love your company."

Henrik sighed, reaching for the clothes. As he was changing, he stopped and stared at Tyler in betrayal. "Did you just make me feel bad about going with you?"
"It worked, didn't it? Come on, you can't spend your life here, Henrik. Live, enjoy yourself. The best years are high school."
"Oh my, the next ones must really suck."

Tyler burst out laughing, stepping forward to adjust the boy's tie.

"You are fabulous. Now, smile and come with me."
"Good, good. You have won, Lockwood."
"And I'm proud of it."

^^^^

When Henrik entered the party, he immediately saw Stefan and Damon staring at the crowd, while Elena was with her two friends.

"Shall we go?"
Tyler dragged Henrik towards the trio of girls, stopping next to them as Caroline spoke. "So what's a trio? You and the Salvatore brothers?"

"Why do I always come when there are comments like that, can someone explain it to me?"

The trio of girls looked at Henrik in surprise, before seeing Tyler and his arm around the younger's shoulders.

"Not a word. Tyler is a total jerk who makes me feel guilty every damn time."
"But I make you come to parties."
"Keep it up, and my funeral will be next. And I'll be there for sure."
"Henrik." Elena said, shaking her head wearily.

"Sorry. Oh, Damon and Stefan. They're so…threatening. Are they scared of someone approaching you, Elena? They'd be right, you're beautiful. Not on Caroline's level, but I see the commitment."
"Thanks, Henrik. You're cute too. Does the dress fit you perfectly, when did you get it?"
"The stalker here next to me grabbed it and forced me to wear it."

At that moment, the two Salvatores arrived.

"Do you want to dance?"

Bonnie, disgusted, started to leave, saying. "I'm out of the loop."
"Please give me one more chance."
Bonnie only looked at him once before walking away and Caroline told him. "Get out of my way, Damon." before following her friend.

"See, this is what I call success with girls." Henrik commented, to whom Damon flashed his charming smile. "Do you want to dance with me, little Gilbert?"
"I don't dance..."
"Dance with me."

Tyler dragged Henrik onto the floor, ignoring his "No, please, Tyler, I can't dance."

^^^^

As the two boys danced, Henrik pointed towards his sister and Stefan who had start running.

"I think we're about to find out why they were both here."
"Do you want to go with them?"

Henrik just stared at Tyler who nodded, muttering. "Stupid question, I know."

The two ran after his sister and the vampire, eventually finding them near the vending machines, with Stefan holding a boy impaled.

Another was about to strike Elena, but Henrik stepped in the way and knocked it back with his own magic.

"Henrik? Do you know... do you know about vampires?"

Henrik blinked, looking from Stefan, then Damon, and then the two dead vampires. Then he looked at Elena saying. "Why should it be a secret?"

Tyler burst out laughing, looking at Elena.
The girl looked at Tyler, surprised. "And you?"
"Henrik told me about it, yes. And I know about his magic."
"You are a witch?"
"I'm not a witch, a wizard. Of course I am. And mom and dad knew it, Elena."
"For real?"
"And they accepted it."

Elena nodded, before looking at the two dead vampires. "And now?"
"Let's take Jeremy and go home."
"Jeremy is…does he know?"
"No, and neither does Jenna. Though I think we should tell her. Considering the fact that these two aren't just walking away. We're stuck with them, and that's fine. But it's dangerous not to know. Worse than knowing."
"Okay. We'll both talk about it at home. How much do you know?"
"Quite everything, yes. Come, we'll fill Jenna and Jeremy at home. Stefan, Damon, do you guys take care of the pest control service?"

Damon nodded, looking at the two bodies. "Perfect. See you later guys. Tyler, great evening, next time I'll leave you out on the porch."

The two Gilberts left the room, followed shortly after by Tyler.

^^^^

At home, the four Gilberts sat at the kitchen table, each to one side.

"So, Elena, Henrik, what is it about?"

"It's about vampires, aunt. They're real, they exist."

Jenna looked at Elena, before looking at a serious Henrik.

"Come on, seriously? I have better things to do than..."

Henrik reached out his hand, and a small water horse created itself from the jug on the table, galloping around before dropping back into the jug.

"I have magic. When Miranda and Grayson took me I…I told them. You sure don't know me, but my name was Harry Potter before being adopted. My relativez…didn't like magic and let me know so clearly. I was afraid mum and dad would react like that too, but they didn't. They told me that I would have to put magic aside altogether if I wanted to live with them, but that they wouldn't do me wrong just because it was part of me. I…after the accident I started using it again. I'd rather be hated than lose another one of you."

Jenna and Jeremy immediately shook their heads, and Jeremy pulled his brother into a big hug. "I could never hate you. We are brothers, we have our backs to each other. Whatever the cost."
"Whatever the cost."

Henrik smiled at Elena and Jeremy.

Then he looked at Jenna, who crossed her arms and pointed at the two teenagers. "The full story, now."
"As you wish, Aunt Jenna."

Chapter Text

"Thanks for putting up with me all night talking about my wife. I'll…I'll stop doing that, it's not good for a date."
"Was that what it was? A date?"
The next morning at the dance, Jenna was on the porch talking to Alaric.
"No, definitely not a date. But Friday. Me, you, a movie and dinner, that could be it."
"It works for me."
Jenna and Alaric shared a smile before Jenna continued. "And you can tell me about your wife as long as you want. It takes time to heal, I know."
"Still, I think I'll keep Isobelle to a minimum as a talking point."
Jenna smiled, saying. "See you on Friday then?"
"See you Friday."
Henrik flung the door open. "Jenna! Out at night? Outrageous! Ric, professor! How are you? Why don't you come in and discuss the date? Although, Ric, Jenna has to be home by 11pm, but only because it's the weekend."
"Henrik, shouldn't you be at the club?"
"Uh, no, suspended. The curator's taken ill, poor dear. I, on the other hand, will be a good friend and go and keep Bonnie and Caroline company from the bleachers. I will be the cheerleader of the cheerleaders."
"Disappear from here."
"See you later, Aunt Jenna. Ric, see you in class."
Jenna smiled as Henrik walked away.
"Henrik is really amazing, you know that?"
"Yes, he is. He's healing, all three of them are. Losing both parents… It's not easy to get over it. But they do it together."
"They are very close. No younger brother would have ever done such perfect essays for an older brother. I never would have."
Jenna laughed, greeting Alaric, before closing the door, leaving him outside.

^^^^^

Henrik hadn't actually gone to school, but had instead sat at a table in the Grill, reading and studying Emily's library cards, photocopied in order to not attract attention.

"Where are you at?"

"Hi, Henrik, it's good to see you. Do you mind if I join you a little bit? I'm really grateful for what you're doing to help me, you're very helpful and I admire you for that. Do you happen to have any news for me?"
Henrik didn't look up, then hearing the chair shift, someone lift, and then a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Hi, Henrik, it's good to see you. Do you mind if I join you a little bit?"
Damon sat down in the chair next to Henrik, then said. "I'm really grateful for what you're doing to help me, you're very helpful and I admire you for that. Do you happen to have any news for me?"
Henrik looked at him smiling, before saying. "Actually, yes. I know how to open the crypt, and let you vampires in and then out. Does Bonnie know anything about this? She and Sheila might not appreciate another wizard poking into Emily's spells. "
"Do you want me to ask their permission?"
"No, of course not. A spell like that could kill Sheila. She's too old to attempt it now."
"When do we act?"
"Tonight. There's that stupid party, no one will notice my absence."
"Okay, fine. What about Elena and the rest of the family?"
"They are glad to see you leaving soon."
Damon smiled, standing up.
Then he asked. "You and Tyler are a thing?"
"No, why?"
"Because he just walked in and his gaze never left you, having found you instantly. What reflexes does he have?"
"Get out of here, Damon."
As the vampire left, Henrik picked up the phone, alerting Anna.

To: creepyamazingvamp
Being incredible and intelligent (detail you missed when you wanted to kill me, good times), I solved the little problem in the shape of Emily and I will open the crypt tonight. Interested?

From: creepyamazingvamp
And you ask me? We see there.

Henrik looked up as Tyler sat down. "What did he want?"
"Nothing much, just talk about opening the crypt tonight."
"There's a party."
"I'm differently busy."
"I'm not going either, then. I'm going with you."
"Tyler..."
"I'm not leaving you alone in this."

Henrik, seeing the seriousness in Tyler's eyes, nodded. "Okay, fine. Okay."

^^^

That evening, Henrik, Tyler, and Elena were standing in front of the crypt when Damon and Stefan appeared

"I didn't tell Bonnie anything. I wanted to keep her out."
"You did well, Elena."
"And your aunt?"
"Better to ask forgiveness than permission." Henrik said, before looking at the two Salvatore and Anna. "Ready?"
"Yup."

Henrik handed them both a bag of blood. "Here, here. Just the two of them and that's it. Stefan, burn the others."

Stefan nodded, and Damon and Anna entered looking for their loved ones.

Henrik was singing the chant to keep the crypt open, but when Anna went out with her mother, blood started coming out of his nose.

"Go get Damon. Henrik is in danger of dying!"

Elena and Stefan ran inside, looking for the older Salvatore who was having a seizure.
"She's not here, she should be here."
"Eternity down here isn't worth it, Damon! Henrik is trying hard, but he's only fourteen. You have to get out of here before you stay forever."
"Damon, please. My brother..."

Damon exited the crypt, along with Stefan and Elena.
As soon as the three of them left completely, Henrik stopped chanting, falling to the floor tired, taken by Tyler.
Seeing Damon's face and Anna's guilty expression, Henrik quickly realized that Katherine hadn't been in the grave.

Seeing him leave the crypt desolate, Henrik pulled himself up with difficulty and joined him, squeezing him in a strong hug. "I'm sorry, Damon. Really."

Henrik felt the vampire return the grip with equal strength.

The boy's natural empathy made him mentally promise that he would always protect Damon, duped by a manipulative and selfish woman and imprisoned for 145 years in one-sided love.

If nothing else, it showed how loyal the vampire was.

Chapter Text

Henrik was sitting at the Grill, drinking lemonade and writing an essay on English literature, when the chair across from him shifted and Stefan appeared.

"Henrik, I need..."
"Hello Henrik, good to see you. Are you all right?"

Stefan smiled apologetically, saying. "You're right. I'm sorry to be like this, but I think it's pretty serious."

Henrik looked up, finally seeing the panic in Stefan's eyes.
"Something tells me you've discovered something about Ric."
"Vampire hunter."
"Bad news."
"He wants revenge against the vampire who killed his wife, Isobel."
"Don't tell me..."
"Damon."

Henrik sighed, picking up the phone and writing.

To: superJ
Hi Aunt Jenna,
Ric, handsome as he is and all,
A knows about vampires,
B wants Damon dead for revenge.
C, his wife was called Isobel.
Did that ring any bells?

From: superJ
Could Elena's mother be Alaric's dead wife? Are you sure?

To: superJ
At least suspicious.
I keep Damon from provoking him, you try to figure out where Alaric's Isobel lived
See you later, aunt

Henrik looked up, saying. "Aunt Jenna will try to figure this out better. In the meantime, keep Damon in line. I really like Ric, I don't want to lose him as a professor."
"Maybe you should talk to him. He listens ti you, he likes you."
"Fine, I'm going to babysit a much older boy than me."

Henrik pointed to his theme. "I finish my homework first, then shoo."
"I appreciate it."

Henrik watched Stefan leave, before writing to his sister.

To: amazingsis
Hello Elena. Don't freak out, but maybe your bio mom could be Ric's deceased wife. She killed by Damon, according to Ric.

From: amazingsis
Thanks for telling me about it.

To: amazingsis
I know you're hurting, but remember Damon didn't know you yet. And we both know he was his psycho version, at the time.

From: amazingsis
I know it. I need some time to figure it all out.
Does Jenna know?

To: amazingsis
She interrogates Ric in the process.
See you later

^^^^^^

That evening, after Jenna and Elena were certain that Elena's mother Isobel was Alaric's wife Isobel, Henrik had taken Damon aside and explained it to him.

"I know you've asked the Sheriff for the information. And I know you're going to throw it all at Ric, but don't."
"She's not dead. I turned her. She asked me. She found me and asked me."

Henrik blinked, before nodding and saying. "I'll tell Ric. But how did she know about you? And how she found you?"
"I don't know. Anna told me Katherine knew where I was. And we know Elena is of her bloodline, so maybe Isobel found Katherine who sent her to me."
"Because she knew you would have do it. What a psychopath."
"It's okay, Henrik. Knowing that she knew the whole time what I was trying to do but she didn't care…she opened my eyes."
"Are you ok?"
"Yes. And I'll be good at the lottery. Go and win."

^^^^^

While looking for the professor, Henrik saw Caroline congratulating Matt's mother on her victory.

"Okay, now stop it. Stop trying so hard. This thing you do, being cute, is fake. Like you, like your mother. And if Matt fell for it, it doesn't mean I'll fall for it too. I don't like you okay?"

Henrik intervened at that moment. "But how dare you? You disappear, leaving Matt alone, and when you come back, you insult everyone here? Caroline is amazing and Matt is lucky to be with her! And you should just be ashamed of what you just said. You should be on your son's side, don't criticize him and then go away and wash your hands."

Kelly Donovan gasped, not expecting the shy little Henrik Gilbert to express his views so strongly.
"I...I'll wait for the plumber at the counter."

Kelly walked away, and Caroline smiled at Henrik. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."
"Caroline, you're practically my sister. I don't let anyone insult my sister."
The girl's smile grew even wider.
"You are a blessing, Henrik."
"I'm glad you think so. You're kind of stuck with me."

^^^^^

Henrik entered the Salvatore Boarding House in time to see a guilty Damon standing by Alaric's body.

"I told you not to kill him, dammit! Damon, one thing!"
"He tried to impale me, Henrik! What was I supposed to do?"
"Don't kill him!"

Henrik crouched next to the professor's body, glaring seriously at the vampire.

Stefan was about to scold Damon, when Alaric, scaring the shit out of Henrik, pulled himself up to take a deep breath.

"What the hell?"
"What happened? What's going on?"

Damon looked at the body, surprised. "You were…dead. I killed you, how can you be alive?"
"Did you turned him?" Stefan asked, glaring at his brother.
"Of course not, or I wouldn't have asked him."
“I…” Alaric looked at the ring, muttering. "Isobel."
"This ring protected me." Alaric said, looking at the three gathered around him.
"It's impossible."
"A magical ring that brings the dead back to life is impossible, but one that keeps you from becoming ashes to ashes isn't it? The wonders of magic, man." Henrik said, looking at Stefan.
Alaric looked at him. "What are you doing here, Henrik?"
"I'm a wizard and apparently I have to clean up the messes of two eternal teenagers."
"Oh... I'm sorry. Aren't you fourteen?"
"Thirteen, actually. And, you know, soon there will be another eternal teenager to control. Anna. She joins me in class."
"I see. This city is getting more and more messed up."
"Starting with you wife that is Elena's biological mother and that had a fling with Damon and now she's a vampire? Yeah, I'd say that's kind of a mess."
Henrik stood up, saying. "I did too much today. Now, I have to go to sleep and explain to my aunt why I don't go to parties. Trouble always happens."
Henrik walked out, causing Alaric to sigh behind him. "I wasn't told about Henrik."
"He's a secret weapon. Everyone knows about Bonnie and Sheila, he's the joker in the hole. He's stronger than both."
"A history and magic nerd."
"Also good at painting."
"He has many talents."
"Oh, you have no idea."
Damon looked towards the door, making his younger brother smile at the care he showed.

Henrik Gilbert had saved Damon without even trying to.

Chapter Text

Henrik was at his locker when a tap on the shoulder made him turn around.

"Hey Annabell."
"Just call me Anna. Annabell is for my mother."
"As the lady wishes. Now, your message was vaguely disturbing."
"The vampires from the crypt have come out and are all with us."
"Vampires who will want revenge, I guess."
"On the families of the founders, yes."
"How wonderful."

Anna laughed, taking the boy by the arm, and heading towards the history classroom.
"Mr. Saltzman seems fine."
"I shocked him when I revealed I was a wizard."
"A witch."
"A wizard."

Anna cocked her head before saying. "Your sister is talking to Stefan about Damon, Isobel, Mr. Saltzman and Katherine."
"Yes, they tend to talk about it a lot. Finding out she was adopted hit Elena hard. She feels less like our sister, I don't know if you understand me."
"I understand perfectly. It must be difficult for her to find out about us like this."
"Yes, it wasn't easy. But she can overcome it, we are Gilbert."
"So what?"
"And so we're tough and incredibly strong. And we can't be stopped if we stand together."
"It must be nice to have brothers."
"Elena and Jer are pretty lucky, yes."

Anna laughed, before asking. "Who is that? And why is he looking at me so badly?"

Henrik turned around, seeing Tyler walking towards them with an annoyed expression. "I don't know why he is giving you the evil look, but it's Tyler Lockwood. He knows everything, but he's nothing supernatural. Just a pompous jerk."
"Ah, are you together?"
"No, of course not."

Tyler joined them, nudging Henrik.
"Matt told me he, Caroline, Elena and Stefan have a double date."
"Ah, the ingredients for a good mess."
"Right? Are you at the Grill tonight? Pool game?"
"You know what? Yes. Anna you are coming too. You need to integrate into high school life and the Grill is a must do."
"Okay, fine. I'll be happy to come."

Henrik patted Tyler on the shoulder, saying goodbye before walking on with Anna.

"I'll warn the wonder boys about the fugitive vampires, but I think they already know. Maybe invite them to stay in line?"
"They're older than the Salvatore brothers."
"I know, but they have a powerful witch on their side."

^^^^^

Henrik called to Damon, stamping his foot in anticipation.

"Little Gilbert?"
"The vampires of the crypt, all 25 of them, are making the little happy family with Pearl."
"Yes, I knew it."
"How?"
"The adorable vampire threatened me at my house"
"What courage. What are we going to do? Set the house on fire with them inside?"
“No, if they behave, there won't be a need”
“They want revenge on the founding families. Aka, me, Elena, Jeremy, Caroline, Tyler. Care's and Tyler's parents are still involved, Damon, you know too you."
"Pearl wanted me to stop supplying the Council with vervain"
"To do what, turn this city into their walking blood bag?"
"I declined, of course"
"Unbelievable of you. Did they say what they want to achieve?"
"Mystic Falls was home to them and they want it back"
"First of all, it was witches and wolves before them. So, ah, no. Second, nice of the. to think I'm leaving town for them."
"Love watching you go all I'm on a mission, Henrik. Who warned you?"
"Anna, she had lessons with me and now I'm waiting for her at the Grill."
"And what does Lockwood think?"
"Tyler? Except he's coming too, but why should he be against it?"
"Ah, I love your naivety, Henrik."
"I don't understand you and I'm about to put it down. I saw Anna, bye."
"Enjoy. Give me a ring when you're no longer in the dark, will you?"
"I'll stay in the dark about how to help you, you little pain in the ass."
"Ha ha ha. Bye"

^^^^^

The next day, Henrik was on the phone with Damon and Stefan, on speakerphone as the two argued.

"Are you telling me Ric helped you out and I got kicked out?"
"Sorry, Henrik, but it was too dangerous for you"
"But my sister came."
"Her boyfriend was in danger, she went into warrior princess mode"
"We all have that mode."
"Do you have warrior princess mode?"
"No, I have the queen. Anyway, what do we do now? Can I set them on fire?"
"They attacked Bonnie, now the Bennett witches are both absolutely against them"
"And Pearl still thinks they can play the big happy family?"
"Utopia in vain, I think. Anyway, we can't do much with Stefan in weak mode"
"I'll be fine, I just need some time."
"I don't understand. You know… you don't have to kill to survive. That's what blood banks are for. I haven't hunted a human for… damn, too long."
"And we all applaud you for that, Damon."
"Oh, I'm really impressed!"
"That was a comment aimed solely at myself, you idiots."
"Now, what are we going to do with the escapees from the crypt? You should have set them on fire when I opened the crypt."
"I'm trying to distract the city from the vampire hunt, which isn't easy given the merry band. I think we should… kill them."
"I think that this is a great idea. Stefan, warn me when you can get back. I'll talk with Bonnie about the situation."
"Okay, Henrik. Thanks"
"Wow, was that gratitude? Are you okay?"
"You're too sarcastic"
"Look who's talking. I have to go. Bye"

At that moment, Elena screamed. "Jeremy, Henrik, we have to go to school! We'll be late!"
"I'm coming down right now!"

Henrik got out just as Elena opened the door, and he saw perfectly who was on the other side of the door.
"Uncle John."
"Elena! Henrik!"

Henrik smiled at the man.
He had been very nice to him, welcoming him as one of their own, but Henrik knew that John was adamant against the supernatural.
He would have killed him if he knew what he was.

"Jenna."
"John, you arrived on time."
"I told you I'd be here by lunchtime."
"Well, usually what you say and what you do…they're two very different things."

Aunt Jenna didn't like her sister's husband's brother at all.
Henrik had noticed that this had been the case since he'd arrived, probably much earlier.

Jeremy came down the stairs at that moment, saying "Uncle John! What's going on?"
"Hey! I had some business to do in town. I thought a little visit was in order."

Elena, shrugging her shoulders, asked "How long are you going to stay?"
"I don't know yet."
"Okay, well, we're off to school. See you later."

^^^

Henrik was filling his locker, talking to Tyler "He said he doesn't know how long it will stay."
"Uncle John. I never really liked that guy."
"Eh, like everyone! I only saw it once and I didn't like it at all."
"I'm here to give you moral support if you need it."
"What I need is someone to help me bury his body."
"I can be that too, if needed."

Henrik laughed, finally closing the locker.

"We're having a nice family dinner tonight."
"If you need an escape, ring."
"The first Foundation Celebration party is coming soon, right?"
"I want an escape for that, Henrik."
"I'll see what I can arrange."

Chapter Text

"I'm not the least bit interested in the party that will kick off the Founders' Day celebrations. And you shouldn't look at Henrik, he's worse than me when it comes to parties."
"I prefer to focus on history, sorry Jer if I appreciate my culture."
"Of course you both are. It's the tradition."
"And may we never break tradition." Jenna said piquedly.
"The Gilberts, boys, have been a part of this town for 150 years, since its founding. We're one of the founding families, and with that honor come some duties, including going to the party."
"Actually, there were already populations who lived in these territories, well before our families. And among duties, Jer, Uncle John means above all parties."
"You must come too, then."
"You are the firstborn, Jer. Our hope for the future. I don't, so I can also rebel against the system."
"No, Henrik, you can't do that. You have to participate as a member of one of the founding families." John looked at Henrik, who sighed, nodding.
"One day, when you can fully appreciate its significance, I will tell you everything there is to know about your heritage. The Gilbert family legacy."
"And here Jenna felt left out." Henrik murmured, making Jeremy laugh and his aunt sigh.

"I had forgotten how 'sacred' it was. I'm no Gilbert, so I was never deemed important enough to know more about it."
"Why does she hate you?" Jeremy asked, to which his uncle snapped back. "We used to sleep together." getting a bottle on the head from the aunt.

"Oh, nice shot, aunt! And, again, child here. Why do I have to hear all these sordid details every time?"

The other three laughed in amusement.

^^^^

In the evening, Henrik arrived at the Lockwood house, where Tyler was waiting for him with a huge smile.

"You came."
"It's the Gilbert legacy, Tyler. How could I back out?"
"They forced you, didn't they?"
"And also threatened."

The two entered, and were stopped by Tyler's parents and John.

"Did you come together?"
"We're both members of the founding families, Mom. And Henrik knows the history of this city incredibly deeply. I wanted to show him the collections in the other room."
"Of course, please. Henrik, it's always nice to see you."
"Same for me, Mayor Lockwood."

The two boys passed the three adults, and Henrik whispered. "I think we narrowly escaped it for now."
"I really don't want to be in Matt's place right now. Dad wants to say a special goodbye on Vicky's death."
"Your father despised her."
"But he is the good and just mayor."
"And he loves the most insignificant people."

^^^^

The two boys remained holed up in the study throughout the evening, when they heard the music becoming more cheerful.

"What happens?"
"I think my mother is having a shock."
"Could it be serious?"
"Let's go check."

The two went down, seeing many people dancing.

"Have we entered a parallel universe where Stefan is funny?"
"They're all dancing, Henrik."
"So what?"
"It would just be impolite to stand here on the edge."
"No, leave me, Tyler."

Being ignored by the other boy, Henrik was dragged by Tyler to the middle of the dance floor, starting a fast and frantic dance.

When they finally stopped, Henrik was taken to the bar, where Tyler handed him a champagne.
"It's the least alcoholic thing they serve here, Henrik."
"I appreciate the effort."
"When did it happen?"
Henrik turned and saw his aunt with Ric. "Uh, at the 60's party."
"And your sister changes Salvatore?"

Henrik turned to see Damon handing his sister a red rose. "Uh, I think that's a problem. Stefan seems a little excited lately."
"Addiction problems?"
"I don't know, it might as well be."
"Isn't it better to send him to rehab? We've already lost one of us to that."
"Yeah, well, I guess Damon knows how to control his brother."

"There you are. Tyler, you don't mind if I steal my nephew for a moment, do you?"

Tyler shook his head, smiling at John. "No problem, Mr. Gilbert. I'll go find Matt, see you later, or tomorrow."
"Sure. Thanks for showing me the collection."
"No problem."

Tyler walked away, and John told his nephew. "Come with me, Henrik. Let's go outside and talk."

The two went out, with a very nervous Henrik next to his uncle.

"At first I thought your hesitancy around me was due to embarrassment and your previous difficult situation. I realized that, despite the time, it remains towards me, but not Jenna's. This made me believe it's because of your particular talent."

Henrik blanched, stepping back.
"I know you've started practicing it again, Henrik. And I know it's to protect Elena and Jeremy. And that makes you a real Gilbert."
"I could have saved them."
"Maybe. What matters now is keeping your brothers safe."
"You know what I am and you have no problem with me?"
"The Gilberts have always had a close connection to that part of the supernatural. Jonathan created his contraption with the help of Emily Bennett, a powerful witch. And we have amulets and talismans useful in the fight against vampires. So, no , your talents don't make me nervous in any way."
"But Mom and Dad, they..."
"Where witches are, vampires come too, Henrik. They seek their help at every opportunity, and that made Miranda and my brother fearful. They were afraid for you, not you. "
"But they told me..."
"They knew it was the best way to get you to cooperate. It's part of you, but if you lost your family because of that, you wouldn't hesitate to accept their deal."
"And what do you think, uncle?"
"I think you need to learn to control your talents, hone them and make yourself stronger. Vampires are in town. Damon and Stefan Salvatore have to be brought down..."
"They're not the responsible ones, uncle."

John looked at him and Henrik took a deep breath.
"These two and Annabelle Zhu are on my side. They protect me, Elena and Jeremy. There are 26 other vampires who aren't. They want revenge on the founding families."
"Then we should take care of the problem."
"I wanted to burn down the house they occupied, but Damon thinks it's best to show their deaths publicly."
"Damon's right about that. Very good. The other three…?"
"They all know about me and Damon and Stefan. Tyler knows about it too. He helped me kill a vampire that was threatening Elena."
"Very good. Then invite him along. It's a good thing you're so close to the Lockwoods. They're a very prominent founding family. There's a reason they're a mayoral family. They've been in town a long time, before we."
"Really?"
"Oh, yes. You should check the city records and go back to the early 1800s. Their name was already there, and a few years later, we Gilberts arrived along with the Salvatores. Finally, it was the Forbes' turn."
"And the others?"
"Members after 1864 to make the council against supernatural stronger."
"Oh."
"I'll educate you about our tradition, Henrik. Let's go home now. Anyway, the party's almost over."
"Sure, Uncle John. And... thank you."
"You are one of us, Henrik. And we don't hunt our family, never."

Chapter Text

"How cool is it to have a whole month dedicated to Founders Day?"
Jenna's voice caught the attention of John and Henrik, who sat at the kitchen table looking at the charts and graphs John put up to monitor the town's paranormal activity.

John called. "Elena, Jenna, come here please. Jeremy too."

The three entered the kitchen and John pointed them to the chairs.

“I understand that all three of you are aware of Henrik's abilities and the true natures of the Salvatores and other recent Mystic Falls residents. According to Henrik, 26 of them have malicious intent against the founding families. It is our intention now to end the threat before it gets out of control. That said, tomorrow we'll talk to the Salvatores, the Zhu girl, Tyler and the history teacher. Having a clear idea will make it easier to act."

John stood up, then walked out of the room.
"And that's how cult starts, folks." Henrik said, drinking a cup of coffee.
"You drink too much caffeine. Go to bed, baby."
"Yes, Aunt Jenna."

^^^^^

The next day, Henrik was sitting on a bench, with Tyler leaning back.

"And so, we're in protection mode and all that stuff. Uncle John is on a mission with Damon to find the vampires in the crypt. Anna didn't want to betray her mother, so…”
"Right, little Zhu. But, what about when are we going to get together for the little meeting?"
"We're not the Avengers, Tyler, we might as well..."

Henrik's voice trailed off as he watched a flashy red car with blaring music arrive.

"Who the hell?…Oh no, Stefan."

Tyler followed his gaze, watching Stefan kiss Elena.

"What do you think it is?"
"A very hyperactive and addicted boy. She's going to enter that stupid contest, isn't she?"
"Miss Mystic Falls? Yes, of course. Elena signed up some time ago, you accompanied them too, don't you remember?"
"I was hoping in a nightmare, honestly. Well, it's going to look like I have to be at that damned stupid ball too. Why always me?"
"You can be my date if you wish. I would really like your company."
"Well, if forced."
"You're the one who wants to check that everything goes smoothly."

^^^^^^

Henrik was studying at the Grill when the chair in front of him shifted.
"Henrik, I need..."
"Hi Henrik, I see you are studying. It looks very interesting and I see that you are clearly interested. I am very sorry to interrupt this study session, but I need to talk to you about my latest problem. May I?"

The voice sighed and then Damon sat across from him. "Hi Henrik, I see you are studying. It looks very interesting and I see you are clearly interested. I am very sorry to interrupt this study session, but I need to talk to you about my latest problem. Can I?"

Henrik smiled at the vampire, saying. "Of course you can, dear Damon. Tell me, how can this poor wizard help you?"

Damon sighed before saying. "I know who's guilty of the thefts. And it's Stefan."
"Bad story addiction. How can you get he out?"
“The best way is to lock him up and dry him out and then reintroduce him to his diet. But I've never…”
"I'll call his friend, Lexi. Stefan told me that she was the reason why he stopped the other times. Maybe she has suggestions or she can come here. I'll also notify my uncle of another vampire in the no-touch list."

Damon nodded, getting up and walking away.

Henrik sighed, picking up the phone and writing the various messages.

To: Rehabgirl
Hi Lexi, I'm Henrik. Stefan had a relapse. Can you return to MF? I have Damon on a leash

To: Unclenotsobad
Hi Uncle John. Stefan is having some control issues, but we have a plan to get him back on track.
Said plan includes the use of a blond vegan vampire.
She helps him stay in control.
No-touch, then.

To: amazingSiswithterribletaste
So... your boyfriend has a thirst problem. So, warned Uncle John, Lexi call and get ready to see him in rehab.
Questions?

Henrik put down the phone, sighing.
"I'm only 13, damn it."

"Are you all right, Henrik?"
Matt Donovan appeared before him, pouring him a cup of coffee.
"Oh, thank you, Matt. I really needed this."

Matt sat down, saying. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Go ahead, then."
"It's about you and Tyler."
"Me and Tyler, what?"
Matt took a deep breath before saying. “I know he's been really awful, with Jeremy and all, but he's really changing. I really appreciate you sticking by him, when I was too busy to be a good friend. But…I have to admit you work well as a couple."
"Couple? Tyler and I are just friends, Matt."

The blond shook his head, saying. "No, to him you're not. Henrik, I know you're young. And I know you don't have much experience with these things. Boyfriends, dates. But… yeah. Tyler likes you, a lot. If you would mention it, he'd be happy to be your boyfriend. You just have to figure out what you want, Henrik. No pressure."
"Tyler doesn't like me that way. I don't think he even likes boys and are you saying he has a soft spot for me since he's known me? He was a jerk to me too, if you remember."
"Tyler takes the pigtails-pulling approach to the person he likes. Just think about it, okay? I care about both of you and I think you would make a great couple."

Henrik nodded in shock, then let go of the boy so that he could go back to his work.

Henrik was silent, thinking back to when he had watched over Tyler's rest and he had muttered his name in his sleep.
Maybe Matt was right?
Maybe Tyler actually liked him that way?

And then, even if it was, did he like boys too?

His thoughts drifted towards the past to which he preferred not to pay too much attention.
He thought of Oliver Wood and how much he had thought of him in the first two years, of the smiles of the twins, Fred and George, of Cedric Diggory.

Maybe he really liked boys.

His gaze fell on the phone, which he had vibrated indicating the arrival of a message.

From: amazingsisterwithterribletaste
Understood. Thanks for the quick help, Henrik. You are truly an amazing brother

Henrik nodded. Whether or not having a crush on Tyler wasn't going to help him sort out his vampire and rehab issues.
He would think about whether or not he was attracted to Tyler later.

Nodding satisfied, he took the paper back and wrote a few more lines on the topic assigned by the chemistry professor.

Damon really should have killed the idiot.

Chapter Text

After locking Stefan, Lexi on guard duty, and witnessing Caroline win Miss Mystic Falls, with a beautiful, tense, emotional dance between Elena and Damon, Henrik finally took a deep breath.

Tyler, next to him, handed him the bottle of whiskey.

"Underage."

"Me too."

"I'm fourteen, Tyler."

"Your loss."

Henrik shook his head as he looked at Tyler's profile.

"Matt told me something yesterday...interesting. And unexpected."

Tyler visibly stiffened, then asked. "What did he say?"

"About you. And me, I guess."

Tyler looked at him before picking up the phone and handing it to Henrik.

"Look how I saved you."

Henrik picked up the phone and, after finding the conversation between him and Tyler, looked at the callsign.

Babe <3

Henrik coughed, embarrassed, his cheeks blushing.

"I know I was an idiot. And I should have listened to Matt's advice on how to get a boyfriend. But…I thought any attention was better than none. Even if you ended up hating me. At least you thought about me."

"Your plan to get with me was to make me hate you, then remember you and then? What? Upset my expectations?"

"Yes, something like that."

"Well, it was a bad plan."

"What was I supposed to do?"

Henrik pretended to think about it, before reaching out, taking the boy by the tie and kissing him deeply.

"That would have been a good method, I think."

"Make you addicted to me?"

"Tyler, we Gilberts don't get addicted."

"I know. It's me who needs you."

"I've never been with anyone, Tyler. If you really want to be with me…you have to go slow."

"Slow and steady. For the long game. Not a problem."

"Are you sure?"

"You're worth all the waiting, Henrik. We can even go as fast as a paralytic slug, if that means I've got you."

"Well, we can always kiss. No need to go so slow."

"It's wonderful news."

The two resumed kissing, without thinking, for once, of the whole mess of the supernatural.

********

Jeremy watched Henrik, thinking hard.

"You have something different about you. Are you alright?"

"I don't know what you mean, Jer. I'm brilliant!"

Jenna, drinking a cup of coffee, smiled. "Too bright. What time did you get back last night?"

"Around half past eleven. Tyler walked me to the door."

"Tyler, huh? Anything you want to tell us?"

"No I do not think so."

Someone ring the doorbell, and John walked into the kitchen with Tyler.

"Hello Henrik!"

The older boy bent down to leave a tender kiss on the lips of the younger one, who blushed.

"Nothing you want to share, huh?"

"No, I'm sticking to my answer. I'll be back tonight."

"Where are you going?" Jeremy asked, amazed.

"I'm taking Henrik to the movies and skating. He has to do it at least once, right?"

"Don't be late, okay?"

The two nodded before leaving.

"Didn't you tell your relatives about us? Why?"

"And hearing Aunt Jenna gloat? No thanks. I'd rather live."

Henrik took Tyler's hand and with a smile he leaned down to kiss him.

Henrik smiled kindly, before reaching for the phone to check it

"Hey, no. Nothing like that today."

"There could be an emergency or… it could be needed magic or..."

"Vampires are older than you and can get by for a day without you. And for magic, for once Bonnie might come in handy and help her friends, don't you think?"

"But..."

Tyler took his phone, slipping it into his pocket, before kissing the boy deeply.

"No but. Today is for us."

"Okay. You got me, Tyler. Just a date today with two guys. No vampires and no drama."

"This is the spirit!"

The two walked towards the cinema, holding hands the whole way.

************

"Come on, come towards me, Henrik."

"I will fall and die. And then, what will happen to my sister? She will be alone in a cruel world."

Tyler snorted, before reaching out to help Henrik take a few steps.

"See? It's not difficult. Trust yourself."

"I'm not very reliable, Tyler. Better not risk it."

"Trust me, then."

"You don't seem very trustworthy. Honestly speaking."

"Come on, step forward and let yourself go."

"If I fall I will haunt you forever with the I told you so."

"Right. Ready?"

Henrik did as Tyler had repeatedly told and explained to him, then released the edge and leaned his weight forward.

After a while, when he had a good balance and had decided to try his luck faster, someone passed close to him, knocking him over.

Of course, Henrik was still holding Tyler's hand and when he fell, the boy followed soon after.

"I told you so."

Tyler, below him, let out a clearly audible moan, then muttering. "You're going to be awful, aren't you?"

"That's all I live for, dear Tyler."

"Delightful."

The slightest shroud of concern darkened the younger boy's beautiful jade green eyes, a shroud that Tyler couldn't stand in any way.

Then, he stood up, using his elbows to apply pressure and, flexing his well-trained abs (grateful for once for all the exercises Tanner had imposed on them), Tyler reached up to leave a long, sweet kiss on the boy's lips.

A round of applause separated them.

The two turned, flushed, to see Caroline holding her phone.

"I took a picture of you! You are so cute!"

The two, still red, decided to leave, away from the blonde stalker who would have inevitably embarrassed them.

********

Henrik got home in time to see his extremely happy sister.

"Oi, I thought you were camping at Damon and Stefan's?"

"Stefan's fine. Lexi cleared him and he and Damon are working out whatever problems they had with their transformation. Isn't that wonderful, Henrik? Everything is running fine, for once!"

Henrik nodded, and when he started to tell her about his day, wanting to tell her everything, Elena continued. "I have to go, now. I want to get some sleep and then tomorrow Stefan and I spend the day together. Isn't it wonderful?"

Elena didn't wait for Henrik's response before closing the bedroom door, leaving her younger brother outside.

That, for once, he was speechless, not sure what to say or even think.

Elena had never done this before.

Chapter Text

Henrik and Tyler were sitting together at the table with Matt, who had smiled at them, happy that they had finally resolved, Bonnie who had hugged Henrik tightly and Caroline who, after threatening Tyler, had forced Henrik to reveal all the lewd details.

Bonnie asked. "How did Elena take it? And Jeremy?"
"Jer explicitly told me that he thinks I sold myself to the enemy. But if I'm happy, so is he. And he said he's ready to hit Tyler if he ever hurts me, intentionally or not."

Caroline laughed as Matt commented. "Typical of Jeremy."
"And Elena?" Bonnie asked again.

Henrik shrugged as Tyler grabbed his hand in support.

"We didn't have time to talk about it, actually. She had a lot to think about."

Caroline and Bonnie hugged him, and the blonde reassured him. "She was just worried, you'll see that today she will be ready for you."
"It doesn't matter, she has really a lot to process, I can wait. It's not like we're hiding until I tell her. She'll find out anyway. Won't she?"

Tyler smiled, giving him a kiss on the temple. "Indeed."

Bonnie was disappointed in her friend. She knew exactly what worries her friend. And she knew that Henrik had gone out of four, or sixteen, to help her.
So, her quick dismissal of Henrik's feelings didn't please her at all.

Alaric arrived just then, handing out papers to their group.

"These are the directions for the history department's Founders' Day float. We will be recreating the Battle of Willow Creek. Tyler has been named responsible for creating the project."

While Henrik gave the boy a kiss on the lips to compliment, Tyler asked resentfully. "From who?"
"From me. I've seen your drawings and they are beautiful."

Tyler huffed, shaking his head.

"Look, I'm not really interested in..."
"Pick the group, be creative, and don't screw it up."
Henrik snorted, kissing his boyfriend on the cheek.
"Tyler couldn't screw anything up."
The boy smiled at him, kissing him on the lips as a sign of thanks.
"Are you together?"
"Yup."
"Congratulations. Henrik, can I talk to you in private for a moment? It's about your history essay, I had some doubts about the ending."

Confused, Henrik followed the professor into his classroom, where Damon, Stefan, and Elena were already there, serious.

"What are these long faces?"
"I saw Isobel last night."

Immediately, Henrik squeezed Elena, letting her rest her head on his shoulder, as always offering the best support needed.

"How are you feeling?"

Elena shook her head, unable to answer her brother.

"Did she say something?" He asked, looking at the professor.
Ric nodded. "She wants to see Elena."

Henrik returned his gaze to his sister.

"And you?"
"I want to. I want to meet her. If I don't, I know I will regret it."

Henrik nodded just once, then looked at Ric. "How do we want to do it?"

"Good. At the Grill might be your best bet."
"The Grill in the middle of the afternoon? Can I write Liz and warn her of hostile vampires?"

Henrik looked at Damon who nodded excitedly. "Without warning Isobel, though."
"What do you mean?" Elena asked, looking at her brother.

"Isobel knew Katherine, Elena. Your doppelganger. She may want to approach you to establish what kind of connection exists between you and your ancestor."
"I am my own person."
"Of course you are. You can think of you as twins. You have the same face, but your souls are very different."

Then Henrik looked at the three adults.

"Ric schedules a meeting, Damon alerts Liz. Stefan?"
"I think I'll check close enough to intervene."

Henrik looked at Ric. "Tell her I'll be there too."
"I don't..."
"I don't leave my sister alone with a vampire. Don't mention my powers and I know she won't have a problem with me being there. It will be a great incentive to control Elena in her opinion."

Elena nodded, approving her younger brother's plan, designed to keep most people safe.

^^^^^^^^^

Henrik, while they were waiting for Isobel at the Grill, leaving Elena free to talk to her fiancé, did the same.

To" Pompeoussexyass
I'm just the escort, Tyler. I'm sure everything will be fine.

From Pompeoussexyass
I'm not worried about you, Henrik.
But...she's a pretty old vampire.

To Pompeoussexyass
Which is why Anna is lurking in the area. I didn't just trust Stefan with our safety. And he must intervene only if the Council fails in their attempt.
Which I don't think it will the case.
Damon has made it clear that this is a rather old vampire.
And that he had received the tip from one of Zack's old contacts, his dead uncle.
So, Liz can't check the details even if she wanted to.

From Pompeoussexyass
I see you have everything under control.
I'll leave you to your appointment, Henrik. And besides, you have one with me

To Pompeoussexyass
Direct approach, I like it.
You're sexy when you're bossy, Tyler.

From Pompeoussexyass
See you later, honey

To Pompeoussexyass
See you later, idiot

Isobel placed her jacket on the chair, along with her purse, before sitting down and looking at her daughter.
"Hi, Elena. And it's nice to meet your half-brother Henrik too."

"Brother. Blood doesn't define your family, does it?"

Isobel smiled kindly, an obviously fake smile.
"You look exactly like her. It's creepy."
"You mean Katherine?"
"She found me after my transformation. Genetic curiosity, I suppose. She would be fascinated by you."

Henrik stepped forward, asking. "Did she ever find her son or daughter?"
"Not that I know of, Henrik. Why are you asking?"
"Isn't that why you're here? To finally get to know your daughter?"
"Who is my father?" Elena asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"It doesn't matter. He was just a useless teenager."
"A name would be nice."
"Also because useless teenager does not narrow the field."

Isobel looked at Henrik for a moment before continuing.
"Sure, right? Of course you ask a lot of questions."

Elena continued. "Why did you subjugate that man to kill himself?"
"Traumatic shock. I was hoping he'd have a better outcome."
"Does human life mean so little to you?"
"It means nothing to me. It's who I am now. My nature."

Henrik sighed as Elena shook her head.
"No. That's not true. I know other vampires and I know that's not the case."

Isobel smiled. "Your boyfriend at the pool table over there? Stefan Salvatore. Why Stefan? Why didn't you choose Damon? Or do you enjoy both, like Katherine did?"

Elena changed the subject, asking. "Why did you want to meet me? It certainly wasn't just to check on me and see how I was doing."

Isobel leaned back in her chair.
"You make me curious. But, the real reason, is that I want what your uncle wants. Johnatan Gilbert's invention."
"How do you know my uncle?"
"I used to spend a lot of time here when I was younger. John has had a crush on me for years. He's the first person to ever tell me about vampires."
"What made you want to become one?"
"That's a really long list of reasons, Elena. And I'm sure they're all reasons you've thought of, too."

Elena shook her head and Isobel pointed at her. "That was your first lie. It's inevitable. You'll age, Stefan won't. Eternity doesn't last very long when you're human."

Henrik appreciated Elena's courage, but he couldn't help but sigh at her emotionality.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have what you are looking for."
"I know, but Damon does. And you'll take it for me."
"He would never give it to me."

Isobel looked at Henrik who was surprised by the look.
"I was talking to your brother. I know Damon loves him. He protects him and would do anything for him, right? Like the younger brother he never had."

Henrik looked at Stefan, saying. "He has a younger brother."
"But not like you, right? You defend him and help him. And he would do the same for you. Get Johnatan's invention. And then we'll go our separate ways."

Isobel left and Elena looked at Henrik. "What do we do now?"
"An emergency meeting and then a family one. John has to explain why he told Isobel everything."
"Uncle John?"

Henrik nodded, standing up and taking his sister. "Let's go, come on."

Chapter Text

Henrik was sitting across from Damon.

"I don't want to either, Damon. But we can say we're working on it while we figure out what that device can do."

Damon nodded, handing it to Henrik.
"Are you giving it to me?"

"I trust you, Henrik. Don't screw up, okay?"

Bonnie walked in at that moment with Emily's grimoire.

"You were right, Henrik, Emily documented everything. Johnatan Gilbert never invented anything, she enchanted everything. The compass for the vampires, the rings and the mysterious device you described to me."
Elena looked at the drawings, before looking at the one in Henrik's hand. "It's that. Well, at least part of it."

Tyler, next to Henrik, held him as Bonnie explained.
"Emily pledged allegiance to Katherine. But she couldn't sit and watch innocent people die. It was the only way she could think of to help. Letting Johnatan think he really invented those things."

Henrik sighed. "The more I hear, the crazier the Gilberts seem to me."

"Hey, we're not crazy."

Jeremy snorted. "Easy for you to say, you're not a Gilbert."

"Ouch." Elena said.

Henrik said. "One, I think she is. Two, can we undo the spell? The effects?"

"It's a weapon against vampires. It reveals them or something."

Henrik nodded. "So it can't be undone, but it's a great way to identify the vampires in the crypt. And it would put the Council at ease once again."

"So what can be done?" Stefan asked, looking at the younger witch.

"We can't disable the device, but maybe make it harmless to you? It would protect you without exposing you."

Damon nodded. "I'm in, little Gilbert. Work your magic."

Henrik then looked at Anna. "I can protect your mother too, but she must never again seek vengeance on the Founders and their family and try to take over the city."
"She's leaving. She and Harper. They offered me to go with them, but I made Damon sign the papers for my guardianship here with Liz. I can stay here."

Henrik nodded, then looked at the vampires.
He cast his spell and a blue light flew up to cover the heads of the three present.
And then it disappeared inside their skull.

"Done. You are immune."

Elena said. "What did you mean when you said I could be a Gilbert?"

Henrik shrugged, saying. "I don't know anything for sure, a DNA test would give you all the proof you need, but… Isobel knew who we were, every single one of us. She knows about Matt, Caroline, Bonnie, Tyler and Jeremy. Stefan and Damon and I bet that she also knows about Ric and Anna. She knows everything, she knows who has the invention, she knows who to ask for it. She knows I helped Damon. Let's think for a moment of someone who knew her and who may have provided the information. Not Damon, because he would just give her the device and that's it. Not Ric, because he was rightfully upset to see her. Only John is missing. So they're close and Isobel told you he had a crush on her. Then, Isobel ended up in dad's clinic, John's brother. Who adopted you. So…?"
"Do you think John is my father?"
"I think so. He always preferred you to me or Jer, right?"

Elena looked at the other brother who said. "We can always try the test. You're still our sister, Elena."

"Of course, we don't choose our relatives." Tyler said, receiving a kiss from Henrik.

Elena nodded, saying nothing to anyone.
Damon raised his eyebrows at the two boys, feeling protective of Henrik.
But Elena didn't comment, making Henrik nervous and insecure.
Tyler, realizing this, stood up.
"We solved a crisis. Henrik goes to deliver the partial device to Isobel and then he and I enjoy a well deserved rest."
"That is to say, arranging the cart for the historical reenactment. The point of doing it?"
"History is important, Henrik." Jeremy said, making Henrik laugh. "Rich, coming from the guy I've been writing papers for the last year, right? I'm going, don't mess with me fixing this, right? I need a rest and I'm not getting paid at all."

Damon smiled, tilting his head at Henrik.

The two walked out and Tyler told him. "She'll come around."

"I know. Maybe after Isobel…and after the crypt Vampires…She should have time for me, right?"

"She will."

"I know, I know. She's just got a lot on her plate to have more on her mind."

"She does. You really are a good brother, Henrik."

"I hope so. Do you think Jeremy realized that I know he's engaged to my friend?"

"Anna? I don't think he realizes that. Why don't you confront him?"

"I mean, I told him about us, didn't I?"

"We kissed in front of him. You didn't say anything."

"So what? Do I catch them in the act?"

"You can. Or you can talk."

"I'm not good at discussion."

"You're very good. You just hate it. But you're brothers, you can get through an argument."

"You're an only child, you can't reason for a younger brother, okay? There are mechanisms and techniques you can't understand."

"Of course, oh wise one. And you are afraid."

"I'm not afraid."

"Then discuss it with your brother."

"Oh, Merlin. I got distracted and lost my connection with my brother. Jer must hate me."

"You're moody. Listen, go through this talk, okay?"

Henrik nodded, convinced that he had ruined relations with his brothers.

Both and in one time.

Was he really that useless?

Chapter Text

Henrik was in a park, sitting listening to music.

"Queen? I've always found them very interesting."

Henrik looked up to see Isobel sitting next to him.

"Damon visited you?"  

"He wanted me to stay away from you, obviously."  

"And you didn't listen to him? He is stronger than you."  

"I know you didn't want to go back on your word."  

"There are a couple of things."  

"Let's hear it, then."

Henrik looked at her, asking.  "Is Uncle John Elena's father?"

Isobel smiled, nodding.  "How did you understand that?"  

"He had a crush on you, he cares about Elena obsessively, and you ended up in his brother's clinic. Besides, he kept you updated on the latest events here, didn't he?"

"He did, indeed."

"Do you regret being a vampire? The f eeling nothing part, I mean."

"No I do not."  

"And a part of you really wants to know your daughter? Elena?"

Isobel thought about it.  "Once. When I was younger."

Henrik nodded.  "You tell John to tell Elena the truth and take more responsibility, informing him that he's on probation."  

"Very well. And?"  

“And you don't get close to Elena until your emotions are on again. She wants to have you in her life. She wants to have a mother again. But she doesn't want to have to worry every time she sees you. Can you do this?"  

"I can do it. What if she calls me?"  

"Then you can come. At her request, of course, and for the requested time."  

"I can accept your terms."  

"Here you are, then."  Henrik handed her invention to her, saying.  "So much fuss about that? Why?"  

"I don't know. Katherine wants it. That's all I know."  

"Well, she really looks like a bitch." Henrik looked around.  "Don't tell anyone I swore, will you?"  

"It will be our secret."  

"Too kind. I have to go."

"Henrik?"  

"Yup?"  

"I think Tyler's a good match for you. You have great taste."  

"I think so too. You don't discriminate, do you?"  

"No. I don't understand attachment, but I don't care if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend. I have many partners too."  

"Oh, you're bi. Me too, no judgment here. I could ditch Tyler for Bonnie anytime." 

"I prefer Lockwood for obvious reasons. The Bennetts have a bad history with vampires." 

"And not the Lockwoods?"  

"Not Tyler."  

"Not Bonnie."  

"She is a witch." Then Isobel looked at Henrik.  "I want to give you some advice. Elena is a Petrova. And the Petrovas are good at surviving. It doesn't matter what others risk or if they suffer. The important thing is only to survive ."  

"Elena is not like that." 

"She knows about you and Tyler?"  

"I... we didn't hide, we kissed in front of her."  

"And? What's her reaction? Smile? Threatened Tyler for you? Warned her brother who's risking his life right now for her about the heartbreak? Or did she celebrate with Stefan about the narrow escape?"

Henrik didn't want to flinch, and he was no stranger to someone's attempts to manipulate him.  

Still, he couldn't help but gasp at the realization that Isobel was right.

Elena hadn't cared .

^^^^^^^^

A few days later, Damon pulled Henrik aside.

"How are things? Between you and Tyler, I mean?"  

"Are you really pulling me aside to talk about my boyfriend? Not because of some magical problem that plagues you?"  

"No, not for that. I want to know about you two."

Henrik smiled before asking.  "Why, though?"  

“Isobel was right. You're my younger brother, Henrik. And while I want to break Lockwood's arms for holding you and burn his lips for kissing you…I see you're happy. So, I will wait for the moment when he will hurt you, while I make sure you are happy and well treated."  

"I'm happy and Tyler is a gentleman. He took me out for ice cream yesterday. Chocolate and coffee. He knows I like them so..."

A light shone in his jade green eyes.

"Great, no homicides today. So, I have a present for you. Thanks for your help and patience since you decided I was worth the time."  

"You were threatening my sister, Damon. What was I supposed to do?"  

"Take me down. But you wanted to help me. Here, accept it."  

"I can not."  

"Do you know that I will shower you with presents if you refuse this now?"

Henrik blanched, taking the rectangular package and gently opening it.

A cup in front of him made him smile.

"Mr Right?"

Damon smiled back "I wanted always right , but it was only for females. And you're definitely not a girl, are you, Henrik? Can Tyler confirm that?"

Henrik shook his head smiling for the cup.  "It's perfect for my double coffee, Damon. Thanks."  

"I knew you would like it. Young people today have sophisticated tastes, don't they? But not you."

Henrik shrugged, before saying.  

"Elena? How is she?"  

"She's happy with Stefan. Why?"  

"Did she say anything? About me and Tyler?"  

"No, she didn't. Are you okay?"  

"Sure. I'm great."  

"It is not true."  

"You wouldn't be fine either if your sister didn't tell you how disgustin g you are, okay?" 

"Stefan communicates it with his eyes. Very judgmental. But I'm sure Elena's just distracted at the moment. Oddly, considering you're in control of everything. But, still."

Henrik smiled at the vampire before asking. "What oppresses you instead?"  

"Stefan warned me. First to try something with Elena, and then to try it with you."  

"I'm fourteen, Damon. Does Stefan think you're a pedophile?"  

"Apparently. It hurts me, really."  

"Stupid little idiot. Good thing I'm here, huh?" 

"See, Isobel was right. You're more my brother than Stefan."  

"I'm just good at empathizing, that's all."  

Damon smiled at the boy, before looking off into the distance and asking. "How do you think it'll go? With the parade tomorrow?"

Henrik thought for a moment before saying. "John will realize that Elena knows she is his daughter and that none of the 4 of us trust him in any measure. He lost all right to be an uncle and a father when he messed everything up here. Isobel is just the last straw of an overflowing jar."

Damon wrapped an arm around Henrik's shoulders, nodding. "Good. It will be nice to watch from the stage and smile at his astonished expression."  

"Thanks for trusting me. I thought Elena would just ask Bonnie. They're friends, you know, and..." 

"Elena loves you, Henrik. Give her time."  

"I'm not mad at her, Damon. I know I'm lucky to have her."  

"And she is for having you . Never forget that."

Henrik smiled at the vampire, marveling at the change he'd made since he'd first arrived here, all out for vengeance and pure rage.

Now he was better.

Chapter Text

Henrik and Tyler were playing at the pool table, when Richard Lockwood came up to them, Matt and Caroline preoccupied watching nearby.

"Who are you still doing here? Did I tell you to leave"  

"I've decided not to."  

"If I say something, you do it."

Richard had grabbed Tyler's arm who, walking away, said. "Take your hands off me."

Before Henrik could say anything, Caroline appeared beside the man. "Mayor Lockwood, are you all right?"

While the mayor was distracted by the girl, Henrik slipped his hand into his boyfriend's, hidden from the mayor's view.

Richard looked from one side to Caroline and from the other to Matt, before looking at Henrik next to Tyler.

"Tyler, please, you have to go home. And bring your friends along."

"Why? What's going on?"  It was Matt who asked.  

While Henrik and Tyler exchanged a knowing, and guilty, look, Richard answered.  "I can't explain it to you. You all have to go home now. Please."

The last sentence, Richard spoke staring at a rigid Tyler.  An uncomfortable Tyler, Henrik also noticed.

Finally, Tyler nodded.  "Yes, it's fine."

Henrik saw relief seep into the mayor's face.  "Here, take my car. It's in the back."

The four boys walked away.

Henrik wrote as he got in front beside Tyler.

To Family Gilbert

The mayor sent me, Tyler, Matt and Caroline home.  We are in the car with him.  Stay safe.

XO 

From Jeremy in FamilyGilbert

I'm with Anna, Elena with Stefan, and I've seen Ric with Jenna and Damon.  We are safe.  Don't distract your boyfriend while he is driving.

Henrik put the phone away, concentrating on the conversation in the car.  

Soon the vampires from the crypt would disappear and it would all be over.

Finally, it would be over

^^^^^^

A little later, Tyler said.  "What the hell is that?"

"That what?"  Henrik asked, looking confused at his boyfriend.

"This noise."

Caroline, confused, shuffled forward, her belt unbuckled. "What noise?"

"Caroline fasten your seat belt."  Matt admonished, pulling her back.

Tyler put a hand to his temple, moaning in pain.

"Ohm ouch. Ahh"

"Tyler, man?"  

"Tyler, what's wrong with you?"  Henrik put his hand on his boyfriend's arm, confused and scared.  

That didn't feel like a stroke or even a normal headache or a really bad headache.  

He didn't have the right symptoms.

Then, Tyler screamed, holding his head and sending the car off the road.

That, fast and faster and faster, crashed into a wall ahead.

^^^^^

The next thing Henrik knew was that he was in the hospital.

"How is he?"  

"Still stable. They were in a horrible accident, Elena. We could have lost him too. Good thing Matt was still awake. He called 911."

That was definitely Jeremy.  

Who was the other? 

Bonnie, maybe.  

Caroline? She was in the car with them, right?  

Tyler... where was Tyler?

He was fine, right?

"What happened?"  

"Matt said that on their way back, Tyler heard a loud noise."  

"A noise?"

That was Elena.

It was Elena and Jeremy.

The others were fine, right?  

He hadn't failed to keep them safe, had he?

"He had a twinge in the head and lost control of the car."  

"Like the vampires at the party. Is Tyler a vampire?"  

"Henrik feels vampires. So, no, he's not."

Henrik wanted to open his eyes.  

But everything hurted very badly.

"Tyler and Caroline?"  

"Tyler's in the hospital. Caroline's in very bad shape, Elena. She's in surgery. They're doing everything they can."

"How did it happen?"

"She wasn't wearing her seat belt. Matt told her to wear it."

Henrik finally opened his eyes, registering his siblings' appearances.

"How are you, Henrik?" Elena reached for a washcloth, using it to freshen her brother's face.  

"Fine. I'm fine."  

"You're not fine. But you will be."

Henrik nodded, looking at Jeremy

"Anna, Stefan, Damon? Are they okay?"  

"All three. But not the mayor. He's dead."  

"He was very insistent that we leave. Tyler first and foremost. He wanted him away from the device."  

"Are they vampires?"  

"Tyler isn't cold. Vampires are. Cold as death."

Elena squeezed Henrik, saying "We're bringing a medic. Don't overexert yourself, okay? Only when you're cleared."

Henrik nodded, saying slowly. "I feel sleepy."  

"Rest a bit then. I'll wake you up when the doctor comes."  

"Where are John and Jenna? Didn't they want to come?"  

"They attacked John. He's lost his fingers, he's in the hospital now. The police are at home looking for the culprit."  

"A vampire?"  

"Maybe. We'll talk about it later, okay?"

Henrik nodded, letting his sister tuck him in.

"I miss you these days."  

"I missed me too. But now it's the three of us against the world again."

Henrik closed his eyes, deciding to rest.  He would have all the days after.

^^^^^^^^^^

The next time Henrik woke, it was to see Tyler with his head down on the mattress, obviously tired but still awake.

"Tyler?"  

"Henrik! Are you okay? Jeremy told me you woke up, but I couldn't believe it until I saw it myself."  

"I'm fine, I think. My head doesn't hurt anymore. How are you? You had a bad stroke."  

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Damon thinks I'm something weird too."  

"You're not a vampire, are you?"  

"No, no."

Henrik nodded, before remembering one thing.

"I'm sorry about your father."  

"He wasn't a great father, though."

"He was it anyway. It's okay to be relieved from the end of a torture and sad about your father's death." 

"It is?"  

"Sure. You're not a monster for your feelings, Tyler."

Tyler met the boy's gaze, asking him.  "How do you know? Understand my emotions?"  

"Mom and Dad, they…got me from an abusive family, Tyler. They were arrested for a string of crimes, but…part of me was always sad about their end."

"You were relieved at the end of your torture, but sad at their fate."  

"Yes."

Tyler smiled, before taking one of Henrik's hands between his.

"Yesterday we had a memorial for my father."  

"Sorry I wasn't there for you."  

"Don't be. I'm glad you'll be there in the future."

Henrik smiled at the boy before asking.  "What did I miss, then?"

^^^^^^^^

In the evening, Elena entered the room.  

She had kept her word of us against the worl d.  

And she had gone to see him every day, without missing a single one.

"You're awake." 

"They think that tomorrow, or after, I can be released."

Elena snorted in amusement, saying.  "You are not in jail, Henrik."  

"Are you sure? Ah, true, they have time for fresh air. I don't."  

"Fully recovered?"

Henrik nodded, standing up slightly to get a better look at his sister.

"Are you okay? Do you need my help?"

Elena shook her head, saying.  "Katherine's in town. And Bonnie told her about Caroline and Damon."  

"Caroline and Damon what?"  

"Caroline hadn't recovered. Damon gave her his blood to heal."  

"Wasn't it dangerous?"  

"His explanation is that in the hospital she would have disposed of it in a day."

"But does Katherine know now?"  

"Yes. Be careful, okay?"

Henrik nodded.

Elena kissed his hair, touching his shoulder covered in hospital pajamas.

On the door she said.  "You and Tyler are a beautiful couple.", making Henrik smile.

Chapter Text

Henrik entered the house, helped by Jeremy.

Elena, Damon and Stefan were in the kitchen.

"Aunt Jenna?"  

"She’s checking John."  

"Is he fine?"

Elena nodded, answering.  "As far as he can be."

Stefan sighed, saying.  "Caroline is a vampire."

Henrik blinked, saying.  "Did Katherine kill her in the end? Before or after you left?"

Elena looked at Henrik, confused.  "Left from where?"  

"From the hospital. You came to see me yesterday."

Elena shook her head.  "I did not."  

"But... you were there, Elena. You arrived after that...it wasn't you?"

Elena shook her head and Henrik felt dizzy.  

"Elena, how many times did you come to see me?"  

"I'm not... I had..." 

"You never came?"

Tears had pooled in Henrik's eyes, and he refused to let them fall.

Never came.

"You were out of danger, I went to check on Caroline and then we tried to figure out what Katherine might be up to and..."

"Sorry if I'm surprised. Katherine came in every day. She told me you gave Care the blood, Damon."  

"She didn't kill you."  

"She will have seen that I was awake and she didn't understand the sense of killing me. I don't know. Did you understand what she wants?"

Elena shook her head, and Stefan moved on. "But she might want something from John."  

"Or not. It could be a way to confuse us. I would say that we have to set up questions to ask Elena when we see her, and not react if she answers well or if she doesn't. She was invited into the house, I guess."

Jeremy nodded, helping Henrik sit up.

"Then we need to put the house under Jenna's name. Resign ownership. And never specifically invite Elena into the house."

Stefan nodded as Damon wrote to Liz.

"The sheriff will be happy to help us. I told her I'd look into the attack on John Gilbert. I also told her that you know everything, Henrik, and that you're a genius."  

"Why?"  

"So she would think you were all safe."

Henrik nodded, and then Stefan continued on. "I'm not sure what the Lockwoods are."  

"Me neither. But I think it's a good research starting point."  

"Mason Lockwood is back in town."  Stefan said and Jeremy was quick to say.  "Tyler's uncle."  

"The surfer, right? And he's back with Katherine? He wants something right?"

Jeremy shrugged and Elena asked.  "Can you find out from Tyler? You two look close."

Henrik swallowed a lump.

Elena had said they were a good match in the hospital.  

But that was Katherine.  

The real Elena didn't even recognize that they were a couple.

"Sure. Tomorrow, though. Today I don't have to do anything stressful."  

"Go get some rest, Henrik."

Henrik smiled at Damon as his brother helped him up the stairs.

Tomorrow was a new day.

^^^^^^^^

When he came out of the room, Stefan was there.

"Are you okay today?"  

"Yup."  

"Can you do magic?"

Henrik nodded.  "Caroline needs a sun ring. And Bonnie won't give it to her. Yesterday she killed a boyfriend or acquaintance of hers. It wasn't her fault..." 

"The control. Okay, I get it. I can help. Shall we go?"

Stefan drove him to Caroline's house, where Henrik gave to the  girl a big hug.

"I am happy you are fine."  

"I'm a monster, Henrik."  

"No, you're Caroline."

Henrik showed the girl several rings.

"What do you want your eternity ring to be?"

Caroline smiled, looking at one.  "This is jade, isn't it?"

Henrik shrugged.  "Yes, I guess. Why?"  

"It's the exact shade of your eyes."

Caroline handed the ring to Henrik who smiled before casting the spell to protect his friend from the sun.

"How are you, Henrik?"  

"Good, all in all. I have fully recovered from the accident."  

"Why so good, while I haven't?"

"They told you about me, didn't they? I have magic. I guess it helped."

Caroline smiled. "I know that Tyler has never left your side, except when forced by his mother."  

"He is a great boyfriend."

Henrik kissed the girl's temple, saying.  "I'll talk to Matt and tell him that you're momentarily freaked out from the near-death experience. When you're in full control of yourself, you'll tell him you're okay."  

"Thank you, Henrik. You are the best brother I could wish for."

Henrik smiled at the girl before looking at Stefan. "Take care of her."  

"I will. Thanks, Henrik. Bonnie didn't trust her and..." 

"I'll try to talk to her. Bye, Stefan"

As he left, Henrik picked up the phone and checked the time.  

He would talk to Bonnie and then Tyler to figure out what Mason wanted.  

And then Katherine.

^^^^^^^^^^

As he went to the witch's house, Elena joined him.  

"Henrik, are you okay? Stefan told me he was going to ask you to make Caroline's ring. Are you fully recovered?"

Henrik laughed mirthlessly.  "Hi, Katherine. Want to take a walk?"

Elena's posture changed completely, surprising Henrik sincerely.  

Katherine was a very good actress.

"What betrayed me?"  

"You put it wrong. It should have been something like 'Caroline, how is she? Did you make her the ring Stefan asked for?'"

Katherine looked surprised.  "I thought Elena cared about you. You're her brother."  

"I'm a wizard and evidently now she needs a witch more than a brother. And it is fine."  

"Really? Doesn't that bother you?"  

"I have Jeremy and Tyler. Damon and Caroline are perfect big siblings and I'm fine. Did you have to turn Caroline?"  

"I'm sorry. But Stefan wasn't listening to me. It was what I call collateral damage."  

"What about Mason Lockwood? I don't like having to hide with my boyfriend."

Katherine laughed, saying.  "The Lockwoods have something that was mine."  

"The thing that you traded to not be locked up in a crypt?"  

"Exactly."

Henrik sighed, saying. "You might as well have told Damon you weren't exactly in danger. He spent too much time trying to save you."

Katherine shrugged. "I could have. But I didn't exactly want to get caught and Damon's attempts protected me."  

"He would have made them anyway, for you. Same exact mess."

Katherine sighed. "Do you want me to apologize to little Damon?"  

"Would you? Being sincere and all?"  

"Yes, I would. I need you, after all."  

"If you weren't identical to my sister and I wouldn't be engaged, I'd give you a little thought. But as things stand, I have to decline. I'm not interested, sorry."

Katherine laughed. "It's not about that. I want something and I'm convinced you can provide it."  

"Are you talking about the thing Mason Lockwood has to get for you?"  

"Exactly."

 Henrik shrugged.  "What is it about?"  

"A moonstone. It is a powerful amulet for spells and I need it. Can you retrieve it for me?"  

"And then you leave for the sunset?"  

"Of course."  

"I can try. Your number, Kitty Kat?"

Katherine picked up Henrik's phone and added her number.

"Little Bennett didn't want to make the ring for her best friend."  

"No, she killed her flirt of the night."  

"But you did."  

"She didn't kill Tyler, did she?"

Katherine nodded.  "She'll learn control. You know, witches don't usually help vampires."  

"I live to surprise."  

"Indeed, you do."

Katherine disappeared in the time of a blink.

Well, Henrik had to talk to Bonnie and then Tyler.

Then do some research on that Moonstone.

Chapter Text

With Tyler's agreement, Henrik had quickly recovered the moonstone.

For the curse behind that, only a touch was necessary to understand that something was off. So, Henrik had searched for the curse of the sun and moon, and soon realized that it was a fake.

Too many different stories with no magical support behind.

Interesting curse, of course, but after all always a fake curse.

So, Henrik was at the Grill at the time. 

He knew his sister was at the Salvatore house, Anna was keeping Jeremy busy, Ric was with Jenna, and John had left town earlier threatened by Stefan

Now, Henrik awaited the very old vampire for an explanation.

"Henrik. You didn't take much time." 

"I explained everything to Tyler and it took him five seconds to take the moonstone and give it to me. I spent the rest of the time finding out more about this Curse of the sun and the moon. Sounds a bit bullshit, don't you think?"

Katherine smiled as she sat down. "Indeed. What are your thoughts?"  

"A fake curse. The real question is what is the real curse? You became a vampire to avoid being sacrificed, right?"

Katherine nodded.  

"I've put a privacy spell around us. Everyone would think that I'm talking to my sister about my near-death experience and how scared I am. You might as well undress and they wouldn't see anything weird. But don't. You look just like my sister and I might throw up if I see you without clothes."

 Katherine laughed. "I was running away from Klaus. One of the originals."  

"Of what?"  

"Vampires. The first family of vampires."  

"I thought you couldn't procreate."  

"They were human before. They were created by a witch. Klaus, Elijah, Finn, Kol and Rebekah. I've heard of them all but only had the honor of knowing Klaus and Elijah."  

"Where?"  

"In England. After I left my home, in Bulgaria."  

"Why?"  

"I had a daughter out of wedlock. It was outrageous."  

"That's why there's no proof of Isobel and Elena. They didn't put your daughter in the family."  

"No they did not."

Henrik nodded, feeling sad for Katherine.

It was awful.  

Doing it to your own daughter, it was even worse.

"So, did you find the original two and?"  

"Klaus was handsome and he courted me. If a nobleman had chosen me, I could have gone home. But he didn't want to court me to marry me."  

"He wanted to sacrifice you."  

"He has a curse. He blocks the wolf from him."  

"Doppelganger, Moonstone, Vampire, and? Wolf? Caroline and Mason do you need that for?"

Katherine smiled.  "Yes, I liked the idea of them."  

"I was obviously right to tell Damon not to kill Mason. Otherwise you would have used Tyler."

Katherine nodded, saying nothing, giving Henrik time to digest the information.  

"Why look for ingredients for Klaus? Are you his delivery boy, or?"  

"I underestimated his anger and vengeance. He murdered my family and then hunted me down."  

"It wasn't very smart to kill them. Your brothers could have continued the Petrova dynasty and brought a doppelganger before Elena. Does he already know she exists?"  

"Isobel screwed up too much. And Mystic Falls had drawn him multiple times. He'll be on his way now."

Henrik sighed, passing the moonstone to the vampire.

"A promise is a promise. Here is the stone you wanted so much. But I want to emphasize that they want to kill you tonight, at the costume party."  

"I'm ready for all their stupid plans, Henrik. Don't be afraid for me."  

"I fear for them, more than for you. But, I know you won't kill my sister, you need her alive. Well, keep your brilliant stone. Good evening, Katherine."

^^^^^^^^^^^

Henrik was waiting in the parking lot for his sister.

"Elena, are you okay?"

The girl nodded.  "I'm fine. Bonnie set me up a little bit. Glad you're here. Katherine is in the crypt, Damon will put her."  

"She hurt you, that's right. Come on, let's go home. We need  chocolate ice cream, I think."  

"Henrik."  

"And hazelnut. Yes, ice cream, movies and sofa. Sounds perfect, doesn't it?"  

"Heavenly. Come on, come on."

As the two turned, one shot and everything went black.

Henrik really hated doppelgangers sometimes.

^^^^^^^^

Henrik awoke to someone untying the knots in his wrists and legs.

"Ouch, it hurts."  

"Sorry, love. Do you want some blood to heal?"

He looked around.  "My sister, where is she?"  

"In the other room. She's bugging Rose for answers."  

"You're Trevor? Right? You helped Katherine."

Trevor nodded, amazed.  

"She told me everything. Elena doesn't know yet, I wanted to tell her after the party. Can you believe I wasn't even there? I hate parties."  

"I think you have a concussion."  

"I think so too. The head hurts, so anything is possible. Well, except being a unicorn. That's not."  

"Are you sure you don't want blood?"

Henrik nodded, standing up.  "Who are we waiting for?"  

"Elijah. He's a man of his word, he'll give us freedom."  

"Good luck."  

"We have kidnapped you and we want to sell your sister."  

"I have a problem with saving people. You kidnapped me for a living, didn't you? I'm happy for you."

Henrik tried to get up.  "Can you take me to my sister? She needs comfort."  

"How old are you, boy?"  

"Fourteen. I'm still fourteen. I'll be fifteen soon, though."

Trevor helped Henrik up, feeling bad for the boy who was too small to look like a fourteen-year-old.  

He hoped Elijah would let him go unharmed.

Chapter Text

Elena hugged Henrik tightly.

The two had been left alone while the two vampires waited for Elijah.

"I'm so sorry, Henrik. You are hurt and are you thinking about me?"  

"You're my sister" 

"And you're my brother, but I haven't been much of a sister lately, have I? Katherine came to see you and I didn't. You must be disgusted with me."  

"No, you're my sister. I could never be disgusted with you."

Elena squeezed him tightly.

"Bonnie won't be able to locate us. She never trained too much in magic, you were always the one to fix everything. I'm a horrible sister, aren't I?"  

"Why do you think that?"  

"I used you, Henrik. I used your compassion and then your magic. You solved all my problems and I didn't even realize you have a boyfriend! Tyler, right?"

Henrik nodded, then smiled. "I'm glad you approve. Even if he is a wolf."  

"I'm with a vampire and so is Jeremy. You being with a wolf doesn't bother me much. Do you spend full moons together?"  

"Yes. He killed to save my life. One of Mason's pack, I think. And then he had to deal with his curse and it wasn't right. Mason explained it all to me a little bit and..." 

"Ok. We'll talk about it later. Do you know who's coming?"  

"Elijah. One of the originals. I know the truth behind the curse. Leave it to me when he gets here, okay?"  

"Why?"  

"Klaus wants to use the doppelganger. Katherine said Elijah and Klaus were together. Whether he's against him or on his side, he needs you alive. Let's make a deal with him." 

"And will he respect that?"  

"He is a man of his word."

"I'm surprised to be so well known by the doppelganger and its host."

"Brother. He is my brother." Elena corrected him, moving to protect Henrik from the vampire’s eyes.

Henrik turned, then saw Elijah's eyes widen and become almost… hungry ?

"Humans. I don't know how that's possible, but… Hi, I'm Elijah."

Henrik and Elena looked at each other. "Henrik Gilbert. This is my sister Elena."

Rose and Trevor stood in the doorway, frightened by the presence of the original.  

For someone willing to sell them, they seemed to be a little too guilty.

"Don't kill the boy, he's just a child." Trevor spoke and Henrik looked at him in amazement.  "Thanks, I think. Even though you just invited him to kill my sister. Not nice, I'd say."

Elijah winced at Henrik's statement.  

Then he looked at the two. "A walk, perhaps? Is that acceptable to you?"

Henrik looked out, seeing the sun high in the sky.

Elena asked. "Aren't you afraid we'll run away?"  

"But we won't."  

"Henrik..." 

"I don't want to play a game with an original, Elena. And if Katherine's scared of him, it means he's really scary. So, no, I'd like to reach the fifteen."

"I will cause you no harm."  

"Thank you. And my sister?"  

"She is safe from me."  

"You want to kill me, I'm not safe."  

"No, his brother wants to. You are safe from him."

Elena looked at Henrik, who shrugged.

Elijah pointed to the door.  "We shall?"  

"Don't you have unfinished business here?"  Henrik pointed to the two vampires.

"You are both forgiven. And even Niklaus will be happy to provide his forgiveness when he sees the two of them."

"He wants to kill Elena, but what does he want from me?" 

"We'll talk about it while walking, okay?"

Henrik accepted Elijah's arm to walk, before pulling Elena with him.

Elena glared at her brother who ignored her gaze.

"Nice idea, the false curse. It took me a whole day to realize that it was a colossal bullshit."  

"One day?"  

"It was a bad day, wasn't it?"

Elena sighed, mentally cursing her younger brother.

"I guess it wasn't, then. Tell me, do you have any more reproaches to report?"  

"I liked the logic. Sending vampires and werewolves after the moonstone was very clever. I wonder…whose idea was that?"

Elijah let a smile cover his lips.

"You seem pretty pleased with yourself, don't you? Oh well, I really don't care much. Do you have a way to keep my sister alive or do I have to figure it out myself?"

His gaze, which had never left the boy's face, momentarily focused on the girl, almost judging her, before being drawn almost softly back to Henrik.

That was getting more and more confusing.

"Actually, I have a way to keep you alive…the doppelganger, Henrik. It won't be difficult to accomplish what you planned."  

"And then?"  Elena asked, drawing an annoyed look from the vampire, who squeezed Henrik's hand, pulling him slightly towards himself.

Elena blinked in surprise, followed by her brother, who, for once, had no idea what was going on.

"And then I'll kill him. He'll be vulnerable in that time frame."  

"Why would you kill your brother? You need him to get your other relatives."  

"They are at the bottom of the ocean."  

"No, he takes them everywhere he goes. In a big white truck, containing coffins."

Elijah pulled the boy closer to him.  "How are you aware of that?"  

"Katherine Pierce. She followed Klaus a couple of times."  

"Quite brave of her. Very good. However that won't stop me from protecting the life of....the doppelganger."  

"Her name is Elena. You could also use her name, can't you?"

Elijah nodded.

Then, he opened his car door.

"I'll take you to Mystic Falls to leave you with your families waiting. I'll get in touch when the time comes."

 "Oh, nice of you. See, Elena, I told you Stefan lacks kindness."  

"Sure, Henrik. Anything you say."

^^^^^^^^^

When Elijah left Henrik and Elena in front of the house, Henrik hastily said goodbye to his family before rushing to the crypt.

"Kitty Kat? I've got blood and a good conversation to have!"

Footsteps revealed Katherine approaching.

"Oh my. You're awful."  

"And you are a real gentleman."  

"Hey, I warned you. Which is way more than what you would have done in a reversed situation."

Katherine said nothing as Henrik pulled two bottles of blood from his bag, which he levitated into the crypt.

"Now, for the small talk. Klaus and Elijah are on their way. Big fanfare and all."  

"I'm in the only place they wouldn't go in."  

"A witch can knock you out and then take you out for them. You're weak, you wouldn't hold a candle to it."

Katherine murmured before saying. "The Bennett witches did a great job on defenses, Henrik. I have no hope of getting out."  

"You wouldn't have them if it was their magic that closed the crypt. This is my spell. So I can let you out. Moonstone to your daughter's address."  

"She died."  

"True, but she turned to find you. A long time ago, actually. Interested?"

Katherine nodded.  "What about Klaus? He's going to kill me when he gets the chance." 

"Oh, no, he won't. I'll find a way to free you from his chains. That said, feel free to stay away from him as much as possible."  

"Note taken. Anything else to report?"  

"Are you in?"

Katherine responded by sliding the moonstone towards the boy, who smiled before pocketing it.

Then he gave her a sign to move, and Katherine found herself next to Henrik.

"Thank you."  

"A deal is a deal. Here's the address and I've sent you all pertinent information on the phone. What do I assume you have with you?"

Katherine took it, leaving Henrik confused.  "Where did you get it from...? Actually, no, don't tell me. I'm just going, ‘kay? Have fun."  

"Thanks, Henrik. I'm only a call away. Don't be shy to call."

Henrik nodded, and watched Katherine disappear.

Then, with a sigh, he returned to the surface.

 He really wasn't paid enough.

Chapter Text

Henrik was a mystery, according to Anna.  And Henrik knew his friend struggled to understand him.

At that moment, the boy was engaged in a furiously written discussion between himself and Anna in chemistry class.

Had he mentioned how much he hated that man?

You don't understand, Henrik.  We can't just go get him!

Why not?  I mean, he's not doing much there, is he?

He might be a bit helpful, don't you think?

It is morally wrong

Pot, kettle.

He has nothing to do with it, you know what my father did to me?

And do you know what he did?  I tell you it's one way into Big Bag Wolf's good books.  So, let's go for that, shall we?

 Henrik, it's dangerous and stupid

 I sent Katherine

 Well, she would be no great loss, that woman.

  True.  Even if I'm starting to appreciate her, somehow

To each their own, I suppose.  For the wolf?

 If I can't find one, I think my boyfriend's uncle will be the best substitute.

 Tyler will be so happy to hear that.

 The bell’s ringing interrupted the conversation between the two.

 "So, we have three of the things we need. Next step?"  

"We have four of the things we need. We're missing the hybrid and the potion for my sister from Elijah. Then we need a way to keep busy those who would try to stop us from doing the ritual. Katherine tells me it will be during a full moon. So Tyler is out of the picture, he won't be able to stop me. Elena will be in danger, so Stefan is a threat and I think Caroline could be too. Bonnie. She's a Bennett witch, she's going to try to impose her magic and have her way. You know , kill Klaus, restore the equilibrium and stuff like that."  

"So, Stefan, Caroline and Bonnie are the danger. How do we stop them?"  

"Caroline is Tyler's nanny. Bonnie needs a heavy hand. I lock her and Granny into their cozy, vampire-free home. For Stefan… you and Damon will have to work together. You can bring my brother if this sweetens the agreement."  

"Good. We'll fine-tune it later. Was Katherine successful?" 

 "Yes, she's already written and asked when she has to deliver the package here. She's on her way. I hope Klaus gets in touch before then. I still have to bargain for Katherine's life."  

"Right, to avoid unpleasant events, like murders and stuff like that."  

"What a crazy life. I also have to plan my birthday. I wanted to have a little party and then maybe go to the lake house with Tyler for a weekend. Do you think he would go with me?" 

"I think he would come to the end of the world for you. Just one word from you and he's lost."  

"I love him, you know?"  

"And he loves you. Now, we're done for today and I have to sort out some paperwork about the house."

Henrik nodded, waving at his backpack.  "I brought something to keep me busy, don't worry. A project for me. I'll just go to the Grill." 

 "Okay, be careful and don't die."  

"They're two nice motivational phrases. See you at the Salvatores' later?"  

"Yes, of course. Bye."

^^^^^^^^

After arriving at Salvatores, Henrik went straight to the kitchen and grabbed a cup from the cupboard, his cup gifted by Damon, that had the sentence ' Don't talk with me til I get my coffee ' written on it, and poured himself a large dose of caffeine.

Then he went into the living room and sank into the cushions.

Tyler, beside him, laughed.  

"Not even a hello to your boyfriend?"

Henrik just pointed to the cup, causing Tyler to giggle as he leaned in to kiss him deeply.

"And this? Can I do it or do I have to wait for the coffee?"  

"Shut up."

Henrik put down the cup of coffee, before pulling his boyfriend towards him, letting himself fall with his back against the sofa.  

Tyler followed him humming happily, continuing to kiss Henrik deeply, before breaking away and focusing his attention on the younger's throat.

"The full moon is near, right?"  

"Tomorrow."  

"I can see that."

Henrik was happy to let his boyfriend continue with his treatments when a voice stopped them.

"Shouldn't indiscretions like this be kept behind closed doors? In private?"

The two teenagers parted with a gasp, looking at what Henrik recognized as Elijah and another man who could only be Klaus.

"Uh, who the hell are you?"

Henrik stopped Tyler with a wave, and then turned to Klaus. 

"Henrik Gilbert, nice to meet you. For now, at least."

 "Klaus Mikaelson. Elijah here claims you have everything for me?"

"The wolf is still missing, Henrik."  Tyler whispered but Henrik shook his head.  "Damon took Jules, do you remember her?"  

"The werewolf who thought it was a good idea to try to kill you in front of two overprotective vampires? Yeah, hard not to. I'm surprised she's still alive."  

"Jeremy wanted to torture her for daring to think about hurting his sweet younger brother."

Tyler just nodded, and Elijah chimed in.  "And what about the vampire?"

 Henrik picked up the phone and said.  "Depends on how much you're willing to forgive Katherine Pierce for running away 500 years ago."  

"She prevented me from completing my ritual."  

"Yeah, by the way, why did you kill them all? She had a brother, you could have kept him to keep the Petrova dynasty going."

 Klaus blinked in amazement.  

He'd never thought of such a thing, and neither had Elijah, judging by the confused look of him.

"Don't worry, it's age that catches up with you. So? Can you avoid being angry with her? She spent 500 years on the run, I'd say you've taken enough revenge, haven't you?"

Klaus looked at his brother's face in a Gilbert's face, before nodding.

"Great. Well, you'll need this."

Henrik handed a backpack to the hybrid, who looked at him confused.

"This is white oak."  

"Yep. You need it for Mikael." 

"How do you know about Mikael?"  

"If you're trying to kill my sister, I'll search for all your possible weaknesses. But, still, Mikael's a real asshole, so I preferred to help you and let him die. And it only seemed right to let him die to undo the curse he'd enforced, right?"

"Who is Mikael?"  Tyler asked, looking confused at his boyfriend 

"Not in the list for the best father of the century award. Or the millennium one."  

"Ah, this really doesn't explain anything."  

"The original vampire that hunts vampires." 

 "How do you know?"  

"I'm smart and Katherine adores me and she did some research for me. Oddly enough, she doesn't read runes."  

"And you can?"

Henrik showed the book he had placed on the table when he entered.  

"How was I supposed to find out about the phony curse, sorry?"

Tyler shook his head, kissing the boy's temple. "You are impossible."

"Is Katerina bringing Mikael here?"  Elijah asked, worried about his father's fate in the hands of that woman.  

"Uh uh. She doesn't know who exactly he is, she just knows that I needed him."

"What's wrong with you that makes immortal psychopaths adopt you?" 

"Name me one psychopath that adopted me, Tyler."

"Damon, Anna, Katherine. Isobel seems warm, and has dull feelings. Trevor described you as a lovely little boy who was very sweet and loyal."  

"Trevor doesn't fit into psychopaths. And Isobel isn't fond of me, I just threatened her to leave Elena alone. I would have taken away the power of her solar ring." 

 "Uh, violent."  

"Said the werewolf." 

 "Hey, that was offensive."

Klaus coughed, causing the two to separate.

 "You're as annoying as Jeremy."  Henrik decided.  

Then he wrote to Katherine.

Tyler read over his shoulder.  "You're not telling her it's safe for her to come."  

"I know it."

 Henrik reached for his cup of coffee again.  Then Katherine came in dragging the coffin.

"You shouldn't make a lady work, Henrik."  

"Good, because you aren't one."

 Katherine frozen as seeing Klaus and Elijah.

Before she could say anything, Klaus said.  "You are forgiven for your stunt 500 years ago."  

"Can I stay here without being killed?"  

"If you want."

Katherine looked at Henrik, saying.  "I'll look for Nadia and then come back here."

Henrik shrugged, saying.  "You can tell that you are  Elena's long lost twin sister."  

"Is she still with Stefan?" 

 "I don't do teen dramas. They're boring."

Katherine looked at the coffin.  "You made me bring a vampire here."  

"Not a teenager."

Katherine shrugged before disappearing.

Henrik sat down taking a long sip of coffee.

"You shouldn't be drinking all that coffee."  Tyler told him, sighing 

"Sue me." 

 "You are too young for that."  

"But not to open a crypt made in 1864?"  

"We had to send Damon away, you know. And it was your idea in order to keep your sister safe."  

"But then he stayed here with Anna. What went wrong?"  

"You."  

"Rude, Tyler."

Then Henrik looked at Klaus hopefully.  "Could you give Damon and Stefan a heart attack, please?" 

 "Excuse me?"  Asked the almost-hybrid, somewhat amused

Tyler laughed, saying.  "Using an original vampire is a bit too much, Henrik."  

"Sounds like a great idea to me. And Damon will be furious when he sees those scratches on the floor."  

"You could have lifted it with magic, you know."  

"No."

The two originals couldn't help but laugh at the younger boy's actions.  

Reactions that remembered those of a different boy, from previous years, warming a heart that had been cold for a very long time.

Chapter Text

Henrik was at the Grill when the chair in front of him was moved.  

Expecting the usual request, he didn't look up.

"Good morning, Henrik. Can we offer you something to drink? Or something to eat?"

Henrik looked up in amazement, seeing Elijah and Klaus Mikaelson sitting across from him.

"What?"

Klaus and Elijah frowned, and the older of the two answered. "We have matters to discuss, if you recall."  

"And what does that have to do with offering me breakfast?"  

"It's just good manners. So? Would you like some coffee? And a croissant perhaps? Hazelnut?"  

"Thank you."

Klaus nodded to the waiter who, having taken their order, disappeared from sight.

"I'm sure you'll be intrigued by the elixir I plan to use."

Henrik nodded, then thanked the waiter when he placed the order in front of him.

As he took a bite of the croissant, Elijah explained where the elixir came from.

"…So it's without doubt safe, Henrik. The doppelganger won't be harmed by my brother."  

"Why don't you call her by her name?"  Henrik asked, curious.  

Klaus smiled, saying.  "My brother hasn't had a good relationship with the previous doppelgangers."  

"The previous doppelgangers ? Was there another one before Katherine?"  

"Tatia, yes. Their progenitor. Our mother used her blood to make us vampires."

Henrik nodded, taking a sip of his coffee.  "So, I'll take my sister... where?"  

"Next to where the witch extermination took place."  

"Right, a lot of power was released, sure. I don't think those witches like you much, though."  

"Because  I am an abomination?"  

"Why should you be?"  

"Isn't a vampire werewolf an abomination to you? You're a witch, and a very powerful one."  

"First of all, I prefer wizard, warlock or sorcerer. Don't be sexist. Besides, vampirism was forced on you by your mother and lycanthropy is the fault of your mother's fling. If I'm to blame anyone for being an abomination, it would be her, not you. What are your faults?"  

"I have killed many people and done reprehensible deeds."  

"Most people die before that list becomes socially awkward. Stefan is a ripper, Damon is a murderous bastard, my uncle organizes mass murders of vampires. So, I'd be pretty hypocritical to hold that against you."  

"You have no problem with my actions, then."  

"Not particularly, no."

Elijah mumbled before asking.  "I was wondering… when we first met, Elena mentioned something about Katerina being in the hospital. Could you explain this particular background to me, please?"

Henrik shrugged, and after swallowing, he answered.  "When my Uncle John organized that vampire massacre, he intended to use an invention of our ancestor. It produces high frequencies that are excruciatingly painful for vampires. Apparently, not only for them but for werewolves as well. Tyler and Mr. Lockwood heard the noise. His father was killed along with the vampires, but Tyler, Caroline, and Matt and I had been pulled away from him before the device was triggered. We were in the car when Tyler heard it. The car drove out from the street. Matt and Tyler were fine, after all. Caroline was in the back without a belt and she needed Damon's blood to heal. I was in the front, but I have a strong magic, so I handled it pretty well. Katherine came to visit me every day, and in the last one she turned Caroline into a vampire."

Elijah looked carefully at Henrik, checking for any wounds. "Trevor said the doppelganger has been pestering Rose for answers, while you wanted to know where your sister was. With a concussion."  

"She's my sister. Of course I care about her and worry about her. Why does it surprise you?"  

"She doesn't deserve your loyalty."  

"She's my sister. If anyone definitely deserves it, it's her. And Jeremy. She had a bad time, with vampires who wanted her dead because she was identical to Katherine and a descendant of the Founders. I don't care if she didn't come to see me , if I would have really needed her or Jeremy, they'd be right there."

Henrik was really scowling at the vampire, who just nodded.  "I apologize."

Klaus intervened.  

"Why were you surprised by our offer of breakfast?"  

"Well..."

"Henrik come, we need a witch."  

"That's why."

Henrik turned to look at Stefan, who sighed, saying.

"Hi Henrik. I'm sorry to disturb you while you are engaged in such an interesting and profound discussion, but I could really use a little bit of your magical knowledge and experience to solve a problem."  

"Like what?"  

"Elena and Caroline were taken by a..." 

"Great, I've always wanted to set something on fire. See you tonight, right?"

Elijah and Klaus nodded and Henrik and Stefan left.

"Do you think we should follow them?"  Elijah wondered and Klaus shook his head. "Henrik seems to have everything under control. Let's not break into the family situation."  

"He almost died, Niklaus."  

"I get it. But he's fine now."

Elijah nodded, an extremely painful action.

"Our siblings?"  

"They will be released the moment I become a man again, after breaking the curse."

Elijah nodded, standing up and walking out of the bar followed by his brother.

Chapter Text

Klaus was pacing nervously as they waited for the doppelganger to appear.

Elijah, standing beside him, murmured softly. "Niklaus, please calm down. They still have plenty of time before they're needed here."

Klaus shook his head and then two voices were approaching.

"I can't even believe it, Henrik! Did you give him a vampire and a werewolf? I thought you cared about me!"  

"Come on, Elena, don't be like that. The only wolf in town was Tyler, since Mason ran away, and I didn't want to lose my boyfriend. What about vampires? Damon, Stefan, Caroline and Anna are obviously out and it wasn't fair to take an innocent man and put him to death. Come on, that would just have been cruel."  

"You're helping Klaus. You've heard about him from Rose and Katherine. Now tell me why you should help him."  

"Do you know why he has a curse, Elena? His mother put it on him. And his father hunted him for a thousand years for being a wolf."

The two originals heard a sigh.  

“Why can't psychopaths have bright and beautiful pasts? For Damon, you felt sad about his declining relationship with Stefan and because his father killed him. With Anna, despite her having threatened to use you to save her mother, you felt sad about how she had separated from her mother. Katherine, despite everything she has done, you feel that she has lost her daughter because of her father, that she has been kicked out of the house and that she has been running away for 500 years and you decide to find her daughter and trade her freedom. And now also two originals?"  Elena’s voice seemed so tired.

The two vampires felt a smile appear on their faces.

"Technically there are five . They have three other brothers."  

"Oh, excuse me! My bad!” Elena sighed. “Are you going to adopt more psychopaths?"  

"You know Elijah bought me breakfast before asking me anything? Stefan and Damon don't do that."  

"So what?"  

"I could get adopted by a psychopath."  Henrik suggested, his voice tinged with a playful tone.

"Jenna would have your head if you ever suggested such a thing."  Elena replied, sighing.

Elijah and Klaus could only imagine she was rolling her eyes at that moment.

"Yeah. Don't tell her and we're good to go." Henrik replied

 The two Gilberts appeared.

 "Hello!"

Henrik arrived smiling and Elena glared at him.  

"You are too happy for a ritual that involves my death ."  

Henrik's response was no less joyful. The vampires there couldn't even hide the smile that the joy of their resurrected little brother brought them.

"I just locked Bonnie and her grandmother in their house. It was fun. And Damon, Stefan and Caroline don't know you're being used in the ritual today. Tyler and Anna are covering for me."

Elena sighed.  

Then Jeremy's voice came.  "And if you die altogether, we'll split your stuff. 50/50."

"Jer, what are you doing here?"  Elena asked, looked worried as she saw her other brother there.

"I'll take you two dead weights when the ritual ends. You will be dead and Henrik tired."  

"And since he's useless, he had to make himself useful somehow, right?"  Henrik added, smirking teasingly at his brother.

"Hey, I'm not useless," Jeremy protested.

Elena sighed before saying.  "Don't start arguing."  

"Sure, Elena."

The two vampires could only watch eagerly as the younger brother's smile, accompanied by mischievous and deeply affectionate sparkling eyes, was directed towards his older brothers—the affection that once had been for them and now shone for the two Gilberts.

Henrik smiled at the original two. "How long until the ritual?" 

"A few hours. Here, drink this, Elena." Elijah handed the elixir to the girl who drank it.

"It could have been poison and you didn't even check ."  Henrik's voice sounded displeased.

For someone who had sought out vampires, who had admitted to knowing Damon's true nature before exposing him, or who had befriended an old vampire thirsty for revenge against his family, it seemed a bit ironic . Considering he was the same boy who had decided to bargain with Katherine Pierce and two originals.

"With you two I would be thankful for some poison."  Elena answered back.

"It did hurt, didn't it Henrik?"  Jeremy pouted

"Beyond bearable. This is the last time I bothered so much when someone wanted to kill you."  

Elena and Jeremy nodded.  "Of course you won’t."

 Henrik waved at the werewolf, whispering something.  

"What are you doing?"  Klaus asked, curiosity filling his voice.

"I block her transformation, of course. What about Mikael?"  Henrik explained, his eyes looking darker when he looked at the other original.

"Can you wake him up? We'll start shortly and he's in a containment circle." Elijah decided, casting a glance at the man who had raised him and who would soon meet his end.

Henrik looked around before nodding.  "You never asked me to do the ritual though."  

Klaus blinked.  "My apologies. I just thought..." 

"I'm teasing you." Henrik laughed, his eyes shining.

The two vampires smiled.

Elena sighed. "Can you not tease a very powerful old vampire who might kill you? Please?"

Henrik cocked his head, before shaking his head.  

"Nah, first he has to become a full hybrid. Besides, I can brag about being the first person Klaus killed as a hybrid."  

Jeremy nodded.  "It sounds cool. Can I be second?"

Elena sighed, before murmuring. "Jenna will have my head if you are both killed by Klaus." 

"Not if Klaus kills you too." Jeremy pointed out and Henrik nodded. "How did the Gilberts die? Ah, nothing, Klaus Mikaelson killed them."  

Jeremy nodded.  "It still sounds cool to me."  

"You are both grounded."  

"’Kay."

Henrik pointed his hand at Mikael, who woke up with a gasp.

"What have you done to me, beast ?"  Mikael turned to Klaus before continuing.  “You have always been an abomination, a worthless monster, lurking and failing anyone and anything. I see that none of your brothers, except noble Elijah, are with you now. They have realized what an abomination you are, what a delusion and waste of…” 

Elijah put a hand on his brother's shoulder, but it was Henrik who screamed.  "SHUT UP! If there's an abomination here, it's you !"

Mikael seemed astonished to see him. Anyway, he asked, with his voice an distressed whisper. "Henrik... How can you defend that monster?"  

"DON'T CALL HIM LIKE THAT!"  Jeremy exclaimed, growling.  

"The only monster is you! Who hunts a son for a thousand years? Who plots to kill them ?" Elena stepped forward, growling at the vampire.  

"How can you defend him in a ritual that involves your death?"  Mikael asked, surprised and shocked to see a doppelganger willingly help that abominable creature .

"And yours . I'm lucky I'll see the one responsible for the curse die before me . It lifts my spirits." Elena growled back.

Klaus and Elijah looked at the three children in surprise.  

Klaus spoke.  "Well, I don't see why I should worry about what you think when the doppelganger and her brothers defend me so fervently."

Henrik had set up the stage for the ritual.  "Klaus? It's time."

With a smile, Klaus moved close to the boy.  "Very well, let's begin then."

Henrik, taking a deep breath, began to chant in Latin, unleashing his magic and ambient magic, which enthusiastically responded to the powerful magic who called her.

****

His senses were as strong as he hadn't felt in a long time.

Klaus howled at the moon before sprinting, allowing his muscles to reach their maximum power.

Perhaps he should have been more careful, perhaps he should have slowed down and not allowed the power he had just touched to overpower him.

But Klaus hadn't waited a thousand years to be patient . He hadn't waited a thousand years to be cautious .

So, without hesitation, without worry, Klaus ran .

He let his instincts guide him and wasn't surprised when he caught a curious scent. Treacle, a hint of honey, and the scent of pine and lightning.

A sweet scent that made his wolf desire to curl around the source, to protect it, and to stand guard.

His golden wolf returned to where the ritual had taken place.

His mind, a small part of what was now primarily driven by the wolf's instinct, recognized the corpses of a werewolf and the man who had abused him all his life .

Then, his gaze reached the altar, where a small figure lay.

He growled, approaching and sniffing the pup's face.

He felt no wounds, no pain.

But the pup wasn't moving.

Klaus whimpered, nudging the face with his own golden snout, tapping the side of the body until he whimpered and groaned, opening his eyes.

The jade green eyes stared at him, and a smile broke out on the child's lips.

"Klaus! You're huge !"

Klaus crouched beside the puppy, sniffing him and resting his snout on his lap.

"Jeremy and Elena left? Elijah?" Henrik asked, looking around.

Klaus growled. He hadn't sensed anyone, so they must have left Henrik behind. The mere thought made his tail flick, a deep irritation consuming him.

"I'm sure your brother is just concerned about the agony your bite should be causing him. And mine could never have taken away me and my sister." Henrik tried to reason with Klaus, who growled at hearing Elijah being defined only as his brother , while the doppelganger and the other were claimed as Henrik 's brothers.

They weren't there with Henrik. There was only Klaus , and him alone .

"I know, it could have been dangerous." Henrik sighed. "But I have a great golden wolf to protect me, right?" He added, smiling at Klaus.

Klaus nodded, moving closer to lick his pup's cheek. Henrik was part of his pack; Klaus was sure of it now.

Elena and Katherine felt different, and they were both different from Tatia in their scent . Klaus couldn't understand how people could confuse them.

Even in his deepest hatred and most rampant jealousy, he couldn't see similarities between Elena Gilbert and the Petrova who had fled to her fate and condemned her entire family.

But Henrik? Henrik had the same scent as his little brother , less sick and sweeter.

"I'm glad you don't have to be afraid anymore," Henrik murmured, something akin to compassion in his voice, his gaze falling on Mikael's corpse. "Although, this year, far too many people with abusive fathers have arrived. First Damon, then Tyler, then Anna, and now you. Of course, you and Stefan were the only ones to kill yours. Maybe Anna too. She won't tell me the answer." Henrik wore an adorable pout, which Klaus couldn't help but lick away, wagging his tail when he heard the puppy laugh in joy.

"Down, big wolf," Henrik admonished him. "I don't want to be wet with your disgusting slobber."

Klaus wagged his tail.

"What is it?" Henrik sighed wearily.

Klaus tilted his head, placing a paw on Henrik.

"Do I need to get up?" Henrik asked, confused, starting to rise.

But Klaus had other ideas.

He nudged Henrik lightly, then climbed onto his lap and rested his huge head on Henrik's chest.

"Ah, you want to be cuddled too?" Henrik huffed. "Fine, big bad wolf. You'll get your cuddles."

When the sun rose, Klaus couldn't think of a better way to spend his first full moon.

Chapter Text

It had been three days since the ritual.

At that moment, Elijah, Klaus, and all of their siblings were on their way to the Salvatore house, hoping to meet little Henrik.

Rebekah huffed when Klaus spoke to her. "I'm only still here because I want to see my brother, Klaus. Certainly not for you ."

Elijah intervened. "You must remember that we are not talking about our brother Henrik. He may share his face and name, but he is Henrik Gilbert ."

Rebekah, Kol and Finn nodded gravely.  

They knew that he wasn't their little brother, but still it was a wonderful experience to see their brother's face again.

"We know, thank you very much Mr Sympathy. Is this the house?"

Kol started to enter, but could not cross the threshold.  

"I thought the Salvatores were all dead."  

"They are, indeed."

 Elijah was intrigued.  

They hadn't had any trouble getting in last time.

Tyler appeared at the door.  "Hey, hello. Wait a minute. HENRIK, INVITE SOMEONE IN!"  

"IT'S NOT ANNA, IS IT?"  

"NO!"  

"YOU CAN COME IN. NOT YOU ANNA!"  

"DAMN!"

A girl screamed, appearing next to the originals.  

"You can't still be mad at me!"  

"You kissed my brother! How could you do that behind my back?"

Anna growled and Henrik smiled at the five vampires.  

"Oh, hi. I'm Henrik, pleasure."  

The boy extended his hand to the three, who introduced themselves. 

"The house is under your name, then?"  

"Yes. Damon and Stefan have freaked out and decided on a safe house."

Anna grumbled and Henrik snorted.  

"Fine, come in!"  

"Thank you!" 

The girl entered, before saying. "I didn't want you to worry about your brother, that's all."  

"Yeah, well... I actually knew it from the very beginning, so."  

"Wait, what?"  

"I'm a light sleeper and my room is between Jeremy’s and Elena’s."  

He grimaced in disgust.  "It really sucks."  

"You should have divided 50 and 50." Tyler told him and Anna blinked. "You didn't let me in because of something you always knew? Why?"  

"Why not?"  

"He has a point."  Tyler admitted, making Anna sigh.

Henrik then smiled at the five.  

"Anything to drink? Wine? Bourbon? Coffee?"  

"Do you have blood?"  Kol asked l and Henrik handed him his wrist.  "If you want."  

"I'd rather not drink from a child."  

"Oh, that's cute! Damon didn't have that problem. Come on, I'm sure Damon will be happy to share his stash. Which is my blood anyway, so..." 

"Why yours?"  Rebekah asked.

"I recover before the other humans around, I'm not a hypocrite like Bonnie, and if the Council finds out there are vampires around, they kill them. And Damon is awesome, I really can't lose him."  

"Uh, your boyfriend is right here." 

"You don't risk ending up impaled."  

"I could!"  

“If Klaus turned you into a hybrid, maybe. Sure, you'd need my sister's blood to make it through the transition, and since I keep her boyfriend's brother alive and her boyfriend, she might as well offer some of her blood. Do you realize she didn't want to?"  

"People don't offer their blood at random."  

"I don't offer it at random."

Anna pointed to Kol and Henrik shrugged.  "He refused, didn't he? Which was more than Stefan would have done."  

"It wasn't his fault, he's a Ripper."  

"And if he tries again with my brother, he'll find out how he's being on the other side of the fangs."  

"Henrik..." 

"I make Tyler bite him and then suffer to a miserable death."  

Tyler nodded.  "Anything you want, love."

Henrik smiled at the boy who gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Henrik blushed, avoiding Anna's gaze.

Then he entered the living room where there was a discussion going on.

Elena looked at the five vampires, confused.  "Who are you three?"  

"Rebekah, Kol and Finn. A pleasure, I'm sure."

Elena nodded at the blonde, before glaring at Henrik.  

"I didn't call them here."  

"But you invited them in. Can you explain to me the meaning of a safe house if you invite all the psychopaths in?"  

"You shouldn't tell a psychopath that he is a psychopath. It tends to make them nervous."

Henrik answered quietly and Jeremy said. "If Stefan's here, why shouldn't they be here?" 

Elena sighed. "It was an accident, Jeremy, you know."  

"Yes. At least if one of them were to kill me, I'd know it wouldn't be an accident."  

Henrik looked at him. "And it's reassuring, how?"  

"Well, I would die on purpose."  

"It's a curious way to look at murders."  Henrik mused.

Anna looked at them. "You don't want to be lawyers, do you?"  

Jeremy snorted.  "Nah."  

"We’ll take over the world and rule it, Anna."  answered Henrik and Jeremy continued. "We will abolish lawyers first."  

Anna snorted in amusement.  "You need an army to do that."  

"Henrik is already adopting psychopaths to do it."

"Hey!"  Henrik looked at Elena who, raising an eyebrow, yelled "Damon! If Henrik wanted to conquer the world would you help him?"  

Damon appeared next to her.  "Of course!"

Henrik looked at him.  

Then he said,  "I don't adopt psychopaths, though."  

Jeremy patted him on the shoulder.  "Don't worry, you do it unknowingly."  

"I do not!"

Jeremy and Elena looked at him with soft eyes.  

Caroline said.  "You do it."  

"When did you arrive, you?"  Jeremy asked her, looking at her confused.

Caroline waved her hand before saying.  "But you're not doing it to exploit them, so that makes you sweeter in a way."  

"But I don't."  

"When you heard Damon's story, your first reaction was ' Poor man, he's loved a woman for 150 years! And his brother doesn't love him. I have to help him .' And when you found out Katherine was not in the crypt, you decided to help him get over it."  

"It was the right thing to do, though."  Henrik said, making Caroline, Tyler, Anna, Jeremy and the Originals smile.  

Anna looked at him.  "I wanted to use you as a bag of blood to save my mother."  

"I would have been an incredible bag of blood, though."  answered Henrik right away, and Jeremy, laughing, said. "And as happy as I am that you decided to help her by making her stay here, your reaction was ' Oh, my ancestor trapped your mother? What an asshole! I'll help you get her back! '" 

"It was the right thing and Anna's mother was not to blame! She was just not alive, what's wrong with that? She could have been a zombie!"  

"Zombies don't exist."  Damon told him, sighing.  

Henrik looked at him.  "Up until I was eleven, I believed magic didn't exist, until last year, I believed werewolves didn't exist, and until this year, I believed vampires didn't exist. If there were zombies, I wouldn't be too surprised."  

"It does make sense."  Jeremy admitted, which he then said.  "I've had less time than Henrik to get used to magic and vampires and wolves."  

"Mum and Dad didn't want me to tell you. Uncle John gave me permission to tell."  Henrik explained, even though he didn’t wait for John’s permission to explain everything.

"Isn't he your father?"  asked Elijah, who had heard something from Isobel.  

"Nah, just Elena's, who was adopted by our parents when she was born. But he's Uncle John to her too."  

"Because he sucks as a father."  

"Also as an uncle, though." Jeremy  pointed out and Henrik nodded "At least he's coherent." 

"He had a good idea, though."  Bonnie said and Henrik looked at her.  "Killing Damon is not a good idea."  

"He's a vampire!"  

"And you are a witch. Duh."  

"So what? I'm not a freak of nature ."  

"A witch created the vampires. And nature balanced itself, genius. You don't need a little superhero for Nature."  

"Duh."  Jeremy finally said, amused as he watched Bonnie try to come up with an answer. 

"Don't worry, BonBon, even your grandmother is convinced of the superiority of the Bennett witches. Newsflash, you are not that powerful."  Damon said, laughing.

"How would you know that?"  

Damon replied "You know the crypt? Henrik here tore down those defenses and built new ones."  

Stefan, walking in, said.  "Not good ones, since Katherine isn't in the crypt anymore."

Everyone turned to Henrik, who said.  "You wanted blood, right Kol?"  making Tyler, the originals and Jeremy laugh.

Elena looked at him.  "Tell me you didn't help Katherine out of the crypt! After everything she did to me!"

"You mean making yourself look like a good sister?" Tyler asked her, glaring at her.  

"Stay out of it!"  

"No! Katherine visited Henrik every day in the hospital! When he left you asked him about the moonstone! After two weeks in the hospital! What kind of sister are you?"  

"It was a bad time for me! And Henrik forgave me!"  

"Because Henrik forgives everyone! He's too good for this world, damn it! But you don't deserve his loyalty!"

"Ty!"  Henrik called back, looking at him scared.

“No! She didn't even realize you were in a relationship with me! She didn't realize how much you risked with Katherine and Isobel to keep her safe! Does she know about the fact that you didn't sleep because you were searching for a way to keep her safe? Does she know about Jules and her attempt to kill you? Does she know all this stuff? Or was she too distracted by  playing a girl in love with Stefan?" 

 "Don't bring Stefan in this!" 

"If you defended your brother like you defend a vampire who almost killed your other brother, Henrik wouldn't be so afraid of being left behind by you!"

Silence fell after Tyler's statement.  

Elena looked at Henrik.  "Do you think I'd leave you behind?" 

 "No."

 "Henrik..." Tyler told him, but Jeremy answered. "Elena, what do you expect? You only call him for magic or to find a logical solution to all your problems. You don't really sound like a big sister."

Elena looked at Jeremy in shock, before returning her gaze to Henrik who shook his head, saying.  "I have to go."  before running out of the house.

 "Leave him alone."  Jeremy said, stopping Elena.  "I have to fix this, Jeremy."

 Elena ran after her brother, finding him near a river.

Unbeknownst to them, Klaus, Kol, Elijah, Finn and Rebekah, using the excuse to leave, followed them.

"Henrik... You are not an object to me."  

"I know, Elena." 

 "Do you really know, or is that what you feel you have to tell me to make me happy?"

Henrik turned to look at his sister, then said. "You know where I'm from."  

"But I am not like your uncles, Henrik. Or your cousin."

Rebekah whispered.  " Your cousin ? Aren't they siblings?"  

"Shut up, Beks."  Kol hissed at her.

 Henrik nodded.  "I really know. They reacted to my magic by calling me a freak, monster, devil. You and Jeremy protected me more, but… Miranda and Greyson made me promise never to use my magic if I wanted to be part of this family."  

“You know you're part of this family, right? You're as much a Gilbert as Jeremy and I are. You're my brother and Tyler and Jeremy were right. I've been a bad sister. Katherine was scared of Klaus, Henrik. And if Katherina was scared..."

Henrik nodded.  “I know they're dangerous, Elena. But… You know, you've seen their father. I know he was awful with Klaus, when he was still human and then spent a thousand years chasing him for something that wasn't his fault . I know maybe I should never have helped him, I know Damon didn't deserve any help, or Katherine did enough harm that she didn't deserve love or affection, and Anna wanted to kill me and so I didn't have to help her. I know, I know it's not rational. But ... The only thing I thought about, when I heard or read the story of each of them, was just... The cupboard where I slept, the constant fear of being hit, the need for approval that consumed me, the pain in not understanding why I wasn't enough for them. All the things that had happened to me until I was eleven. And... You know too that I can't really make a fuss about the various murders. The youngest of them is almost 200 years old, and at some point the list gets very long. It's basically three and a half lives. Or twenty very short."

 Elena snorted, saying.  "The difference is that you are good, Henrik." 

"Is Damon bad? Anna is? I think there's no good or bad, Elena, just who tells the story. For Katherine, Klaus was the bad guy, he wanted to kill her. But see it from Klaus ' point of view. Cursed to lose part of his nature for something he wasn't to blame for, he gets his chance to finally be free of it, and he's betrayed by a thief. Katherine had lost everything but her life, he couldn't leave her for that. And Klaus was half living since his whole life as a vampire. Everyone's good or bad, Elena, it's all about point of view. According to who is selling the story."

Elena sighed. "You are so wise and young. It always makes me sad to see how we all rely on you. And, worst of all, I can't stop doing it."  

"I don't want you to stop needing me, Elena. I need you too. Because, without you and Jeremy, I'm back to being that child unwanted and hated by his relatives, a child who always wondered what was so wrong with him, what makes him so unlovable."  

"You are the best thing that ever happened to me. And Tyler was right about one thing. Again. Stefan, I…I justified him too much."  

"You fell in love with him and now you're trying to see only the good side. All right, that's one of the things I admire most about you, Elena. But…Jeremy is our brother ."  

"You're right. Let's see if Lexi wants to do Stefan's rehab service again?" 

"Of course, even if I don't want her to stay here, there are too many vampires to justify. Liz is making a fuss at the Council."  

"Are you in the Council?"  

"It was needed a Gilbert and I went because of Damon. Liz and Carol love me."  

"Oh, are you trying to impress your boyfriend's mother?"  

"I mean, Tyler probably would've tried to do the same, but both couples died."  

"You really can't joke about these things, Henrik."  

"We tried the ouija board, but they're not responding."

Elena gave an unimpressed look at her brother, who replied with an unrepentant smile.

"You are so immature, little brother."

 Elena was walking back towards the Salvatore mansion and Henrik called after her.  

"And I'm still the most mature of everyone here."

Chapter Text

Rebekah had been accompanied by her older brothers to school.

None of them thought going to school had the slightest sense for the millennial vampire, but they could understand her desire to be involved in this new Henrik's life in some way.

That day was a day off, wanted by Mayor Carol Lockwood, celebrated in the school gymnasium.

The mayor took the floor.

"Welcome to all citizens of Mystic Falls. We have had a difficult time, caused by many losses, bereavements. I would ask all of you to take a moment of silence to remember each and every one of them. Logan Fell, Miranda and Grayson Gilbert, Richard Lockwood, Vicky Donovan."

Silence fell in the room. 

The Mikaelsons managed to identify Henrik, with his head resting on the mayor's son's shoulder.

After a few seconds of silence, Carol spoke again. "The important thing in these moments is not to let pain and anger fill us. I know for sure that none of them would have wanted this for any of you. All of them, as mayor, as a doctor, as an honest citizen, have always fought for the safety of this city. I would like you to join me in applauding those who have helped keep their memory alive."

There was a soft cheer throughout the gym.

"As a community, we have decided that a moment of celebration is needed to overcome the bad moments of the last few days. So, I hope you will join in the project we have created to celebrate all together. A small theater show, where the actors will be chosen among you. The project managers will call you. It will mostly be aimed at the students of our beautiful high school, but adults and children can also be involved!"

A louder applause filled the hall.

After that, Carol Lockwood left the stage and disappeared into the crowd.

Rebekah, followed by her four brothers, quickly caught up with Henrik, who was giving his boyfriend a light kiss on his lips.

"Our condolences for what you went through." Elijah said, and Tyler Lockwood gave him a nod of thanks.

Henrik smiled slightly, before murmuring.  "Thank you."

Finn intervened. "I'm sure you both take comfort in knowing that you are respecting their wishes."

Henrik snorted before saying. "They made me promise not to use magic and they hated vampires. They would have tried to kill Damon, Stefan, and Caroline. They would be disappointed to see me actively helping them."

Kol looked at him before saying. "I've always had an affinity for witches and knowing what you've accomplished, I only assume that your magic is unparalleled in terms of power. Your parents risked making you suffer greatly with their request."

Henrik shrugged. "They tried to protect us as best they could. It's hard to understand something you don't have and don't want to know."

"You were their son ." Kol only answered and Tyler wrapped his boyfriend in a side hug, shooting a warning glance at the Original.

Kol was too amazed at being threatened by a little boy to bother getting angry.

Part of him shivered as he thought about what had happened the last time a werewolf had been in Henrik's nearness.

Henrik's gaze drifted to the side of the room, watching Carol, Liz, and Damon talk with passion.

The vampire noticed his gaze and nodded in a clear sign of calling him there.

Then, Henrik turned to kiss Tyler's cheek.

"I have to go. Council business."

"Will you come find me when you're done?"

"Sure, Ty."

After a smile and a wave to the Mikaelson family, Henrik disappeared on his way to the trio of adults.

Tyler looked at the originals before saying.

"I just want to clarify one thing. I have no idea why you are interested in Henrik, but he is not for your personal amusement. Whatever he asks of you, you must respect ."

"Are you threatening us?"  Rebekah asked, amazed and vaguely offended, part of her still impressed by his actions.

"Yes, exactly. If Henrik suffers for your actions, I will be the first to make you regret it."

Elijah bowed his head to him. "Consider us warned. I appreciate seeing that Henrik has a boyfriend who loves and supports him like you do. I hope that doesn't change anytime soon."  

"I've always respected Henrik, no matter our relationship. He's brave, kind, he loves with all his heart, even for those who may not deserve it. He sees people for the good they have, more for the bad they may have done. He saw good in Damon when Stefan didn't either. He saw good in Katherine, Trevor and Rose. In you all. He sees things differently than other people. You can make all the mistakes in this world and he'd be the first to help you when you realize how much you messed things up. He's not prejudiced against anyon e. But if you try to threaten his family, he'll find you and kill you slowly and painfully."

 Rebekah smiled, saying.  "You must love him very much."

"I do. It's impossible to know him and not love him. But that doesn't mean I don't respect him."

Before leaving, he said. "I don't know why, but he cares about you too. He's decided you deserve his loyalty and he's offered it to you. Don't make him regret it."

^^^^^^^

Henrik was staring at Alaric, the sheriff, and the mayor with a hurt and scandalized expression.  

Behind the trio, Damon was obviously holding back his laughter.

"I don't think I quite understand what you want me to do."

The boy said, hoping he had misunderstood the first time and that no one expected anything from him.

Instead, Carol explained with a smile on her face. "You're the top history student in our school, Henrik. And I've seen firsthand your vast knowledge of local history. You're the best fit for the project."

"Do you want me to direct a movie ? What does that have to do with the story, exactly ?"

Carol kept talking. "It will be a historical film. It is important to make the historical context to which it refers truthful. And the protagonist will be a noble who protests with the nobility."

Henrik frowned. "Are we talking about Lady Diana?"

Carol shook her head

"Of course not. We wanted to talk about a woman known for her style, her charisma and her compassion."

"Lady D." Henrik nodded.

"No, not her. The person in question has been under severe ... pressure from the man in her life."

"Lady D."  Henrik nodded, wondering if the mayor had ever heard anything about the Princess of Wales.

"She has conducted numerous charities towards the neediest."

"Yes, she did." Henrik was wondering if he could imitate an possum and fake his own death to avoid the discussion they were having.

Carol took a deep breath. "We can't talk about Lady D, Henrik." 

 " Why not ? She was an amazing and wonderful person."

Carol and Liz exchanged a look but it was Alaric who answered. "It would be politically minded."  

"And are we not politically minded?"  Asked Henrik, tilting his head.

Damon covered his laughter with a hand over his mouth, but Henrik gave him a wink as the trio turned to the desk.

Alaric pulled a couple of sheets from a folder.

"I took the trouble to write down the context and some scenes that need to be contained. The characters that need to appear. I'll leave the script to you."

"Thanks, it's very kind of you."  Henrik murmured, not at all impressed by the care shown by the professor.

Damon chuckled.

Carol patted the boy's cheek.  "I'm sure you'll do a great job, Henrik."

Henrik smiled at the mayor, walking out with the small bundle of papers and deciding that he would annoy his boyfriend for this.

^^^^^^^

“Besides, why should I be the one to do this? I mean, your mother and the sheriff had the idea and Ric supported them. What do I have to do with any of this ? No one ever mentioned these torture methods! "

Tyler hummed, nodding to his boyfriend's words as he made coffee for the younger boy.

"Besides, I have other things to do! I have to organize my birthday ! I wanted to go to the Lake House with you for the weekend, but now everything will be ruined because of this idea !"

Tyler stopped, looking at the boy. "Were you going to take me to the Lake House? Your parents' Lake House?"

Henrik nodded, realizing that he had mentioned something quite important.

"I know we've been together for a short time. But if I have to go back to that house , I'd like to have you with me."

Tyler placed the cup in front of his boyfriend's arms, then taking one of the boy's hands, the one closest to him, with both of his hands.

"Don't you think it's better to go with Elena and Jeremy? It must be a difficult time for you, Henrik. Especially if you haven't been there in a long time."

Henrik sighed, placing his hand Tyler's not gripping on their joined hands.

“Maybe I should. But for the first time I've been there since… since that day … I need you by my side. Like Elena got Stefan's and Jeremy got Anna's. I need you . I really need you. Of course, if you don't want to join me, you obviously don't have to."

Henrik stopped when he felt Tyler's hands around his waist, pulling him close to the football player's muscular body, feeling goosebumps where the boy's fingers touched his bare skin, his shirt crumpled slightly.

Then, Tyler's lips on his, effectively taking Henrik's breath away.

Tyler kissed him for a minute, an hour, before pulling away for a moment, foreheads touching, and whispering.  

"I'd be honored to go with you. Just tell me when and where, and I'd follow you to the ends of the world, Henrik."

Henrik's hands cupped the taller boy's cheeks, reaching out to give his boyfriend a kiss, the fingers of one hand sliding gently down the side of Tyler's face, stopping at his neck, reaching the back of his neck and pushing the boy back towards him, to resume the kiss, feeling the smile stretch on Tyler's lips.

A kiss that was almost a promise.

An always and forever that Henrik never wanted to let go.