omg gang 30 chapters WHAT thank you sm for all the love

"she won't accept it as anything more than platonic because she believes she's in control of her own destiny"

—

WHEN Niklaus Mikaelson was seven years old, he first painted the moon.

Acrylics and paint didn't properly exist at the time, but he'd blend flowers into colors and paint them on stones. He loved to paint.

Niklaus loved bright colors and imagery that made his heart feel warm. He loved the sunshine over the lake and his mother's face when she laughed.

Niklaus would often pick flowers for his sister and mother, and he would retell the stories of the gods to his brothers.

Elijah always liked to sword fight, but it never called to Niklaus. (He did it anyway, and the boys would end up in laughter until their father came along.)

Niklaus preferred to use his words over fists, though he often ended in tears. His brother called him weak, useless, a mistake.

The nights where his father projected anger onto Niklaus, the young boy would cry to the moon and beg the gods to give him peace. He'd beg for someone to show him kindness, but his prayers were left unanswered.

The first time Niklaus painted the moon, he sat all night to ensure it was right. It meant more to him than the sun. The sun was blinding, it inhibited one's eyesight and forced positivity.

The moon was kind, soft, ethereal. It danced across the sky and mingled with stars. He painted grey and yellow and soft blues in hopes of mimicking the comforting light it brought him.

Rebekah used to say the moon was made of cheese.

Niklaus would roll his eyes at her words.

It was Mani, of course. The god of the moon, as Sol was the goddess of the sun.

When the cosmos were created, the siblings didn't understand their purpose or powers. And when the gods grouped together, they assigned the siblings days and time and phases.

Mani had great power. He controlled the tides and the stars and the pull of night.

Sol controlled the weather and the warmth and the pull of light.

They were controlled by chariots, moving in circles until Ragnarok brought chaos.

Rebekah always belittled him and claimed he was a dreamer.

But Niklaus liked to dream.

In dreams, he could see pretty things. Of Sol and Mani, of flowers and Henrik — his favorite brother, though he'd never tell anyone — and of the girl.

The girl.

The night he captured the moon in color, he dreamt of her.

He thought the gods had visited him through her. He'd tried for hours to recreate her image but couldn't seem to get it right.

But it didn't matter that he lacked the physical means; she was painted into his memory, etched into his waking thoughts as easily as she roamed his nights.

She appeared to Niklaus once a month, when the moon was full, but he thought of her constantly.

As time passed and he fell in love, he regretted never seeing the girl from his dreams. He'd convinced himself she was imaginary — a figment of his creation.

Niklaus and Elijah fought over the same woman, and he swore to himself upon her death that he'd never let another come between them.

He would let Elijah have anyone he desired because Niklaus, as much as he loved beautiful things, had discovered that his love would only ruin them.

He ruined his artwork in frustration.

He ruined Henrik in death.

He ruined his father's reputation.

He ruined his mother's love for him.

And he ruined the ritual.

Born from the same species that slaughtered his youngest brother, he was always destined for cruelty.

And so he pushed aside the memories of the woman, who haunted his nights and waking thoughts.

But even in death, after resurrection into a monstrous creature, she'd find him.

She haunted him.

Soft brown eyes, dark hair, the brightest smile he'd ever seen. Her laugh...he could hear it sometimes, even if they'd never met.

It was magical.

It made his undead heart skip a beat, and it was the reason he learned to play piano. Hopefully, he thought, he could capture her in music as effortlessly as he captured her in art.

But to no avail.

Some beautiful things couldn't be captured in rhythm.

Time passed on.

He and Elijah locked away their siblings and focused on breaking the curse placed upon Niklaus by their mother.

And still, the girl from his dreams persevered.

He had enough courage to describe them to Elijah again. He'd mentioned them twice as a human, but hadn't brought her up again since becoming a vampire.

In the early 1100's, he and Elijah began to search for answers.

Elijah had found her purpose, reminded Niklaus of childhood stories. Gifts from the gods to wolves.

A Valinn, he'd recalled. The alpha and his chosen.

Gods, he never thought he could be an Alpha. He thought his dormant side was only connected to a wolf. He never dreamed he'd be important enough to have a Valinn.

But the more Elijah spoke, the more sense it made.

And so Niklaus searched for answers. Wrote journals and pages and notes on his findings.

He found himself sketching her often. She occupied his thoughts more than any other.

And when Eden Sommers entered his life as Elijah's soulmate, a piece of him shattered.

For the girl he'd created in his mind; soft, lovely, perfect...she was alive. She was real.

More than a figment of his imagination, she was harsher than he presumed. Crass and brutal, but devastatingly beautiful.

And as frustrating as he found her to be, he couldn't imagine her being anything else.

Eden hated him.

But Eden loved his brother.

And Niklaus could never do to Eden what he'd done to Tatia. He couldn't tear her from someone that made her happy to selfishly pursue his own desires.

His brother was happy, too.

For the first time in a thousand years, Elijah was truly happy. Their love was palpable, tangible. It rested in silence between them, in soft gazes upon the other. It existed for miles of separation and returned them home like a ship docking at the harbor.

Niklaus couldn't bring it in himself to ruin them. To watch the light leave his brother's eyes. His brother, who had only ever loved and devoted himself to their family.

He knew Elijah needed happiness as much as Niklaus did, if not more so.

And Niklaus didn't need happiness to love Eden. He didn't require her affections to harbor them.

He'd love her as little as she'd allow him to because it was better than the miserable thousand years he'd lived without her.

And with a resigned sigh, Niklaus watched the moon, now knowing the truth of it all.

Far less magical, but as beautiful as the day it captured his attention.

He wondered what it meant to be chosen if the moon was inanimate? How did it create a connection as binding as the one he had with Eden?

It didn't matter, he supposed.

She'd never be his, and he hoped one day he'd come to terms with that.

—

Elijah had agreed to come with Eden to England. He was looking forward to seeing everyone again and he appreciated the chance to improve relations with the people important to her.

She's said her goodbyes to Nik — which was awkward, as everything had been since the night he confessed his attraction to her — and Stefan, who seemed resigned to the idea of a week without her to balance Nik's violent tendencies.

Eden has decided to forgo staying at Grimmauld Place or the Burrow, wanting to be separated from the memories she'd forged and create new ones, instead.

They'd agreed upon The Leaky Cauldron, though Draco's offer for his flat in London was tempting. But both had agreed they'd be better suited somewhere private where they could have time together, and allow her to process her emotions as they came.

The first step was Teddy.

Eden hovered outside the entrance to Grimmauld Place, Elijah's fingers interlocked with hers.

She knocked on the door and braced herself for the memories that would flood her as soon as it opened. Sirius, Remus, Fred...they haunted this place as clearly as Walburga Black's portrait had.

(Harry had finally removed the ruddy thing, with help Narcissa.)

Ginny's blinding grin greeted the couple first, a burping towel slung over her shoulder and apron around her waist.

Eden was hit with a flood of adoration for her dear friend, who reminded Eden so earnestly of her mother.

"Don't just stand there," Ginny briefly hugged them both, patting Elijah's cheek fondly as she pulled away. "Get inside, I've got a gremlin wandering the house screaming about his broomstick not operating — as if I'll let him break his arm again — and an infant who's not been fed yet."

Eden and Elijah exchanged an amused look, following Ginny inside.

They'd since painted the foyer since Eden's last visit, and added more pictures of the Weasley's and their friends.

"Hey, bon," Harry greeted with a peck of the cheek, coming from the stairs, carrying a gift-wrapped box in his arms. "Elijah."

Elijah nodded politely and Eden smiled as Harry passed them, venturing to the dining room.

"Where's this man gone?" Ginny asked with a frown, hands on her hips.

Gods, she looked like Molly Weasley.

"Oi, Ron!" Ginny called out, rolling her eyes. "If you're not down here in thirty seconds to help decorate, I'm going to strangle you!"

A thud, a muffled groan, and then Ron stumbling downstairs, a cross look on his face. It quickly changed to surprise and then excitement upon seeing Eden and Elijah.

"Oh, hey!" He pulled Eden into a tight hug, smiling at Elijah. "I didn't know you two were coming today."

"I've reminded you for days, Ronald," Hermione pitched in, smiling gratefully to Draco, who walked past Eden's line of vision with a wink in her direction, carrying a box of stuffed animals.

It was interesting to watch him do things the Muggle way. Eden had a feeling he was doing that to impress a certain muggle-born witch, but she didn't say anything.

"Not my fault, 'Mione," Ron protested, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "I've had a lot on my mind."

"Of course you have," Hermione rolled her eyes, pulling Eden into a hug. "What're you two doing standing in here, c'mon, we're about to eat."

Hermione looped her arm through Eden's and pulled her along, Elijah walking at her side.

"Eden!"

Eden's face broke into a smile, spotting George carrying a red headed Teddy Lupin.

Eden let go of Elijah's hand and walked towards them, smiling up at George and then pulling Teddy into her arms.

Teddy's entire face lit up seeing her and he babbled baby nonsense, holding his hand to her cheek as his hair darkened to her color.

"Hi, baby!" Eden gushed, pressing kisses all over Teddy's face. "'My sweet bear, I missed you!"

Teddy giggled as Eden cradled him close, his tiny arms wrapped around her neck. Eden turned, finding the chaos still consuming the seating area, but Elijah standing in the midst of it, adoration written across his face.

"Teddy Bear," Eden carried the child towards Elijah. "This is Auntie Eden's favorite person in the whole world, and I'd like you to meet him. His name is Elijah."

Shyly, Teddy looked up from Eden's neck, observing Elijah. After a moment of staring, his hair shortened and lightened to that of Elijah's.

He reached grubby hands to Elijah, who appeared surprised, glancing from Eden to Teddy.

"It's alright," Eden said softly. "He just wants to say hi."

Tentatively, Elijah swallowed, eyes searching Teddy with caution. Outstretching his arms, he took the baby into his arms and his tense figure softened with the hug Teddy gave him.

"Hello, björn," Elijah cooed softly, rocking a bit in place. His eyes met Eden's a nervousness she'd never seen in them before.

Eden smiled encouragingly, running her hand through Teddy's hair.

"He's usually not this good with strangers," Ginny spoke up, patting Elijah's shoulder. "You're doing good, fangs."

"Fangs?" Elijah responded with a small grin. "Original, Ginny."

"Oi, watch it, Mikaelson," Ginny glared playfully, flicking her wand as decorations flew to the walls. "I can hex you."

"She's scary, believe me," Ron spoke up, walking into the room, snacking on an apple, making a face. "Blimey, 'Mione, do I have to eat this?"

Eden sat down on the loveseat, Elijah taking a seat next to her, Teddy cuddling further against him. Ron seated himself on the lounge chair, grumbling about fruit.

"Ron," Hermione entered the room, setting a gift box in front of the fireplace. "I've told you, we're eating healthier. Your food habits are rubbish, if you'd like to avoid high blood sugar and complications in—"

"—Merlin, 'Mione, alright!" Ron groaned. As Hermione turned her head to focus on the banner reading 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEDDY', Ron waved his wand and the apple flew across the room into the trash can.

Teddy burst into giggles at the action and Elijah pressed a kiss to his head.

"Afternoon, darling," Draco leaned over the sofa in between Eden and Elijah. "Elijah."

"Hey you," Eden wrapped her hand around Draco's chin gently, pulling his cheek to her lips and pressing a kiss there. He fought her but she could see the happiness in his gaze. "How's your mum?"

"Brilliant," Draco made a face to Teddy, who giggled at him. "She and Katherine are very happy."

Elijah tensed a fraction at the reminder of the younger vampire. Eden smiled at Draco.

"Are they hooking up, you think?"

Draco's smile dropped immediately, a look of utter revulsion on his face. Elijah's eyebrow lifted a fraction, as though it wouldn't surprise him.

"Fuck, Eden," Draco gagged. "That's disgusting. Don't — I'm not — it was bad enough when I caught my parents kissing once, Merlin, you're horrific."

"I think your mum deserves happiness," Eden countered with a smirk. "Imagine the two girls getting it—"

"—I'm going to blow my brains out, you vile wench," Draco flicked her cheek and walked off, smiling at Hermione — who was watching the pair — as he passed.

"Did you hear about Tennant leaving?" Harry perched himself on the arm of Eden's chair. "Gin's devastated. I think she'd leave me for him, soulmate or not."

"That's a pity," Eden frowned. "He's brilliant."

"The real pity," George exclaimed, falling onto the larger sofa, throwing a hand over his eyes. "Is that Caroline Forbes exists in a small town and I've no way of seeing her."

"This again, George?" Ginny asked, plating food. "How many times have I told you to just go to Mystic Falls and introduce yourself?"

"Harder than it seems," George groaned pathetically. "She's so pretty, I just want to—" his words were muffled by Charlie, who apparated in with a loud pop.

"Eden Sommers!" He grinned down at her.

Eden squealed, jumping up and launching into the dragon tamer's arms.

He swung her around a bit, pulling away and examining her face. "Are you injured? Everyone nice to you? Swear to Merlin, I will bring the dragons down upon everyone in that small town of yours. Targaryen style."

Eden laughed at his words, hugging him again before pulling back and waving her hand to Elijah.

"This is Elijah," she introduced, "Elijah, Charlie Weasley."

"Pleasure," Elijah smiled up at him, moving to stand, but Charlie waved him off.

"Not with this man," he pointed to Teddy. "You've been chosen, mate, good luck with doing anything ever again."

Elijah smiled at his words, eyes flicking to Teddy and then Eden and back to Charlie again.

"Eden's mentioned you in her letters," Charlie observed, transfiguring a chair to sit on as Eden took her seat next to Elijah again. "Heard you're an original vampire. Tell me, how often have you drank dragon blood?"

"Charlie," Eden groaned, tucking her head into Elijah's free shoulder. "Drop it, not everyone's going to be a vegan."

"Technically, one who drinks animal blood is the vegan," Elijah pointed out. "I'm more of an omnivore."

"Tell us more," Hermione shoved Charlie out of the way, taking his seat across from the couple. "Also, Eden, Hagrid is very upset you didn't tell him that your soulmates are original vampires."

"Technically, Elijah's my only—"

"—It's alright, Elskan," Elijah cut her off gently. "It's a complicated difference."

"Between you and your brother?" Hermione asked with wide-eyes. "How so?"

Elijah smiled softly at her. "I'm not sure I should explain it all to Eden without Niklaus," he explained gently. "But I can have him reach out to you if you'd like?"

Hermione's face lit up. "You mean — I'd — the original hybrid? Oh, Merlin, I have loads of questions."

Eden and Elijah exchanged a small smile.

"I'll text him," Eden offered. "Give him your number."

"Brilliant!" Hermione stood up, face falling. "Oh...oh no. I have to create a list. I—Draco!"

The pair rushed off and Eden watched them go, suspicion painted in her gaze.

"They're not together," Charlie supplied quietly, glancing to Ron — who was preoccupied with the mess of food Ginny'd poured over his lap. "Hermione's very clear about it."

"Why is that?" Eden asked. "She's not exactly...happy with Ron."

Charlie shrugged. "That's a Harry question," he answered, glancing over to the boy in question.

Harry shrugged. "It's complicated," he sighed. "'Mione's hard-headed. She won't accept it as anything more than platonic because she believes she's in control of her own destiny."

"She can still be in control and choose to love Draco," Elijah spoke up quietly. "It's worth it."

"Don't I know it," Harry's eyes found Ginny's figure across the room. "Look at her," he smiled gently.

The woman in question was holding baby James in her arms, humming softly in place.

The softness in Harry's eyes, the noise of her family — the domesticity of it all hit Eden very suddenly.

"I'm happy," she whispered, eyes filling with tears. She looked up to Harry, whose eyes found hers. "I think I'm happy right now."

"Marginally or imperatively?" Charlie asked.

"Absolutely," Eden answered instead. "I think...I forgot what it felt like."

Eden's eyes found Elijah's and she looked at him tearfully, smiling softly. Teddy, who was intuitive like his parents, perked up and clambered over Elijah, settling into Eden's arms.

"Bear!" He exclaimed.

Silence fell over the room.

"What?" Eden asked, looking down at her godson. "What was that?"

"Bear!" He bounced in her lap. "Bear, bear!"

"Bloody hell," Ron exclaimed with wide eyes. "His first word would be the only thing you call him."

An excited laugh was shared over the room as people cheered Teddy's name, Charlie taking him and soaring him around the room.

As if sensing the progress, the floo activated and in walked a rushed Andromeda.

"Hello, family," she greeted them all, and then looked around in confusion. "What happened?"

"Teddy, say it again for 'Meda."

"Bear!" Teddy's legs kicked excitedly, a dimpled grin over his few teeth. "Bear, bear!"

Andromeda's filled with tears and she pulled Teddy into her arms, kissing over his face.

"Teddy Bear," Andromeda pointed to Teddy's chest. "Our sweet little bear."

Elijah leaned towards Eden, softly speaking in her ear. "Fjölskyldan þín er fjölskyldan mín, Elskan."

Eden's eyebrows furrowed in question and he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Your family is mine," he whispered. "I love you."

Eden smiled softly, turning her head to look at him, nuzzling her nose against his.

"I love you, Elijah."

—

Fred Weasley was the most important person to Eden for years. He was the only person who managed to make her smile after her father's death, and the only one who made her feel safe after her torture.

His death was the hardest thing Eden had faced in her life.

And yet, standing next to Elijah, placing a flower over his gravestone, she smiled.

"I love you, Freddy," she whispered, resting her hand on the epitaph.

'Fred Gideon Weasley.
Brother. Son. Friend.
May he bring as much light and mischief to those in death as he did in life.'

Elijah didn't say anything, resting a hand gently on her back. She leaned against him, wondering when she'd stopped crying over the thought of her fallen boyfriend.

"Are you alright?" Elijah asked her gently, moving his hand to her hair and cupping the back of her neck.

Eden nodded. "Yeah," she whispered. "And I think he'd really like you."

"An honor and a privilege," Elijah kissed her hairline.

They stood there for another ten minutes, the noise of the Burrow far away. The hustle and bustle of life couldn't distract her from the empty space Fred left.

The space, she realized, Elijah had filled.

"Goodbye, Fred," she whispered, moving from Elijah's grip and kneeling over the grass.

Grass had grown over his grave. Flowers were conjured. He was bringing life over the soil that surrounded him. Even in death, she read the epitaph again.

Leaning her forehead to the headstone, she closed her eyes. Imagining, for a moment, that Fred was leaning back. Resting his head against hers.

What would he say now?

She wondered upon meeting Elijah if he'd be upset about their relationship.

But with Elijah standing behind her and her head upon Fred's grave, she realized how silly that was.

Fred wasn't selfish. He wasn't possessive. He was loving and kind and only wanted the best for Eden.

It's okay, she heard in the wind. A whisper of the man he was, a fragment of the soul he'd been and the love he offered.

But she knew it was him.

She'd resigned herself to loving Elijah, but she knew Fred would want her to love him fiercely. To accept wholly and completely the love being offered to her.

And by gods, as much as she loathed to admit it, that included Niklaus.

—

TRANSLATIONS:

björn - bear
Fjölskyldan þín er fjölskyldan mín, Elskan - your family is my family, love

Okay SO kind of unhappy with the ending buuuut hopefully the rest is okay? i didn't do the actual birthday because who tf cares about a 1 year old's birthday? Also if everyone thinks they're overdoing it for Teddy you're 100% right but it's not JUST about Teddy, so much as ensuring he never feels unloved and unappreciated. Especially because Harry's in his life and he was a child of war, they want to ensure everyone starts to move on too. Hopppeefffuiully you guys didn't hate this idk I'm sorry :(