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Friday, June 10:

MIKAELSON COMPOUND:

After their initial meeting with the two Mikaelson brothers, the 14-year-olds stood in the middle of the abattoir in complete and utter shock.

Celeste and Ophelia didn't mean to start dating Klaus and Elijah, it just happened.

But Artemis just couldn't understand it, well she could but she just didn't want to.

She felt like her mother was replacing her father. She also felt horrible for thinking that, especially because it had been almost 7 years since Ezekial died.

Her mother had to move on.

But she didn't want to believe it.

So here they all sat in the lavish Mikaelson living room.

The teens were sitting opposite the adults.

Klaus held onto Celeste's hand, much to Artemis' disdain. Elijah's arm rested behind Ophelia's back, however, Blaise couldn't care less.

Theo, on the other hand just wanted to sleep after the long trip, he wasn't bothered about the situation but he knew he had to be there for his closest friends.

"So, you're a vampire?" Blaise spoke up, breaking the uncomfortable silence. His eyes were mainly on Elijah, knowing that the man...vampire was going to be his new stepfather soon.

So he has to get used to that, for however long that lasts.

"Yes Blaise, I am a vampire, but my brother is also a werewolf," the original responded calmly, attempting to tread lightly, especially because this was the first time he was meeting the teens of purebloods.

And more importantly, the children of the women, that he and his brother were seeing, as well as their young friend.

"So, you're like a hybrid?" Theo asked Klaus, blinky slowly, trying not to let his exhaustion get to him.

The hybrid nodded, "Yes."

"Woah, I need a cigarette to deal with this."

The twins began to giggle, Klaus chuckled, whilst Elijah cracked a smile.

Celeste was still extremely nervous, especially because her daughter hadn't spoken a word since they all sat down.

And judging by the blank stare on Artemis' face, she wasn't amused at all.

Klaus felt his lover tense, so he gave her a reassuring squeeze, which caused her to relax.

Judging by the subtle action, it had been done many times.

Celeste was a very stressed individual, contrasting her younger sister.

Klaus was used to de-stressing the witch, he loved doing it...in a variety of ways.

"Do you eat people?" Artemis asked, speaking up for the first time, all eyes turned to her as she directed her question towards the hybrid, instead of Elijah.

"We feed, Yes," he answered, although everyone knew he wasn't being entirely honest.

The Mikaelson's sins were legendary, you didn't need to look far to know the crimes they committed.

Artemis raised a brow, "So you wouldn't eat my mother?"

"He's probably already done that Arty." Blaise teased and Theo burst out laughing.

"Blaise!" The twins chastised the boy, whereas The Mikaelson's had to try and conceal their amusement.

"Sorry," he apologised, disingenuously and the room fell into another uncomfortable silence.

"I have an idea," Celeste spoke up quickly, tired of the tension that clung to the walls of the room. Everyone turned to her, "'Lijah," the oldest Mikaelson nodded, "why don't you take, me, Lia and the boys on a stroll throughout the city, whilst Arty and Nik stay here and bond."

"No," Artemis declined quickly, but everyone was quick to file out of the room, "why can't I come?" She whined, annoyed that she had to stay.

More importantly, she had to stay in the presence of someone she already disliked.

"Because we're going," Celeste responded and Klaus moved closer to the girl, "and you seem tired." The older witch mused, pressing a hand to her daughter's head before it was swatted away.

"I'm not."

"You are."

"Am not." She gritted out, frustrated and annoyed.

"Arty please," she whispered to her daughter, despite knowing that the hybrid could still hear them, she nervously gulped, "please," she repeated.

Celeste just wanted her daughter to get along with someone she was moving on with.

Klaus made her happy, it wasn't an intentional union, but it happened regardless.

The memory of her late husband was still prominent in her mind, body and soul.

Love like that couldn't just be forgotten, but she had to carry on with her life.

Artemis scanned her mother's eyes, she recognised the strain and desperation that flashed across them, "fine," she slumped against the couch, sighing in anguish.

"I love you," she pressed a kiss to the girl's forehead, and Celeste felt her hand being squeezed three times before she turned on her feet.

The action caught the Hybrid's attention but he chose not to mention it as he watched his lover walk over to him, pressing a kiss to his forehead and not his lips, something that she had grown to do, but she wasn't trying to disrespect her child.

Celeste offered both of them a smile, "Don't kill each other."

"No promises," Artemis replied before her lover could, she stared directly at the Hybrid who waved off the older Seramore.

"No worries Love, have fun." Klaus smiled at her before she mirrored his expression and walked away.

The atmosphere quickly became tense, the air felt cold despite the summer heat.

A servant came over and placed a glass of gin in Klaus' hand, which was filled with crushed ice.

The man quickly approached the young witch with cold water, she sent him a small nod before she turned back to the original.

She analysed him, his features, his demeanour, his voice and overall being.

He was manspreading in his chair as he held onto the glass of alcohol steadily.

The longer she stared at him the longer she realised that he was doing the same with her.

"Well it's clear my mum has a type," she exclaimed and he raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"Which is?"

"Men with blue eyes and curly hair," she said with a tight-lipped smile and picked up her drink and took a sip.

She couldn't deny that he was an attractive man, his eyes were piercing and his sandy blonde locks were short despite the curls still being defined.

His face was chiselled and unique. His British accent was strong and poignant.

Something that made Artemis want to sucker punch him. She wished she could say he was ugly or even grotesque and vile, but he was neither of those things.

Unfortunately.

He nodded stiffly, "Just like your father." he caught her freeze at his statement before she rolled her shoulders back.

"Precisely."

"Artemis-"

She quickly cut him off, "We don't have to get along, just treat my mum well." she advised, sounding unnervingly calm.

He squinted his eyes at her, "On the contrary, I believe we should get along." he gently moved his glass around, causing the ice to clash and dilute the gin.

She scoffed, "Why?"

"Because I fancy your mother." he pointed out, in a matter-of-fact tone.

Her brows furrowed, "Okay, that has nothing to do with me."

She would rather be anywhere else than be in a room with someone her mother was supposedly dating.

Artemis only stayed because she didn't want to disappoint her, although she was steadily regretting that decision.

He gesticulated, "You're her child-"

"Do you have children?" she questioned. Cocking her head to the side, a ghost of a smile tickled his lips, "correction, can you have children?"

"I have a son, yes," he said sternly, he noted the shock that flashed through her eyes.

To her, Klaus didn't seem like the most paternal man in the world. But she knew she didn't seem affectionate to anyone so she couldn't judge.

But she still will.

"Biological?"

"Adopted," he mused, "nevertheless he's mine."

Artemis' respect for Klaus may have gone up in her books, be she was still determined to not like him.

She placed her drink on the table that separated them, "Is he like you?"

Amusement shone through his eyes, "A hybrid?"

"Yes."

"No." he hastily shook his head, "he's a vampire."

After Klaus completed his transition and broke his curse, then he knew he couldn't make more of his kind, because he had already killed the doppelganger.

Something he regretted but he would never say aloud, knowing that somewhere vetoing the grave his mother was laughing at him.

There were times he wished that he could've made his son like him, but only those born with the wolf gene could only have the capacity to do that.

"What's his name?" she inquired, now very curious to meet his child.

"Marcellus," he said with a proud smile.

Another thing that shocked her, "The god of Mars and war." she uttered with wide eyes.

"Clever girl." he took a sip of his gin, not even flinching as the alcohol slid down his throat, "Roman names run in your family as well," he commented knowingly, more aware of Celeste's past than Artemis. But wasn't going to indulge in that matter.

"I guess." she shrugged and continued to eye him sceptically, "where is he?"

She wanted to meet Marcellus, curious to find out what he was like.

"He's a trip across the Andes, but he will return at the end of the year."

"Right." she slumped against her chair again and let her eyes wander over the infrastructure of the building.

Various sculptures and artwork hung on the walls, and the more her eyes darted over the details, the more she could recognise how ingenious the stroking and designs were.

Klaus seemed to follow her gaze.

Five paintings had who she presumed to be siblings.

She snapped her gaze back to him, and went to open her mouth to ask him something, he waited expectantly, but she snapped it shut and turned away.

He downed the rest of his drink, then spoke up, "Look, Artemis I don't want to replace you father."

"And you never will," she said bluntly.

"And I never will," he repeated, she slowly turned to him again, "I just want to take care of your mother."

"What makes you think she needs to be taken care of?" she didn't mean to snap but she couldn't help but feel frustrated.

For the first time in his life, his long extended life, he had to choose his words carefully, not wanting to upset the little heir, "She's strong but she's been through a lot."

"How would you know?"

"I can read people very well." confidence laced his tone.

She huffed, "Read me then." She threw her hands up in dismay.

He clicked his tongue before he pondered his words, his eyes bored into hers, "you're an intelligent and cunning girl." she pursed her lips as he continued, "but you're tired and tormented by your guilt."

He recognised the pain in her eyes, it was the very pain he experienced whenever he was kept awake by the dreams that his stepfather plagued.

Despite plunging a white oak stake into the man, many years ago with the assistance of his siblings, his nightmares never seemed to stop.

"That's a generic observation." she drawled and he chuckled.

At that moment, Klaus understood how magnificent the young witch in front of him truly is and how influential she will become.

He didn't like children, he found them overbearing and annoying, something his siblings even said about him.

However, when he took in Marcel, he saw himself in the child.

A warrior.

And it was the exact thing that he could see in Artemis.

"But am I wrong?"

She annoyingly sighed and rolled her eyes, "I guess not, but I still don't like you."

"That's fine," I have time, he thought, "but you will," he said promisingly.

"Sure." she nodded mockingly and a smile tugged at his lips, "so what do I call you? Because Klaus doesn't sound threatening at all."

"That's not what my enemies say." he shrugged innocently.

"Do you have a lot of them?" she leaned closer and her palm held up her face.

"Many." he tried to not sound too proud about his misdeeds, however, Artemis remained unbothered.

"Good."

Now he was taken back by her praise, "I'm surprised you think that's a good thing." he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

"The higher you go in the world the more enemies you make." she recited the words her grandfather loved to say.

"And do you have any enemies?" he questioned with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Tones."

They both smirked at each other.

***

Sunday, July 27th:

THE MIKAELSON GARDEN:

It's been over a month since the teens had been in New Orleans. The boys had settled in very quickly, however, Artemis was still cautious about her surroundings.

She avoided the Mikealsons throughout the days, which was a hard task to do because Klaus was usually around.

Whereas Elijah seemed to be the busier out of the two because he aided Ophelia and Celeste with their business deals.

They had almost finished building the La Menté: New Orleans branch but they just needed to add the finishing touches.

Throughout the summer, Artemis had constantly written to her boyfriend and her best friend, telling them about her adventures.

Daphne was over the moon that she had met other supernaturals, especially after hearing how good-looking the Mikaelsons were.

However, Draco was warier and slightly furious because he was worried about the dangers of being around, what he called 'bloodsuckers' and hoped the people he cared about, stayed out of harm's way.

Even though he knew that was unlikely.

So today, the teens were sitting outside in the garden of the compound, near the pool.

They were cooped up in a huge hexagonal glass table, which was covered by a huge umbrella, to prevent the sun rays from burning them.

They had all tanned over the long summer days, but the heat was frankly too hot and they needed some shade.

Elijah had taken Ophelia on a date, but Celeste was dealing with a few problems with her workers.

Artemis sat back in her chair, her eyes were closed as she tuned out the arguing going on around her.

"The Salem witch trials ended in 1693," Blaise stated loudly at Theo, yelling over his cousin who tried to remain unbothered.

The Nott wizard shook his head, "No, it was 92."

"93."

"92."

"93."

"92."

"Artemis," they yelled at the witch, she snapped her eyes open and glared at the boys.

"What?" she snapped and rubbed her temples.

"When did the witch trials end?" Theo asked before Blaise could.

She thought back to what she had learned, before she responded, "93."

Theo let out a loud groan as Blaise clapped loudly.

"Thank you." the older teen directed toward his cousin, who merely rolled her eyes.

"Wrong." Theo didn't want to believe it.

He hated to lose.

"I'm right, deal with it."

"It started in 92 and ended in 93." Artemis cleared up for the both of them, recalling the week's decade to the topic.

She would've been shocked that neither of the boys could remember the dates of the horrific trials, but they were barely awake.

Theo ran his hands over his face, "I hate you both." his speech was muffled but they could hear him.

The cousin shared a grin.

They were glad that Theo had slowly morphed back into his disgusted and very sarcastic self.

Theo had received a few letters from his parents but he continued to ignore them. Celeste had notified the Notts about their son's whereabouts and that he was temporary in her care.

They responded and were grateful, but they still worried about their boy.

"I still believe that the people they burned weren't even witches." Artemis thought allowed, confusing the boys slightly.

"Then who were they?" Blaise wondered,

Before she could respond, a familiar voice cut her off making her roll her eyes.

"Woman with impeccable talent, so their capturers had no choice but to condemn them for breaking social norms."

They all turn to Klaus who had walked up to the table with a sketchbook and pencils in hand.

He slid out of his chair and sat down.

Artemis nodded stiffly at his words, irked that he understand what she could comprehend from her learnings.

She noted that he had already begun to draw something, but didn't bother to ask him what.

Since her stay in New Orleans, she had learned how talented of an artist Klaus is, she wanted to ask him a million questions about it, but she chose to keep her mouth shut.

She also wondered if he and Draco would get along, because they loved to draw, however, her boyfriend had stated many times, that he didn't want to him.

But in other words, he was too scared.

Theo scrunched up his face, "That's stupid."

"Agreed."

"Fucking dumb." Blaise cursed, then snapped up his head up to Klaus, who started to grin, "Sorry."

"It's okay Blaise." the original waved him off, not bothered by the swearing-in the slightest.

Elijah usually reprimanded the teens for swearing, whereas Klaus practically encouraged it.

Klaus even shocked himself, that he liked spending time with them, he found Blaise, being the oldest, surprisingly the calmest, even though he could occasionally be quite snarky.

Whereas with Theo, he noticed the boy's sarcasm, he implored it and often conversed with him and they smoothly bounced off each other.

However, Artemis was the most manipulative. Something that her closest confidants could see and didn't care for.

She was cunning in his eyes and very smart, therefore adored the girl, even if she stated she disliked him, he knew she didn't.

"So you're like really old." Theo blurted out, making his close friend laugh.

Klaus' lips witched up, "Yes." he glanced up at the boy and then back to his sketch.

He had started the drawing a couple of days ago and wanted to get it right.

"How old?"

Klaus placed his sketchbook down, gradually becoming more invested in the conversation, "Almost 1000 years old."

The boys gawked in shock.

"Eww," Theo muttered and was smacked around the head by Blaise. But Klaus reassured the teens that he wasn't offended.

"Wow," The Zabini boy shared a look with his cousin.

Artemis shrugged, "That's cool I guess."

Theo stared at the two, "How?"

"He's seen a lot of things and has a lot of stories to tell," Artemis informed the boy, missing the brief smile that etched itself on Klaus' face.

"But he's so old."

Klaus chuckled, "I'm guessing you don't like ageing Theo."

"Well, I'm extremely good-looking," Theo motioned to himself, amusing everyone, "I don't want to lose that."

He might've sounded vain but he didn't care.

The idea of watching the people he loved died, scared that he would be forever alone.

"Are you calling me ugly?" Klaus feigned offence, making Blaise and Artemis conceal with laughter.

Theo furrowed his brows, as he eyed the hybrid, "No, you're fit." he understood why Celeste was dating him.

He wished people at Hogwarts looked like that.

Klaus huffed out a laugh, "Thank you."

"But still, it's weird that you lived for this long."

"Is it fun?" Blaise asked.

"Do you like it?" Artemis added, making the hybrid ponder his words.

He swallowed harshly before he spoke up, "Occasionally, it can be alot, but living through different reigns and embracing new cultures is a gift." he said fondly.

He didn't regret anything in his life. Certainly not daggering his siblings, or rightfully, in his mind, murdering his parents.

He eliminated his tormentors, most of them and he was even happier living in the city that his family ruled for centuries.

He wouldn't change a thing.

The teens nodded understandingly.

Blaise cleared his throat and leaned forward, "Okay, but have you ever slept with any queens?"

"Blaise." Artemis smacked around his head, whilst Klaus grinned.

"That's a good question though." Theo nodded towards his friend, before staring at the hybrid expectantly.

Klaus felt all their impressionable eyes on him as they waited for his response, "No, I haven't slept with queens..." he said unconvincingly, receiving blank stares, before he rolled his eyes and admitted, "maybe one."

Theo and Blaise squealed excitedly and nudged each other, they both missed the smirk that Klaus and Artemis shared.

"I knew it. It would be pointless if you didn't." Blaise nodded to himself.

Artemis shook her head, "Tactless cousin, truly."

"Any more questions little heirs?" Klaus questioned and was shocked when the teens all moved closer, wanting to listen to the stories and adventures he had to tell. 

"Can you roar?" Theo asked, his elbows were on the table as he leaned closer.

"Yeah, can you roar?" Blaise asked with a childish grin.

Klaus pinched the bridge of his nose, "Why is that your first question-"

"I think you need to roar," Artemis stated, backing up the boys, who nodded excitedly.

Klaus let out a deep sigh, knowing he had no choice but to comply, the teens waited in anticipation, watching as he inhaled sharply.

He rolled his shoulders back, and his eyes flashed golden, making them gasp. He growled deeply before letting out a roar so primitive and loud that it was enough to silence the city.

Birds flew away, scared that they might become prey to the owner of the guttural sound.

The roads shook and many surfaces cracked.

The wind picked up its pace and blew away anything in a 10-mile radius.

The teens stared up at him in awe, they were slightly scared that they would be part of the destruction he had caused, "Cool." They said simultaneously, after removing their hands from their ears.

The hybrid roll his eyes, but a small smile graced his face.

"Any more questions?"

For the rest of the night, Klaus informed the young heirs about his many lifetimes, chuckling and joking about the many people he had met and the mischievous things he had been up to.

And it was safe to say that he had broken down one of the many barriers that protected Artemis' heart.

***

Monday, August 18:

ARTEMIS' BEDROOM (THE COMPOUND)

Celeste softly knocked at her daughter's door in the early hours of the morning. She pushed it open after hearing a small 'come in'.

As she walked into her daughter's room, Artemis was still wide awake, her curtains were spread open as the sun slowly edged up the sky.

The sunrise was beautiful.

The orange hue spread across the horizon gracing anything in its way.

Celeste made her way over to her bed and joined her, wrapping an arm around the younger witch's shoulders.

"What are you doing awake Arty?" she asked softly, staring down at the girl, watching as the colours of the sky changed and washed over her face.

Artemis shrugged, "I didn't want to miss the sunrise."

She didn't feel tired she felt more awake, almost as if the sun was slowly energising her.

"It's beautiful."

"I know." she nodded slowly, not taking her eyes off the sky.

Celeste stroked her daughter's braidless hair, curls and kinks caught her fingers as she did so, "So have you liked New Orleans?"

"Have I liked your boyfriend, you mean?" a smirk appeared on Artemis's lips, it quickly morphed into a smile, when she felt fingers tickle her side, she squealed and moved them away.

"Cheeky. And I'm actually referring to the city." the older Seramore corrected. Although she was wondering what her child thought of the man...hybrid she was seeing.

Artemis turned to her, "It's wonderful even though it's very loud."

They both caught the distant sounds of tourists laughing loudly, despite the window only being open ajar.

They must only be travelling back home after their night out.

After all, New Orleans isn't called the 'Big Easy' for nothing.

"I'm glad you like it as much as I do." Celeste smiled widely.

She had a lot of affection for the city, especially after taking up residence for over a year.

The culture, the people and most of all the food she and her sister adored.

And the teens couldn't deny how much they loved it all, the Mikealsons had introduced them to many delicacies.

"Are you staying here for another year?" Artemis arched her brow questioningly and her mother softly shook her head.

"No, your aunt and I have finished our many business deals and will return before you go back to school."

"So you'll be there for the Quidditch world cup?"

"No, a couple of days after that."

Honestly, Celeste had never been a fan of the sport, and neither had her twin, so they both avoided it as much as possible.

"Okay." Artemis nodded stiffly, she wanted her mother to join her and the rest of her purebloods for the world cup.

The young heirs were very excited to watch the players, but they all knew that Lucius would be there to accompany and monitor them.

"I've missed you so much." Celeste pressed another kiss to her head, noting her deflated mood.

"I know."

"Brat." they both chuckled as Artemis turned her gaze back to the window.

"I've missed you too." the young girl replied genuinely, it made her mother smile.

Celeste nervously swallowed, "Can I ask you something?"

Artemis heard the jittery tone of her mother's voice, she had an inkling of where the conversation was going, "Of course."

"What are your honest opinions on Klaus?"

Artemis sighed at the mention of the sandy blonde Mikealson, "He's okay I guess," a smile spread across her face, warming her mother's heart, "but if he asks, tell him that I don't like him." she added quickly.

Celeste laughed softly, "I will." she said, "he won't replace your father Arty." her fingers subconsciously gripped onto the necklace she always wore, it carried her wedding ring, always, so she would never lose it.

Her late husband's ring was kept in a box at home, in her office.

Ezekiel would always be a part of her, she saw him in their child also, he lived in her heart and her soul, and she would never forget the man that made her believe in love.

She liked to believe that he was looking after their baby boy; Apollo up in the clouds.

She often thought of how their son would've turned out, perhaps a younger version of their daughter.

Or even a crazier version of Blaise.

She usually imagined him growing up to be a great man.

Celeste's dreams allowed her to see both of them, so she was never alone, even when she slept.

Something that comforted her dearly.

Artemis hummed in agreement, "I know, he never will," she playfully rolled her eyes before she continued, "but if you like Klaus I can be nice to him."

She wanted her mother to be happy and the happiness of her loved ones is all she could truly ask for.

"I love you." Celeste grinned down at her daughter, as she felt her hand being squeezed three times before they both turned back to their changing sky.

The two Seramores waited until the sun rose and then gradually fell asleep, in each other's arms.

***

a/n:

idk why but the summer chapters always make me cry.

what did you think of Artemis X Klaus? Did you think she was too harsh?

Thoughts on the kids' reactions?

Thoughts on Celeste and her character?

The next chapter will be about the Quidditch World Cup.

I've almost written most of the chapters for this act, it's going by so quickly mainly because not much happens in this film for the Slytherins at all. But that's fine. This act will probably be the shortest act out of the whole book so far.

Also check out my TikTok, (@saintsiren.wp) I occasionally post edits of my stories. Even one based of this chapter.