The Reunion

Title: The Reunion
Author: L.J. Smith
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 246
Release Date: 1992
Chapters: 16
Genre: Young Adult, Horror, Science Fiction, Romance
Followed by: The Return: Nightfall

After Elena’s death Stefan and Damon flee Fell’s Church. In an attempt to rekindle their friendship Caroline holds a surprise birthday party for Meredith however the party soon turns into a nightmare after the girls try to contact Elena through a Ouija board. Elena tells them that a new and more dangerous power is coming to Fell’s Church and they must fight it. Before Elena has chance to finish her message Caroline’s house is plunged into darkness. The girls attempt to get out, with Caroline leading them however they become separated and scatter. Bonnie feels a hot sweaty hand grab her and after she and Meredith hear a crash from upstairs. The lights come on and Bonnie and Meredith find Vickie upstairs staring out of a broken window. Sue Carson is dead on the ground below.

Using the information from Elena’s message Bonnie, Meredith and Matt attempt to summon Stefan using blood and hair from the crypt. Stefan answers Bonnie’s call for help and returns to Fell’s Church accompanied by Damon. Stefan explains that evil power is attracted to Fell’s Church because of all the blood that was spilt there during the Civil War.

The group visit Vickie and Stefan hypnotizes her. Vickie tells them that she and Sue were attacked by a tall blonde man. Stefan believes that Vickie’s attacker was another vampire and the group promise to look after Vickie. Acting on another hunch Bonnie and Meredith stage a fight at school during which Meredith declares that she is going to visit Elena’s grave alone.

Whilst Meredith is there Tyler Smallwood appears, changes into a werewolf and starts to attack Meredith. Once again Stefan stops him and threatens to amputate once of his limbs if he doesn’t tell him who attacked Sue Carson. Tyler admits that the girls were attacked by an Old One, and original vampire who is next to impossible to kill. He also admits that Vickie is next.

The group race to Vickie’s house where Damon was on guard, when the arrive Damon is there but Vickie is already dead. Stefan confronts his brother and the pair argue. Damon hits Stefan and threatens to kill him if he ever follows him. Later, Bonnie agrees to let Stefan see Elena through her visions. Whilst Stefan is with Elena, the Old One interrupts and introduces himself as Klaus, the vampire that changed Katherine.

Meredith visits her grandfather, who was once attacked by Klaus, and he tells them that white ash wood is the only wood that can hurt an Old One. They also learn that Klaus has kidnapped Caroline and plans to kill her unless Stefan comes alone and fights him. Bonnie, Meredith and Matt vow to help Stefan but he refuses to take them and threatens to kill them if they follow him.

Stefan confronts Klaus and begins to fight him whilst Meredith, Matt and Bonnie take on Tyler. Stefan is badly injured and near to death but Damon shows up in time to help Bonnie and save his brother. Klaus attacks back and hits Damon with lightening, feeling helpless Bonnie drapes herself over Stefan’s body and calls upon Elena for help. Elena appears, along with the ghosts of all those who died in the Civil War. The soldiers take Klaus and Elena uses her gift as protector to heal all the wounded she then begins to disappear at which Stefan calls out in agony.

Elena then suddenly, reappears in human form, naked on the floor. Elena and Stefan are reunited whilst Damon stands on the outskirts of the group. Damon admits that he is not one of them. Matt argues that Damon only killed Mr Tanner in self defense and Damon admits that he could not have saved Vickie as he had not been invited into her house. Even though he is cleared of all his sins Damon leaves.

Memorable Quotes

• “Little brother, the world is full of what you call ‘wrong’. Why not relax and join the winning side? It’s much more fun, I assure you.” – Damon
• “You came here all decked out against vampires. But I’m not a vampire.” – Tyler
• “I always knew you were a jerk, but I didn’t know you were this stupid. I’d have thought you would have learned not to jump girls in graveyards, but no. And you had to brag about what you did to Sue, too. That wasn’t smart Tyler.” – Stefan
• “I’ve learned what trusting you is worth. Get out of here Damon. I never want to see you again.” – Damon