A/N: okay guys, here is the third installment in my A Different Time and Place series. This is probably going to be the largest fanfiction in the series so far because I've decided that since I already let myself get carried away in the previous stories that I shouldn't even try and fight it this time. I'm going to take the whole Billy and Christy thing in a whole other direction than the show did. I want to knock this story out of the park so I'm really going to dive into the whole Arthur legend.
The sisters stood in the attic, all dressed in their best outfits. Prue was wearing her signature color, black, in a form fitting satin dress that hugged her curves and had a plunging v-neck that exposed her cleavage. She wore bright red peep toed shoes with four inch hells that showed off amazing legs with a matching cap sleeve shrug, her hair was pulled back in an elegant chignon with her hair parted at the side. Standing at the book, Prue was the picture of calm and collected, though she wore an easy smile.
Piper was running around trying to create the perfect meal while avoiding unwanted spills on her favorite dress, a navy blue slip dress that came below her knees and had a small slit in the back. Her hair was pulled back in a long pony tail and her black suede pumps were clacking all over the hardwood floors of the attic as she pulled out Melinda Warren's blessing cup and other mementos for quick centerpieces that would complete a perfect table.
Phoebe sat on Aunt Pearl's couch in a satin dress the color of dusty rose, with a v-neck and spaghetti straps; her hair hung loose barely past her shoulders. She held her daughter and watched over Wyatt, Chris, and Melinda who were placed on a large throw blanket and playing with toys while the ceremony was prepared.
Billie entered wearing pressed black slacks and an aqua blue camisole with a lace trim. "Hey, guys. How much longer until we can begin? The men are getting restless."
"Alright already," Prue said. "Have you checked on Paige and the baby?"
"Yeah, she was just finishing getting Hank dressed. Should I go get her?"
"Yeah, but send the men up first. It will be nice to let Paige make an entrance," Piper said. "Oh, and put these on the table alternating with the vases," she instructed as she handed over the family mementos.
"So are we ready for Paige's surprise," Phoebe asked, rising before placing Pearl on the blanket with her cousins.
"Let's do this," Prue said and the three walked to their ritual table. Picking up the athame, Prue pricked her fingertip before passing it to Piper who followed suit and then gave it to Phoebe. They let their blood pool in a ceremonial bowl and continued their task.
"Melinda Warren," Prue called. "Patricia Halliwell," Piper summoned. "Penelope Halliwell," Phoebe announced. "Blood of our blood," the three said in unison, "we summon thee."
In a swirl of bright, cascading lights Melinda, Patty, and Penny coalesced into corporeal forms. "Hello, my daughters. Blessed be. It has been so long since the last time we met," Melinda said before turning to look at Patty and Penny. "So many of my daughters in one room," she said with great pleasure. "What is the occasion?"
"We're having a wiccaning," Prue told her. "We wanted to make it a special one so we summoned all of you."
"No one summoned me before to tell me about a wiccaning," Penny said.
"That's because you're here as a guest Grams. Prue is going to be performing the rite," Phoebe told her. "She's officially reached matriarch status."
"Oh, Prudence," Patty said and hugged her eldest daughter. "So many special moments I've missed," she continued, "with all of you," she said before hugging Piper and Phoebe too.
Patty and the rest took their places as Billy and the men entered the attic. Behind them were Paige and baby Hank, dressed in a white gown while Paige wore a peach sleeveless blouse tucked into a coal grey pencil skirt and Jimmy Choos.
"Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends; our family spirit without end," Prue chanted, and a haze of glowing light spread through the attic as their ancestors appeared, answering Prue's call.
"Leave it to the fairies," Grams laughed at hearing details of what had led Paige to becoming pregnant. The family was enjoying the feast Piper had prepared and everyone was laughing.
"Speaking of the faeries," Harrison said, "the council has extended an open invitation to you for celebration of the sabbats. It seems they were rather taken with you the last time and want to encourage a friendly relationship."
"That's quite an honor," Leo said with a wide grin on his face. "You girls are very lucky."
"Does Melinda want to see a faery," Piper asked her daughter with a silly voice. "Yes, you do!"
"You named your daughter after me," Melinda Warren said and put her hand to her heart. "Oh, Piper."
"You know, Harrison," Grams began, "even as powerful a witch as I was, I never learned much about the secrets of the guardians. Your lot is a very private bunch. How is it that you are so closely involved with the faeries?"
"Certain Sabbats let the veil between our world and the fay world down, when the fay can come and interact with humans freely. Beltane is like their playground and guardians are humans that they can interact with without having to make sure that the humans won't remember that they've been visited. It allows them to make friendships. Over the years they have helped to protect our society and endow us with extra power," he explained.
Everyone continued to celebrate and share stories and before they knew it the night was over and the guests dissipated. The sisters remained at the manor for clean up and soon the manor was empty except for Prue's husband and children. Billy came down after helping Prue put the boys down and started grabbing her belongings.
"Thanks for helping me with the boys," Prue told her. "Are you going back to your mom's or are you heading to Paige's?"
"Paige's for sure. Things with my parents are cooler now but I think it's best if we keep a little bit of distance between us. Too much of a good thing, you know," Billy said. "It's really convenient that they moved in behind the manor."
"Yeah, I'm thinking of convincing my sisters into joining our backyards into one giant courtyard. It would be great for outside rituals."
"And parties," Billy said resulting in Prue slapping her arm. "Go home," Prue said with a laugh.
"Think about it, we could have our own ritual space for the sabbats," Billy called out as she left.
Billy entered Paige and Henry's house, walking up to her bedroom. Taking off her boots, she continued to undress and get into her pajama pants before climbing into bed. Laying her head to rest, Billy's hand slipped under the pillow on her other side and she pulled out a picture of two little girls. "Christy," she said tracing her sister's face. "Where are you?"