In flashbacks, Stefan and Damon recall the long-ago actions taken by townspeople including their father, Guiseppe Salvatore, and Pearl, leading to the devastating events that caused the rift in their relationship. In the present, Bonnie’s date with Ben takes a frightening turn. Elena helps Stefan as he and Damon race to find the missing journal that belonged to Elena’s ancestor. Stefan learns the reason behind Alaric’s interest in both the journal and the town’s history. Damon discovers that an old acquaintance has returned to town with an agenda he understands.

Damon, Elena and Stefan attend the school dance with a 1950s’ theme, where Alaric introduces himself to Damon. Stefan and Damon try to figure out the identity of the new vampire in town, Stefan gives Elena jewelry filled with Vervain to protect her family and friends. To make ends meet Matt takes a job at the Mystic Grill. Ben comes to help Bonnie when he notices Damon is bothering her.

Damon travels to Georgia, where he goes to visit, Bree a former lover to help him open the tomb. To make things even more interesting Damon has to face someone from the past seeking vengence. Stefan tries to help Bonnie overcome her fears and accept her powers. Jeremy meets a girl named Anna who has her own theories on the mysteries behind Mystic Falls.

Stefan and Damon discover they have some competition to deal with, and Elena makes a devastating discovery.

A mysterious new history teacher, Alaric Saltzman arrives at the high school. When Elena, Bonnie and Caroline hold a séance, the results are stranger than any of them expected. Damonfinally reveals to Stefan the stunning reason he has returned to Mystic Falls.

Stefan gets a visitor from his past. Damon makes another kill and Bonnie reveals to Elena that she is a witch.

Stefan tries to save Vicki from herself. Damon tries to take his necklace back from Bonnie, he is shocked by Bonnie’s powers. Bonnie discovers more about her family’s history. Matt takes Vicki to a haunted house.

Elena seeks answers from Stefan about all the bad things happening in Mystic Falls. Stefan reveals how the rivalry with his brother began through a series of flashbacks. Damon controls Vicki’s future. Meanwhile, Sheriff Forbes and Mayor Lockwood try to protect their town.

Elena and Jenna have a problem with Jeremy’s relationship with Vicki. Stefan comes clean about his past to Elena. At a fund-raiser, Bonnie is taken aback by how advanced her powers are, and turns to her grandmother for guidance. Elena uncovers some news about the Salvatore family.

Elena and Stefan go to the town’s annual Founder’s Party. Vicki wants Tyler to take her to the party. Damon tells Elena about the history of the Salvatore’s. Stefan tries to cut Damon out of his life.