Arielle Kebbel

On his birthday, Stefan is surprised by a visit from Lexi (guest star Arielle Kebble - The Grudge 2, Gilmore Girls), one of his oldest friends. Still upset by the events at the Halloween haunted house, Elena does her best to stay away from Stefan, but Lexi gives her some unsolicited relationship advice. Meanwhile, Elena and Jenna are surprised by a change in Jeremy's behavior and, at Damon's insistence, Caroline tries to get his medallion back from Bonnie. Plus, Damon's offer to help Sheriff Forbes (recurring guest star Marguerite MacIntyre) has sudden and tragic results.

Stefan tells Elena about a dark time in his history and the surprising person whose influence changed everything. After getting the truth out of Luka (recurring guest star Bryton James), Jonas (recurring guest star Randy Goodwin) makes his feelings clear to Bonnie and Jeremy. Trying to catch Elijah (guest star Daniel Gillies) off-guard, Damon arranges a dinner party for him with Jenna, Alaric and Andie (recurring guest star Dawn Olivieri – Heroes), but last-minute information throws Damon's plan into chaos.

As Mystic Falls prepares to celebrate the traditional Illumination Night, the town is invaded by spirits of the dead. After a particularly violent encounter with an angry spirit, Damon asks Bonnie to find the reason behind the ghosts’ surprising power. Elena convinces Jeremy to use his connection to the other side to help her find a new way to reach Stefan, leading Jeremy to a terrible choice. Finally, Alaric discovers a long-hidden clue to the past.

When Stefan confronts Damon with a suspicion about Elena, Damon has no choice but to help Stefan investigate. Searching for answers, Damon and Stefan visit modern-day New Orleans to see if they can find anyone who remembers the events of their last visit in 1942, including one of Damon’s former flames, Charlotte (guest star Madeline Zima – Californication). Elena, Caroline and Bonnie share a girls’ night while the Salvatore brothers are out of town, and emotions run high when Elena delivers some shocking news. At Hayley’s (recurring guest star Phoebe Tonkin) urging, Tyler confronts one of Klaus’ hybrids, Kimberly (guest star Alyssa Diaz – Red Dawn), and the situation quickly escalates into violence. Finally, Damon is faced with a heartbreaking decision.

In the season finale, it’s Graduation Day and Mystic Falls is overrun with ghosts intent on settling old scores and fulfilling their supernatural destinies. Damon’s life is in danger after a ghostly encounter, while Matt and Rebekah (recurring guest star Claire Holt) join forces to battle a ghost determined to find the cure. As everyone gathers for the graduation ceremony and the ghosts converge, help comes from an unlikely hero. Caroline receives a touching and unexpected graduation present, and Bonnie’s plan leads to the closing of the veil. Elena makes a decision about the Salvatore brothers and faces an epic confrontation with Katherine. Finally, Stefan discovers a horrifying clue to the mystery surrounding Silas.