We're just over a week away from the season three premiere of The Vampire Diaries, as fans count down the days until Elena's 18th birthday.

We're also just over two weeks away from the second episode of the season, titled "The Hybrid." It will focus on Klaus' plan for even more power, as detailed in this official synopsis. Based on the following, just-released photos from the installment, it will also spend a lot of time with Elena and Damon; and Matt and Jeremy.

We wonder what the latter pair is discussion. Perhaps the return of a no-longer-dead sister? Click on the images below to enlarge...

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.