#jason piscius aurelius de leone

[hotpotrandomfics]

So which one of your OCs do you picture in a poly AU?

Riordanverse

The following could be poly under the right circumstances are: Ciel, Markus, Leon, and Myles.

It’s all a matter of the right story, pair options, headcanon moments, and events in the original Riordanverse timelines (PJO, HOO, TOA, KC).

RWBYVerse

As previously stated, the following characters could be poly in the right circumstances and narrative: Ezra and Arsené.

Hogwarts Mysterverse

As previously stated, the following characters could be poly in the right circumstances and narrative: Jason, Hakon, Adrien, and Aegis (yet to be shared).

[mastrmiscellaneous]

Writing colab: Time Turner Mishaps, Part 1

Description: @son-of-aurlius-piscius and i have been writing this together for a while. I’ll be posting part 1, and in a few days, hell post part 2. more information will be shared on his part. thanks mate, i really had fun doing this!

this story is basically our MCs, Jason, Charli, and Thomas suddenly joining each other in their curse breaking adventure. humour, angst, and fun times wait ahead...

word Count:

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Thomas was having a pleasant day, the lake was reflecting the sun’s light perfectly, the wind blew gracefully through the trees, and he had finally found the perfect, quiet spot to sit in to study. But it all changed when two mysterious figures appeared from the sky. One of them was a tan boy in a Slytherin uniform who slammed hard on the ground with a loud “thunk”. 

“Woah! What the-” Thomas jumped back, eyes wide and a hand over his chest, breathing quickly, heart racing. The stranger lay face down on the ground and ground in pain, snapping Thomas out of his fearful trance and rushed towards him. “Hey, mate, you ok? What happened?”

“Merlin that hurt,” the boy pushed himself up slowly as the pain ran through him. “Where am I? Who are-” the boy looked at him confused. “Why do you have a prefect badge?”

Thomas looked down at the boy’s robes and noticed an identical badge to his. “What the- who are you?”

“I’m Slytherins prefect. Jason,” said the boy as he slowly stood up. “How would you not know me?”

“I think you’re mistaken, because I am the Slytherin Prefect. I’m Thomas.” He stared at the boy with his most intimidating look. He’d been told that he looked scary when he glared, which was weird, because he always saw himself as a massive sweetheart. But he needed to be intimidating. Someone was impersonating a prefect. “Why would I know about you?”

“Because my brother was expelled. Jacob,” Jason said with a broken look in his sea green eyes.

“My brother was expelled. His name was Jacob.” Thomas and Jason shared a confused and frantic look. “Weird question, but was he expelled for looking for… the cursed vaults?”

The two Slytherins stared at each other, not completely knowing what to do, or say. However, they didn’t have much time to think, as they heard a small, girlish scream and a loud splash from the lake.

“Fuck.” the feminine figure pushed herself up, dripping wet and a scowl on her face. She had jaw-length, wavey, brown hair, olive skin, and the most annoyed and terrifying look on a face either boys had ever seen, and they go to school with Ismelda Murk! Her fringe was plastered to her forehead, slightly covering her hazel eyes. “Why do these things always happen?”

“Um… Hello?” Thomas called out to her, looked between Jason and the girl, confused. 

“You alright?” Jason walked over looking all over the girl. “Any cuts?”

“Oh Jesus. Why is it always guys?” she muttered, standing up and checking herself. “Why is it never a cute girl?”

“Afraid not. So no cuts?” Jason looked at her concerned. “What’s your name if I may ask?”

She looked Jason up and down, raising an eyebrow and looking disgruntled. “Name’s Charli. I’m surprised you don’t know me. Everyone knows ‘the great cursed Gryffindor’.”

Jason scanned the girl and shook his head. “No Charli. Oh sorry, I should have given you my name.  I’m Jason,” he offered his hand in a friendly gesture. Charli looked at the hand, and shook it, her grip strong on the boy’s hand.

“Ok, so I’m never going to find out what you are doing here?” Thomas called from the shore, looking annoyed. “Who exactly are you both?”

“I am Jason Piscius Aurelius De Leone,” he said as he turned to face Thomas. “Slytherin prefect and unfortunately bitten by Fenrir Greyback. Cursed Slytherin. Ex cetra.” He raised his hand in a friendly gesture looking nervous at him.  

“Well, that’s a name and a half, aint it?” Charli looked shocked and mocking at Jason, laughing slightly to herself. “I can bearly remember mine, and it’s literally 10 letters! I’m Charli Rowe. Gryffindor keeper, curse breaker, sister of the famed Jacob Rowe. That’s all people really know me for.”

She shrugged, looking content with her words, simplistic as they may be. She looked at Thomas, expectantly, and she realized he was staring at her.

“Oh, right! My name’s Thomas Donner. Pureblood, Slytherin, disgrace to my family, hunter for cursed vaults.” He thought for a second, then jumped at his own thought. “Oh, and I am the Slytherin prefect. Not this Kid.”

He nodded his head towards Jason, a small scowl on his face.

“Wait a moment,” Jason raised his hand to chin. “We all have a brother named ‘Jacob’. Who is your best friend? On three we will say who it is.” 

The small group counted to three, slowly, and looking at each other, judging slightly. On three, they all called out their best friend’s name.

“Rowen Khanna.” muttered Charli.

“Rowen Khanna.” stated Thomas.

“Rowen Khanna.” Jason said as his eyes lit up. “Have you two had a recall on Time Turners?”

Thomas’ eyes widened, surprised at Jason’s knowledge. “Yes. Charli?”

“Yeah, I have.” she seemed upset, but this wasn’t the time to ask. Maybe in a few minutes, after they had figured out what the hell was going on.

Jason paced around the sand lost in his thoughts running his hand through his raven locks. “I have a theory but this is speculation.” He looked at the two fiddling with his bracelet on his left wrist. “What if the effect of the curse vault is messing with Time Turners? What if they are connecting possible timelines. Professor Binns mentioned something like this happening once in his nappy ways.”

Charli scoffed, arms crossed, left hand fiddling with something under her shirt. “You actually listen in those lessons? Nerd.”

“Look,” he stared at Charli with a more stoic look. “If we all have a brother named Jacob and a Time Turner recall then this isn’t a coincidence. Also yes I pay attention because Meri gets on me if I don’t pay attention.”

“I have several questions just about the word ‘Meri’.” Charli seemed to bounce on the spot and looked excited, smiling cheekily. 

“They can wait, Gryffindor. Right now we need to figure out what’s going on.” Thomas interrupted the girl. He hated being rude, but he needed to know what was happening.

Charli frowned and glared at Thomas. “Why can’t I have fun this year?”

Thomas and Jason looked at her, confused, and slightly worried about the shorter girl, but they brushed it off after she glared up at them, defensively.

“Thomas is correct,” Jason smiled at Charli. “I’ll tell you more after we settle this. But where should we start? I was in the middle of searching for the next vault when I kinda messed up with my Time Turner.” He blushed, embarrassed, and scratched his head giggling like he does when he got nervous.

“So was I. I was just about to search the lake when my TT just started spinning.” Charli shivered slightly in her wet robed. “Hey, can one of you lend me your cloak? This is freezing.”

“Sure, here.” Thomas slipped his cloak off and handed it to her. She looked displeased that it was green, not red, but slipped it on anyway, instantly looking better.

Jason pulled his TT out and looked at it as it sparked and acted like gears that were jammed. “Hmmm,” he glanced at the other two. “Hey, can I see your turners pleased?” 

Thomas picked up his bag and pulled out a small, leather pouch, untieing it and pulling out a silver time turner, handing it to Jason. Charli mutter something that sounded like ‘mister formal’ and slipped off hers. Charli’s time turner was bronze, the gears rusted slightly, and small sparks flew out of them. The weird thing was, Thomas’ turner looked fine, unlike the others.

“Okay,” Jason sighed. “If I’m right, we are in Thomas’s time. This has to be it,” he looked at the two nervously. “Any of you see in Jacobs notebook about an underwater vault?”

“Yeah, he’d drawn some creepy shit when talking about it. Drowning girls was a common thing for that particular segment.” Charli looked extremely disturbed, thinking back to her time alone in Jacob’s room.

“Same here, just not with the drowning.” Thomas looked at the three time turners, thinking intently. “I guessed it was in the lake, so I’ve been sitting in different corners of the lake, looking for hints to where it is. This is the last place.”

“I suggest one of us swim in if we can’t find anything around the lake. What do you all say? A little adventure?” Jason tried putting on a heroic pose to help lighten the situation. He had been practicing humor in times of strife. Sometimes it worked and others it didn’t.

Charli laughed, and shook her head. “You look weird. I guess I should go out, I’m wet anyway.”

“Are you sure? It’s freezing in there, and you’re already cold.” Thomas worried, fumbling with his cloak that had been thrown at him.

“I’m ok.” She said, bluntly, sounding annoyed. That girl has a short temper. She jumped into the lake and disappeared into the dark abyss of the water. She didn't emerge for several minutes, but when she did, they noticed that she morphed slightly, her brown hair growing and something disappearing from her head. “I can’t see anything.”

“It’s probably hidden, like the rest. It’ll take ages to find it.” Thomas called out to her, shaking his head. “Come back, we’ll think more.”

Charli swam quickly back to shore and shook off like a dog. “Do either of you gentlemen know a drying spell? I appear to be quite soaking.”

“I got it, sorry in advance,” Jason drew his wand and cast Ventus drying Charli off. “You feel better now? I’ll go next once we get a better idea of a location.” He put his wand back smiled at the two. “Thomas? Charli?”

“That won’t be necessary.” Thomas glared at Jason. To be truthful, he didn't really trust the other Slytherin. He had gotten used to spotting purebloods during his years, and he didn't know this boy’s family. He didn’t like that. “This is my vault. I will look for it.”

The boys stared at each other, Thomas glaring, and Jason looking confused at the anger in Thomas’ eyes.

“You Slytherboys done with your dominance competition?” Charli said, raising an eyebrow at them. “I have places to be at home, and I’d like to get to that.”

“Fine.” Thomas turned to the lake and sighed. “I feel like we need more brains. Maybe we should go to Rowen and Penny. They can help us-”

“NO!” Charli yelled, looking panicked. “We can’t do that.”

“I agree with Charli. Who knows the what effects we might cause. Fewer people the better, but I personally would suggest maybe a professor. Dumbledore? McGonagall?”

“Yeah, what he said. Effects and stuff.” Charli spoke quickly, then muttered, barely audible. “Definitely not my fear.”

“What was that?” Thomas asked.

“NOTHING!” she squeaked, tensed up and eyes wide.

“I know I shouldn’t ask but I’m curious,” Jason looked down at the short girl. “Something wrong in your reality?”

Charli, looking defeated, sighed and looked to the side, frowning sadly, and biting her lower lip. “A lot has happened in my reality the past year. Things that made my Rowen, and the others, not really trust me anymore…”

“Charli,” Jason walked over placing a hand on her shoulder softly. “I don’t know you all that well but what I can at least get from your actions is you’re a good person. Granted I don’t know if what I say might help but you aren’t alone. If all three of us have the same friends then we know they have our backs. They will welcome you back if you can apologize.” He moved his hand off her and smiled at. “We could consider each siblings too since we share one major thing: Jacob.” Jason always tried to comfort others despite his own personal pains. Fenrir attack. Cain’s bullying. His family divorce. He tried to smile through the pain for other's sake.

“It’s easy to say that stuff when you don't know what I did.” Charli sighed, then drew a long, strong breath, forcing a big, goofy smile. “But let’s not talk about that! We have more important things to do.”

“Are you sure? It sounds like you need some advi-”

“I said let’s move on! God, do you have slugs in your ears?” Charli joked, looking slightly pained as she thought about her home. Her Hogwarts.

“As you wish Madam Rowe,” Jason laughed softly, as Charli mouthed ‘madam’ with confusion. “Thomas, by chance, what spot seems to be promising? Your vault. Your Hogwarts. You lead the way.”

Thomas puffed his chest out, a cocky look on his face, that screamed ‘you bet I am’. “Well, this is, like, the last place I’ve been looking, but my friends are studying the lake to make sure. Are you sure I shouldn’t talk to them? Even alone?”

At that last point, he looked at Charli, smiling comfortingly.

“That would be fine I think. Charli?” Jason looked at her. 

“I guess that’s ok. Just don’t mention what’s happening here.” she looked confident, a stereotypical Gryffindor look. The one you see on quidditch players before a match.

Jason nodded in agreement. “We will see you in a few minutes?”

“Sure, ok.” Thomas looked at his bag, then at Jason and Charli, looking distrustful. However, he ran off, towards the castle, telling them to hide behind the boulder he was sitting by. Once he was out of view, Charli shrugged and slumped against the rock immediately picking up Thomas’ bag and rummaging through it.

“Looking for a snack?” Jason raised his eyebrow. “Very unbecoming of a lady.” He smirked at her, teasingly. 

“First of all, I’m not a lady. I’m a half-blood, we can’t be ladies in the wizarding world. Secondly, I know I’m skinny, I don't eat much, especially food I find in stranger's bags.” she finally looked up from the bag and looked at Jason. “Lastly, I’m just checking him out. One of my issues, I guess I just don’t like when guys are sketchy... “ she looked down, sadly, then rummaged through the bag again. “That’s how Jacob acted before he left. Before he… God, what am I doing, opening up to you?”

“It’s fine Charli. I was only trying to make light of it. I didn’t mean offense.” Jason started fiddling with his bracelet. “I can understand that to a degree. If want to you can speak to me. I know, ‘Slytherin’-”

“I get you were trying to do. I’ve just had a rough few years.” Charli seemed startled by her interuting him, but continued. “You being a Slytherin doesn't bother me, I just find it hard to trust people. I’m the youngest in my family. My older sister is a muggle, like mum. She’s mum’s favorite because of that. Jacob was the first of their children that showed magic, and the only boy, so he was dad’s favorite. I wasn’t supposed to happen, so I was kinda forgotten. Jacob was the only one that gave me the time of day, until he got to Hogwarts, and got entranced by the vaults. Then he left, and my life has been hell ever since. It was only made worse when… when something went wrong in the vault last year, and I had to push my friends away, so they didn't completely too. I’m completely alone, no matter where I go. I don't think people would notice if I disappeared like Jacob did…”

“Charli,” the look she had on her face reminded him of someone close to him. The pain of lose and rejection were something Jason knew. “You are so much like Meri with that look. I guess that’s why I am trying to help if anything. I got a few bits that happened sometime last year. I lost being a pureblood right. When I was searching for a cursed vault in the Forbidden Forest I ran into Fenrir Greyback.” Jason removed his cloak, loosening his tie and opening his shirt, showing his scar from when he was bitten. “I did something stupid for Meri. She was hurt and I pushed her out of the way and took the bite for her. Stupid but all I did was move. She suffered so much alone. I couldn’t bare her suffering. Granted, she and I fought our first four years, but I had this admiration for her, despite it. Then,” he raised his sleeves showing scars, “my dad would fight mom in the manor and I tried stopping it so I am scarred from trying to stop pain on others. Whether I get hurt makes no difference. I would step in front of anyone if it meant they were safe. Meri always gives me an earful but hey I’m an idiot with a hero complex.” Jason smiled at her. “Charli, we have people we care for. Pushing them away or stepping in front of something to defend them also hurts them. It’s fine if your skeptical but if you remain like that then you’ll always be alone. This world can be lonely and we need to cherish whatever we do have.”

“I get that…” Charli frowned, sadly, as she looked out at the shining lake. She thought for a second, then looked at Jason, a small side smile on her face. “Last year, in the vault, I had Merula, Rowen, Penny, and Ben accompanying me. In the beginning of the vault, Ben got injured, so Penny stayed back to look after him. Later on, Rowen said it wasn’t worth going forward without a full team. I disagreed. I needed to find Jacob, to maybe, finally, get some attention from my parents. Merula followed me forward, and we fought the vault with everything we had. But it just, wasn't enough. Merula got badly hurt… a few hours later, we finally got her to the infirmary. But it was too late. She’s gone. All because of me…”

Tears were falling down her face, now. Silent sobs were her specialty, as she had to hide a lot, at home, ad in her Hogwarts. She’s used to it.

Jason hugged Charli. Whenever he cried Jacob would always comfort him with hugs until he felt better. He picked up the habit from him whenever anyone of his friends was having a rough time. Exams. Personal. Jason was that snake that coiled around them for the sake of protection and love he had for everyone. If he could help someone he would. Friend or Foe. Snape and Puffskeins too. 

Charli leaned into his embrace, thinking back to her childhood with Jacob, after her parents scolded her for whatever she did ‘wrong’. She didn't care that Jason was a stranger. She needed this. Needed to tell someone about this.

“You’re more than you let yourself think Charli,” Jason smiled. “Jacob always told me I was more than let myself be. I am Autistic so I always have been pushed down. He thinks it gave me an advantage over most for some reason or another. The faith he had in me always kept my head straight. I have faith you have more to offer in your world. After all, we are ‘cursed students’ that makes us doubted for own strength but in reality, we are powerful. I just got a feeling you are amazing. I think if you were my sister, all I know is we’d cause all the trouble for Snape we could.” He laughed softly. “Maybe put some puffskeins in his class for a laugh.”

Charli sniffed, and wiped her tears from her eyes. She smiled at Jason and thanked him for helping her out. “I’ll talk to them when I get back. They don’t know why I left them, so I guess I owe them an explanation. Hopefully, they’re not too angry with me…”

Just as she finished speaking, and Jason squeezed her shoulders in a tight hug, they heard quick footsteps coming from behind the boulder.

“Hey guys!” Thomas panted, looking tired and out of breath.

“Jesus Christ, did you run there and back?” Charli quickly wiped her eyes and stood up, hiding the fact she had been crying from him. Thomas panted and nodded, looking like he was about to pass out.

“What did you find out?” Jason fixed his tie and rolled down his sleeves covering his scars while throwing his cloak back on. “You probably should sit too before you say anything.”

Thomas nodded and flopped to the floor, lying down on the ground and breathing heavily. Charli reached into his bag and pulled out a bottle of water, passing it to Thomas. He sipped a bit of it and poured the rest out onto his face, making both Jason and Charli laugh.

“Ok, I'm good. I know where the vault is.” 

“Really? Where at?” Jason’s eyes gleamed with excitement like a little kid. He only got excited when something goes right.

Thomas stared at Jason and Charli, worried, and bit his lip. He caught his breath, and spoke. “It’s in the middle of the lake.”

[hotpotrandomfics]

Sixth Year AU: Missing Part 3

Summary: The group had been captured and founded by Rakepick and were brought to the lair of the cabal she served. What they find them had shaken them to the depths of their cores as they prayed the can make it out of this alive...

Word Count: 5,431

It was horrible, to say the least, a nightmare you wouldn't wish on anyone if you had any sense of compassion — the smell of iron hanging in the air and gripping the nostrils of the would-be saviors. For Merula, it was as if time was still as she looked on in terror as Jason was hung from chains around his wrist. His chest was exposed with a cut in the shape of an x on his left lower abdominal.  Bloody and bruised as if he was some animal that was a mere object of some sick torture.

"Jason..." Merula dashed over to him and tried to lower him down. "Come on, Aurelius," she muttered between tears, "you can't die on me."

As Merula tried to get Jason down, Bill woke up to see what had become of his friend and instantly went over to help Merula bring him down. "What did they do to you, mate?!" Bill and Merula were only able to lower him but couldn't remove his chains as a key binds them.

Jason groaned and was shivering, showing that he was alive, and it was a good sign, at least. Bill removed his coat and trench coat and covered his friend. Merula ran her hand along his cheek as she was finally reunited with him. Talbot, Ismelda, and Chiara woke up and saw the sight of the proud Slytherin prefect beaten worse than any possible inmate from Azkaban.

"By all that is holy," Talbot knelt next to Bill. "Look what they've done. Are they that desperate to get what they want from the vaults?"

Ismelda placed a hand on Merula shoulder, trying to comfort her friend. Receiving a gaze of appreciation from Merula to which she gave a small nod.

"We got to get him out of her. Judging by the wounds, it will take a miracle." Talbot commented. "They took our bags and our wands."

The door that imprisoned them slowly opened, and behind it was the worst, most hated person in all of the world to the group. Patricia Rakepick, a sinister grin along her face as she and the two men behind her with bloody gloves, Winston and James, Jason's "caretakers."

"Um, guys," Chiara called their attention to her. "We've got company."

"Ah! Good to see you all awake and well. Bill," Rakepick eyed the wizard carefully, "seems you've grown, and I hear you're working as a curse breaker at Gringotts. See you've followed in my steps."

"I am nothing like you, and frankly, I am actually liked by your former employers." Bill stood in front of his friends, reading to be a shield if need be. He couldn't believe the mentor he respected did this to her own pupils. If she tries to hurt them, Bill will do everything to save them.

"Come now, no need for such sharp words Mister Weasely. I am sure you can understand the difficulty I am facing with trying to"

"Difficulty?!" Merula shouted as she stood up, looking from Jason to Rakepick. Her eyes were brimming with resentment as she stopped forward next to Bill's left side. "You nearly left us for dead! Almost killed me! My friends! And worse of all," she looked to the ground clenching her fist, and looked up at Rakepick, "you tortured the man who saved me from you!"

Patricia looked at Merula, rolling her eyes at the girl's tantrum, how she saw potential in recruiting her into the organization she had no clue. Merula reminds her so much of herself, but clearly, she was wrong in that regard. These students were her tools, and she would use tools until they couldn't work anymore. She had no sympathy for them as she never had compassion from anyone, and she would never give it.

"Oh, well, your savor is well quite not in a position to save you. Winston here," Rakeppick gestured to the large man behind her who only grinned. "Now then, if you are wise, you'll come with us without fighting."

"Like hell, we will!" Merula snarled.

"Merula, we aren't in the position to argue," Ismelda interjected as she looked at the older wizards.

"If you don't want to listen by the kindness of word then," Rakepick raised her wand, causing Jason to wake up and wail in pain.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!" Jason screamed as his muscles twisted, and his body was aching. The pain-causing his wounds to burn with a fury no dragon's fire could match.

"No! Jason!" Merula to his side, taking hold of him. "Jason, I'm here. Love!" "Stop!" Talbott shouted as he ran at Rakepick only to be sent flying by James with a flick of his wand.

"Talbott!" Chiara ran over to him, checking on him.

"Stop! Please!" Bill shouted at Rakepick. "We'll cooperate just stop this madness!"

"Mister Weasely," Rakepick lowered her wand, actively canceling the spell, "you were always the most reasonable. So, you lot follow us."

"Merula?" Jason looked at her with his less swollen eye. "Merula shouldn't be h-here."

"I am here for you dummy," Merula smiled through her tears, "are you okay?"

"You shouldn't be, Woah!" Jason's body flew up and was swung in front of his friends. Chains bounded his wrist and legs by James, who sighed as looked at Rakepick.

"Patricia, we don't have enough for them. Our Lord will not appreciate this waiting." James looked at her, annoyed.

"Very well, come along, and don't do anything stupid," Rakepick said as she turned and began walking.

The group followed behind Rakepick with Jason in front of the other teens. He was barely capable of standing was stumbling through the hall and had to have Talbott and Bill carry him through as they made their way into the main hall of what appeared to be a mansion with a man sitting on a distant throne. Watching them, he leaned his head into his fist. His gaze was colder than any winter storm, as was his hair.

"Welcome," the man said as he gazed at them. "I take it you've been treated well?"

"Treated well?" Merula said as gritted her teeth. "How would we be treated well? Especially with what you've done to Jason!"

"Merula Snyde, is it?" The man stood up and walked towards her with an irritated scowl. "Patricia has informed of your tongue. Let me assure you that I had my associates "take care of" your friend? No, lover?" He pulled his wand out; willow would with the hilt that had a dragon skull carved into it. "But time is running short, as is my patient. So, I will need your assistance."

"Why the hell would I help you? You sick yeti?" Merula growled.

"Oh, I wasn't speaking to you, Miss Snyde." The Lord raised his wand at her and cast the Cruciatus Curse on Merula.

Merula collapsed to the floor, screaming in pain as her muscles twisted in and contorted as she felt her body splitting. As she yelled, Merula remembered the torment of when Rakepick had done the same to her back in the curse vault last year. The pain was all too familiar to her, and the fear the set in was coming full force.

"Stop!" Jason ran towards the cold man ready to tackle the man but was then raised into the air by Rakepick. "Leave her alone! I'll do anything! Just don't hurt her! Please!"

"Is that a fact?" the man lowered his wand, causing Merula to be freed from the curse. He walked to Jason, looking at him, and turned to Rakepick, queueing her to release him.

"Merula!" Jason crawled over to her, holding her in his arms even though embracing her caused his wounds to ache. Stroking her hair out from her face, his heart raced as his mind did. How can they get out of this? Jason doesn't have a wand. Outnumbered. There had to be a way to get himself and his friends out of this, even if he didn't make it.

"Mister Aurelius De Leone," the Lord said, "I need you for the opening of the curse vault. From the tales of your successes of breaking the troubles of Hogwarts tells me you're clearly skilled, and you have your family resources." The Lord walked back to his throne, sitting down, and began to stroke his beard. "I want you to help my associates, and I obtain this power that the curse vaults hold. You see, we have a noble goal that will revolutionize our world. But child, I need you to cooperate as for you and your friend's survival. I won't have you killed as I would have the entirety of Italy storming after us. But your friends? Their families are weak, and my forces are quite capable."

"What is it you want of me?" Jason looked at the man with contempt. "Do you not understand those curses put lives at risk? Children of families can die! No one should have that power!"

"And yet you pursuit?!" the Lord snapped at the young man.

"So my school can be safe! My brother had tried solving the curses to make sure no one had it!" Jason retorted. "Do you have any sense of humanity?"

"What are but a few sacrifices for the greater good?" the Lord asked him with his brow furled. "Is your family free of sins of curses? Your brother has failed, and you will too if you do not obey!"

"Your goal, what is it?" Jason looked at the Lord. "It's to resurrect him, isn't it?"

"They what to resurrect You-Know-Who?!" Bill spoke. "That's beyond mad!"

"Resurrecting?! Is that even possible?!" Talbott's face went pale. "That is truly mad! You are all mad!"

"Shut your mouth!" Rakepick said, annoyed at her former students. "Our goal is even greater than that! Resurrecting the Dark Lord would only strengthen our goal. Your analysis skills still need work, Mister Weasely, and Mister Winger."

"You're not my teacher anymore, Rakepick." Bill scowled with contempt.

"Oh? And after all, I've done for you?" Rakepick laughed.

"You have done nothing but caused pain. You are a disgrace to all wizards and all teachers of Hogwarts!" Bill snarled, which was a shock to everyone in the room. Even the Lord was puzzled and mildly amused by the Weasely expression.

"Enough of the quarrel. We want to take control of the world ourselves. Fools run the Ministry, and it is time that they were dethroned. We wish to restore pure order and wizard supremacy," the Lord snapped his fingers, and the room was filled with a dozen cloaked wizards and witches, including Jason tormenters. "I will ask you now: will you join us?!"

"If I do, will you let my friends go?" Jason looked to Merula, who'd regain consciences. He stood in front of her. "Letting no harm come to them whatsoever?"

"I am many things, child, but I am a man of my word." The Lord faced turned stoic. "If you pledge your allegiance to me. No harm will come to them."

"Jason," Merula grabbed his wrist, "please don't do this! You can't join them!"

"She's right!" Chiara said as she held his other wrist. "We came to take you home. Jason, you're too good for them."

"Meri. Chiari." Jason looked at them with a sad smile.

"We didn't come all this way to end up joining these psychopaths!" Ismelda spoke up. Now that was something she'd thought she'd ever say, but Jason had to leave a positive imprint in her life and didn't see her as an inadequate person.

"Jason, you're my friend and taught me how to trust someone!" Talbott gritted his teeth as he looked around as the members of R snickered under cloaks. "And I am not gonna let you go through with something so stupid!" "Mate, we won't let you do this." Bill stepped toward Jason, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're a brother to me, and I will do what big brother does and protect you. He won't be joining you, am I clear enough you pathetic Death Eater wannabes!"

The members of R were getting noticeably irritated by the nonsense spouted by these ignorant brats. They sought to make a new order that wizards and witches were supreme above all. Their organization will be the ones to rule. Where Lord Voldemort and Gerald Grindelwald failed is they didn't have enough power. The vaults had to have a higher power that will allow these ambitions to come to fruition, and no bunch of ignorant children will stop them.

"Well," the Lord said as he clapped his hands amused, "a touching sight, but time is short, and the time for negotiation is over. I've grown tired of this as have my associates. Patricia, kill them all. Except for the Aurelius boy. We still need him, and the rest are just a hindrance to us. "

"With pleasure," Rakepick smiled as she raised her wand toward Jason's friends. "Goodbye, my dear students."

"No!" Jason dashed with all the energy he had taking Rakepick to the floor. His wounds were stinging as the impact of his body against the distraught witch who threatens to hurt his friends. How can someone they trusted such a vile woman? No more! No one was going to get hurt because of him!

"Get off me!" Rakepick screamed. "You nincompoop, get him off me!"

One of the members of R was about to step up to help but was sent flying into the wall. Jason had wrestled Rakepick's wand in their struggle and punched her in the eye, dazing her. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't hit a woman. But Patricia Rakepick was the farthest thing Jason would consider a woman. He didn't care at this point, and he'll do anything to save his friends.

"Patricia, you idiot! Get them! Kill them all!" the Lord stood up from his throne.

"Not going to happen!" Jason cast the Meteolojinx, causing a snowstorm to fill the room, causing everyone's loss of sight. Jason called for his friends, and they found him from the call of their way to the entrance of the chamber. Before they left, he placed a charm on the floor so that they would have a bit of time to escape.

A few minutes later, Jason and his friends made their way into a room. It was near the dungeons where they had been held captive earlier. Fortunately, the room they were hiding in had everyone's wands, Jason excluded sadly. The teens tried formulating a plan to escape. Bill decided to see if apparting would work, but it seems that wasn't an option since he could. Most likely, R had used concealment and restrainment charms to prevent those they want from leaving. No one seemed to be coming up with any ideas that were viable to success.

"We can stay like this forever," Ismelda said as she peaked out from the door, watching the hall for any goons.

"I don't know." Bill held his chin in his hand. He could only think of plans where there was a low rate of success. The number of dark wizards was too much for them despite all the training Bill had given them. Why of all the times he needed to be useful did he feel so helpless?

"I could fly ahead of everyone while you follow behind me," Talbott suggested. "I would be able to distinguish the direction from certain smells that could lead us out."

"That's pretty dangerous, Talbott. Is your arm going to be able to handle the strain?" Chiara asked as she stared at Talbott's right arm. Talbott took quite the nasty fall at the inn they were staying at before the members of R abducted them. She wore an expression of fear that showed how hopeless the situation is that they were currently in.

Jason leaned to a wall trying to keep himself up, but the lack of food, water, sleep, and fatigue, in general, was taking a toll on him. He was the only one who hadn't spoken out about a plan. Though he had one, he knew for a fact no one would let him go through with it, especially Merula. "Dammit, we don't have enough time. Sooner or later, they would be found," he thought to himself as gritted his teeth. It would be better if they took the risk that still gave them a surprise advantage.

"Guys," Jason called to them, gathering his resolve to speak finally. "I have a plan, but you won't like it." He looked at Merula with a small smirk than at his friends. "I'll cause a distraction. There would be a full moon tonight of that I know if I didn't lose count of the days. I'll be able to cause enough mayhem to give you a chance to find an exit and then-"

Everyone looked at Jason with such surprise and wondered what could this lead to. Jason hadn't had his Wolfsbane, and it was too late for sure to even try and take it. He would be wild and not in control of himself at the mere glimpse of moonlight. The person who looked the most heartbroken from this idiotic plan was Merula. There was no way in hell that she'd let him go through with this. There had to be another way to save themselves. This was no better choice than Jason's willingness to join R to protect his friends who are trying to rescue him.

"That idea is mad!" Merula shouted, disregarding she could get them caught by doing so. "I won't let you do something so reckless! I won't allow it!" Merula grabbed his arms, looking at him, shaking, scared, and worried. Her boyfriend has been suffering and is covered in more scars. "Why is it always you? You who always do good? You who saved me must always suffer?!"

Tears rolled down from Merula eyes as she continued on speech, pouring out the concern and frustration she had been holding in her heart. She held him tightly despiting, knowing it would hurt him, but Merula was not going to let him go and get injured even more. This was something she would not allow.

"Merula," Jason lifted her chin within his fingers, "I am willing because it's for you. All of you." Jason smiled as he lifted Rakepick's wand and cast Lumos Maximum to blind everyone. At that moment, Jason had left his friends in a daze as he hobbled out of the room they were hiding.

It didn't take long for Jason to find his way out of the dungeon and into a great hall of white marble and obsidian walls. The windows were opened, showing the night sky, and the light of stars danced through the glass. To Jason's left, a large door stood out. It was the exit, and with a sigh of relief, he began to open it, but his friends had shown up behind him, calling for him.

"Jason, wait!" Bill called as the sound of footsteps echoed through the adjacent halls of the manor. Dammit, R's members have found them.

"You can't leave." The Lord walked smirking with his wand in hand. "Give up."

"There's something I learned from my friends. To not given," Jason smiled at Merula then turned toward the Lord, "no matter the cost! BOMBARDA MAXIMUM!" Jason turned to the door and blew it off its hinges, shocking everyone present as a shockwave shook the room.

Merula and her friends coughed as they were almost caught in the explosion of Jason's spell. The dust settled as the moonlight pierced through into the hall. The friends looked as Jason tossed Rakpick's wand to them. With a small smile and what could be made out of the small movements of his lips, "I'm sorry," and followed by a shout of "RUN!"

"NO!" Merula shouted as Ismelda held her friend back, holding her tears as the process of Jason transforming into the savage beast whose only thought was to destroy. Despite how fast her heart was beating, it felt as though if time had frozen still.

Merula tried to struggle out of Ismleda and now Bill's grip as they made their way for the door. Talbott had transformed as to fly ahead of his friends to find a safe route to lead them away from R. Chiara, on the other hand, had transformed herself and was keeping her friends safe from the rear. If Jason were to follow, she was the most likely choice to keep him from hurting anyone or turning them into one of them.

Jason howled as looked at the members of R who were shaking in fear as the beast that stood before them bared its fangs. Screams began as the R associates ran in a panic; this only enticed the werewolf to attack them. One by one, members were being tossed, clawed, and kicked by the canine. Bloodlust was guiding his actions, but it was his will that was preventing him from biting people. This curse may have an advantage at the moment, but it doesn't mean he'd wish to use it on others. What little of his conscious kept him from losing to the beast that controlled his body. The two members of R who tortured Jason were clawed across their torsos. The two men howled in pain as they laid in a pool of their blood as their entrails protruded from their stomachs.

The screams of the unlucky members of R could be heard through the entirety of the manor. The scent of iron hung in the air as the dark wizards panicked to fight back but failed. A beast was unleashed and one that was not shackled by his morality. All of these people had to pay for harming his school, his friends, and his brother. They reaped what they sowed, and the grim reaper has come to collect.

"Patricia! Did you know?!" The Lord's calm demeanor melt as the werewolf was treating his underlings like toys.  "Patricia!"

"No, my Lord!" Rakepick hadn't had a clue. She knew Jason had been under severe bed rest when she first went to teach at Hogwarts. There's no way—"oh shit." She thought to herself as she started connecting the dots. "My Lord we must escape before-!" Rakepick stopped as she realized a shadow shrouded hers. As she turned, she saw the beast towering over her — Sea-green eyes that held the rage of a stormy sea and a fur coat blacker than coal. "M-Mister Aurelius, come now. Surely you remember you're my favorite student, right? You know I wouldn't do something without reason, right?!" The fear and panic in Rakepick face betrayed her as she was supposed to be the voice of a confident curse breaker. The reality is that she was a pathetic coward when faced with higher power would run at a moment's notice.

"Patricia," the Lord's eyes widen, "you've doomed us!" The Lord waved his wand canceling the spell to prevent anyone from apparating out of the manor. "This place is doomed, as are you, Patricia," with that the Lord had apparated away to who knows where.

"No! MY LORD!" Rakepick shouted as Jason picked her up, clawed her face, reading himself to end the woman responsible for his torment.

"Jason!" a panicked Merula called out, getting the werewolf from stopping from killing Rakepick. "It's over! You won! We are free!" she pleaded for him to listen. Despite how much she wanted Rakepick dead, she didn't want Jason to be burden with that sin of having taken a life. She knew he'd never forgive himself if he did commit to the act. "Let's go home!"

Jason looked at Merula, trying hard to will himself to not ended it. Rakepick was not deserving of mercy after all she has done. It would be justice to all if he took her life right now — one less dark wizard in the world to hurt and deceive others ever again. But at what cost, though, become like her and be someone who killed? With what strength he could muster, tossed Rakepick to a wall, and with a loud smack to the ground, Rakepick groaned in pain.

"That's good. Come on," Merula held her arms out open, "let's go home, Jason."

Jason growled but slowly approached her on all fours. Slowly, eyeing her as if she was the prey, he was getting ready to pounce. Merula only could smile at him as kept getting closer and closer until Jason jumped her on top of her pinning her to the groaned. Snarling, teeth bared, clawing her shoulder as he had her pinned. Despite this, Merula could only smile and place a hand on his cheek. She began to sing as she did every time he'd transformed to soothe the beast in him. Slowly, but surely the aggression started to slip from his eyes as the sun began to rise. With it, the savage beast in her lover fell asleep as did he as he collapsed on top of her, reverting to his human form.

Three weeks later...

Jason's eyes slowly opened as he took in his surroundings. The last thing he could remember was the full moon and singing. Singing? Wait, Merula! Immediately he sat but waled from the pain in his sides. Jason lifted his shirt to see his entire torso, wrapped in bandages, and noticing the same on his arms. Was he like a mummy or something? Questions for later. Right now, he had to figure out where the hell he was.

Just as he was going to get out of the bed, the door of the room opened to Merula carrying a tray with a pitcher and two glasses. Merula's gaze met Jason's; for a moment, it seemed the only thing that existed in the world was just the two Slytherins.  She dropped the tray as her hands went to her mouth as tears flowed down her cheeks. Jason's vision grew murky as he too was breaking down at the sight of his girlfriend. Merula ran towards him while he tried to stand out up but fell back by the force of the five-foot-two-inch witch.

"Oh shit!" Jason said as he fell back with her in his arms.

"YOU IDIOT! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" Merula cried into his chest. "I was worried sick about you! WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO SOMETHING SO STUPID?!" Merula voice was so loud it garnered the attention of the hospital staff.

"It was the only option I could think of and-" Jason stopped as he looked into his girlfriend's eyes. Damn, he couldn't stand the fact he made her cry. The pit in his stomach felt far worse than the torture he'd suffer. Causing his troubled witch to worry was not something to make a habit of and the fact Merula was here made, and they made it through the nightmare.

"How do you think this made me feel, huh?! You damned idiot!" Merula grunted between her fit of tears and shouting. For a whole week! She was worried sick for her idiot and wondering what they had done to him. When she saw the sight of a tortured Jason, all she could feel was like the sad little girl at her family home the night her mom and dad were arrested and shipped off to Azkaban.

"I'm sorry," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her figure, tightly like a python not willing to let go. "I caused you so much trouble." Jason gently rubbed her and felt bandages on her arms. Was it from him? "Did I-?" He gulped as his fears flooded in. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"  Jason's breathing became erratic at the thought he hurt her when he had no control.

"Shhh, hey. It's okay." Merula placed a hand to his cheek, wiping his tears away. "I'm okay, and you're okay. That's all that matters, my love." She leaned in and pressed her forehead to his and began to human softly whenever Jason was sad. Right now, they needed to relish the fact they are alive. "I'm here."

"I'm so sorry, Meri, I—" Jason was stopped by a soft pick on his lips. A sensation that sent sparks through his entire body, giving him the energy that he definitely needed.

The two held a long embrace as the two kissed, conveying the worry, the fear, but most importantly, how much the two missed each other. Merula was not going to let him go, and no matter the forces of Heaven, Hell, Ministry, or Death Eater, will ever take him again from him, she'd make it regret trying.

"Don't ever get captured again, okay?" Merula said as she smiled, wiping her tears.

"I promise," Jason said as he caressed her cheek with his thought. "Meri, d-do you think it's best if I—"

"If you're going to suggest leaving Hogwarts, I will break your nose." Merula's eyes looked at him, thoughtfully. "Hogwart is your home. My home," she sat up and looked him in the eye, "and my home is not a home without you." Merula ran her thumb across Jason's teary-eyed face. Her words, stung harder than any spell she cast on him in the past because her words were full of truth.

Jason tried to find an argument against Merula, but everything he said was shut down by her giving a quick-witted counterpoint followed by a kiss with every word. A deadly combination for a powerful witch, the most powerful witch in all of Hogwarts. After a few minutes of heavy debating, Jason was stumped and couldn't argue with her. Dammit, why did his girlfriend have to be so bright?

A knock at the door called the attention of the two Slytherins who were in a less acceptable position. Ismelda, Talbott, Chiara, and Bill had witnessed about fifty percent of what was going on. Ismelda suggested they wait and watch while Bill wanted to jump in and hug his friends but got a death glare from his friends. They thought the two needed a romantic moment, and then they'd tease them.

"I never realized how close you really are as a couple," Bill rubbed the back of his head, trying not to laugh.

"I...um...we..." Merula and Jason weren't sure how to respond. Typically, they only acted like this alone, but now knowing their friends were watching made them shudder at the thought. Did they hear them? Oh god, these two would need to talk about this later.

"Ismelda didn't want to interrupt you two as she thought you might need some time together," Talbott said. "Bill, though, wanted to join in on the fun."

"Hey!" Bill groaned. "I just wanted to hug my friend, okay?"

"You're too loud, Weasely. This is a hospital," Ismelda said as walked over next to Jason and Merula, who were now in an appropriate sitting manner. "Anyway, Aurelius De Leone. You leaving Hogwarts wouldn't be helpful to anyone. Exactly how many times have you helped everyone in this room?"

"I..."

"A lot." Chiara chimed in and sat next to Jason's side. "We wouldn't be who we are without you. We're a pack."

"Was that a werewolf pun?" Talbott covered his mouth as he started to laugh.

"Do puns do it for you, Winger?" Merula asked with a raised brow.

"Puns? Depending on the taste and situation, yes. But Jason, we need you around mate. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have found my mum's necklace and realized I have a future."

"You helped me with knowing there's another tomorrow, even the grimmest of nights." Chiara gave him a thumbs up.

"And you," Ismelda fiddle with her scarf, "got me to realize I do have value. So yeah, thanks, I guess."

"See?" Merula turned and smiled at her boyfriend. "You're what keeps everyone together, so don't go do anything stupid. Okay?"

Jason smiled and nodded to what his friend said as he began to tear up again — thanking his friends over and over for saving him. Merula held him in her bosom as he cried till his heart was content. They risked their lives to save him and didn't want to let him go. His friends, no, his Hogwarts family is the reason to stay strong and protect Hogwarts. R wasn't defeated, and he'd need to get stronger because they would probably regroup and wait to strike again. When that day comes, he'll be ready, and he won't be alone because he has his friend behind him.

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fifth Year AU: You have a friend who'll protect you

Summary: Jason and Merula are part of Professor Rakepick Apprentice group that receive special training from her accompany her in the search for the cursed vault. In their search, Merula and Jason break into one of their usual arguments resulting in Merula storming off on her own. Little do they know they’re not alone...

Word Count: 3,683

"Are you sure this is the right way? We've passed that bush at least three times." Merula was getting antsy to find the curse vault. The sooner she and Jason found it, the sooner she can be the one to break its curse.

Madam Rakepick wanted them to work more as a team because no matter how great your ambition you need loyal allies behind. All great wizards and witches had their group. Kindred spirits if you would believe.  But who can be on the same level as Merula Snyde? The only one who's as stubborn as she was: Jason Aurelius De Leone. She wasn't sure why Madam Rakepick insisted on putting them on a team together but she wasn't complaining (verbally anyway).

"Let's take a moment then and collect our thoughts." Jason wasn't in high hopes either when it came to finding this next vault. He was fairly sure they were in the right direction. Unfortunately, he was worried more about what this most recent curse had brought.

For the past two weeks, there have been serious attacks on students all over the school. Those who were conscious before passing out due to their wounds said one word, werewolf. Madam Pomfrey had been neck-deep with injured students because of these attacks. All the school staff was on high alert and prefects had to ensure the safety of those under their charge. It didn't help that tonight was the night of a full moon, but it simply didn't feel as though it was the curse alone. Someone feared, Fenrir Greyback had come back to Hogwarts to stir fear and look for those who nearly incarnated him. Namely a certain Slytherin boy.

"We should head back Merula," Jason said, "if these werewolves attacks  are the next curse or Grayback has returned-"

"What makes you think we should turn back now? We've been in the forest for nearly an hour! If there is a chance the vault is near then I'm going to break the curse." Merula crossed her arms staring intensely at him. She didn't want to listen but even she was a little on edge. Both of them are powerful in their own right, so why was there a heavy air of fear?

"What makes you think you can break this alone? Madam Rakepick said according to you "you two need to work more as a team". But you want to jump ahead before we are sure the vault is here? As your Prefect, I am telling you we are going to head back." He looked at her sternly while clenching his fist.

"And? If it is the case then we need to get it done. I'll go off on my own if that's the case since you're seeming more cowardly than usual." Merula smirked and started walking further into the Forbidden Forest. She wasn't going to let her "teammate" get in the way. Seriously? The "Prefect" card? She would never listen to such nonsense. Especially from him.

"Merula, wait!" Jason grunted in frustration. What was the point of them being a team if one of them wouldn't listen to the other? Granted, Snyde never listens to him even when the answer he has is the best course of action. Probably using his title of Prefect didn't help with bringing her to see his point.

Merula had been walking for a good five minutes before she found a cave. Surely this had to be the place. She turned to look at Jason but remembered she left him on his own. She turned back to look at the cave and pulled out her wand and cast Lumos. Merula began walking into the cave, looking around for she could see. It smelled of something rotten but something was glowing further down in the cave. Had she found the vault on her own? Yes! Now no one can say she was wrong, not even Aurelius De Leone.

"What do we have here?" said a voice that was so menacing that it made Merula step back. "Looks like we have something to eat tonight." The voice came closure as its silhouette took hold in the light of Merula wand. Fenrir Greyback.

"I am Merula Snyde and I am here to break the curse of this vault, you filthy mongrel! Haven't you heard of a bath? You reek!" she said trying to show confidence but she was trembling herself. Was this fear that was in her?

Grayback simply laughed and walked closer. Smirking with his fangs protruding from his lips. "Well, a little Snyde? I think I ran into them once or twice at one of the Dark Lords' meetings. Yes, I remember seeing you waiting for them one day. My have you grown. Unfortunately for you, you're not going to break this curse as it amplifies our strength and prolongs the transformation for us."

Snyde wasn't sure what to do. She tried thinking the best course of action but nothing came to mind. Merula slowly began to step back before casting Incendio, lighting Grayback cloak on fire. As Grayback fought to put the fire out she ran as fast as she could.

After putting out the flames Grayback ran after her snarling in anger. "Come here little Snyde!"

Merula had just broken out of the cave and was running past trees and looking back seeing Grayback on her tail. She was regretting not listening to her Prefect." Wait, if Grayback was here then Jason could also be in danger," Merula thought. With all the thoughts going through her head she didn't notice the tree root that tripped her. Stumbling to the ground, she winced as she felt a pain in her ankle. "Great", she was going to be mauled to death by a pack of werewolves that had served under Voldermort himself. She tried to grab her wand but the Grayback kicked it.

"You are a Snyde. Clever but not enough." Grayback grabbed her by her shirt lifting her. "You should be proud little Snyde. You'll serve Lord Voldemort by being our food. Be every bit of Snyde your parents were." Grayback was cackling like a fool. Even his little pack members who just showed up were laughing along.

Was this it? To die at the hands of the disgusting beast? Merula Snyde meets her end by werewolves for not listening to that idiot Aurelius De Leone. As all her thoughts played back for the past few years she has spent in Hogwarts she wished she made more friends. That she could atone for all the trouble she caused. She couldn't help but felt her tears fall. She was to die alone and only know that of the world.

Grayback was about to claw Merula before flew into a tree, letting her go. What just happened? "WHO DID THAT? SHOW YOURSELF!" Grayback sniffed the air and snarled but had a grin on his face. "So now I don't need to look for you, Aurelius De Leone!"

Jason stepped forward with his wand at the ready. He glanced down briefly at Merula and smirked softly. "Still think you got this?" He walked toward her and helped her up. "Sorry if I had made you wait Merula."

Merula was flabbergasted that he had saved her. "Why? Why are you saving me?" she couldn't help sob at what he was doing for her. She tormented him for so many years but here he was being as nice he usually was. If they made it out of this alive then she'd apologize for her actions.

"You're my teammate, right? We can talk later. Do you have your wand and can you run?" he asked as he sent one of the werewolves on fire. "Incendio!"

"No, I dropped my wand and I twisted my ankle." she looked shaking slightly. He came to save her. He didn't leave her alone.

"Dammit, okay. Accio!" Jason called out as he grabbed Merula wand and handed it to her. "We are going to get out of here, okay? Prefects orders."

"You will both die here and will take Hogwarts done after!" said Grayback as he began to transform into his werewolf form.

"Merula, on three we cast Lumos, okay?" Jason whispered to her.

She nodded and waited as he counted down.

"LUMOS!" they shouted in unison, as the light shined brightly blinding the pack of werewolves. Jason grabbed Merula as they ran off as fast as possible through the forest, he needs to help her as could only hobble on one leg. Casting spells after spells knocking trees down and hitting a few werewolves at the time. Not a moment later they broke out of the forest back into castle grounds. Merula had been supporting her weight on Jason.  

"My ankle, Jason slow down!" Merula pleaded as she was hopping on her good leg. "Just leave me! I'm slowing you down," she said as she kept stumbling.

"We're almost there Merula!" Jason said watching behind them repeatedly until he saw Grayback behind them. "Oh no."

"You two will not get away!" Grayback was in the air and snarling with his fangs bared. Before he could land on the two young wizards, Jason pushed Merula out of the way as Grayback landed on him. Sinking his claws and fangs into Jason's shoulders.

"JASON!" Merula shouted as she saw Jason get bit. She wasn't going to let this go. He saved her and she wasn't gonna let him die by some filthy mutt. Gripping her wand tightly, she cast Baubillious on Greyback with all the strength she could muster and sending Greyback of Jason.

"ACK!" Greyback shouted and whimpered in pain. "You d-dare do this to me?!" he said while trying to gather himself.

"There's more you filthy beast! Petrificus Totalus!" she shouted as the werewolf went stiff. "Stay mongrel." She ran over to Jason to check on him. He was getting pale and he was burning up. A werewolf bite could have unspeakable effects. "Jason, are you okay?!"

"Y-yeah, no, that hurt like hell. Looks like we can work as a team." He smiled at her softly. A smile that just was filled with warmth. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine. Let's get you out of here." She helped him up as they made it to the entrance of the close into the school.

A few moments later Merula was shouting her lungs out till even passed the point of her voice going hoarse. She saw Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape were in the middle of a conversation when they saw the two Slytherins. The two professors rushed over to help the two students.

"What happened Miss Snyde?" demand Professor Snape. Noticing that his house's prefect was covered in blood and claw marks. He then took Jason into his arms and started making his way to the Hospital Wing, closely followed by a limping Merula and Professor McGonagall.

"Grayback. Cave. Curse vault. Merula safe," those were the only few words Jason could mutter before passing out. Madam Pomfrey was walking out of the door of the Hospital Wing when she spotted the three rushing over with an unconscious Jason. She immediately opened the door and ushered them to the closest bed to place Jason down on.

"Jason and I were attacked by Fenrir Grayback. He was about to attack me but he stepped in the middle of it and he protected me." Merula said in tears.

"Miss Snyde, was he bit?" asked Madam Pomfrey as she began removing Jason's bloody shirt to see the extent of his wounds.

Merula nodded and started sopping as Professor McGonagall embraced her. "Are you injured?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"A few scrapes and bruises. Twisted ankle too," she answered. She was shaking not simply out of fear but worry. Jason had saved her life not once but twice within the night.

"Miss Snyde, go over to that bed there and Professor McGonagall keep her company, would you? asked Madam Pomfrey. She was assessing the damage done to the young boy before her and determining which course of action was best.

Merula was being guided away to where she would receive treatment for her injuries which seem like nothing more than a bruise from playing like a child. Professor Snape followed behind her and McGonagall to the bed that was from the view of Jason.

"Miss Snyde, I want an explanation. Do not skip anything or there will be a chance we will an even graver incident. What were you and Mister Aurelius doing?" Snape was speaking in a softer voice that was very out of character for him but still maintaining that seriousness in his voice.

Merula took a deep breath and looked up at Professor Snape and explained as best she could. If her explanation could help get those filthy mutts back for what happened to Jason then she'll spearhead this fight even she was allowed. She went ahead told them everything had happened and tried to hold back the tears when she mentioned how Jason saved her.

A few days passed after the incident in the forest and a few of the professors and members of the Ministry of Magic had come to aid the breaking of the vault curse. Fenrir Grayback was nowhere to be found so there was still a danger to Hogwarts out there. Merula had come by every day to see if Jason had woken up for almost two weeks. She would come by every day after class to see if he's improved. Jasons friends dropped by too but the one who stuck around the longest was Snyde. She had to be forced back to either class or the dorms. As Sunday rolled around Merula had walked into the Hospital Wing and made her way to Jason's bed when she noticed he was sitting up and reading through some notes Rowan brought for him.

He looked up and smiled, "What's with the long face Snyde? You think you could be rid of me that-", he stopped midway when she threw herself around him and sobbed into him. Jason winced but stroked her hair gently while looking down at her. "Hey now, are you alright?"

"No! You idiot," she said between her hitched breathing for the sheer relief knowing he was alive. "Why did you do that? Let yourself get hurt for..." she paused before looking up with violet eyes of hers to his green eyes. "For me? I was nothing but horrible to you and your friends for so many years but you saved me."

"I just moved. I wanted to make sure if either of us got out it was you." He gently wiped the tears from her face while holding a gentle smile. The famous Aurelius smile that a lot of first years even a few sixth and seven years heart skip a beat. "I wasn't gonna feed you to the wolves. Tempting as it was," he said with a small raspy laugh, "I wasn't going to let a friend get hurt. I made my choice, despite the pain I am in I don't regret it."

"A 'friend'? " she muttered softly as she looked down to see he was bandage along his shoulder and torso. She placed a hand on his chest and trembled. He thought of her as a friend and choose to protect her. "You're crazy and an idiot curse boy. Don't ever do that again."

"What? Protect you? If you need me to save you I will even if you don't ask. Despite our history, I always wanted to be your friend," Jason said with a soft smile, "so stop with being sad because of my choices. The worst thing that could happen is we both would have been snacks for a pack of werewolves."

"For the love Merlin," she looked at him laughed, and found herself slightly blushing at his smile. "But how are your wounds? Did Madam Pomfrey say if you would become one of them?"

He looked at them and took her hand. "I don't know to the next full moon so she has made it mandatory I take Wolfsbane as a precaution." He ran his thumb in circles around the back of her hand. He could see the look of sorrow as she gripped his hand tighter. "It'll be fine. If it turns out that way please do me a kindness and ensure you stay in the dorms. Don't let anyone out either. It will be a whole mess if the house knew I am a werewolf. Oh boy, I just thought my father would lose it."

"Will your family reject you?" she asked holding his gaze.

"Don't know, but like I said. I have no regrets Snyde. If parents reject me fine. It would hurt that's fine. I'm alive and so are you. I am worried about how others will think. I don't know what I'd do if they reject me. But I wouldn't blame them." Jason was filling a lump build in his chest as the sudden realization his friends might fear him. He felt a hand on his cheek then looked so Merula smiling at him.

She smiled at him but the smile was different from her usual superior smirk. It was a soft and kind smile that he never has seen before but he wasn't complaining about it. That expression suited her and he hopes could see that more. "You won't be alone. You've saved them and this school multiple times. It would be foolish if they decided not to be around you out of fear. Despite how annoying I may find them I'm sure they won't leave alone. Neither will I." She gently kissed his cheek and looked away blushing. "Don't let that go to your head. You're better smiling and less irritating too. What's with that look?"

"I guess I never had seen you smile like that before. You should do it more often, it's cute if you don't mind me saying." Jason could help but blush slightly at his comment. Did he just openly say Merula Snyde was cute? His tan skin on his face somehow changed to a shade of red Snyde couldn't help but laugh at. A genuine laugh, probably the first laugh she had with anyone. "Well, it's not that I that you aren't and I..." he started to stutter nervously. Seeing these expressions on her made his heart skip a beat.

"Yes? What do you have to say Aurelius De Leone?" she asked with a slight blush on her face. No boy had ever said she was cute before. Mostly boys would steer clear due to her reputation. But there was one who said it without hesitation. She stared at him with such an intensity that he felt that she'd set him on fire with the gaze.

"I think you shouldn't hide those expressions. I mean you look good smiling and I like to see it more! Merlin, I um..." he was fidgeting with a bit when he forgot he was still holding her hand.

"Well maybe for a friend," she said after looking nervously into his eyes. How were they this close? They felt their breath against each other's lips. Though he had the smell of alcohol rub used for his wounds Merula could smell the scent of the sea coming off him. Jason could smell her shampoo, a mix of lavender, pumpkin, and hints of willow. Leaning closer towards each other and closing their eyes but jumped when they heard someone clear their throat.

"Are we interrupting something?" asked Penny with a look of astonishment.

"No um I um, Merula was just coming here to check on me and..." Jason was a mess even more embarrassed that three of his closest friends found him and his rival about to kiss.

"Jason? Because it looks like you two were about kiss-" replied Rowan to be cut off.

"And if we were Khanna?" Merula said before she relieved what she had said. Both their faces rushed into a deep red that seems physically impossible.

"Well then, um, would you want us to leave or what?" asked Tonks asked holding back a laugh. "I'm sure the whole school would love this!"

"You're on thin ice Tonks, so help me if you do that-" she was surprised and angry that Tonks would spread a private moment became between her and Jason. But then she realized she and him were a moment from that rumor being true. Jason squeezed her hand and letting her know Tonks wouldn't spread such gossip.

"We'll come back later then..." Rowan said as he left with Penny and Tonks, whispering among themselves as they laughed quite a bit.

"They mean well, so don't worry and if Tonks does say something I'll get it sorted out."

"You're sure about that? I am not too convinced," she said while looking at him flustered. What if they were gonna kiss? Would that be alright? Would he even want to kiss her?

"Merula, I promise. You are my friend and I will protect you. Even if you don't ask me to." Jason looked at her confidently but felt his heart was about to jump out of his ribcage.

"Aurelius. Jason, I wanted to say thank you for saving me again..." Merula said while looking at him softly feeling tightness build in her chest. She brushed her loose hair behind her ear and as she looked holding his gaze.

Jason leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Blushing and looking nervous himself. "Because if that rumor were true I'd be okay with it if you are the one I can get accused with." He said with a gentle smile while pressing his forehead to hers. What would come of this Jason had no clue but he just made a vow to himself to protect her.

"You're a complete idiot", she replied with a soft smile, "but I suppose there could always be someone worse. I will hold you to that promise but I also will do the same. Next time it's me protecting you. Got it?"

"Deal."

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fourth Year AU: The Queen vs. The King

Summary: It’s only short time till dinner and many of Slytherin house were bored, mainly Merula Snyde. So what happens when she decides to play a game of chess with her frenemy?

Word Count: 1,597

Another day at Hogwarts had passed as the sun had begun to set. Merula had finished packing her satchel after finishing up in potions. As she secured it, she made her way out of Professor Snape's class and was deciding what to do with the rest of her evening.

Elsewhere, Jason was finishing up practicing his charms skills in the training grounds. Whenever he'd have the chance he polish on his basics of what he's learned. He sat down on the ground panting and wiped his forehead, thinking of what to do next. He worked plenty physically but wondered what he could do mentally. Read, maybe. Jason didn't know but gathered his belongings, loosening his tie to let a bit of airflow. He then started walking back to the castle.

"God, I'm bored." Merula groaned as she dropped onto the Slytherin table. "Where's Aurelius De Leone?"

Just then, Jason walked through the entrance into the Slytherin common room and making his way to the boy's door. Merula saw the drops of sweat trailing his face. It gave her a chill to him worked to that point. Now he was her, but what shall she do?

"Hey," Merula called out. "Aurelius De Leone, come here!"

"You know that's not a proper greeting, right?" Jason walked over, brushing his loose hair strands away from his eyes.

"Whatever, I'm bored."

"So?"

"Entertain me," Merula whined as she tossed her arms into the air.

"Um, h-how? I'm not a jester." Jason sighed as he sat on the leather couch. "I'm a bit tired from practicing."

"So? I'm not asking for a duel. Unless you want to get beaten." Merula leaned forward on her hands, grinning.

"I don't think you'll get satisfied so easily by a win when I'm tired." Jason grinned, leaning back and placing his chin to his hand.

As the fire that lit the room cracked, the two laughed and at their little standoff. They gazed at each other, waiting for the other to make a move.

"Believe it or not, I want to put my brain to use in something," Jason said.

"Oh? Can you use that thing you call a "brain"? I'm shocked!" Merula laughed.

"Ouch," he pouted, "that's hurtful."

"Don't get your knickers in a twist," Merula waved her hand carelessly.

"Don't get my what in a twist?"

"What? You don't know what knickers are?" Merula giggled. That was odd, even for her.

"I don't follow, I'm afraid." Jason scratched the back of his head, confused.

"You know, undergarments-" Merula stopped midway as she began to blush. Why was she explain something as simple as that?

"Oh, um yeah I don't have those in a twist." Jason blushed and hiding his face in his palms.

Recently, Merula found herself having civil talks with Jason. For the most part, they have been pleasant as they've learned more about each other. Sure, it was odd, but those random talks started with playful banter and made her feel warm.

"Anyway, is there something you need Merula?"

"Yeah, I'm bored and need something to keep me busy till dinner. Got any ideas?" Merula curled her fingers as she inspected her nails.

"You're asking me?" Jason looked perplexed at the request. She wants to socialize with him and is asking him what to do. She sure has matured a bit, and it brought a smile to him.

"What? You're looking at me funny. It's gross." Merula stared with a raised brow.

"Um sorry." Jason felt embarrassed about being caught in his daze.

"Any ideas or not?" Merula seemed a little antsy for a suggestion.

"Chess?" he offered his choice.

"Chess? Well, that's not too boring, but it's better than nothing." Merula pouted slightly, but her eyes glowed with excitement.

Jason told Merula he'd be back momentarily as head into his room to get his chess set. His mum had a new set since his last set was burnt by some idiot who wanted to practice his Fire-Breathing potion near flammable items.

Two minutes passed, and Jason came down with a small box and placed it on the table between the couches where the two sat opposite each other. Jason began setting the board up as Merula watched. The board's boxes were made of mahogany and willow and had silver trim. The pieces themselves were made of obsidian and jade. How much did this cost?

"Alright, we are set. You have the first move." Jason said, breaking Merula out of her trance.

"Oh? Are you sure? I'm tempted not even to touch it."

"Are your hands clean?"

"What- of course, they are!"

"Then let's begin without worries."

"Fine!" Merula was now fired up and ready to put him in his place. No way she was going to let that comment slide, even if it was an innocent one. "Pawn to G4.

The jade piece began to move forward on Merula command.

"Pawn to F3" Jason called.

Slowly, the witch and wizard were feeling each other out and not jumping ahead of themselves. Pieces began dancing back and forth amongst each command.

"Who taught you to play if you don't mind my asking?" Jason looked at the board calculating each possible move he could make.

"My father." Merula studied Jason's choice of moves. She was almost impressed. Almost. "Bishop to C5."

"It seems he taught you well. I don't think I've had such a hard time with this for a while," Jason smirked, "and honestly, it's getting my blood how you say, boiling?"

"Correct with that figure of speech and with the last statement. I'm not telling more though." Merula crossed her arms slightly raising her chest slightly.

"Oh?" Jason blushed, trying not to stare. "Why don't we place a bet then? Whoever wins has to tell the other a secret."

"Really now? And what do I have to gain from this?"

"You'll either understand who I am better, or I will understand you," Jason smiled at her softly.

"No strings attached?" Merula asked.

"None."

Merula thought briefly till she nodded in agreement. The two continued with their game, and both wouldn't let the other maintain a lead for long. It had been some time since she had genuinely had fun.

"Hmmm, rook to A4. Check." Merula smirked with triumph in her eyes.

"I'll admit you have been quite the adversary but Knight to A4." Jason leaned in back, brushing his hair away from his eyes.

"Oh, bollocks! Now you're gonna get hurt Aurelius De Leone!"

The two shouted as their commands following out of pure impulse. Each was countering the other strategy. Either one would take a piece, or their piece had no way of getting to the desired spot.

Dinner was coming close, and their game seemed far from over. Some of the first and second years were watching from a distance. They were all excited to witness such a spectacle between their senior house members.

The two were beginning to sweat as their moves became limited by the lack of pieces. They were down seven pieces and were now falling back to slow strategies to solve the problem. It looked like neither side was going to back down.

"You giving up?" Merula asked, scratching her nose.

"You do that when you're nervous."

"What?" Merula looked surprised at his claim.

"Scratch your nose. It's nothing odd," Jason giggled as Merula face turned flushed.

"You little-"

"I'm just saying it's kinda cute." Jason's eyes widened as he realized what he said.

"Excuse me? What did you say?!" Merula said, holding a hand against her ear.

"Nothing at all. It's your turn so hurry up, or we'll miss dinner!"

"Fine, but just so you know I got you now," Merula smirked as she called for her final move. "Checkmate."

Jason looked at the board, seeing he had no way of fighting back. He'd lost this battle against the best witch at Hogwarts. He won't be hearing the end of this that's for sure.

"Well, color me impressed Merula." Jason sighed and hung his head in defeat.

"Yes! Finally, I got one over on you!" Merula jumped up excited about her victory. "Now Aurelius De Leone! You better give me a good secret!"

"A good one? Like what?" Jason looked up at her as he stood up, putting the pieces of his chessboard away.

Merula thought for an amount as she rubbed her chin then smiled.

"Tell me a secret you've never shared with any of your friends!" Merula pointed her finger at Jason while placing her other hand on her hip. It gave Jason a slight chill but a good one.

"Fine," Jason stepped next to her and whispered into her ear. "I hope that was satisfactory enough."

"Yes," Merula tried holding in her laugh but couldn't bother holding it back. "Fish boy."

"Okay, well I'm off to dinner now because I'm not gonna listen to any smart remarks." Jason grabbed his chessboard, taking it to his dorm room. He reflected on the joy of playing chess with Merula. It definitely was a fun experience despite having played Merula.

Merula was making her way to the Great Hall feeling so pleased with her victory. Hopefully, she would have another opportunity to show him up. Until then, she needed to eat some. One should enjoy the success of such excitement. She wonders what he would have asked if he won. Aurelius De Leone had been on her mind lately, and it's annoying not knowing why. She wouldn't let this foul her mood. Today was her day. She was the Queen of chess without question.

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fifth Year AU: A Gift for Him. A Gift for her.

Summary: It’s around Christmas and Hogwarts most powerful couple doesn’t know what to get their partner a gift as it is their first Christmas as a couple. Ah, young love...

Word Count: 4,554

It was late November and the holidays were slowly approaching Hogwarts. Students all over talked about going home and seeing their families. Some were talking about what is it they'd hoped to get for Christmas. Only two students weren't going to spend the holidays with their families; Merula and Jason. The two Slytherins tended to stay at Hogwarts as they never seemed to stop in the search for the Cursed Vaults, but that was true in their first five years. The two had been dating for some time and wanted to spend the holidays together.

"Haywood! Khanna!" shouted Merula as she neared her fellow students. "I need to speak with you two."

The two looked at Merula with raised brows and then to each other. What is it that Merula wanted from the two?

"What is it you need to talk about Merula?" asked Rowan as he fixed his glasses.

"Follow me," she gestured for them to accompany her down the nearest corridor. Merula opened a door into an unoccupied room. "I need to have your word you will speak nothing of what I am about to ask. Not even to Jason."

"What's so bad you wouldn't want to tell Jason?" Penny looked at her friend with concern. "You aren't planning to break up with, are you?!"

"No!" Merula shouted as she looked surprised. "What gave you that idea?!"

"Sorry," Penny held her hands up defensively. "But I am just curious why you pulled us aside."

"If that isn't the case," Rowan stepped in. "What is it you need to know?"

"I w-want," Merula was fidgeting with her fingers in circles. "I want to get Jason a Christmas p-present, and I have no clue what to get him." Her face was flustered at asking them. "If we're dating then I should get him something, right?"

Despite the time they've been together, Jason gave Merula genuine happiness. Of course, she wanted to get him a fantastic gift to show that she cared. But what kind of gift could you give a rich kid who didn't appear to want things, instead he thought more of his friends rather than himself in terms of gifting.

"Merula," Penny placed her hands on her shoulders comfortingly. "I am more than willing to help you find the perfect gift."

"Count me in," Rowan said smiling at her. "We know how much he means to you. Why don't we start with what he'd like or things he enjoys in his free time. Minus the vaults."

The girls looked and Rowan, then back to each other, and nodded at his suggestion. The trio began discussing amongst themselves what to get Jason. Whatever was going to come out of this would be grand Merula thought. Elsewhere though similar plans were in the making by a certain prefect.

"Oye, Ismelda!"

"Aurelius?" Ismelda looked up from her book to see a panting Jason running to her. "Why do you look like death?"

"I was looking all over for you," Jason said as he hunched over trying to catch his breath. "I need your advice on something vital."

Ismelda looked at Jason with a suspicious look. 'What could he possibly want with me' was her thought process. She motioned him to sit down as the whole panting was annoying.

"What is it you need my advice on? Curses? Because I can help with a demonstration," she asked as she adjusted her scarf. "Or is Merula?"

"Yes," he looked a little stunned at her quick assumption. "I need help with finding a gift for her and I don't know what to do!"

"Why should I help you?" Ismelda looked at the flustered boy with curiosity. "Why not ask her yourself? I'm sure she'd be more than willing to say something about what she wants."

"No, I want this to be special. That means she can't know anything about it. Ismelda please, I want this Christmas to be amazing for her and..."

Jason started getting lost in thought for his past Christmases since Jacob's disappearance and his parent's divorce. He didn't know what it was to feel alone like Merula did during the holidays until his family itself fell apart. Jason snapped out of his temporary daze and looked at Ismelda.

"Please, if not for me then for her. You are her best friend. What will I have to do for you to help me?"

"Really? Well," Ismelda cleared her throat, "stop sounding so pathetic and whiny. I don't think groveling suits you, and I want Merula to have a good Christmas too. So I'll help you Aurelius De Leone but you better not make me regret helping you."

"Oh thank Merlin! Thank you Ismelda," Jason let out a breath of relief. "Where should we start?"

"Well, I can tell you some of her favorite authors. But what ideas have you thought of?"

The two people who cared for Merula kept tossing ideas on what to get her. From books to jewelry and other items that were good candidates. Some were bad ones that were out of line. The two had decided to head to Hogsmeade the next day and if possible Diagon Alley. Tomorrow would be an early day for them but a long one too.

"So where should we start Ismelda?" Jason asked as they made their way down High Street glancing between the shop's windows.

"Let's head over to there," Ismelda lead the way to a Gladrags Wizardwear. "Merula keeps complaining her boots are falling apart, and Reparo goes so far." She said as they entered the store. "She's about six. Six and a half."

They walked down to the shoe section and looked through the selections. The two debated on what seemed to be the best choice but nothing felt right to Jason. He and Ismelda couldn't agree mainly because Jason was too indecisive. He wanted to get her the perfect gift. Something to show how much he cared for her. Boots might not cut it for what he thinks.

Around the same time, Merula, Penny, and Rowan were searching through Hogsmeade to find a gift for Jason. Penny suggested they get him a unique wand holder that he could keep under his robes. Rowan thought getting a book series on curse-breaking was a good choice, but that was shot down quickly. The trio made their way to Dervish and Banges to see if they could find anything of the sort that might spark some ideas.

"Merula," Penny called, "look at this." She was holding a holster made of black leather and embroidered with silver markings. "This seems like a good candidate, but this is my opinion."

"Not bad Haywood, but I am a bit hesitant on getting something like that. Jason, he doesn't show much interest in infancy or flashy pieces." Merula looked at the piece intrigued but wanted to keep looking to see what might be the right gift.

"I just thought of something," Rowan said as he looked through the shelves. "Why not talk with him? I mean I can talk with him and see what I can figure out."

"That's not bad, but I don't want to tip him off though," Merula sighed as she looked around the shelves. "He does so much for me but what is it that I can get him?"

"Wait, there was this staff that Jason kept talking off from Asia. Bo staff if I remember," Rowan said. "He keeps talking of traveling to the east when we graduate. Or..."

"Or what?" Penny looked as Rowan lost in thought. "Something else you think he'll like?"

"About a week ago when Jason and I were flying during Madam Hooch's class, Jason lost his necklace. A keepsake from Jacob from when he was eight." Rowan looked at the two girls. "We searched for hours but couldn't find it, and that's the only thing that I can think of."

"We can't find something like that here," Merula thought for a moment. "Wait, what if we got to Diagon Alley? I can talk with Madam Rakepick about using some Floo Powder, but I'd need to find a fireplace connected to the Floo network."

"That's brilliant Merula!" Penny stated. "Why don't we go do that? We have plenty of time today."

With that, the three had made their way back to Hogwarts and started on the quest to find Madam Rakepick. Surprisingly, Madam Rakepick was in her office grading some papers as the three knocked on her door.

"Come in," she called out as the three students entered. "Miss Snyde? Miss Haywood and Mister Khanna? This is a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?"

"Madam Rakepick, we need your help with a certain matter," Merula said nervously which was slightly out of character. "We need to acquire some Floo powder to travel to Diagon Alley."

"For what exactly? Do you have to lead to the vaults or is this more personal?" Madam Rakepick placed her quill in its jar. "Depending on your answer I might indulge you with my assistance."

The three looked amongst themselves before they decided it would be best to be clear with their intentions.

"We want to get Jason a gift," Merula said. "They do, but they wanted me to come along to help them with it."

"Miss Snyde, don't take me for a fool." She looked up at her students. "I am quite aware of your relationship with Mister Aurelius De Leone. Rumors can't be hidden in Hogwarts long." Madam Rakepick stood up and walked over to them. "But in the spirit of good faith I will help you, but you will not get caught when we sneak into Dumbledore's office."

"You mean..." the friends said in unison. "You'll help?"

"Of course," she said she smiled at them. "Christmas is coming soon anyhow so let's get to work." Madam Rakepick grabbed a small bag and told the three to follow her until they reached Dumbledore's office. "Dumbledore fireplace is connected to the Floo Network as you have known Merula. So I expect you to lead the way."

"Of course Madam," Merula said, "thank you again for giving us assistance."

"Well I don't mind helping my  "family" Miss Snyde," Madam Rakepick smiled down at her disciple. "Off you go now, I'll be here waiting for you three to return."

With that, the trio snuck into Dumbeldore's office and jumped into the fireplace one by one calling "Diagon Alley" as they appeared there. Now the friends had better options to select from, but they only had limited time before the curfew.

Back at Hogsmeade, Jason was making his way to the Three Broomsticks with Ismelda dragging behind him. The duo had searched throughout Hogsmeade, but Jason still didn't find what he was looking for as a gift. Was it always this hard to find a gift for someone special?

"This is getting exhausting Aurelius. I might start heading back," Ismelda said as she sat down. "You sure you didn't like anything we've seen today? At all?"

"It's not that. It just can't be ordinary, alright? I mean she hasn't had good holidays from what I can guess." Jason ran his hands through his hair. "Her gift. I want it to be special. Something that shows her I care."

"All this love stuff is making me want to vomit," Ismelda sighed. "Look, Aurelius, you have maybe another few hours before curfew and all the stores are going to close before then. So come up with something like you usually do."

A few minutes passed as Jason was lost in thought until a clanking sound hit his table startling him. He looked up seeing Madam Rosmerta placing his butterbeer down.

"Oh, I didn't mean to scare you, Jason," Madam Rosmerta chuckled.

"Madam Rosmerta, may ask you a question?"

"Sure, dear. What's on your mind?"

"Well I'm trying to find a gift for this girl I like, and I've searched through all the shops in town and haven't found anything," he said as he fiddled with his thumbs. "Do you by chance have any suggestions or any ideas what other girls may like?"

"Oh? Since when have you been fancying this girl Jason?"

"For a while now," he scratched the back. "She was a bit of an enemy for a time, but then I just grew to care for her. Despite our rugged history, she brings a certain joy to me, and I can't help feeling like I have these pixies in my stomach around her."

"Sounds like she is a great catch," Madam Rosmerta sat down with the two Slytherins. "You say you haven't found anything that you think she'll like? What does she like or do?"

"Reading. Potions. Quidditch. Challenging me with every chance she gets."

"Have you thought of going to Diagon Alley? I know the curfew for you two is coming quite close and I don't have many customers today. How about this, you help out for the next hour or two, and I'll let you use my fireplace to get to Diagon Alley? There is this one store that I'd suggest that never fails in helping a man find something to appease a woman. What do you say, Jason?"

"I accept," Jason said as he removed his cloak and rolled up his sleeves. "What do you want me to do the first ma'am?"

Ismelda decided to stick around to watch Jason work so that she could laugh at his expense. It was amazing to see what lengths Jason would go for when it came to Merula. "He is a strange one."

An hour or so into Jason helping around with taking orders and cleaning tables Jason followed Madam Rosmerta to her fireplace.

"Do you know how this works or do I need to explain?"

"I know how it works. Thank you so much Madam Rosmerta," Jason said as he took a handful of Floo powder. "Um, would you please cover for me if the school asks where I am at?"

"Well, it's not all that wrong of me to do. You "were" helping me today so," Madam Rosmerta winked at him. "Off you go. Remember it'll still be open but you gotta hurry."

"Right, thanks again. Diagon Alley!"  with that Jason slammed the powder down and disappeared into thin air. He had less than two hours before he had to make it back to the school and had a bit of ground to cover.

Back at Hogwarts, Merula was heading to the Great Hall with Penny and Rowan after their little adventure of finding Jason's gift. Penny went to her house table leaving her friends to make their way to theirs.

"Do you think he'll like it, Khanna?"

"He will. He's not much for objects unless they hold meaning to him. Trust Merula; he'll love it."

"By Merlin, he better," she sat down at her usual spot noticing Ismelda wasn't there. "Huh, that's odd."

"What is?" Rowan asked before took his seat.

"Ismelda isn't here," Merula scanned the table back and forth. "Neither is Jason."

"That's odd indeed," Rowan looked about the table. "He told me he was going to stay in. Maybe he is researching about the vaults?"

"Hey, guys!" Barnaby strolled on over sitting down. "What's up? What's with the long faces?"

"Barnaby, have you seen Jason or Ismelda?" Rowan asked.

"Can't say I have today," Barnaby rubbed his chin. "Hey Liz, did you see them?"

"See who Barnaby?" Liz said as she stood behind him.

"Jason and Ismelda."

"Oh, I think I saw them at Hogsmeade," Liz fixed her glasses. "They seemed like they didn't want to get caught or something. Not sure what they needed to hide from."

"Where were they?" Merula looked at Liz sternly. "What were they doing?"

"Shopping I think?" Liz held hands up defensively. "I'm honestly not quite sure what was going on Snyde."

Merula looked down at her plate and stood up making her way out of the Great Hall.

"Merula, wait!" Liz called out, but Merula was already gone.

Merula had made her way down the corridor that leads to the courtyard. All alone in the snow of the winter fuming as little thoughts roamed her head. Why was Jason with Ismelda? What were they doing? He wouldn't be cheating. Right. "No," she thought. Jason could never do those things, but the possibility is what scared Merula.

"Merula? What are you doing out in the cold?" said a voice causing Merula to look up from her spot by the fountain.

"Ismelda?"

"Last time I checked. Yes," Ismelda sat down next to her. "Sorry I haven't seen you all day. I was handling some business."

"Oh I know you were handling some business," Merula looked at her angrily. "Pray tell what "business" were you handling?"

Ismelda scratched her nose not sure how to respond. "Just some shopping."

"With Jason?"

"I um," Ismelda broke out in a deep sweat. "Yeah, how'd you-?"

"Liz said she saw you two together. What were you doing?!"

"We were," Ismelda looked down at her hands. "I promised him I wouldn't say anything."

"Promised what?!" Merula felt herself getting heated more with anger.

"Merula, calm down," Ismelda raised her hands. "Look, you can ask him when he gets back. Your idiot will explain everything if he doesn't get caught by Filch or Snape."

"Caught? He's not back?" Merula anger slightly came down. "Why?"

"All I will say is that your lucky what lengths this guy will go for you," Ismelda placed a hand on her friend's shoulder with a smile.

Now all of Merula anger seemed to subside but was replaced with another emotion. Worry.

"Finally, I gotta start making my way back now. Oh, Merula is gonna love it," Jason said as he ran down the streets of Diagon Alley. "Hmmm, where did I come from again?" He looked around confused. "How in Merlin did I get to Knockturn Alley?"

"How indeed," said a raspy voice from a dark corner. "What is a Hogwarts boy doing out here?" The man stepped out with a wand drawn. "Oh? A present, for me?"

"Not for you," Jason drew his wand. "Think I'm gonna give it away then think again."

The wannabe thief flew back at Jason's attack and crashed into a bunch of trash cans.

"Oye boy, that ain't very nice now," another man appeared from behind sending  Jason to the ground face first. "All we want to do is see what you  got in the bag."

"Merlin, that hurt," Jason looked over as he clutched the bag close to his chest. "I'm not letting creeps like you take a "look" so," Jason aimed his wand casting Baubillious and sending the second goon flying. He then stood up, following up with Aguamenti as the two thieves stood up themselves but slipped the wet ground. "Have a good evening gents," Jason started making his way out before someone cracked their hand in his face.

"Where are you going boy?" said a third thief. "I am not sure how I feel with you going on about treating my mates there like that." The man pulled his wand and aimed it at Jason's face. "Now, are you going to play nice or am I going to have to!"

Then a large shadow cast itself over the two of them — a fourth man that smelled of rock cakes, butterbeer, and animals.

"Hey there, I'd advise you to leave my friend here alone," said all too familiar voice.

"Hagrid," Jason smiled up at the giant. "What are you doing here?"

"Shopping. Same as you," said the Hagrid. "Now then mister, I give you three seconds to leave. One," Hagrid began counting.

"I won't forget this," the thief ran off with his fellow crooks into depths of the night.

"Jason, you know you're not supposed to be here. RIght?" Hagrid helped him from the ground. "They did a number on you. Say, what you have there?"

"A gift," Jason inspected the bag as no damage seem to show. "It's..." he sighed and looked up at Hagrid smiling. "It's for someone special."

"I'd say so; you looked like you got beaten by a giant niffler," Hagrid placed a hand on his shoulder. "Well, it better have been worth it. Let's get you back to the school."

The two men ended up back at the Three Broomsticks with a worried Madam Rosmerta seeing Hagrid helping Jason walk over to a seat. She proceeded to scull Jason for causing her worry, but she was happy he'd returned safely. But back at Hogwarts, another woman was in a nervous panic wondering where a certain prefect was.

"Where is he?" Merula was pacing back and forth in the common room. "He's usually back on time."

"Calm down Merula, Aurelius will be back," Ismelda looked at her friend with deep concern. She knew how much she and Jason became closer. "You'll see he'll pop in here with a grin or something."

"What were you two doing all day?!" Merula was shaking visibly now. "Why are you-" she stopped as she glanced to the entrance from the common room opened. Her eyes widen when she saw who was entering.

"H-hey Meri," Jason stepped in and waved his hand nervously. "How was your-" he was cut off by Merula throwing herself into his torso holding him tightly. "Meri? Are you okay?"

"Where were you?!" she looked up to notice the minor bandages on his cheek. "What happened?!"

"I was," Jason looked down at his girlfriend softly. "I was getting this." He showed her the bag in his hand. "This is what kept me all day and also why I am a little bruised up."

"Why are you bruised up?" Merula stared at him sternly.

"I may have accidentally had gone into Knockturn Alley while I was coming back after looking for your gift." Jason tensed up and started messing with a lock of his hair. "I'm sorry I made you worry."

"You got bruised up just to get me a gift?" Merula expression softened as she took his hand. "You don't have to go that far for me Jason. Alright?"

"But I want to," he smiled at her, "and I'd do it again. I'm a cursed boy, so my luck is little. However..."

"However what?"

"I got all the luck I need in front of me," Jason bet down slightly placing a kiss on her forehead. "Please don't be upset with Ismelda. I asked for help with finding your gift, but I was too stubborn because I wanted it to be-" He stopped speaking as Merula pulled him by his tie and kissed him. "perfect..."

"You have to stop being reckless otherwise I'm going to have to deal with a broken boyfriend," Merula smirked at him. "Am I clear Aurelius De Leone?"

"I will do my best," Jason stroked her cheek gingerly. "So you're not mad at me?"

"Oh I am livid with you but..." Merula gave him a peck to his cheek. "I am glad your okay."

"Meri," Jason smiled, "will my gift clear this if anything at all?"

Merula looked at him with a raised brow and pinched his cheek. "It won't but let see how it after we exchange." She said pulling him to the couch of the common room. "Sit."

Jason followed Merula instructions despite their size difference. He did find her intimidating slightly, but it was one of the things he respected about her, her will. Merula was gone for five minutes and returned with a box in hand, sitting next to him with her signature smirk.

"So then," she started to fidget slightly, "shall we exchange gifts?"

"Yes," Jason handed his gift to Merula while she did the same with her gift. "I hope you like it."

"I hope you like yours," she blushed softly, "but you must open it first."

"No, ladies first."

"Don't go being a gentleman with me. Open yours."

"Meri, I insist."

"You're so stubborn," Merula sighed but smiled at him.

"Yes, I believe I got that from being around a certain witch," he leaned in and kissed her cheek while offering a wink.

"It seems I am a bad influence."

"Define 'bad,' because I don't that."

The two sat in silence for a brief moment until Jason looked at Merula and suggested they open their gifts at the same time. Merula despite herself agreed to his reasonable terms on the count of three.

One.

Two.

Three.

The couple opened each other respective gifts with haste, eager to see what the other brought them.

"Jason," Merula held her hand up to her mouth, "it's beautiful." In her hand, she held a necklace in the shape of a heart with an amethyst gem in the middle of it. Silver bindings secured it with an infinity symbol holding it in place. "I..." she was at a loss for words and was overwhelmed by tears of joy. "Thank you," she cried as she lunged into his chest.

"You're welcome. I take it you like it then?" He smiled as he stroked her shaggy hair. "Hey now, let me look at mine now," he chuckled as she released him. "Now then, what has Meri got for" Jason stopped as he lifted his gift. A necklace with a dragon pendant. The strap was made of black leather, and the pendant of the dragon held a green orb that reflected Jason's eyes. "Meri, I don't know what to say," now it was his turn to break into tears.

"I heard you lost your pendant from your brother and couldn't find it. I know it's not the same, but I-" Merula stopped as Jason pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. "I um..."

"Thank you, I love it," he tried to put it on until Merula took it from him and placed it on him. Jason, in turn, did the same with the necklace he had gotten her.

"Happy Christmas Jason," Merula hugged him. "I love you."

"Happy Christmas Merula," Jason held her close. "I love you too."

With that, the two stared at each other, focused, until they saw a mistletoe hang over them and snowflakes. The couple shifted their gazes to the stairs leading to the dorm rooms were occupied by Ismelda, Liz, Rowan, and Barnaby. The four Slytherins scurried up the stairs to leave the couple. The group of mood-setters was bound to face the couple's wrath later. Jason and Merula laughed at their friend's fleeing attempt.

"So, where were we?" Jason said with a small smirk.

"Where indeed," Merula said turning to face her boyfriend. "Do you have any recollections?" leaning into him.

"I may," he said as he leaned into her and placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

The two held each other close and watched as the fire crackled in flames. Merula was giving Jason an earful for all his bruises, but Jason responded with an assault of kisses that he did to get out of any of her lectures. She protests but when Jason acted in his loving ways it had a certain charm on her she couldn't explain. The holidays were never dull when they were together, and that was something. Though the castle was empty for the most part, it was filled with laughter and joy through its halls.

[hotpotrandomfics]

Future AU: Rependence and Passion

Summary: Jason and his friends have been safe for the past few months, taking time to collect themselves, but something has been on the young man mind and Merula decided it was best to ask what was wrong. Before much could be said a loud explosion went off...

Word Count: 7,617

Nearly four months had passed since the group of curse breakers were saved by their friend Jason and his brother Jacob. Jacob was intrigued to meet his brother's friends. He was just a tad hostile to Merula. Mostly because she bullied Jason a lot when they were kids but with lots of convincing and a lot of screaming in a twist of English, Italian, and Spanish they came to an understanding. A sight everyone enjoyed as Jason wouldn't let anyone talk Merula down, even if it was his long-lost brother. The group of friends had stayed at the brother's family estate for that time. Jason took care of a lot of the housework despite the others offering to help. He made life rough for them for some time and wanted to repent for being secretive. They all been through so much, so he wanted them to rest properly. It was good for them to have moments like this, but this made them all a large target, and knowing that the world was upside down didn't mean luck was on their side forever.

It was early in the morning, and Merula was woken up by a knock on her bedroom door. "Damn, who's waking me?" she thought as she shifted around begrudgingly.

"Merula," Penny hummed, "breakfast is almost ready. Jason said if you don't hurry you'll miss out on the cinnamon rolls."

"WHAT?!" Merula shouted. "I'll be down in five minutes. Tell him to save some for me!" She jumped out of bed rushing all-around dashing to her bathroom. Those were the perks of a rich boyfriend. She washed her face after brushing her teeth. Brushing her hair to seem presentable while getting dressed in her boots, ripped jeans, and a violet blouse. "Okay. Ready."

A few minutes later the dining room started being filled with the gang of tired wizards and witches. Jason had been reading the table as he saw his friends zombie one by one.

"Good morning," he smiled at them. "Everyone sleep okay?"

Barnaby planted himself down on the nearest chair and looked at the spread. "Well I had a dream of a purple niffler stealing my rings, and then it transformed into Snape."

"What?" Tulip looked confused at him. "Seriously? Sounds like a nightmare."

"Who'd dream about Snape is my question," Tonks chimed in grabbing a piece of toast. "If anything I'm sure you'd be terrified to dream of any teacher. I know I do."

"I'd be frightened if Snape was in my dreams," Ben murmured.

"Ben, are you ever gonna stop being afraid? You're an adult." Tonks nudged him.

"Okay, too early to be poking fun," Jason looked at Tonks with a raised eyebrow.

"Well Jason, you know me," Tonks pointed at Jason. "I must say though what's with that outfit?"

"What?" Jason looked down at his clothes. He was wearing a white tank top, jeans, and boots. "It's all I have that's clean. What am I expected to dress any other way?"

"Mate, simply put you're jacked and I fear how Merula will deal with you when you two-"

"When we what?" Merula said standing behind Tonks placing a hand on her shoulder. "Exactly where were you going with that?"

"N-no where," she gulped. "I said nothing."

"Morning beautiful," Jason smiled at Merula. "Slept well?"

"I did," Merula said looking at her boyfriend with a slight blush. "Where are the cinnamon rolls?"

"They should be done," Jason made his way back to the kitchen to check on the rest of the food. "Start eating, don't wait for me okay?"

On cue, everyone started to dig into the spread their friend made for them. Merula, watched as Jason disappeared and wondered what was going through his head. She learned his habits and whenever he was hiding something she could tell. Just as she was about to sit there was a loud crash coming from the kitchen that made everyone jump.

"Jason? You okay?" Merula called out, but she didn't get a response. She made her way over to see Jason was picking up the shattered pieces of a coffee cup. "You are breaking stuff because you can afford it?" she kneeled to help him.

"Y-yeah just um..." he looked at her softly. "Just got a lot on my mind. I got this. Go eat amore."

"No," she said stubbornly picking up the broken pieces of the cup. "I won't sit while you work, okay? We agreed to that when you saved me, remember?"

"Yeah but-"

"But nothing Aurelius," she said looking at him calmer. "Don't you trust me?" "I trust you. I just..." he looked down nervously. "I'm having a hard time trusting myself." He stood placing the broken bits on the counter while staring outside through the kitchen's window. "It's hard to explain."

"Do you doubt my ability and knowledge to understand?" she walked over to him, placing a hand into his while giving him that signature smirk that always made him melt. "Try me."

"Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?"

"Many times and I don't get tired of it. But stop using flattery to dodge the question," she cupped his cheek turning him to face her. Eyes locked. Emerald and amethyst. "Please."

"I haven't been sleeping all that well. I keep having nightmares over and over," he bit his lip holding back his wanting to cry. "Meri, I'm scared of..."

"Scared of what love?" Merula heart began to sink as she worried about her beloved. "It's okay Jason. You can tell me, and no one else here doesn't need to know."

The two stood in silence for a few moments before Jason said anything a massive explosion was heard shaking the entire manor. A series of smaller explosions followed it. The two lovers ran into the dining room seeing their friends had barracked the door.

"What the hell was that?" Merula asked looking at her friends then at the windows of the dining room seeing shadowy streams flying around.

"Dammit, they found us," Jason pulled his wand out. "Everyone, follow me to the cellar. There's a secret passage we can leave from. Come on!"

The gang followed their friend's advice as they made their way to the kitchen and opened the cellar door with Jacob leading them. They were filing one by one.

"This is gonna be a tight fit," Tonks chimed.

"I wouldn't have guessed Tonks," Tulip replied. "Once we get out where do we go?"

"Let's focus on getting out first," Jason said. "I'll cover the rear. Jacob, get them out!"

"I'm sticking with you," Merula said looking at the giant man.

"Meri I-"

"No buts!" she drew her wand. "We are a team."

Jason sighed but smiled at her as another explosion kept rustling the manor. They need to get out fast. Jacob led the group of wizards down a stoned tunnel as they made their way to safety. There were many twists and turns that if they didn't take caution they'd get lost and that was the least of their worries. Luckily Jacob knew the path very well to the point it was second nature.

"Will they be able to follow us?" Barnaby asked. "Guys?"

"Mate, I think we'd do best to stay quiet, so please stop talking," Rowan said as he adjusts his glasses while squeezing Penny's hand.

"Sorry," Barnaby pouted only to have Liz pat his shoulder reassuring him.

The path seemed to go on forever until the light at the end of the tunnel began to show. The gang slowly emerged and scanned around their surroundings. The coast was clear for now.

"What's the plan?" Bill asked Jason. "We can't be here, or we'll run the risk of getting found."

Jason thought for a moment and looked at his friends and sighed. Why did these decisions always fall on him he wondered? For all, he knew the choices he made would lead them to a certain painful and gruesome death.

"We need to separate. Small groups. We contact each other every few days through Fire Talking or owl if it's close. Okay?" Jason looked at his friends clenching his fist. "It's the safest bet, and we need to contact the Order too. Apparate. Nothing else."

"How should we divide ourselves? Fours?" Ismelda asked. "I'm fine with it as long as I can stick with..." she looked over at Ben with a smirk.

The group just sighed and giggled despite the tension. Jason had divided his friends and told him the time to reach out to him. Jason would be with Merula (naturally), Penny, and Rowan. Jacob would be with Badeea, Diego, and Jae. The Weasleys would be with Ben and Ismelda, which left Tonks, Tulip, Barnaby, and Liz. If they all were to survive, they'd need someone who could watch their back and cover their weaknesses. Jason considered this heavily as he knew his friends better than most and knew their skills were beyond excellent.

"We are agreed then?" Jason looked nervous at his friends. "I don't want to be giving commands around, but I think this our best option. Strength in numbers but we'd be more elusive if it's

"We're with you Jason, and we trust your judgment." Rowan clapped his best friends back. "You've always had everyone's best interest at heart."

"That's true," Charlie patted Jason's shoulder, "you need to stop worrying so much Aurelius. You have the best in mind, no?"

"Come on now. We need to get going," Merula tugged on her lover's arm. "Okay? Have faith. You can't do everything alone." She offered a smile up to him. "We aren't kids anymore, and you divided them by their strength because you can see that. You're our tactician, and we all trust your judgment. Even though I'm smarter than you."

That prompted the group to laugh as Jason blushed embarrassed at the statement from his love. No matter how much time passed Merula was still that prideful girl that always had faith in herself. It was one of the many reasons Jason fell in love with her and one of her unique quirks.

"Have faith like she says, little brother," Jacob hugged his little brother. "You take care of him. If I hear anything about bullying him well..." he gave Merula a playful smirk that was hard to tell if he was joking.

"R-right," Merula held Jason's arm tightly, "I won't."

"And no slapping him!" he leaned down wagging a finger in her face like a father reprimanding their child. "I am still not over the bullying of my precious baby brother!"

"Brother, stop!" He blushed more because of his big brother's protectiveness. "She had every right to be angry, so let's let it go." Jason sighed then smiled. He was blessed to have so many people in his life that had faith in him. More so than he has in himself. "Okay, we really should get going."

"Guys, I thought we'd be going — no rush minus the fear of Death Eaters closing in. But I'd like to see Remus again. You know, my husband," Tonks ran her hand through her hair while looking at her friends. "He's probably due for his transformation, and it's better if I'm around to help him. Jason should be due too so I'm sure you need to make a Wolfsbane potion no?"

"You're right," Merula looked at Jason as he looked out into the distance. "Jason will need it. Good luck everyone and we'll meet again soon."

With that everyone said their farewells for the time being. The Weasleys team would return to the Burrow with Ben and Ismelda. Jason hoped Ben would be fine with knowing there's a ghoul in the attic or that he has to be around Ismelda. The two seem to be working on his fears but whenever they saw the two they had a look in their eyes that was innocent.

Barnaby group would go to his uncle's house, but Tonks needed to get in contact with her husband too. Tonks had been married for some time and knowing that one of his best friends was married made him smile. It was one of the many things Jason thought of, and he hoped one day he could have that one day. Maybe after all this, he could ask but now wasn't the time to get lost in fantasies.

Jacob and his designated team would be heading somewhere in Whitechapel. He knew how to make Polyjuice Potions so he could help make covers for them as different people. Badeea had also come up with new spells that could change the colors and textures of one's face. They were well protected with Deigo talents as duelist too so they won't go down easily. If things went south, Jae knew how to get away with things you shouldn't and routes no one knew of too.

WOOSH!

Merula along with Jason, Penny, and Rowan had apparated into Penny and Rowan's apartment in London. Penny and Rowan were to marry in the time Jason was undercover but had to put their wedding on hold. It was in a townhouse made of white and red bricks. Vibrant like the Slytherin and the Hufflepuff couple. The friends climbed the stairs, entering the gold and red wooden door. The house smelled of different plants that Merula and Jason couldn't tell apart. There was a hint of parchment, old books, and ink that no doubt similar to Rowan. The walls were lined in with photos of all of them through their time at Hogwarts and both Penny's and Rowan families. It was a cozy place. They searched through the house to make sure there were no break-ins. To their luck they were safe.

"Welcome to our beloved home," Rowan said as he guided them to the living room. "Go on and sit down and relax. I'll make tea for you."

"Do you need any help?" Jason asked.

"No, I got it. Just take it easy okay? I'll be back in a moment." Rowan made his way to the kitchen to get started on the tea.

"I'll go prepare the guest room. Fill free to read any of the books. After I'm done, I'll make the Wolfsbane for you Jason." Penny said as he headed down the hall and made a left turn.

"Well, now we have a moment," Merula turned to face Jason as he looked at the many bookshelves of their friend's home. "A serious one."

"About what-"

"About these nightmares, you've been having and why you haven't said anything to me," Merula placed a finger under his chin. "Just let it out, Jason. Please," she said leaning into his chest. Merula hated when Jason shut himself in and acting like no one wanted to listen to his problems even though the pain was evident on his face.

"I..." Jason looked down at her worried. He didn't like causing pain to her. Seeing her get like this was worse than being tortured by the Crucio curse. "Okay," he mustered to say while guiding her to the couch. "W-where should I begin?"

"Wherever you want," Merula offered him a small smile. "And take your time."

"R-right," he took a deep breath as he collected the mess know as his thoughts. "My nightmares have been going on since I was a Death Eater. More specifically," he glanced down biting his lip, "when I killed a man — a ministry worker who spoke out profoundly against Voldemort. My very first task was to kill him. It was the first time I ever used my magic to kill. The first time I used..."

"The Killing curse..." Merula heard of a series of deaths that happened within the past two years. At least two dozen wizards and witches didn't wish to join the Dark Lord or spoke out in saying he was a coward. Her heart felt like it was being squeezed by a hand as she thought of only two others who did this kind of action — her parents.

Jason nodded in response to her filling the blank as he dug his nails into his knuckles. Each death. Each scream and pleads for mercy ran in his head like a recording stuck in an infinite loop.

"If I didn't..." Jason shuttered as a tear slowly escaped his eye. "Jacob would have been killed. I would have been killed and..." he looked down at the ground defeated as he slowly felt the streams of tears fall. "Everyone I love, but I did it..." Jason wanted to look her in the eyes but couldn't meet them despite his efforts. "I'm a monster. I've seen myself like that for these past two years. I can't sleep because I lie awake thinking I'm no better than those we fight against. So that's why I didn't let anyone help at the manor. I was trying to fight the guilt away by doing something. Anything to keep me busy. Cleaning. Cooking. Drinking. A lot of drinking. I'll understand if you hate me or think less of me. By all that's holy I do."

There was nothing but silence between the two for a few moments till Merula lifted Jason's face to look into the eyes of the man she loved. It didn't matter what he did in the past but what he did in the future to ensure nothing like that would ever happen again. Merula knew who he was despite his doubt and fears. She smiled with tears of her own as she stared into his eyes.

"Jason, you are an idiot," she flicked his nose.

"Ouch! Hey, that hurt-" he said as he was pulled into Merula chest. Her scent was filling his nostrils while giving him some comfort. "Meri?"

"I know it's not much, but I know who you are. I know you try to think of every possible outcome," Merula patted his head gently as it served as the means to calm him down. "You're no monster. Of that I'm sure. Jason, you have sacrificed so much for your friends. For our world. For me. I don't hate you, and I could never think less of the man who's saved my life time and time again. Taught me there was more to life than misery, hate, and causing pain to others. You've given so much to us Jason. I couldn't be any more proud of you." Merula then lifted his head wiping his tears away. "Don't think less of yourself and the actions you had to do. You can repent by living your life. Fight to stop any more pain these fools have caused. We are in this together until the end. So don't be afraid to confide in me. It hurts more when you hide your pain. Share yours as I shared mine with you."

Jason and Merula sat in silence embracing each other as he let out the cries of anguish. All of the rage and torment he's held in for the past two years washed out with every grunt and shaky breath. Penny and Rowan came to check in to see what the noise was about but stepped out as to not interrupt the couples moment. The two had a bond that seemed so strong that not even their friends could understand. They carried each other's pain and never judged the other for their faults. Admittedly, it was this bond they held that kept either one sane in these times. Merula could judge anyone because she was good at reading people but never Jason as he always wore his heart on his sleeve. After their talk, they met their friends at the kitchen table to drink the tea Rowan had made. He had to reheat it as the conversation of the couple took some time to finish. Penny had begun working on making the Wolfsbane potion Jason needed as the next full moon was a few days away and he's sure his friends wouldn't want him tearing their home apart.

"So," Rowan sipped his tea while looking at Jason and Merula being their lovely Dovey selves. "Jason, I got a grave question to ask you. I hope you accept it. Will you be my best man at my and Penny's wedding?"

"I..." Jason's jaw dropped at the question. "Rowan, are you sure you want me to be the man?"

"Jason, I see you as a brother, and I wanted you to be it as you're my closest friend," he responded as he polished his glasses.

"Hey now!" Penny responded with a pout. "What about me?"

"You know you're important to me my inquisitive puff skin," Rowan said as he kissed her hand making Penny respond with a peck on the cheek.

"Besides, Merula is going to be Penny's maid of honor so do you want to see someone walk the aisle with your precious love?"

"No way is she walking down the aisle with another man!" Jason pulled Merula close to his chest in a protective manner. "You wouldn't dare Khanna!"

"Then you accept?" Rowan laughed remembering how overprotective he gets with Merula.

"I accept then," Jason smiled softly as he loosened his grip on Merula. "I'm gonna need to look for a suit then."

"You do look rather dashing in a suit love," Merula said laying her head into his shoulder while drawing a circle on his biceps with her finger. "But you'll need it custom made because of these hydras you call arms. What did you do to get like this?"

"I exercised a lot. Pull-ups and push-ups," Jason blushed, "are they that impressive?"

"I only comment when I see the quality, and you're of the best quality material. Perfect for me."

"I'd hope so. The best witch in the world needs only the best."

"Why do I feel like I'm back in school again?" Rowan sighed as he looked at the pair.

"What makes you say that?" Jason looked confused.

"Well," Rowan pointed at them, "Merula is sitting in your lap for one. Hey! No groping at the table!"

"Khanna, you're no fun," Merula hand was feeling out Jason's arms while she decided a chair wasn't comfortable enough and that her boyfriend was a better substitution for it. "Tell me, love, why do you have tattoos?"

"W-well I like them," Jason looked down at their left arms pointing to the few tattoos he had. "This," he pointed to two black bands, "I thought it looked cool. But this," he moved his top slightly showing his left pectoral and a tattoo of two wolves chasing each other in a circle, "represent us. You and me always following each other."

"Jason. I. You..." Merula blushed a deep red as she looked at the cute gesture her lover made. "Oh Merlin, I love you."

Soon night fell, and the four friends had dinner. Penny was a pretty good cook in her own right though Merula and Jason would say their skills are superior in that. She had made a stew with the plants they had for making potions so you know it was going to be a healthy and hearty meal. As they progressed through the night, the atmosphere held something like a great nostalgia falling into the past when life was much more straightforward as kids where you laughed more and didn't see the darkness in the world — only the light. It was moments like this they could all appreciate despite the strife that has passed. It was getting late, and the couples decided to retire to their respected rooms.

"S-so we should um get to sleep huh?" Jason said as he looked at the bed nervously. "You can take the bed. I could sleep on the floor or the couch." Jason was about to make his way to the door until he felt Merula wrap her arms around his waist. "Meri?"

"Stay. Please," Merula whispered as she pressed into the titan of a man she held. "I don't mind if it's you. Jason?"

"Yes?" he said as his heart raced as Merula chest pressed against his lower back.

"Do you think we will win against the You-Know-Who?"

"I don't know. But I won't let anything happen to you so long as I draw breath." Jason turned to embrace Merula, feeling her shake was uncharacteristic of her. She may be strong, but even she has fears too.

"And if we were to die tomorrow? What would you want to do?" she looked up at him. "If these our last moments what would you want to do?"

"I'd want to spend it with you," he stroked her cheek while giving her a caring smile. "Loving you with all I have since you're the greatest blessing I have. I'd die fighting to ensure you live. What would you do mi amor?"

"I would want to spend it with you — every second. I couldn't imagine anything more perfect than being with you." Merula smiled gently at him while holding him tight as if he'd fade into nothingness.

The two stood in quiet gazing into each other's eyes: the clashing of emerald seas and the amethyst stars. A chill ran down their spins as they felt a warm sensation burning through their bodies. Merula brought herself to her tiptoes as she wrapped her arms around Jason's neck as kneeled slightly down for them to share a kiss. This was unlike any other they had shared beforehand, it was a twist of passion accompanied by desperation as the fear of this being their final days. If life as they know it was to fade away then they'd used what time they had left to engrave the other with the essence of the other. Jason lifted Merula as she wrapped her legs around his waist as carried her to the bed of the room. Both were swept away in the desire for one another. What followed next would be one of the best moments in life between the couple as they had succumbed to their craving for one another.

The next day Merula rolled around under the sheets holding the man she was sharing the bed with. She opened her eyes to see a messy-haired Jason gazing back at her. The two smiled and shared a kiss greeting the morning.

"Hey..."

"Hey..."

"Sleep well?"

"I didn't do much sleeping thanks to some jerk of a werewolf. How about you love?" Merula said with a sly grin. "I'm gonna have a hard time getting out of bed now."

"Sorry," Jason replied with a grin of his own. "But to answer your question, it was the best sleep I have gotten in some time thanks to the best and most beautiful witch in the world."

"Stop it you," Merula said as she lightly whacked Jason's chest only receiving two large hands tickling her. "No! Jason stop it! "Merula laughed as the man worked his magic. "Stop it~!"

"Nope, not happening I'm afraid," Jason said as he pulled Merula on top of him and kissed her playfully.

Just then a knock came to the door of the lover's room; it was Rowan telling them breakfast was being made and that they should get ready. Penny and Rowan had let them some of their clothes. Lucky for Jason, Rowan buys large shirts that are slightly too big for him but just right for Jason. The couple had washed their face, cleaned brushed their teeth, and gotten dressed making their way to the kitchen. Jason had to help Merula as she was in some minor pain from the previous night, but she didn't regret it. Jason wore his boots, jeans, and olive green v-neck with his signature necklace and bracelet. Merula wore her boots, shorts with a grey tee shirt.  The two went downstairs and sat at the table while Penny and Rowan were cooking breakfast.

"Good morning! Sleep well- what the? Merula you got a- and Jason you got a- oh Merlin!" Penny clapped her mouth with her hand laughing harder than anyone had seen her. "Seems like you two had a lot of fun!"

The two looked at each for confused by Penny's actions. What was it that they had?

"What?" Merula looked at Penny with a raised eyebrow. "What is it do we have Haywood or should I say, Mrs. Khanna?"

"Um, well, to put it bluntly, you appear to have a case of hickeys showing," Rowan said as he tries to stifle his mouth as not to let his laughter escape. "That's it."

Merula and Jason's faces both turned redder than as they looked at each other seeing they didn't spare the other's skin from the previous night. Jason covered his face in the moment of embarrassment. Merula tried to find a way to explain the marks on them by saying there were ticks in the bed. But that was a failed lie if anyone had heard one come from the master at lying. The companions ate their breakfast with Rowan and Penny still laughing at the matter. It was a fantastic sight. Later that day Penny and Merula worked on creating a supply of Wolfsbane. Jason and Rowan were discussing issues on how Rowan wanted to conduct his wedding when an owl landed on the window. Rowan opened it to take the letter from the owl.

"What is it?" Jason inquired.

"It's a letter from Bill," Rowan opened it and began reading it. "It seems the final battleground is probably going to be at Hogwarts. It'll be within three days."

"No way," Jason clenched his fist as the whites of his knuckles protruded. "Of course they want it there. Don't they realize they'd put innocent kids in danger?!"

"It seems that is the case," Rowan sat down as he ran a hand through his hair. "They go to any means if it benefits them. So what's the plan?"

Jason and Rowan sat in quiet as they went through their thoughts. What would be the best choice? Fight? Hide? No, if they hid Voldemort forces most likely will find them. Merula stepped in placing a hand on Jason's shoulder while Penny brought in some coffee for them.

"What's the matter?" Merula asked as she saw the solemn look in the men's eyes. "Why does the air feel heavy in here?"

"Hogwarts is to get attacked in the next few days," Rowan answered as he took his cup of coffee.

"What?!" Penny looked aghast. "When did you find out?"

"Through a letter from Bill just know," he responded.

"So what shall we do then?" Merula asked as she gazed at her lover. "Jason?"

"I want to fight. No matter what. Hogwarts was..." Jason smiled at Merula. "Was where I met you all. It's our home. I would rather see it prosper than fall to ashes. We made many memories there, and I won't let such chances become robbed for the next generation. After all," he smirked at Rowan. "Who is gonna be the teacher for our kids when the time comes? Professor Khanna?"

"You know I will be the best Professor at that school," Rowan rose to his feet almost spilling his coffee. He was now flexing feeling fired up at the mention of being called Professor Khanna. "Hogwarts will know me as it's the greatest professor to the headmaster."

"I'm in too," Penny laughed, "no way is my fiance going to fight and fall into peril. I can't have a wedding without him." She threw her arms around Rowan kissing his cheek. "And I'm sure Jason would love to have Merula as his wife too whenever he pops the question."

"Hey now, knowing my love he'll ask when he feels the time is right. He tends to make things more theatrical," Merula responded to Penny nonsense while stroking Jason's hair. "I am in too. No way am I going to let all those trophies with me be destroyed. Plus," she leaned down to hold her lover, "it's where you saved me from my loneliness. So I don't want my home destroyed again."

The gang was in agreement. Hogwarts wasn't some run-of-the-mill school to any of them; it was a place of growth, where you'd discovered who you are. The memories from their time searching for the vaults, the Christmases they shared. But most importantly, was finding that you had the potential to grow and become better with others who were like you. Now was the time to fight for their school, their home.

Penny and Merula were brewing potions together, possibly using all of Penny plants to make fire-breathing, healing, strength potions, and anything that would serve as useful. Jason and Rowan packed supply bags with whatever they felt necessary. They packed their supplies as they needed to organize what is going to be used in combat versus first aid. Jason had gone through his transformation through that time, so he was more clear-minded for the coming battle. This would be the most challenging adventure they would have in their lives.

The day had come for the battle to commence. Lives were on the line and death was to follow behind without question. Jason and his friends had gathered what they needed and left to fight the good fight. The four had apparated into the outskirts of Hogsmeade and hiked their way to Hogwarts. Their former mentors and their friends greeted the four alumni. But the greetings needed to be cut short as the ground was shaking from a volley of spells hitting the barrier protecting the school. It was time for the confrontation to begin. Each of the curse breakers was broken into two-manned teams and spread throughout the castle. Jason and Merula would guard the passage to the Slytherin house. McGonagall informed the two on how Slytherin's house has acted needed to be defended so they'd avoid falling to the temptation of Voldemort's words. Jason and Merula both stepped in as the Slytherin house pointed their wands at the couple.

"I suggest you put your wands down kids. We are here to protect you," Merula glanced at them with the softest expression she had ever shown. "Do you realize what is happening here? History! Lives are being lost protecting this school. Slytherin's house is being looked down upon because of your fear. You need to step up and decide. Have our house knows as cowards or be seen as heroes that will go down in history?"

"What makes you think none of us who are fighting are scared? We are, but here we are. Slytherins fighting for something greater than ourselves. I was Slytherins prefect, and no one loves this house more than I because I know I left it to capable wizards and witches." Jason knew they had potential because he was a Slytherin and always believed they were Hogwarts strongest assist.

The two Slytherins went on telling them they could be the next greatest witches and wizards but could not do that if they submitted like cowards. Slytherins had fangs and knew to use them. They were a cunning lot and were underestimated which always played to their advantage. At that moment the house door burst open with Death Eaters swarming in. Jason and Merula sprung into action fighting the Death Eaters with little effort. The two lovers gave each other compliments making some of the young Slytherins cringed. Minus, the cutesy moment, the younger Slytherins knew their seniors had a point. Rather fight than be seen as cowards. Slytherin's house was now ready to join the battle. Hogwarts was their home too, and they'd defend it no matter what.

"So," said a raspy voice, "it seems I was right to come here."

"No way," Jason aimed his wand at the figure, "Arthur. Well, I got to say that burnt face suits you.

"Well, I have your brother and you to thank for that," Arthur said as he caressed the left side of his face grinning. "My my, that girl. She yours?"

"That business is mine and mine alone you creep," Jason looked at the men with eyes burning with disdain. "Looks like I need to finish where we left off."

The two men began fighting in a display of quick spells and counters. Slytherins common room caught ablaze by the spells of the two wizards. Merula had to reflect on some of the spells so the Slytherin students weren't hurt.

"Meri! Take the kids and run I got this!" Jason shouted as his shoulder was struck. "Bastardo!"

"But Jason-" Merula tried to argue only for Jason to cut her off.

"I got this! Protect them and go!" Jason shouted as he backed Arthur up against the window that looked into the Black Lake.

"You better win dammit! Come on kids, let's go!" Merula shouted as she led the kids out of the dungeons. She took the kids to where most of the other students were in the Great Hall. "Barnaby! Tulip!"

"What is it Merula? Where's Jason?" Tulip asks. She looked like she had been through a ringer covered in cuts and bruises.

"Back in the dungeons fighting some Death Eater named Arthur. Guess he has a score to settle with him. Burnt and creepily pale."

"Why is the  Slytherin House here?" Barnaby asked as he cast a spell sending a Death  Eater out of one on the Great Hall windows. "Are they here to-?"

"Help, yes. Good analysis Lee," Merula smiled knowing how far he progressed from the headstrong kid they knew. "Take care of them and let the senior ones help. Barnaby, you're in charge of them. I'm going back for Jason."

"Merula," Tulip shouted, "it's too dangerous to go alone!"

"I'm not losing him again!" Merula dashed out of the Great Hall. The castle shook all around her. Cutting left then right following down the stairs. "Jason!" she kept repeating his name in her head. Merula had made it to the dungeon when she saw it was flooded. "Oh no," immediately she dove casting the bubble jinx swimming through the corridors. She went to the door for the house, swimming through and cast Lumos as she searched for Jason. She screamed as she saw the corpse of Arthur being dragged away by some Grindylows. She scanned the room seeing Jason floating on the common room floor. Merula cast Accio summoning Jason to her as she swam out through the entrances back to the point of the surface. She carried the bulky man and dropped him down. "Jason! Wake up, baby! Please," Merula panicked as she searched for any signs of life, "no no no no no! You're not dying!" she began conducting CPR to try and revive him. "Come on love," she screamed in her head. Nothing. Tears began to run down her face as she sobbed.

"Merula!  We've won! Voldemorts dead," shouted Jacob as climbed down to her with Tulip, and Charlie. " We've come to- no." Jacob fell to his knees next to her as he stared at the colorless face of his little brother. "No. Jason." Jacob punched the ground shouting in anguish.

Charlie and Tulip embraced each other as they too were in shock and weeping for the loss of their friend. Or so they thought until they heard the man cough out the water of his lungs then laying back down.

"Five more minutes Meri," Jason groaned in pain. "I'm too comfy."

"Y-you idiot!" Merula threw herself on top of him crying in relief. "Why are you such an idiot dammit!"

Jacob, Charlie, and Tulip followed by piling on top of the couple crying in relief. Today was a great victory but came at an unforgivable loss. Many friends were lost. Many of Voldemorts followers fled into hiding after his death. Those who couldn't escape were imprisoned and tried for their crimes against the wizarding and muggle worlds. Hogwarts was safe, and peace had returned for the world.

Epilogue:

Two years had passed since the Battle of Hogwarts, Merula and Jason had moved in together and were happy being with each other. The lovers worked at the Ministry as Aurors and were very good as a duo. Now if only they could focus more on work and less on making out then they'd get that bonus for their work.

Today the two were heading to Azkaban for a more personal matter. They were to visit Merula parents, Johnathan Reid Snyde and Selina Kyna Snyde. The two kept in contact with Merula through the years via letters. They had gone exchange many things and shared their regrets.  Her parents both admitted that serving Voldemort was their biggest regret as it tore them away from her.

"Nerves?" Jason glanced down at his beloved. "It's must be a little  crazy, no amore?"

"A little? Try a ton beloved," Merula was fiddling with a lock of her hair, she probably learned the habit from Jason. "But, I'm hoping they're going recognize me."

"I'm sure it'll go great," Jason kissed her cheek. "Have faith."

At that moment the door for the meeting slowly opened as a guard guided two prisoners in. A man with brown hair with a spot of silver in the middle with a beard that was somewhat well kept. He stood at 5"11 with a thin build, probably was more muscular in his heyday. His eyes were grey as a thunderstorm and a certain spark to them. Johnathan smiled softly, something that was very uncommon by him.

The second prisoner was a woman that was the same height if not a little shorter than the Merula. Her hair was auburn or copper in the light, and her eyes were the same shade of amethyst as that of Merula eyes. She cupped her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Merula?" said the woman in an Irish accent. "Darling?"

"Hi, Mum. Hi Dad." Merula said as tears ran down her face as she ran over and hugged her parents.

"My daughter." the man replied in a British accent. "Oh, how you have grown!"

The Snyde family was reunited at last. Jason couldn't help but feel out of place but was happy to see his beloved was having a sunny day. After they spoke, Selina looked at Jason curiously.

"Merula, dear, is that him?" Selina looked at her daughter.

"Y-yes Mum, that's him." Merula smiled at Jason. "Come and introduce yourself beloved."

"Right," Jason walked over slightly tensed. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Snyde. I'm Jason Piscius Aurelius De Leone. But you can refer to me as Jason or whatever is easier."

The two parents looked Jason up and down. Analyzing his features from head to toe. Taking in every detail of him and rating it. Johnathan and Selina looked at each other than to Merula and nodded in approval. Johnathan offered his hand to Jason and Jason greeted his gesture with a respectful.

"A pleasure to meet you, Jason. Merula told us much about you in her letters. Thank you for watching over her for so long." Johnathan clapped Jason's shoulder and smiled at him. "Hopefully she hasn't caused too much trouble for you."

"Dad!" Merula whined at her father's claim.

"She hasn't caused too much trouble for me. When she does it ends up being loads of fun," Jason laughed softly. "She's been a blessing."

"Jason!" Merula blushed embarrassed. "Oh, Merlin why?"

"Well, he seems rather innocent. Are you sure he was a Slytherin?" Selina looked at her daughter laughing.

"Sadly, yes and the prefect to boot," Merula sighed but smiled as she watched Jason and her father speaking seeming casual. Odd but it set her mind at ease.

Jason and Merula had spoken with her parents for an hour which was all the time they were given, but they promised to visit every month. Merula headed hugged her parents one more time bidding them farewell. As she made her way out Jason told her he'd follow them shortly. She waited outside as he handled his business with Merula parents.

"Johnathan. Selina. Us coming here wasn't simply for the sake of Merula. Well, it's for Merula, but she doesn't know." Jason pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it. In it was a silver band with a clear white diamond. "I wanted to ask you for your blessing to marry your daughter formally. She is my world, and I can't see life being possible without her."

"Oh dear," Selina gasped at the boldness of Jason's request on their first meeting. "My boy, I see the way you are if everything is correct like in the letters then you have my blessing." She smiled at him.

"Bold move. Son," Johnathan grinned at him. "I agree with Selina. You are a good and caring man, and it would be our honor to have you as part of the family."

"Thank you. I will not let you down. I swear it." Jason looked at them with a soft smile.

With that, Johnathan and Selina were taken back to their respected cells as Jason met with Merula to leave Azkaban till their next visit. The lovers made it to the Floo entrances of the person, sending themselves back to their home.

"So, what business did you need to carry out with my parents?" Merula asked looking at her boyfriend.

"That my dear is a secret for now," he leaned down. "But all will be revealed in time." Jason embraced her while planting a kiss on her forehead. "You'll see."

Whatever Jason had planned Merula knew it would be something crazy and outlandish. But Merula trusted her lover and hopefully this secret will come in time as he said. For his sake, she hopes it would be worth the wait.

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fifth Year Summer AU: A Tropical Journey to my Boyfriend

Summary: Merula and some her companions have been invited to visit Jason in the Dominican Republic. However, the Great Snyde must face her greatest task yet. Jason’s mother.

Word Count: 5,600

The school year had come to a close, and all the students of Hogwarts had all headed home. Merula had made friends with Jason friends one at a time. They had bonded with each other in the last few months of school and had become friends themselves. Merula actually had planned to hang out with Penny during some of the summertime they were off. Mainly because the two had a plan.

"So do you think he'll be surprised, Penny?" Merula asked as she looked through her suitcase, making sure she had everything necessary packed. "It's not weird if we show up, right?"

"No, why would it?" Penny said as she checked her hair in her mirror.

"We have only been together for a few months. So I'm still nervous about him and me being so close. I mean we are talking traveling to the other side of the planet here!" Merula looked at her as she flopped down on the ground groaning. "I mean, this would be the first time I would meet his mother! What if she doesn't like me or she thinks I'm not pretty enough for him. Penny, you know Jason is a knockout, and his little fan club went mad when I took their idol!"

Merula kept going on and on about how nervous she was about this secret trip she and the rest of the curse breakers had planned. The whole reason being is Jason's parents had divorced, and his parents had agreed to shared custody despite their constant bickering that he should stay with one or the other. But Jason made it clear to his parents he'd rather be on his own if his parents couldn't compromise. If not with each other at least for his sake.

"Merula, I'm sure it'll be fine. Remember, you're the girl who bagged the best guy at Hogwarts!" Penny patted Merula shoulder, giving her a thumbs up. "Trust me, plus once Jason gets a load of you in all these cute outfits, there is no way his mum is gonna argue against this. Or is the self-proclaimed best witch of Hogwarts too scared of her future mother-in-law?"

"I'm not scared!" Merula snapped out of her little funk. "W-who would be scared of that? I'm not!"

"Merula, your shaking like a leaf. Everything will play out, and we'll have a good time. His mum knows we are coming with a few more. Rowan, Ben, and Barnaby are coming with us too- oh look at the time!" Penny shouted as she looked at her watch slightly panic. "If we don't hurry, we'll miss the port key!"

Without a moment's hesitation, the girls finished their packing and made their way to the port key location. The girls were taken by Penny's parents to the local train station and had traveled to an old train station frequented by wizards. The two met with their friends at the coastline where a man stood with an old fisherman outfit and staff. He pulled a pocket watch from his pocket as the five of them made their way to him.

"Payment and passports?" the old man asked as the teens stood in front of him.

Each of them pulled a few Galleons and their passports, paying him as he inspected their passports. After a few moments, the old man smiled as he was satisfied with the amount of coin he weighed in his hand.

"Alright, go ahead and grab the pot," the man directed them.

The friends laid their hands on the pot, waiting as the old man counted down. They all shook with anticipation waiting for their little "flight" to take place.

Five. Four. Three. Two. One...

As the old man uttered the last number, the kids were sucked into a cyclone, pulling them into the shoe as they screamed, not of fear. But out of pure excitement, they never traveled by port key, so their expectations weren't let down. After a few moments of screaming the group of friends landed on the sandy ground. They groaned as they stood up, dusting themselves and looking around themselves: Sun, palm trees, mountains in the distance, and the buzzing of the local town behind them.

"Wow, this place is beautiful," Merula said as she gazed at their new surroundings. "So exactly how are we going to Jason's place from here?"

Just then, a pearl white limousine rolled up next to the group with a tanned elderly man dressed in an elegant suit and gloves.

"Senor Rowan. Senor Ben. Senor Barnaby. Senora Penny and Senora Merula. Welcome to the Dominican Republic,"  he bowed with one hand across his chest, "I am Manuel, your guide and the head butler for the De Leone family. Dominar Jason's mother's side of the family. If you, please follow me." Manuel drew his wand, lifting their suitcases, and guided them into the trunk of the limousine.

"Well, that's how," Rowan said as he and the rest of them entered the rear of the limousine.

Inside of it, the interior was tanned coffee leather with a minibar toward the front section, with a raised roof with shelves of different forms of alcohol and coffee beans. Five goblets of water flew into the passenger's hands. It was impressive to see the progress of magic and the combination of muggle technologies. The car began to move as the friends watch the city pass by and they made twists and turns till they reached a narrow alley wall, plowing through a building as the group of teens screamed but then the car phased through the wall.

They were now in the wizard city of Pueblo Leona, a port town famous for one of the best Quidditch teams in South America, resorts, cliff diving, and the hometown of the De Leone family. As they drove through the town, they stopped at a large golden gate with two lion statues that stood fifteen feet tall. The statue's head followed the car as the gates opened, and the limousine pulled in front of the manor before them. It stood three stories tall, designed in the form of a Mediterranean with white marble columns with blue and gold accents to the edges at the bases of the walls. The roof was made of wood and polished to the point it reflected the light of the sun.

Manuel stepped out, holding the door of the car as the teens stepped out and looked at the mansion in awe.

"Jason said his family was wealthy..." Rowan said as he stared at the building in awe.

"No, kidding. How does anyone find their way around a place like that?" Penny chimed in.

"I hope we don't get lost," Ben muttered as they followed Manuel into the demesne.

The ceilings were raised high with polished wooden beams mounted with golden chandeliers and a central staircase with an azure carpet draping the stairs. The walls were decorated in paintings of the sea, port towns, and ships. As Manuel was explaining the layout, the head of the house came down the stairs. A woman who'd worn a blue sundress, with golden bracelets on either wrist and a necklace made of gold. Her skin was bronze with dark brown hair and blue eyes. She was around the same as Merula, Jason's mother, Thalia De Leone.

"Hello, welcome," Thaila said with a gentle smile, "I hope the drive wasn't too rocky. Let me see if I get this right, Penny?"

"Yes, ma'am! It's a pleasure," Penny smiled brightly.

"Ben?"

"H-hello ma'am," Ben stuttered as he stared at the woman. "I am Ben C-Copper..."

"You're right Penny, and he does seem nervous. You needn't be worried mi nino." Thaila laughed as she continued. "Barnaby?"

"That's me!" Barnaby laughed.

"Energetic, quite nice. You are Rowan?"

"A pleasure ma'am, your son is-"

"You're his best friend, I know. Thank you for watching him." She nodded then turned her gazed to Merula.  Studying the girl carefully invading her personal space. "And you..."

"Hello, Miss De Leone. I'm M-Merula Snyde," she muttered. What was with her, she thought. Usually, adults didn't intimidate her, but this one did oddly. Her bubbly demeanor and the analyzing look she had in her eyes were similar to eyes she knew too well.

"Merula Snyde. Hmm, you bullied my baby boy, and yet," Thaila's expression turned severe.

"I um..."

"But," she grinned and pulled her into a tight hug. "You made my boy smile!"

"Miss De Leone! You're crushing me!" Merula coughed as she was mumbling confused.

"Oh sorry! And dear, call me Thaila. Or mom." Thaila let Merula go as she rubbed the back of her head like Jason. Yep, they were related. "Ah, Jason should be out on the veranda in the back. Warning though, he doesn't know you're here. So you gotta be sneaky."

The group nodded in unison as they followed Thaila through the home. They gazed at the artwork and architecture in amazement. The detail was so subtle and precise that it would sin to touch even the walls. As they approached the double doors leading to the back they saw the young man they had all been looking forward to seeing.

Jason was sitting at a table sipping away some coffee while reading a book with his free hand. He wore his necklace Merula had gotten him for Christmas while a black v-neck, ripped jeans, and his hiking boots. How he wore that in hot weather was anyone's guess. He seemed too invested in noticing the door opening. But something did catch his attention, a particular scent that sent him over the edge — the aroma of fresh mountain air with the hints of lavender and nail polish.

"Jason, I have a surprise for you-" Thaila began speaking but was through off when her son jumped over the table and tackling Merula. "Jason Piscius Aurelius De Leone! Do not jump over the tables!"

"Ah! Jason!" Merula squealed as Jason lifted her and spun her around almost slinging her into their friends who had to dodge out of the way. "P-put me down, you knucklehead!" She laughed as her boyfriend pulled her into a hug but started to blush when she realized everyone was staring.

"Oh, sorry!" Jason placed her down while looking at his friends and giving them all hugs with the same amount of happiness. "What are you all doing here?"

"Well, we came to see you. Isn't it obvious?" Rowan laughed as he tapped his friend in the chest.

"I orchestrated the whole thing with your mum. I hope that's okay." Penny laughed as she hugged Jason sided.

"Really now? Gracias ma," Jason turned to his mother, smiling at him.

"Of course. I must say though," she looked at Merula and nodded in approval. "You got a good taste in women. She reminds me a little bit of me when I was younger."

"Haywood!" Merula cheeks started turning red as she wrapped her arms around Jason's arm. "How long are you gonna hold on to my boyfriend, hmmm?"

"Oh! Sorry, Merula!" Penny let go laughing as let Jason go. "She is similar to me in that regard," Thaila laughed. "I was a bit possessive of my men."

Merula blushed at the comment Thaila. She doesn't like others touching her stuff; especially touching Jason. She buried her face into his chest and sighed, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Oh Meri," Jason leaned down and dropped a kiss on the top of her head.

As the group of friends was each shown to their rooms, they all had lunch out on the veranda. They chatted all about how the summer had been for the first few weeks. Penny and her family had gone to a muggle theme park in celebration of Beatrice being freed from the curse of the portraits. Barnaby had gone to Germany visiting many magical creature sanctuaries. Rowan visited his relatives in India while reading a small library worth of books. They shared many other stories until Jason suggested he showed them around the city. Everyone agreed to it with much enthusiasm.

Manuel had the limo drop of the teens in a market area. Manuel instructed them he'd come to get them before dinner for the evening was prepared. The group then followed behind Jason as he showed them the town. The streets were littered with people working stalls, kids playing, and many tourists enjoying the city's bright and vibrant life.

"Wow," Penny looked around at a stall of bright dresses and swimsuits. "These are so pretty! Merula, look at this!"

Merula walked over and looked at the wares intrigued by the patterns. Some of the models and symbols she saw looked as though a child drew them.

"Jason, what are those characters?" Merula looked at him bewildered.

"Huh?" he walked over and looked at them. "Those are Taino symbols. They were the natives of the Caribbean. They were relatively peaceful. That symbol is the "sun" or "sol." It looks a little odd, doesn't it?"

"It does but has a unique charm to it." Merula smiled at him. "So what else can be done around here?"

"Well, we can go to the beach? Surfing? Cliff diving?" Jason held his chin as he ran through his thoughts.

"Beach? That sounds nice!" Rowan chimed in as took off a mask he had bought from a kiosk. "Jason, do you have a spot in mind?"

"Wait, we left our swimsuits in our luggage," Barnaby said as he had been stuffing his face with ham croquetas. "I mean I got no problem swimming in my underwear-"

"Barnaby, no." Merula shuddered at that suggestion. "The beach does sound good, but we don't have our suits as Barnaby said."

"I think I can help with that. Follow me," Jason said as he took Merula hand as their friends followed Jason into a nearby shop. "Tio Rodrigo, donde estas?"

"Aquí mi sobrino, ¿qué necesitas?" said an older man walking out to the front of the store dressed in slacks and a button shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His skin was slightly tanner than Jason's but had a similar glow to him. "Oh my! What beautiful girls you brought here? Who are they?"

"Tio, this is my girlfriend Merula and my friends, Rowan, Penny, and Barnaby," Jason said as he explained they're from school and came to visit it (with it being planned by his mother) and that they needed swimsuits for the beach.

"Well, that is how my cousin is. But yes, I think I got a few things for you. Gimme a hand sobrino," he said as he walked into the back with Jason following.

A few minutes later, as everyone went through the store's wares, Jason and his uncle walked out with a few different swimsuits for everyone to try. They were each given individual bags so they could be their stuff separated. As they all decided and put their clothes over the suits, Jason tried to pay his uncle only for him to deny him as it was a free service since his friends came all this way to see him. Jason thanked him and left with his friends to the beach.

The beach was a sight to behold as the crystal clear water glistens with the gentle warm breeze of the sea. The gang made their spots and tossed off their clothes revealing for the first time their swimsuits.

"Jason, your abs," Barnaby commented as he poked at them, "how are they this sculpted?"

"It is interesting," Rowan commented as he did the same thing as Barnaby. "How often do you exercise or rather where do you find the time to do such things?"

"My parents tell me I must keep my appearance up and all. So can you stop- oh, Merlin." Jason stopped as he eyed Merula, who was looking at him nervously as his heart raced. He walked over to her as she looked away messing with her hair.

"W-well? Does it look weird?" Merula glanced at him.

"Meri, the only words I can use to describe you is beautiful, but even that doesn't describe how amazing you look." Jason smiled as he lifted her chin. "How I was blessed with such a beauty I got no clue."

"Oh, s-shut up!" Merula hid her face into her hands, trying not to peek at him. "But I do look beautiful?"

"You always do, mi amor," Jason blushed as he took in her appearance as a whole. Her swimsuit suited her well, he thought to himself.

A two-piece bikini in with an emerald shade and silver specks that acted like stars; the sight could make any man fall in love. Lucky she has already had the one person heart she needed.

"Um, guys?" Penny called to the adorably innocent couple. "Are we going into the water or not?

"Uh, y-yeah! Let's get going!" the two lovers said in unison, pausing briefly to laugh at their synchronization. They really were a match.

With that, the friends ran to the water and begun the joys of their vacation. Barnaby, in his excitement, picked Jason up and bodyslammed him into the water with a loud splash. Barnaby then picked up Rowan holding him over his head with screaming Rowan begging for mercy only for Jason and Ben to tackle their large statured friend. Merula and Penny laughed as the boys were acting well like boys. It was a pleasant sight to see their friends all having fun. While the two girls were laughing the boys snuck up and lifted them only for them to protest as the boys got ready for tossing them.

"One! Two! Three!!!" The four boys said in unison as they tossed Penny and Merula having loud shrieks pierce the air.

"Let's do it again! This fun!" Barnaby bellowed as he clapped his hands on Ben and Rowan's shoulders. "That was brilliant!"

"I dunno Barnaby, I don't want anyone getting hurt," Jason said only to feel something grab his ankle. "Huh? WOOOAH!" Jason yelped as he was pulled under the surface.

"Ha!" Merula said as she broke the surface. "Wait, that wasn't Barnaby."

"No, it wasn't Snyde," Rowan answered giggling.

Merula screamed as her boyfriend wrapped his arms around her and dragging her under. It was a surprise, to say the least as she wormed her way out of his grasp. As she stood up coughing, she looked around trying to find her giant dork.

"Are you alright, Meri?" Jason looked at her with an apologetic look. He hoped he didn't let his excitement get the best of him.

"Oh I'm fine, but you are a dead meat!" Merula lunged at Jason, climbing over to his back and putting him in a headlock while wrapping her legs around his waist. "You are in trouble you little twit!"

"Ah! Meri-" Jason yelped as he tried to keep his balance in the rocking waves of the shores. He tripped as a massive wave, swallowed him and Merula. The two rolled around in the waves until Jason was able to get his footing back. "For Merlin's sake, what were you thinking?" he coughed as Merula held onto his back.

"You were the one who tossed me in, so it's your fault," Merula said as she coughed up some water, "or do I need us to go under again?"

"You win. I submit to Merula Snyde, the most powerful witch on the beach." Jason laughed as Merula climbed off his back, and the two hugged each other with Merula flicking his nose. "Ouch!" What did I do?"

"Nothing, just need you always to remember even if I'm shorter than you I can still reach you somehow." Merula grinned as she wrapped her hands around the nape of his neck.

As the afternoon progressed, the friends walked around the city some more as Jason talked about some of the significant landmarks. One was the quidditch field at the center of the town, The Emerald Lion Dome, name mainly due to the emerald-shaded dome on the structure carved of white marble. It stood twenty-three kilometers wide and was to be the grounds for the next quidditch world cup as the sun started to set the group head back to Jason's home.

"God, I got sand all over!" Ben whined as he tried to shake off the sand that was slowly stuck on his body.

"I know, right?" Barnaby said as he blew his nose out. "It was so much fun, though. Did you see that sea serpent?"

"Sea serpent?!" Ben gulped at Barnaby's excitement of seeing a sea serpent.

"Oh? Yeah, don't go playing with the serpent." Jason said as he walked his friends back to their rooms. "It tends to eat those not paying attention. Don't worry Ben, and no one has been eaten in a couple of days."

"Wonderful." Ben opened the door to his room, scared.

"Dinner is gonna be in an hour or so. Get cleaned up and prepare for a feast!" Jason smiled as he made his way to his room.

"Oh, boy, I'm starved!" Barnaby groaned as his stomach growled.

Jason chuckled at his friend's honesty as he entered his room and making his way to his personal bathroom. He looked through his closet and thought about his options. Since his friends were here and how his mother was, he needs to consider something fun and functional.

On the other end of the manor, Merula had finished cleaning herself up and looked through her outfits. Penny had helped her pick out. She debated between a sundress Penny said looked good on her and a skirt with a blouse. What would be the best to impress Jason's mom and Jason himself?

"Awe, you all look amazing!" Thaila said at the first three to show. Ben, Barnaby, and Rowan had been told to dress for a party. Thalia had been planning this little piece while the teens were up and about exploring the city.

"Thank ma'am!" Barnaby smiled, puffing up his chest. He wore a green button-up, black trousers with his signature rings, and new dress shoes.

"I wish I asked Andre more on dressing advice." Ben looked at his own outfit. His attire consisted of a red polo with a golden bird on upper left pectoral, off-white slacks, and cleaned tennis shoes with what seemed to have a checkmark? Maybe from a muggle company.

"I agree we all look well, Ben. Stop worrying for a bit. We're here for fun." Rowan placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. Rowan had an olive sweater, with beige dress pants and black dress shoes.

As the festivities began, relatives and friends from the De Leones flooded the manor. Many had brought dishes from their homes and thus began the largest welcome party some of the young wizards had ever seen.

Merula had just stepped out of her room when she heard the sounds of festivities. She gazed out to a window adjacent to her door, seeing the people enjoying themselves. "Quite rowdy," she thought to herself as she started making her way down the hallway to the main stairs. Merula heart had been racing ever since she left her room. So far, the day has been good, but she hoped it stayed as she hoped. Merula was at the top of the stairs before she noticed someone across the adjacent section of the stairs.

Jason had finished getting cleaned up before he walked out to the stairs in an excited mood. He hadn't expected to see his friends till school or at least till he had done part of his summer in Italy with his father. But he couldn't think of that for the time. Right now was a time for celebration as his friends were here; and one that was a special one at that. He took a deep breath as he descended the stairs to meet Merula in the middle.

"You look amazing-" the couple said in unison.

"You go first!" Jason spoke with his nerves evergrowing.

"N-no, you go first!" Merula responded.

"No, I insist the most powerful witch goes first."

"So thoughtful of the gentleman," Merula smiled as she took a good look at Jason.

He wore blue chinos with an off-white button-up with his sleeves rolled up. Jason wore his necklace Merula had gotten him for Christmas, charcoal dress shoes, and an onyx-colored watch. His hair combed, and the scent of his cologne sent Merula heart ablaze.

"You look quite dashing if I must say," Merula blushed as her eyes dart to Jason and shot to the left, repeatedly.

"Not as beautiful as you though. You look amazing Merula," Jason caressed her cheek while giving an earnest smile.

"It doesn't look odd? I mean this isn't my cup of tea. Haywood suggested this and other outfits." Merula had decided to go with a sundress with a jade green tint, with her necklace from this past Christmas, and sandals.

"Merula," Jason took her chin and gently kissed her. "No matter what you wear or how you think you look, I'll always believe your beautiful."

"You're such a sweet talker, you know?" Merula stood on her toes and kissed him back. "Let's get going. I want to see what all the noise about."

Jason laughed as he took her hand and led her outside. The two walked arm in arm as the party seemed to be going well. Ben talking with some of Jason's uncles while playing dominos and as far as Jason tell his friend needed some work on it or they'd bleed him dry. To the left, Barnaby was helping himself with the food while two girls were trying to get his attention. They were most likely daughters of his mom's friends probably.

Jason had gone around introducing Merula to his many, many, relatives. Some young cousin. Aunts and uncles. All of them welcomed Merula as one of their own and comment on how she's so beautiful like Jason described. Clearly, someone can't help but brag about the best witch of Hogwarts. Over at a table, Rowan was sitting with Penny and Thalia. He and Merula decided to head over and sit down next to them.

"Ah! Mi hijo y mi futura nuera. You two look amazing!" Thaila smiled at the two love birds.

"Mama! ¡No digas eso!" Jason faced turned red.

"Aye. Sorry hijo, I just can't help myself at times. Merula, your dress looks lovely. It compliments you very well."

"Thank you, ma'am," Merula smiled, feeling happy by her dress selection.

"Now then, I want to know something if you don't mind me asking." Thaila leaned forward with her head in her hands.

"About what ma'am?" Merula asked.

"How much do you love my son? What is it that makes you love?" Thaila grinned like a schoolgirl finding out the latest gossip.

"Mom!" Jason shouted, embarrassed at his mother's questioning of his girlfriend.

"It's alright, Jason." Merula squeezed his hand. She cleared her throat and tried to muster as much courage as she could. "Well, Jason and I never got along in the beginning. I didn't think that someone like him could even consider loving me."

"Because of your lineage?" Thaila raised an eyebrow.

"Y-yes," Merula sighed, "but the fact he treated like an average person. Correcting me whenever I was in the wrong and trying to get me to see my actions will determine my fate. That I am the one to make my choice if I want to be like my parents." She glanced at Jason with a smile.

"And my dear?" Thaila looked at Merula curiously.

"Jason risked death for me too many times that I could even count. He saved my life and me from myself. From the monster, I thought I was," Merula looked at Thaila. "That's why I love him."

Thaila had her eyes clothes as she was in a deep thought considering Merula words before smiling at her. This girl has given her son happiness, and he has done the same for her. Now Thaila was thinking about planning their wedding in secret but knew Jason would find out and possibly flip his lid if she got ahead of herself.

"You are how he describes you truly. I can see why he loves you. You better not go breaking this heart mi nino, am I clear?" Thaila looked at Jason with a severe glance. "Am I clear?"

"I think I rather face another dragon than risk a broken-hearted Merula. I could at least die, knowing I didn't hurt her."

"Hey! I thought we agreed! No, dying!" Merula grabbed his ear, pinching it till his ear turned red.

"Ouch! Meri! Please, that hurts! Aaaaaaaaah!" Jason yelped as Merula tormented him as she did when he got all "tempt fate" and see what would happen.

"I think a dead you would be heartbreaking!" Merula pulled him close, releasing his ear and kissing it.

"Awww, Merula being friendly!" Rowan teased.

"Khanna, I swear I will end you!"

"Noted." Rowan held his hands up, surrendering to the threat. "But, I got to admit it's nice seeing how you act with him."

"Rowan, buddy?" Jason called as rubbed his ear.

"Yes, Jason?"

"Shush, please. I don't want any dead bodies on my home because I'm sure I'll have to bury them," Jason looked at his friend smirking.

"Well, that's enough of the talk. Come along children. It's a party after all!" Penny said as she took Rowan's arm and decided to hit the dance floor.

"I'll leave you to allow, but don't get too crazy now," Thaila smiled and winked at Merula and Jason, making her way to a group of adults.

"Um, sorry my mom put you on the spot." Jason hung his head as he rubbed the back of his neck. "My mom is eccentric and is-" he tried to continue but was cut off by a finger to the lips.

"Jason, you don't need to make excuses." Merula smiled. "I understand she is just concerned. Any parent would wonder who the person that has their child's heart is. Mine does because I brag about you in my letters."

"Meri," Jason smiled and pulled her into a hug, "I love you so much."

"And I love you," Merula pecked his cheek. "Why don't we go join the fun?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

The couple made their way to the dance floor and danced to their heart's content. Merula had gotten better at the dances Jason had shown her these past few months since they started dating. Some of Jason's relatives comment on how she moved well. He knew how to pick 'em. The two of them danced till they couldn't anymore. Sweat dripping down their faces with shallow breaths being taken.

"You hungry?" Merula panted as she held Jason's hand. "I'm starving," Jason said as they made their way to the food table.

"Good grief, this all smells delicious and looks the part.

"Presentation is always keen with food," Jason laughed as he handed her plate and got one for himself.

The two filled their plates and walked to the low standing section of a wall by the view of the city and sat down to eat. As they ate, the two had talked about how the quidditch world cup was coming soon. Though they had different teams, they agreed that somehow they'd go to see it someday. Maybe someday soon. Who can say?

For now, Merula just wanted to enjoy the time she has with Jason. This has probably been one of the most fun days she has had all summer. Her nerves about meeting Jason's family were put aside as she had his mother's approval. It was funny how Thaila is more than willing to welcome her as her future daughter-in-law. If Jason was okay with it, that is. But that was a thought she could think for another day.

"Hey," Jason wiped his face with a napkin, "there's something I want to show you."

"What is it you got to surprise me this time?" Merula looked at him curiously. "You better not try to propose to me," she teased.

"No! Well not now," Jason muttered nervously. "Come on, follow me." Jason offered his hand to Merula with a smile as she took it.

The two left the party and headed down the hill where the mansion was located. Merula wondered where Jason was taking her at such a late time in the evening. As the two made their way down a couple of blocks, they reached a beach closed off.

"Another beach?" Merula smirked. "Again?"

"Look closely," Jason pointed out to the gentle waves.

"If you say so- what the?!" Merula gazed at the water, shocked as it began to glow in a soft color.

"Impressed? Those are supposed to be bioluminescence from how muggles believe it is, but no one truly knows."

"It's beautiful," Merula said as she tried to comprehend the beauty of the lights.

"I don't understand it much myself, but I thought of it like stars swallowed by the seas. I wanted to show it to you because it is one of the most beautiful things I've seen," Jason gazed drifted to his love.

Merula didn't notice until Jason hugged her from behind. He was warm, and the scent of his sweat mixed with his cologne was all too familiar. Jason was, is, this best person Merula had ever know despite how he doubted himself and never tried to be someone he's not. An honest and caring person.

"So what's holds the spot as number one?"

"You."

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fifth Year AU: Shenanigans and Starshowers

Summary: Jason finds Merula relaxing with his notebook and after some silly banter the two would sneak out for a surprising view. Who says romance is dead?

Word Count: 1,875

Merula had been sitting in the common room, going through Jason's notes. She always preferred his notes to her own, as he always seemed to know how to organize them in a way that was reasonable to follow. It made sense of how he is a reliable tutor to his underclassmen as she skimmed through a pair of arms wrapped around her.

"So that's where my notebook," Jason smiled as he held Merula close. "Find anything of interest, Miss Snyde? A few words for your prefect."

"You're annoyingly good at note-taking, and it's just irritating how everything makes sense." Merula looked up to see his eyes beam at her causing her to give a small smile. She wrapped a hand around his neck and pulled him down to kiss his cheek, then pushed him off gently. "But I appreciate you showing me them," she whispered.

"I am happy I can be useful," Jason smiled, "and it's good knowing you like me for more than my notes, right?"

"Eh, the notes are the real reason for our relationship." She teased him as she kissed his nose. "You are your own library, after all."

"You wound me," he placed a hand to his chest, acting like he was hurt. "But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Merula is the sun!"

"What are you going on about?" Merula raised a brow, giving a slight chuckle at the weird way he spoke.

"Oh nothing, just reciting some old play I read a while ago," Jason jumped over the couch, landing next to Merula and tapping her nose ever so lightly.

"A play? You read about plays?" Merula covered her mouth, now trying to stop from bursting into a laughing fit. "Please tell me you're joking? You like plays, and I am now finding this out?"

"I'm not." Jason tilted his head in confusion. "Why?"

"Oh, nothing!" Merula smirked as she laid her head into his lap while swatting at his tie.

"Come on, tell me, please?" Jason looked down at her, giving her his signature puppy dog eyes. Leaning down, he rubbed his forehead into hers, causing her to giggle at his attempt of influencing her to reveal her surprise her boyfriend reads plays for the sake of reading.

"No! No way!" Merula looked at him, frowning sternly, pushing his face up playfully only to have him frown. "Stop it now! Stop being adorable! I am not going to break by those blatant attempts, Aurelius."

Jason sighed and poked her stomach gingerly. He hated when she brushed off his little "puppy tricks" but found it part of what made her all the more charming. The two talked about their day as some of their class were different. Jason hummed as he played with her hair to Merula amusement. As he and Merula relaxed in the common room until the evening arrived, Jason spoke up, waking Merula from the temporary daze she was in.

"Hey?" Jason looked down at the half-asleep girl in his lap.

"Mmm?" Merula grumbled while glancing with one eye.

"Do you want to, um, wanna sneak out of the dorm to go for a walk?"

"A walk? Really?" she raised a brow to her boyfriend.

"Yeah." Jason smiled at her. "But it's going to a bit of rulebreaking involved."

"Aurelius De Leone, rulebreaking? Do tell Fire Snot." Merula pinched his cheek. "What naughty thought you have in mind?"

"One, please don't use 'Fire Snot.' It was one time." Jason pinched her side. "Two, I'm willing to 'bend' the rules if it helps."

"Okay, so what do you propose?" Merula climbed up into his lap and poked his cheek. "Now, I am the one asking the question, so you better give me answers."

"I'll tell you in an hour. Get changed into something you won't get seen in," Jason kissed her cheek, getting up and heading to his dorm room. It was fun for him teasing Merula in this way, as making her wait for her is funny.

"What does my Fire Snot have planned?" Merula snickered to herself then got up, making her way to her dorm room to get ready. Whatever his plan, it better be something worth the mystery.

An hour later, Merula met Jason down in the common room door. Jason wore his signature boots, ripped jeans, and a black sweater. He paced back and forth then spotted Merula in black jeans, boots, and fishnet sweater over a Weird Sisters band tee.

"Well, that's totally not inconspicuous, Aurelius," Merula said as she strutted over to her furball.

"I wouldn't be the one to judge Snyde," Jason pocked her cheek, "come along, then dear."

"Now, don't get cheeky with me. Understand?" Merula smirked and took his hand.

"Off we go to rulebreaking," Jason smirked as he led the witch through the castle.

Step by step, the two made their way through the corridors until they reached the passage leading to the training grounds. The two heard a meow, Mrs. Norris, meaning Filch was somewhere close by. Merula pushed Jason into a column, holding her hand to his mouth, shushing him.  For a small girl, she had a lot of physical strength. Merula pressed close to him tightly so they wouldn't be seen.

Mrs. Norris looked around and meowed for about a minute before scurrying off to wherever Filch would be. Merula let go of Jason, and the two breathed a sigh of relief. Merula gazed up at him and giggled, prompting him to snicker himself. The two continued to the training grounds where Jason cast "Alohomora" on the door for where the brooms are stored. Wait, what was he doing?

"Do you mind explaining your plan, love?" Merula crossed her arms, staring cautiously at him.

"Well, I u-um thought that we go for a late-night flight?" Jason said as he grabbed a broom for them. "Why?"

"Never thought you would be willing to step out of line Prefect," Merula smirked. "Is there a reason for this? A late-night walk to a late-night flight?"

"Is it wrong to bend the rules if it suits me? Especially if it's to have a moment with my girlfriend. I can make the exception." Jason smirked and walked over to Merula, kissing her. "I am learning these habits because of you," he laughed as he set himself on the broom, urging her to get on behind him. Merula did so and wrapped her arms around his waist and helped tight as he took off. She watched as Jason kicked off and started flying off through the castle grounds. What was his plan she had no clue, but this was going to be fun.

Jason flew the two of them with care, flying pass the clouds over Hogwarts. He looked back to see the wind running through Merula hair. She gazed at the sky and ran one hand along with the clouds next to them. He smiled as he held the hand on his stomach.

"You know," Merula laid her head to his back, "I have to say you know how to have fun."

"I can have fun sometimes," Jason held her hand tight, "but you compel me to do be more daring things. If it's for you, fun, I'll be."

"S-stop that!" Merula blushed as she held him tighter.

"Stop what?"

"Saying c-cute... things..." Merula muttered as her heartbeat pace started paced up. She always was at a loss for words when Jason got all romantic. It frustrated her, but not in a wicked way as he was smoother than any of the male students at Hogwarts. Well, that's what she thought to herself.

"Why?" Jason turned his head to look at her. The moonlight glistened on her cheek and made her eyes glow in just the right way to send chills down his spine.

"B-because... it makes me feel h-happy you f-furball," Merula hid her face into his back. How was it that he had such power over her? No spells said, or potions were stronger to her than that of Jason's kindness to her.

Jason smiled as he flew the two of them to the shore of the Black Lake across from Hogwarts. As he landed, he placed the broom down and embraced Merula. Merula looked at him curiously as the moon, though only a crescent, as the light radiated against Jason's hair and eyes gazed at her.

"What is it?" she asked. "You seemed kinda out of it."

"Nothing, I'm just happy you agreed to this little escapade of mine," he smiled.

"You're sure are strange, but I prefer your brand of strange," Merula caressed his cheek. "Jason, why do you treat me so nicely? I'm not always nice, and yet you treat me better than I deserve. For all that's holy, I'm sure I have almost gotten you killed on too many occasions."

"Who's to say. I never saw you as bad, evil, or any synonym of the sort. Merula," Jason pulled her by the waist, "I think you deserve happiness. Why do you think I'm more daring?"

"Because you can't stop getting in trouble?" Merula smirked at him with a raised brow. "Or you're naturally insane and just hide it with a cute deception."

"No," he laughed, "I want to share moments with you. Like this." Jason pointed up to the sky to which Merula turned. "It took some planning and getting a bit of advice on what would be the best time to do this. I hope you like this."

"Is that a meteor shower?" Merula jaw slightly dropped as the sky rained with streams of lights drizzled the air. The streams danced as they soared through the canvas of midnight, blue and black. "How'd you know about this?"

"I may have asked Professor Sinistra, the astronomy professor, about how to learn about meteor showers and other things. I agreed I'd help with ensuring the room was organized and trust me; it was in needing of it." Jason smiled at her, holding her close and throwing his back into the sand having Merula yelp as Jason brought her down with them.

"Jason!" Merula squealed at her idiot's shenanigans. "Why is it we end up like this when you end up doing something stupid?"

"I am reckless, not stupid, and I have no complaints," Jason smiled as he sat them both up, "anyway, w-was this worth it?" He was nervous as he ran his thumb in circles with her hand in his.

"You never cease to amaze me." Merula couldn't help but feel blessed that her boyfriend would go so far for her. Someday she'd do something better than what he's done to show him he means the world to her. "It is perfect, but I am sure I can do something better."

"Is that a fact?" Jason raised a brow grinning. "Wanna prove that oh most powerful girlfriend in all of Hogwarts?"

"Oh, now you're gonna get it." Merula jumped up and pulled her wand out, taking her dueling stance.

"This isn't what I was expecting, but I can work with this. Whoever loses has to do something for the other, no complaints," Jason smiled as he stood up with his wand now in hand. "Shall we?"

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fourth Year AU: Would you go to the Celestial Ball with me?

Summary: Dances can be a drag, especially if you can’t dance or just can’t get a date. For Merula, it was both but a rival proves to be capable in more ways than one with a question so bold...

Word Count: 3,010

For the past few days at Hogwarts, all four-year students couldn't stop talking about the announcement of the Celestial Ball. Dumbledore had declared it to be coming in two weeks and wanted a student-voted representative to lead the ball committee. This task was news to some and a challenge to others who sought to prove themselves capable of leading and organizing the event.

While others at the Slytherin table were discussing how they'd dress for the festivities, Merula scoffed at the idea of the ball while talking with Ismelda on how boring it would be.

"Who'd want to go to that? It seems too much of a hassle." Merula poked at her plate with her fork. "I mean it's ludicrous how this is mandatory!"

"Dumbledore always has something up his sleeve," Ismelda chided into her friends' rant.

"One more thing students, you are encouraged to have a date for this event. Professor McGonagall will also be holding an extra credit class in the art of ballroom dancing," Dumbledore said before returning to his seat at the head table.

The Great Hall fell silent before loud squeals from some of the students broke the tension. Great, now students had to get ball attire and get a date? And dance?!

"Oh, for Merlin's sake! Really?" Merula groaned as rested her chin on her fist. This was going to be a drag.

The table got more active with people getting excited about who they'd ask. As the excitement increase, Jason got up and left the Great Hall with a few eyes wandering to the young wizard. He made his way to the courtyard and sat at the edge of the fountain. Jason didn't like balls all that much as he had been to many as a kid with his family. Those events always made him nervous, and the fact he would need a date made him all the more apprehensive.

"Hey," Rowan called to his friend, "are you, alright, mate?"

"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine." Jason waved his hand carelessly. "Just fine."

"If you say so. Oh, Penny wants us to help her be the head of the committee!" Rowan grinned sitting next to Jason. "What do you say?"

"I'd be more than happy to help a friend," Jason nodded in agreement to help Penny's goal.

The next day, Jason and Rowan met with Penny to discuss her getting elected but to do so they needed to show dedication in some way, so they decided to head to McGonagall's ballroom dance class. As the three made their way, they saw quite a few students flooding into the class. Just a few from all the houses showed up to fill stands where they found a seat next to Barnaby, Chiara, and Talbott. Even Merula and Ismelda were in the distant corner of the bench.

"You guys can't dance?" Barnaby blatantly asked his friends.

"I want to show I'm serious about leading the committee," Penny said with an embarrassed look on her face.

"Nothing wrong with that, you know you have my vote Penny!" Chiara gave a thumbs up to her.

McGonagall stepped into the room, asking for the students to settle down so she could begin her lesson. The professor had started by discussing the basics of dancing and proper edict on how to handle one's, dance partner. As the explanation went on, she noticed some were falling asleep while Jason and his friends were paying attention.

"For this next part, I need a partner for a demonstration. Hmmm, one of you three. Mister Khanna? Mister WInger? Or Mister Aurelius De Leone?" McGonagall looked at the three young men.

"Um, not it!" Rowan spewed out.

"Not it!" Talbott shouted, following his lead.

"Not- hey! No fair guys!"  Jason pouted as his two friends looked at him apologetically.

"Sorry, Jason but I don't do spotlight. That's all you curse breaker." Talbott patted his shoulder grinning. "This all yours."

Jason sighed in defeat and got up from the bench and tossed his jumper in Rowan and Talbott's faces.

"I'm so going to get you for that," Talbott smirked.

"Whatever Winger," Jason laughed as he rolled his sleeves back and stood in front of Professor McGonagall. "Professor, shall we begin? I don't wish to make this too long."

"Right you are Mister Aurelius. Are you familiar, or must I guide you?"

"No, Professor. I'm familiar with." Jason said as he offered his hand having McGonagall take it.

The two did a simple waltz. One, two, three. Step by step, their feet glided like ice skates on the fresh ring of ice. Jason had taken the lead for a short bit until McGonagall was satisfied until they finished their demonstration.

"Well done Mister Aurelius, ten points to Slytherin for displaying capable dance edict." McGonagall smiled at the young wizard.

"Thank you, Professor," Jason smiled and took his seat next to his friends.

"How come you move so well?" Chiara asked him.

"I learned to dance when I was a kid. It's common for my family to host and to be invited to parties of all sort of occasions." Jason said as he adjusted his tie.

After that, McGonagall had asked the class to engage in the dancing with one another. They were correcting those who needed to have their skill corrected and seeing who was helping their fellow students. Penny and Jason both had advised those in need. Jason agreed to dance with those who'd back up Penny for the head of the committee.

The dancing lesson went on and on for two hours. McGonagall had called it for the day so the students could attend to their other duties. After a few days of these classes and Penny collecting answers on how to make the ball fun, she had was elected as the head of the committee. With her friend's help, she had worked them tirelessly through the week.

As the days came closer, Jason realized that what had been going on he still needed date and wasn't sure who to ask. Could he ask a friend? No, this kind of event you want someone special. But who? Jason sighed as he looked at his notes in potions class before noticing his Everlasting potion was boiling over!

"No no no no!" Jason mixed the pot over and stopped the fire under it. "This batch is ruined," sighed as he sat down receiving a scowl from Snape.

"Jason, something the matter?" Rowan asked his friend.

"Just got something on my mind," Jason said as he went back to work on his potion after collecting himself.

"Is it about the ball?"

"Yeah."

"Is it about not having something to wear?"

"Not necessarily, I don't have a date. Haven't gotten the guts to ask anyone or anyone ask me," Jason felt his stomach feeling heavy.

On the other side of the room, Merula had dropped her quill after hearing that Jason didn't have a date. Part of her wanted to laugh loudly, but she didn't have one either. As she grabbed her quill and continued her work, she kept listening.

"What if you ask you-know-who?" Rowan nudged his shoulder.

"No. Absolutely not," Jason whispered to Rowan feeling his heart beating faster. "No way she'd go with me!"

"Mate," Rowan lowered his voice to avoid Snape scowl, "you've been crushing on her for God knows how long. It wouldn't hurt to ask."

"Nuh, nope. Can't do it." Jason shook his head. "She'd rather see me eaten by a dragon. I dunno, man."

"Well, there isn't any shame in going alone. Ben and I are." Rowan smiled confidently, causing his friend to smile. "I see that smile. Look, it will all be your choice at the end of the day. Whatever you do, I'll support your decision."

Classed had ended and Merula had watched as Jason left. He had someone he wanted to ask? Who could they be? Merula chest felt tight, but she didn't know why she felt like that.

"Hey, Merula?" Ismelda waved her hand in her face.

"What Ismelda?"

"You're looking kinda red there? Feeling alright?" Ismelda asked.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine." Merula cleared her throat as she grabbed her bag and started to make her way out of the classroom.

There were three days left until the ball was to take place. Students had gotten their ball attire and acquired dates. Merula grew ever frustrated because no one had asked her, but not anyone would do either. She wasn't like your typical girl, and not many guys would even approach her out of fear for their safety.

Merula had made her way to the Black Lake to get away from all the talk of the ball. As she made it to the dark sands of the shore, she noticed someone tossing stones into the lake. Well, hopefully, this person wouldn't be bellyaching.

"Is that Aurelius?" Merula squinted her eyes to see if it was. "Yep, it's that fool. Well, time for some fun." She made her way until she was behind him.

"Rowan, for the last time I'm-" Jason turned around seeing a short witch with violet eyes staring up at him. "Oh, it's you, Merula. Come to get away from everything?"

"I'd be asking the same, but that would be repetitive," Merula smirked up at him. "So what brings you out to my quiet place?"

"Your quiet place? I'm pretty sure you don't own the beach Merula." Jason smirked at her.

"No, but this is my favorite spot." She puffed out her chest and scowled at him.

"Fair enough, it is a stunning spot." Jason climbed on top of a boulder and patted a spot next to him.

"Are you asking me to sit near you?"

"It's always good to enjoy nature with others. Plus I'd like to stay in "your spot" for a little while longer."

"You're a cheeky one, now? Fine, I'll humor you, Aurelius. Move over," Merula said as she climbed up the boulder and sat next to her fellow Slytherin.

As the two sat quietly, the air around them felt heavy, not from the heat of the sun but from an odd tension of being near each other. Merula and Jason had gotten on better terms over the past two months though Merula would still pull the occasional prank to mess with him. But he didn't mind so much as the pranks had gone from violent to almost sweet and innocent.

"Um, Merula?" Jason muttered nervously. What was up with him? "Get it together, Jason," he thought to himself.

"What?" she asked a little aggressive than what she intended.

"N-nothing." he looked away as he fiddled with a lock of his hair.

Silence had fallen between the two again.

A few moments later, Merula stole a glance at him, wondering if she should apologize for being a bit snappy. Wait, why is caring about apologizing to him? She stood up about to head back to the castle but slipped on the boulder.

"Aaaaaaaaah!" she shrieked and waited for the impact of pain. Merula opened her eyes to see Jason had grabbed her and took the brunt of the fall. "What the- Aurelius?!

"Ow, jeez, can you be a little more careful?" Jason groaned as he sat up. "Luckily the rocks aren't sharp because that would have been so much worse."

"I..." she blushed, feeling his arms around her, "um, could you let me go?"

"Oh sorry!" Jason let her go and stood up, helping her to her feet.

"Why are you always apologizing? It's bothersome." Merula looked away pouting.

"It's a bad habit," Jason looked down nervously.

"Well, it's what makes you who you are and you did stop me from humiliating myself. So thanks." Merula looked at him with a smile. A soft and genuine one.

"Anytime," Jason smiled at her as his pulse began to race. He never saw a smile like this from her but was something beautiful.

"I'm gonna start heading back," Merula turned her back to him as she felt her face began to flush. She started walking down the beach back to the castle but felt a hand grabbing her wrist.

"Um, M-Merula." Jason let go realizing what he just did. Why did his body do that?

"If you got something to say, just say it," Merula looked at him feeling nervous.

Just say it.

"Merula Snyde, w-would you go to the Celestial Ball with me?!" Jason shouted.

Merula face went white as the color faded only to have a tsunami of red took hold of her face. Did she not hear what she just heard? Did she?

"W-what? she muttered. "Y-you want me to w-what?"

"I w-want you to go to the t-the ball with me," Jason looked at her feeling like his knees were about to give. "Merula, I want to go with-"

"I h-heard you! J-just what are you scheming?!" she shouted angrily.

"N-nothing! I want to go with you!" Jason sighed, collecting himself. "I have for a while and wasn't sure even if you also want to consider it. You've probably had many offers. I thought I try at least but wish I asked sooner-"

"Yes."

"What?"

"Yes, I'll go with you," she said flustered. "I w-wanted to ask you but didn't dare because I was too anxious. I heard your talk with Khanna, a-and I got discouraged even to b-bother."

"Merula."

"So, you better make this worth it!" Merula pointed her finger to his chest. "G-got it?!"

"Y-yes ma'am!" Jason responded with a small chuckle. "I aim to please."

The two stared into each other before laughing and walking back to the castle. The next few days felt slow as the two Slytherins waited eagerly for the evening to arrive. Merula had been finishing getting ready before Ismelda called for her. The two of them made their way to the entrance to the Great Hall, where Jason was standing.

"Wow," Merula said, "Ismelda, you go on ahead."

"You sure?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, go."

With a light shrug Ismelda head into the hall while Merula walked over to her date. Her heartbeat rose as she walked to him. His hair combed. The suit was black with an emerald button-up shirt and a slick tie. Shoes polished. Merula took a gentle breath and catching the scent of a subtle cologne. She gave herself a mental pep talk to try and calm down. Why was she nervous about it?

"Hey," Jason said as he looked at her. "Merula, you..."

"Do I look odd?" Merula eyes darted to him then back to the ground.

"No, you look beautiful." He smiled at her.

"W-well of c-course I do! I d-do all the time!" She squeaked her response out. "Um, y-you look good yourself."

Jason blushed at the comment as he took in all of Merula. Her hair was straightened, it was nice, but he liked her usual messy hair. The gown she wore sent a shiver down his spine. Her perfume was as gentle as freshly plucked flowers. Merula looked even more beautiful than she usually does Jason thought to himself.

"Thank you," Jason smiled, "if my date is the best witch of Hogwarts, I got to look the best I can for her."

"You always somehow meet those expectations, I suppose," Merula smirked.

"I aim to please. Shall we?" Jason offered his arm to her.

"We shall." Merula face went flush as the two stepped into the Great Hall where every one of their year was dancing to their heart's content.

The moment the pair stepped in, they were immediately being stared at. They walked to the dance floor, giving off this aura of confidence. Jason took Merula hand in his and placed his free hand on her waist. Merula placed a hand on his lower shoulder since she couldn't exactly reach his shoulder.

"Never thought I'd see the day when those two weren't fighting," Penny said to her friends.

"I won't deny it, and they look good together. Especially their attire. I'm almost a little jealous," Andre laughed.

Merula and Jason began their first dance to a gentle tune. Their movements were complimenting each other. As Merula gazed up at him, she met his sea-green eyes. They smiled at each other.

"I got to say your footwork is impressive," Merula smirked.

"I've had a lot of practice. You sure can move as well," Jason laughed.

"Oh shut up," Merula giggled, "I had practice too."

The two of them danced the night away till it was time for the festivities to end. As they made their way out, the two of them walked to the courtyard.

"Aren't you tired?" Merula asked him.

"Not really, I've had too much fun to really fall asleep." Jason leaned against a pillar gazing out two the night sky. "Um, Merula?"

"What is it?" Merula asked as she too out to the starry veil above.

"I'm glad I went with you to the ball."

Merula rested her back against the pillar next to him. She glanced over, seeing the moonlight reflect on him. He honestly did look fantastic, and his kindness to her always baffled her, but she just wanted to enjoy the moment.

"Hey, Aurelius?"

"Yeah?" Jason looked to her only to be met with a kiss on his cheek. "H-huh?"

"Thank you for the fun night. D-don't let that get to your head!" Merula stuttered. "I'll see you later."

Merula walked off back to the dorm with her heart racing. As she made her way back to her bed, she wondered what she had just done. What came over her? Merula clutched her chest, thinking if what she did was okay.

"Aurelius... Jason..." Merula laid down and sighed. "He such a dummy." she smiled and let the memories of the light lull her to sleep.

This night would always be eternally etched into their memories. What would come of this they didn't know, but whatever would be worth the wait.  All they knew is that something is becoming more aware. These hidden desires were beginning to bloom.

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fourth Year: Butter Beer is our Negotiator

Summary: Jason and Merula rivalry has gotten to the boiling point and Jason is sick of always competing with as her ego tends to blind her. It takes some talking with Ismelda to insert an idea for the benefit of her, Jason, and the entirety of Hogwarts sanity...

Word Count: 3,073

"Admit, I am right, and you're wrong! Say it!" Merula said as she slammed her fist on the coffee table of the common room, clearly unaware that her housemates were onlookers onto another argument between the house's resident trouble child and the cursed child. 

"Your argument has little fact to back it up, Merula. Can we just drop it?" Jason signed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, visibly annoyed with Merula false claims. "I don't even think you bothered to read that chapter, so how can you tell me that scurvy grass is not part of Befuddlement draught? We just went over that chapter yesterday."

Merula and Jason's argument had been going on for thirty minutes straight, and it didn't seem it would cool down despite their head of house looking in on the two. The two's heat was almost suffocating to the witnesses of the clearly pointless banter between the two. Professor Snape was about to make his presence known but stopped when Rowan grabbed Jason by his robes and pulled him away, which honestly defused some of the tension in the hair with a bit of laughter. 

As Rowan was taking Jason away, Merula kept on shouting at the boy and quite visibly fuming from her ears. It was only until Ismelda called Merula attention that the young witch realized half the house was staring at her. Merula gave a glare to her housemates, who went on back to their business. Merula left the common room with Ismelda to the training grounds, where she began to beat on one of the practice dummies. 

"Stupid, know-it-all, cursed, unbelievable jack-!!" Merula yelled as she cast a barrage of Flipendo on the dummy. "Can you believe he had the nerve to go ahead and say that I am wrong?"

"Well, you were half asleep during yesterday's review over the potions for our next test." Ismelda fiddled her scarf end while staring off into space while Merula abused the dummy. She knew that her friend was bound to get mad but give that it was the truth, and that was something difficult to accept. Primarily because of her pride in herself. Ismelda then glanced at Merula, who was giving her a "are you serious" look, to which she responded with a small smirk and a raised brow. "What?"

"You're supposed to be on my side here." Merula places her hands on her hips, looking at Ismelda then sighing. "It's just so annoying how he acts like he knows best, and I can't stand that."

"But he does pay attention heavily in class. You can't really fault him in that Merula," Ismelda comments as she adjusts her scarf, "and, you two always have this constant back and forth since our first year."

"Your point?"

"As far as I can say, he seems to be smart, albeit annoyingly smart, and do you notice how he's not very confrontational with you?"

"And?"

"Random thought, can't believe I'm saying this, have you consider just burying the hatchet?" Ismelda asked as Merula looked at her, almost dumbfounded at the mere idea of making peace. 

"No. Absolutely not gonna happen because I'm sure he'll relish at that me showing weakness."

"Merula, that's not how that guy is, and as annoying as it may sound; he is way too easy to compromise with him. If you want my opinion-"

Merula raised her hand, getting Ismelda to stop in her thought as she didn't want to hear another word. Shrugging, Ismelda told Merula she was going to make her way to dinner, leaving her friend to keep destroying the training dummy until she was calmed a few hours later. As the night slowly encased the night, Merula wiped her brow and started making her way back to the dorms. After grabbing her hygiene items from her dorm room, she began to go make her way to get cleaned up. 

"Merlin, the fact she could even think of that is beyond lunacy. Compromise? Pffft!" Merula muttered as she turned the knob to turn off the shower. She then when on two dresses herself in nightclothes, a pair of pajama shorts with a tank top. While she was doing the last of her evening route, she couldn't help but hear Ismelda words ring in her ear, causing her to get groan in frustration. "Why is it whenever I'm trying to do something or prove I'm right he is the first one to try and prove me wrong?" Merula left the girl's bathroom and was making her way back to the dorm when she saw someone coming in her direction. 

"Great," Merula muttered as a clearly sweaty Jason passed by with his own clothes for the evening. He wasn't in his full uniform, but that alone wasn't able to hide the subtle definition of some of his arms from Merula. What does he do? Play catch boulders with Hagrid?

Jason smiled at her only to receive the kind gesture of Merula, turning her head in annoyance. His smile slowly fades as he walked past her to make his way into the boy's bath. Merula looked backed only to see the door close. What was that? 

"Did I make him sad?" Merula pondered that thought for a moment but then made her back to the dorm to get some sleep. As she laid down on her bunk Ismelda tossed a book to Merula's bed. "What the hell-"

"You forgot this after your lover spat with Aurelius De Leone. Khanna gave it to me since you know his whole love for books. Anyway, you do get the argument was kinda stupid, right?" Ismelda sat on her bunk, grabbing her notebook for history. Knowing how things would go in three, two, one...

"Lover spat! Like hell that would ever happen! So what if I forgot about yesterday's lecture! Maybe I was just testing him is all!" Merula said as she slammed her fist on her bed, scaring one of her roommate's cat that seemed to hide under her bunk for some reason. "If he's so smart, then maybe he should be the professor. I know I am better than him!"

"Merula."

"What?"

"Has he ever stated that to you? Like at all?"

Merula paused to think if Jason did ever say he was superior to her. As she pondered the thought, it concluded that he never once deemed himself better than her. It only survived to make her feel the pit of emptiness she tried to hide by her false and abrasive confidence.

"No. Not a single time."

"Look, he's not as horrible as much as you want to believe." Ismelda got up from her bunk and sat on the edge of Merula's bed. "Maybe it's time to try and compromise. Or don't. You'll do whatever you want."

"Blimey, can you stop trying to preach to me about making?" Merula tossed her pillow at Ismelda. "Fine, I'll try. Maybe..." With that, Ismelda went to her bed and fell asleep while Merula began planning her strategy to "make nice" with Jason, and hopefully, it wouldn't be difficult. Surely a guy as nice as him wouldn't hold a grudge, right? This thought began sowing the seed of doubt as Merula slipped into a rough sleep of thinking of the worst-case scenario. 

The next day...

"AURELIUS DE LEONE!" Merula shouted down the corridor and frightening an unsuspecting fellow Slytherin and causing him to drop a stack of papers he was carrying. Merula bit her lip as to hold back a fit of laughter growing from her counterpart's mishap. Jason looked to her with a slight groan and crouched down to pick up the mess he had to clean up. Merula winced slightly at the look he gave her, "okay, not the best way to get his attention," Merula knelt down to help him out.

"So any reason you wanted to give me a heart attack "out of the blue," was the saying?" Jason asked as he stood up, taking the papers that Merula had picked up. "I am in a rush to get these to Professor McGonagall."

"This will take a second." Merula stated as she wasn't going to take a 'no' or Jason running off from her. At least, if she intended to chase him around the school for the hundredth time in their lives.

Sighing with a nod, Jason decided to hear Merula request and hoped it wouldn't be something stupid or life-threatening in the least.

"You and I are going to the Three Broomsticks, and we are going to bury the hatchet. Believe it or not, I," Merula looked to the ground avoiding his curious gaze, "I am getting tired of this rivalry of ours in the sense it doesn't seem as much as I believed it was. Despite my 'misconduct' with you and your goodie goodies, you have not once tried to take vengeance and have been Nothing but kind to me. So we are solving this tomorrow, and you have no choice in the matter. F-first," she forced herself to speak, "first round of butterbeer is on me. Be there at ten! No excuses or I'll burn your robes!"

"O-okay." Jason nodded, feeling slightly terrified and yet excited. "Would this kinda be a date? No! Stop, she doesn't like me like that. Or like me, period. But she wants to get along?" He shook his head to ignore the thought of the little voices in the back of his head. Well, it seems these plans would go really good or really bad for Jason.

After Merula had made to turn the corner to see Ismelda giving a small grin. "Don't you dare!!" Merula thought as she glanced at Ismelda, who held her hands in a mock surround before her face returned to its usual stoic appearance. No doubt, Ismelda watch the entirety of the talk between her two housemates and couldn't help but still have a minor look of amusement. The two Slytherin girls walked off to their next class in silence as Merula (for lack of better) was excited for the interaction with Jason to come soon. "Would it be considered a date? The way it looks, it seemed like I was asking him out, wasn't it? Oh by all that is holy, if I find out rumors are getting spread, I'll kill someone." 

The rest of the week had gone by, and the dreaded but exciting day for the two Slytherins was to come, and for all of Hogwart's sake, it didn't fall apart into a duel that would destroy the entirety of Hogsmeade. 

Jason stood outside of The Three Broomsticks looking at his watch, nervously tapping his foot. He dressed in his preferred ankle-length black boots and faded ripped blue jeans that seemed loose despite the use of a belt to keep it up. Jason wore a silver and black plaided flannel with the sleeves rolled up, showing off his developing forearms, which carried an off-white cargo jacket in case if the weather got cold. He'd grown quite a bit compared to his first year at Hogwarts, both physically and mentally. But at the end of the day, he was still a kid who was nervous about his "not date" with his rival, former bully (and his secret crush).

"Where the heck is she?" Jason muttered to himself. "If this was a prank, then it wasn't a very Snyde plan."  He thought to himself but was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard an "ahem" from behind him. "Holy shit."  Was the only thing that came to Jason's mind when he saw Merula dressed to the nines. "Negotiation is either gonna well, or I'm dying tonight."

Merula looked at him with a frown, "what?"  she asked, slightly annoyed. 

"Nothing, it's j-just your outfit. It looks good." Jason turned his face from her view while he scratched his neck nervously. "Why did you say that? Are you an idiot?!" 

"Oh," is all Merula thought as took Jason's compliment as a slight hue of pink came across her cheeks. Merula had dressed in a plaided skirt with her beloved boots and black stockings, a violet tank top that read "Grunge Punk," and a sweater cut with the bottom half cut off. Hang of her waist was a pair of belts and purse in hand that seemed to throw the outfit all together. 

"Thanks," Merula said, barely audible for Jason to catch.

The two teens stood in a silence that held before Jason suggests they head inside instead. The two stepped in to see that it was as lively as ever. He and Merula took a booth in a corner away from the vibrant noise of the shenanigans of the young and older wizards and witches. The two placed their orders after a moment of brief silence. Merula eyes darted up to Jason then back to the table while trying to figure out what to say.

"I don't understand what I should do. I mean, I get this was my idea (Ismelda's), but what can I do? This is beyond uncomfortable, and I'm sure he rather just -" Merula thought to herself as she was pulled out of her thoughts by Jason giving an audible cough.

"So, Snyde," Jason gazing at her with a stern look on his face, "why do you want to stop this feud? Now?" He was genuinely curious as she never showed general interest in conversing with him unless it was to her benefit. Despite himself, he still wanted to listen and hope that something had to come of this; something good.

"Aurelius, we have been fighting for too long, and if you want my honest opinion? I am quite exhausted as it hasn't been beneficial, nor will it really satisfy my interest." Merula leaned forward, chin on her hands with a sly smirk. "But I am still willing to keep this feud going if it allows me to prove I'm superior."

"I do not doubt your skills, Merula," Jason looked out of a window, "if anything, your efforts have shown you're constantly improving. I'm not so simple-minded that I don't notice my "nemesis growth." Why now?"

"Aurelius..." Merula struggled to find the words. It wasn't her to fall short in terms of words but still was unsure of how to proceed.

"Merula?"

"I..."

The tension was cut short after Madam Rosemerta brought their butterbeer, respectively. "You two may not want to hear this from, but you both look quite cute together. Aye, but I am not going to assume too much." She left the two teens gobsmacked and confused as to the wild declaration from the owner of the fine establishment.

"Did she just-?!" Merula stuttered while blushing redder than a cherry. "Why would she think that?!"

"I don't want to know." Jason sighed with a blush as he took a swing from his drink, feeling the smoothness run against his mouth. "Anyway, mind if I say something?"

"I would expect you to anyway. That's how negotiations work." Merula replied, recomposing herself.

"Alright," Jason smirked as leaned forward, maintaining eye contact. "I want us to become friends."

"Friends? Seriously? I thought you'd ask me to leave you and your friends alone."

"Look, despite what you may think, it would be better if we are. I wanted us to be friends for a long time. We don't always need to get along or fight, but you are someone I respect." Jason traced the rim of his glass, looking into the contents of it with a flabbergasted Merula. "Merula, I like to hope and believe in the best in most, even if some might think otherwise."

"Otherwise?"

"I don't think you as bad as you portray yourself."

"I thought I was supposed to be the one starting this, but there you go taking the lead like with everything." Merula found herself laughing but not out of her usual need to tease but finding joy in Jason's actions. "It is quite admirable how he takes charge without realizing it. Wait, what am I saying?"

"Sorry," Jason rubbed the back of his neck, sheepishly, "I'm just honest is all, and it's really what I think."

"My God," Merula covered her mouth to stifle her laughter but only failed again. 

"Stop laughing!" Jason pouted at her.

"I can't help it!" 

"God, I swear Snyde, I am gonna steal that butterbeer and drink it myself!"

"Oh?" Merula leaned forward with a smirk. "You got some guts trying to get between me and my beverage. Your death will be quick and painless."

"Uh-huh," Jason rolled his eyes but smiled at her with a slight chuckle of his own.

"You really don't think I am that bad, huh?" Merula said as she sipped from her drink.

"Never have."

"You're an odd one, Aurelius."

"So I've been told, but I am who I am," Jason shrugged.

Merula couldn't help but smile at his words because she knew he was honest, as it always showed in his eyes. Remembering an old story of her mom told her of how the eyes were the "windows to the soul." Despite it being a fairytale idea, she liked to believe it, even if it seemed outlandish as she felt that someone could see into their soul if someone could look you in the eye. Not many did look Merula in the eye as Jason did her, and for that, she was grateful as it let her be able to read him. Albeit, not too much but enough to know he's truthful.

"If you want to be friends, then does that mean I can borrow your notes?" Merula joked, getting a laugh out of him.

"Sure, but please don't put syrup in my coffee," Jason said with a grin.

"Oh, that was one time. Maybe two or three."

"I knew it!" 

The two spent the rest of their time discussing the terms of the friendship. Some of the conditions were crazy, like how Merula wasn't allowed to use and spells on Jason more than a few times within a single week—not fighting like animals at the beginning of each school year. The craziest from Merula was actually another chance to hang out with Jason, but he had to have the entertainment approved by her. Slowly but surely, they would reach a final agreement between the two housemates, and hopefully, the feud between them wouldn't rise again. Unless Merula put syrup in Jason's coffee...

[hotpotrandomfics]

Sixth Year AU: Missing Part 2

Summary: Merula and the few brave souls willing to leave Hogwarts in attempt to find and save the Slytherin who was an integral part of their lives, Jason. Hopefully, for their sake they find him before it’s too late...

Word Count: 3,773

"I can't believe the amount of cowardice by all of then!" Merula thought as she and Ismelda began their mission to sneak out of the castle. The two made their way down the corridor slowly as to not arouse suspicion to their clear violation and disregard to the rules.

"We'll have plenty of time for that after we leave here," Ismelda commented as she peaked the corner to make sure they were in the clear. Ismelda didn't sneak around all that much but guessed Merula would know the way as she always tends to do so after lights-out. Either searching for the vaults herself or finding a place to hide with her boyfriend.

As the two witches walked to the corridor that led to the front gate of the castle, they noticed a few figures waiting there. If they got in Merula way, she'd take them down because nothing was going to stop her from getting Jason back. She readied her wand as she looked to Ismelda, who nodded and did the same. They crept up slowly to the three individuals who seemed to be arguing.

"You're not going without us!" said a feminine voice. "Jason needs us, and we have to do something!"

"I'll deal with it. You two are students here and are risking being expelled. Jason wouldn't want that for either of you," the taller figure said sternly."

"I refuse to wait, and the others can cover while we are gone. I am not letting you get in my way Weasely." It seemed that this argument between the three had been going on for some time now. The three went back and forth without either side faltering to the other.

"Talbott. Chiara. I can't protect you two and search for Jason at the same time." Bill clearly was exhausted by the tone of his voice.

"We aren't asking for your protection. What good are these spells you've taught us if we can't use them? Especially to save our friend?!" Talbott looked at Bill with grief, not at him, but at the thought of his friend suffering or maybe worse. "Either you help us or get out of the way. I won't hesitate to fight you."

"Bill, please. We have to do this, and we know the risk. Talbott and I are willing to make those choices, and we don't need your permission," Chiara stared at the red-headed wizard with the look of a wolf who'd lost a member of her pack.

Merula and Ismeldia decide it was best to confront the group after witnessing the display by Talbott and Chiara. The three turned to the sound of footsteps and saw Merula and Ismelda. Merula smirked at the two who wished to help.

"You have more guts than the rest and say," Merula was about to make fun but held back her usual comments. "Winger and Lobosca, I'm sure he'll appreciate the help from you two. Bill, before you even start-"

"I know I can't stop all of you, and I am not a fool, Merula." Bill sighed and shook his head. "Let's go before we all get stopped by any of the professors, or I come to my senses."

Merula and the rest didn't say anything as they followed behind Bill out of the gates of Hogwarts. Leaving the safety of their home and out to face the unknown. The group was going to be on their own with no assistance on this race against time to find their friend. Merula's pulse raced as her thoughts went to Jason. She couldn't let her fears get to her as she needed to be focused for his sake. The sooner she found him, the better it would be, knowing Rakepick she would make Jason suffer after the curse vault last year for following Snape's advice and not trusting Rakepick.

"I'll find you. I promise." Merula vowed to herself quietly as Bill and the group apparated out of Hogsmeade.

After a week, Merula's fears will have been realized, and more as Rakepick had all sorts of plans for her former student. In the dungeon, where Jason was being held was being beaten by the members of R. Jason hung from his chains bloodied and panting from trying to catch his breath.

"This wouldn't hurt as much if you just spoke up pretty boy," said a  burly man wiping his hands clean.

"Maybe he likes it. Can't say I am a fan of that," said another cloaked man. "Freak."

Jason did say anything as he tried not to pass out. He needed a way to get out of here, but without his wand, he can't do anything. For now, the young man just had to endure and hope for a miracle. The only thing he could think of to keep him sane from the torture was his thoughts of Merula.

"Meri," he mumbled to himself.

"Hm? What was that now, lad?" the burly man walked over to Jason. "Got something to say?"

Jason stared at the man with a smirk, spitting blood at the man's face earning himself a fist to his jaw.

"Now, you've done it, you brat!" the brute grabbed Jason by the throat and slamming his head against the wall.

"Hey! We still need the brat alive!" said the hood man. "Patricia will kill, and the rest would be disappointed if our means to enter these vaults get killed by you." The hooded man seemed to be at his wit's end with his partner. "Let it go, Winston."

"Shut your gob, James!" Winston turned to his partner. "I am not gonna let some brat treat me like an arse!"

"You don't help with that now, do you? Come on, we got a meeting, and Patricia is on her way to give this kid a lesson anyway," the man named James made his way to the door of the cell waiting for Winstein. "Well, we don't have all day!"

"Fine," Winston grumbled as he punched Jason in his stomach before leaving. "Torturing him was getting boring anyway."

As the door of the cell closed, Jason coughed out some blood and looked to the ceiling, wondering how long he'd survived. This torture was unbearable as he didn't know if he'd have the strength to push through it any longer. If it was his fate to die here, then fate indeed was cruel. His thoughts wandered to some of the moments before now. His train ride to Hogwarts, his first charms lesson, the day he made his first friend. Jason couldn't help but smile despite his situation as he then remembers the most crucial moment of his life, meeting Merula. It was those little moments that kept him sane, although he was in pain.

"Well, well," said an all too condescending voice coming from the entrance of the cell, "aren't you looking worse for wear. Mister Aurelius De Leone." Rakepick pushed the door open as she stepped in with a scowl. "Come now, why don't you crack? I could make you drink a truth serum-"

"But it's no fun for you though, Rakepick. I could care less regardless of what you will try." Jason scowled back at her. "It really is a shame that anyone believed you, including me." He looked at his former mentor with disappointment as he thought she could have been trusted against his better judgment. "I honestly thought of you as a well-respected mentor, but I know better."

"Is that so? If you know better, then why do you resist?" Rakepick crossed her arms as she tried to decipher what he was planning. "You do understand you'll die if you don't do as we say, yes?"

"I'm dead either way," Jason smirked. "So why give you satisfaction?"

"You're quite cheeky now," she sighed in annoyance. "I guess you learned that from me?"

"Oh, by all means, I don't enjoy acting so," Jason coughed, "but all I can say is that I did learn to be more foulmouthed from someone I respect. You, Patricia Rakepick, I have no respect for, and you are-!"

Jason screamed as his muscles started to contort in tightly. Rakepick had cast Crucio on the Slytherin boy with an utter look of pure malice. She wasn't going to let this boy outsmart or in this case, treat her as some fool. Rakepick needed to figure out how to convince him to submit as she knew Snape and Dumbledore taught Jason how to use Occlumency. The boy showed little emotion, but she knew he was the most empathic of her former students.

"Oh, I think I know how to make you talk, Aurelius." Rakepick lowered her wand, giving a dastardly smile.

"W-what," Jason panted as he realized what she said. "No, no, no, no, no! If you go near her, I swear I'll-!"

"You'll do nothing." Rakepick turned away, walking out of the cell. "It's time I paid, my dear Miss Snyde, a visit."

"You stay away from Merula, you trollop!" Jason yelled at her.

As Rakepick left, she passed a few of her fellow R members and told them to bump up the cruelty of Jason's handling. She knows the pain alone won't get him to talk, so she needs to find Merula as she seems to be his only weakness.

Rakepick walked up the stairs leading out of the dungeon to the main hall of her organization facility. The room was carved out of obsidian with gold accents with brazers hanging from columns that reached 30 feet high. At the center was a throne with an eye similar to that of Rakepick cloak hanging over it. In the throne sat a man in a black suit with a grander cloak. His was whiter than the first snow of winter, sporting a trimmed beard and a gaze of ice-blue eyes.

"My lord, we've made some-" Rakepick stopped as the man raised his hand, prompting her to silence herself.

"I am aware of this Patricia, and to be honest, I am more impressed by the boy's resolve than your efforts of prying information." The man stoic expression caused Rakepick to gulp in dread. "You are aware that the longer he stays, the closer the Ministry will find us out. Yes?"

"My lord, I can assure you that I can make talk. I know of means to make him speak." Rakepick said as clenched her fists.

"You've had a week to find this out? I expect more from you, Patricia, or do I need to remind you I can end you here and now?" The lord gritted his teeth in irritation.

"I need just find one of my former students and threaten her. The ladder will soon follow, and we will find the answers we seek. My lord, have faith in!" Rakepick knew she should have stopped sooner as the lord's eyes looked at her angrily.

"Have faith?!" the lord stood and stomped his way towards her. "If I had faith in you, the task would have been completed without all this unnecessary drama. Children, Patricia, outsmarted you! I'll be damned before I have in you until you prove otherwise!" His cold and stern voice sent shivers down Rakepick spin as she only knows that this man wasn't to be trifled with no matter how skilled you were. "Do what you need to and be quick about it."

"Y-yes, my lord!" Rakepick turned away and left her leader alone to his devices.

"Time is running short as is my patience," the lord walked to his throne and pulling a pocket watch from his coat pocket. "Hm, this boy is proving more troublesome."

Rakepick had made her way to one Floo network chimney of one of the many rooms of the lord's home. Stepping and slamming a handful of powder down. "Knockturn Alley!" she shouted as Rakepick was engulfed in green flames. She was transported to one of the access points of Knockturn Alley. Brushing the dirt off her cloak and covering her head with her hood. She then made her way to the streets of the sesspool where she was. Rakepick needed to get information if Merula had been seen anywhere in the area as she did keep tabs on her former students knowing fully they'd be out for revenge and right the wrongs of their mentor.

Elsewhere, at the Leaky Cauldron, Merula and her associates were going over what they've learned. So far, all they have heard are rumors that have lead to one dead end after another. Ismelda had persuaded quite a few of the misfits of Knockturn Alley as they were definitely scared by her words alone. Some of these "dark wizards and witches" were no more than cowards who believed if they had the power, they wouldn't be messed with, but those were big mistakes. Bill had to make sure Ismelda didn't go too far with her cursing as one can imagine what a history buff can only bring around.

Talbott, on the other hand, had been flying around the area and eavesdropping on a lot of individuals who seemed dubious by their attire and mannerisms. Unfortunately, his search didn't prove as much fruit as he'd hope. Talbott ran his hand through his hair, feeling the frustration getting to him.

"So, how'd your search turn up?" Bill asked Talbott, who wore a face of defeat.

"Nothing." Talbott grabbed his pint and took a swig. "I only keep getting rumors and nothing serious to go by. You?"

"Afraid not, we need to find someone." Bill rubbed his chin, trying to figure out what to do.

"Mundus Fletcher," Merula chided as she looked at them with bags hanging from her eyes. "If anyone knows something, he will."

"Merula, when did you last sleep?" Chiara asked as she walked over with a bowl of stew, placing it down as she took a seat next to the girl in question. The two had become friends when Jason had been coming to terms with being a werewolf. Chiara knew the pain of it and the stigma that came from it. "Merula, you need to eat and get some sleep too. We'll do most of the searching, okay?"

"Chiara, I can't just-"

"We know," Ismelda butted in as she placed a bowl in front of her, "and we'll need you at your best. No excuses."

Merula didn't have the energy to argue, and her stomach was quite empty. She sighed in defeat and when ahead and started to eat. As she ate, her thoughts went to that of Jason and his eating attics. The way he'd eat elegantly but obscene amounts. Well, with his growth from when they're but first years, his appetite grew with him. Merula couldn't help but smile as tears trickled down her face.

"Snyde?" Talbott looked at her with concern as the rest of the group did. "Are you alright?"

"I..." Merula didn't know how to respond. "I just miss him..."

"We all do, Merula. We'll find him, and we'll go back home." Ismelda placed a hand on her friend's shoulder, hoping it would provide some comfort. "Aurelius is durable than most and has handle worse than Rakepick, I'm sure."

The group continued their meal in silence as they felt that emptiness in their chests. None of them had much of an appetite. Merula stood up, leaving the other four alone as she needed a moment to herself. She headed to her rented room and sat on her bed as she couldn't stop the thoughts racing in her mind. Merula pulled out the necklace Jason got her the Christmas of their fifth year.

"Where are you..." she said as she softly wept — this sadness. This emptiness is something Merula hadn't felt for so long. "I can't lose him too."

"...M-Meri..." a voice whispered into Merula head. "Jason?" Merula sat up, looking around the room.

"R-Rakepick...is...coming for you. Y-you need to stay far away..." hoarse voice of Jason spoke into Merula.

"Where are you?" Merula pleaded. "I can be there."

"F-forget about me..." Jason's voice began to fade.

"No! Jason, please!" Merula screamed as Jason's voice fell soft.

"I l-love you..." then nothing...

Chiara and Ismelda burst into the room see Merula crying on the ground. The two kneeled down next to her, asking what had happened. From the breaks of tears, the two learned of the talk Merula and Jason had. If Jason was able to use legilimency to communicate, then he had to be somewhere close, right?

"If what he said is true, then he is closer than we think," Ismelda said as she helped Merula. "Merula, this a lead, if anything. Chiara, I'm going to tell Bill and Talbott." Ismelda ran out of the room to go the boys to the news.

"You okay?" Chiara sat next to Merula rubbing her back. "Merula?"

"Yeah, we need to find him, Chiara. I need to find him," Merula gripped her necklace tight, "because I know he wouldn't rest until I was safe. The idiot, why'd he go alone?"

"Jason is hard to read, but he's always honest with you. I'm sure once we get him, you can go ahead call him an idiot all you want." Chiara smiled at her friend, reassuring her confidence.

"Thanks, Chiara. I mean it. God, what is wrong with me?" Merula faced palmed. "It's all his fault that I'm saying things like "sorry, thanks" and other crap I don't usually say."

"Jason believes the best in you because he saw it. The person who had trouble seeing it," Chiara pointed to Merula, "was you, and I think that takes a lot of courage to do. Have faith in other's ability for good."

Ismelda showed back up with the boys following behind to the room when all of a sudden, Merula and Chiara flew through the door of the room, hitting the wall of the hallway.

"Merula! Chiara!" Ismelda drew her wand as Talbott and Bill did so.

"Well, well, isn't this a surprise? My lovely students are all together, having a heart to hearts. Didn't I teach you to need to have a colder heart?" Rakepick smirked as sent Talbott flying with a wave of her wand.

"Aaaaaaaahhh!" Talbott screamed as his limp body flew down the stairs into the tavern.

"Talbott! Rakepick, I swear you're gonna pay for that!" Bill waved his wand ferociously, casting spells to push her back. Bill worked hard to learn these new skills and will protect his friends this time!

"You've grown Mister Weasely; I must say I am impressed if only a little." Rakepick brushed his spells off as if they were but flies. "I only need one of you anyway, the rest of you can either leave or die."

"Neither!" Ismelda said as helped Bill on the assault on Rakepick. While she and Bill held her at bay, Merula and Chiara crawled past Rakepick.

"Guys, we need to get out of here!" Merula said as she helped Chiara to her feet. "Go check on Talbott! Chiara, I'm gonna help them fend off that bitch."

"Merula, don't be stupid!"

"Godammit! Go, Chiara!"

Begrudgingly, Chiara ran to the stairs and ducking the blast coming from the hallway behind her. She jumped the last few steps and looked at the dust around the pub, Chiara saw Talbott laying on the ground knocked out. "Oh no," Chiara said as she slid next to Talbott and shook him.

"Why did I volunteer for this?" Talbott muttered as looked at Chiara.

"Because you have a heart. Now we need to get out of here!" Chiara helped Talbott to his feet and guided him to the door. "GUYS! We got company!"

As Merula fought along with Bill and Ismelda, the shout of Chiara reaching their ears, and it wasn't any good news. They couldn't stay here any longer, or else they'd pushed into a deeper corner.

"You seemed Merula," Rakepick smirked, "but it was so easy to manipulate and figure out where you were. Do the words "I love you," ring any bells?"

"No, you went into my head?!" Merula snarled. "Where's Jason? What did you do to him?!"

"I won't say that much, but he's still breathing. Though," Rakepick reached in her coat and pulling out a photo, and it showed Jason ragged and beaten. "This was taken this morning, and we are still making progress on my "favorite" student."

"No," Merula muttered as a stream of tears rolled down her facing. "Give him back!" Merula waved her wand, spending spell after spell to Rakepick. Slowly, she kept pushing Rakepick. Her anger for her betrayal and the hate that has grown even more seeing and knowing the closest person she has is on Death's door at this moment. The force of Merula spells was enough to through Rakepick off-balance, sending her wand out of hand Rakepick, slamming her into the wall. "Where is he?!" Merula stomped over to her, placing her wand to Patricia's throat.

"Oh my dear," Rakepick snickered, "if I told you it wouldn't be fun, would it? The fact of the matter is Merula; I planned to take you anyway to him after all." Rakepick pointed behind Merula, and as she turned to see her associates being held by members of R. "So either play nice or you all die."

"Why you piece of-!"

"Nuh-uh uh, Miss Snyde, mind your manners or they die."

"Merula, don't worry about us just- oof!" Chiara was knocked out by the dark wizard that held her.

"Alright!" Merula shouted. "Just don't hurt them. Please." She placed her wand down, lifting her hands.

"Good," Rakepick smiled as she picked up her wand. "Now then," she turned to Merula, slapping her to the ground. "Let's go and see my favorite student."

Rakepick and her associates took the little task force from the Leaky Cauldron before the Ministry would show up only a few moments too late. The group was in it now as they are now held in the same position as the one they wanted to save.

Merula woke to drops of water falling on her face causing her to wake up. She looked around to see she and her friends were chained up to the wall.

"Where are we?" as Merula scanned the room, she noticed something at the center of the room. The sound of raspy breathing and the smell of blood hung in the air. "My God," Merula stood up as she walked closer to where the breath was coming from as the light of the moon broke through a small opening lighting the room. She covered her mouth as tears began to run down her face. "Jason..."

[hotpotrandomfics]

Future AU: A Promise Never Broken

Summary: Merula, Penny, Rowan, and Tulip have been on the run for weeks as they have been chased by Death Eaters. The former classmates would have been killed hadn’t someone came to their rescues.

Word Count: 2,907

"Come on, this way Penny!" Merula shouted, running and casting spells behind her as the Death Eaters chased her and her friends. "Rowan! Tulip! Come on!"

Three friends ran past Merula, covering her from behind, after making it into the abandoned house behind them. They shut the door and barracked it before looking for a way to get out.

"This has got to be the worst day ever!" Rowan said panting and wiping the sweat off his glasses. "What are gonna do now? I don't see any exits, and that door won't hold them back!"

"Khanna, shut up and let me think for a second," Merula replied.

"Look, I have at least one dung bomb left. We use Lumos to blind them last minute then make a break for it," Tulip responded.

"I have two more fire-breathing potions, and one wiggleweed potion left. I could use one on them before escaping too," Penny offered her idea to them.

"Okay, then let's go with that. Penny, drink up. Tulip, prep the bomb, and Rowan, have your wand ready," Merula replied prepping her wand.

Ever since Voldemort's resurrection, the wizarding world has been thrown into chaos. Dark wizards and many other creatures had joined his cause, whether out of pure loyalty or fear. Even the one they thought would never be corrupted, Jason Piscius Aurelius De Leone. Jason had been gone for months after being recruited by his brother, Jacob, and has been one of Voldemort's topmen in assassinations. Ismelda. Barnaby. Tonks. Andre. Ben. Jae. Diego. Liz. All killed by Jason. Merula was the most heartbroken out of all his friends. Over the years, they had been enemies turned friends, to lovers. The biggest betrayal she had ever felt in her life, was by the one she loved the most.

"It's still so hard to believe this though, Jason," Rowan muttered. "How are we going to fight this? Fight him?"

Merula stomped over to Rowan gripping him by his collar, tears creeping down her cheeks. She had bags under her eyes, revealing her lack of sleep for the past few days. Tulip and Penny tried to pry her off him as he squirmed.

"We have no choice, dammit! He betrayed us!" Merula shouted angrily. "I don't want to fight him, but our lives and the information we got from those bastards will help save at least the wizarding world!"

"Snyde, enough! Let him go!" Tulip said pulling at him. "We don't have time for this!"

"Merula, stop! Please!" Penny asked pleading her to let Rowan go.

She obliged her friends and let Rowan go. She was stressed by the emotional turmoil she was facing. Everyone was, and they needed to focus or be killed by their once friend.

There were murmurs outside and then complete silence.

BOOM

"Well well," one death eater said as he walked in smirking at the group of young wizards. "Four little wizards. Make your choice now. Join the Dark Lord or die?"

"Interesting, here's our counter-offer," Tulip replied throwing her dung bomb at the Death Eaters disorienting them temporarily. "Penny, now!"

On cue, Penny spewed fire on the Death Eaters, setting two ablaze and causing the others to jump out of the way. Merula and Rowan cast Lumos to blind the other Death Eaters before all four of them ran out of the building, following through the alleys till they met a dead end.

"Dammit! What now?" Merula spouted.

"End of the road, little Snyde and friends," said an all too familiar voice. Fenrir Greyback in his werewolf form followed by a group of Death Eaters. "Try as you might, you will fail as you did in Hogwarts."

Fenrir had caused many grievances for Merula. He turned Jason into a werewolf when they searched for the vaults during their time at Hogwarts. It was under him that Jason served, as well as Jacob.

"Time for payback you, you little twit!", as one of the Greybacks, Death Eaters cast Petrificus Totalus, binding all four of the weary wizards.

"It must be horrifying knowing you failed in protecting your friends and knowing the ones you couldn't save were by the one who loved you the most. Ah, I was surprised how far Jason would go to show his loyalty to the Dark Lord. But alas, I will be the one to kill you all."

Merula couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her face now. Was this how she'd die? Is this how her friends will die? All because of Jason, the man she grew to love through the years, corrupted to serve Voldemort.

Just as Greyback was raising his claws to kill Merula, a shout of a few voices came from nowhere.

"Incendio,"  shouted a large man setting one Death Eater ablaze.

"Bombarda," shouted two feminine voices sending half of the enemy into a wall.

"What is going on?!" shouted Greyback.

"A rescue. Configro," said a man, landing between Greyback and Merula. A man in a black coat. "Diego, free them!"

"On it Aurelius," said Diego as he cast Finite Incantium, freeing the four paralyzed wizards.

"Jason?!" shouted Rowan as he stood up surprised.

"Hey amigo, we can talk later," said the man, turning to look back on them. "I'll take a slap from you later il mio amore," Jason said as he winked at Merula.

"Get them Bean!," said Barnaby flying down on the back of griffin as it grabbed a Death Eater and tossed him over the roofs of a nearby building.

"Hey guys, sorry we're late," said Ismelda appearing behind a few Death Eaters and stunning them. "Baubillious!"

One by one, the Death Eaters were taken down, and with them, all of Merula friends appeared. Ismelda. Barnaby. Tonks. Andre. Ben. Jae. Diego. Liz. Even the Weasleys, Bill, and Charlie accompanied by a baby dragon that was setting some Death Eaters rear ablaze. Badeea had caused a few to be trapped in a small sketchbook. She couldn't believe the sight as their pursuers were being beaten while Jason was busy handling Greyback.

"Get clear guys," as Jason raised his wand. "Auguamenti!" sending a stream of water through the alley, chucking Greyback and his Death Eaters down. "Charlie! Where is the big guy?!"

As if on cue a large dragon flew down and grabbed Tulip, Rowan, and Penny. Charlie and Bill jumped on the dragon as the beast flew off with them. Ismelda flew off on her broom, along with Diego and Badeea. Barnaby and Liz flew away on Bean the griffin. Jason grabbed Merula before casting Baubillious on the drenched Death Eaters, knocking them all out.

"Let's go," Jason said as he flew off on his broom holding Merula in his arms.

"Aurelius, you better explain now, or I'll throw you off your broom!" she shouted as they soared behind their friends.

"Well, I would appreciate a thank you or a kiss but I know I'm in the doghouse," he said laughing softly. "I will explain everything once we get to the hideout, I promise."

"You better or I am casting the killing curse on you," she stated holding tightly to him to prevent falling off.

The gang had flown for what felt like hours till they landed in the garden of the estate that appeared to look abandoned. They fell as everyone jumped off their essential mode of transportation.

"Jason!" said Rowan and Penny as they ran at him ready to hug him but stopped midway as Merula slapped him.

"Why?!" she shouted angrily. "Why go and join Voldemort? How is everyone alive?!" she kept shouting as she repeatedly slapped him harder and harder.

He gestured for everyone to stay back as she kept hitting. Jason pulled her close as she began to sob and tried to fight out of his embrace. He gently stroked her hair as she wept into him.

"I'm sorry," he stated, "I was given orders by the Ministry and worked with Professor Snape to uncover some plans and hidden locations for Voldemort's top subordinates. But to win their trust, I had to act as an assassin."

"Orders?" she looked at him stunned. "You did all this stop Voldemort?"

"Yes, I'm sorry I couldn't tell you Merula. I did all I could to protect you and everyone," he said wiping her tears from her eyes. "I wouldn't betray them, and I wouldn't betray you. I said I'd protect you no matter what."

"Even throughout all this time you kept your promises, huh?" she said and flicked his nose. "I thought I told you I'd protect you too based on our promise, jerk."

"Ow! Well, I am stubborn as you fairly know. Again, I'm sorry I had to deceive you," he looked at his friends, "all of you. I did what I had to do. I don't expect forgiveness. And if you need to, go ahead and slap or punch me if it will ease your anger."

"Jason, we couldn't hate you but what you did was reckless," stated Rowan. "But you are our troublemaker mate." He said and smiled.

"To think you'd break a bunch of laws for the sake of stopping all this madness? I am impressed Aurelius," Tulip said walking to him and slapping him. "But if you're gonna break rules then let me help."

"It's good to know you're not evil Jason but please never do that again," Penny said as she hugged his side, and Merula looking up at him pouting.

"Haywood, you have three seconds to let go of my boyfriend," Merula said as she stared at Penny menacingly.

"Merula, at least one group hug we've been through a lot in the past few weeks," Penny wined.

"Fine, one time," Merula muttered.

All of the gang got together to commemorate their reunion as the vault solvers. They were happy to see their family was along again as a whole. After a moment of embracing, they made their way into the manner as Jason showed them the way in.

"Who's house is this?" asked Tulip.

"That crest, wait a moment. Jason, is this?" asked Rowan surprised.

"Welcome to the Aurelius manor. The United Kingdom manor anyhow," Jason stated embarrassed. "I got plenty of room so you all can have your own space to rest."

Jason gave everyone a tour of the manor and explained all the exits should they be attacked. By the time he finished all his friends had followed him to the dining area. They sat and ate as he explained more of the mission as one of Voldemort's minions and where the final battle would take place. Afterward, his friends went to their assigned rooms to get some much-needed rest. Jason went to his living room and stood by the fireplace lost in thought.

"You know, I am still quite angry with you. Yes?" Merula said as she walked to him.

"Well given how many times I was slapped I would have no idea," he said turning to face her. "But I wanted to keep you safe. Merula, I don't know how many times I have to say, but I'm-" Jason was cut off by her lips against his.

"Shut up, and I heard enough. I forgive you, but you're going never to do something this reckless again," she said placing a hand on his chest. "Am I clear Aurelius?"

"I promise," he said taking her hand into his kissing it. "My cover was blown anyway to save you, and I don't regret it." Jason caressed her cheek and smiled down at her. "I missed you Merula."

"I missed you too Jason," Merula replied stepping up to kiss him again.

"I won't leave you ever again," he said as he renewed their kiss.

"You better or you're gonna be in a world of trouble beloved," Merula said smirking up at him.

"I would never dream of crossing you," he said kissing her forehead. "I had seven years of that already amore."

"Well, I am the most powerful witch in the world."

"And the most beautiful witch in the world," he responded.

"How I miss your flattery," she said leaning into his chest.

"Ready to win a war?" he asked her smirking down.

"With you? Believe it." Merula said holding tightly as if he'd vanish.

Jason was one to take the necessary risk for those he loved. Merula knew that all too well. Putting his life on the line while saving her and protect her from the likes of many dangers before. Together, they will help put this world right and keep it from the likes of Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

[hotpotrandomfics]

Future AU: A Promise Never Broken (Prequel)

Summary: Jason has been asked to work undercover undermine the operations of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. During this time he meets someone he hadn’t seen since his final days at Hogwarts.

Word Count: 3,190

Jason wondered the streets of London alone. The sky was clouded, and rain fell on the once vibrant city. For the past two years, the Dark Lord had returned along with someone close to a certain Pureblood.

"Dumbledore contact should be here," Jason said as he adjusted his coat. "Someone I know he said."

"So, I see you found this place no problem?" said a deep voice man. He stepped forward from the shadows of a nearby alley. "Fratellino?" The man smelled of mountain air and red wine. He stood two inches taller than Jason. Skin lighter than him, not that same copper Jason carried as well as him. Auburn hair with streaks of brown with a matching five o'clock shadow and green eyes that reflected the water of the Mediterranean.

"Fratello maggiore," Jason turned to face the man. "N-no way. It can't. Jacob? You are-" just then Jason was knocked out from behind. He fell but was caught by Jacob. The scent of his brother was all too familiar to him had eased his mind. "B-brother..."

"Sorry little brother," Jacob held Jason as his brother lost consciousness.  "What the hell is your problem Greyback? This is my brother!"

"Let's just say your brother caused me a lot of trouble during his time at Hogwarts," Greyback smirked in satisfaction at subduing his throne. "Care now, and I might get a little aggressive again."

"Overstep your bounds, and I'll kill you," Jacobs held a stone face. "Let's go before we get caught." With that, the two men and the numb young man disappeared in a cloud of dark smoke and flew through the night sky.

"Jason..." "Meri?"

"Jason..."

"Meri!"

"Jason!"

"Aaaaaaaaah!" Jason screamed as he snapped out of his sleep. He had been laying in a bed. Where was he and how did he get here? He felt his adrenaline rushing as he tried to find his wand in a panic.

"Jason, it's me. Calm down Little Wolf," Jacob placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You're safe."

"Where am I? Who-" Jason stared in disbelief. "Jacob," he lunged forward into him. Jason had searched and searched for Jacob but to no avail. He started to tear up. "You're alive!"

"It's good to see you, Little Wolf," Jacob stroked the back of Jason's head. He was choked up as well; it had been nearly fourteen years since they've seen each other. His little brother wasn't so little anymore. He wondered what it was like without being around to see him grow. Jacob kept up to date through Dumbledore but could only get so much. "You must have had it rough, huh?"

"It has been," Jason pulled away, "I've been through a lot and not simply just searching for you."

"I can only imagine," Jacob sighed then smiled softly at Jason. "I bet you are wondering a lot of things as well since your mind doesn't rest much."

"As always. Though I am happy to see you I need answers," Jason crossed his arms trying to make a serious face despite his joy his brother is alive. "So go on and explain."

Jacob ran his hand along his chin as began regaling Jason in all that he'd gone through. After being expelled from Hogwarts, Jacob had been traveling throughout Europe helping those in need while learning more about curses. He and Dumbledore kept in contact secretly while Jacob searched for leads on Voldemorts Death Eaters on his behalf. One such Arthur Queen had recruited Jacob to join the cause of the Dark Lord. Jacob has been gathering cursed objects and making them of use for the coming battles. But he has leaked the information to the Order of the Phoenix at critical moments as not to blow his cover. Something Jacob has done will remain with him as he had to make hard choices.

"It hasn't been easy Little Wolf," Jacob looked down in disappointment and felt the pain of his regrets hitting him worse than any curse. "I don't know if you can understand this pain and I understand if you hate me."

"I won't deny that I'm angry," Jason looked out the window of the room they were in. "I would have the right mine to hit you some would say. Mama. Papa. They would flip it worse than me, but I am happy your alive." He turned to look at his brother with the smile that brightens the room in the darkest times. "So, tell me why am I here?"

As if on cue, a man stepped through the door. He wore a suit in black with skin as pale as snow with eyes of amber.

"I am Arthur Queen, and your brother believes you will be of help to us," Arthur gestured to Jason with a creepie grin. "As an assassin."

"A what?!"

"Assassin. A murderer of an important person in a surprise attack for political or religious reasons."

"I know what it means but why would I be an assassin?" Jason stood from the bed and looked at the man. "What reason will I need to do such things?"

"Simple, secure the world for the Dark Lord as you eliminate all who stand in his way. From what Greyback has told me you're a werewolf sired by him, and you are well known for your adaptability in difficult situations." Arthur raised his hand to hold his chin. "Remarkable if you ask me, but if you refuse, you will die. All you love will burn before your eyes. So this is not a question. It's an ultimatum."

"You filthy little-!"

"Jason!" Jacob called him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "This is for the best."

"Well?" Queen smirked and pointed his wand at Jacob. "I can start with him since you two have recently reunited. Crucio!"

Jacob then collapsed in agony scream as his muscle fibers contracted. His screams echoed through the manner they were in while Jason watched in horror while Arthur snickered at Jacobs's pain.

"Stop it! I'll do it! Just leave him alone!" Jason screamed at the man. "Very well," Arthur snickered. "You will be under Greyback and follow his every order and if you disobey you and your brother will die. Along with your line."

Jason helped up Jacob and held him close and nodded despite the look of resentment in his eyes. "You have. My allegiance."

A week later, Jason was back in London with the Greybacks group of Death Eaters searching the alleyways with them for their target. This would be his first test as a Death Eater and failure wasn't an option. He searched through the narrow alleys and following the sounds of panicked footsteps. Jason followed closely till he founded the mark trapped without any means of escape.

"No no no no no!" the man panicked as he turns only to see his killer-to-be behind him. "You are..."

"I'll give you one chance to fight back. I won't kill a man without giving him the chance to fight back," Jason drew his wand. "Prepare yourself."

"I won't go easy because you're a child," the man drew his wand and looked at him with fear.

"Not after today."

"Expelliarmus!"

Jason brushed the spell off like it was nothing as he cast his Expelliarmus in response.

"Ah!" the man winced as his wand flew out of his hand. "Please, don't do this. You don't understand."

"I do."

"You and your sick Death Eaters think the Dark Lord will win this war?" the man looked at Jason in disgust. "The Chosen One will triumph."

"By Merlin may it be so," Jason lifted his wand looking into the man's eyes. "Avada Kedvara!" He shouted as the green, and a blinding light filled the alley followed by the screams of the man. "Requiescat in pace," Jason muttered as he walked over and pulled a flower from his coat, placing it down next to the man.

"Impressive," said Greyback as he and his pack appeared behind Jason. "A tad bit grandiose with the flower but you have a style for this Aurelius De Leone." He walked over to Jason and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Now, let's be off before the Ministry appears."

Jason and Greybacks group apparated back to their hideout. A large condo was looking over the city of London. Waiting at the dinner table was Jacob and Arthur having a heated debate.

"You honestly think that plan will work?!" Jacob was slamming his fist into the table while cursing Arthur out in Italian.

"Well it would work-" he looked at Jason and smirked. "Welcome back. I trust the task went well? Judging by your expression I take it did."

"Well he did," Fenrir laughed slapping his back. "Toyed with his prey before the kill. It was a good show."

Fenrir explained to them the events of Jason's first successful hit. He was going on and on the look of terror on the man's face. The sensation of this made Jason walk off before Arthur called him.

"You better remember well boy, you are one of us now," Arthur smirked as he gestured for Jason to come over to him to which he followed.

"Guess so," Jason's stomach was flipping nonstop making him nauseous.

"Give me your arm," Arthur held his hand out.

Jason followed obediently giving him his left arm.

"Now to mark you," Arthur pulled Jason's sleeve up and placed his wand against it, branding Jason with the symbol of the Death Eaters. "Welcome youngblood. We have your next target but for now, go rest, and we'll call you. You have much work ahead boy."

Jason nodded and walked off to the room he was assigned. He removed his cloak and placed his wand on the nightstand and looked out his window as the rain clung to it.

"What have I-," he whimpered walking into his bathroom and stepping into his shower as his realization came slamming hard than any dragon tail could hit. "Dammit. Dammit! Dammit!" he muttered as he fell to his knees weeping in frustration. How could he take a life? The man could have had a family. A wife. Kids. Friends. The thoughts swam through his head as he sat in his shower, tucking his legs in and holding them close. Jason thought what would his friends think. What would Merula think?

"Jason?" Jacob knocked on the door. "Are you okay?"

Jason sat there lost in his thoughts. Oblivious to his surroundings.

"I left your dinner on the desk. If you need me, I'm a here little brother," that Jacob stepped out and walked out of Jason's room. He sat outside patiently waiting to hear anything from him. "Oh fratellino."

Jason stepped out of his shower and didn't bother to dry off. He tossed on his sleeping pants and sat on the edge of his bed looking out the window. If this was what he had to do to save the world then the world was better off not being safe. But, he had to this. If not him then who? If not now then when? He took hold of his necklace and looked at it remembering Merula. The one person who saw Jason and understood him. He was her muse and the one person he treasured deeply. He hoped she was safe and if he could at least keep tabs on her and his friends that would help ease him. Jason knew his friends wouldn't submit to Voldemort's rule and were to die. He wouldn't let that happened even if it cost him his life for all of them to be safe. For now, Jason needed to rest if he could get at all that is. He laid down closing his eyes and listened to the rain as his thoughts faded to silence. "Jason," said a familiar voice.

"Meri?"

"You are a monster!"

"No, I'm not! Meri, please let me explain!"

"How did I ever love you?" Merula said, turning her back to him and walking away.

"Meri, don't leave me!" he tried to reach for her only to see her dead at his feet. "No! Meri!"

"Monster. Murder. Killer." said the collected voices of all of his friends.

"No! I am not a murderer!" Jason shouted looking down at his hands seeing them drenched in blood. "No, I didn't-"

Just then a monsoon of blood came rushing toward Jason, covering him and not allowing him to break the surface till it through him of the edge of a cliff. He screamed as he fell into the mouth of a snake.

"You're my servant," said the voice of the Dark Lord.

"Aaaaaaaaaah!" Jason woke up drenched in sweat and shaking violently as thunder outside reflected his inner turmoil. "Meri," he whimpered till he started to cry again. "I didn't do it."

"Jason?!" Jacob barged into the room and looked at his little brother distraught. "Are you okay?" he walked over to his bedside sitting next to him. "Hey hey hey," he placed his hand on his shoulder, "I'm here."

"I-," he tried to find the words to explain. Jason felt like this only when he lived with his father. He was not able to find the words. "K-killed. I killed," he muttered as he stared down at his hands. "Jacob I-"

"Shhh, it's okay Jason," Jacob pulled his brother close and stroked his hair like their mother used to do when they were scared. "Who's Meri? You mumbled her name so many times through the night."

"She's l'amore della mia vita," he muttered.

"Oh? Does my little brother have a love? She pretty?" Jacob teased playfully.

"The most beautiful woman I've ever seen," Jason gave a small smile. "A blessing."

"Tell me about her," Jacob looked down at him.

Jason nodded and began talking about Merula. From their first years as enemies to becoming lovers later on. He mentioned the bullying he suffered which infuriated Jacob but was calmed when Jason explained it was her only know outlet for the sorrow and pain she held. Jason said their first big date after the school year of their fifth year. Merula and Jason were to meet to go to a muggle amusement park. The date was his idea as he wanted to make memories that would last a lifetime. So began their little date tradition of going to the amusement park at the end of the school year. He laughed when recalling how Merula freaked out on a rollercoaster. It was those experiences with her that made him feel eased.

"And then she spat her lemonade all over my face!" Jason giggled wiping a tear away.

"Oh, my lord, Jason, how do you deal with that?" Jacob was dying of laughter.

"I love her," Jason sighed and his smile slowly faded. "Hey, Jacob. Can I ask a favor?"

"Yes?" Jacob's expression turned more serious. "Anything for you Little Wolf."

"I need you to help build an information network. I want to keep tabs on Merula and friends. I know they will oppose the Dark Lord, so I want to protect them and make sure they're safe."

"Might be risky but I know you love these friends like family."

"They are family to me, and I know they'd love you like family too," Jason smiled at his older brother.

"Well when you put it like that," Jacob smirked at him. "Okay. I will help you, little brother. We got family to protect."

After that night, Jason and Jacob built a network of resources and information that was used to help the Order as well as Jason's protection of his friends. For two years he kept tabs on everyone without appearing in front of them physically. Jason slowly collected his friends and set them in safe houses throughout all of the UK. All could contact him at a moment's notice or switch to a different safe house if one became compromised. He covered their tracks by faking each of their deaths as assassinations. To do this Jason made his marks drinking Polyjuice after eliminating them. It made him feel sick with everyone he did it to. As though as if he killed his friends. Clever, but sickening. By the end of this, he hoped he could repent for his choices.

"Jason!" Jacob ran into his room as Jason was in the middle of reading a book. "Bad news, Rowan, Penny, Tulip, and Merula are in danger. Greyback and his men are after them. Knockturn Alley!"

Jason stood up and grabbed his coat running out followed by Jacob as they made their way to the balcony.

"Where do you think you're going?" Arthur said appearing behind the two brothers. "I heard your little screaming Jacob. Saving lives of those who would defy the Dark Lord? Can't say I am disappointed, but I am, and that's unfortunate for you." He drew his wand. "Now get back inside, or I am going to kill you both."

"Should we?" Jacob smirked at his little brother.

"We never much listened to papa so..." Jason smirked back at Jacob.

The two drew their wands and used Depulso on Arthur sending him flying into the condo. Knocking him out."

"I'll go get the gang, you go on ahead and save your girlfriend," Jacob grabbed his broom and flew off.

Jason followed Jacobs's lead flying off on a broom and cast Bombarda Maximum setting it ablaze. He dreaded this day but was equally pleased knowing he was free from the Death Eaters now his cover is blown. Jason raced through the skies until he reached Knockturn Alley. A few minutes later, he was walking through the dark corners sniffing the air. Being a werewolf did have its perks to say the least. He heard screams in the distance and made his way to them. Climbing over the rooftops and listening carefully.

"Jason!" shouted a voice from behind. "Jacob gave us the message."

"Tonks," Jason smirked as his friends apparated one by one. "Guys, I'm sorry I got to pull you into this, but I need you all.

"Hey, you've protected us for the past two years," Bill laughed as he patted Jason's back. "We are in your debt, and we don't have time to talk."

"You're right," Jason gestured for his friends to follow him as they followed the sounds of explosions and lights of spells.

Just then they came upon the scene before them: Fenrir Greyback and his goons holding Tulip, Penny, Rowan, and Merula captive. Fenrir was reading to kill Merula until Jason acted on his plan to save his friends and his lover.

"Incendio,"  shouted a large man setting one Death Eater ablaze.

"Bombarda," shouted two feminine voices sending half of the enemy into a wall.

"What is going on?!" shouted Greyback.

"A rescue. Confringo," said Jason sending Greyback flying back as he stood in front of Merula as her shield.

Despite what he's done, Jason will always come and save those he loves. Even it means bearing his sins and collecting more. For his friends and Merula, he would bear it all no matter what even if it cost him his soul.

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fifth Year AU: Lulluby for a Gentle Beast

Summary: Recently, Jason has been acting weird and one encounter with some big headed Gryffindors tried to beat him down that set some alarms off to Merula. What was her prefect becoming?

Word Count: 1,916

Merula was walking to Transfiguration as it was an important test today and Professor McGonagall doesn't approve of tardiness. As she turned in the hall she saw Jason and two Gryffindor boys. One of the boys knocked his books down.

"So curse boy, how does it feel knowing you're the prefect of the worse house? Slytherins are nothing but an eyesore," said one mockingly.

"I dunno, for the past for years my House has beaten yours overall, yes?" Jason responded. "If you blowhards don't mind I need to get going," he said trying to pick his books up only to get kicked in the face by one of the Gryffindors.

"That's only because of Dumbledore feeling sorry for your House! We could crush you anytime," said the boy, stomping Jason's head into the ground forcing him down. "You need to shut up!"

Jason felt a surge of adrenaline running through his body. Something wanting to be let out. Primal. Jason needed to calm down or this feeling might take control.

"Hey!" Merula shouted as stomped forward towards the boys beating Jason down. "What gives you the right to think you're superior?!"

"Merula, I can handle this," he said standing up, bleeding from his forehead and lip. He was covered in some heavy bruises and smiled at her. "You can't be late for the Transfiguration test. McGonagall will have fit."

"Go Snyde," said the second Gryffindor uppercutting Jason and causing him to fall on the ground. He pulled his wand out aiming it at Merula. "You heard your prefect. Be a good girl and listen to him."

She turned walked away as the two Gryffindor boys laughed as the Slytherin walked off she drew her wand and looked at the boys. "Flipendo," she said cast sending the two boys flying off Jason.

"Hey! What is your problem Snyde?!" said one of the boys standing up ready to draw his wand. "You want to have a go?!"

"Gladly, I wouldn't mind putting two pests in their place!" Merula said angrily.

The two boys raised their wands ready to duel but felt someone grab them by their collars.

"You can beat all you like but raise a wand at her I won't abide by," said Jason has lifted the two boys and pinning to the wall looking at them angrily but then in fear. His iris looked different and his canines appeared sharper.

"Enough, you too, Dumbledore office at once," said Professor Snape appearing behind Merula. "Miss Snyde, lower your wand now. Help your prefect to Madam Pomfrey at once."

Jason let the boys fall to the ground as stumbled back feeling lightheaded. "Apologies Professor," he responded.

"I will discuss your punishment for you two later," replied Snape. "Miss Snyde, need I repeat myself?"

"No Professor," Merula helped Jason to his feet after gathering his book. "Let's get going, Aurelius."

"Thank you, Merula," he responded softly as he smiled.

A few minutes later, Jason was sitting on a stool having his cuts and bruises tended to by Merula.

"Ow!"

"Hold still Aurelius, moving will make it difficult to treat," Merula said snapping.

"Sorry, they sting bad okay?" Jason rebutted.

"Jason, why did you let them beat you up at all?" she asked placing a hand on her boyfriend's face. "For Merlin's sake, you're a mess."

"I was trying to stay calm and avoid more detention," he responded smiling and holding her hand in his face.

"You're lying, don't think I didn't see that. Is-" Merula started before she lowered her head. "Is it starting?"

"I think so," he looked down at her. "I should ask Madam Pomfrey what to do, huh?"

"Jason, I'm sorry that you have to deal with-", Merula was cut off by Jason placing a finger to her lip.

"It'll be okay, I drink my Wolfsbane on the regular, and when it's time I'll go ahead and be where the Professors told me," he said kissing her cheek. "I'll be fine."

A few hours had and Jason was accompanied by Professor Snape to the Shrieking Shack. Hogwarts had made it clear this location would be used as a haven for its students that were werewolves.

"Mister Aurelius, be sure to drink the potion the moment you enter the shack. When the night has passed I will return for you early," Snape said as he handed the potion to the boy. "If there's trouble then you will be expelled if it's caused by you. Am I clear?"

"Yes, thank you, Professor Snape," Jason said softly as the door behind him closed. He proceeded to drink the potion and followed by removing his clothes and folding them. "Okay, now is the time to-" he stopped as he fell to the floor, crying in agony.

His bones snapped and shift. Is this what it felt like? "Aaaaaaaah!" Those few minutes felt like hours of excruciating pain but here Jason stood, he was taller than normal, a whole foot and a half. He had a black coat of hair covering his entire body. But his eyes remained the same sea green.

Jason found a spot and lay down so he could rest. The pain he suffered through would be something to get used to but it was fine. He drifted into a dreamless sleep. As time passed Jason heard a creek, shaking him out of his sleep as he stood up sniffing the air. He was sniffing? It was a familiar scent he'd know anywhere. As the door opened Jason balled himself in the corner.

"Jason?" Merula said as she crept into the room. "It's me," she announced she walked towards him keeping her distance. "It's okay, I didn't feel right leaving to deal with this."

Jason walked forward and leaned down toward her whimpering. (Merula, I don't want to hurt you.)

"Hey, I came to see you and I'm not leaving got it? So forget it," she said stroking his muzzle. "Personally, this look isn't bad but I prefer how you look normal." She giggled and smiled softly at him. "I'll stay with you, okay?"

He wanted to protest but he couldn't speak in his current state and knowing she wouldn't listen otherwise. Jason nodded as he laid down.

Merula sat next to him, placing his head on her lap. Stroking his head comforting and hummed softly. "You know when I was a kid, my mother sang to me before I went to sleep," she started and smiling down at the boy who seemed like a puppy. Merula began to sing as he slept.

Light shined through Shrieking Shack, causing Merula to wake up with pain in her neck. "Jeez, I fell asleep-" she looked down seeing Jason as back to normal but not wearing clothes, "Eeeeep!"

"What what?!" Jason jumped up and looked around as if there was danger. "What's the wrong Merula?!"

"Y-you're naked!" she blushed to cover eyes only slightly peaking but covering her face, "put your clothes on!"

Nervously, grabbing his clothes and dressed frantically. He glanced over at her lost in his thoughts.

"Are you decent now?" she asked shyly.

"Yeah," he said as he was putting his tie on. "Good," stood up, dusting herself, and walked over helping him with his tie. "You are hopeless, you know that?"

"Hey that's not nice," he chided and pouted then smirk. "I did enjoy your singing though, it was beautiful."

"I um, well, shut up Aurelius," she said finishing his tie. "Any word of it and I'll kill you. Make it a bloody accident! Got it?!"

"Consider it safe," he said smiling at her gently hugging her. "Thank you Merula. For everything."

"You're welcome," holding him tightly rubbing his back.

"What do we have here?" said a voice that was surprised and irritated.

The secret coupled froze, slowing letting each other go and turning to face their Head of  House. "We, um..."

"No explanation needed, start making your way back to the school now. You will have detention helping stock my supplies for potions. Am I clear?" said Snape. "If you hurry you'll make it in time for your first class today."

"Yes Professor," both responded hanging their heads knowing they were in for some trouble.

As they walked together down the hall of the heading for Flitwick's class they held each other's hands. Until they heard a few people calling them.

"Jason! Merula?" Rowan said as he ran over followed by Ben and Penny, "where were you two this morning? I didn't see you at breakfast and why are you holding hands?"

"Isn't obvious Khanna?" she said lifting her hand with Jason.

"Since when?" Penny inquired.

"A few weeks now," he said showing his bite scar on his shoulder. "After we were attacked by Grayback."

"So does that mean?" Ben asked shaking nervously. "You and Merula werewolves?"

"I am. She's not," Jason said softly.  "Last night was my first transformation. Please, I can't risk having too many people know. Outside you four and the Professor no one must know."

"So last night you were?" Rowan looking at his friend.

"Away from that, I wouldn't hurt anybody. Merula, on the other hand, followed me because of what happened yesterday."

"What happened yesterday?" Penny asked looking between Jason and Merula trying to take it all. Her best friend dating his rival and now is a werewolf. Jason had a knack for trouble.

"I got beaten down by two seventh-year Gryffindors," he said as they continued to class. "If it weren't for her and Snape I think I would lose it."

"JASON!" all three of his friends shouted making him jump.

"Hey, I'm okay, my bruises are healing so-" he stopped as his friends got way too close for comfort.

"Penny, do you got any good ideas for a potion to make them sick?" asked Rowan.

"A few, Ben can you get their names and locations?" asked Penny.

"I could do that but please nothing too bloody or sharp. Please?" whined Ben.

"Should I stop them?" Jason asked Merula looking down at his girlfriend.

"Honestly, I want to join in on the planning. If you and Snape hadn't stopped me I'd have made them the next Duncan Ashe," Merula said looking at him with a sinister smirk. "But knowing you, if it was me in your shoes you'd kill 'em and toss them in the Blake Lake."

"Or lead them to Arcomantula so he'd have a field day with them," said Jason as he smirked back at Merula devious smile.

"Oh, now you're thinking like me? I must be a bad influence on you," she replied teasingly.

"Maybe, but you came to my rescue yesterday so I need to thank you."

"Thank me-"

Jason leaned down and kissed Merula as friends stopped their plotting of revenge to see Jason kissing Merula. They looked at them stunned even a few students passing by started to whisper and some even squealed at the sight.

"Let's hurry, I missed breakfast and don't want to be late for Flitwick's class," Jason said smirking as he walked off.

Merula stood there stunned her hand to her lips with a deep blush. "Aurelius, you get back here this instant!" she shouted running after him.

"Those two are trouble all on their own," said Rowan.

"I'm scared with what they'll do," Ben replied.

"Let's hurry or we'll be late too," said Penny chasing after the couple. Hogwarts was sure in for some news whats the word got out if Penny could keep quiet about it.

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fifth Year AU: A  Reckless Caregiver and Confession

Summary: It has been a few weeks since the werewolf incident and Jason is trying to get back into his usual habits. Thought the boy hasn’t really let himself rest and today was the last day before he collapsed if not for a certain witch...

Word Count: 3,849

It was an earlier Saturday morning at Hogwarts, and the school was buzzing with students running to go to Hogsmeade for the first time or causing silly mischief to each other or the rival houses. Merula was at Quidditch practice and was a bit out of focus. Her frienemy was nowhere to be seen in the stands. She wondered where they were because they always came to watch Slytherin practice.

"So, if I add two Mistletoe Berries then my Antidote to Common Poisons will work fine?" asked a first-year Slytherin.

"Yes, but remember to keep attention to detail. Professor Snape doesn't appreciate any explosions in his class and will take house points." Jason yawned as he looked through the first-year notes and nodded in approval. "Now then can any of you three remember the counter curse charm?"

"Um, Infinite Incatium?" said a Hufflepuff first year.

"No, you?"

"Infinite Ractium!" a Gryffindor first year shouted.

"Shhh!" Madam Pince hissed at the study group.

"No shouting and wrong again," Jason pinched the bridge of his nose sighing. "Please tell me you all have been studying as I said to?"

The small group of first and second-year students looked at the Slytherin Prefect laughing nervously. Some seemed down disappointed as they knew he'd get upset. For the past few weeks, Jason had been tutoring many younger students. Jason had been famous with many of the younger students and praised as the "Nice Slytherin" and other variants of the sort. He didn't mind the compliments but didn't like his House being demeaned by those words. The students had been making progress albeit slow progress. Jason would almost spend at least three to four hours tutoring them. All of that plus his duties as a prefect, searching for the vaults and studying for his O.W.L's he'd been pushing his limits and only enough sleep to make it through the day.

"Finite Incantatem," Jason said as ran a hand through his hair, "remember it now because I won't be the one taking your test for you. You all need to be independent. Okay?"

"Yes sir." said one of the second years.

"You don't need to call me 'sir.' I'm only four years older than most of you. Anywho, you all know what you need to study on so take your time but not too long."

The study group responded to Jason and went back to studying their notes and calling Jason when needed. He had an easy way to explain how to go about solving the problems without answering. Doing that gave the students confidence in their knowledge and understanding of their academics.

After another hour of tutoring, the students left, and Jason was packing his satchel with his notes of his O.W.L's and the vaults. Somehow they always got mixed. As he made his way to the threshold leading out of the library a swing of dizziness hit him out of the blue causing him to lean against the doorframe.

"Well aren't you a sorry mess," said a voice Jason knew too well.

"I tend to look like that a lot from the gossip I hear apparently." Jason looked down at Merula in her Quidditch uniform. Beads of sweat rolling down the tips of her cheek. Somehow he found that seeing her like this made his heart beat fast. "H-hi Merula, how are you?"

"I'm amazing as always, but you seemed like you just fought a chimera or something."

"I did fight one some time ago." Jason laughed as he stood straight feeling the dizziness fade slightly.  "But not today, just a little tired after tutoring a few people. I'll live."

"I see." Merula eyed him with a raised eyebrow. "Well, I do hope the next time you fight a chimera I get to watch you fight it."

"Please don't wish that on me," he laughed then raised a hand to his mouth and yawning. "Anyway, I got to head to a meeting with Professor Snape."

"Why don't I accompany you?" Merula looked at Jason while fiddling with a piece of hair.

"W-well I always enjoy your company," Jason blushed while looking at her with a soft expression. "Shall we get some air before I meet Snape?"

"I don't see why not but it's raining so we should watch our step," Merula smiled leaning close to him prompting her chest.

"O-okay then." Jason's face became more flushed as she stared at him with the gems she called eyes. "Why is she so beautiful?" ran through his head.

The two Slytherins walked down the corridors of the castle till they reached the outer edge of the courtyard watching the rainfall. They chatted about the tutoring Jason was doing. Merula talked about a lot of the tricks she did. Some dangerous but somehow she pulled them off though Jason pointed out her little scratch on her elbows causing her to get defensive. That made him laugh even more.

"Oh stop laughing you buffoon!" she pouted. "I swear Aurelius I'm gonna-"

"Help!" shouted a Slytherin first-year boy.

The two fifth-years turned to the boy and looked at him seeing he was covered in scrapes and soaking wet.

"Jason, my sister fell into the Black Lake!"

"Calm down," Jason said as he kneeled to the kid's level placing a hand on his shoulder while speaking in a gentle voice. "Tell me what happened."

"We were skipping stones off the cliff to the east and these Gryffindor third years were harassing us, and then my sister tried to step up to them but slipped on her robes and-" the boy tried to say more but was choked up.

Without a moment's hesitation, Jason ran off leaving Merula with the young Slytherin boy. Merula followed behind and told the boy to find a teacher. She didn't know why but she had a feeling in her gut something worse was going to happen. Within a few moments, Jason had made it to the eastern cliff of the lake dropping his satchel and tossing his shirt, and diving into the lake off the cliff.

"Oh Merlin, please tell me that idiot didn't just..." Merula ran to the edge seeing Jason's stuff on the ground. "Aurelius, where are you?" she mumbled while looking at the surface of the lake. She started to panic slightly and started calling his name out.

A few moments later Jason broke the surface with the girl and making his way to the shore. He pulled his wand from his pocket and focused on the water in her lungs slowly dragging it out. The girl cough as she took a large gasp of air and looking around panicked. He carried the girl on his back while Merula met them with Jason things and a sigh of relief.

"You're an idiot and very reckless at times you know?" Merula looked up at the shirtless giant blushing and trying to avert her eyes from his torso. "Seriously, who dives headfirst into a lake from a cliff?"

"This idiot I guess," he laughed while patting her head gently, "I didn't mean to scare you."

Merula swatted his hand away while looking at him and reprimanding him for his carelessness. She normally wouldn't give a care at all about what he did, but she didn't want him to get hurt over something ridiculous or daring. The two dropped the girl off at the hospital wing to be examined by Madam Pomfrey. Professor McGonagall had shown up with the girl's brother.

"Mister Aurelius De Leone. Miss Snyde. I see you two are- the boy put some clothes on!" Professor McGonagall said sternly. "We are not barbarians here."

"Apologies professor," Jason said as he took back his shirt from Merula who didn't seem to keen on returning it.

"Thank you, now then this young man explained everything to me, and I see you've taken care of the matter?" she inquired.

"Yes, professor."

"For selflessness, I am granting twenty points to Slytherin."

"Thank you, Professor!" The two Slytherins said in unison.

A few minutes later Jason and Merula were walking down a corridor. Jason was regaling her in the meeting he had to have with Snape. Most of it was regular reporting on how Slytherin as a whole has been.

"So Aurelius," Merula looked at him, "how are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. Why do you ask?" Jason looked at her curiously.

"Come now; I'm not easily fooled. I can tell you're not alright. You've got bags under your eyes and as far as I can tell you're overworked," she looked at him with what seemed to be a concern in her eyes. "I mean that whole stunt you pulled off somehow an hour ago and still have the energy to spare?"

"When you put it like that it sounds like I'm not normal," as he did what was between snicker and yawn, "Merula I'm fine."

"Seriously? You fell asleep in Flying class and almost dislocated your arm." She frowned while placing her hands on her hips. "Not to mention you  tried showing the Depulso charm to first-years and almost knocked the cauldron through a window."

"Yeah but-"

"But nothing! Your shoulder hasn't fully healed, and you're still being reckless! Do you ever thinking of yourself?!"

"Merula I..." Jason muttered as his vision started to get dull.

"And you," she started to mumble while fiddling with pointer fingers in a circling motion, "missed me practicing too."

"Merula..."

"It's frustrating enough seeing you do all this while trying to find the vaults. Aurelius, I'm worried about you too believe it or not." Merula stomach felt like it was in knots trying to find the words to convey how she felt. "After the Greyback debacle started to realize I care about you. I care a lot actually and I-"

As Merula began uttering the words, she been digging to find but saw the tall boy lean against the on the verge of collapsing. She called for him, but everything sounded distorted as though Jason was underwater. He felt cold as he still hadn't changed his clothes after the whole lake fiasco. He tried to keep himself steady but felt his knees bulk and started plummeting forward to the ground. Luckily something soft and warm managed to keep him from hitting the ground.

"Hey, Jason?!" Merula called out to him as he muttered gibberish incoherently. "That's it; you need your bed and to change as well." She said as she tried to lift him.

"N-no, I got another study group to tutor later." He groaned trying to keep his balance but failing.

"Like hell you are! I'm taking back to the dorm!" Merula said as she slugged his arm over her shoulder.

"Merula I'll be fine. I swear I'll be fine-"

"No arguing!" she shouted while her eyes clashed with his. "Let someone else help with your burdens. You're not a one-man army so don't be so hardheaded about me helping you. You idiot."

Something about this concerned Merula made Jason's heart skip a beat. The last time they were this close was when they were running for their lives. It was amazing that a girl no more than 5'2 could hold a 5'10 boy was hilarious but scary too. He as he leaned his weight on her shoulder caught the essence of her flowing along his nostrils that was beyond intoxicating and made the dizziness amplified because of it. But it's wasn't a bad scent he thought.

After a few minutes of struggling, Merula managed to get Jason back to their door without too much trouble. No one was in the dorm from the look of it.

"Okay, let's get you upstairs?" Merula was glancing at him to make sure he was still conscious. "Hey now, don't pass out on me because we'll both fall."

"R-right," Jason muttered as they made their way to the boy's dorm. "Sorry if the room might be slightly messy."

"I think I can take a little messiness." Merula chuckled as she pushed the door open. "Huh, you call this messy?"

The two stepped in and walked to Jason's bed that was most well-kept in the room. His nightstand and a picture of what Merula assumed was his family. The nightstand was stacked with notebooks and parchment sticking out, one of the covers was "vault notes," and another was "tutoring guide."

"Alright, sit down, and I'll grab your clothes."

"You don't have to"

"I'm doing it whether you like it or not! Now sit!" Merula growled as she lowered him down on his bed.

"Yes, ma'am."

Merula went through his drawer pulling out a tank top and his pajama pants. She placed them on his nightstand while she grabbed his towel he slung on his chair. She began drying his hair gently. The sound of thunder roared through the castle causing her to jump on Jason. A storm must have been rolling in, and everyone who's out in Hogsmeade without a doubt won't be able to come back anytime soon.

"Sorry, are you okay?" Merula looked up at him nervously.

"Y-yeah." He blushed as he felt her chest pressing against him and her breath grazing his neck. "Are you okay-"

"I'm was caught off guard. Not like I'm scared of thunder; don't be ridiculous." She said defensively.

"I didn't say you were scared did I?" he smiled at her nervously.

"No, you didn't," she muttered as she pushed herself up from his chest. "You need to get changed," she said as she started unbuttoning his shirt.

"Um Merula, I can handle getting changed you don't need to"

"I said I am helping you now shut up." She said trying not to blush as she looked down at him. "It's not like this isn't weird for me." She glanced down at his chest seeing some of the scars he bared. "Why do you have these?"

"You don't want to know." Jason crimsoned with embarrassment.

"Tell me," she asked as she traced a finger down a scar located on his abdomen.

"Some are from back home. Some from the vaults or whatever mess I find myself," he looked up at her.

"And from saving me," she mumbled as she pushed his left sleeve off and tracing the newest one to his collection. "You don't know how to think of yourself."

"Never have," Jason laughed softly as he pushed himself on his elbows. "Did I ever tell you how pretty you are?"

"What? Now I know you're losing it." Merula couldn't help but smile at the compliment despite herself. "Let me finish this so you can sleep and get your senses back."

"I'm being serious Merula."

"Just keep quiet for like five minutes and stop being weird."

What felt like an eternity passed by with Merula helping Jason get changed. She let Jason handle putting his pajama pants on while she had her back turned. She was tempted to steal a glance at his bare body. The sound of the belt from his pants hitting the ground rang in a loop in her head. By the time she couldn't bear it as she snuck a glance seeing he'd secured his pajama pants but still didn't have his shirt on. Was his back always that muscular she thought as she eyed him and bit her lip. Jason sat back on his bed despite his not wanting to while his back was turned to her. All of a sudden Jason felt arms wrap around him and something soft and firm pressing against his shoulder blades.

"Merula?"

"Do you think I'm beautiful?" she asked as she placed her forehead to his left shoulder holding him tight.

"I do."

"Why?"

"Isn't it obvious? I thought even you would notice." Jason placed a hand over hers. "Or at least have an idea."

"I guess what you said a few weeks back was just my hopeful thinking or the blood lose getting to your head." Merula smiled as she turned his head to face her. Eyes locked. "Should we continue where we left off that day?"

"I thought you wanted me to get sleep?" he teased as he caressed her cheek.

"I will do as I please thank you!" she smirked as she cupped his chin.

"Then..."

The two leaned into each other finally having their lips met for the first time. It was soft and gentle like the petal of roses grazing the other or the sensation of when a gentle stream grazes the skin. The two parted blushing while smiling at each other. Jason turned to face her leaning in to renew it. Merula obliged by pulling him gently from the nape of his neck while he inched her closer by pulling her by her waist. Something in her snapped as she climbed onto his lap kissing him more passionately pushing him down. Jason wrapped his arm around her pulling her close to him. Hands were reaching and clawing each other's bodies. Fingers were brushing the supple lines of waist and chest, trying to feel more and more as the hunger rose. Their lips and tongues continued battling more ferociously as the tension from the years just spilled out. They parted briefly to catch their breath before they renewed it he took control and pinned her down kissing her more sensually.

"Why didn't we do this sooner?" She asked as she pecked his lips softly running her finger down his chest. "Bloody hell, I didn't think you'd be such a good kisser."

"I've wanted to for the longest time but feared you hate me or kill me if I tried anything," Jason smiled at her kissing her again. "And this my first time kissing anyone too."

"I probably would have hurt you in the past but I..." she blushed as she looked at the daunting man over her. "I'm happy I can give mine in exchange for yours."

"Merula I care about you deeply and-" before he could finish she placed a finger to his lip.

"I know, and honestly I feel the same. Jason, I like you too." She bit her lip as she caressed his jawline. "I have for some time now."

"Merula," Jason smiled as he looked into her gorgeous eyes that encourage him to think things any boy would keep quiet about.

The two gazed at each other with such intense lust and continued with their duel of the mouths. Merula wrapped her arms around his torso slowly dragging her nails down as she grew more desperate with their activity. He moaned as her nails marked him, he usually protests pain, but this was one he could get used to.

"You need to get to sleep," she whimpered as Jason kissed along her jaw to her neck. His breath was tickling her but somehow made her excited. "I'm serious Aurelius. Jason, please~."

"S-sorry, I don't know what came over me. I guess I was just excited to kiss you and finally-" Jason blushed as he started to ramble nervously.

"You fancy me a lot?" Merula pushed herself up on her elbows and smiled at him.

"Since our first year." He scratched the back of his neck while smiling down at her.

"Seriously? Why didn't you say anything?" she moved up to sit and looked at him taking his face into her palm.

"I was afraid you'd reject me." He looked down feeling his nerves jump at her gentle touch. "We fought for so many years and I know I said mean things to you out of my insecurities and pain. Stuff I regret to this day even though all I wanted was to keep close to you. I'm sorry."

Merula looked at him dumbfounded. Sure, they fought in the past but back then Merula was filled with anger and loneliness. She never really hated him; in fact, she felt like Jason was one of the few people capable of understanding her. He cared for her and tried to be a friend to her even when she repeatedly pushes him away. If there was a thing that made her feel happy in this world was that this boy, -this man, never gave up on her and always reached out his hand.

"You don't need to apologize," Merula pulled him close, bearing his face into her soft and plump bosom. "I will admit I acted like an arse to you on one too many times. So I understand why you would have been angry at me."

"Still I..."

"Jason, you've done so much for me, and I have my answer for your question." She kissed the top of his head. "Well I gave it to you moments ago before we started our 'duel' and I fancy you too. So um does this mean we are, you know?"

"Boyfriend and girlfriend? If the most intelligent and beautiful witch in all of Hogwarts would have me be then yes." Jason chuckled.

"Okay, then but I got some conditions. One, I can only be yours, and you are mine. Two, we have to keep it secret for a little while. I don't want your friends to think I bewitched you."

"You already did with those eyes of yours." He giggled as he felt the dizziness slowly come back.

"Oh quiet you! Three, most important, n-never be reckless for my sake. I almost lost you and me -," Merula was caught off by Jason giving her a peck on a cheek and offering a playful wink.

"Can't follow the last one because I do it again and again." He smiled as slowly lost consciousness. "You're important to me," he muttered as he drifted into slumber from his exhaustion.

"Guess so," Merula smiled as Jason's head was nuzzled in her breast. "Sweet dreams Jason," she whispered as she caressed his hair gently.

An hour later, Merula snuck her way out of the boy's dorm and made her way into her room. She laid down in her bed grinning like a fool in love, which she was, and couldn't help but squeal happily as Jason and she are now an item. Truth be told Merula had fancied him for some time but was too nervous to say anything. Now, it was as if a dream came true, and kept giggling about it until a second-year Slytherin girl walked over to her holding what seemed to be a box of candy in the shape of a heart.

"What?!" Merula looked at them with a raised brow as she sat up on the edge of her bed.

"Excuse me, Merula, um do you know where Jason is? He supposed to have a study group in the library."

"He's resting now, and you'll have to wait till he gets some sleep. Aurelius has been working his hide off to help you a lot so let the man rest!" she growled. "Study amongst yourselves."

"Yes ma'am!" the girl ran out terrified.

She sighed as she laid back down and slowly drifted off into sleep. It seems she needed to sleep too and knew her dreams were to be filled with nothing but happy thoughts thanks to her new joy.