The sun has already set a while ago. I could almost see the stars forming on the night sky. I feel like they’re watching me. Like each of them is piercing into the depth of my soul and gazing upon the choices that I’ve made and the things I’ve said.

I can’t say how long it’s been since she left the Courtyard. The night was so peaceful, so soothing. I was just standing there…looking at the sky, thinking about everything…about her.

“There you are!” Rowan yelled. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” he said with a concerned voice. “Come on, the Weasleys are here. They are in the Great Hall. Everyone is there, you’re the only one missing!”

“Everyone?” I asked surprisedly. Does that mean she is there?

“Hurry up!” He demanded. “I’ll tell them you’ll be right there! Don’t make me come back here!”

And then he ran back inside the Castle. I guess I should go as well. Now that I think of it, it’s awfully cold out here. I didn’t even feel it until now. I took one more look at the night sky before I made my way to the Great Hall.

The corridors were filled with emptiness, with silence. It felt so lonely…I felt so lonely. I slowly approached my destination. Could she be in there? Did she decide to join the feast perhaps?

I opened the door and instantly threw my gaze around, but as much as I wanted, I couldn’t see her in the Great Hall. Everyone else was there. I slowly approached them and tried my best to hide the sorrow away.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley,” I said with a big smile. Hopefully, they won’t notice anything.

“You as well, Dylan. We’ve heard so much about you,” Molly replied, with a soft, caring voice.

“Tell us all about your adventures with the Cursed Vaults!” Arthur demanded excitedly. Apparently, that’s where Bill and Charlie inherited the adventurous spirit from.

Molly suddenly changed her expression and glared seriously at her husband.

“I mean, you certainly shouldn’t be messing with those Cursed Vaults. Especially not with our boys,” he instantly changed his mind, trying his best to appease his wife.

“What brings you to Hogwarts?” I asked curiously. I pretty much already knew the answer to this question, but I asked anyway since I had to occupy my mind. She was constantly in my head and with every passing moment, I recalled the mistake I’ve made and the stupid question I should’ve never asked.

“Well, I wanted to see Charlie and Bill…” Molly politely replied. “And if I’m being honest, Fred and George were driving me a bit mad.”

“They always get especially excited around Christmas. And they’re already rather…excitable.” Arthur added.

“Great Aunt Muriel is at the Burrow watching them, along with Ginny, Percy, and Ronald,” Molly said with a voice mixed with pride and joy.

I could imagine how much she loves her children. There is nothing like motherly love. Now that I think of it, if I am in so much pain because of Merula, I cannot even comprehend what sort of agony is my mum going through right now. Getting heartbroken is nothing compared to losing a child…

“Great Aunt Muriel was driving me a bit mad as well,” Arthur added with a slight chuckle.

“Arthur…” Molly gave him another serious look.

“Sorry, dear,” he apologized.

“We got you gifts!” Bill said excitedly, trying to prevent any further arguing between his parents.

“Gifts for your mum and dad? That’s very thoughtful, Bill. You had better not make me cry in front of your friends…” Molly replied, instantly changing her expression to a soft, caring one.

“Yes, well, we couldn’t have done it without Dylan,” Bill stated, praising me for helping him get those gifts. To be fair, he might’ve exaggerated quite a bit. I am sure that even without my help they’d be fine, but nevertheless, it felt quite nice hearing the praise from my friend.

“Well, thank you, Dylan,” Molly said politely. “Open yours first, Arthur…” she continued.

“Don’t mind if I do…” he replied and started opening his present box.

“I can’t believe it…” he gasped. You could see genuine happiness in his eyes.

“Do you know what this is?!” He asked Charlie.

“Not at all…” Charlie replied with a confused look.

“I thought Muggles might hit people in the head with it…” I answered confidently. After all, it made perfect sense. It looked suitable for swinging and the item seems heavy enough to do some serious damage.

“An excellent guess, but this is a genuine Muggle Toastit!” Arthur said.

It isn’t a weapon? I guess I was wrong. Apparently, Merula’s violence is rubbing up on me. I just can’t stop thinking about her…

“Thank you. Dylan. I’ve been wanting one of these for quite a long time,” he continued politely, with a voice full of gratitude.

“I don’t like encouraging Arthur’s obsession with Muggle artefacts…” Molly said with a slightly concerned tone.

“But I do enjoy seeing that smile on his face,” she continued, instantly changing her facial expression to a smile.

“Open your present, mum,” Bill interfered, eager to see his mother’s reaction.

“You boys didn’t have to get me anything…” she politely replied, trying to hide a smile of happiness from her son.

“Yes, you did,” Arthur whispered to Charlie, chuckling silently.

She opened her present and cracked a huge smile once she saw what’s inside.

“What a beautiful wool. This color is perfect for a jumper I’ve been meaning to knit for Ronald,” she said, full of happiness.

I wish that I’ve gotten something for my mum. She is probably worried sick about Jacob. I can’t remember the last time I saw her smile. I miss those days…

“You can also use it to organize your research,” Rowan pointed.

“I’ll keep that in mind, dear. Thank you,” Molly replied politely. I am fairly certain that no one else that I know would use the wool for organizing their research, but I guess Mrs. Weasley was just kind to my friend. Oh Rowan, don’t ever change.

“Now, let’s enjoy our time together…” she said.

Everyone started talking about something nice and pleasant which made me a bit sad. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Penny was mentioning some potion ingredients, but I was just politely nodding and looking around. She wasn’t here. Maybe she read my song and got even angrier? Maybe I should’ve gone after her once she left the courtyard? Maybe…

A thousand different thoughts went through my head. A thousand words I could’ve said and a thousand things I could’ve done. Yet I just stood there as she was leaving. I did nothing…

I tried so hard to keep my focus on Penny. I am not really sure what she was talking about anymore.

“This party falls somewhere between awkward and dreadful…” I heard her voice suddenly and instantly turned around. She was standing near me, trying to sound disappointed, but instead, she was smiling. She was smiling at me!

“Merula!” I yelled with so much excitement and surprise. I probably sounded like Rowan, every time he mentions books or studying.

This drew Mrs. Weasley’s attention. “Just who is this little witch?” she asked, curiously.

The one who drives me insane, the one who makes my heart race, the one who’s my everything, I thought to myself as I gazed into her beautiful purple eyes. To be fair, she was looking back at me, with a warm smile decorating her gorgeous face. Then we both turned to Mrs. Weasley.

“Merula Snyde,” she introduced herself confidently. “The most powerful witch at Hogwarts.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Molly replied.

“Wipe that scowl off of your face, and have something to eat, Merula,” she continued.

“I’ve been waiting for the right time for a surprise. Something Merula taught me…” I said with a voice full of confidence. I still couldn’t believe that she was standing next to me, smiling full of happiness.

“Don’t make me look bad, Edwards,” she replied.

I won’t! I thought to myself. I am never again letting you down. Shortly after, everyone gathered. I took out my wand and started waving it the way she taught me. Once I was done, the snowflakes slowly started falling. I couldn’t help but keep my eyes on her. She was so happy and proud. She would definitely make a fine teacher.

“It’s beautiful, Dylan,” Molly said with a big smile. Everyone else was in awe. I am pretty sure that none of them expected Merula would be the one to teach me such a nice spell.

“Absolutely wonderful,” Arthur added.

“Thank you, Dylan,” Rowan smiled at me.

“Happy Christmas,” Penny said with a voice filled with joy.

That’s when I saw it. Merula was holding a piece of paper in her hand. She was squeezing it tightly as if her life depends on it. She’s read it, I knew! I love her so much. Words just cannot describe what she means to me.

“Happy Christmas, everyone,” I wished it from the bottom of my heart.

We stayed in the Great Hall for a while longer, sharing interesting and exciting stories. I even got to tell Mr. Weasley all about my adventures. Even Mrs. Weasley got excited hearing about those, especially about the part involving the Vault of Ice.

Shortly after everyone left, I went to the Clocktower Courtyard to take one more look at the night sky. It was so silent, so peaceful. It took me some time to realize that she was standing right next to me for a while, smiling quietly. Somehow, I didn’t notice she arrived. Without saying anything, I slowly took her hand and smiled back at her. Then I took another look at the sky, closed my eyes and made a wish…

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