June 12th: To Be Kissed By More Than The Sun {Ethan}

[Meredith Mulciber]

Normally the recent of age young lady would be spending a bright breezy day like today in some quiet alcove in the Library. Today however she simply could not sit in the place. It was beloved and she would miss it, but a melancholy feeling had been plaguing her since the end of exams and she had been avoiding the library, along with several other favorite haunts. She currently had nothing to work towards, her goals had been accomplished. Meredith was sure she would graduate top of no less than three classes, and pending her scores in Arthimancy she would be starting her apprenticeship in the fall; and Meredith was sure above all else that she had placed top in that class, the position was all but secured. 

Exams were over, graduation was in a few days, and Meredith had no idea what to with herself. Her whole life she had been working toward academic excellence, now that she had achieved it she was quite at a lost on what else to do. Of course she would continue her education, but she was an adult now, she had other things to worry about. Like where to live after school. Her parents were already setting up the summer home in Bath for her purposes but the girl didn’t want to reside in a place from her childhood, far removed from society just as she had always been. 

Despite being wealthy by proxy, Meredith also wanted to find her own source of income, to have money in accounts that her parents had no access to. In short the girl found herself with a list of things to do to start her life and live it as her own and she was stuck in this school for almost a full week more uselessly when she could be getting things in order. She had made the decision months ago that she would not marry immediately as she had always thought she would be made to; she had made the decision to make her own decisions. So without the job of wife she would have plenty of time on her hands and no clue as to what to do with it. 

Meredith perched herself on a large rock by the Lake, titling her face to the sun, and reveling in the heat on her bare shoulders. It was hard to think of life beyond the walls of Hogwarts. In the moment it seemed awfully lonely, which was odd because Meredith hated all the people that the castle held. Somehow, however, she had gotten used to it; she had come to like the constant chatter to tune out to help her concentrate. Or always eating meals with someone, and sleeping in a room with other people. She would be eating alone, and sleeping alone. And that thought brought up a whole new slew of melancholy feelings. She felt alone in that way, in the way that she wanted for someone…special in her life. And she just didn’t know how she felt about that yet. Men were an entirely foreign field of study. 

[Ethan Vanderhyde]

Ethan Vanderhyde was done.

He'd finished up exams, knowing he'd performed highly, as always - but the cake of this term would be his Defense Against the Dark Arts marks. He knew his path was leading him in defense of rather than against, as these sorts of spells and hexes they learned about protecting themselves from would be necessary in his line of work. But he was undeniably handy in the class, quick to not only react but be proactive, and having it become official - for surely he'd make mention in the Prophet along with the others who had excelled - was going to be extraordinarily helpful in embellishing his cover story. For Ethan would be working at the Ministry, naturally, going into the office of law, but that was, in terms of his life, a side project. His true work would be for the Dark Lord, but the secret of that needed to remain secret to all who were foolish enough to disagree with the teachings.

But Ethan Vanderhyde, top of his class in Defense Against the Dark Arts? Who would ever think to question his allegiance?

Beyond that, he would pay a pretty sum to see the looks on Potter and Black's faces when they saw he'd bested them. Cocky, thoughtless bastards probably thought they'd won, but Professor Ackerman had told Ethan personally that he'd come out on top.

The smugness of this knowledge had helped when his father had written to ask why he hadn't started his work on the Mulciber girl yet.

Vanderhyde senior was a mite set on getting his son to marry up, as he had himself. Since fourth year, Ethan had been set up with pureblooded girl after pureblooded girl; however, having a mind of his own, he never truly committed to the girls. He stayed with them long enough to show the families that they had tried, but he preferred to choose his fun, and most of the girls were anything but. Meredith, at least, was someone he was familiar with.

And she wasn't an inbred fool like the younger Bulstrode girl they tried to force him on, Circe had that been a nightmare.

No, no - of his House, of his year, Meredith was as familiar to Ethan as could be expected. Neither were incredibly social beings, and he knew that she was rather inclined to the know-it-all academic and rule-abiding sides of things. He would have given a bit of protest to being told to go after her, but this year he had noticed a shift in the girl. She'd become more outspoken and lively - it seemed that being passed up for Head Girl by Evans of all people had rather sparked something in her. He also wouldn't be found complaining about her looks, and had heard enough to know that they were on the same side; their fathers worked together under the Lord, and she wouldn't be silly enough to go against. And they were on their way out of school - she'd have to find something else for her time other than reading.

And how could she resist him?

Such was the mindstate of the soon-to-graduate Slytherin as he approached the girl at the lake, smirking as he took in the look of her. She'd shed her robes for the season, and he'd never seen so much of her fair skin. It was unusual to find her here like this, to be sure, but with any luck this wouldn't be the only new thing Meredith was trying out.

Although why the girl had to be on these blasted rocks was another matter. He wasn't extraordinarily graceful or athletically adept, not that you'd ever hear that admitted, and it was more than once that his feet slipped as he made his way towards the blonde.

"Well, isn't this a sight," the young man said with a grin up at her, coming to a stop with a hand on the rock she sat on. The sleeves of his colorful, for him, shirt were rolled up to his elbows, and dressed in a pair of tailored jeans rather than slacks, this was likely the most casual that she'd seen him, as it was for Ethan seeing her. But he hoped he'd been right in putting the ensemble together to please her - in a relationship as theirs was to be, looks were quite literally everything. The appearance of them as a pair would gladden the families, and Ethan could admit that they would make a fine looking couple. "Mind if I join you?"

[Meredith Mulciber]

Meredith was sitting idly on her rock. Mentally drilling herself on the list of things to do she was forming in her head, when the sound of approaching feet broke her concentration. The girl opened her hazel eyes into the sun, bringing one manicured hand up to shield from the blaze, and blinking several times to make out her unexpected visitor. A curious little smirk tugged at her mouth and she sat up straighter, tucking her dress around her. It was rare someone sought her out just for her company, so she was immediately suspicious of Mist Ethan. Merlin it still didn’t come naturally to call people by their first names.  

However, she had known Ethan Vanderhyde for seven years now, it was completely the norm. In fact others found it quite strange that she continued to call them by their sur names after three years. She looked to her coming company, hiding her amusement at his slippery approach. She had trapesed these rocks in ridiculously high heels more gracefully. And she wasn’t one for the outdoors much. For all he was arrogant, he seemed to move as elegantly as a troll. The girl noted this for later and moved on to her current curiosity. He hadn’t happened upon her by chance she would have bet, so he must have been looking for her.  

 

As he grew nearer Meredith also noted his obvious attractive looks. There was a time this wouldn’t have mattered to her as looks were superficial to intellect. Now however with her mind circling around the subject of men in general; well no one could blame her for looking right? “Come now.” She said as he placed a hand on her rock. She gave a brilliant, deceptive smile. “For all you know I could spend all good days on this rock.” She challenged; and fished. She wanted to know how long Ethan Vanderhyde had been tracking her whereabouts. It seemed she had a little time to figure it out as he requested to sit with her. “Not at all.” She assented, scooting over to make room for him. She reached out a hand, a playful smirk on her lips. “Need help up?” 

[Ethan Vanderhyde]

Meredith's elegant form turned toward him as she heard him approaching, her pale arm moving to protect her eyes from the glaring sun. Bookworm like her didn't get out too much, as more than evident by the fairness of her skin this far into June. He smiled slightly as he saw her recognize him, preparing for his approach. She straightened her dress, tucking the edges under herself to accentuate her slim thighs, and Ethan couldn't deny that he was attracted to her - physically, at least. Otherwise...well, they'd not spent enough time together for him to formulate a full opinion on that. Not that his father thought that'd matter. Not that that was important in figuring out who his son would be bound to legally for life. But she could easily be fun in bed - he'd gotten girls more uptight than her to give in to him, anyway, and there was something to be said for being a first, showing them how it was done...

The blonde gave him a bright, sly smile that did nothing to distract him from his rather unscrupulous line of thought, but her challenge was easily returned.

"Oh, Meredith, let's not pretend we don't know each other," he said familiarly with a chuckle up at her. "Anyone knows you'll spend your precious free time at the library or the music room over risking a sunburn. And you know I'm not just anyone." Ethan shot her a wink, a slightly cocky grin growing. At her allowing him to join her, even going so far as to extend a hand to help him up, smirking as if he wouldn't be able to do it himself, Ethan met her eye steadily and lightly took her hand. He couldn't very well deny the girl he was now pursuing, after all, and joined her quickly as he could without making a mess of himself. He shortly settled next to her, leaning back on his hands, fingertips just barely brushing against hers, as he quietly looked out over the lake. After a few moments of "musing" as if he hadn't had this planned, Ethan looked over to the girl at his side, giving her a playful grin as his fingers lightly tapped against hers. "Tell me - what's next in the life of Meredith Mulciber?"

[Meredith Mulciber]

The blonde could not help but think Mister Ethan Vanderhyde was far too charming for his own good. Sly bastard. No, she guessed he was not just anyone. She had never felt the same annoyance with him as usually afflicted her around nearly everyone else. In recent years she had learned to smile through it for appearances; she had never had to do that with the gentleman with her now, every smile she could remember giving him was genuine or close to it. 

"Please Ethan I am a witch, I never have to worry about sunburn.” She said cheekily leaving no comment about the other parts of his statement. Let him make of her silence on the fact that he knew her favorite haunts, and that he was not just anyone, what he willed. She would neither encourage nor discourage him yet. She had always thought him pleasant enough; they took Arithmancy together and often compared notes on the subject. But that was purely in the academic playing field, this meeting felt a little more personal.

“I have secured an apprenticeship with Arithmatician Mistress Max.” Lord that was a mouthful, but she felt very proud when she got to say it. Not surprisingly, not many people aside from her Professors had asked about her plans for the future. Meredith eyed the young man next to her curiously, a polite smile on her lips. She looked away to the Lake, but she was still watching him. “I’m to move to Bath at the start of summer, I will also start my search for a flat in London at that same time. What about you? Any major plans to take the world by storm?”

[Ethan Vanderhyde]

Circe, how he abhorred being corrected.

But to play with Meredith, he'd have to tuck aside his pride. Perhaps, given time, he could have honest fun with their banter, and determining what she was saying without saying. Because, for Meredith, this was positively playful, from what he'd gathered over the years. She wasn't shutting him down - if she was, he'd be hexed into the lake, easy to tell she was upset. No, no, she was - dare he think it - already enjoying this.

Pretty girl like her really should've been scooped up by now, but her family's lack of initiative was all the better for him, or so it seemed.

"Magical remedy or no, you know I'm right," he said confidently. "What's brought you out today?"

The young woman spoke with unmistakable pride about her appointment with the famous Arithmatician, and Ethan gave an amused nod at it. He should have guessed that Meredith would be continuing her education; she took Hogwarts more seriously than most, and if she wasn't studying after graduating she'd be resigning herself to the life of a pureblooded socialite - which she would eventually be, given their society and its demands, but she was granting herself some time to be freed of those responsibilities, at least. "Mistress Max, I should have known," he said, giving her a rare true smile. For whatever she currently was to him and potentially would be, she deserved commendation on this. It wasn't everybody who got to study under Max, and Meredith would do it well. But her certainty about her future threw into light how much was uncertain still about his. He was on the right side of the war, but beyond that didn't have anything firmed up. He'd be at home until he could be self-sufficient, which he was not looking forward to, and hadn't been interviewed yet for any cover-up positions to disguise his true work...

But the girl at his side couldn't know any of that, not yet. So he gave her a smirk before matching her look out to the lake. "Not so much a storm, not yet, anyway, and nothing nearly so exciting as Mistress Max," he said as humbly as he could manage. "But one must work, and I plan to begin at the Ministry. My father works on Level Five in trading, but that's never been a draw to me, no matter much he'd want it to be. However, I've been able to secure an interview with the International Magical Office of Law, and from there the storm will brew." He gave a chuckle at his own slight dramatics, hoping his lack of security wouldn't be a deterrent. He'd do well in the interview, he was sure of it, and law was lucrative. It would take some time for that, surely, but the work wouldn't be anything he couldn't handle.

[Meredith Mulciber]

The girls lips quirked up for a mere second, wanting nothing more than to scowl; men always thought they were right. Meredith was very practiced however in controlling her expression and quickly turned the flinch on her mouth into a radiant smile. Mentally she counted down slowly from ten, not minding the quiet second as she calmed herself. “I guess in a sense you are right, I would normally rather be indoors. Then in another so am I, magical remedies in play.” It was hard for her to concede but she managed it flawlessly no less. 

Meredith had to think a second on his inquiry, wondering about how much of her thought process she should explain to him. Best not to go into too much detail about why she was basking in the sun instead of paleing in the dank library. “I just needed some fresh air, time to think. What about, what has you risking being seen with the likes of me?” Again, she knew she wasn’t the most popular, respected yes, but definitely not popular. It had her thinking that he must have some sort of ulterior motive.  

But he played it very well and though she tried Meredith could not help the swell of pride she got when he intoned that he ‘should have known’ she would get the apprenticeship under Max. She smiled a brilliant smile.



Even deigned to grace him with it. “Yes well.” She said, not sure what to say really. She wasn't really a thank you kind of woman. She was pleased however, and had shown it, that was more than most people got when they tried to woo her. Not that Ethan was, as far as she knew that was.  

Also as far as she knew, she wasn’t his type anyway. “Asher Shacklebolt is head of that division.” She commented, adjusting herself on the rock so she was facing her companion. “Do you have all your letters sent in? When is your interview? Have you prepared a dialogue for your meeting? I hear Shacklebolt is fair enough but really if anything it's best to be over prepared than not at all.” Meredith bit her lip, she often got carried away when it came to plans and preparations.

[Ethan Vanderhyde]

He watched, pleased, as a brilliant smile lit up his fellow Slytherin's features. It was the sort of smile one couldn't help but return, and so he did, with a conceding nod of his head. Because apparently - as he was finding out in this, perhaps their longest sustained conversation, their usual times together spent bent over coursework whereas now he was imagining being bent over her doing somethings entirely more fun than Arithmancy - neither of them was habituated to the giving part of a give-and-take. That would be something to work on with her as time went on, to find some sort of compromise...

Because although this was a set-up and their parents could force this upon them, Ethan didn't want to be unhappy in his marriage. So if things did end up working out with Meredith one way or another, they'd have to live together, and he'd want to do more than simply keep up appearances. More than just pop out a few good looking children and parade them around as a contented little Death Eater family unit. He wanted some sort of partner he could trust, if nothing else...

So to this girl at her question about him risking being seen with her, his smile only broadened. "You speak as though it'd be social suicide to do so - and if it is, I'm quite over caring about what these people think of me," Ethan replied, truly meaning it. What mattered was what happened beyond the confines of these grounds, after all. "Simply fancied an honest chat - harder to come by than one would think, but I was lucky enough to find you, so here we are."

In his compliments about her newfound position, Meredith was positively aglow, and unable to form more than two syllables because of it. If all it took was a little praise to have her in the palm of his hand, Ethan was in for a much simpler ride than he thought this could be. Because he could definitely keep charming her, with very little effort - he had so much to pull at, really. Her looks, her academics, her musical talent, her want of justice - the list was not short when it came to things that were to be admired about one Meredith Mulciber.

And she, apparently, had a lot to say about his not-yet-career. Look who's taking an interest, Ethan thought as she went on, highly satisfied with how this was going. As she moved, the young man mirrored her, coming closer as he did. And she was beautiful in her sudden excitement, cutting herself off as she was, biting her lip as she looked him over over at him. He let the quiet lengthen, giving her an expectant raise of his brows before breaking into a smile.

"Anything else I should be doing, Meredith?" he said in a tease, honestly amused. After her reply, he continued, "Shacklebolt's son was Head Boy when we became prefects - we've kept in touch, sparingly, admittedly, since he left. He's at the Ministry as well, the Auror division - as if that's a surprise." The ex-Head Boy had a bit of a streak of nobility, to say the least. "So his father knows to be looking out for my letters - which all have been sent in, thank you for asking. The interview will be the week after graduation, so preparing for that is what I've been focusing on since exams finished. Haven't yet found a partner for practicing dialogue yet, though...and as you said, being over prepared far surpasses anything else. If you wouldn't mind giving me a little more of your time this week, perhaps I could persuade you into doing me that favor? I'd be willing to bet I have a good way to repay you for your services." Oh, the ways he could "repay" her - but his next step with the girl couldn't be that big of a step...

[Meredith Mulciber]

She could barely believe he cared not of what others thought, so barely in fact that it was more like not at all. “Some would say it was.” She said simply. “I’m glad you are above all that nonsense.” No not really. But they were all liars sometimes though. It appeared today Ethan was making a habit of it. He, of course, would have her believe he just ‘happened’ upon her; she had the sneaking suspicion he sought her out purposefully. “Lucky for you indeed.” She cut him a pair of unconvinced eyes, and a slightly amused smirk.

Boys thought that girls were so easy. Well some of them were pretty dim; she was not one of those types of females. Ethan was very handsome however, and no doubt very charming, and Meredith could see how even a girl with a good brain could allow herself to be enthralled by him and the prospect he presented. Even now just sitting and having a surprisingly enjoyable chat, he was engaging to say the least. And it really was the most. Objectively he was appealing, yes; but was she interested personally? If he remained to be so..nice to her she might be.

Most people got annoyed went she rambled on, bombarding them with questions on what they have done to prepare for this exam or another, or in this this case a job. Ethan took it all well enough and Meredith was pleased he seemed to be prepared for what was sure to be a life changing meeting. She narrowed her eyes at the end of his little speech, sitting back on her hands. He was very slick he was. “Kingsley is a fool. But not one to underestimate, you have done well I think with keeping up an acquaintance with him, it may very well get you the job you want. After all its not about who you are, its about who you know, no matter which side you're on.”

Unintentionally she had dropped a little hint, just in the way her voice took on that conspiring tone. It was not time to talk about their mutual friend, the castle was not safe. She darted her eyes over to him, biting her lip, she so wanted to broach the subject! ‘Not now imbecile!’ “I think I can be of service.” Meredith said distracting her thoughts and managing to slide elegantly off the boulder in one go. She was also excited to have a purpose once more, if only for a short while and did not want to wait. “We will begin now, and later we will talk about my payment.” She said perching her lips and waiting for her counterpart to hop to.

[Ethan Vanderhyde]

Was Meredith doubting him? Honestly? He was just trying to get on her good side, here. And it wasn’t as if he didn’t mean it! The way that students here took the place and its inhabitants so seriously - idiotic. True, there had been a time when he truly cared what others thought of him. But that was before he found his path. Now, while he still had to play nice, there was nothing personal about the way he regarded most. So the young man just returned her smirk, feeling confident that he’d soon convince her of, as she’d said, being above so much.

He watched her carefully to see how she’d take the steps that he’d taken, as well as his suggestion. The girl leaned back, dress stretching mightily distractedly over her chest - which he was doing his best not to pay attention to - as she considered him, bright eyes sharp. As much as he wanted to laugh outright as Meredith spoke of the younger Shacklebolt as being a fool, he held it in - she was being so supportive, wouldn’t do to laugh at it.

All joking was put out of his mind, though, as she let something slip. And she knew it, the way she’d so quickly turned to him, lower lip bitten in nerves. After a quickly subdued look of surprise, he gave her a quietly knowing look back, more than pleased.

What side you’re on? Meredith Mulciber, I do think this is going to go quite swimmingly.

"Thank you - I do like to find myself on the winning side and will do what I need to get there," he said smoothly, steadily meeting her eye before giving her a wink. Nothing more could be said here and both knew it - Dumbledore had ears all over this place - but soon, so soon, they could truly speak. He was curious to find out what other secrets big and small were inside her mind...and best that she knew his true career ideas as well.

And it was nice to be surprised by her - he’d known her father was on his side of the war, but that she was? Would only help them both keep up the charade necessary during daylight hours. Ministry man and academic lady by day, and by night...

Led by a powerful leader, gaining power through him - if they were to work together to bring about his success, they would be rewarded beyond knowing.

The girl was still worried, though, and quickly left his side, lightly dropping to the ground. This time he did let out a friendly laugh at her words, and followed her down nearly as gracefully. "Music to my ears, Meredith," he said genially, brushing off his dirty hands and pants before falling into step with her, arm held out towards her - purely to assist in traversing the rocky terrain, of course. Gentleman that he was. "How shall we begin?" She liked to take charge, and for now he was willing to let her - better she start to be fond of him, after all.

[Meredith Mulciber]

Meredith could all but feel the tension growing after her little thinly veiled comment. And his response which she admitted was favorable, only brought up the charge she had created. Winning side indeed. The blonde broke the moment when she slide to the ground and made her friend hurry along; she did give Ethan a little smirk and ‘Likewise.’ eyes. If he wanted to be in with the winning side then he should already know that she and her family were right in the thick of it. Not her yet, but like the boy had said, she too would do what it took to get there.

“Oh if you like music.” She said playfully, spontaneously missing her piece, wanting to play a tone right at that moment. “I should play for you one day.” She gave the customary soft laugh at her play on his words. She would very much like to play, but whether for Ethan or not she was undecided. She was still so undecided on the whole opposite sex thing all together. It would take some thinking out. She would simply do as she pleased; if she came to really like Ethan, it would happen on its own.



“With the basics of course.” Meredith said animatedly, slipping into lecture mode with so much easy it was like slipping a warm blanket around herself. She took his arm with a grin in thanks and began steering them up to the castle. “Firstly we have to make sure you are speaking properly. If there's one thing I won't stand for, it's loose vowels.”

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P.S. Was so much fun writing Mere with Ethan! Also, one plate of double chocolate chip cookies to first chap to ‘Name That Quote!’! *Insert flashy gameshow lights*