AN: I do not own Harry Potter and The Vampire Diaries. They belong to their respective authors.

I would like to apologize for any mistakes in advance. Please do not copy this story.

Damon's Pov

After dropping Athena, Damon parked his car, shifted and flew toward her window. He settled on a branch in front of it and observed her. She had changed, which was obvious but what drew him to her was her eyes. Even then she had pain and sadness in those bright emerald eyes but now, they were full of grief. They seemed dull and lifeless, there was a sadness in them which seemed ancient. Just like his own, his mind supplied. He itched to find out what had happened to her and he would. But for now, he had other pressing matters which needed his immediate attention.

.

.

One good thing came out of his little trip to the mountains. On the wild chase for Stefan, he found that his brother was still there. He cared and that was enough of a reason for Damon, to fight and bring Stefan back. Stefan saved him and told him to keep Elena a secret from Klaus. He found out through a birdie about Stefan and followed him to Chicago, which turned out to be nothing but a disaster. He should have gone himself. Taking Elena along had been a mistake. The girl was so damn stubborn and was not ready to listen to anyone. Then finding out about Barbie's dad. He knew that no one would have cared about it but he knew that the man who tortured his own daughter, would only end up killing them all. Just like his father, who didn't care even for his sons. Nothing mattered to him, apart from killing vampires. And look where it lead them. But no, Alaric and Elena had to interfere. Be the goody two shoes, so he killed Rick. He hadn't wanted to, but there was no other way. Rick would have fought him and he was not in mood to entertain anyone. He had a job to do. He saw that Rick was wearing the ring, knew he would come back and killed him. It all turned out for nothing as the blondie interfered and threw his plans out of the window. He had agreed to make Bill forget but he would check on it himself.

As if the last few days of disaster weren't enough, Elena had to go and make him feel like a monster. Why couldn't she just realize that he was a vampire and did what had to be done. He only regretted killing Alaric and that was that. Why was it so important for everyone to keep him in check? Why did everyone expect him to act like Stefan? Elena did not have Stefan now, so she wanted him to turn into what she wanted. He was a killer and he never pretended otherwise. Why couldn't anyone accept him the way he was?

.

.

He didn't think where he was going but found himself at Athena's house. He flew around and found himself looking through the window, where she was sleeping. He stayed there, observing her for some time. She was lying on the bed and the blankets were crumpled on her feet. Her brows furrowed and her breathing changed. Her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. Her face turned into the very picture of pain that Damon knew so well and then she screamed. It was such an agonizing scream, that he wanted to go and comfort her. But before he could act upon it, she shot up from the bed. When he looked at her closely, he saw the tear-strains on her cheek. She wiped them, got out of the bed and went to the bathroom.

This is it, he thought and decided to go and meet her first thing in the morning.

And here he was, with a pouting passenger.

"Quit pouting." He told her amused.

"I can't believe that I am travelling, God know where with a stranger. I don't know what I was thinking. Perhaps I fell on my head and my brain got scrambled when I was a kid. And how in the world did you convince me to wear this... this disaster?" She said.

He rolled his eyes at her but didn't say anything about the place. She just had to wait and see. And well, he didn't need to say anything about those clothes. His thoughts turned to this morning.

His attention turned solely on her when she came out of her room. He knew that she was hot when he first saw her but now, he had no words. She was wearing black skinny jeans with a tank top and a leather jacket. Sweet Jesus. She was even hotter than he had imagined. The clothes hugged her every curve and he inwardly moaned. She was every man's wet dream. He felt his pants tighten and his fingers itched to rip it off, to reveal every inch of her to him. White hot electricity shot through his groin. He saw her blush and then realized that he had been standing there staring at her for god knows how long. He gave her a salacious grin along with a wink and said, "Let's go and enjoy the ride."

He came out of his thoughts in time to answer her, "Admit it, Sugar. I am that irresistible."

She knew that he would make something up, even if she opened her mouth so she just rolled her eyes and chose not to reply. He increased the volume of his radio and started singing along with it. She shook her head at him, looked out of the window and smiled.

He drove for nearly two hours and suddenly pulled into a parking lot of a diner.

"Where are we?" Athena asked hoping that he would answer her this time, as she got out of the car and looked around. The area was surrounded by mountains and there were only a couple of vehicles around.

"The Highway Diner for a truly unique dining experience."
"Why am I suddenly afraid?" She asked.

He gave her an exasperated look but held his hand out for her. "Shall we?"

She looked at his hand and then at him. It was the most bizarre experience of her life and she couldn't help but laugh at it as she looped her arm with his.

The place was empty, leave for a couple of guys on one side of the diner. They were greeted by a waitress which probably was sixty something with short pixie hair and way more makeup than anyone needed, in her opinion.

She came close to them and attacked Damon with her mouth on his. Athena's eyes widened when she saw him reciprocating in the same manner. His hands were holding her close to him and she had her hands in his hair. Then before anything became more awkward, the waitress pulled back and said, "It's none other than Damon Salvatore. I'll be damned.! You look even more sexier than the last time I saw you."

Of course. She was one of Damon's old flame and was not able to hold in the snort that left her, at which both of them turned to look at her. Yeah, they probably forgot that she was standing right next to them. Damon ignored her but told the lady, "You still look hot, Regie." And pinched her ass which caused her to laugh, even though she blushed.

Then she looked at Athena and gave her a once over. "Is this your flavor of the month?" Regie asked Damon as if she was not standing right there.

"In his dreams." It was out of her mouth before she could stop herself.

He narrowed his eyes at her and then suddenly the look in his eyes turned mysterious. She didn't know why but she was suddenly regretting opening her mouth.

Dear Regie had no qualms and laughed outright. "I understand why you are keeping her now." She turned and left for the kitchen without another word.

Athena fumed. Keeping her? She would show him what happens when someone decides to keep her. She would make him regret the day, if he even thought about trying what the lady suggested.

They were both still locked down in a staring contest when she returned with the coffee and asked him if he wanted his usual, to which he merely nodded.

He dragged her to the last booth and sat.

"You could have warned me!"

"Now, where would be the fun in that?" He smirked at her and in response she threw the crumpled tissue at him.

Athena sat back and looked around. The place seemed old and the décor was loud. But she loved the peace and surroundings the place provided. Meanwhile, Damon was watching her. She was observing around but he couldn't help but think about the day he met her. She did not have vervain in her system and as far as he observed, she was not wearing it as well. So why was he not able to compel her? It was mind boggling, as he has never heard about anything like it in his entire existence. Her eyes held secrets and he wanted to know them. And he would.

He came back to the present and saw the guys checking her out to which she was completely unaware. The thought of them, even looking at her in the wrong way sent a hot fury throughout his system. He wanted nothing but to tear them apart and sent a vicious glare towards them.

She noticed the change in his expressions and called him. "Damon."

He was busy trying to fry them with his eyes, so of course he didn't listen. She looked at the direction he was glaring at and saw the guys. She knew it could turn bad real soon and tried to distract him. She saw that he was holding the table so tight that even if the table broke, she wouldn't be surprised. She reached and placed her hand on one of his fists that was clenched, in order to gain his attention. The affect was instant and his head snapped towards her. She was sure that if it had been any human, they would have had a whiplash. She looked at him in the eye and said, "If you give them any attention, they would take that as an invite."

She was perfectly capable of handling some muggles but did not want another fight, on her hands. She was having a nice day and was not ready to spoil it.

"They can try." Was his reply, but he was focused on her once again.

Reggie bought the burgers Damon ordered and set them down along with the fries. Athena moaned when she took the first bite and he almost lost it right there. Why was it that she always bought extreme reactions in him? He was not able to control his feelings around her, which was saying something after dealing with the bitch Katherine. He didn't want to dwell on it at the moment and focused on his burger.

They finished the food as she got up to go the loo. He told her he would pay the bill and to meet him at the car. She had just exited the bathroom, when someone slammed her back in the door. Her head hit the wall with a thud and pain shot through her. When she opened her eyes, she saw two guys from the diner. "Not so soon. You are a hot thing. You can leave as soon as we have had some fun. Come on, you know you want it." He was so close that she could smell the whiskey and smoke on his breath and the other one was staring at her like she was nothing but a piece of meat.

Her face flushed with anger. She didn't think about it and kneed the man in the groin. She knew she couldn't be loud as Damon was near and would be able to hear what was happening. She was not ready to explain her past to anyone, as of yet. So, she quickly pulled her wand out and cast a non-verbal "STUPIFY" at the other guy, who was about to attack her. The man slumped and she turned her attention back to the first one, kicked him hard in the groin, again and then punched his jaw. The man was still having trouble with being kicked in the nuts and was not able to get up, she noticed with satisfaction. She looked around and hid her wand just in time to see Damon barging in. He looked murderous but the look changed to shock when he saw the two fallen guys.

He looked at her and then at the guys. She was a petite thing. Seventeen and no more than 5'3. How in the world had she done this to the guys, that were twice his size? She looked terrified for a second but composed herself and told him that she took martial art classes in school. There was no way she could have taken care of these two guys, in the time he heard their voices and came inside. It had merely been seconds. She was definitely hiding something and now he was more eager to find it out. And for that, he had to agree with her, for now. It would not do good, if she kept her guard up. So, he agreed and they headed out, after all, they still have a place to visit.

Athena's Pov

He was still cursing the guys, mind you – in a very colourful language and fussing over her, simultaneously. It was amusing to see him mothering her, but she wasn't bothered. When he was satisfied that she was not injured in any way, he asked her if she still wanted to go. She told him that she was alright and to stop being a mother-hen, which got her a horrified look from him, but he looked satisfied.

.

He stopped the car as she looked around. There was a dark forest ahead of her. She could see a trail leading into the forest as she got out of the car. The aroma of the forest was great. It was different but somehow reminder her of the Forbidden Forest. It would have been hard to navigate through it at the night even with the trail, but it was nearing noon for which she was grateful.

"This way." He said, glancing at her over his shoulder and started walking towards the other end of the trail.

She looked at him and then at the trail but it took only a moment for her to follow him. She walked close behind him as the twigs crunched under her feet. The forest was oak-brown. It wasn't hard, as she had spent last one and a half year in a forest. It was easier to navigate once she reached inside. If he was surprised, he didn't let it show as she easily followed him.

After several hours, the darkness that was surrounding the forest, started brightening again. It was then, she heard the sound of water flowing nearby. As they drew closer, the noise increased steadily until she was sure, they were only a few hundred meters away.

"Are we there yet?" she asked.

He smirked as he looked at her. "Nearly."

She was able to see the darkness receding and a brightening glow. They could no longer even shout to one another over the deafening roar of the water. She picked up the pace, as he lead her to the most beautiful view she had ever seen.

The waterfall was Mediterranean-blue and was drizzling onto the rocks joyfully. The large waterfall was pounding the rocks as it cascaded down the mountains. It was thundering down into a beautiful serenity-pool like a gigantic water spout. The frogs croaking near, added to the wonderful sounds. The pool at the bottom was varnish clear, enabling her to see down into the rocky bottom. The flowers growing nearby had a honey-sweet smell.

She stood in awe. It could only be described as heaven on earth.

"Damon..." She breathed and was not able to look at anything else other than the beauty in front of her.

He sat there and she followed his example. There was no need to fill the silence. She had never been to a place, just to enjoy it. When she met Damon first, she was wary of him. But after spending the whole day with him, she decided that he was just like a kid. He may be a vampire and a killer, but he was one of the most thoughtful person, she had met. She was fairly positive that he was suspicious of her and would most likely try to find out her secret. There was no way he would had believed that she took care of those guys, just like that. She would cross the bridge, when she comes to it, she thought.

She was brought out of her musings by a hand waving in front of her face and Damon's voice, "Wohoo... Munchikin! You there?"

"Yeah." She said and gave him a smile. "How did you find this place?"

"Was just wandering around. I come here whenever I need some quiet, which I haven't had much lately. Thanks to the scooby-gang." He told her.

She couldn't help but laugh at that. No matter how annoying the nicknames were at times, but they never failed to amuse her. They sat there in comfortable silence for hours.

When it was time to leave, she felt sad to leave this piece of heaven, but he promised her that they could come back, whenever she wanted. She thought about it but was not able to remember when was the last time, she had this much fun.

It was late when he dropped her at her house.

They were still in his car when she said, "Damon. Thank you, for making me feel welcomed. It might not be much for you, but no one has ever done something like this for me."

She didn't think, just threw her arms around his neck and hugged him with all her might as he instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her there. They stayed like that and she pulled back after a moment. Athena looked at him and gave a huge grin, then left a feather-like kiss on his cheek and left.

.

Damon was left there sitting in the car, staring at her until she closed the door of her house. He spent the night driving in circles, thinking about Athena. He was not able to understand what he was feeling for her. He had been in love with Katherine all his life and now he was in love with Elena, but none of them were able to bring these strong emotions in him. She was able to make him forget how miserable his existence was, without even trying. He wanted to protect her, keep her hidden from all those evil creatures around the world and just the thought of someone hurting her, made him want to go on a killing spree. When he heard the guy muttering such filth to her in the diner, he couldn't control the rage that burned through his veins. He had only one motive at that moment, kill. The urge had been unstoppable. What was that?

As he thought back, he realized that she had always been able to bring shades of the man he'd been when he was human.

.

.

Memory(1996)

It was a humid day and the traffic was heavy in the city of London. Damon decided to travel a couple of years before travelling back to Mystic Falls. Saint Stefan was able to move on but not him. It was only a matter of time before he would find a way to free Katherine from the tomb. He had been waiting ever since he was turned and the time was nearly here.

He had checked into the hotel a couple of hours ago and now it was time for dinner. It was evening and he was strolling through the city, looking for someone hot to have some fun. That was when he smelled blood, not much but he was thirsty and whoever it was, would have to do for now. There weren't much people so it would be fairly easy and he sped towards the smell.

It led him to a park, which was empty but he could smell the blood near him. He looked around and that's when he saw it. A child trying to hide behind one of the swings. The smell of blood was coming from the child and he cursed. He looked around once more but saw no one else. He should have just left, the smell was not strong so it was a minor injury but his conscious didn't allow it. He closed his eyes and sighed. He would just take the child to his home and then hunt.

With that thought, he made his way over and looked at the kid. On a closer look he realized that it was a girl. She was probably 3 or 4 in age. She looked sad, slouched and there was a cut on her hand which was bleeding. She was very skinny and was wearing clothes the size of a whale. She has badly cut black hair, glasses which were broken, her shoes were falling apart from the seams and the clothes were torn and dirty. Apart from the gash on the hand, her hands were covered in small cuts as well.

He frowned. She still hadn't noticed him and jumped when he squatted down in front of her. Her eyes widened with fear when she saw him and she scrambled back.

"I am not going to hurt you, I promise." he tried to placate the child, which didn't do much. She was still looking at him with those wide bright green eyes. "It's getting dark. Wont your parents be worried about you?"

"They are dead." she answered quietly.

"Don't you have a home to go to?" he asked.

"My aunt, uncle and Dudley are out of town for a vacation. Mrs. Figg looks after me sometimes."

He cursed inwardly and asked, "What's your name and how did you get hurt?"

"Uncle Vernon said that my name is Freak but Mrs. Figg told me that it's Athena." the voice was small and weak and it caused an odd feeling in his chest. "Dudley and his friends don't like me much, so I am hiding from them." she continued.

His eyes widened and a feeling to hunt and kill the family, came to his mind. How could someone do this to such a young child. He was a killer but even his kind was not that cruel.

He reached forward and took her hand to check on the injury when she cried out in pain. The hand was surely broken. Upon taking a closer look, he saw different sized marks on her body. And that was not all. There was a scar on her forehead, as if someone had carved it with a knife.

"Your aunt and uncle did this?" he asked in a deadly and barely restrained voice.

Her eyes were filling with tears rapidly and she said, "Please Sir, let me go. It hurts!"

He let go of her arm but his veins were throbbing and he wanted to kill someone. He hadn't feel such rage in a long time. He took a calming breath. It wouldn't be good to frighten the child even more.

He looked at her in the eyes and said, "Okay kid, come on. I am going to take you to a doctor."

"What? No. You are a stranger and I will get in more trouble if my aunt or uncle get to know about it." She cried.

He didn't know what to do. This was the first time he was dealing with a child. How in the hell does people handle this shit? He took a deep breath, decided on a different tactic and said, "Okay. Here is what we are going to do. I will take you to a doctor, we will get the medicine for your pain and then I will drop you to your home. I won't tell it to anyone. It will be our secret. I promise!"

She looked at him in the eyes and gave him such a look as if she was assessing what he said. She bit her lip and then asked, "You promise?"

He held his hand up for her to shake it and promised it, at which she nodded her assent. He stood up, didn't wait for her to say anything and picked her up. He had to be careful, the kid was already injured and he didn't want to add another one to the list. He told her to close her eyes and when she did, tucked her head into his neck with the palm of one hand holding the back of her head, another holding her tight to him, and ran towards the hospital. He compelled the doctor to treat her injuries and not ask any questions. Meanwhile, he drank from a couple of blood-bags, he found there and returned to the room, where she was being treated. After being done, he took her to a nearby shop and bought some food for her. He was sure her relatives didn't feed her enough. He was disappointed that they were not in town, he would have loved to kill them. After that he dropped her to the house she showed him. He didn't want her to stay here but there was no other option. He had many enemies and keeping her with him would definitely kill her. He was about to leave when she hugged him with all her might and whispered, "Thank you, Sir." He hugged her back but he felt a tugging at his heart at the thought of leaving her with such horrible people. He didn't dwell much on it though. He kissed her head and left without a word.

EN:It was difficult to navigate this chapter, as I am trying to keep both Damon and Athena's characters as canon as possible.

Quick question: Which pairing would you like to see?

Stefan/Caroline or Klaus/Caroline.

July 26, 2018