Author's Note: Yeah it's been awhile, but hey at least I'm still updating....finishing this has been harder than expected, but i'm still trudging along. Anywho, I don't own anything Potter-related, just the plot and the original characters...here's chapter 11....Read, Review, and Enjoy!!
Jason and Hermione stood silent, neither one able to explain what had happened. Jason had let his secret slip and now Hermione knew much more of the truth than she had before.
"You weren't supposed to see that," Jason said.
"How long has this been happening?" Hermione asked.
"I've always had a loose grip on my emotions," Jason said, "But ever since that fight with Voldemort outside the Dursleys' house, it's like there are two of me fighting for control of me. Does that make any sense?"
"Some," Hermione said, "But why couldn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know at first," Jason replied, "That battle is still a blur of images. I wanted to sort everything out before I told you because I didn't want to scare you away."
"Jason, how many times do we have to go over this?" Hermione asked.
"Saying you'll never leave is just a string of words, Hermione," Jason said, "And when you get down to brass taxes, words mean nothing."
"So, my words mean nothing?" Hermione asked.
"I didn't mean it like that," Jason said.
"Then how did you mean it?" Hermione asked, growing angry.
"It's like me asking you to marry me," Jason said, "I don't need to say it, because you already know."
"Maybe I do want you to say it," Hermione said, "Did you ever stop to think of that?"
"Is that was this really boils down to?" Jason asked, "The fact that I haven't, in words, asked you to marry me?"
"I'm a tad bit old fashioned," Hermione said, "Especially in a situation like this. And yes, when it comes to spending my life with someone, I want it to be someone who will not rely on nothing but actions. I want someone who will speak up and say what he's feeling."
"You want to know my feelings?" Jason asked, "Here they are. I love you more than life itself. I want to spend my life with you. I want us to start a family. But, I can't take that first step towards that until I know for sure that whatever demons, whatever evil is inside of me, is excised or at the very least controlled enough so that I don't put you or our children in harm's way. I am scared to death that, even though you have said that you'll never leave, the day might come when you do and it's because my darkness scared you to the point that you were afraid to be near me. That is my deepest fear, Hermione, that I might put you in harm's way simply by being near you when I lose control. I mean, do you, and can you, love someone who has so much destructive power and is such a loose cannon when it comes to controlling it?"
Frustrated, Jason turned and sat on the bed, burying his face in his hands. Hermione, stunned by his words, sat down on the bed next to him.
"I look at you," Hermione began, "And I do see a potential for destructive power. But, I also see the ability to create. That's what you don't see Jason. I mean, look out that window. Look at Harry, Ron, and Draco. Three people who had never touched a musical instrument, yet you taught them in just a few short weeks and look at them on stage. Your power is yours alone to use, but I know you'd never willingly use it to destroy. Jason, you were able to bring me back from the dead. I love you for the person you are, the person you've become, and nothing will ever change how I feel. Yes, your control on your emotions is limited, and with whatever has happened to you, that control is shrinking. But you cannot face this alone. I'll stand by you because I love you."
Jason was silent for a moment. Hermione waited for his reaction. She turned to look out the window when she felt him grab her hand. She turned to him and saw his steel blue eyes staring back at her.
"Hermione," Jason began, "Will you marry me?"
Hermione's heart stopped. Hearing him say those words was what she had wanted most in this world, and now that he'd said them she wasn't sure if she was dreaming or not. "Do you mean that?" she asked.
"Of course I do," Jason replied, "I love you and want to spend my life with you."
"Then yes," Hermione said, "Yes, I will marry you."
The two embraced and held each other close when they heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. They looked up to see Alice. "Everyone wants to know if you're going to play some more," she said.
"Yeah," Jason answered, "I'll be right there."
Alice nodded and left the room. Jason held Hermione's hand and smiled at her. "No matter what happens," he said, "I love you."
"I love you too," Hermione replied, "We'll face this together. No go out there and do what you do best." Jason smiled and kissed Hermione deeply before leaving the room with her.
Harry, Ron, and Draco were on stage, worried about Jason when they saw him exit the house, making his way to the stage.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"I'll discuss it with you another time," Jason said as he picked up his guitar, "Just know that I'm alright for now. And I'm officially engaged."
"You popped the question to Hermione?" Draco asked.
"And she said yes?" Ron asked.
"No, Ron, she said no," Jason replied jokingly, "Of course she said yes. Now let's get back to doing our thing."
Draco sat back in his drum seat as Jason spoke into the microphone. "Sorry for the break in performance, folks," he said, "Was feeling a bit under the weather, but everything's fine now. We're gonna continue with another song dedicated to all you couples out there, whether you're just married, been married, or haven't been yet. This songs for you."
Draco began beating out a rhythm as Jason began plucking his strings. Ron and Harry both joined in as Jason locked eyes with Hermione and began to sing.
Car door slams it's been a long day at work
I'm out on the freeway and I'm wondering if it's all worth
The price that I pay sometimes it doesn't seem fair
I pull into the drive and you're standing there
And you look at me
And give me that come-here-baby smile
It's all gonna be alright
You take my hand
You pull me close and you hold me tight
It's the sweet love that you give to me
That makes me believe we can make it through anything
'Cause when it all comes down
And I'm feeling like I'll never last
I just lean on you 'cause baby
You're my better half
Jason played his guitar, never breaking his gaze with Hermione. He knew that she loved him and now, his fears of losing her seemed so far away. Prior to now, he couldn't think of a moment that made him smile so wide.
They say behind every man is a good woman but I think that's a lie
Cause when it comes to you I'd rather have you by my side
You don't know how much I count on you to help me when
I've given everything I got and I just feel like giving in
And you look at me
And give me that come-here-baby smile
It's all gonna be alright
You take my hand
Yeah you pull me close and you hold me tight
It's the sweet love that you give to me
That makes me believe we can make it through anything
'Cause when it all comes down
And I'm feeling like I'll never last
I just lean on you 'cause baby
You're my better half
Hermione watched Jason play the solo. He hadn't taken his eyes off of her, nor had he stopped smiling. Hermione stared into his blue eyes and knew that, despite his flaws and his personal demons, he was the one for her.
Well, you take my hand
Yeah you pull me close and I understand
It's the sweet love that you give to me
That makes me believe that we can make it through anything
Baby, it's the sweet love that you give to me
That makes me believe we can make it through anything
'Cause when it all comes down
And I'm feeling like I'll never last
I just lean on you 'cause baby
You're my better half
Oh, oh baby you're my better half
Ooh, hey baby you're my better half
Jason finished the song and was met with uproarious applause. Jason smiled and turned to his band mates.
"Okay, Jason," Harry said in a serious tone, "Out with it. What's going on with you?"
"I'm not completely sure yet," Jason replied, "But I think somehow I've been split in two, spirit-wise."
"How's that possible?" Ron asked.
"The Spiritusectum Curse," Draco said, "That's gotta be it."
"Voldemort must have used it when he attacked us at my house," Harry said.
"I had an attack and went inside so that nobody would see me," Jason said, "Hermione found me and saw what was happening to me. After I had calmed down, and after a bit of an argument, I decided it was now or never and asked Hermione to marry me."
"Well, I for one am happy for you both," Ron said.
Jason smiled and saw a brief scowl appear on Harry's face, followed by a wide grin. "Congratulations," Harry said, "I guess now it's just me who has to play catch-up."
"You're time will come, Harry," Draco said.
The gathering was coming to an end. Bill and Fleur had said their good-byes and left for their honeymoon. The guests were leaving, except for Remus, Tonks, and Mad-Eye. They had decided to stay behind and finally obtain the information they wanted. Mr. Weasley brought Jason in and sat him down in the living room.
"What's going on?" Jason asked.
"We were hoping you could tell us," Remus said.
"What are you talking about?" Jason asked.
"Look, don't play dumb with us," Mad-Eye said, "We know you were hit with the Spiritusectum Curse and we know it's affected you."
Alice immediately jumped in to defend her brother. "Don't you even think of turning him over to the ministry," she said defiantly, "Or, friend or no friend, I'll make you pay."
"What in Merlin's name are you talking about?" Remus asked.
"I overheard parts of your conversation," Alice said, "You want the Ministry to experiment on him and I won't allow it."
"We want nothing of the sort," Mr. Weasley said, "We want to help Jason. We know what the Ministry will do and we'll only bring them in as a last resort."
"What's happening to me?" Jason asked.
"How much do you remember from the fight at the Dursleys?" Mad-Eye asked.
"Very little," Jason said. "Maybe I can help," Alice said, taking a seat in front of Jason.
"Don't be frightened of what you may find," Jason said.
Alice nodded and placed her hands on both sides of Jason's head. Concentrating hard, Alice struggled to unlock Jason's mind. She finally succeeded and was sucked into a mental nightmare.
All around her, terrible images flashed. Images of pain and hatred. Jason's darker side had indeed gained a life of its own. Alice focused and managed to quell the anarchy in Jason's mind long enough to replay his memories. She could see Will standing over Jason, telling him something, but she couldn't make out the words. Suddenly, she could see Jason get to his feet and snatch Will up by the throat. She could see Will mouth names. Joseph Dunham. Viktor Krum. Harry Potter. She tried to replay the memory, but suddenly, a shrill cry echoed around her.
"YOU DO NOT BELONG HERE," the voice shrieked.
Alice turned around and saw Jason, but he looked different. He was covered in a dark shade, his eyes were pitch black, and his teeth were sharpened to fangs.
"YOUR ATTEMPT TO SAVE HIM IS FUTILE," Jason said.
"You'll not take my brother from me," Alice said.
"I'LL KILL HIM BEFORE I LET HIM GO!" Jason shouted.
"What's the significance of the names?" Alice demanded.
Jason smiled wide, baring his fangs. "ASK HERMIONE," he said. Suddenly, he released a loud shrill cry that sent a shockwave of pain through Alice.
Alice broke mental contact with Jason and was thrown back a few feet. Jason fell unconscious and toppled out of his seat onto the floor. Ron immediately rushed to Alice's side, cradling her head in his arms.
"Are you okay?" Ron asked.
"I'm not sure," Alice replied, "Jason's mind is fractured. This Spiritusectum Curse has split Jason in two. His sub-conscious is trying to repair the split and, in turn, it's only causing Jason more damage and pain."
Jason woke up and struggled to sit up. "Anybody catch the number of that train that hit me?" he asked.
"What did you see?" Remus asked.
"That night fighting Voldemort in front of the Dursley's," Alice said, "I couldn't hear anything, but I could see Jason choking someone. Will, I think it was. I could see Will mouth three names. Joseph Dunham, Viktor Krum, and Harry Potter."
Hearing the name Joseph Dunham made Hermione's skin crawl. Dunham had tried on two occasions to rape her. Thankfully, Jason stopped him both times. Hermione felt Jason put his arms around her, almost as if protecting her. Hermione curled up in Jason's arms. Mad-Eye tapped a finger on his chin.
"Hmm, this is interesting," he said, "Dunham's a Death Eater for Voldemort and is scheduled to appear in court in just a few weeks. Hermione's still scheduled to testify against him."
"Perhaps it was an attempt to incite Jason's anger," Remus said, "But what of the other names?"
"Krum's a graduate of Durmstrang," Mr. Weasley said, "There are still reports of Death Eaters occupying that school. Voldemort knows Krum would be a valuable asset in our fight against him."
"But given his past history with Hermione," Harry began, "It's possible that there will be friction between him and Jason. If Jason's anger were provoked enough, Jason might inadvertently cause Krum serious harm or even kill him and there goes an important ally."
"And how does Harry fit into this?" Tonks asked.
"Harry is Voldemort's sworn enemy," Hermione said, "If Jason's anger were provoked in just the right way, who knows what could happen."
"Well, it's clear then," Mad-Eye said, "Voldemort had dispatched Will to try and provoke Jason's anger. But why?"
"Hang on a sec," Draco said, suddenly struck by an idea. Draco walked over to the bookcase on the other side of the room. Draco scanned the bookcase, finally grabbing a book and walking back to the conversation. "Ancient spells," Draco said, "I'd been thumbing through it since I got here." Draco opened the book and flipped through the pages. "Bingo," he said, "The Spiritusectum Curse, a very powerful and rarely used curse, has the ability to split the soul in two, resulting in a light side and dark side that will constantly fight each other for control of the body. The desired result is an incapacitated opponent."
"We know this already," Remus said.
"It says here that the curse can only be successfully performed on someone who's recently committed an act of hate while in the grip of a great rage."
"That's it," Alice said, "Will used those three names to somehow incite Jason into a rage. But that's only one part. Jason would have to do an act of hate."
"Will," Jason said, "More memories are coming back to me. After I saved Harry, Will surprised me from behind with the Cruciatus Curse. I was still angry and in an attempt to break free, I transformed my wand into a sword and….and stabbed him."
"Allowing Voldemort to capitalize and cast the Spiritusectum Curse," Remus said.
"Still one piece of the puzzle left," Mad-Eye said, "The connection between those three names."
"I think we've done enough for tonight," Tonks said, "I'll not have us pushing the subject, especially with Jason's sanity all but hanging in the balance."
"She's right," Remus said, "It's time we left."
"Agreed," Mad-Eye said, "Contact us if you find anything else out." Mr. Weasley nodded and escorted Remus, Tonks, and Mad-Eye out.
"I'm exhausted," Jason said, "I'm going to bed."
"I'm coming with you," Hermione said. The two got up and walked upstairs.
"I think we'd best do the same," Alice said.
Ron nodded and walked upstairs with Alice. Ginny grabbed Draco's hand and the two walked out towards their cottage. Harry and Cho took cue from the others and wandered off to bed.
Laying down, Alice and Ron held each other close. For Alice, she needed Ron close to her to help her calm down from what she had seen inside Jason's head. It frightened her to see Jason taken over by so much evil. She buried her face in Ron's chest and quietly sobbed. Ron knew why she was crying. Her little brother had died at the hands of Death Eaters and now, her twin brother might succumb to madness because of those same Death Eaters. Ron wrapped his arms around Alice and held her close to him, gently rocking her until sleep claimed them both.
Ginny was fast asleep. Draco, however, was still awake. Talking about that night at the Dursley's made Draco think about his father. He knew he could never change his father. He had chosen his path a long time ago. Draco knew his own path was still stretched out before him. Before, he knew without a doubt that the life of a Death Eater was not the life for him. But lately, he was unsure of himself. He knew he loved Ginny, but he couldn't help but be tempted by his old life. He could feel Ginny shiver. He settled into bed and pulled Ginny close to him. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Harry and Cho were still awake, holding each other close.
"Harry, you seem distant," Cho said.
"Just thinking," Harry replied.
"About what?" Cho asked.
"About what the connection between me, Viktor Krum, and Joseph Dunham is," Harry said.
"Harry don't let it get to you," Cho said, "It's Voldemort trying to get in your head through Jason. Don't let him."
Harry sighed heavily and kissed Cho. Cho kissed Harry back and curled up next to him as they both fell asleep.
Hermione was asleep, but Jason couldn't. The reality of what was happening to him had hit him and now, he was scared of what was going to happen. He had seen the darker side of him and now, even he was scared to be around him. He looked at Hermione and watched her sleep, wondering what she was dreaming about. He gently traced a finger along Hermione's bare shoulder, eliciting a soft sigh from Hermione.
"Jason," she quietly said in her sleep.
Jason smiled. His one true love was dreaming about him. Despite his frightening situation, she loved him. Jason turned to get out of bed, needing some fresh air.
"Please don't leave," Hermione said in her sleep.
Jason stared at his fiancée and laid down next to her, embracing her as she slept. "I never will," he whispered into her ear. He felt Hermione's arms hold onto him tightly. "Come whatever may," Jason thought to himself, "I will face it. I will do it for her." Jason closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.
A/N: So that's Chapter 11...the song was "You're My Better Half" by Keith Urban....Chapter 12 coming soon