To remember Will Herondale

This is for all the Will Herondale fans out there. Ave Atque Vale. 

“Tessa! Tessa, you have to call Jem. My nose is running and I can’t make it stop!” Will’s voice was thick and the words came out croaked. Tessa peeked through the gap between the door and the doorframe to find Will seated on their bed, his cheeks a little flushed and his arms wrapped around his legs. He looked so young. She smiled softly as she sat down on the bed. “You know I can’t call Jem every time you have a cold?” she soothingly stroked his black hair. His blue eyes looked at her pleadingly. “Please, Tess?” he murmured. “Fine. I will call Jem.” Her hand left his hair but Will grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him, pressing a kiss on her lips. “I love you.” He grinned a little and even after ten years, Tessa’s heart still sped up when seeing that grin. “I love you, too.” she replied, a rosy blush on her cheeks.

What if Jonathan Morgenstern had lived: saying goodbye

If you read City of Heavenly Fire, you can probably still remember how you felt when Jonathan died. Angry, sad, disappointed, unfair he died before he got a chance to live. I felt it all. So did my brain. My mind started playing with the concept What If Jonathan Had Lived? That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of short scenes. They all take place after the ending of COHF (apart from the first one) and all include Jonathan Morgenstern. I do not own these characters and these events never happened, it’s all from my imagination. This is the  last fic of the Jonathan Morgenstern series, where River will say goodbye to leave for the shadowhunter academy in Idris. 

They were lying on Jonathan’s old bed at the Institute, softly talking to each other. River laced her fingers through Jonathan’s and looked in his eyes. “You’re going to love Idris,” Jonathan said. “It’s nowhere as beautiful as there.” River smiled softly. “But you won’t be there.” her voice carried a hint of sadness.

What if Jonathan Morgenstern had lived: are you ready to be a shadowhunter?

If you read City of Heavenly Fire, you can probably still remember how you felt when Jonathan died. Angry, sad, disappointed, unfair he died before he got a chance to live. I felt it all. So did my brain. My mind started playing with the concept What If Jonathan Had Lived? That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of short scenes. They all take place after the ending of COHF (apart from the first one) and all include Jonathan Morgenstern. I do not own these characters and these events never happened, it’s all from my imagination. This scene takes place at the Institute. 

Jonathan looked at River, who was absent-mindedly tracing the lines of the angelic rune on his arm, while looking around the library with big eyes. “This place is amazing.” she breathed. “Glad you like it.” River’s fingers stopped mid-movement and her head jerked up. Jace’s voice came from the highest balcony, and he looked down at Jonathan and River grinning.

What if Jonathan Morgenstern had lived: Valentine’s Day

If you read City of Heavenly Fire, you can probably still remember how you felt when Jonathan died. Angry, sad, disappointed, unfair he died before he got a chance to live. I felt it all. So did my brain. My mind started playing with the concept What If Jonathan Had Lived? That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of short scenes. They all take place after the ending of COHF (apart from the first one) and all include Jonathan Morgenstern. I do not own these characters and these events never happened, it’s all from my imagination. This scene takes place on Valentine’s Day.

He saw her standing in front of their meeting spot and sneaked up on her, wrapping his arms around her waist and tugging her to his chest. She shrieked as he nibbled on her ear. “Happy Valentine’s Day.” he murmured in her ear. She twisted in his embrace and turned around, her eyes sparkling and a smile pulling her lips. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Jonathan.” she said, before kissing him.

What if Jonathan Morgenstern had lived: baby it’s cold outside

If you read City of Heavenly Fire, you can probably still remember how you felt when Jonathan died. Angry, sad, disappointed, unfair he died before he got a chance to live. I felt it all. So did my brain. My mind started playing with the concept What If Jonathan Had Lived? That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of short scenes. They all take place after the ending of COHF (apart from the first one) and all include Jonathan Morgenstern. I do not own these characters and these events never happened, it’s all from my imagination. This scene is for all the Joniver shippers.

“Oh my god it’s so cold!” River exclaimed when she walked in. “It’s winter, sweetheart. It’s supposed to be cold.” Jonathan smirked and jumped up to help her take her coat off.

What if Jonathan Morgenstern had lived: guys talk

If you read City of Heavenly Fire, you can probably still remember how you felt when Jonathan died. Angry, sad, disappointed, unfair he died before he got a chance to live. I felt it all. So did my brain. My mind started playing with the concept What If Jonathan Had Lived? That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of short scenes. They all take place after the ending of COHF (apart from the first one) and all include Jonathan Morgenstern. I do not own these characters and these events never happened, it’s all from my imagination. In this scene Jace, Simon and Jonathan are having a little bromance moment.

“Good, you’re here, come in.” Jace motioned to Jonathan who appeared in the door opening of the library. He walked to where Jace and Simon were sitting and fist bumped Simon before plopping down in one of the chairs. “What’s the matter, Herondale?” He asked as he looked at Jace. “I’ll tell you what’s the matter, Morgenstern.” Jace looked at them with a solemn expression crossing his features. “We are losing our manliness. We all have girlfriends, and we are spending too much time with them. In Raziel’s name, I painted Clary’s toenails yesterday.” Jonathan and Simon chuckled. “But don’t you love Clary enough to do that?” Jonathan asked. “That is besides the point, Jonah -“ “Jonathan.” “ – I’m saying that we need to have some time with the guys alone.” Jonathan nodded. “Where’s Alec?” Simon asked, leaning back in his chair. “He’s gay. He is around men all the time.” Jace declared. “Hm, I don’t know if you can count Magnus as a full on man..” Simon mused and Jonathan laughed. “You’re one to talk.” Jace said. “I’m a man.” Simon started but Jace interrupted him. “Just because you’re screwing with Isabelle doesn’t mean you’re a man.” Simon leaned forward, elbows propped on his knees. “Speaking of being a man, I’ve been wondering this for quite a while. What was on your mind when you stuffed condoms into your backpack when we were going into Hell?” Jonathan choked and started coughing. Simon continued. “Don’t you think it was an awful timing having sex when you’re on the verge of dying?” Jace’s eyes flicked from Simon to Jonathan, who now had a red head from coughing, and back to Simon. “She told you that?” Simon leaned back, looking amused. “Of course she did, she’s my best friend.” Jace snorted. “Of course. Well mundie, let me ask you this: is there a better timing to have sex than when your life hangs on a thin thread?” Simon opened his mouth, but Jace went on. “There’s not. There’s not a better way of showing someone you love them, than by doing it when you’re face to face with death. It wasn’t a matter of now or never with us, it was just the right timing.” Jace was completely serious now, something Jonathan hadn’t seen often in the past couple of months. “We were both ready to make that commitment even if one of us would die in that nearby future.” Then he reached in his pocket and threw something at Jonathan. “Don’t worry, Morgenstern. I saved you some.” He flashed a grin and with that he was back to his old self.  Jonathan caught the tiny packages in a reflex, his cheeks red. “I don’t think I’ll be using these anytime soon. River and I are not there yet.” He murmured. “Just ask if she wants to touch your mangoes. Works every time.” Jonathan sunk back in the chair and threw the condoms back at Jace. “God, you’re horrible. I wonder what my sister sees in you.” Jace smirked, stuffing the condoms back in his pocket. “My irresistible charm and good looks.”
“There isn’t much else there.” Simon said and he and Jonathan both started laughing. Jonathan laughed so hard, his stomach hurt and a tear slipped down his cheek. “Johnny boy, are you crying because you’re not as good looking as I am?” Jace asked. Jonathan sucked in a breath and sat up. “At least I have a great personality. Oh snap!” Simon gave him a high five. “You guys are so immature.” Jace muttered. “You’re just jealous.” teased Simon while Jonathan layed his arm on Simon’s shoulder, forming a union against Jace.  “Of your childish bickering? No, I don’t believe I am.” Jonathan smirked. “Ah, well Jace, if you ask nicely, perhaps Simon and I will tell you the plot of Star Wars.” Simon and Jace both snorted. “So I can be on the same level as special as Isabelle is? Why, I’m honored. I always knew you had the hots for me, Lewis.” Simon batted his eyelashes. “You caught me Jace. Let’s make out and have beautiful shadowhunter babies.” A grin pulled Jace’s lips up and he threw Simon a pillow, who caught it laughing. “If you don’t like us, why do you hang out with us?” Jonathan raised his eyebrows at Jace. “I feel sorry for you both, newbie shadowhunters, so I take it as my duty to make sure you don’t get eaten by demons.” Simon smashed the pillow in Jace’s face. “We’re not newbies anymore. Just admit you like hanging out with us.” Jace waved his comment away. “Whatever you want to believe, mundie.”
“Not a mundane.”
“You’ll always be one to me, Lewis.” Jonathan looked at his friends bickering, a smile on his lips, and wondered how in Raziel’s name he got so lucky to get a second chance at life.

If you have any ideas for a Jonathan fanfic, leave your request in the comment. 

What if Jonathan Morgenstern had lived: a time of firsts

If you read City of Heavenly Fire, you can probably still remember how you felt when Jonathan died. Angry, sad, disappointed, unfair he died before he got a chance to live. I felt it all. So did my brain. My mind started playing with the concept What If Jonathan Had Lived? That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of short scenes. They all take place after the ending of COHF (apart from the first one) and all include Jonathan Morgenstern. I do not own these characters and these events never happened, it’s all from my imagination. In this scene Jonathan and River are going on their first date.

“You’re probably wondering why I called you here.” Jonathan started. “Because you need a girl advice.” Jace didn’t ask, he just stated a fact. Jonathan wasn’t even surprised anymore, he just nodded. “I understand that. What I don’t understand is why Simon is here.” He pointed to Simon with his thumb who was sitting next to him. “Because Simon is my friend.” Jonathan said, “And dating your sister. Clearly he did something right.”
“Thanks. I guess?” Simon said, a wrinkle in his forehead. “But you finally asked your girl out? Good for you.” Jace leaned back in his chair. “Her name is River,” he waved it away. “I don’t care. Where are you taking her?” Jonathan bit his lip and shrugged. “Where do you take girls on a date?”
“The movies.” Simon said. “Boring.” Jace shot back. “Your idea of a date is killing demons and having dinner at Taki’s after.” Simon scoffed. “It’s fun.” Jace grinned. “Okay you may know something about girls, but you don’t know anything about dates.” Simon turned to Jonathan. “Take her to the movies, and dinner afterwards. Not McDonalds, just a nice place.”
“You have to tell her she looks good, girls dig that.” Jace added. “And don’t go to a horror movie, she won’t like that.”
“Buy her a present.”
“And you have to pay for everything, since it’s your first date.”
Jonathan held up his hands to stop the flood of words. “Okay, I’ve got it. Movies, dinner, pay, compliment her, presents.” Simon nodded and Jace held his hands behind his head, looking at Jonathan. “I’m glad you found yourself a girl you like Jonathan, but be careful. The rune to fix a broken heart is the most painful one.”

Jonathan was nervous. Not just a little bit, but he was extremely nervous. His palms were sweaty and he kept wiping them on his jeans. He couldn’t recall if he had ever felt this nervous before. And why was he nervous? Because he was going on a date. An actual date. With the girl he had been spending a lot of time with the past few weeks. He liked her, she obviously liked him, they had almost kissed on New Year’s Eve, and yet he was still nervous. His stomach coiled and his nose twitched and every few seconds he’d suck in a huge breath. “Will you please stop that?” Clary snapped, after this had gone on for about ten minutes. He glanced at her. “It’s just a date, no big deal. You’ll be fine.” He closed his eyes for a second. “Yeah you’re right.” Clary stood on her tiptoes and gave him a hug. “I’ll meet you later.” She walked off and before she turned the corner she looked back and waved. Jonathan was staring after her, even though she was long gone, when a familiar voice behind him said: “Jonathan?” he twirled around and was met with River. Her dirty blonde hair was gathered in a braid, just like the day they first met and she wore a little more makeup than usual, her eyeliner ending in little wings at the sides. She hid in a large woolen shawl, her cheeks red from the cold. Her brown eyes looked up at him. He couldn’t see her lips, but saw her eyes were smiling. “Hi.” he breathed. He heard her laugh softly. “You look beautiful.” He said and he saw her cheeks redden even more. “Thank you.” He bit his lower lip. “Ready to go?” She nodded and he placed his hand on her lower back, leading her towards the cinema. They made some small talk which eased Jonathan’s nerves a bit. Occasionally the nerves jumped against his chest, reminding him that this was a date, but mostly they stayed under the surface. So he bought the tickets, and he held the door open and took her coat. So far, so good. “Is this your first time to the movies?” River asked as they stood in line for popcorn. She was wearing black skinny jeans with a white blouse that she had tucked into the jeans. Her hand played with a golden key that hung around her neck. He nodded and she smiled. “You’ll like it, I’m sure.” You’re with me, of course I will, he wanted to say but he kept his mouth shut. They got popcorn and two cups of coca cola and made their way to the theater. Five minutes into the movie, Jonathan realized he had made a mistake. Simon had said not to pick a horror movie, and well this was one. There were already a bunch of people killed and there was so much earblistering screaming that Jonathan’s head started to ache. Suddenly River grabbed his arm and hid her face in his shoulder. “I don’t like horror movies!” she whispered. “Okay, come on, let’s go.” He rose to stand up and knocked over his drink in the process. The lid fell off and the entire drink spilled on River. She shrieked, which made the audience hiss and Jonathan grabbed her hand, pulling her out of the theater. The main area was quiet, the only person there was the guy behind the counter. Jonathan turned to look at River and saw her white blouse was stained. “River, I’m so sorry.” She shot him a small smile. “I’m going to the bathroom real quick.” He nodded and she disappeared into the ladies bathroom. He sighed and sank down on a couch, burying his face in his hands. It didn’t take long for River to come back and when she did, she sat next to him. “Jonathan…” she started but he looked up and cut her off. “I’m sorry. I wanted it to be the perfect date, I was planning on making it the perfect date. I didn’t think it was a horror movie, I hate those as well, I even asked Simon for advice-“ suddenly River’s lips were on his. He tensed for a moment, but when River cupped his cheek, he relaxed and kissed her back. Her lips were soft and they fit perfectly on his. She pulled back after a few seconds and bit her lip, her cheeks flushed. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while. Jonathan, you don’t have to pretend to be someone other than who you are. You should just be you. Because I like that  guy. A lot.” She smiled and he shot her a smile back. “I don’t know, I just wanted to do it right and impress you.” She laughed softly, a sound he had come to love. She scooted closer, their legs clashing together. “You already did, Jonathan Morgenstern. Long before I had the courage to come up and talk to you.” she whispered, so close he could see himself in her eyes. “Yeah?” he breathed and she nodded, resting her forehead against his. “Absolutely.” A smile pulled his lips. “That’s a first.” Their lips were inches away from each other. “There’s a first for everything.” she whispered and then they were kissing again. Of all the firsts he had experienced that night, his first kiss was definitely the best one.

What if Jonathan Morgenstern had lived: New Year’s Eve

If you read City of Heavenly Fire, you can probably still remember how you felt when Jonathan died. Angry, sad, disappointed, unfair he died before he got a chance to live. I felt it all. So did my brain. My mind started playing with the concept What If Jonathan Had Lived? That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of short scenes. They all take place after the ending of COHF (apart from the first one) and all include Jonathan Morgenstern. I do not own these characters and these events never happened, it’s all from my imagination.This scene takes place on New Year’s Eve.

Jonathan raised his hand to knock on the door when the window above him opened and a girl leaned out. “I’ll be right there!” she called out to him. He gave her a thumbs up and she disappeared inside again. He leaned against the wall, hands in his pocket. He and River and been hanging out for a few weeks now. She had been quick to accept the fact that he was a shadowhunter, to his surprise. He thought back to the day when he told her.

He was waiting in the park for her to show up, and after a couple minutes he saw her walking in his direction. She had her hair in a ponytail, and black eyelashes framed her eyes. She was wearing a red coat and black boots and her cheeks were pink of the cold. She was beautiful. He jumped up when she came close and when she smiled, he couldn’t breathe for a moment. “Hey.” River said when she was in hearing distance. “Hey.” He replied. “So.. what have you decided?” she clasped her hands together and he noticed she was wearing white gloves. “I’m going to tell you, but before I do, I want you to meet someone.” She raised her eyebrows. “Okay. Who?” He held out his arm. “Follow me.” She smiled and took his arm. “Where are we going?” She asked while they walked. Even through the layers of clothes he could feel her warmth on his skin. “A friend of mine.” She didn’t ask any more questions and they walked in silence until they reached Magnus’ apartment. Jonathan knocked on the door and a few seconds later it flew open. “Ah, there you both are.” Magnus said. He was dressed in glitterboots, a pink button-down with a black cowboy jacket and blue leather pants. He looked like Magnus, but for people who didn’t know him, it could be a bit eccentric. He glanced at River, but her face was unreadable. Magnus motioned for them to come in and Jonathan saw Clary sitting at the kitchen table. She slid of her chair when they walked in. Magnus turned around. “I’m Magnus Bane.” He held out his hand. “River Cavanaugh.” She shook his hand. “I’m Clary.” His sister squeezed in between Magnus and him. “River,” Jonathan saw her glance at the back of the room, where Alec and Jace stood, glamoured. “Who are they?” The two boys looked at each other and Jonathan almost grinned. She had passed the first test already. Jace walked forward. “My name is Jace, and the sulky guy over there is Alec.” He eyed her. “So you say you can see things?” River had taken her gloves off and now shoved them in the pocket of her coat. “Define things. I saw you in the back of the room, while you were obviously trying not to be noticed. I see those black tattoos on your arms, that clearly stand for something, and I’m pretty sure I saw a faerie outside before we walked in.” Jace didn’t even blink. “Magnus?” he walked back to where Alec stood. “Ah, yes. River, let’s sit down. Talks a lot easier.” Without waiting for an answer he plopped down on the couch. Jonathan went to stand next to Clary while River sat on the other end of the couch and glanced briefly at Jonathan. He gave her an encouraging nod. “I want to try something, it’s very simple. All you need to do is sit still and open yourself up.” Magnus said and a slight frown formed on River’s forehead. “River, just close your eyes.” Jonathan said softly and she took a breath and her eyelids closed. “I’m going to look inside your head-“ Magnus started and River’s eyes snapped open again. “What?!”
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m looking for.” He took her hands in his and gave a nod with his head. “Close your eyes.” She bit her lip and did as he asked, but Jonathan saw her eyes twitching. There was silence in the room, while Magnus searched in River’s memories for things that would prove she indeed, could see another world within this. After a few minutes Magnus opened his eyes again. “She has the Sight.” River’s eyes fluttered open. “I have what?” Jace pushed himself off the wall. “The gift to see beyond what you already see.”

Then they told River everything she needed to know. And, the crazy thing, she loved it. She soaked in every detail, asking a million questions. Jace and Jonathan had taken it upon themselves to answer them, every now and then supported by Magnus, who of course had lived to see a lot of things happen. Jonathan walked her home, hours later and she was beaming. “I knew I wasn’t crazy! Thank you Jonathan!” She had hugged him and he had gone rigid on the spot. When he lay in bed that night, he could still feel her warm body against his.
Now, it was New Year’s Eve and River had taken it upon herself to show him the Ball Drop. “You live in New York! You can’t not have seen the Ball Drop!” she had exclaimed, after finding out he had never seen it before. The door creaked open and River appeared in the door opening. She had her hair loose, draped over one shoulder and was buttoning a black coat as she walked out, pink jeans peeping underneath it. She looked beautiful and Jonathan couldn’t do anything but stare at her for a moment. “Earth to Jonathan.” River snapped her fingers and he blinked. She laughed. “Come on, we have to go, otherwise we won’t have good spots.”
Time Square was buzzing with people and Jonathan looked his eyes out. People were dressed up, laughing, yelling, singing. There was a huge stage where a band was performing and the billboards flickered with ‘HAPPY NEW YEAR!’ They walked around for a bit, River telling him about the crazy parties that were held after midnight, when after an hour they met up with the others. Alec and Magnus were celebrating New Year’s Eve on their own, but Clary, Jace, Isabelle and Simon were there. “What is this ball drop thing anyway?” Isabelle asked, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “A tradition.” Simon replied, his hand slipping around her waist, pulling her to him. “Oh, like the Christmas tree?” Simon groaned playfully. “No bad words about the Christmas tree.” They ended up bickering. Jonathan saw Clary and Jace were dancing, both laughing, and when River took his hand, he realized this was the first time he wasn’t the outsider. He smiled at her and she nudged him. “It’s almost time.” He glanced at the big clock. Ten minutes. Jace twirled Clary around. Five minutes. The crowd got bigger. Three minutes. Simon and Isabelle were already making out. “10.. 9.. 8.. 7.. 6.. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1!” The ball dropped. “Happy new year!” River shouted over the music to him, a big grin on her face. “Happy new year!” He yelled back. They locked eyes and unconsciously they both took a step closer to each other. I’m going to kiss her, he thought and then: but I don’t know how. River didn’t break their gaze as she leaned in, standing on her tiptoes. Their lips were inches from touching and he felt her breath against his lips, when someone slapped his shoulder and the moment evaporated. “Happy new year man!” Jace shouted in his ear.  “Yeah, you too!” He looked at River, who was now hugging Clary and she gave him a look. He winked at her and she grinned, cheeks flushed. The new year had only just begun. He’d get his chance.

What if Jonathan Morgenstern had lived: a new friend

If you read City of Heavenly Fire, you can probably still remember how you felt when Jonathan died. Angry, sad, disappointed, unfair he died before he got a chance to live. I felt it all. So did my brain. My mind started playing with the concept What If Jonathan Had Lived? That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of short scenes. They all take place after the ending of COHF (apart from the first one) and all include Jonathan Morgenstern. I do not own these characters and these events never happened, it’s all from my imagination.This scene takes place in Central Park.

Jonathan was sitting on a bench in Central Park. Lately, he was coming here more often. He enjoyed the green and the peace, getting away from the Institute for a couple hours and most of all, the people watching. And the beauty was, that he could just sit there, and no one would raise an eyebrow. To them, he was just a normal sixteen-year-old boy. He noticed that every Saturday afternoon, there was the same girl in the park. She always sat in the grass across the path from him, jamming on her guitar. He had never seen her face up front, only from the side, but she fascinated him. And he loved listening to her playing guitar. It was something he looked forward to: just sitting in the park, listening to the girl playing guitar. One Saturday however, she wasn’t there. Jonathan sat down on his bench anyway, hoping she might show up later. After an hour, when he still hadn’t seen her, he grabbed his phone. He was sure she wouldn’t show up anymore, when he heard a voice next to him. “Sorry to bother, but can I ask you something?” His head jerked up with a jolt and breath was knocked out of his lungs. It was her. The girl. It was the first time he saw her face, but her guitar was slung over her shoulder, so he recognized her instantly. She was beautiful. Dirty blonde hair, braided loosely, brown eyes the color of chocolate and her skin was tanned. “Sure.” he managed to say. She tugged on the strap of her guitar and pointed at him. “What kind of tattoos are those?” For a few seconds, he couldn’t grasp what she meant but then his eyes widened. “You mean these?” he shoved up the sleeve of his shirt and showed her the angelic rune on his arm. She nodded. “You can see these?” he asked baffled. She nodded again, a frown in her forehead. “Impossible.” he breathed. “It is only impossible if you believe it is,” the girl said and after a moment of silence she added: “Alice in Wonderland.” That said him nothing and she could see it. She set her guitar on the ground. “I often see things, that probably should be impossible. I’ve seen people with tattoos like yours before, but I could never find out what they meant. So, I’m sorry for asking you, but I just.. I have to know why I can see them, but my friends can’t.” Jonathan chewed on his lower lip. “I don’t know if I can tell you.” He admitted, but after a moment of thought. “But it’s obvious you can see stuff, because I’m using glamour right now. You shouldn’t be able to see them at all.” Her nose wrinkled in confusion and he thought it was the cutest thing he’d ever seen. “Glamour?” she repeated and Jonathan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Listen, I get you don’t want to tell me. I mean, you don’t know me and it’s obvious that whatever it is you’re keeping a secret, it’s important. So how about we meet again tomorrow? Then you have time to think if you can tell me, or ask if you can tell me, and if not, that’s fine. I just want to know why I’m different.” That last sentence did it, and Jonathan knew that whatever Clary or Jace or Alec would say, he was going to tell her. After all, he knew what it was like to be different. So he nodded. “Sure.” She grinned widely and picked up her guitar again. “Same spot, same time tomorrow?” He nodded and she smiled. “Great.” She was about to walk away, but stepped back and held out her hand. “By the way, I’m River.” Jonathan took her hand, it felt warm and soft against his. “Jonathan.” She slowly slipped her hand out of his and gave him another smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow then, Jonathan.” While she walked away he wondered why her saying his name, caused his stomach to stir.

“No way. You’re not going to tell some random chick our entire history. Have you lost your mind?!” Jace spat at him later that day. They were in the training room, where Jonathan had found him, Clary, Alec and Magnus practicing. “She’s not random, she can see things! I was using glamour and she saw my Marks anyway.” Jace sighed in frustration. “Maybe you weren’t using your glamour that good, after all, Johnny.” Jonathan lunged forward and grabbed Jace by his collar. Jace didn’t even flinch. “My name is Jonathan.” He breathed angrily. “Guys, stop it.” Clary tugged Jonathan back and he clenched his fists, his eyes shooting fire at Jace. “I, of all people, know what it’s like to see things that are not supposed to be there.” She said and Jace turned to her. “But you were, are, a shadowhunter. That girl, is obviously not.” Jonathan started to open his mouth, but Magnus stepped in. “There are, in fact, humans who can truly see us for who we are. I remember that in the London Institute, when your great-grandfather was your age-“ he pointed at Jace. “- there were a couple humans helping in the household. One of them even did the Ascension and married a shadowhunter. It’s called the Sight and some humans are gifted, or cursed, with it.” Jace looked at Magnus. “Don’t tell me she married my grandfather.” Magnus chuckled. “You should know better than that. You even met your great-grandmother, at Jocelyn and Luke’s wedding.” Clary’s eyes cleared up. “Tessa.” Magnus nodded. “Exactly. Sophie, the human, married one of the Lightwoods.” Alec didn’t know how to respond to that so he just huffed. “What is your point with this beautiful story, Magnus?” Jace asked dryly. “If she really has the Sight, we should help her, instead of leaving her to discover it on her own.” Clary shifted on her feet. “But how do we know if she really has the Sight?” Magnus smiled, and his cat eyes lit up. “There are enough options for that. Now, Jonathan, where did you say you were meeting again?”

What if Jonathan Morgenstern had lived: Christmas special

If you read City of Heavenly Fire, you can probably still remember how you felt when Jonathan died. Angry, sad, disappointed, unfair he died before he got a chance to live. I felt it all. So did my brain. My mind started playing with the concept What If Jonathan Had Lived? That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of short scenes. They all take place after the ending of COHF (apart from the first one) and all include Jonathan Morgenstern. I do not own these characters and these events never happened, it’s all from my imagination.This scene takes place during Christmas.

“Rocking around the Christmas tree, have a happy holiday!” Clary and Simon were singing loudly along to Christmas songs while they were decorating the tree. When they found out that shadowhunters didn’t celebrate Christmas, they were both baffled and insisted they’d celebrate it this year. They seem to be the only ones who know what they’re doing, Jonathan thought, while he was sat on the couch next to Jace, Alec and Isabelle, who all looked kind of stunned. Magnus was there too, but he was helping Clary and Simon hanging the ‘glittery  balls’ in the tree. “Last year, I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it awaaaaay!” Clary sang and Simon pretended to be playing air guitar. Jonathan had asked Clary when they went looking for a tree, why people decorated a tree for Christmas. “That’s a part of Christmas!” she had answered, which he had translated to: “I don’t really know either, but it’s Christmas and it looks great.” He had gone shopping for presents, which he appeared absolutely terrible at. After two days of roaming the city, he had ended up asking Jocelyn for help. Now he had a basket of neatly wrapped presents in the back of his closet.

Two weeks later after the gift shopping debacle it was Christmas Eve. Everyone was at the Institute, Jocelyn, Luke and even Maryse. Things were still awkward between Jonathan and Maryse. He had killed her youngest son when he was Sebastian and she hadn’t forgiven Sebastian, him, for that. Max. Isabelle and Alec never spoke about him, and if Jace or Clary brought it up they went silent. Max’s death was something that ate on Jonathan, knowing he could never do anything to make it right. Now, he was sitting on the couch after dinner. Clary, Jace, Simon, Alec, Magnus and Isabelle had gone outside for a snowball fight and the adults were still seated at the dinner table. He stood up and walked to the window, looking at his friends throwing snow at each other. Suddenly, someone came to stand next to him. He looked up and saw Isabelle. Her long, black hair wet from the snow and her cheeks flushed from the cold, but her eyes were sparkling. He didn’t know what to say to her, so he just looked out of the window again. “Max would’ve loved this.” Isabelle suddenly said and Jonathan’s heart skipped a beat. He turned with his back to the window. The silence was deafening before he said: “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I killed him. I can say it wasn’t my fault, but it was.” Isabelle held up her hand and when she turned her head to him he could see her eyes were glassy. “I miss my little brother every day, but you are not the reason he is dead, Jonathan. I know you know my mom thinks that, but I don’t. Neither does Alec. I have seen you struggling with this over the past couple weeks, and I thought you should know. You are not Sebastian. He is dead. I know it’s hard, but you’re going to have to let go of him in order to be you.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder and met his eyes. He nodded, overwhelmed by this. Isabelle never showed much emotion, and it meant a lot to him she had said this. “Thank you.” He croaked. “So, you coming outside to throw some snowballs or what?” she grinned and his lips tugged up in a smile. “Definitely.” he replied and followed her outside, surprising the others by teaming up with Isabelle in the fight and they threw snowballs and made snowmen until it was too dark to see.

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” Clary sang and Jace groaned and covered her mouth with his hand. “If you sing one more Christmas song, I’m using a silent rune on you.” Clary chuckled. “I’m sure you know other ways to silence me.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Now you asked for it.” Jace grinned and he cupped her cheeks to kiss her. “Get a room!” Alec shouted and threw some wrapping paper at them. Clary pulled back, her cheeks flushed, but laughing. She met Jonathan’s eyes and smiled. It was Christmas morning and they were all sitting around the Christmas tree, presents in heaps next to them and wrapping paper everywhere. Magnus had even made a hat out of some glittery red paper and was leaning against Alec’s chest. Jonathan grinned at his sister and looked at his pile of presents. A new stele, books, chocolate. Clary had given him an iPod. “Only because I’m sick of it that you keep borrowing mine.” she had said with a wink when he had ripped off the wrapping paper.  Jocelyn’s present was a necklace with the angelic rune. When he looked closer at it, he saw his name engraved. Jonathan Morgenstern. “Because you’re not Sebastian,” she had whispered in his ear. “And a true shadowhunter at heart.” It had touched him so much, he had hugged her in thanks. He now wore the necklace, the rune dangling on his chest, and looked around the room. Jace and Clary were whispering with each other, both smiling, and Jace stealing kisses from her. Simon had his arm wrapped around Isabelle, her head on his shoulder. Alec was playing with Magnus’ hair while they talked and when he looked at Jocelyn and Luke, his mother caught him staring and smiled. Something hit his head. A Christmas ball from the tree and he saw Jace falling on the floor, laughing. He threw it back and Jace caught it, still laughing. “Back from dreamland, Jonathan?” he teased and in that moment, Jonathan knew that he found his home.

Merry Christmas everyone!