*Merula Snyde was a witch who began attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1984 and was sorted into Slytherin.

Upon graduating from Hogwarts, Merula struggles to find steady employment. She works briefly at the Three Broomsticks Inn, Zonko's Joke Shop, and even the Hog's Head Inn. None of these jobs suits her, and she leaves in search of a role where she can feel fulfilled and recognized for her talents.

Merula had short and messy dark brown hair, with an orange patch in her bangs. She smoothed down her hair in rare occasions, including the Celestial Ball, and once changed her orange patch to pink for Valentine's Day. She had thick, furrowed eyebrows and used a charm to turn her eyes lavender. Merula also smelled like cloves, nail polish, and some other elusive scent.

She wore Slytherin robes with a loosened tie and stockings with a hole around her left kneecap, as well as black combat boots, rather than the shoes one would see other witches wearing. She occasionally wore a more casual outfit consisting of a green plaid button up shirt and black jeans. In their third year, the Main Character privately described her as "strangely cute."

As the years passed, Merula seemed to become less resentful and more cooperative when dealing with the Main Character. Her classmates described her as "not all bad," hinting at a softer side, which she demonstrated from showing concern at Beatrice Haywood's predicament, while working tirelessly on finding a way to free her. Over time her relationship with the Main Character also mellowed, her once cruel taunts becoming more like friendly jabs (and acting downright friendly to the Main Character during some Christmas-themed events and Career Days at Hogwarts). By her sixth year, she was more or less on good terms with the Main Character and their friends and formed close cooperation with them (with romantic attraction hinted at as early as third year). As they became closer, the Main Character came to realize that at least part of Merula's aggressive nature was a front to avoid being seen as vulnerable. Due to her life experiences, she was insecure about herself and feared being vulnerable or alone. Their friendship allowed Merula to let go of those fears to an extent. Merula was so used to being scorned by everyone that being helpful or kind to her left her flabbergasted.*