Longer Chapter at request :)

Arthur was absent for a week after that day which he explained was due to illness and his father. After that Merlin and Arthur drifted apart while Arthur and Ali became closer. Merlin was disappointed but not altogether shocked. He became closer with the girls and Leon, while spending more time at Gaius's house, helping the old man out.

A man in a business suit had turned up a number of times, informing Gaius the house was unsafe and the plot of land should be developed into a number of new houses. Calling himself Mr Smith he had giving Gaius a mountain of paperwork which Gaius had promptly thrown around the living room.

Merlin had gone to help him however Gaius refused help and said he would sort it out. A couple of weeks later Mr Smith had mysteriously stopped coming and Gaius was looking very pleased with himself. At the same time a black cat with a white chest and socks had suddenly appeared. Gaius had called him Smithers.

Merlin thought there was something very mysterious about the old man, besides the obvious, as if he was constantly watching and observing Merlin's actions. Gaius would love testing him on any science topic and he now knew the periodic table by heart.

On one Sunday afternoon Merlin was reading a number of books which Gaius had 'kindly' prescribed for him, on space. The old man was making a new kind of potion in his lair. Merlin was bored and had started wondering around the room, pulling out books at random and opening draws. It wasn't as if Gaius would notice, the place was a mess. He soon tired of that and collapsed onto the floor, lying on his back.

He felt the power rise up in him, his eyes burned so he lifted his hands up into the air. Suddenly sheets of paper were rising up, spinning around and creating a paper whirlwind. He felt calm and relaxed which he had never felt before whilst controlling magic.

He closed his eyes and jumped when suddenly he heard Gaius speak "oh my word, Merlin". Merlin quickly shot up, a little afraid of what Gaius must have seen and now thinks of him. "I didn't mean to…" But Gaius cut him off "my boy, I never thought I would see the day, in all my life, it's a miracle, and to happen to my nephew Merlin…MERLIN." Merlin had sat down in the arm chair. He personally thought it was a miracle Gaius hadn't yelled at him yet. Gaius had finally seemed lost for words "Merlin, you're a Wizard" he said smiling "and a bloody good one at that!".

Merlin was shocked; he hadn't put a name to what he was doing. But a Wizard and Magic connected. Gaius was right and perhaps his mysterious behaviour led to the same conclusion. Gaius was a wizard too. "Yes" Gaius answered his silent question "I'm a wizard too, though not as powerful as you, I must admit. I can heal with my powers. So I use words to control my magic like most wizards or witches. You on the other hand have learnt to control the magic, though with what I don't know."

Merlin thought about it, his eyes seemed to burn when he was using the magic yet his fingers seemed to hold the actual power. Merlin replied "um, I don't know, I can't actually control it, it just happens". Gaius didn't believe him "do your eyes burn, because that's where your power comes from." "Yes" mumbled Merlin, putting his head in his hands. "But how do you control it" Gaius pressed on. "I think it's my fingers" Merlin said looking up at Gaius who had moved to stand in front of him.

Gaius looked pleased with his answer "well, my boy, that is something indeed. Your power is very strong." Merlin was annoyed "but I can't control it, I try to, but…" Gaius quietened him "not to worry, you too can learn to control your power with words until you master the touch."

"I had hoped that you'd have magic like myself and your grandfather. It usually happens around this age, when you first start to get your powers." "Well actually" Merlin said. Gaius looked shocked "what Merlin, do you mean to tell me that you've had your power all this time and I didn't know. Right under my very nose." He looked angry. Merlin shuffled his feet replying "um, well I've had it since I was five, that's when it first started."

Gaius's face softened "perhaps if I had prompted you more, it would have shown. Not to worry. I'll teach you all I know." "Thanks uncle" Merlin grinned "one question, before I go…did you have something to do with Mr Smith's disappearance". At the name the cat ran into the room miaowing and jumped onto the couch. Merlin laughed and Gaius grinned. "There's nothing a few cat biscuits can't fix".

Any ideas, questions or thoughts on the story…