FINALLY. The next chapter! I hope this meets your expectations!

Chapter 8

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Throughout potions, Merlin struggled to keep his attention on his work as he tried to shrug off the stares of his classmates. When he saw Neville struggling with his potion, Merlin rushed over, thankful for a distraction. Taking his time, he explained the step by step instructions, directing Neville on how to complete the potion effectively and efficiently.

As he finished the potion, Neville looked up genuinely surprised. He gave Merlin a wide eyed look before breaking into a smile and throwing his hands up over his head. "I did it! I actually did it!" Both Gryffindors and Slytherins turned to look as Neville rejoiced in his success. Merlin assumed judging by the looks on his classmates that success was uncommon for Neville.

A moment later class ended, and Merlin rose from his seat, gently laying his hand on Neville's shoulder. "Good work. I knew you could do it."

"Thank you." The boy still seemed to be in some sort of daze as his eyes followed Merlin in an almost revering fashion. Merlin was not the only one to notice this as the Professor snapped his fingers, giving Neville a pointed stare, making him quickly scurry out of the room.

Merlin rolled his eyes, gathering his things. Draco was waiting for him by the door, but as Merlin was about to head out the potions teacher spoke. "I would like to speak with you for a moment Mr. Emerson." Stopping abruptly Merlin let out a sigh.

"I'll catch up with you later then." Draco nodded, shutting the door as he left the room. Swerving on his heals Merlin jerked around to the professor. "Did you really have to do that?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." His eyes narrowed in that annoying fashion that irritated Merlin. He was done playing model citizen when it was just the two of them.

"Oh come on. Yes you do." He urged the professor to speak. His stress was getting to him, and soon he would be in need of an outlet.

"I apologize if I interfered with yours and Draco's plans, but-"

"Not that. Although now I have to walk alone. Thanks for that by the way. But, I'm talking about why you made me help everyone. That's your job. I'm just a student. You want to give me more advanced potions, that's fine, but making me the center of attention makes it look like you're giving me special treatment. All I want is to fit in. And getting solely acknowledged by my professor in front of the entire class does not count as fitting in." Merlin sucked in a deep breath. He was tired. So tired. All he wanted was to fit in. That was the one thing he had to do to succeed in his mission. And yet somehow, he was failing, miserably.

For a moment, Merlin watched as the professor sat there patiently, keeping a level eye as if processing all of which Merlin just said. As he stood there catching his breath, regret slowly manifested within him as he realized he once again exploded at the only person here who could even remotely understand him. But he wouldn't apologize this time. He was done covering his tracks and looking weak. He didn't want pity, he wanted respect.

"I apologize for making you uncomfortable Mr. Emerson. However, I am your tutor and the headmaster has left it to me to educate you in whatever way I see fit." He slowly unclenched his jaw, sucking in air before he continued. "I am aware you are much more advanced than your peers, and it would seem irrelevant to teach you to our conventional curriculum."

"So your idea of teaching me is making me teach your lesson? That seems like a cheap way of making me do your work."

"Contrary to what you think, I am preparing you for much more than advanced potions. You show promise Mr. Emerson. What I teach you are skills you will need to do great things. What I had you do today is simply the first step."

"What are you talking about?"

Professor Snape rose from his desk and walked slowly to where Merlin was standing. "Do you know why the founders built this school Mr. Emerson?" The question seemed random, but Merlin played along.

"They did it to give those with magic a sanctuary, a place free of prejudice, a place to teach control." Merlin didn't understand the point the professor was trying to make. He answered the question slowly.

"And the fifth founder? What reasons did he have?" Merlin froze. He didn't like the direction these questions were going. The last question had been leading up to this.

"I suppose he wanted to help."

"Why would you suppose this?" Merlin had to think fast. He could feel his heart rate accelerating, although he maintained his calm exterior.

"Well the hat, he said that the fifth founder created the room that offered help to anyone in need. That kind of sounds like a person that wanted to help others out."

"I see. Yet, what good is it to teach you skills you already know. Even if I give you advanced potions, will you lie to me and tell me it is difficult for you? You are not just advanced Mr. Emerson, you are thoroughly educated. These classes mean nothing to you. So why are you here?"

Merlin stared. How could he not? The man saw through his charade. What words were there left to say. He couldn't answer honestly. He had to stick to his back story.

"My uncle-" he began but was cut off.

"I heard what your uncle wanted, but why. If he trained you he would have known your education here would not be adequate nor suited to your capability. There are flaws in the tale you tell. Now, I would like to ask you again, why are you here?"

Once again, his heart stopped. His world froze and time slowed down. Merlin wasn't sure if this was due to the heat of the moment or his magic reacting. Whatever it was he was thankful. He needed time to think. But did he? Didn't he know the answer? Was he just too afraid to admit the answer?

Merlin was tired of hiding. Tired of creating lies. Tired of pretending. He wanted time to stop indefinitely. He wanted to be free. That's all he ever truly wanted. Freedom from the pain, freedom from life, but most of all, freedom from destiny.

His whole life he had been a servant. And he was ok with that. He had already contented himself in knowing that even as a puppet he had his own reasons for following destinies path. But now? Now when he was so close? Could he try again? Try to live and experience life? Could he tell the truth?

That was the big question because when it came down to it, it wouldn't matter what he wanted. If the Old Religion saw it unfit his chains would pull him away. He had tried to tell the founders, but at the last second he was pulled back. He couldn't reveal his secret. But did that mean he couldn't be honest?

Exhilaration rushed through him with what he was about to do.

"I can't tell you." The professor looked taken aback.

"Excuse me?"

"I said, I can't tell you." Quickly Professor Snape regained his composure as he leveled himself with the man he believed to be Myron Emerson.

"What does that mean?"

"It means exactly what I said. I can't tell you. Do I wish I could tell you? Sure. I wish I could tell the whole world the truth! I wish I could yell it at the top of my lungs, but I can't. Even if I try, I won't be able to. Believe me I know. But your right about me, a lot of things don't add up because they're not true. I don't need to be here. I wish I didn't have to be here. Most of the time I wish my life would just end. But right now I'm on a mission. And I don't have time to deal with curious teachers that think they know me."

The man before him remained calm, but Merlin was no stranger to the façade. The exterior of the man was vacant, he maintained composure as his mind reeled with questions. He didn't know what to say, so he disappeared. He became absorbed within himself, allowing time to pass itself by as he remained safe within his shell.

For a while, Merlin stood there, adrenaline rushing from his head to his toes. He let the professor into his life. He opened his doors and let the barriers down. The thought of it wasn't much, but he knew where it would lead. He just exposed himself to the world for the first time in hundreds of years. He was now vulnerable to losing more than his destiny, but he could live.

He could taste the scent of Freedom. He could smell the herbs lining the shelves. He could imagine a new age of peace. He could see Arthur again. He would see Arthur again.

The spark from his confession lit a flame inside him. It was burning, his passion returning. He would fulfill his promises, he would live to see the new tomorrow, and he would conquer destiny. He didn't realize how much he was missing until it all came flooding back. He wasn't becoming a new person. No. He was becoming himself. He could remember now what life was like, full of love.

Death had left its mark on him, isolating him to the rest of the world. The pain was too much. But now? This was his final stand. He was here, on his last mission, his greatest mission. He was here to make the most of it.

While the joy of life filled his body, his magic elevating his spirits, he knew the euphoria would not last. He knew of the choices he would have to make. He knew the power he possessed and of its terrible curse, where he would be left with the balance of life and death. But that was how it had always been.

The flame within him would continue to grow. It would expand into an inferno, and then into a power beyond what fire could describe. It will be at that moment where destiny will become his victim. It will be then that the world would shake as the legendary Emrys would awaken for his final and greatest stand.

Merlin knew he was Emrys, but Emrys was not him. He would always be Merlin, the cheeky, fun, idiot manservant to King Arthur. That would never change. But there was a hidden side to him, a side even he feared. When it came down to it in the heat of the moment, the memories Merlin possessed paid no heed. It didn't matter whether he studied, or if he knew the spell.

Merlin knew he always had to be prepared, and so he pushed himself to unimaginable lengths, all in the name destiny. But in that moment, where life and death were in his hands, he would be consumed by his magic, and he would just know. He would know because he was Emrys, the most powerful warlock to ever walk the earth.

That scared him. Knowing he could just make things happen. He could choose who lived and who died. He didn't need words. He would just know what to do. He was the greatest force of good, and as long as he was in control he would always remain that way. But balance is the eternal power of the world. For him to exist there must be a nearly equal power. And that was Morgana. But was it?

The ultimate balance would be his opposite, but did that mean every way? What if it was someone like him, what if it was him? Because there was always a moment, the moment where all his problems became trivial, where nothing mattered but the mission, the moment when magic consumed him. Of course he could still think, it wasn't an out of body experience, but he couldn't control the magic that escaped him. What if he lost control and he ended up causing more damage than harm. Could he be the bane of his own existence?

The voice in the back of his mind screamed how ridiculous he was being. In all theories it was possible, but he also knew destiny had a plan and wouldn't allow that to happen. But still… there was always the thought.

A sudden motion snapped his attention back to the professor who opened his mouth to speak. "How can you do it? Lie so effortlessly. If you are as 'experienced' as you say you are, and I do have my doubts, why should I trust you and not report you to the headmaster for fraud?"

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Because you won't. You trust me even if you don't want to. Why? Because I know you. I can see it in your eyes. The love, the loss, the pain, the misery, the curiosity, the need to know more. I know. I understand. And you have lost too many people in your life to watch the one person that you can even remotely relate to slip away. You need me. And I won't lie when I say I need you."

The disbelief and horror shone through the man's eyes. He was bewildered. Of course Merlin knew he had already come to the same conclusion, but to have it all laid out in front of him was a slap in the face as the truth settled in the air between them.

"How is it that you know so much?"

"Because I know. I know how it feels to be alone, to be invisible. Age does not hold influence over understanding. If there was anyone in the world who knew how lonely life could be it would be me. But you are not alone. That's why you need me. You don't want to be alone. That's not living. You need people who know you. And you're scared I could be that person."

The Professor stood stiffly as he listened. The words were acknowledged but them man seemed to be taking his time processing. "And what of you Mr. Emerson? How is it you have come to understand? You know me, yet I know nothing of you. Is there any truth to your past?

"What of me? That's a good question. What of me? I don't know. I never know. If I knew, I wouldn't be here. I wish I could tell someone. But, I can't. I CAN'T. I can't do anything. Not without a reason. You professor are a difficult man, but you know what, I know you can't help it, that it's your shield to protect you from the hurt and the pain." Merlin began pacing, running his hands through his hair. "Do you know how hard it was to even say those words? I can't. A simple phrase, but it has so many answers. I can see you, desperately wanting to put down your barriers to let someone in. You just don't know how. But let me tell you something. When I say I can't, I am letting you in. I am telling you there is more to the story than I say, but I can't tell you. If I didn't trust you with my secret why would I say it? That's what you wanted isn't it? To have a friend, to have someone know the side of you no one else does. I'm trying. I really am. But you're making this very hard. I can't tell you the answers you want, but I am telling you that you are not wrong and that you are not alone."

Merlin shook with frustration, anxiety, rage and his own desperation. He couldn't have this backfire. He needed a friend. Someone who knew there was more to him. He needed reassurance that this was the right thing to do. Severus Snape was the only person who could begin to understand. He would never fully know him to a full extent, but if he could just know him enough, then life itself would have a purpose outside of destiny.

The emotions were too much. He needed a release. He headed for the door, pausing briefly to look back and answering the previous question about his past. "My mother and father's names were Hunith and Balinor. My uncle's name was Gauis. All of them are dead." With that he walked out the door, destination, the Forbidden Forest.

~:/\:~

Severus Snape stood still. He couldn't afford to move or else reality may sink in. How could that have just happened? All he had wanted to do was remind Myron of his tutoring session that evening. Now what? Would the boy even show up?

At that moment that was the least of his worries. He had been right all along. There had been more to the boy than what met the eye, but he had never expected him to outright admit it. There were no words to explain how he felt.

Originally he had only brought Myron front and center, considering it as a reward. But as he watched him, it became apparent to him that it was more than that. The boy couldn't be taught. Instead he must learn to teach. Severus wasn't quite sure how it came to him, but it made sense. Myron was too clever, even for someone who was advanced. He needed a new kind of learning. He needed to be tested. But even that proved not to be enough.

The mystery of Myron Emerson had eluded him. He analyzed the boy thoroughly, trying to figure out the truth. Something just wasn't right.

He had planned the whole thing out, with questions of the founders, trying to draw him into a trap to discover hidden puzzle pieces. But then he broke. Myron broke. It was unexpected and yet it was what he wanted. The boy let him in, he opened himself up, only to tell him what exactly? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And still, it was everything.

Two simple words. That was all he said. "I can't." It echoed through his mind. How could those words have so much meaning? They gave him a closer look at the boy. He was fragile, like a glass vase wobbling on a countertop, hoping that when he fell there would be someone to catch him before he shattered. And he had chosen him. Severus Snape. The man who he trusted with his secret. I can't.

Once again he had seen through the professor's charade. Myron Emerson was far too observant. The potions master had thought he was hiding. Oh, he was so very wrong. Myron Emerson was alone and wounded at the center of the battle field, waving his white flag, waiting for someone to find him. In a moment of desperation he had shot up a flare and the professor had seen him for the first time.

The change was automatic. As he put down his weapons Severus could see the severity of his wounds. The pain, the suffering, the longing, it was all there. But once the professor saw him, it was as if his wounds began to mend themselves. The sun rose and dawn broke as light began to shine and life began anew, just like the start of the new day.

It was beautiful and miraculous how one look could change everything. He could see. There was joy there, a joy so pure, like none he had ever seen. It was the joy of a child, the carefree peace. It made the man who knew nothing of friendship want to smile. It made him feel warm. It made his own passions resurface.

As Myron stood at the center of the field, rising up, ready to run into the sun, his joy seemed to falter as shackles held him steady. He tried to move, to crawl, to jump, but it was useless. He couldn't do anything. And in that moment, the professor understood the significance behind the words Myron spoke.

They were the words of a fallen soldier, passion burning, desire and drive ready to take them to any lengths, but there was more. They were the words of a comrade left alone by force, lonely because he had to be and because he could not escape.

As Professor Snape turned back to the imagery in his mind, a replica of the manifested emotions apparent in Myron's eyes, he could see the sun setting, the day ending, the dark clouds rolling in. Materializing before Myron was a key, the key to his shackles, and yet he resigned himself to a look of longing as the sun disappeared. The key remained, but it sat there, unmoving in the palm of his hand.

When Myron's eyes met his at last all Severus could feel was pain. Again, he got it wrong. Myron wasn't trapped. He had a choice, one the professor couldn't grasp. Myron chose to stay despite his misery.

Pulling his arm back, he through the key. It thudded on against the ground in front of the professor. Before he could react, the words of one so old, one so ancient, thundered in his mind. I can't.

And just like that, the vision faded. He was in his classroom, and Myron Emerson neared the door. Before he could say a word, Myron spoke. . "My mother and father's names were Hunith and Balinor. My uncle's name was Gauis. All of them are dead."

Leaving him with an answer to his earlier question the professor was silenced. He was caught off guard, beaten at his own game, and forced to reevaluate the entire situation. On top of that still remained the secret Myron could not tell.

Thinking of the imagery of the battlefield he created in his head, Professor Snape wondered why Myron chose to live his life trapped within shackles. What were the consequences of his freedom?

That was the most disturbing thought of all.

~:/\:~

Merlin felt as if a great weight had been lifted from him as he raced towards his sanctuary. As he raced through the trees, Merlin absorbed the vibrant energy of the magic in the atmosphere. For just a moment, he would allow himself to relish in his burst of euphoria.

Through his bond with his kin, Merlin continued on to where he knew Kilgharrah was waiting expectantly. He danced through the trees riding out his high. The world seemed brighter. The trees were greener, the sky bluer, the forest teeming with life. It was beautiful. Merlin wished everyone could see the world the way he saw it in that moment.

Rounding the corner, Merlin broke through to the clearing and skidded to a halt. In front of him was Kilgharrah with a look of utmost fury. He had seldom seen the dragon so enraged. Suddenly the world became duller. "How dare you!" The implication caught him off guard.

"How dare I?"

"Your destiny is nearly upon you and you think it wise to begin with honesty! You must stay hidden!" The dragon roared in his fury, thrashing his wings as he chastised Merlin.

"I have not revealed anything of importance."

"But you have caused suspicion." At that comment Merlin huffed. He had been in such a pleasant mood.

"Suspicion? Do you think I have not caused 'suspicion' before? How is it that every year I time I return the ghosts pester me about my origins, and yet the second a mortal becomes 'suspicious' I have committed a crime!"

"Morgana."

"What about her?"

"You predict her return and yet you go out of the way to draw attention to yourself. These are perilous times that should not be tampered by your desires for relations! You cannot trust anyone." Kilgharrah spoke harshly, but the reality of his situation began to sink in. Was he wrong to have opened up to the potions master? No. Merlin didn't regret his actions.

Over time Merlin came to realize the wisdom of the Great Dragon was to be valued, but not to pass without speculation. His advice, though useful, was influenced by centuries of experience. It was a tainted message, opinions stated as facts, designed to persuade the recipient in the path of the dragon's particular choosing.

This did not mean there was no validity to the words he spoke. Much of his wisdom was applicable to situations and should be taken to heart, but one must learn to weed out his personal judgment. This was one of those times.

"I trust him."

It was as simple as that. For some odd reason, Merlin found himself drawn to the potions master. They shared a unique bond, nothing like the one he had with Arthur, but it was a comfort to have. Despite the adversity of their friendship, Merlin saw getting to know Severus Snape a worthwhile risk. He trusted him.

"Then you are foolish."

"How so?" Merlin argued. "If I trust him then why can you not accept my judgment? He will not reveal my secrets."

"How can you be sure?" The Dragon's eyes bored into his own, but Merlin met it with a level glare.

"I'm sure." The glare lingered another few moments before Kilgharrah nodded.

"Very well. It seems there will be no swaying you with this decision, but be wary. You put more than yourself at risk. If Morgana rises and discovers your identity, do not doubt she will use your friends against you. The witch must be stopped. Do not be blinded by your interactions from your purpose. I will leave it up to you then, but you must fulfill your destiny, no matter the cost. You must remember that for everything you gain, you must be able to move on in face of its loss."

With that, Kilgharrah flew away, leaving Merlin to mull over the implications. Befriending his guarded professor had not seemed this troubling before. However, after the dragon's warnings Merlin realized the truth. He would have something to lose. No matter how meaningful his friendship may be, no matter the sacrifice, he must not fail destiny. Arthur was his priority. He couldn't let anything stop him. Was it worth making a friend? Was it worth it if it meant he had to lose them?

After considering this for a moment Merlin came to the more pressing question. If he could have real friends would he still be willing to give it all up for Arthur? The answer was yes. It made him sad that he could answer this without hesitation. Yes, he would sacrifice his friends for Arthur. Even Severus Snape.

His connection to the professor was strong, but Arthur was his other half. Severus and Merlin could relate to each other on a level most would not understand. They each suffered and lived wearing lives. Merlin needed this understanding. The guilt was close to unbearable, knowing the position this put the professor in, but he was going to be selfish. Merlin was going to risk someone else's life for his own greed. Arthur wasn't there to be his rock, so now Merlin needed someone to keep him sane. Knowing the possibilities of the fate he was condemning the man to was almost as painful as having no one to talk to. Almost.

He needed the professor. He would take the risk. But he was willing to give it all up. For Arthur he would give up everything.

That was one thing the Dragon didn't need to remind him of.

~:/\:~

When Merlin entered the Slytherin common room he was startled by the commotion. There was no clear path to his dormitory. While he stood there debating how to get through, a figure pushed himself out of the crowd. Draco huffed in annoyance as he made his way to him.

"What took you so long?! I thought he just wanted to talk to you about tutoring. You were gone for hours!"

"I'm sorry. There was a lot of material he wanted me to review before our session." The lie flowed naturally from his lips.

"I'll say. If this becomes routine you're going to have a hell of a year. Literally."

"Tell me about it." Merlin sighed. "I still have to go back later tonight for the actual session."

"Good luck." Draco patted him on the back as he spoke, his words laced with sarcasm.

"Hey, what's all this fuss about? I've never seen so many people gathered in the common room before." Draco stared at him wide eyed.

"You haven't heard?"

"Heard what?"

"Dumbledore announced the start of nominations for the tri wizard tournament. The upper classmen over there," he points towards the lounge area beside the fire place, "are fighting over which one of them will be chosen as the Hogwarts competitor. Right there," Draco shifts his gaze towards a group of first years running frantically around with lists in their hands, "are the 'spies' some of the nominees enlisted to scout out their competition. Those lists have names of everyone they have seen put their name in the goblet. And right there," he turns around to face a group of giggling girls, "well, that's the fan club."

"That is quite a system you have going here."

"You? Oh no, no, no. You're part of this too."

"I don't really see how I fit in…" Merlin stood there looking for other fourth years. He saw none.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Follow me." Grabbing his wrist, Merlin was dragged through the crowd. About half way through Merlin stumbled and fell. His clumsiness was a curse.

"Ouch." Merlin lifted himself up while Draco laughed.

"If you were in the tourney, I swear, you wouldn't last a day with those two left feet." Merlin grinned.

"What can I say, I'd definitely be the one to watch."

"I'm sure you would sweep the competition off their feet."

"I can't help it if they fall for me. I'm irresistible." Merlin winked.

"You're an idiot." Draco turned to continue walking. Merlin stood frozen in his tracks. The last person that called him an idiot was Arthur. Merlin blocked the incoming memories from consuming him. Now was not the time.

After shoving through the rest of the crowd, Merlin made it to his dormitory where his friend entered. Following the boy, he made his way up the stairs. Their room was no better than the rest of the commons. "What's going on in here?" he asked looking around at the mass of people.

"This is what we are doing." Draco stated blankly.

"And that would be what exactly?"

"Figuring out a way to override the age limit to put our names in as nominations!" Blaize stepped forward proudly. Behind him Pansy Parkinson appeared and added on.

"It's not fair we are not given the opportunity to take part. Age is just a number. If we find a way to override the system we can prove ourselves. Why shouldn't we have eternal glory!" The other fourth years cheered. "So, are you going to help us?" Everyone looked to him expectantly. The question was sudden. Merlin could barely comprehend the change of atmosphere.

After his moment of silence he was nudged by Draco's elbow. "You are supposed to say yes."

Merlin looked at his friend. "You want me to help you cheat?" He spoke still trying to register what was going on.

"It's not cheating! It's just… bending the rules."

"For glory? Riches? Power?" Merlin shook his head disgusted by the greed of his peers. This was something he felt strongly about. "No. I won't do it."

Pansy glared at him mouth agape. "Are you stupid or something? The point of being in a house is to help your house. You're a Slytherin. Get your act together and behave like one!"

"Tell me then, how is a Slytherin supposed to act?" Merlin asked calmly.

Pansy was silent for a moment, stunned by the fact he was even trying to challenge her verdict. Among the crowd various voices vocalized the "traits" of a Slytherin.

"Slytherins are manipulative." "Slytherins keep secrets." "Slytherins are ambitious and destined for greatness." The last voice to pitch in made Merlin's heart sink. "Slytherins take initiative to get the things they want. We don't let anyone stand in the way of our goals. Myron, you are a Slytherin. You should work with us, not against us." Draco finished leaving the room in agreement.

"How can you think that? How can you possibly think that's what Slytherin is?" The pity in his voice was evident. The sound was foreign to them as the majority lived privileged lives. "You wonder why people don't respect you? Have some respect for yourself. Slytherin is so much more than what you are seeing. Slytherin is where those with the potential to accomplish great things are placed. It is not a birthright. Slytherin is for hard workers, people who push themselves to achieve their goals. It's for leaders to learn, for the driven, but most importantly, it is for the lost. So many of you came to Hogwarts blinded by the expectations of others. To be accepted, you must fit the mold created for you. The joy you feel when you make the people you value proud is unlike any other. It makes things feel right. It makes you seem justified."

People in the room shifted, diverting their gazes away from Merlin's intense gaze. They waited in silence for him to continue.

"Every one of you in this house has a different reason for being here, but I can guarantee, each of you felt lost before finding a new home here. If you want to compare us to other houses, fine. Ravenclaws are known for their wit, Hufflepuffs for their hard work and honesty, Gryffindors for their bravery and courage, but us? No one has just one answer. We have all of this and that's what makes us unique. When you were lost, you found each other. You are constantly surrounded by individuals of vast talents and are pushed to become better as a result. You challenge yourself to be better because you want it. You are ambitious. That is what Slytherin is. This is a house of morals, values, friendship, trust, loyalty, and understanding. This is a family. You overlook each other's differences for kinship. This is what we are. How can you take this and turn it into a quest for greed and riches? You turn yourselves against one another when the common goal cannot be shared by all. If one of you wins will the rest support that person in their accomplishment or just be mad it isn't them? Besides that, do you know how dangerous this is? People have died! Are you really willing to sacrifice your life for the sake of attempted glory?" As he spoke his voice rose. When he reached the end he recomposed himself and talked softer. "My point is, you are only doing yourself a disservice by attempting this. Think of the consequences if you succeed. Or if it helps, think of the shame you will feel if you fail."

Merlin had no idea how his impromptu speech on morals and values would affect his peers. Perhaps he had overdone it, but he had promised Salazar. He had to stick to his beliefs. He did what had to be done.

The moment was surreal. One minute he was arguing with Kilgharrah in the Forbidden Forest, the next he was lecturing a class of arrogant and greedy Slytherins.

In front of him, Pansy Parkinson tried to speak, but as she moved her lips no words came out. Several others imitated this, but could not find it within themselves to make a suitable argument to challenge the words of the great orator.

The first to find their voice was Draco. "Ok." Heads whipped up upon his response.

Finally regaining herself Pansy rebutted. "Ok? How can you be ok with this! He insulted us!"

"I-" Merlin was cut off.

"No he didn't." Draco stepped forward defending his friend. "He's right. Look at us. We don't need glory or riches, not like that. Don't you get it? We are already winners! Perhaps we were once misfits in our own way, but look at us now. We improve each other's strengths, we break boundaries and exceed limits. Slytherin is the best house! Look how easily we can undermine other houses, because of our talents. They may want what we have, but we have the ability to take what we want because we have earned it. It is not a right. We have worked hard to get here! Who needs the goblet when we have this. Supreme superiority. I think we all should thank Myron for shedding light on this!" Everyone in the dormitory roared in cheers while Merlin stood dumbfounded.

"That's not what I-"

"Let's hear it for Myron!" Blaize jeered. The applause got louder. Merlin didn't understand. He thought he had been very clear.

After the room settled Pansy spoke again. "I'm sorry Myron. I must have misunderstood you. For a moment there I thought you were betraying us. Now I know I was wrong. I had never thought of Slytherin like that until now. So thanks I guess, for the insight."

"What? That's not what-"

"Hey Myron!" Blaize shouted. "Great speech. It was really motivating. You should come to our Quidditch games this season and give the team a pep talk!"

"Why would I-"

"Myron, where did you learn to give a speech like that?" Merlin didn't recognize the person talking beside him. "Actually, I have this project-"

"Myron-" "Myron." "Hey over here!" voices called his name everywhere. What had he done! Another voice chimed behind him.

"Myron-"

"What!" Merlin turned towards Draco who jumped back startled. Seeing his friend, Merlin relaxed.

"Uh, don't you have tutoring now?" Merlin looked at the time.

"Oh no, no, no, No!" He breathed running his hand through his hair. "I'm late. I have to go!" He looked around at his classmates who spoke to one another with exuberance. "Uhhh, we can talk later! Sorry! Bye!" He yelled as he pushed his way out the door of the dormitory. Getting out of the common room was even harder, but once he reached the exit he sprinted all the way to the dungeons.

Panting he flung the door open and slammed it into the wall. He entered, trying to catch his breath. The professor sat at his desk reading the same book he had been earlier. "I'm sorry… I'm late… I just… got held up… in the common room." His sentence came out in fragments.

"I didn't think you were going to show up." The potions master spoke, his eyes never once leaving the worn parchment.

"Why wouldn't I?" Merlin regained control of his breathing.

"You do not acknowledge our, exchange, from earlier?" His eyes stayed glued to the book.

"Oh that? Well I've said and done worse things. I told you the truth, I'm not the person I seem, but I can't tell you who I am or my reasons. It's said and done. You can either waste time holding a grudge or trying to figure out more about me, which by the way- you won't, or you can attempt to teach me something I don't know, although I admit that may be a challenge."

Finally the Professor Snape set the book down and lifted his gaze. "You will find Mr. Emerson, I am exceptional at overcoming challenges."

"Well you're awfully confident. But, I will tell you Professor, you have never had a challenge quite like me."

A small smirk formed on the potions master's face. "I am not one to procrastinate difficult work."

"Then let's get started." Merlin responded and gave the man his cheeky grin.

"I will be the one giving the orders around here Mr. Emerson." The professor stalked towards him. Merlin's smile widened.

"Oh, no. That's part of the challenge."

Both teacher and student glared at each other, silent questions hanging in the air between them.

Who was the teacher? Who was the student?

~:/\:~

Thank You everyone so much for being patient with me. It has been difficult finding time to write and I apologize for any future delays. Just know I haven't forgotten about this story and I will continue until it is complete!

I hope you enjoyed it!