And I'm back! My muse went insane, so here you go!

I moved the Yule dance up, so that it isn't actually happening on Christmas. Because I can.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN I NEED TO HAVE A DATE!" Merlin floundered for a moment at Professor McGonagall's unperturbed face.

"If you were paying attention, Mr. Potter, you would have heard that every champion has to have a date for the ball, and will participate in the dances."

She sighed, and tapped her quill on the desk, "However, as your house at the moment does not have a Head of House, I can teach you to dance if it is necessary."

"No!" Merlin jumped up, waving his hands wildly, "No, no, I'm good, dancing, I can do that, no worries."

McGonagall raised an eyebrow at his theatrics, but nodded, "Dancing. Date. The times will be settled in the near future, now move along Mr. Potter."

Merlin nodded, and left the room, and immediately was accosted by a sniggering Arthur.

"Shut up," Merlin growled, and walked away, Arthur trailing behind him.

"Oh, no, this is great, this is fantastic," Arthur laughed loudly, "Poor, poor, Merlin, having to attend a formal function. Oh gods, I remember how atrocious you were at those before. Oh, remember what happened the first time you had to officially had to go to a ball!"

Merlin grumbled, and stomped away towards their common room, Arthur still sniggering.

A loud shout stopped them in their tracks, and Isolde rushed towards them, her eyes gleaming wickedly, "Vhy Harry, I could hear your voice from down the hall!"

Merlin groaned, and Isolde smiled wider, grabbing his arm and tugging him along, "None of that, Merlin," she whispered, "now, ask me to be your date for the dance."

Merlin choked on a breath and Arthur froze.

"What?" Arthur whispered harshly, ignoring the strange looks their group was getting.

"It makes sense, doesn't it! Then Merlin doesn't have to worry about a date, and I don't have to worry about any little boys pining over me, because he knows I'm taken."

Arthur blinked for a couple seconds, before sighing and running a hand through his hair, "That does make more sense, and at least you can make sure he doesn't act like a fool."

Isolde nodded and turned to Merlin,"Vell?"

Merlin sighed, and then took a breathe, "Well then,Fleur, would you like to go to the ball with me?"

"But of course!" Fleur gushed, and everyone who was standing around them heard it, and turned to stare.

She winked at Arthur, who was scowling, and gave Merlin a light peck on the cheek, "Ve should practice the dance as well."

She flounced away.

Merlin kept his face blank until they reached the common room, but then he collapsed onto the floor.

"Oh stop being so dramatic, Merlin," Arthur droned ,and dragged his body over to the rug.

"If I run away, do you think they will be able to catch me?" Merlin spoke into the carpet.

Arthur sighed and plopped down next to Merlin, resting his head on the small of Merlin's back.

"Maybe not, but if you went, then everyone here would follow you, and you know that Gwaine cannot be discreet."

Merlin gave a muffled snort.

A peaceful silence filled the room, and Merlin let the sounds of the fire rustling in the fireplace take over his thoughts.

'"I expect Lancelot to ask Gwen," Arthur spoke, not moving from his spot.

Merlin turned his head over, but he couldn't really see Arthur from the angle he was at.

"Does that bother you?"

He heard Arthur give out a small sigh, "No, not really, I mean...we both know that if he was still alive last time, she would have chosen him, and even after the marriage it was really..."

"You always were just friends after that, huh?" Merlin questioned, and he felt Arthur nod against his back.

There was silence for a longer time this time, but once again Arthur broke through it, "And I mean, this is a fresh start, we don't have to do things the same way we did last time."

Merlin hummed, "Yeah, this time, we can do it right..."

The fire crackled in the hearth, and Merlin spoke quietly, " I wonder...if we can save them this time, Mordred and Morgana..."

Arthur turned so his cheek was resting on Merlin's back, and Merlin felt a hand grip his shoulder, "We can try, but Merlin..."

"I know, I know.." Merlin muttered, but Arthur continued anyway.

"If we can't, then you must get it through that damn head of yours that it wasn't your fault."

Merlin stayed silent, and Arthur rolled back over, "Idiot."

"Yeah."

Silence went on for a while longer, and Merlin felt his eyes slowly starting to close.

"Who do you think Percival is going to take with him?" Arthur spoke quietly, not knocking Merlin out of his calm mood.

"... that is a very good question."

"Gwaine will probably go with a bottle of rum," Arthur smiled, and he felt Merlin's back move with silent laughter.

"Or an apple!" Merlin continued, "What about you?"

Arthur shrugged, "I'll just go on my own, no reason to pander about."

Merlin hummed again, and then turned his head to give Arthur a look, "You do know Pansy has been stalking you for like, three days, yes? I thought it was just her normal thing, but now I realize..."

He laughed as Arthur blanched, and closed his eyes. "No. Just no."

"Oh, whatever shall we do," Merlin sighed dramatically, "The scion of House Malfoy is without a date, oh woe, the nobility has fallen."

"Shut UP MERLIN!"

~~.~~

Merlin sighed and stretched, tilting his head back and forth.

He had gone to the library to try to find more on pureblood wizard customs, Arthur had nagged him enough to feel like he should get some of them down before the actual ball.

He had the book he was reading resting on a large pile, when a small voice disturbed his reading.

"Harry?"

Merlin looked up to find Hermione staring down at him, a large book in her hands as well.

"Oh, hello Hermione, how are you?"

Hermione bit her lip, and then nodded to the seat next to him, "Can...can I join you?"

Merlin was become more and more confused by the minute, "...sure?"

She sat down and opened her book, and they both studied in silence for a time.

Madame Pince walked over and gave them both a look, before nodding her head in approval and returning to her desk.

"How...how are you?" Hermione spoke quietly into the tome.

Merlin looked up from his to stare at her, but she wouldn't meet his eyes, "...fine, I guess."

She nodded, and peeked up, then took a breath, "You...I just...we haven't talked in a while..."

Merlin shrugged, and closed his book, "Well...you were busy, with S.P.E.W., and I had...there was stuff going on," he rubbed a hand through his hair.

She nodded, and placed her book on the desk, "And you..joined a new house...after the first task."

Merlin was getting seriously weirded out by Hermione at that moment, "Are you feeling ok? I mean, usually you would be badgering me about how I defeated the dragon, or the House rumors?"

Hermione looked up at him, then down at her book, before blurting out suddenly, "I'm sorry!"

Merlin stared his mouth hanging open, but Hermione continued on, "I'm so sorry, Harry...I just...lost track of things when I was researching, and then I didn't even realize what was going on, and the the first task happened and you walked out there, and I was so worried that you were going to die! And then I was going to talk to you in the common room, but Ron said those awful things, and then you just disappeared, and then you showed up with Malfoy and I was so confused, and you were always sitting with Seamus, and you never came down for meals..."

Hermione trailed off with a blush, and hid her face with her hair.

Merlin stared at her with an amused look, "Hey, Hermione?"

Hermione peeked up over her bangs, her her face full of concern and regret.

Merlin smiled, "How are things going with S.P.E.W. ?"

Hermione looked at him with shock for a few moments, before a smile swept across her face.

"Well...I've been doing research on how long house elves have been forced to work for wizards and..."

The next two hours were spent researching and arguing over a number of topics, and Merlin and Hermione relaxed back in each others company.

"I'm actually really surprised, Harry, " Hermione spoke with a questioning look in her eyes, "I never expected to see you down in the library...I mean..."

Merlin laughed, "You mean that I was always a lazy student who never seemed to do his own homework, and even then, only what was necessary."

Hermione flushed, and nodded.

Merlin shook his head with amusement, "Things changed...drastically."

Hermione looked at him again, "You've really changed, haven't you?"

"Is this where you went off too?" A loud voice stopped it from being necessary for Merlin to answer.

Arthur sat at the other side of the table, giving both of them a strange look.

Merlin grinned, "Yup, actually, you can probably help with this topic, too, we are discussing house elves."

Hermione was frozen in shock, and look from one boy to the other.

Arthur gave Merlin a 'what do you think you are doing look', but Merlin ignored it.

"Harry?" Hermione looked over at Merlin, and Merlin bit down on his lip to hide a grin, and then looked up pleadingly at Malfoy.

"Pleaaaaaase?" Merlin grinned, and Arthur groaned.

"You want to...she has to swear," Arthur sighed and waved a hand as Merlin's face lighted up.

Merlin grinned, and then turned sheepishly towards a staring Hermione, "Ummm...well..ah..."

Arthur groaned and stood up, "If you are going to do this, lets go to the common room."

Merlin nodded, and stood as well, turning towards Hermione, "Come on!"

"Harry Potter, what in the world?!" Hermione followed the two of them out of the library, and to the portrait.

Arthur walked through without a backwards glance, and Hermione stared at the portrait with interest pulling at her every inch.

Merlin bit his lip, "I...I need you to make a wizard's oath, Hermione, that whatever you learn in here you can't tell anyone until I say it is ok."

Hermione looked at him in utter shock, "But...but what if I need to tell a teacher or-"

"Snape knows," Merlin cut her off, and laughed at the utter look of shock on her face, "So you can talk to him I guess."

"Harry, do you really think-"

Merlin cut her off again, speaking quietly, "There is a very good reason this needs to be kept quiet, please, Hermione."

Hermione looked at him for a time, worrying her lip, before sighing, and taking out her wand,

A few words later, and they both passed through the portrait.

Hermione stopped in complete and utter shock.

"But..but that is..."

"The Round Table," Merlin smiled, and then went to sit on one of the chairs.

"Honestly, I'm surprised people don't realize who we are just based off of the emblem on our ties!" Gwaine walked through the room, and smiled, "Well, well, well! Shortie has brought back a girl, 'ello Hermione!"

"Emblem?" Hermione turned to look at him, and froze, "That...that wasn't there before...that is the..."

"Emblem of House Pendragon," Arthur spoke, leaning against the doorway to the training room.

Merlin mused, "Maybe there is a spell like a notice-me-not on it..."

Hermione's eyes were bugging out of her head, "What..but..."

Merlin grinned, and motioned her towards a seat that she shakily took.

"I can't wait to hear this," Gwaine murmured, and Arthur nodded his agreement.

Merlin glared at the two of them, before turning back to Hermione, whose eyes were scanning the bookshelves in awe, "So...ah, in um, all of your studies have you perchance read anything about reincarnation?"

Hermione spoke quickly, "It doesn't exist, there was research done on whether souls would be able to be saved through time, and all that people could find was a major deterioration. It would destroy any previous thoughts and memories, and even the person was reincarnated they wouldn't remember..." She broke off and her eyes widened.

Gwaine laughed, "Well, looks like Merlin broke something again."

Arthur snorted, and Merlin turned to glare at both of them.

"Yes, thank you Gwaine, your insight, as always, is extremely useful!" He growled, and turned back to Hermione.

"Well, then straight to the point I guess, I'm Merlin."

Hermione huffed, and stood, "Harry, I thought you were being serious. If this is some kind of joke-"

"Upastige draca" Merlin spoke with a smile, and Hermione froze as a dragon of fire flew around the room, lighted upon Merlin's shoulder, and then slowly vanished.

"You...you..." Hermione's mouth opened and closed.

Arthur gave a quiet laugh, "You really do like your dragons, don't you, Merlin?"

Merlin smiled, and Hermione finally spoke.

"Dragonlord...that was why the dragon didn't...but the last known Dragonlord was..."

"Merlin," Arthur finished for her, "If you would like, I bet the centaurs could even tell he was Emrys."

Hermione's eyes flashed as she quickly shifted thought, "But...Harry..if you are Merlin then..." She whirled around to stare at Arthur in shock, "No, that can't be right, Arthur was supposedly the greatest king ever!"

Merlin let out a cackle, "Oh, well, he ended up that way, but in the beginning he was just a prat!"

"Thank you, Merlin," Arthur sighed, and then rubbed a hand through his hair.

"Hermione, I owe you a thousand apologies, for how I was before. I know that is wont make up for the things I said or did, but I need you to know that I will never act like that again."

Hermione slowly let herself fall back into her seat, "...well...now I'm convinced."

Merlin let out a laugh, and then straightened as Hermione glared at him, "But how is this even possible? Reincarnation can't...and...what happened to Harry then?"

Arthur shook his head, "Honestly, Merlin is so powerful he breaks every kind of rule on magic, I mean, look, he survived the killing curse and all, you must have seen things that he did that just didn't seem possible right?"

Hermione nodded, looking contemplative.

"And as for your second point," Merlin smiled, "You could say that Harry was always Merlin...I just grew up really quick is all."

"Getting into bad situations without even trying," Leon poked his head from around the corner.

"Always sticking his nose into everyone's business," Gwen sat down next to Hermione.

"Some how surviving even though no one expected it," Gwaine added, with a large grin.

"Yes, yes, thank you, you are all too kind," Merlin grumbled, and Hermione stifled a giggle.

Suddenly, a dangerous gleam filled her eyes, and she shot in her seat, "Tell me everything."

Merlin groaned, and rubbed his head, while Arthur hid a laugh.

"What!" Hermione huffed, her face rouging, "When has anyone else had the opportunity to ask MERLIN about the wizarding world!"

"And you can ask Arthur about Camelot, too," Merlin pointed out, and Hermione nearly started hyperventilating.

" 'ello, everyone! Vhat is...oh someone new!" Isolde rushed through the door, followed by a confused looking Percival.

Arthur sighed, "Well then, let's do introductions."

~~.~~

Hermione stayed for a while longer, and Lancelot came in halfway through her interrogation, which set off a whole new round of extremely awkward questions.

She left after dinner, but Merlin had to swear to meet up with her again to have another question and answer session.

Arthur shook his head at the amusement that seemed to veil Merlin completely, it seemed having one of his friends from this life around would be good for him as well.

"Sire?" A quiet voice made him drift out of his thoughts, and he gestured an sheepish looking Lancelot over.

"Yes Lancelot?" Arthur cocked his head, and Lancelot sighed out.

"Well, Sire...I was wondering if I could have your permission-"

"If she says yes, then of course," Arthur grinned at Lancelot's taken aback expression.

Arthur looked at the fire, and then smiled, "It is pretty obvious Lancelot, even last time, that if you had been there, things would have ended up a lot different."

"Sire, I-"

Arthur held up a hand, and Lancelot closed his mouth, "Things are different this time around, and in the end, she and I were just friends. So yes, go, with my blessing, and if you don't I will set Merlin on you."

Lancelot let out a small laugh, and dipped into a bow, "Yes, your highness."

Arthur shook his hand, with an imperious look on his face, and Lancelot laughed as he went to go find Gwen.

As he left the room, though, he turned and gave Arthur a look, "I'm sure it will work out for you as well, Sire."

Arthur flushed and glared at his retreating back.

~~.~~

Merlin laid on the ground of the training room, which had been turned into an impromptu ball room dancing hall.

The holidays had started two days before, and Arthur had had to go home, it seemed he had special permission to go to and from the school for the day. The prat.

Merlin, Isolde, Lancelot, and Gwen, had taken to practicing dancing in the training room to prepare, and then Hermione and Percival joined them as well.

Percival's face when the both of them had come done had caused Merlin to go into hysterics, and then get repeatedly cursed by Hermione.

He let the curses stay for a while, he might have deserved it.

Hermione was having an amazing time learning all about Camelot, and all the insane things they had done. Merlin was positive some of his stories made her completely despair, which was enjoyable to watch.

He mused that he was lucky she was a muggle born, because if she had been born to a wizarding family and found out...

He shivered, and rolled across the floor.

"...ry, Harry, Merlin!" a voice broke him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see Hermione staring down at him with an amused look.

"Yeeeeeeeeees?" Merlin drawled out the word, and flipped over to see her properly.

She looked at him for a time, and then let out a giggle, "Sometimes I still can't believe that you are actually Merlin..."

"What, didn't expect the almighty warlock to roll on the floor?" Merlin quipped back, and Hermione let out a huff.

"No, not especially, come on, everyone else is getting ready, and apparently as I am the...newest here, it is my duty to try to get you ready."

"We usually make Arthur do it, " Gwaine spoke from nearby where he was lounged against the wall, eating an apple, "but the princess isn't here, so Merlin is slacking off."

Merlin let out an aggrieved sigh, but flinched at Hermione's stare, "You and Gwen are tyrants."

Hermione huffed, and left, with Merlin trailing behind her.

All of them gathered near the front of the common room, and gave each other looks over.

Merlin had found, instead of the robes that Mrs. Weasley had given him, one of his formal court robes that he had used at one stupid celebration or another in Camelot.

They were long dark blue sleeveless robes, with hints of gold trim along the edges. There was a large sash around the middle, that was gold as well, and underneath the robe went a long undershirt of a deep red. The tunic had matching golden trim as well, and if one looked close enough, they could see that it was actually spells woven into the fabric for protection.

It had been a gift from the druids on the second anniversary of magic being allowed back in Camelot.

Isolde was wearing a dress in matching blue, with red flowers that went over her shoulder a accent. Merlin had made a small golden flowered corsage for her to wear as well.

Lancelot had used his normal dress robes, but had accented his outfit with a red overcoat, as had most of the other former knights.

Gwen was wearing a flowing red gown, with a high neck. It had large sleeved that went down to her wrists, and a corset of gold, with trailing beads down the rest of the dress.

Krum was wearing what must have been the formal wear from his school, but it matched so well with the others that there was no need to change it. Hermione was wearing a flowing pink gown, with a layered skirt, and had a small golden necklace with a dragon on it to match with the rest.

"You know...they might think this is some kind of conspiracy..." Merlin muttered, and Gwaine laughed.

"Zey vill think nothing except jealousy, Merlin," Isolde then laid her hand out, and Merlin smiled and extended his own, "My lady."

"They trained you well, Merlin, "Leon grinned, and then hid at the glares he received.

"Well, then, let's go," Lancelot smiled, and they headed down towards the ball room.

Merlin sighed at the response of the crowds that cluttered around the door, people looking for their partners, and they moved quietly through the crowd.

People stared at them as they entered as one, and were then shepherded forward by Professor McGonagall.

Gwen smiled, and then turned to wink at Merlin, "Same as always."

Merlin huffed out a laugh, and then stood straight as the doors opened, and people began to enter the hall.

They greeted people politely, and made small talk as people shuffled into the hall.

Merlin wasn't sure which of them was getting the most odd looks, but he continued to smile throughout the entire process.

Isolde suddenly called his attention to something, and he turned to speak to her. This happened just as Ron Weasley walked into the ballroom, and quickly moved through when he caught the looks on Lancelot's, Gwen's, and Percival's faces.

Hermione hid a knowing smile.

After everyone had gone into the hall, the champions followed in pairs to the head table,where they sat with the judges and other ministry folk. Merlin looked up to see Percy drawing out a chair and looking at him pointedly.

'...fine,' Merlin thought, and he moved to sit next to Percy, drawing out the chair for Isolde before he sat himself.

Percy began speaking to Merlin about his promotion in work, and Merlin nodded at him, and spoke politely.

"I'm surprised to see Mr. Crouch isn't here, " Merlin interrupted Percy's diatribe.

"Percy huffed and shook his head, "I'm afraid to say that Mr. Crouch isn't well, not well at all. Hasn't been right since the world cup." Percy continued on, but soon Merlin was able to look away, and see Isolde giggling at his pain.

He quickly ordered the roast from the menu, and then he and Isolde discussed the difference between their schools as the rest of the people dug into their food as well.

"I must say, that this is truly an interesting bunch of champions," Mr. Bagman spoke loudly, and Merlin chuckled, causing everyone to look at him, "Well sir, it just seems we ended up getting along after all being thrown together."

The champions laughed along, and Lancelot spoke with a grin, "Yeah, it feels like I have known these guys for years."

"I think ve were all meant to meet," Isolde added as well, and the rest of the group regally tried to hold in their giggles.

Soon after they finished the meal, they all moved to the dance floor, and it was some time later that Isolde and Merlin took time to sit down and watch the rest of the students and teachers dance.

"I must say I'm surprised you haven't tripped yet," a voice drawled from behind him, causing Merlin to whirl around.

"Art-Draco! I didn't see you come in!" Merlin huffed, and Draco let out a small laugh.

He settled next to Merlin, and lounged in the chair, looking as if he belonged there.

Merlin shook his head, and gave a small laugh. He was honestly wearing almost the same formal outfit he did in Camelot, only without the chainmail.

"My parents wouldn't let me bring a sword, either," he spoke, and Merlin out right laughed.

"Oh, such a shame," Merlin drawled, and Arthur hit him lightly.

"How much longer is this, anyway?" Merlin asked, and Arthur was the one to laugh this time, "You can leave any time now, Merlin."

Then Arthur stood up, and gently pulled Merlin up with him, "That being said, Fleur, I believe it is time for me to steal your date."

"Ah, so it worked out, did it?" Isolde smiled and nodded standing up to join them.

"What?" Merlin looked from one person to the other.

"I'm kidnapping you," Arthur spoke plainly, and then he led them out of the hall.

"...what?!" Merlin spoke again, his eyes widening.

They exited the hall, and Isolde split off with a wave.

"Honestly Merlin, what did you think I was doing for the past few days?"

Merlin shrugged, "Relaxing?"

Arthur snorted, "Not so much no, do you know how confusing it is to try to explain to your parents that you are the reincarnation of a legendary king, and that you know who the reincarnation of Merlin is?"

"WHAT?"

"Is that the only word you know?" Arthur looked back at him, and smiled, "I didn't tell them who you were, just that I knew, so that is what we are going to do now."

"Arthur...are you sure this is a good idea?" Merlin questioned quietly.

"Yes,my family is...there are a good family, this time. My father might have chosen the completely wrong path, but once he believed I was telling the truth, he decided to help. And mother sided with me immediately. I know, that once they know you, they can protect you as well," Arthur spoke with such determination that Merlin just nodded his head.

"All right, but if Lucius tries to kill me again...I'm blaming you."

"As if I would let him."

They entered the common room, and Arthur grabbed a small bag that was on the table. He opened it and threw some of the powder into the flames.

"Come one, we can go together,"

Merlin and Arthur both stepped into the fire.

"Malfoy Manor," and suddenly they were away.

~~.~~

"You do know, Dumbledore is probably throwing a fit about his golden boy being stolen away, right?"

"And?" Arthur mused as they walked through a long hallway.

"Nothing, that is all, really," Merlin mumbled, and then ran into Arthur's back as he suddenly stopped in front of a door.

"Merlin," Arthur groaned, and he gave him a look, "I'm going in first to try to...smooth things out. "

"And I'll just stay here, ,making no noise, and pretending I don't exist," Merlin mumbled, and then flushed and Arthur's concerned expression.

"What? No! i just want you to wait a bit so I don't give them a heart attack, what the bloody hell was that?"

Merlin flushed even harder and stared at the floor, "Nothing..."

Arthur glared, and let out a small growl, but entered the room with his head held high.

Merlin shook his head, and leaned against the wall, sighing out as he took in the surroundings.

And he had thought Camelot was glamorous, this was...

Posh. Posh might be the word he was looking for.

Or maybe over the top? Artistically over the top?

The door opened, and Merlin looked over to see Arthur looking at him with annoyance, "Come on, they aren't going to attack you on sight."

Merlin laughed,"Well, that's a first!"

Arthur looked up to the sky for patience, and then ushered Merlin into the room.

Merlin got a good look on the two elder Malfoy's faces, before they both went wide eyed.

"Hi," Merlin gave a little wave, and Arthur snorted, escorting him to a couch, and sitting beside him.

"Harry...Potter..." Lucius spoke in utter disbelief.

"Ah, yeah, nice seeing you again...and nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Malfoy," Merlin nodded at her, and she closed her mouth.

"Well this...I didn't expect," She spoke quietly, and Merlin fidgeted.

"Ah well.. I highly doubt this was on the list of reasons I survived that night..." Merlin trailed off and gave a helpless shrug.

Lucius leaned forward in his chair, "Are you...are you truly Merlin?" The note of incredulity in his voice caused Arthur to snicker.

"What, you believe your son is the greatest king who ever lived, and you have trouble because I'm Merlin!" Merlin huffed, disgruntled, and without knowing his eyes flashed gold.

"I..." Lucius trailed off eyes wide, and Arthur smacked Merlin over the head.

"Hey!"

Arthur rolled his eyes, and looked up at his parents, "So I'm guessing you can see why I didn't tell you who it was first."

Narcissa nodded, still staring intently at Merlin, causing him to fidget again.

He looked around the room in the awkward silence, and then breathed out a sigh, "fine, fine, I'll just do it this way."

His eyes flashed gold, and suddenly the windows to the room opened. Leaves blew in on a breeze, and took the form of a young woman, standing with a flowing gown. AFter a few seconds the leaves drifted back outside, and the window gently shut.

"Ta da," Merlin monotoned, and Arthur let out a laugh.

"That was..."

Merlin shrugged at the gobsmacked looks on the two adults faces, and turned to stare at Arthur, "Would you mind telling me why you thought it was necessary to kidnap me from Hogwarts, now?'

Arthur shrugged, and his a smile, "Maybe I just wanted to, Merlin."

Merlin let out a strangled noise, and was surprised to hear a quiet laugh from the other side of the room.

Narcissa was politely covering her mouth, and gave another small chuckle.

"Well, as odd as this is, it seems it is probably real, it is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Emrys."

Merlin flinched and shook his head, "Please, don't...I'm not...just Merlin, or Harry will do, honestly."

"Cissa, you aren't saying that you truly believe that Mr. Potter is Merlin!" Lucius started in shock.

Narcissa gave him a small look, and nodded her head, "I know you have studied the old magics as well, dear, and the eyes are a clear give away."

Lucius kneaded his forehead, and spoke quietly into the room, "He can never find out...if this is true...if he knew who you were..."

"He would destroy everything and everyone who stood in his way to get to me," Merlin finished with a morbid finality, and gave the two adults a crooked smile, "It wouldn't be the first time."

"Well, usually, they were coming after me, and you got in their way," Arthur added, and Merlin shot him a look.

Narcissa's face became pinched, and Merlin could see her mind tumbling over a multitude of thoughts,"Truly though...what would he do if he were to find out? How could he even stand against you?"

Merlin shrugged, "He might just decide not to believe it, if it doesn't fit the way he thinks, he would just think I gained a bunch of power, and that would make him want to come after me even more. Which would be unpleasant."

"Unpleasant," Lucius huffed, eyebrows raised, "The dark lord is after him and he calls it 'unpleasant'"

Merlin shrugged with a half cocked grin, "Well...based on experiences...now that I am me...he is probably on the same level as...Cornelius Sigan, or Nimueh, I mean, they were trouble for me when I first started, but now..."

"Nimueh," Arthur muttered and sneered at the floor, causing Merlin to nudge his shoulder.

A clock nearby chimed that it was well after midnight, and Merlin hid a small yawn behind his hand.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter, " Narcissa rose, "We have a bedroom set up near Draco's if you'd like, we can continue this discussion in the morning. She nodded and a house elf appeared, "Gimble, can you show Mr. Potter to his room?"

The house elf nodded enthusiastically, and Merlin stood, "I'm sorry for intruding on you like this, and if you have any questions, I would be pleased to answer them for you. Good night."

Arthur watched as Merlin quietly left the room, reminded a bit of when he was still Arthur's servant.

"I must say," Lucius spoke quietly, "I was hard pressed to believe what you told us...but now."

Arthur nodded, "I understand this must be difficult for you, it is difficult for all of us honestly. We are still the same people, at the core, but...experience changes people, and now many of us have more experience than we ever could have wished...or wanted in some cases."

Arthur smiled lightly, "I'm...actually very glad you are taking this as well as you have, to be honest...I didn't expect it in the least."

Narcissa smiled and leant forward, "You are still our son, be it Draco or Arthur. I can see Draco in you, and I know that you have always been within him."

Arthur let out a laugh, "According to Merlin, I was exactly the same as I was when he first came to Camelot. He called me an ass to my face the first time I met him."

Lucius stared wide eyed, and Narcissa bit back another giggle.

"Well that's...did he not know who you were?" Lucius spoke.

"He had no idea, and even after he found out who I was, he didn't act any different," Arthur mused, and leaned back, "that is probably why I found him so interesting, and insufferable, in the beginning, he didn't care that I was the crown prince, he just cared that I was being a prat."

The room was quiet, as Narcissa hid a smile, and Lucius looked on with a gobsmacked expression.

"I...have something else I would like to ask of you, if possible," Arthur straightened.

"From what I have found out...Merlin's, no, Harry's family has been...the worst choice that could have possibly be chosen to raise a wizarding child."

Lucius sat up at these words, and Narcissa's eyes widened, "What do you mean?"

"You knew Lily and James in school? They were a bit taller than average. Harry Potter is the shortest student in our year."

Lucius' eyes narrowed, and Narcissa gained a contemplative look.

"Well, now that you mention it...he is short...but was Merlin short? That might have had an effect?" Lucius commented.

"No, Merlin was taller then I am, which he lorded over me constantly," Arthur's face was pulled tight.

"Arthur...do you mean to say that the family that Harry Potter was put with was..."

"Abusive, in the most literal sense of the word, I'm honestly surprised he still likes muggles with what I have heard of his past, but that must be Merlin's forgiving disposition breaking through," Arthur glared at the small coffee table in front of him.

"I doubt he has ever had enough to eat, and I know for a fact that he has never actually gotten any vaccinations for common wizarding diseases. He is as skinny as a rail, and I'm quite certain that if a wizard were to do a proper scan, they would find old injuries that would not make sense for a child playing around. I believe the only thing that has been keeping him healthy to this point is his magic, and that might be why it took so long for it to really build up like it has."

"That atrocious!" Lucius shouted, "To do that to a child!"

Narcissa stood suddenly, walking over to the window and grabbing the ledge with shuddering hands. Both of the men looked at each other, and waited for her to speak.

"Tomorrow," Narcissa started, "We should take him to Saint Mungos, they can do scans, and get his medical records up to date. I have a private doctor we can use, and they can start building a case file against the...people," she spat out the word, "he was left with."

Arthur stood and moved over to where his mother was standing, he leaned against the wall, and looked outside as well.

"I would have never noticed, you know," He spoke quietly, "I just...I wouldn't have thought it was possible for a person's family to treat them that way, least of all Harry Potter's...and I have to wonder...what was that old fool thinking leaving him there like that?"

Lucius stood as well, and rested a gentle hand on Narcissa's shoulder, "That is something that I will have no trouble looking into, a few words in the right places, and Dumbledore will not be able to even get near him."

Arthur smiled at both of them, and gave them an embarrassed hug.

"Thank you."

"Off to bed with you," Narcissa smiled, though her eyes were still far away, "It seems we will be busy tomorrow."

~~.~~

"Ah, good morning Mrs. Malfoy," Merlin entered the dining room with a small smile, and Narcissa gave a small laugh at his hair.

He laughed as well, and tried to pat it down, "I've sort of given up at this point, it usually settles down by noon."

"Just like your father's, but he would try to see how much he could keep it sticking up. I believe that one time Sirius spelled it to lie flat for a month, and he nearly had a conniption, and please, call me Narcissa it hardly seems right after all," Narcissa smiled, and Merlin flushed.

He nodded, and sat down at the table, and a small breakfast appeared before him. They both ate in a companionable silence.

After they had both finished Merlin placed his hands on the table, and looked over at her.

"I hope you don't find this too intrusive, but...how are you doing? I mean...finding out your son was the reincarnation of Arthur...and I mean...that must be a bit odd..." he trailed off.

Narcissa placed the folded napkin that had been on her lap onto the table, "It was odd at first, I hardly believed him, Lucius and I thought he had been cursed...but I believe I can see it now...the man that he could have become...if things had been different."

Merlin smiled, "He was honestly the same, since the beginning, I'm surprised I didn't put it together before."

"He says you called him an ass the first time you met," She looked up with a light in her eyes, and Merlin let out a joyous laugh.

"He deserved it, and he even knows he does now, which makes it all the better, actually..." Merlin trailed off, and the gleam in his eye became mischievous, "Would you like to hear some of the trouble that the illustrious King Arthur got into?"

Narcissa laughed openly, "Certainly, though, let's move to one of the lounges, I have a feeling you have many stories to tell."

Arthur walked into the lounge that one of the house elves had pointed out, and was immediately met with the sight of his mother, laughing so hard she nearly had tears streaming down her face, and Merlin smiling victoriously.

"Merlin," Arthur growled, and he look up with such innocence that Arthur immediately knew that he had done something stupid.

"Good morning Arthur!" Merlin chirped, and deigned not to shrink under his glare, " I was just telling Narcissa about some of the things that happened at Camelot.

"Really."

"Yes, like this one time a goblin was set loose and-"

"Merlin," Arthur groaned, his head falling into his hands.

Narcissa stifled down the rest of her laughter, "Well then, Lucius is off at the ministry today, and we have places to be as well."

"Hm?" Merlin looked up with interest, "I'm surprised he is working so close to the holidays.

Arthur had a tight look on his face, and he and his mother shared a glance, "It is extremely important, and just came up. But if things work out correctly, it should be taken care of quickly."

Merlin turned to stare at Arthur with suspicion, "When you use politician speak, it usually means you are trying to hide something."

Arthur shrugged, "It doesn't matter right now, anyway, as mother said, we do have places to be today."

"Really where?" Merlin followed them into the room he had first flu'd into last night.

"...ah...well," Arthur floundered, but Narcissa easily took over, "Arthur told me that you never had any of the common wizarding vaccines, and honestly, the flu this year has been atrocious. We thought it might be a good idea to get you caught up."

Merlin looked at her with wide eyes, "...wizards need vaccines?"

Arthur sighed, and pushed him forward, "Come on you, I'll catch you up when we get there."

~~.~~

"Now you don't need to worry about this getting out, dear, I have scheduled a private doctor that I know, and he will be sure to keep your privacy," Narcissa smiled, and Merlin gave her a nervous look.

She did not tell him, however, of the specific notes that she had left for the man when she owled him, about what to look for, and what needed to be kept for the files later on. No need to worry the god of the wizarding world with such mundanities.

"Potter, Harry," A voice rang out, and Merlin stepped forward.

"We will be in Diagon Alley for a while, if you finish up before noon, you can meet us in front of Gringotts, if not, just use the flu to go to Malfoy Manor," Arthur spoke, and Merlin nodded.

"Yes, yes, I promise not to get lost."

Arthur grinned, "Off with you."

~~.~~

Merlin sat on the raised chair, and kicked his legs back and forth.

Who would have thought it, wizards needed vaccines? Looking back, maybe it did make sense, what with all the interesting diseases that rampaged around.

A man opened the door, his head angled down as he looked at his notes.

"Mr. Potter is it? Hmm, we haven't seen you before have we, it looks like we are going to have to do a general..." the man trailed off, and Merlin looked up at him quizzically.

"You..." the man broke off, and Merlin blinked his eyes in confusion.

"Me?"

The man laid the pad of notes down on the table near the door, and placed a hand on his chest.

"Merlin?"

~~.~~

Narcissa watched as Arthur trudged from store to store, glaring at the windows before sighing and moving onto the next one.

It seems as if he was having quite a bit of trouble finding Merlin a Christmas present, which had been the main reason they had left Merlin at Mungos.

"What do you even get a 1500 year old warlock!" Arthur despaired, and Narcissa walked up next to him.

"What does he like? From before?"

Arthur hummed, "Books, I swear he would drown in them if he had a chance, but he reads them so quickly it would be easier for him just to use a library...he enjoys sweets...but he always overeats them and gets himself sick, so I never got him any of those...dragons as well...but that would be a tad difficult to get."

Narcissa hummed in agreement, "You know, Draco, there is an interesting antique store I know of down one of the side Alley's, it might have something that could interest him."

Arthur thought for a few moments, and then followed her to the store. While he was wandering through the aisles, Narcissa stopped at the front of the store, where a pile of small leather bound books laid.

The sign above them read "Expansion charmed, unlimited pages, spelled for protection!" She carefully looked through the pile, and one near the top left caught her eye.

Less than ten minutes later, Arthur moved up front to meet with her, he had a small box in his hands, and a content smile on his face.

They left the store far before noon had arrived, and so moved off to get a drink. Arthur played with the small box in his pocket, and smiled.

~~.~~

Merlin gulped, and then pretty much stopped breathing.

"W-w-what?"

The man stared at him, his hair tied back in a ponytail on the back of his head. It was starting to grey a bit at the edges, but the man seemed to be no older than fifty.

"Merlin, it couldn't possibly..." The man ran a hand down his head, and then shook it, raising an eyebrow at Merlin's bug eyed look.

"G-Gaius?" Merlin was barely able to whisper out, before he found himself locked in a tight hug.

"Of course it's you, I should have guessed it immediately!" the older man spoke, fond annoyance ringing through his tone.

"Gaius," Merlin spoke again, his arms slowly coming up to hug the man in return.

Merlin let out a contented sigh, and allowed himself to relax into the hug, "I missed you, Gaius."

"I would say I missed you as well, but I had no idea that I was!" Gaius pointed out, and
Merlin laughed.

He moved back to sit on the chair, and Gaius gave him a look over, his eyes turning fierce.

"...I see," Gaius made for his notes and started writing things down.

Merlin sighed at the look in his mentor's eyes, "I take it that I am not just here for vaccinations, am I."

"No, I would say you are not, Merlin, and now that you are here, it seems we are going to be here for quite some time."

"Great," Merlin voiced with annoyance, but his eyes were fond as Gaius began to go through a large list of spells, noting his results on the pad of parchment.

and another chapter is out!

I don't know why this one is twice as long as usual, but school is starting soon, so I will probably go back to my shorter chapters.
Gaius is back! Huzzah!

Please read and review!

~Not Necessarily in Between