A/N: Oh all my dear readers, so sorry for taking so long with this chapter, but life has just been so crazy for me (sadly mostly not positive). On the bright side I do now know were I want to go with the story (or at least partly) so I will be able to produce more chapters soon. This chapter is to show more of the bond between Merlin and Dumbledore as I plan on using those two more in the future. More I won't say only that you all get a cookie for your patience hold box of cookies in front of the screen* take it! So please enjoy and if you have any suggestions please let me know!

This chapter is still unbetad, because I wanted to give you all this chapter as soon as possible, so forgive me for any mistakes I have made.

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Albus stared at Harry, Hermione and Ron as they stood in front of Emrys. Emrys was still unconscious, something that definitely worried him, but he had to keep his hopes up that his friend was going to be alright. His blue eyes shifted for a moment to Harry, the boy was biting his lip as he was talking to the sleeping Emrys.

The headmaster turned to Poppy who had walked up to him, her famous caring smile spread over her lips. ''Albus.'' He gave her a slight nod to acknowledge her and the nurse placed her hand on his arm. ''The boy is going to be alright, his magic is strong. It's far stronger than any of my medicines, which his body even seems to reject.'' She fell silent for a moment before adding. ''He isn't just a boy, is he, Albus?''

''No... no, he isn't just a man, Poppy.''

She stared at him for a moment more before she nodded at him before walking forwards towards the children and leaving the headmaster on his own.

''You really aren't just a man, are you Emrys...'' He whispered to himself as he stared at his friend. ''Maybe soon it's time for the truth.'' Albus said before shaking his head and turning to walk away.

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A small groan left his lips as he felt pain rush through his head. Merlin opened his eyes and was met with the darkness of night. He could feel through the magic power lingering in the room that he was somewhere in Hogwarts, but he just couldn't figure out where... If only his head could stop hurting.

He pushed himself upright, scanning the room. ''Oh... I'm in the hospital wing.'' He mumbled to himself as he saw the white curtains around his bed and smelled the soft hints of herbs.

Merlin pulled the sheets off and slowly pushed himself upright. He could feel the soreness in his muscles. He shivered as he felt the cold floor against the skin of his bare feet. He quickly peaked behind the white curtain, but soon discovered that he was the only one in the hospital wing. He crossed the room and sneaked out of the hospital wing and into the empty hallways of the castle.

He frowned when memories rushed over him, the battle with Tom Riddle. He wasn't sure what exactly happened, but he figured that him being asleep in the hospital wing meant that they hadn't lost from Voldemort, but... he just hoped that everyone was okay.

The warlock slowly made his way around the castle, his footsteps echoing as he stepped with his bare feet onto the stone. His mind deep in thought. What was he supposed to do now? Should he reveal himself to the world or even to Albus, Harry and the others? He bit his lip, what would they think of him if he told them about his true identity? Would they hate him? Would they see him as more of a monster then they already did? He knew that a lot of witches and wizards saw the great warlock Merlin as an hero, an old wise man, not a pale skinny man... besides, the old religion held him back from showing his true powers.

His eyes caught the small staircase leading up to Albus' office. He knew that Albus cared for him, once even loved him, but would he accept this secret. Why did he always have to keep secrets from the ones he cared most for.

A quick strike of gold crossed over his eyes as he set the magic of the staircase into action. He walked up the stairs before opening the door and peaking around it. His eyes scanned over the sleeping portraits in the dark room, several of the candles were lit causing large shadows to roam the room. Albus wasn't there.

Not that he was really surprised, it was the middle of the night after all. He sank down into the headmaster's chair, pulling up his bare feet so he could curl them up beneath himself to warm them up. His glanced at the fireplace and the fire sprang to life.

Some of the portraits opened their eyes for a moment, glancing at him, before they went back to sleep.

He sat curled up in the large chair for a couple of minutes before he heard loud footsteps echo from the staircase and he looked up, only to see his old friend walk through the door. A large smile crossed his face, but it quickly fell as he feared what the other thought of him. He turned his head away, not daring to see the disappointment in those blue eyes.

''Emrys?'' His eyes shot up hearing those words and he met only a warm and gentle smile. ''Next time when you want to sneak up into my office you should also get rid of my defenses.'' He walked up to the warlock. ''It's good to see you awake again.''

''How long was I asleep?''

''Couple of days... The students will be leaving for their homes this afternoon.'' He sat down in the chair that was normally meant for his visitors. ''I believe that Harry and his friends have quite a lot of questions for you.''

''I shouldn't be surprised, should I?'' He answered as he played with his hands in his lap.

Albus turned his head a little, eying him with a bit of curiosity. ''I have to say that I also have a couple of questions and theories for you and I think it would be the best that you finally tell us.''

''You would hate me.''

''I would never hate you, Emrys. I care for you and so do Harry and the others, but we need to know what we're getting into. The ministry is asking a lot of questions, they want to know about you and I don't think we should answer them, but I do believe that we deserve an answer to that question... What happened at the ministry is only the beginning, the world will go crazy in the next couple of years and I believe we can't do it without you.''

''They won't let me do anything, I can't help you.''

''Who are they?''

He kept silent, how could he explain about the old religion when he himself barely even knew what was happening with them, he only knew that he hated them. Hated them more than everything, how they had cursed him into this endless life... but... he knew that he could trust Albus. ''Yeah... I have kept things secret from you, maybe it's time to tell you. Emrys isn't my real name...''

''I suspected that.''

Merlin blinked at him. ''You did?''

Albus let out a small laugh. ''Yes, I have been suspecting that for quite some years... And Merlin, I was right, weren't I?''

Eyes grew wide and he just gaped at Albus as he tried to get a sound out of his throat. ''H-ho-w.''

''I have done my research and I guess from your reaction that it's the truth. You truly are the great wizard Merlin, I have quite a lot of questions for you, first of which is how, but... you should only tell me what you want to tell me.'' Albus leaned forwards, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. ''I care for you and I know that the students would also never hate you.''

A small smile crossed Merlin's lips as he felt relief spread over him. Maybe the truth wasn't so bad.

It was then that the first rays of lights appeared through the window as the sun rose from the horizon. A new day had began.