I don't know if anyone reads these but to those who do, I hate to be that person but I fear I'm losing steam with this story. Don't misunderstand, I have it ALL figured out from start to finish, I'm just losing motivation for writing it. :/ I've seen many people signing up to follow this but honestly, some more reviews would be REALLY helpful. You guys have no idea how much they motivate me to keep going! In fact, I had several chapters already written of this story before I even started posting it and was losing steam then. My friend suggested putting it up here so I did and even though I only had a few people review, it DEFINITELY motivated me to continue writing and sharing this. So, even though it takes a little more time, please share a couple thoughts at the end if you'd be so kind. It would definitely help me out! Thank you!
Okay, now that I've got that out of the way, Archimedes wants everyone to know that he's also Disney's idea so I have to include in my disclaimer that I don't own Merlin, Harry Potter, or Disney. Honestly, you'd think the stupid bird was an attention seeker or something... *peeks over shoulder to make sure said owl is nowhere in the room* OUCH! Archimedes! You didn't have to cuff me with a wing! Save that for Arthur, will you?! No, Arthur, I didn't mean it like that. Stop scowling at me... oh, hang it all! I'm sorry, your pratness. ;) Yes, I know that's your line Merlin but you need to learn to share!
... right, ignoring these three, enjoy! (No Harry, I'm not ignoring you. You're just better behaved than these three...)
11: Seeking Advice, Receiving Riddles
Merlin woke the next morning to the sun shining on his face through the open window. He groaned while stretching, his muscles tightening down his legs and arms before relaxing once more. Arthur was still sleeping in the next bed but Gwaine was gone, his sheets and blanket askew on the mattress. After making Gwaine's bed as well as his own, Merlin walked over to the window and noticed it was actually far later in the day than he'd first realized. The shadows on the ground indicated it was anywhere between one and two in the afternoon!
Merlin slightly panicked. What if Harry, Ron, and Hermione had snuck off without them? He'd told them yesterday that he wanted to meet with them in the morning. Were they still here? Throwing on his blue tee shirt and red neckerchief, he danced around on one foot in an attempt to hastily put on his boots. Without even bothering to check his reflection in the mirror, he threw the door open and bounded down the next four flights of stairs before skidding into the kitchen where several startled pairs of eyes met his own. The knights, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the entire Weasley family (minus Percy) were gathered around the large wooden table.
"Finally up, sleepy head?" Gwaine asked, grinning over a cup that Merlin suspected was full of firewhiskey. "We've been waiting for you for the last four hours. Where's princess?"
"Arthur's still asleep," Merlin replied, walking over to the table where Bill hastily tried to make room for him, conjuring up another chair with a wave of his wand; he and Fleur had decided to stay for a couple of days before heading off on their honeymoon, desirous to keep the family safe than leave them after such a trying ordeal yesterday. "Thanks," Merlin said, sitting down as Mrs. Weasley pushed a plate of sandwiches under his nose.
"The knights were just telling us some of your adventures to pass the time," George revealed. "Is it true that you fought an immortal army?"
"They wanted to hear the story of the Round Table," Elyan explained.
"Oh," Merlin replied offhand, sinking his teeth into a sandwich. "Yes, it's true."
"Wow!" Ron whispered in awe.
Merlin wished he wouldn't stare at him like that. "It wasn't just me," he said, trying to downplay the praise. "Gaius and Lancelot helped me get to the Cup of Life while Arthur and the rest of the knights kept the army busy."
"But you were the one who knocked the Cup over," Gwaine said with a grin.
Merlin rolled his eyes. "The only reason the Cup went down is because of Excalibur. You can thank Kilgarrah for that, not me."
"But you asked him to forge the sword in his breath," Elyan countered, smiling. It was obvious the two knights were trying to make him feel uncomfortable.
"Stop patronizing him, you two," Percival said and Merlin sent the large man a look of thanks.
"I still can't believe this," Hermione muttered. "It hardly makes any sense."
"What, that Merlin chased off Voldemort last night and King Arthur's sleeping in Bill's old room while we're sitting here listening to stories from the Knights of the Round Table?" Fred asked, smirking.
"Yes!" Hermione cried indignantly. "I know that M-Merlin explained all of it last night but…"
"It's still hard to believe," Harry finished, nodding. He turned to look at Merlin who had just finished his first sandwich. Harry was about to say something else when there was a shout above them.
"MERLIN!"
Merlin sighed. "Looks like the prat's finally awake." He stood, brushing the crumbs off his neckerchief. Sending them all a slightly lopsided grin, he turned and walked out of the kitchen with a soft, "Excuse me," on his lips.
"MERLIN!" the voice shouted again.
"I'M COMING, DOLLOPHEAD!" Merlin bellowed. The knights snickered behind him as he ran up the stairs.
Merlin found Arthur sitting on his bed, fuming. "Finally!" the king growled, jumping to his feet. "Do you have any idea what time it is?" he demanded, pointing out the window.
"It's early afternoon, Arthur," Merlin answered, unfazed by the king's anger.
Arthur looked mutinous. "Why didn't you wake me up?"
"I forgot," he honestly replied.
"You forgot?!"
"I was afraid that Harry had snuck off. I had to check to make sure he hadn't. Then I got distracted when Mrs. Weasley gave me some sandwiches."
Arthur folded his arms. "So you thought it was more important to stuff your face than to wake me?"
"I would have brought something for you but I didn't think you'd want another hole in your belt any time soon," Merlin replied cheekily also folding his arms.
Outraged, Arthur picked up the nearest thing – a pot – and chucked it across the room.
Merlin ducked, the pot smashing against the wall behind him. "Arthur, you can't throw things that aren't – OOF!"
A pillow smacked him in the face. Merlin barely had enough time to dive out of the way of a boot as the king angrily shouted, "I AM NOT FAT!"
"And we want to keep you that way!" Merlin retorted, running from the room.
"MERLIN! GET BACK HERE!"
"I will after I get you something to eat, clotpole!" Merlin called over his shoulder as he rushed down the stairs again. Reentering the kitchen, Merlin found the Weasleys staring at him in alarm. "Um, I suppose you wouldn't happen to have any more of those sandwiches lying around, would you?"
Mrs. Weasley filled a plate and handed it over. "Is everything all right? I thought I heard something break."
"Arthur's just throwing his usual morning fit," Merlin replied, reassuring her with a smile.
"You'd think after all these years he would have grown out of that phase by now," chuckled Leon.
"Some things never change," Merlin laughed. "We'll be down in a while. Sorry to keep you waiting, Harry."
Harry started, clearly surprised that Merlin had personally addressed him. "Er – that's alright," he muttered awkwardly. "Take all the time you need."
"Don't worry, mate, we'll keep them busy with more regaling stories," Gwaine assured with a wink.
"Just don't tell them the one about the goblin, alright?" Merlin sighed. "Arthur would kill us all if you did."
"I'll make sure they don't, Merlin," Percival promised.
Merlin nodded before returning to Arthur with a plate full of food in tow. The king's sour expression relaxed a little after he'd eaten half a sandwich while Merlin tidied up the mess he'd made. "Honestly, Arthur, we're not even back in Camelot and you somehow manage to make the room a disaster," Merlin sighed, picking up the boot and the pillow Arthur had thrown earlier.
"I have to give you something to do, Merlin," the king mused, stretching out on the bed. "Can't have you getting lazy now, can we?"
"Says the one lying on the bed," Merlin muttered.
"What?"
"I said, I'll need to make your bed," Merlin lied.
Arthur narrowed his eyes but decided to let the subject drop. "So, are you going to call Aithusa?"
Merlin groaned. "Arthur, Harry's been waiting to talk to us for the last four hours."
"Are you using that as an excuse?"
"No!" Merlin snapped. "It's just that speaking to Harry needs to be our number one priority right now. Aithusa has been waiting two hundred years. She can wait a little longer."
"Whatever you say, Merlin," Arthur smirked, finishing the rest of his sandwich.
After the king finished his breakfast and Merlin made his bed, the two of them wandered down to the ground floor where the knights were in the middle of telling the others about the search for the dragon's egg.
Arthur caught Merlin's eye and smirked. "All this talk about Aithusa should be a hint to you, Merlin," he muttered quietly.
Merlin rolled his eyes before clearing his throat. Elyan stopped his telling of the part where Julius Borden had poisoned the knights' soup, everyone looking their way. The knights immediately leapt to their feet as Arthur strode into the room, taking the seat that Bill had conjured for Merlin. Merlin remained standing just behind him while the knights sat back down.
"I'd like to thank you for your kindness in letting us stay here with you," Arthur said, addressing Mr. Weasley.
"It was no trouble at all," Mr. Weasley eagerly replied. "We're sorry it might not be what you're used to."
Arthur replied a little hesitantly, "Though I've never stayed in a home that is filled with sorcerers, it's surprisingly different from the hovels and caves I've seen when encountering your kind."
"That's because most of your dealings with sorcerers have been bad ones," Merlin replied. "Most of us don't live in such gloomy conditions. The way the sorcerer practices their magic plays a large part of how their home is, Arthur."
Arthur considered this for a moment, nodding. "I suppose that makes sense. Now, forgive my bluntness, but we need to talk to Harry, Ron, and Hermione alone." It was spoken as a command and when Mrs. Weasley protested, Arthur was rather taken aback.
"Why?" she demanded.
Arthur's eyebrows rose. He clearly wasn't expecting to have someone question his authority. Merlin chuckled softly behind him. Arthur glared over his shoulder. "And what is so funny, Merlin?"
Merlin schooled his features. "Nothing, Sire. What Arthur is trying to say is that he'd like an audience with just Harry, Ron, and Hermione if that's alright with the rest of you."
"And if it wasn't?" Bill hesitantly asked.
"Then I'm afraid you're just going to have to deal with that," Merlin replied with a slight shrug.
Several of the Weasleys looked like they were going to protest but the head of the house overruled them. "Come on you lot," Mr. Weasley said, standing up.
"But Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley replied.
Startled, the king jumped a little but then realized the older witch was talking to her husband, not him.
"No, Molly," Mr. Weasley answered firmly. "If they want us to leave, then we should. There's obviously something going on that we don't understand but I'd hope that we'll be enlightened at some point." He stared at Merlin when he said this, the unspoken question in his eyes.
Merlin didn't have the heart to give him a direct no so instead he answered, "Perhaps, one day."
Mr. Weasley nodded.
"Hang on," Ron protested when everyone besides him, Harry, and Hermione started to move. "What if we don't want to talk to these guys?"
"Ron!" Hermione hissed, exasperated. "You can't refuse a king – especially King Arthur!"
Ron glanced at King Arthur a little nervously who eyed the red head with a slight frown. Ron swallowed. "I'll only talk to you lot if Harry says it's okay."
The loyalty he expressed was not lost on any of the knights who nodded in perfect understanding. They themselves would follow after their king to their deaths and something told them in those few simple words that Ron would do the same for Harry. Arthur turned to look at Harry who sat with his eyebrows drawn together in a slight frown. Everyone waited before he finally came to a decision.
"We'll listen to what you have to say," he said finally.
"Alright then," Mr. Weasley replied, shooing the rest of his children out the door and into the living room. With one last backward glance, he nodded to Harry before leaving himself.
Merlin wasted no time casting a silencing spell over the area. The magic felt like a warm comforter draping itself over everyone's shoulders and a soft sigh escaped Hermione as she felt the magic flow through her.
"What was that?" Ron asked curiously.
"This conversation can't be overheard," Merlin replied, walking around to sit at Arthur's right, the king nodding approvingly when their eyes met.
"And what conversation would that be?" Harry asked, guarded.
Arthur and the knights all turned to Merlin, deciding that he should be the one to lead this particular topic. Merlin clasped his hands together and looked Harry right in the eye. "I have been waiting centuries for you to be born, Harry," he replied, his voice colored with unspoken hardship and weariness, his thousand year old eyes displaying the emotions with such an intensity that Harry inwardly flinched. "You already know this. I'm here to help you stop the Dark Lord and I'm not simply talking about helping you when you face him. Arthur, the knights, and I are here to help you destroy the horcruxes."
There was a pregnant pause in which nobody breathed and then the trio displayed looks of disbelief. "How do you know about the horcruxes?" Harry demanded, his voice on edge. "Nobody save Dumbledore, myself, Ron, and Hermione know about them!"
Merlin looked exasperated. "Harry, unlike the witches and wizards you associate with today, I am a warlock. I was born with magic, practically its incarnate. Do you think I wouldn't have felt when ancient dark magic was repetitively being used? Creating horcruxes is black magic of the evilest kind. Every time Riddle killed someone and ripped his soul I felt it."
"Then why didn't you stop it from happening?" Harry retorted.
Merlin sighed. "I already told you. It isn't my destiny to vanquish the Dark Lord. It's yours." Ron snorted and Merlin glared. "Destiny is not something you should scoff towards, Ron. I once tried to fight against mine and…" Merlin suddenly faltered, his voice cutting off. The knights and Arthur looked concerned but Merlin merely waved them off. The last thing he wanted to do was tell Arthur about Freya. That was the one tale he couldn't yet bring himself to divulge to the king. The first time he'd let slip that he'd tried to run from destiny, Arthur pressed him for details but Merlin changed the subject. Some things were just too hard to talk about. Clearing his throat, he tried again, "A friend of mine once said that 'none of us choose our destiny and none of us can escape it'. The defeat of the Dark Lord is Harry's and I will not attempt to interfere with that. The Old Religion desires me to help destroy the horcruxes, nothing more."
"Alright, say that you're here to help us because you're the greatest sorcerer to ever live," Ron muttered, "but what are they here for? No offense," he added to Arthur in particular.
Merlin smiled. "Arthur and the knights will surprise you, Ron. They may not possess magic themselves but they've faced plenty of magical battles and come off conqueror."
"But I'm sure you played a key role in the success," Hermione hesitantly guessed.
Merlin didn't answer.
"If Merlin won't admit it then I will," Arthur spoke up, surprising everyone – Merlin the most. The warlock's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Arthur scowled. "Don't be so shocked, Merlin; I can give a compliment when one is needed. I'm not fool enough to forget that the reason Camelot still stands is largely because of you. He may be a complete idiot and the worst manservant I've ever had but he is the bravest of us all when it comes to fighting against impossible odds."
Merlin's ears turned bright pink and he fidgeted under the king's praise. "We all worked together to defeat those evils, Arthur."
Arthur smirked. "I suppose that's true. Anyway, even though Merlin is the only one who can wield magic, the knights and I offer our services wherever they may be of use. Each of us has particular strengths that may come in handy in your search for horcruxes. Whether you like it or not, we're helping you because we can't go home without Merlin and he's stuck here until he helps you."
Harry scowled from the obvious command before turning to Ron and Hermione. "What do you reckon?"
Ron's face was set. "I told you I'd go wherever you went, Harry. If you want these blokes to come with us then I respect that decision."
Harry nodded. "Hermione?"
The cleverest witch of the age looked at Merlin and the knights before turning back to him. "If they're here to help then we should let them, Harry."
Harry seemed to be waging a silent war in his head and finally he bit his lip. Uncertainly, he looked up and green eyes met indescribable blue. "Can I talk to you alone?" Harry blurted out before he could stop himself.
Merlin's eyebrows rose. He glanced down at Arthur who clearly didn't want to be kept out of the loop but something told Merlin what Harry wanted to say was meant for him. Standing up, Merlin gestured for Harry to follow him out of the back door into the yard.
"Merlin," Arthur protested.
"It's alright, Arthur," Merlin assured as Harry stood and inched his way around the room. "We'll be right back."
A silent communication passed between the warlock and the king and the latter sighed. "Very well; but don't be long!"
Merlin nodded before following Harry out into the Weasley's yard. The two walked several paces away from the house, before Harry stopped and fidgeted with his hands. Merlin wondered what was going on within the boy's mind. Harry opened his mouth to speak but Merlin held up a hand. With a flash of his eyes, a golden dome appeared around them. Harry looked at him questioningly.
"Don't want to be overheard," Merlin replied with a shrug. "So, Harry, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Harry let out a sigh. "I have a few questions, honestly."
"Ask away," Merlin prompted with an encouraging smile.
"The first – it's stupid but – I guess I'll just come out and ask," Harry paused, gathering his courage. "Have I seen you before?"
Merlin was surprised by this. Sure he'd followed after Harry like a shadow, making sure to protect him over the years, but he'd always done so invisible. Well, except for…
Harry interrupted his musings. "It's just, when I saw you as an old man, I thought I recognized you. This is going to sound really weird but I feel like I met you before."
Merlin chuckled, his mind taken back to a time long ago when he held a small boy in his arms, a baby whose cries turned to giggles after yanking on a long white beard. "You had quite the grip as a baby, Harry," he muttered, rubbing his chin in memory.
Harry's eyes widened. "You knew me as a baby?"
Merlin nodded. "The moment you were born, I knew the one I'd been waiting for had finally come. I moved to Godric's Hollow and kept tabs on you and your parents."
"You knew them?" Harry asked eagerly.
Merlin smiled sadly. "Not really. We were more acquaintances than friends but I spoke with your father a couple of times. He adored you, Harry – that much I can tell you. He would be proud of the young man you have become."
Harry smiled, trying to hide his watery eyes. "When did I meet you?" he asked, slightly changing the subject.
Merlin saddened. "Halloween, sixteen years ago. By the time I got to your house, the damage had already been done. I tried, Harry, I did, to protect you and your parents but I failed. I'm sorry."
Harry looked up, seeing the sorrow in the older man's face. For some reason, he couldn't blame Merlin for what happened. "It was Pettigrew's fault," he said after a moment. "He's the one who betrayed my parents not you. I'm sure you did all you could."
Merlin sighed. "There were many times I redirected Death Eaters and removed Imperius curses from your neighbors but the Dark Lord still managed to find you. After discovering the fate of your parents I was terrified I had lost you too but then you started crying. I ran up the stairs and found you all alone. When I tried to stop you from crying, you pulled on my beard – which hurt quite a bit, you know. I was going to take you to Dumbledore when Hagrid showed up. I put you back in the crib and hid in the corner, allowing him to take you away. I've kept an eye on you ever since but I've stayed invisible. You have a great future ahead of you, Harry, and it's imperative that you remain alive. I have come to care about you but I won't lie and say one of my motives for keeping you safe is so I can return to my king's side. I hope this doesn't offend you. Arthur is the other side of my coin, my reason for existing, really, and being separated from him has been the hardest thing I have ever had to endure."
Harry nodded, taking all of this in. "Thank you," he muttered, "for being there. I know you may have other reasons for having done what you did but I appreciate your efforts and that you're still willing to help me now. After learning everything, I guess I'm just surprised that you don't hate me for being the reason you were taken from the past."
Merlin put a hand on Harry's shoulder and sent him a reassuring smile. "I don't hate you, Harry. You remind me of Arthur in many ways. I confess I'm rather fond of you. I'm old enough to know that things happen for a reason. The Old Religion has told me many times that the separation I experienced from Arthur will be for my good and I believe that. I'm here to help in any way I can."
Harry smiled but then he became unsure. Hesitantly, he asked, "You… You wouldn't happen to know what some of the horcruxes are, would you?" And before Merlin could answer, Harry was rambling on, "Because Dumbledore and I spent most of last year swimming through memories about Riddle but mostly we just deduced that the objects would be ones of significant importance. Dumbledore believed two of them are Hufflepuff's cup and Slytherin's locket and suspected two others to be things Gryffindor and Ravenclaw owned. And you said you knew them! Can you think of anything they might have had that he may have collected? Do you know where they might be?"
The hope shining in Harry's eyes was staggering and Merlin felt awful. He didn't want to dash those hopes but he had to be honest. "I'm sorry, Harry, but I don't have all the answers," he admitted.
Harry's shoulders slumped, his eyes filling with disappointment. "But I thought that if you'd felt every time a horcrux was created you'd know where they were…"
"I wish I had a natural homing device," Merlin answered, scrutinizing him. "Let me guess, Ron and Hermione believe that you know what you're looking for?"
Harry looked up in surprise before shamefully nodding his head. "I don't know how to tell them that I'm in the dark as much as they are!" he complained, beginning to pace and gesture with his hands. "They've told me they're coming with me no matter what but I can't for the life of me think of where to start! I unknowingly destroyed one of the horcruxes in my second year–"
"The diary," Merlin nodded.
Harry paused. "How did you know?"
"I felt when it was destroyed," Merlin answered with a simple shrug. "I didn't realize you'd already gone into the Chamber of Secrets until it was too late. I sent Fawkes after you, hoping he would help."
"You sent Fawkes?" Harry asked, dumbfounded. "I thought Dumbledore…"
Merlin smiled. "Dumbledore originally sent him but I showed him where to go. Fawkes is a creature of the Old Religion. The moment he sensed my presence in that abysmal bathroom, we connected. I haven't seen him since Dumbledore's passing but I'm sure he'll turn up eventually. Like me, he's grown rather fond of you."
Harry shook his head. "I can't believe you were there… all those years ago…"
Merlin smirked. "Oh, I've done what I can – well, what the Old Religion has allowed me to do. For instance, it wouldn't let me stop Pettigrew from scurrying off at the end of your third year but it did allow me to keep an eye on Remus. I don't think the centaurs would have shown him mercy if I hadn't stopped them from nearly killing him with arrows."
Harry's jaw dropped but Merlin kept going.
"I also couldn't believe those idiots at the ministry had thought it a good idea to have you and the three other champions face off against dragons in your fourth year. If I hadn't ordered all of them not to burn each one of you to a crisp there would have been no way you would have won. Not to mention preventing the magical creatures in that maze from killing off the other champions that the Death Eater, Barty Crouch Jr., had knocked unconscious. I'm sorry I wasn't allowed to stop you from entering that grave yard, Harry. I wanted to, but the Old Religion wouldn't let me interfere. That was meant to happen, even if it threw the Old Religion out of balance." Merlin sighed. "I don't know why it allows things like that to happen and then demand I fix the mess; it's just as bad as Arthur when it comes to cleaning up after itself. Anyway, all that aside, even though I don't know for certain what the horcruxes are, you are right about one thing, Harry."
"What?" Harry wondered, still trying to come to terms with the revelations that Merlin had just given.
The warlock grinned. "I knew the Founders. I know what trinkets would have been precious to them and I think that if we can narrow down what the most important things were we can begin our search."
Hope filled Harry's eyes again. "I'll take anything I can get."
Merlin nodded. "And I'll be happy to give everything I can. But I'd like to make a suggestion. It wouldn't be wise to continue to stay here at the Burrow. Riddle already knows you're here. Not to mention we can't really make horcrux hunting plans with the rest of the Order breathing down our necks. Dumbledore was right in having this mission be a private one. We need to keep it that way."
"I was planning on leaving after the wedding anyway," Harry admitted.
"Did you have a place in mind to go?"
The boy shuffled his feet. "I thought maybe Grimmauld Place would be a good hideout at first. My Godfather left it to me after he died."
Merlin put a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "I truly am sorry I couldn't stop that from happening," he said with utter sincerity. "Like Dumbledore and your parents, it was Sirius's time to move on. We can't stop the natural ways of life, Harry."
"I know," Harry muttered, trying not to cry. "It doesn't make it easy, though."
"Believe me, I know," Merlin whispered, "more than you may realize."After a moment of subdued silence, he cleared his throat. "We should go back inside." He moved to do so but Harry faltered. The warlock glanced back at him. "Harry?"
"Sorry," the boy muttered. "I'm just not sure how Ron is going to react. I think he was expecting this quest to be easy."
"Quests never are," Merlin replied. "But I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt you need to come clean with your friends."
"I don't think I can do that…" Harry confessed.
"Keeping secrets is worse than telling the truth, Harry," Merlin sighed. "I should know. I lied to Arthur for over a decade. When he found out I had magic, he didn't speak to me for two whole months! It was the worst time of my life. Don't be a coward like me, Harry." Harry opened his mouth to protest but Merlin shook his head. "No, I am a coward. I couldn't bring myself to reveal my magic until Arthur was on his deathbed. Don't allow that to happen to you. Ron and Hermione have been your true friends for years."
Harry let out a heavy sigh. "You're right. It's just –"
"Difficult?" Merlin guessed.
Yes!" Harry groaned.
"It only gets harder."
"Will you help me?" Harry asked with great effort; he didn't like admitting he needed others to solve his problems.
Merlin grinned and put his arm around the young wizard. "That's what I'm here for. Come on, let's go inside."
Dismissing the golden dome, the two headed back into the comfort of the Weasley's kitchen and found Arthur and the knights in a deep discussion with Hermione who was determined to learn everything she could about life in Camelot. Ron tried not to appear too interested but even he couldn't hide the fascination in his eyes as the knights spoke of the trouble they ran into when performing their rounds. Both parties stopped their discussion as Merlin sank into the chair next to Arthur and Harry took his place beside Ron.
"You were gone for quite a while," Arthur commented.
"It was only five minutes, Arthur," Merlin replied, rolling his eyes. "Now, Harry, I believe you have something to tell Ron and Hermione?"
The young wizard glared at Merlin, a mixture of alarm and betrayal on his face, but Merlin only nodded in encouragement. Clearly he'd thought he'd have more time to think things over but Merlin knew if this wasn't done now, it would only get harder as time moved on.
Ron looked between the two. "Harry?" he prompted.
Harry sighed, resigning himself to the inevitable. "You both know about all the secret meetings I had with Dumbledore, right?"
"Of course," Hermione replied while Ron nodded.
"I told you everything that happened in those meetings," Harry promised.
"We know you did," Ron said, looking perplexed.
"Then you shouldn't be angry when I tell you that I don't exactly know what all the horcruxes are or where to find them," Harry revealed, deciding it was better to be blunt like ripping off a band aid.
Ron's mouth dropped open before his countenance switched from disbelief to anger in all but two seconds. "Wait!" he snapped, rounding on his best friend. "You mean to tell us that you were just planning on running off without having any clear indication as to where exactly to go?!"
Harry scowled. "I have an idea of what the horcruxes might be –"
"I thought Dumbledore told you!" Ron interrupted.
"He only had speculations, Ron!" Harry snapped, his temper getting the better of him. "Look, I'm already under enough pressure without you jumping down my throat. Everyone is counting on me to destroy You Know Who and I don't need you reminding me of how little I know! These are pieces of his soul, Ron! He's not about to broadcast to the entire world where to find them!"
"I know that but –"
"Enough!" Hermione snapped, slamming her hand on the table, surprising everyone. She tried to mellow out her expression as she turned to her two best friends. "Ron, we should be grateful Harry is being honest with us. If we're going to be working together then we need to be on the same page."
"You can't tell me that you're not upset about this!" Ron thundered.
"Of course I'm upset!" Hermione replied heatedly, "But I also understand the logic behind what Harry just said. You Know Who's closest followers don't even know what we do about him. He's not about to tell everyone he's practically immortal. The first thing scum like him do when they have power in their hands is guard it with their lives. We should at the very least be grateful that Dumbledore researched and discovered as much as he did in order to help Harry's cause. Instead of hanging a sword over his head you should be supportive and help your best friend in any way you can. That's what I intend to do."
Clearly scolded, Ron huffed and folded his arms, leaning back in his chair. Harry sent Hermione a grateful glance to which she nodded silently in return. Merlin cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, now that we've got that out of the way, I'll be happy to tell you that the situation isn't as hopeless as it sounds."
"We don't even know what to look for!" Ron scoffed. "Of course it's hopeless!"
"That's where you're wrong, Ron," Merlin calmly admonished. "Harry shared with you that Riddle liked to collect trophies and therefore he sought to attain items of intimate value belonging to the one place he first called home: Hogwarts. Dumbledore and Harry knew that he would have looked for items belonging to the Founders and – lucky us! – there just happens to be someone in this room that knew them personally and therefore has a pretty good idea of what to look for."
Merlin smirked as understanding lit Ron's face. "You know what they might be?" he asked, suddenly excited.
"I'm not exactly sure which items Riddle changed but I could help narrow down the search," Merlin elaborated.
"That's better than nothing, "Hermione said with a small smile.
"So when are we going to look for them, Merlin?" Arthur demanded, getting bored with just sitting around; he was a man of action after all.
"The first thing we need to do is leave the Burrow," Merlin stated. "Riddle knows that Harry is here and I'm sure it won't be long before he attempts to find ways to get to him. The sooner we leave the better."
"But where will we go?" Hermione wondered.
"We could relocate to Grimmauld Place," Harry suggested. "It would be ideal since I own it and it's unplottable."
"That's a great idea," Ron commented.
"But before we leave I think we should make sure it's the right thing to do," Merlin voiced.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione with a slight frown.
Arthur snickered, the action alone testimony that he knew exactly what Merlin meant. "I think the time for stalling is past, don't you, Merlin?" he drawled.
Merlin glared in his direction before grudgingly admitting, "You're right, I suppose." Arthur's grin widened. Merlin scowled. "Clotpole," he grumbled.
Arthur merely chuckled.
"What are you two going on about?" Ron questioned.
Ignoring the king's smug grin, Merlin ran a hand over his face. "Normally I am able to communicate with the Old Religion but for some reason it has been rather silent as of late. Arthur is pressuring me to talk to someone who might be able to get in touch with it since I'm having… difficulties."
"Who?" Gwaine prompted.
"Aithusa," Merlin answered.
"She's still alive?" Leon cried in delighted surprise.
"She's in her prime, actually," Merlin answered, allowing a small smile to climb his cheeks due to the exuberant looks of his friends.
"Wow, I can't believe it!" Elyan laughed joyfully.
Who's Aithusa?" Harry interrupted, clearly lost over who this mysterious person was.
"It would be easier if I just showed you," Merlin replied. "Is there a clearing in the forest somewhere near your house?"
Ron blinked. "Er – there's the makeshift Quidditch pitch…"
Merlin stood back up. "That'll do."
"Wait, where are you going?" Harry wondered as the knights and Arthur came to their feet as well.
Merlin, already walking to the door, glanced over his shoulder. "Come and find out."
The trio shared a glance before getting up and following the men of legend, curiosity alone spurring them forward. Merlin made sure the rest of the Weasleys didn't see them leave the kitchen; he wasn't comfortable revealing yet another part of himself for them to idolize. The only reason he was allowing the trio to follow them was because his abilities as a Dragon Lord were sure to be needed in the days to come.
Once outside, Merlin asked Ron to lead the way to the pitch and the gangly redhead immediately headed around the house into the woods. They reached the clearing a few minutes later. Merlin surveyed the area, sizing it up before nodding in approval. "You'll probably want to stay at the edge of the trees," he advised.
The knights and Arthur obeyed without question, remembering the immense size of Merlin's kin. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood beside them, shooting Merlin curious looks as he stepped further into the clearing.
"What's he going to do?" Ron's voice carried even though he spoke to Harry. The young man shrugged.
"Get on with it, Merlin!" Arthur jeered, smirking.
Merlin glared at him before closing his eyes and searching deep within himself. He felt the familiar stirring of power; it was feral, instinctive, commanding, wild, and beautiful. The magic surged through his veins and his heart leapt with giddy excitement as he threw back his head and let out a guttural cry, his voice roaring with magical energy.
"O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!"
Ron swore, Hermione threw her hands over her ears, and Harry reeled backward. Arthur and the knights were also unnerved by the display -still unused to Merlin's dragon tongue- but they hid it well behind their smiles. Merlin glanced at the trio and smiled sheepishly.
"What the heck was that?" Ron gasped, holding his heart.
"That was dragon tongue," Merlin replied, folding his arms.
"Dragon tongue," Harry repeated, dazed.
"Merlin is a dragon lord," Arthur proudly declared.
Hermione let out a squeal of excitement. "No! Are you really?"
"What's a dragon lord?" Harry wondered.
Ron was staring at Merlin with profound awe. "Charlie used to tell me stories when I was a kid," he muttered. "Dragon lords were said to be kin to the dragons. The ability was passed on from father to son through death and it was said they could control them."
"But I thought they were just fairytales!" Hermione said, her excitement getting the better of her.
"Dragon lords are very real, Hermione," Merlin assured though his tone was sad. "Although, I am the last."
"You can control dragons?" Harry asked incredulously but instead of answering, Merlin looked to the sky for the loud thump of gigantic wings had reached his ears.
A moment later the entire earth shook and the trio was nearly knocked off their feet. Arthur and the knights grabbed on to the nearest tree trunks to support themselves. Merlin stood tall, being unaffected by the shaky ground.
Looming above him, larger than even he remembered her, was the beautiful Aithusa. She was as large as Kilgharrah, her stunning white body shimmering like a million crystals. Large spikes ridged along her back and two ornate horns stuck out of either side of her head. Her eyes rivaling the purest blue sky, with long teeth protruding from a lengthy rounded snout, the dragon's long neck lowered as her magnificent wings folded against her body. Digging her large ebony claws into the earth, she bowed her head slightly in greeting. Merlin bowed low to her.
"Aithusa," he whispered, the one word carrying so much emotion. His heart felt like it was in his throat with no way to escape, his eyes blurring with tears. It had been so long since he had seen her. His whole frame trembled, waiting to see how she would receive him.
Nobody moved as dragon and lord stared into each other's eyes and then Aithusa's filled with tears and she thrust her head forward and Merlin wrapped his arms around her snout as far as he could reach.
"I am so sorry," Merlin cried, pulling away and wiping his eyes. "I was afraid to come back."
"Oh Merlin, how I have missed you," Aithusa sighed, nuzzling him with her head. "Did you have to stay away for so long?"
"I didn't mean to," he muttered. "I figured I'd give Altiore some time. I knew how stubborn his father was and I figured he'd have inherited that from him. I'm sorry; I didn't think it would be two centuries before I contacted you again."
Aithusa let out a mournful cry, her head lowering further as her wings drooped. Merlin felt her pain stab him right in the heart and tears unbidden fell down his cheeks. "Aithusa?" he gasped, "What's wrong?"
"Altiore…" she cried.
Merlin's breath hitched and he stroked one of Aithusa's great cheeks. "What is it?"
"He's gone!" she mourned.
The ancient warlock felt like someone had pulled a rug out from underneath him. "Gone?" he rasped, his throat dry.
"He left shortly after you," Aithusa confessed. "I fear my bitterness drove him away. I could not disobey your command so I could not follow him. And then, several months later, I no longer felt his presence. It has been two centuries… I fear… I fear he is…"
"No!" Merlin cried, holding her steady. "He's not dead, Aithusa. I would have felt it."
"Can you feel his presence?"
Merlin strained, reaching outward with his magic, but he felt nothing. Altiore's aura truly was gone. Merlin staggered backward. Guilt slammed into his chest with such severity that he felt his knees buckling. It was all his fault. Aithusa couldn't go after her son because of him and now… now he was gone!
Arthur was at his side in moments, holding him steady. "Merlin! Are you alright?"
"By the first fires!" Aithusa swore, rearing backward. "Arthur Pendragon? Can this be?"
Arthur spared her a small smile and greeting, "I'm truly here Aithusa. Merlin, what's wrong?"
Merlin clutched his heart, gasping, tears searing at his eyes. "It's my fault," he whispered.
A soft growl escaped the large dragon before them, hot air blasting into their bodies. "Don't you dare!" Aithusa chided, finding Merlin's distraught eyes. "Don't you dare blame yourself, Merlin. Altiore is stubborn just like his father. You had no way of knowing that he would fly off after you left."
"Why didn't you try to contact me? I would have come to you in an instant!"
"I tried but my call would not reach you," she confessed.
Merlin hung his head, his stomach coiling in terrible knots. "How could this have happened? I don't believe Altiore is dead but I can't feel his presence!"
"Aithusa's son is missing?" Arthur gathered, finally catching on.
Merlin nodded. "I can't feel him anywhere."
Another hand rested on Merlin's shoulder and he glanced up to see Gwaine. "Don't worry, Merlin," he comforted, "we'll find him."
"Bless my soul!" Aithusa reared back even further. "Sirs Percival, Gwaine, Leon, and Elyan? My, my, this is a surprise!"
"It is always a pleasure to see you, Aithusa," Percival answered with a slight bow.
A low rumble escaped the dragon's throat before a soft chuckle escaped her great maw. "As flattering as always, sir knight. I must say, amidst my sorrow it brings great joy to see such old friends. Though, I sense you are the Once King Arthur and not the Future. How is that possible?"
"I think they're here to help me with the Chosen One," Merlin said, trying and failing to hide his delight in speaking the words.
Aithusa's large eyes flashed with some inner spark before her head swiveled around, her large eyes landing on the Golden Trio. Ron let out a small squeak, Harry's eyes were wide with disbelief, and Hermione looked as if she was bursting with questions but unable to voice them.
Aithusa's great head lowered, her large blue eyes now level with Harry's. "The Chosen One… my dragon lord has waited many years for you, young one. I am glad you are finally here."
"Er- right, yeah," Harry muttered, not knowing what else to say.
"It talks!" Ron finally squeaked out.
Hermione smacked him. "It's a she, Ronald!"
"But how can she talk? Dragons can't talk!"
"That is for the most part true, young wizard," Aithusa replied, amused. "My posterity cannot speak but I am different from them. I am an Old dragon."
"An Old dragon," Hermione repeated with awe. "I can hardly believe it; though, there have been so many unbelievable things happening in the last few weeks that I really shouldn't be surprised."
"Are there any more like you – Old dragons, I mean?" Harry asked, finally finding something to say.
Merlin chuckled sourly, resting a hand against Aithusa's large flank. "Aithusa would have been the last if she hadn't had an egg with Kilgharrah, the Great Dragon. I first met him when I was your age, Harry. He was bloody cryptic and rather frustrating but a good dragon and an invaluable friend. He was in the final stages of his life when Aithusa was born. He and Aithusa had Altiore shortly before he passed. According to Aithusa, I brought Altiore into the world a few decades later, but I have no memory of doing that; dragon lord's call Old dragons from their egg. The first time I met Aithusa and Kilgharrah's son was after I arrived in the future and sought out the dragons. By then she and Altiore had mated with their cousins, the wyverns, producing the dragons' witches and wizards are familiar with today."
"You mated with wyverns?" Gwaine grinned, unafraid that he was teasing a creature that could roast him with even the smallest puff of flame.
Aithusa scowled. "It was not my first choice but the dragon race had to continue in some degree."
"Not to sound indelicate but if you were trying to keep you species from dying wouldn't you have mated with your…" Ron stopped, unable to continue, his ears glowing a bright pink.
Merlin's cheeks had flushed just as much as Ron's ears. Aithusa, on the other hand, merely moved her wings in what could only have been a dragon's version of shrugging one's shoulders. "The time of the Old dragons declined with the Old Religion. My son and I were not allowed to repopulate. I personally believe that one day, we will be given the opportunity to do so but for now we have been instructed to wait."
"Erm – yes – well, Aithusa, I called you here because I actually wanted to talk to you about the Old Religion," Merlin said, tactlessly changing the subject.
Aithusa grinned. "You are now over fifteen hundred years old and the knowledge of repopulation is still embarrassing for you Merlin? My, one would think you unfazed by such knowledge."
"Aithusa," Merlin pled, exasperated.
The dragon merely chuckled before shifting on her haunches. "Alright, ask what you will."
Ignoring the snickers of the knights and the clear smirk on Arthur's face, Merlin focused on the task at hand. "I wondered if you could still communicate with the Old Religion. For some reason I can no longer hear its whisper."
Aithusa tilted her head. "I suppose that would depend upon what topic you are wishing to seek its guidance."
Merlin scowled. "It's the same one it's been talking to me about for the last nineteen decades! Specifically I need to know if it wants us to leave the Burrow and begin our search for Tom Riddle's horcruxes."
Aithusa growled, her eyes flashing dangerously. A small spout of flame actually leapt from her nostrils, everyone jumping away from the burst of fire. "That menace of a wizard should never have dived into such black magic! I may not know all things, Merlin, but I feel that the course which you choose to take will work for your good if your purpose stays true."
Merlin groaned. "I thought you were supposed to be different from Kilgharrah. Since when did you start talking in riddles?"
Aithusa grinned. "Two centuries apart has caused both of us to grow quite a bit, Emrys. I am now in my prime and with age comes wisdom."
"Not in all cases," Merlin grumbled.
"Indeed," Aithusa teased, nudging him slightly.
"I wasn't including myself in that!" Merlin scoffed, offended.
"I don't know, Merlin, you don't seem all that different to me," Arthur commented.
Merlin rolled his eyes. "All I wanted to know was if it is now time to hunt the horcruxes! Can you at least give me a straight answer for that, Aithusa?"
The dragon peered down at him, amused. "Follow what you feel, Merlin, and you will be guided aright." Spreading her large wings, she took to the skies.
"Wait, that's it?" Merlin shouted after her.
Aithusa twisted around in the air, flapping her mighty wings. "When you have further need of me – and you will – I will be there."
"What about Altiore?" Merlin demanded.
A large frown encompassed the white dragon. "He is not what you should be focusing on at the present moment, Merlin. Do what has been asked of you and Altiore's fate will be revealed." She then turned her gaze on Arthur. "Take care of him, my king."
"I will," Arthur promised.
Aithusa let out a roar of approval. Thrusting her wings down and rocketing further into the sky, her body becoming one with the puffy white clouds faster than what might be expected from the giant beast.
Merlin shook his head and sighed breaking the awed silence left in her wake. "Bloody cryptic she's become, just like Kilgharrah."
Arthur let out a small, strained chuckled behind him. "So it would seem."
Oh no, poor Altiore is missing! Whatever has happened to the poor jealous dragon?
Please comment in that little box below! :)
Spell: O dragon permit the appeal for an audience to speak here, fierce, wise-minded one