CHAPTER 35
I can't believe that I'm at chapter 35 and still nowhere near finished the story. This has really blown all of my word count expectations. Chapters may take a little longer being released, but they'll keep coming for a long while.
***I realized that pretty much all other fanfics have disclaimers, so here we go: I do not in any way own BBC's Merlin or J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. If I did, the series' would have taken a sharp turn in a different direction. LGBTQ+ people need better representation than an off screen mention.
…..
"SCREE! SCREE! SCREE! SCREE! SCR-" Arthur slumps back onto his mattress with a moan, heart beating rapidly and breathing in short little bursts. He's going to kill Merlin.
His hand roughly scratches against his eyes in attempt to clear the foggy haze he woke up with. His mouth is dry and muscles feel tired and sore. He stretches out on the bed, back twinging in protest. Gods, I let myself go. Completely out of shape. He spares a moment's thought of the morning practices being as much help for him as for his newly acquired students.
Merlin better be feeling it too. His face stretches into a smile at that. Images of Merlin's loud complaints of sore muscles fill his head, dragging his feet pathetically while he walks, slumped and favouring his left leg. He certainly gave Arthur a surprise with his fighting abilities, but like he said, he's rusty and quite likely in worse shape than Arthur. It's been maybe a couple months for me, but likely several years for Merlin.
"scree. Scree. scREE! SCREE! S-" Arthur sits bolt upright, eyes wide and body tense. The piercing scream jabs into his skull like a heated blade through the eyes. "SCREE! SCREE!" His hand slams down with full force onto the damned bird-shaped contraption Merlin gave him with a wink last night. I hope he suffers.
Now undoubtable awake, Arthur contemplates smashing the small innocent looking bird alarm. It glares back at him with its tiny unblinking beady eyes. He's certain it will be satisfying. His hand clasps over it, but freezes with a wicked glint in his eye. On no, the little devil has a promising future yet. Oh yes.
Feeling now significantly more cheered, Arthur pushes all intruding thoughts of Camelot to the back of his head as he gets ready for his no doubt eventful morning. His armour slides comfortingly onto his body, buckling up on its own in a way that Arthur refuses to find unsettling. Freaking Merlin. He's definitely going to get back at him.
Hagrid's snores shake the kitchen ware and rattle the pots hanging along the wall as Arthur passes by. Fang drools happily asleep on his bed in the corner of the living room. Arthur sneaks along silently even though he's certain it would take more than a full battle raging to wake a slumbering Hagrid.
Feeling brave and lazy at the same time, he pockets a rock cake on his way out, certain that if his teeth have lasted as long as they have, they won't be thwarted by mere breakfast food. The morning air is fresh and damp as he makes his way towards the clearing.
Arthur looks up at the sky and the sun. He scrutinizes the shadows cast by the forest trees. He might be a little early. He turns back to the direction of the castle, not a student or Merlin in sight.
His bag thumps on the moist ground and he rolls his stiff shoulders. He unsheathes his sword and places it next to his bag before taking the time to move through his routine stretches. Might as well get a head start on everyone and clear his thoughts before the day.
An unknown amount of time passes, lost deep in his steady breathing and the burn of his muscles as he moves through forms, before he becomes aware of a figure at the edge of his vision.
"Good morning Arthur!" Arthur straightens and turns around to face the voice. Something is not right.
"Happy to see you up and about awake so early!" Merlin's voice is crisp and chipper, cutting through the morning fog like a war flute. Arthur's face is murderous as he takes in the sight before him. Straight backed, bright faced, perfectly balanced, and happy looking.
"What are you doing?" Arthur's voice is almost a growl. That is just not fair.
"What do you mean? I told you I'd be here for sword fighting club this morning. Here I am." His annoyingly well rested face looks at Arthur in confusion and mild concern. Damn him.
"No, why aren't you, you know. Dead on your feet. Tired. Sore. In pain. Something. Why are you like this? I know you worked just as hard, if not harder, than I yesterday. You should be feeling it." Arthur crosses his arms.
"What? Oh. Are you jealous? Is that what's going on?"
"No!" Merlin's face is smug and Arthur wants to lob a cake at it.
"I figured I'd be of no use to anyone today if I let myself hold back and make myself feel yesterday's workout. So, I let my magic have at it and bam! Fresh as new." As he talks, pieces of armour float up from his open bag and fit themselves onto his slight frame.
Arthur narrows his eyes at him and doesn't bother with a response. He throws Merlin a sword, not waiting for him to go through a stretch routine as clearly he's of no need of it.
"Looking forward to the field trip tomorrow? The seventh years get to go to the movies! You know what those are right?-Well, if you don't it'll be a fun surprise- anyways, I spoke with Hagrid and Professor Zaden, they've have agreed that you can take the day off work tomorrow to join us as an extra 'chaperone'. So we can go together!" Merlin's smile is disarming all on its own, and Arthur finds the distraction has led to Merlin actually one-upping him and landing his sword face down in the grass. "They wouldn't tell me what film we're going to see, but assured me that it's a good one. Apparently it's not a new movie, but an old one that's getting a special screening, just for us."
"Sounds promising." Arthur picks his sword back up, red faced and off balance, but uncertain as to why. He swings it around a couple times, shaking his head to clear it.
"It's been a while since I've been to the movies. Not quite as fun an activity alone. I'm sure it's be a nice exciting surprise for the both of us." Arthur scours his mind for the word 'movies'. He's certain he has never heard it before, yet his brain helpfully supplies him with images of moving people, disembodied voices, and ludicrously overt displays of magic flashing behind his eyes. Ethel had insisted he join her for what she referred to as her 'daily program' for several evenings and had sat Arthur down on her plush chair to stare into what Arthur could have sworn was a portal into another world. She called the window an assortment of different names, non of which were 'movies', yet his head is insisting that is it. He recalls the laptop having a similar display of tiny moving scenes. Despite his emotional upheaval, Arthur finds himself almost missing his time with Ethel and all of her strange contraptions.
"Do you think it'd be possible to-" He blocks a rather strong blow to his midsection, "-possible to visit Ethel while we're away from the castle?" It grates on him to ask permission, yet this entire situation has placed him so far away from any comfort zone he might have had, he shouldn't feel all that surprised. Merlin, for all that he was Arthur's servant in their first lifetime, is now clearly the one in the lead role. That and Arthur has no desire to be parted from him again, even if it is just to visit a friend.
Merlin takes a step back to wipe off the newly formed sweat on his brow. "Sure, I don't see why not. It might be a bit tricky to part from the group without causing suspicion- or alarm, but it's not like I don't have practice." He smile is perhaps a little embarrassed.
"Huh, yeah. I guess I'll finally get to see you in action." I hope she won't mind us just pooping in randomly.
They continue their sword play, lazily and perhaps a bit sluggish, the damp morning air making Arthur's shirt stick to him awkwardly, until the first bit of students show up. Their eyes and face puffy and their hair bedraggled, they stand around Merlin and Arthur in a semi-circle eagerly yet still obviously sleepy.
"Welcome to the first day of training. I'm happy to see most of you could make it- and decided to bring friends." He nods his head at the newcomers.
"If you could please sign here, you'll be an official member of The Knights Club." Merlin approaches the students one at a time, after producing a long scroll of parchment and quill, seemingly out of the air itself.
"Once that's out of the way, then we can get to business. To my right, you'll notice a pile of what we are going to be using as gambesons, at least until we get you all properly measured for chainmail and armour. Find one that looks like it will fit, as it is temporary it doesn't have to be perfect. Put it on and grab yourself a wooden practice sword. You won't be fighting with the practice swords today, but I want everyone to start building the muscle it takes to wield a blade properly." Arthur notices Draco amongst two other eager looking slytherin students, no doubt brought along by Merlin. He smiles at him in greeting before tossing him a practice sword.
Once all the students are lined up wearing an assortment of ill fitted padding and holding their wooden swords with gusto, Arthur instructs them all to put it on the ground next to them and follow as he leads them through a series of stretches. He ignore the annoyed muttering about yoga, whatever that is, and informs them to take note as this is what every morning practice will entail.
He guides them through the most basic forms, walking around the clearing and adjusting their posture and the odd lopsided stance until everyone is not perfect, but at least not fumbling. He demonstrates the different forms, slowly and smoothly moving from one to another, followed by Merlin adding in the occasional addition from his studies abroad. The new forms compliment Arthurs traditional ones and Arthur files them away for further practice use.
Half way through, the sun still low in the sky, Arthur instructs them all to pick up their wooden swords. He demonstrates the proper hold for the size of the weapon they will be starting with, followed by showing how the addition of a weapon changes your center of balance as you work through the formations he just had them go through.
Awake and alert eyes follow his movements, everyone silent in their focus. Arthur finds the quiet a harsh contrast to training his knights. He catches the sound of early birds chirping in the trees and relaxes into it.
By the time Arthur has them all show him that they can manage the proper grip on their weapons, their hands sweaty and their eyes squinting in the morning sunlight, Arthur calls practice to a close.
The students hunch down as if their puppet strings have been sliced through, their swords dropping to the ground. Soft conversation starts up, as well as several smart students going through the stretching routine again. Appreciative waves, nods, and thanks are directed his way, alongside more than one surprised and impressed look at Merlin.
"Is it true that you can win a magical duel with nothing but a sword?" A wide eyed younger student peers up at Arthur from under her hair curtains. He notices several other curious and hungry eyes directed at him at her question.
"It is, yes. Of course, the blade you wield will make a difference, as normal metal will not be resistant to certain magical attacks. But, yes, it is possible. Learning traditional sword play will also help you duel with magic. Your physical strength as well as reflexes and endurance will improve, giving you an advantage against those your up against."
The little girl just stares at him in wonder, before dropping her eyes down to the wooden sword in her hand. She nods once, to herself, before thanking him and running back to her group of friends, also string at him in open admiration wonder.
"See you in Transfiguration Maldin, we're headed back for a quick bath before class starts. Thanks Professor Dragan." One of Merlin's slytherin friends waves at them before making his way back to the school with his group. Arthur startles at being called professor, straightening his back and trying to process the change. Prince, Knight, King Regent, King, Mr, and now Professor. Professor Arthur Dragan. Is that what I am now?
As the last student makes off with their equipment back into the castle, Arthur and Merlin pack their things and follow after them.
…..
His eyes are huge as they take in all the sights around them. It feels as if he may never blink again. A train Merlin had called it. The massive serpentine metal contraption hurdles them faster than the speed of Ethel's car. His wide eyes shift around to the students packed in around him, many of whom mirror his own white knuckled grip of the seat. One student even has their hand firmly pressed against their mouth in a- hopefully successful- attempt at keeping their breakfast. Arthur fears he may have to join them shortly.
Merlin looks down at him in sympathy from his post in the hallway between seats. His only support in the tunneling monstrosity, a flimsy looking metal pole secured to floor and roof. Arthur had urged him to seat himself, citing that he has no need to prove himself farther through feats of bravery, but was met with snickers from some of the gryffindors, of course of whom were also merely standing around as if they weren't hurdling at frightful speeds under the earth itself. He hears snippets of whispering, the word 'pure-blood' pops up more than once.
"We shouldn't be long Arthur. Just a few more stops." His hand comes to rest briefly on Arthur's shoulder.
"I don't know how anyone in their right mind can travel in this insanity daily." Draco's usual pale skin is making a valiant effort to match his tie.
"This is awful." Ron's voice is muffled through his arms, his head buried in their folds in his lap. Hermione's hand strokes along his back in a soothing fashion. Draco darts wide disbelieving eyes at Ron, probably over the fact that they finally seem to agree on something.
Hermione tries to catch Draco's eye, but he looks away.
Arthur gets lost in the rushing smudges of light through the window. He relaxes into the steady thrumming around him and closes his eyes.
"Alrighty everyone, This next stop is ours. I'll not have anyone getting lost on me, so I expect you all to keep with the buddy system and keep either or I in your line of sight at all times." Arthur perks up at the sound of his alias, blinking his eyes open and trying to soften the churning of his gut.
The seated students around them scramble to their feet and cling uneasily to the bars, some clasping nervously at the arms of their fellow students'. Arthur averts his eyes from the welcoming looking crook in Merlin's arm as he holds the bar in front of them, grabbing instead the empty spot on the bar above Merlin's hand.
Suddenly the train comes to another nauseating stop, half the students sliding around dramatically, struggling to remain upright. Arthur swallows down the taste of his semi-digested breakfast and squares his feet.
Without giving him the chance to protest, Merlin grabs his hand, lacing their fingers together and hauls Arthur off the train. Arthur opens his mouth to tell him in no uncertain terms that he is not a child, thank you very much, but shuts it quite quickly upon being plunged into the sea of people that await them. Arthur didn't think it was possible to witness more people in one place then there was at Diagon Ally, but here they are. Crazy hoarding masses moving along at various speeds in various indiscernible directions. Children and adults, elderly and babies in wheeled chairs, the rich and the poor, all together in this one horrible underground cave. Arthur tightens his hold on Merlin's hand unconsciously.
Merlin cranes his neck above the people, before tugging Arthur sharply to the right and latching onto an unsuspecting Draco. He tries to yank his hand out of Merlin's surprisingly strong grasp, but Merlin just barks something at him that Arthur doesn't catch. Draco turns to Arthur, probably for support for his cause, but Arthur just hold up his own hand still tightly bound with Merlin's and raises his eyebrows in a silent, what can you do?
Stuck to each others sides like they've been nailed together, they make with surprising speed to a set of stairs and then finally outside and above ground. Arthur takes a relieved breath of fresh air, catching Merlin grinning at him from the corner of his eye.
Biting down on his own grin, he squeezes Merlin's hand and takes off to follow the students.
They catch up to Ron and Hermione, who are also holding hands, and Arthur fights his flushing face. As if reading his thoughts, Merlin tugs him closer. Arthur checks him lightly with his hip, sending his sprawling ungainly against a scowling Draco.
"Let go-" Draco's heated whisper is loud enough for Arthur to hear in his close-proximity.
Merlin gives him the look an old man would give a child acting out and releases his hand. Draco dramatically shakes it out and, for some reason, scowls at Arthur. Arthur raises his free hand in surrender and Draco marches up to walk with his fellow slytherins instead.
"I don't know why he insists on hating this trip. He might even find himself having fun if he would just relax." Merlin's stride becomes heavier as he continues to lead Arthur along.
They pass by several perplexing store fronts that Arthur wishes he had the chance to explore, his feet dragging along as he tries to get a closer look through the shop windows. Merlin slows down with him and several students pass them, giving them varying looks.
Arthur doesn't want to make Merlin uncomfortable, but he feels he should say something before he drives the poor boy away. "It might be best to give him some space. At least for a little bit. Let him adjust, then come to you. Make yourself available to him so he knows you're there, but-" He pauses, searching for the words. Arthur's really not sure where Merlin has developed the new clinging-hand-holding habit of his, and he's not sure if Merlin's even aware how unusual it is. "-just try not to crowd him."
"I didn't-" Merlin's face is warming its way into an indignant glare.
"Merlin, you grabbed his hand and wouldn't let go. Again."
Merlin stops walking abruptly, looking down at their entwined hands. He pries his fingers loose and then just holds them awkwardly at his side. Arthur's heart breaks for the look on his face and he quickly grabs his friends retreated hands in his own, firmly re-twining their fingers. "Merlin," Arthur's voice is soft, "I have no issue with you holding my hand. Although admittedly, it is a little odd." Arthur refuses to admit that he feels lost without the firm presence.
"I just- I… I don't want to lose anyone. I can't lose anyone else." Merlin's clear blue eyes gaze up at him, their round doe-eyed-ness only increased by his youthful form. "I can't lose you."
"You won't. You won't lose me. I am here with you and I'm not going anywhere without you." His voice is soft but strong and resolute. His thumb strokes the back of Merlin's knuckles in comfort.
Merlin gives him a watery smile before tugging on his arm for them to catch up to the rest of their group. The assortment of different clothing styles making them easy to pick out amongst the bustle of everyday folk.
Finally, they stop in front of a large double doored building with bright lights lining a sign with some rather ridiculous and seemingly random words. Hermione appears by his side with an excited look on her face, tugging along a wide eyed and curious Ron. Draco and his housemates' have replaced their usual smiling faces with masks of stone.
Professor Zaden stops them in the large entrance hall, collected in an uncomfortably tight group. "We are going to be seeing 'The Sword and the Stone' in theatre three. Everyone is to follow me and take their seats in the theatre before you are welcome to come back out to purchase refreshments. Popcorn is the traditional snack of choice while watching a movie, if you are keen on creating an accurate experience.
"There is to be no talking- at all- throughout the movie. If you must use the bathroom, quietly make your way out and back without disturbing the rest of the theatre. We will all be headed over to a café down the street afterwards to discuss our individual experiences as well as learn more about the different customs. Try to hold off commentary until then.
"And lastly, this movie experience is typically meant for entertainment purposes as well as educational, so do try to have fun." Her voice is clear and echoes slightly in the open space. Something about the movie title has Arthur suspicious.
As they make their way farther into the building towards room three, Merlin leans in close to Arthur's ear with a whispered laugh. "The Sword and the Stone- I've seen that one. Goddess above, you're going to either hate it or love it. Just keep in mind that they created it as a piece of fiction. It is intentionally false." He bites his lips as if to stop himself from saying more and Arthur's curiosity spikes.
Theatre number three takes his breath away. Arthur has a hard time comprehending how such the huge cavernous room fits inside the building they entered. And more than one, since this is number 'three'. The massive box like room is made even more bizarre by the addition of a sloped floor lined entirely in comfortable looking seats. Arthur cranes his neck to look at the surprisingly un-ornate ceiling.
The entirety of the wall facing the sea of chairs is white, blank, and ominous. Arthur tries to imagine moving images like on the laptop, but of the size to cover the whole wall. His eyes nearly bug out of his skull.
"Come on, let's grab a good seat before they all fill out." Merlin tugs Arthur up the steps and plops them down in seats along the back wall. "I hope you don't mind sitting at the back, I just don't want to be in earshot of their grumbling and have it ruined on you." Merlin narrows his eyes at the cluster of slytherins parked dead center in the room, sitting straight backed and stiff.
"No, it's fine. This is good." Arthur startles as his chair back tips backwards slightly with his weight.
Ron and Hermione take the seats next to them, Ron's expression matches Arthurs. "This place is incredible. Dad would love it here, could you imagine? Hermione, we have to take him out to one of these."
"The movie hasn't even started yet." Hermione's smile is pleased.
"We should get our snack and stuff now, before it does." Merlin gets up from his seat, leaving his vibrant green knitted sweater on the back of the chair. "No Arthur, it's alight you don't have to get up. I can get our food and bring it back."
"Oh, alright. Thank you Maldin." Merlin's smile is disarming.
"Oh yes, definitely, I'll come with. Ron, what sort of drink do you want?" Hermione stands to join him, her bag replacing her on her seat.
"Um, I'll have some of that sweet fizzy drink? The orange stuff?" Ron struggles in his pocket to bring out small folds of paper, handing the full wad to Hermione.
"I'll get you the orange fizzy drink too, I think you'll like it, what with your new obsession with orange juice." Merlin and Hermione make their way down towards the exit, Ron calling a belated thanks down to them before they disappear out the door.
"So. Ever seen one of these movies before?" Ron slides into Merlin's now vacant seat.
Arthur gives a small laugh. "No I haven't yet, no."
"Oh, right. 'Course not. Well. Neither have I really. I mean, Hermione's shown me some programs on a teller-vision over the summer once, wildly exciting. But nothing like this."
"Yeah, I've watched some things on a laptop, and some shows on TV, but nothing like this at all either." He stares at the blank expanse of screen in anticipation.
Suddenly everything lights up at once and dazzling colours dance across the screen to form the image of a car barreling down the countryside, loud booming sounds come from all around them. Arthur nearly jumps out of his seat in alarm, heart beating a jig in his chest.
"Bloody hell man, that's loud." Ron's hands tightly grip the arm rests, the bright lights from the screen reflecting off his wide eyes.
"It's started but they're not back yet. Should we tell someone to stop the movie and wait?" Arthur peels his eyes away from the colourful display to linger by the door.
"Nah, I don't think this is the movie yet. Just some of those comertals." At Arthur's questioning face, he elaborates. "Like, advertisements and such. Trying to get us to buy stuff. Hermione warned me about these."
They laps into thrilled silence, both sets of eyes glued to the screen as life-like food bits dance around larger than people to sharp clanging music with a strong drum beat akin to a war drum. After several of these play through advertising different assortments of mysterious things Arthur has a hard time piecing together, he spots Merlin and Hermione making their way back, arms loaded with bags and cups.
Arthur gently nudges Ron's arm and he scoots back into his own seat without taking his eyes off the screen.
"Hey, here this is yours." Merlin plunks a large heaping bag full of fluffy looking yellow bits onto his lap and places a lidded cup into the divot on the armrest of the seat.
"Thanks. What's this?" He looks down at the delicious smelling food, the heat seeping through to the skin of his legs.
"Popcorn. It's tasty and light. Perfect for you." He gives a wink and Arthur huffs.
Almost immediately the lights in the room dim and then go out, the theatre falling silent in unison. Dreamy music starts up as a painted scene comes on screen, moving and twisting as if it were real.
Arthur takes his fist bite of popcorn as the movie plays, the crunchy yellow bite melting in his mouth with the comfortingly familiar flavour of butter and salt. He relaxes back in his seat.
His eyes widen comically as the main characters are introduced. Dear gods. That's supposed to be me?!
He sneaks a look at the Merlin beside him, comparing him with his on-screen version. Pah! He's an old man! Arthur finds a deep amusement and satisfaction in the fact that Dragoon was the face remembered for his friend, although he bristles at being portrayed as a child.
Merlin squeeze his hand, alerting him to the fact that they are still apparently holding hands. Merlin must have grabbed ahold again while he was distracted.