A/N: Hey guys! Updating (more or less) on time this week!
OMG! 1010 reviews! Petaldawn you were the 1000th! Yay to you! :)
This was extremely difficult to write! I hope you enjoy!
Merlin watched with an odd sense of calm as Order members began Apparating into the dungeons of Slytherin's castle, the little 'pops' sounding loud in the silent night. He was not shaking with anticipation, nor was he feeling a growing sense of excitement. It was as if there was a great and ferocious animal resting inside of him, just waiting to be awakened.
Soon, the only people left with him for the assault on the courtyard were Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Ginny, the rest of the Weasley family, Kingsley, Draco, Tonks, Remus and several members of the DA, Ernie, Susan, Hannah, Dean and Seamus among them- the rest had already Apparated inside with the first group.
Kingsley moved over to Merlin. "Hadn't we better hurry? We don't want the others left on their own."
Merlin nodded. "Just one moment."
Then, he threw his head back and let a great roar tear from his throat. "O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!"
When he looked back, he saw most of the gathered people looking rather bewildered and a little shocked. He realised that most of them had never seen him do this before.
"I thought Kilgharrah and Aithusa deserved the opportunity to do some damage of their own," he said, smiling wryly. Morgana won't know what's hit her.
They all nodded and some began looking up into the night sky as though expecting them to swoop down right away. Fawkes gave an impatient squawk and Merlin nodded.
"You're right, Fawkes, we shouldn't waste any more time."
He gestured to the others to take hold again. He himself grabbed some of Fawkes' feathers. "Here we go."
With another squawk, Fawkes disappeared in a flash of fire taking everyone along with him.
Merlin them found himself standing in a courtyard of stone, looming walls of black stone with darkened windows on every side. Merlin sensed it before he saw it.
"Hilderand!" he shouted, and only just in time, as dozens of jets of green light came rushing towards them out of the dark recesses of the courtyard. Merlin's shield quivered slightly at the force of so many Killing Curses, some performed by enhanced wands, but the shield held fast.
Then, scores of hooded and cloaked Death Eaters came streaming towards them, brandishing their wands fiercely.
The combined forces of the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army leapt into action. The twins raced after a particularly large Death Eater, Ernie began dueling another with a look of fierce concentration on his face, Draco lashed out left and right with powerful Stunners, Fawkes swopped here and there distracting the enemy, Remus, Tonks and Kingsley took three Death Eaters at once and Percy let out a war cry so fierce as he began fighting that in any other situation it would be almost comical.
Merlin himself launched himself into the fight with no less fervour. The Death Eaters here were all shielded with Old Magic and if the others were to have a chance to defeat them, he'd have to first get rid of the shields.
"Berstan hlēo!" he shouted, sending his spell towards the Death Eaters fighting Neville and Luna. It struck their shields with a resounding crash and their shields flickered out of existence. Their eyes widened, and for a moment they let down their guard. Neville and Luna finished them off nicely.
Merlin sent spell after spell at the Death Eaters and destroying as many shields as he could, trusting to everyone else's spellwork to deal with them afterwards. He had to even the playing field. The spells of the Order and the DA wouldn't penetrate those shields easily.
The fighting was fast and furious. The dark courtyard was aglow with multi-coloured lights as spells rebounded off stone walls and reduced bricks to dust. The DA members had formed a circle in which each fired spells at Death Eaters constantly without worrying about protecting their own backs, just as Tonks had taught them a few weeks earlier. Bill and Fleur dueled side-by-side, Tonks and Remus moved through the crowd of Death Eaters, their wands never resting for an instant, Dean and Seamus were doing likewise. Molly Weasley was dueling just as ferociously as she had done during the Battle of Hogwarts, practically snarling at the oncoming onslaught. She'd placed herself protectively in front of Ginny, though Ginny hardly needed the protection; she was taking down plenty of Death Eaters on her own. Harry was also near her, and he, like Merlin, was focusing on destroying the Old Religion shields of the Death Eaters. Merlin could see the glow of his eyes from the other end of the courtyard,
More and more Death Eaters began to drop, and others fled when they realised their shielding was gone. Merlin grinned in triumph; they had no real loyalty. They followed Morgana in fear of her alone.
Merlin noticed the rapid decline of the Old Religion in the courtyard and realised all of the shielding had vanished. Morgana obviously didn't care about replenishing it.
"Hleap on bæc!" he yelled, and brought down two Death Eaters about to overwhelm Hannah Abbot. She smiled gratefully, and rushed off to the aid of Susan Bones who was also bravely dueling two at once.
Merlin frowned. They couldn't waste time here in the courtyard, they had to get moving, find Morgana before she realised she was beaten and left. He could feel her presence in the castle, a glowering evil skulking just out of plain sight. The lesser presence he could sense at her side must be Voldemort.
He had to finish this fight now if they were to have a chance. They couldn't tarry here any longer.
"Beweorpan se mānfull!" he incanted, lifting both hands up into the air. His eyes glowed.
A great flash of white light engulfed the courtyard, and screams filled the air from both sides. When the light subsided, all the Death Eaters were lying on the ground, unconscious. Merlin could just have easily killed them, but he wanted to save his energy for Morgana. And besides, he'd heard what Charlie Weasley had said earlier; some of them were innocent and just Imperised.
The Order and DA stood there blinking in surprise.
George huffed. "You take all the fun out of it, Merlin."
"Why couldn't you have done that right at the beginning?" Percy asked indignantly, his glasses askew.
Merlin shrugged. "Why's it fair I should do all the work?"
Percy opened his mouth to retaliate, but Merlin held up a hand to silence him.
He cast out with his magic, searching for Morgana, searching for the route to take now. At last-
"This way," he said, but he wasn't alone. Harry had also spoken, and pointed in the same direction as Merlin.
Merlin raised an eyebrow, and Harry looked uncomfortable as everyone turned to him.
"I can sense him," he explained, looking at Merlin. "I can sense where Voldemort is."
Merlin nodded slowly. "The Old Religion is growing stronger with each passing minute," he observed. "It's a good sign that we will be successful tonight."
Then, before anyone could say anything else, Merlin rushed off up a staircase and hurtled down a dark corridor, Fawkes on his shoulder, not even waiting to see if the others were following. Harry ran by his side.
Merlin heard the sound of many people coming towards him. He stopped and raised his hand ready even as Harry raised his wand. Death Eaters came pouring around the corner.
"Mægenþise!" Harry and Merlin yelled together, and a mass of blue light came from them and combined in the air to form a large ball of energy which they sent speeding towards the advancing Death Eaters. They barely had time to cry out in surprise before it struck them, and sent them flying through the air until they hit the back wall and crumpled to the floor.
Merlin and Harry exchanged a glance before resuming their run down the corridor. Footsteps from behind let him know the Order and DA were following.
Merlin was immersed in memory as he and the others navigated their way through the winding corridors led by Merlin and Harry's instincts. How many times had he done this before with Arthur? How many times had they stormed a castle trying to kill or capture Morgana? And how many times had she escaped them?
But he hadn't had an army of sorcerers with him then.
The corridors were now eerily empty. Merlin reached out with his magic trying to sense any oncoming attack, but his instincts were being thrown off by their proximity to Morgana; her presence was overwhelming and made it impossible to sense anything else.
They raced down corridor after corridor with no end, and no sense of where they were going. Merlin's unease grew. Where were the other Death Eaters? How could they get to Morgana? Her presence loomed over all else, almost goading him. He had to reach her!
He stopped suddenly in the corridor, and breathing heavily, he tried to get his bearings. The others stopped with him and looked at him questioningly. Merlin looked around the corridor but was completely lost. He had never been here before, and only once been inside its predecessor. The Great Hall had to be around here! Where would Salazar have located it?
"Merlin?" Kingsley asked, watching him. "Where now?"
Merlin hesitated for a moment. He looked around the corridor again, and something caught his eye. It was a tapestry, showing a grand castle with many turrets and towers. It was Hogwarts. Apparently, Salazar hadn't completely broken all ties with the school when he'd left. But there was something else about the tapestry that intrigued him. It was fluttering slightly.
Comprehension dawning, Merlin darted forwards and wrenched the tapestry aside to reveal a large wooden door. He pulled on the great brass handle and plunged himself into the darkness beyond, everyone following without question. He found himself in a small winding spiral staircase. He bounded up the stairs with great energy, much like he'd done as a young man when realising he was late with Arthur's breakfast, and pulled open another door that he found at the top. Morgana's presence was almost overwhelming.
He then emerged into a small hall, an antechamber, great twisting serpents carved from stone adorning the walls, serpents that Merlin recognised, and guessed must have come from the ruins of the previous castle. The room was empty.
The Order and DA spilled out and stood by his side.
"What is it?" Fred asked, looking at Merlin.
Merlin just nodded to the far end of the room. There, running from the ground to the ceiling were massive oak doors. The entrance to the Great Hall.
"Let's go then," said Harry, tightening his hold on his wand and starting to move forwards. Merlin threw out a hand to stop him: "No, Harry! It's too easy."
But Harry had already moved. The moment he'd placed a foot on the flagstones, something happened.
Flashes of green light filled the room and out of nowhere, giant creatures began to appear, and scuttle dangerously towards them.
Merlin groaned. "Serkets? How did she get those?"
Morgana had used one in London a while back to cause panic, but Merlin had thought that had been a one off. These giant scorpion creatures had died out years ago; he'd thought the one she'd used had been one she'd summoned from the past. But that was incredibly difficult to do! How had she gotten so many?
Voldemort, thought Merlin grimly, the two of them together could easily have managed it.
The Order and DA began firing off curses towards the Serkets, but they bounced off harmlessly. They weren't going to work against creatures of the Old Religion; Merlin's own magic was barely powerful enough to do more than ward them away for a limited amount of time.
Nevertheless he raised a hand and tried. "Awendaþ eft wansæliga neat!" he yelled, and ten immediately were thrown back, stunned. But that wouldn't last for long.
They advanced ever closer, making horrid noises. Merlin raised his hand to try again-
He was stopped by a terrible roaring sound that originated from outside of the castle. The Serkets seemed to quail as they heard it, but Merlin's heart soared.
The next thing Merlin knew, the entire room seemed to be caving in. He hastily raised a shield and pulled the others back as timber beams and great chunks of masonry from the ceiling fell all around them.
There was another roar, and quick glimpses of scaly flesh as great fires filled the room. The Serkets squealed horribly, and then were silent.
The was a great trembling crash as something white and very large was deposited into the room with them. When the dust from the ceiling and smoke from the fires had abated, Merlin saw a very welcome sight. Aithusa stood in the antechamber with them, her mouth still smoking. There was a fiery glint in her eye. Up above, just visible through the massive hole in the ceiling was Kilgharrah, flapping his great wings in the air, too large to fit inside.
"That's the second time I've had to save you from those creatures, Merlin," Kilgharrah observed, his deep voice resounding through the entire castle. "You should not be so careless."
"Thank you," said Merlin, grinning in spite of himself. Kilgharrah said nothing.
Aithusa turned her gaze on Merlin. She stood in the antechamber, almost too large to fit.
"She's through there," she said, gesturing with her massive head to the great doors on the other end. "You must go."
Merlin nodded. "Won't you come?"
Aithusa and Kilgharrah both shook their heads.
"That is not our destiny young warlock, that is yours," said Kilgharrah from above. "You and the Potter boy must face the final step alone."
"We've already taken care of the fleeing Death Eaters," sniffed Aithusa, "and all the ones that tried to curse us out of the sky are now piles of ash on the battlements. What else do you want of us?"
"Nothing," said Merlin, smiling. "Absolutely nothing. Thank you, thank both of you."
Aithusa bowed her great head. She leapt up into the air and spread her wings as she cleared the hall and hung there in the air beside Kilgharrah. Fawkes took off from Merlin's shoulder and joined the two dragons.
"I wish I could go with you, Merlin, and incinerate that evil witch," Aithusa said. "But Kilgharrah is right. This is your time."
Merlin nodded, and watched as the three of them flew away over the grounds. A peculiar feeling now lay over him. His heart began to race.
A crashing sound alerted him to a small door midway down the hall being burst open. Emerging into the ruined room was the rest of the Order and the DA, looking in amazement at the destruction before them.
"What happened?" McGonagall asked, being the apparent leader of the other group. "We fought our way through the dungeons and above trying to find the Great Hall when we heard all this commotion. Is it over?"
Merlin shook his head. "No, it hasn't even begun."
He took a steadying breath and felt the Old Religion run through his veins stronger than it had ever done in the previous thirteen hundred years. He took a step towards the opposite doors.
"Morgana is just on the other side of that door. She's waiting for me."
Harry rushed forwards and stood beside Merlin, also looking at the door. "And so is Voldemort."
Merlin turned to face him. "Then let's meet our destiny together, Harry."
Harry nodded. Together, they walked slowly towards the great wooden doors. Every step seemed to only increase the magic in Merlin's veins. The others followed silently behind them, solemn.
They reached the ornately carved doors and Harry and Merlin exchanged one final glance, before reaching out their hands and pushing them open.
They found themselves within a massive hall, several times larger than the one they'd just passed through. Huge columns supported the ceiling, carved in the likeness of serpents. Green and silver tapestries hung from the walls. Chandeliers also in the shape of serpents hung everywhere, their candles casting a gloomy light over the hall below. At the far end of the hall, below some magnificent windows stood a wooden pedestal. Placed on this was a plain golden cup. Before the cup, there were two ornately styled thrones in black stone.
Sitting in these thrones, with leering grins on their faces, were Morgana and Voldemort.
Upon fixing his eyes on Morgana, something seemed to change within Merlin. He no longer felt hate, or anger, just a quiet acceptance. The next few moments would change everything.
She sat lolling in her throne, showing no sign of the weariness she must be feeling after her earlier fight with Merlin. Across her lap sat Excalibur, glinting in the dim light.
Her grin widened as she saw Harry and Merlin enter, with the entire Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army following behind them. They'd put by their wands; they knew who would be deciding their fate.
"Finally got here, Merlin?" Morgana asked lazily. "Did you honestly think you would have the element of surprise with all the racket you were making?"
Merlin didn't answer. Morgana continued regardless.
"Of course, I expected you to come here," she said, smiling. "I knew that if I took back my dear brother's sword you'd risk everything to get it back, though I did not quite expect you so soon. Luckily, I keep the Death Eaters constantly on alert for attack. Sentimental old fool."
Merlin smiled. "You're the fool, Morgana. That sword has much more value than mere sentiment. It is a blade forged in the breath of a dragon, a product of the Old Religion."
She laughed. "The Old Religion! What do you really know of it?"
"More than you apparently," Merlin replied. "It would never condone the action you are taking. You betrayed it, Morgana, when you betrayed your family and friends. It set something in motion and it has taken me thirteen hundred years to fully understand it. I can complete what was begun all those years ago."
"What? And kill me?" Morgana asked, laughing. "You had the perfect opportunity this evening. But you're weak. You don't have the stomach to kill someone you used to call friend."
"Friend?" Voldemort asked, speaking for the first time, his red eyes gleaming. "You failed to mention that."
Morgana scowled. "There are many things I do not tell you. It is of no importance."
"No importance?" Voldemort hissed, looking furious. "You fail to tell me that one of my greatest enemies was once your friend? Where do your loyalties truly lie?"
She laughed. "Not with you in any case. Now, be quiet."
Harry laughed beside Merlin. "Going to let her talk to you like that, Tom? I thought the great Lord Voldemort was superior to everyone else?"
"I told you, Tom," said Merlin. "She cares about no one. She was only ever using you to get to me."
"What does that matter now?" said Morgana. "He's outlived his usefulness."
She stood up slowly and placed Excalibur carefully on the throne behind her. Voldemort stood also, a dangerous gleam in his eyes.
"No one, no one, can presume to command me!" he hissed, glaring at her.
"Yeah, particularly a Muggle-Born," said Harry, smirking.
The look on Voldemort's face was priceless, and Merlin would have enjoyed himself if it was any other situation.
"You might have gotten yourself a powerful ally, Tom," said Harry fiercely, "but you're still alone. You're pathetic! You both are!"
"Silence!" screamed Morgana, glaring at Harry. "You disgust me, Potter." She looked him over. "I have no use for you, I care nothing about what happens to you." She looked back to Voldemort. "Do what you will with him. After I have dealt with Merlin."
Voldemort looked as though he was about to explode with anger, but he seemed to calm himself, with great effort. He took a step back and settled himself back in his chair, with such an evil and furious look on his face that if Merlin had been a lesser man he'd have run for the hills. At this point, Merlin wasn't sure who Voldemort wanted dead more: himself, or Morgana.
He withdrew the Elder Wand from within his robes and held it firmly in his hand. He was practically twitching with excitement as he glared at Harry, ready at any moment to deal the fatal blow. Harry glared back with equal vehemence, clutching his own wand tightly. But neither would make a move until Merlin and Morgana were done.
Merlin's eyes were fixed on Morgana's. He searched within them, looking for any sign of the kind and lively young woman he had once known, but saw only darkness. She had wrought her own doom.
Merlin raised his palm as Morgana raised hers. They both stood in silence, staring at the other. Merlin felt the weight of his thirteen hundred years bearing down on him, but instead of hindering him, it drove him onward. He still made no move.
Then, Morgana's eyes blazed. "Bærnett!" she screamed.
Harry took a step backwards as the force of Morgana's spell seemed to overwhelm the entire room. A blazing ball of energy engulfed Merlin, but apparently he had raised a shield because a second later he emerged, entirely unscathed. He made no retaliatory move.
She screamed again and threw another powerful spell at him, but he raised a hand and the spell dissipated before it even reached him.
She threw curse after curse at him, and each time he got rid of them with a flash of his eyes before they could do any damage. He still made no move to attack her himself.
The Order and DA were watching in awe as destructive magic continued issuing from Morgana, increasing in power, Merlin not even batting an eyelid. Morgana's face was contorted with anger and hate and effort as she threw all her magic into each spell, but Merlin's face remained calm and didn't change expression even as he used more and more powerful magic in his attempts to repel her.
Harry was confused. Why wasn't he fighting back? Why didn't he just do one of his powerful spells and kill her? He was able to! Why was he just standing there and letting her attack him?
The power continued increasing and Harry felt the Old Religion strengthen with each passing minute. It was rushing through every inch of his body; it had never felt this powerful before. It seemed to be humming intensely, lurking just below his skin. He felt Voldemort's presence, just feet away from him, and he longed to do something, but knew he couldn't. Something was telling him to wait, wait for something.
The Cup of Life was just behind Voldemort, Harry could feel the magic radiating off of it. It reminded him intensely of the feeling he'd gotten in the Veil Room in the Ministry of Magic. It seemed to make the magic in his blood recoil.
Harry hurriedly fixed his eyes back on Merlin, awed at what he was seeing. Merlin wasn't even putting up a fight, yet he was undoubtedly winning, despite not performing a single offensive move. Was this his plan? To look coldly at her without raising a finger until she tired herself out?
Morgana screamed again. "Fight back!" she said. "Are you afraid?"
"No," said Merlin, quietly. "I don't need to fight, Morgana. You've already lost. The Old Religion has decided your fate."
Then, with one almighty push, Merlin's eyes burned and Morgana was thrown several feet backwards crashing into a pillar, apparently too exhausted to raise a shield. She coughed and spluttered and tried to struggle to her feet. Voldemort watched with expressionless eyes, his hands whitening as they clutched the Elder Wand ever tighter.
Morgana's momentary distraction was all Merlin needed. He stretched out his hand and his eyes flashed. Excalibur soared from its place on Morgana's throne and flew into his hand. As his fingers closed over the hilt it seemed to glow with powerful energy, almost singing with the magic of the Old Religion.
He placed both hands over the hilt and held it up to his face.
Morgana leapt up and laughed hysterically. "A sword? I care not how powerful a blade it is, I will not be destroyed by a Muggle weapon!"
Merlin's eyes gleamed.
He stepped forward, the sword raised-
Before he could go any closer, Morgana raised her hand and screamed one final spell: "Gecyðan gemynd!"
Harry's heart stopped, expecting to see another powerful and dangerous spell coming from her towards Merlin, but was confused when all that happened was a slight shimmering mist appeared in the space between Merlin and Morgana.
Merlin froze and lowered the sword a little as the mist swirled and twisted into shapes of people and places, like reflections in a cloudy pool. Harry watched in amazement as the mist contorted to form two distinct figures, almost life-size, standing right between the two Old Religion sorcerers.
It was Morgana and Merlin. Although physically much the same as he was now, Merlin looked younger somehow, his face not so worn down by burden and worries, his smile carefree and joyful. His hair was different, and he wore ragged clothes. He was smiling at the figure of the woman before him. Morgana also looked young, and her face was beautiful, without any hint of evil in her soul. She smiled freely. They stood there simply looking at each other, nothing but friendship and laughter and caring between them. Although neither of the figures spoke, voices rang out through the room, echoing in the cavernous hall. Voices that Harry recognised to be that of Merlin and Morgana.
"You can trust me, Morgana. You know you can."
"You've always been such a good friend, Merlin."
"I'm your friend, Morgana."
"I trust Merlin."
"I can help you …"
"Be careful, Merlin."
"It's good to have you back, my Lady."
Harry listened in amazement as these thirteen-hundred year old conversations echoed loudly around the room. He could hardly believe he was hearing them.
Merlin seemed frozen, looking intensely at the image of his younger self. He couldn't seem to tear his eyes from it. His face went blank as he looked between the two images. Something like an ancient longing seemed to be reignited in his eyes.
Behind the images, Morgana grinned in triumph.
"Don't you remember the good times, Merlin?" she asked, her voice deceptively innocent. "How you used to blush whenever you saw me? Stumble over your words? Bring me flowers when I was upset? Swear to protect me? Don't you remember all the good times that we shared?"
Suddenly, Merlin's face hardened, and a glint came into his eyes.
"Yes," he said. "But I also remember the bad."
He raised Excalibur once more and swiped it through the air, right between the two images, and they dissipated into wisps of smoke. Morgana's eyes went wide and the sword came flying towards her.
The entire room gasped as one as Merlin lunged forwards with Excalibur, and with one mighty thrust, drove it straight through Morgana's abdomen.
Merlin felt the sword slide almost seamlessly through flesh and blood, but he felt no joy or relief, only a calm satisfaction. Morgana gasped and spluttered as she looked down at the sword protruding from her body. She and Merlin were now only inches apart.
She looked up, and her eyes met Merlin's. There was no evil or darkness there anymore. Only a quiet desperation, similar to the look Morgana had given him when she realised he had poisoned her in Camelot. He felt it pierce his heart in the same way the reminder of all that they'd shared had just a few moments previously.
He stepped back and withdrew the sword, oddly enough not even besmirched by blood, and she swayed on the spot for a moment, clutching at her wound.
Then, she fell to her knees and crumpled to the floor. Before she could fall completely, her body seemed to vanish in the way the immortal soldiers of Cenred had done all those years ago. Soon, there was not a trace of her left.
Merlin stood, looking down at the bare spot on the floor where she had been, willing himself to feel something other than grim satisfaction. He had done it. Finally, it was over.
Just as he realised this, a sharp pain began in his heart and seemed to send icy fire shooting through all his veins. He cried out and dropped Excalibur, where it clattered to the floor. He heard Voldemort scream with frustration.
Harry watched in horror as Merlin fell to his knees clutching his heart. He'd gone incredibly pale, and he swayed there, breathing heavily, seeming to be lost in some sort of pain or delirium.
Harry's heart froze. What was happening to him?
He heard Voldemort's scream of rage and anger and sensed rather than saw him raise the Elder Wand and point it directly at Merlin.
"Acwellan!"
"Hilderand!" Harry yelled, and with a flourish of his wand he deflected Voldemort's Old Religion Killing Curse away from Merlin, who seemed too weak to do anything himself.
Voldemort rounded on Harry, his awful eyes burning with fury.
"Potter!" he yelled.
"Leave him!" Harry yelled back. "I won't let you touch him!"
Voldemort sneered. "The great and powerful Merlin needs a mere teenager to protect him? If someone such as he could defeat Morgana than perhaps it is just as well she is no more. I don't need allies as weak as her."
Harry pointed his wand directly at Voldemort. He moved so he was standing directly in front of Merlin, who was still on the ground.
"He's more powerful than you'll ever be," Harry said, calmly. "In more ways than one."
Voldemort laughed. "Is this Dumbledore's legendary love? You are still as foolish as ever, Potter!"
"No, that's you," said Harry fiercely, staring without blinking. "You still don't understand it, you never will!"
"Perhaps not," said Voldemort. "But then, I never gave much care to studying that which is weaker than myself."
Harry shook his head. "And that's why you're going to lose."
"And what makes you think that?" Voldemort asked, sneering.
"Because of the Old Religion," Harry answered, simply. "It told me. I never used to believe in it properly, but now I do. Now I understand why it marked out me for this moment."
Voldemort laughed, an awful laugh that rang around the room.
"The Old Religion?" Voldemort repeated derisively. "You're living in the past, Potter! Just like those two! It is weak! I have combined it with the New and made it more powerful. It is nothing, Potter. Just a source of magic that can be taken and moulded into perfection!"
"That's where you're wrong," said Harry, feeling the magic growing ever stronger within him. "It is so much more than that. It is love, and goodness, and life. It's the greatest and most beautiful force in this world. It runs through every living thing and gives them power. You are nothing compared to it! It isn't something to be accessed and used, it's something that has to be embraced. You can't use it for your own selfish purposes without consequences. It isn't a source of power, it's a source of life."
Voldemort stood smiling, his red eyes still gleaming.
"So that is what Merlin has been teaching you? I needn't have worried. You don't appreciate the power that can be gained from using the Old Religion. You are too afraid to fully embrace the magic and use it properly. That was your mistake."
"No, Tom," said Harry, taking a step closer. "It's yours. You corrupted the Old Religion by making your Horcruxes, by using my blood to resurrect yourself and free Morgana and make yourself immortal. You've corrupted it so badly. But the Old Religion needs balance above everything else, and to do that, what you did has to be healed."
"The magic of the Old Religion is mine!" screeched Voldemort, looking insane. "I bend it to my will, and my will alone!"
"Really?" Harry asked, clutching his wand tighter, knowing the moment was coming ever closer. "Well we'll just have to see who's really the one in control: the one who seeks to conqueror the Old Religion, or the one that serves it."
Voldemort's eyes flashed. "Bānwærc!" he screeched.
Harry felt the magic rise up within in more powerfully than it had ever done before. "Hilderand!"
Voldemort's spell rebounded off Harry's shield and struck the stone wall, bringing bricks and dust crashing down onto the gathered people.
"Abēatan!" yelled Harry, and he sent an equally powerful spell back at Voldemort. His eyes widened in surprise and a quiet fear, but he also managed to raise a shield in time.
"Nīed!"
"Sārnes!"
The both cast their spells at the same time, and a stream of red light and green light collided in mid-air creating a resounding crash and sparks so bright they seemed almost blinding.
"Scūfan!" Harry yelled and sent a continuous jet of energy from his wand towards Voldemort. Voldemort retaliated in kind and a similar jet of energy issued from his own wand. They met in the middle, and joined together with two balls of light, each trying to force the other back. Harry was reminded forcibly of the time when his and Voldemort's wands had connected in the graveyard.
Harry poured more magic into his spell and the light intensified. Voldemort did the same. His face was lit by a dangerous red light and he was leering at Harry, a slow grin spreading on his skull-like face.
Harry tried to keep calm, remembering everything Merlin had told him. Don't let it all go at once. Don't waste your energy. A little at a time.
So Harry did just that. He let loose small trickles of energy, building up and up slowly until the spell burned so fiercely he could feel the heat on his face. But Voldemort responded with an increase of his own, not showing the slightest bit of strain in his expression.
This isn't working, Harry thought desperately, we're too evenly matched.
He had to think of a new plan. He thought back to all of Tonks' training sessions. It wasn't always the most powerful that won. It's the way you use the magic that counts.
He changed tactics. He staggered backwards, feigning weariness, letting his magic falter a little. Voldemort pressed his advantage, looking triumphant.
He stepped forward, always increasing the power of the spell, apparently eager to finish Harry off. Harry tried not to smile. He was releasing it all too soon, depleting his reserves. Harry's were still intact.
Harry continued stepping backwards and adopted a fearful expression for good measure. Some of the DA called out in alarm, apparently also fooled. Don't try and help, Harry silently pleaded, please, let me do this on my own.
The light from the spells shone throughout the room, reflecting off the windows and the golden Cup, making it seem as though the very room was on fire.
Struck with a new idea, Harry began stepping to the side, creating a circle around Voldemort.
If only he could reach it …
While Voldemort continued battering his spell against Harry's, Harry began searching for the words for a complex Shield Spell that Merlin had taught him a few weeks ago. Unlike normal Shield Spells, this one didn't deflect the offending spell, it absorbed it.
He would have to perform it non-verbally, not a particularly good idea; these spells were hard enough at the best of times. But what choice did he have?
He reached the spot he'd been aiming for. He took a deep breath.
Pretending to be overcome, Harry let out a cry and ceased his spell. In the split second before Voldemort's spell reached him, Harry's eyes flashed golden.
The spell hit him with the force of a sledgehammer and he felt himself fly backwards and hit the wall. He felt a massive bruise form on his back, but otherwise he was unharmed; the undetectable Shield Spell he'd performed had protected him. But, he wasn't about to let Voldemort know that.
He cried out in pain and let himself slump to the ground, and lie there, coughing, pretending to be defeated. He heard the horrified cries of the DA and the Order, but he tried not to respond, give any sign that he was alright. They too had to be a part of the illusion.
Harry lay as still as possible on the ground, forcing himself to give deep and apparently painful breaths. He looked to his right, and saw that his plan had worked. He was close enough now …
Voldemort laughed in his high cold voice and walked towards him, evil in his gloating eyes.
"Has your precious Old Religion saved you now, Potter?" Voldemort sneered. "Or are you just as weak as Merlin? With him, Morgana and now you gone, who shall stand in my way? I will be in sole possession of this magic. None shall match my power!"
Harry bided his time, a rushing sound in his ears and his heart thumped erratically. The Old Religion seemed to be screaming at him. This was it …
"What shall stop me now?" Voldemort asked quietly, stopped just a few feet away from where Harry still lay on the floor. "What on this earth is now more powerful than I?"
"Just one thing," said Harry, looking calmly up at Voldemort, feeling something from within speaking with his voice. "The thing more powerful than anything else. The thing that you corrupted will be restored. The Old Religion."
And, acting on pure instinct, he leapt up and brandished his wand. "Onbregdan!"
Excalibur, which had lain abandoned on the floor as Merlin had collapsed, now soared towards him, blazing with golden light.
Harry seized it and leapt to his side, swinging the sword as he did so. But he wasn't aiming at Voldemort.
The Cup of Life, which Harry had been slowly edging to during the duel was now only inches away on his right. Bringing the sword back from behind his head, Harry swung it towards the Cup with as much force as he could muster.
It struck the Cup on the stem, and it went flying. A mass of blood came spilling from the golden Cup as it soared through the air, splattering on the flagstones. The Cup fell to the ground with an almighty clang.
"Nooooo!" Voldemort screamed.
A sudden stream of golden light from the dawn came spilling in through the high windows as the Cup fell. The light illuminated Voldemort's awful face which seemed to be crumbling into dust before Harry's very eyes.
Voldemort fell, his body seeming to disintegrate as it did so, until like Morgana, there was not a trace of him left. Harry felt a sudden surge of magic within him, igniting in his veins as though the Old Religion was filling every inch of his body with power. It is done, it seemed to say to him.
Harry stood for a moment looking at the spot Voldemort had just been standing, hardly daring to believe it. It was over, it was finally over.
His head seemed to spin as ever more and more powerful magic seemed to pour into him from some external force. He shook violently, and Excalibur fell from his numb fingertips.
The Order and DA stood staring at him open-mouthed from across the room. They were looking at him like they had once stared at Merlin: in awe.
Harry looked down at his hands. He put his wand slowly into his pocket and outstretched his palm.
"Byrne," he said firmly.
A second later, crackling flames sat in the palm of his hand.
"Fugol," he said next, and the fire morphed into the shape of a bird, which then took flight and soared off through one of the high windows, now filled with light. Harry and the others watched it go.
Harry turned back to them. "I did it," he said softly. "The Old Religion is back. It's done."
As what had happened when Harry and Merlin had driven off Voldemort during the Battle of Hogwarts, the hall erupted into cheers and joyful shouts as they all rushed forwards to embrace Harry.
"You did it!"
"It's over!"
"You were amazing, Harry!"
"You showed him!"
But Harry didn't feel as exuberant as the others, despite the monumental relief he was feeling within. There was something more pressing on his mind.
He pushed through the mass of people trying to congratulate and rushed over to the edge of the room where a pale figure was sitting up against the wall. Merlin looked weak and shaken, but he smiled when Harry approached.
"Well done," he said, quietly, and his smiled widened. "You've fulfilled your destiny."
"Only thanks to you," said Harry, shaking his head. "I could never have done it without you."
"You underestimate yourself, Harry," said Merlin. "I never doubted you for an instant. The Old Religion runs through you, Harry, just as strongly now as it ever did for a sorcerer of Old. You brought the magic back, Harry."
Luna was crouched next to Merlin, and his hand was in hers. She was smiling at him. She turned to look at Harry.
"You did it, Harry," she smiled. "I knew you would."
"What happened, mate?" Fred asked. The rest of the Order and DA had crowded around and were looking down at the prone Merlin with concern. "Did she hurt you?"
Merlin shook his head, looking suddenly weary, but happy. "No, it's more than that."
"What?"
"He's mortal," Luna said suddenly, and squeezed Merlin's hand reassuringly. "He did what he needed to. He righted the wrong that Morgana caused on the world. He's fulfilled his purpose. He can now grow old and die like the rest of us."
Harry started. Everyone else gasped.
"Is this true?" Kingsley asked in amazement, looking from Luna to Merlin. "You're mortal?"
Slowly, Merlin nodded. He smiled, and as he did so, a great burden seemed to be lifted from him, the years and cares he carried seemed to vanish.
"Yes," he said. "It is."
Then, he laughed and sat up a little straighter, still trembling.
"I feel as weak as a new-born lamb," he explained, "but that'll pass. I'm just not used to a mortal body."
He grinned and closed his eyes. "Mortal," he repeated to himself. "How I've longed for this …"
"Longed for the chance to grow old and grey?" Tonks asked, winking.
Merlin nodded, and suddenly his voice seemed to shake a little with suppressed feeling. "The chance to grow old with the people I care about? To not have to stand by and watch as they pass onto the next world without me? To no longer have to watch the years pass me by? To no longer have to fear growing too close to people? Yes, I have longed for this moment. Longed for it ever since I watched my friends from Camelot pass on, and their descendants, and their descendants … I have longed for this my entire life."
He turned back to Harry, and he fixed his eyes on his. They were a tempest of emotion.
"You did this, Harry," said Merlin. "Only you could have done this. You've no idea what this means to me, Harry. Thank you."
Harry nodded dumbly, unable to say anything.
Then, it seemed to hit him all at once.
"You're mortal," he gasped. "Morgana is dead, the Old Religion is back … Voldemort is dead …"
Harry seemed to be numb all over. "Voldemort is dead …"
"Yes, and you did it!" smiled Ginny, and she sidled up to him and took his hand in hers. "The two of you, and the Old Religion. We'll never have to fear either of them again."
Harry turned to her, and a mounting excitement seemed to grow in his heart.
"It's really over?" he asked, a grin slowly growing on his face.
By response, Ginny threw her arms around him, and Harry hugged her back fiercely. It was over.
The others took this as a sign, and all rushed forwards again and tried to hug Harry simultaneously. Harry found himself having his hand shaken by many, being hugged by a tearful Mrs Weasley, thumped on the back by a laughing Ron, kissed on the cheek by a joyful Hermione, and generally being lost in a mad crush of happiness and joy.
Harry grinned openly. It was over.
He started laughing and found he couldn't stop.
Merlin sat in the Great Hall of the Slytherin estate still trying to come to terms with what had happened. Morgana is dead. Finally, she can never hurt anyone again.
He couldn't stop smiling so much was his relief. No one would have to suffer at her hands again.
He didn't feel joy at her death, only satisfaction. The images she had conjured up before he had killed her, and the way she had looked as she died had saddened him greatly. They once again reminded him of the good woman she had once been. No, he could never feel joy or happiness at her death. She should never have turned out like that. In some twisted way, she too had been a victim. And all Merlin felt was gladness that she could do no more harm.
And the other part, the revelation that he was now mortal … he couldn't even begin to describe. Although he was still physically weak, the absolute bliss that filled his mind as he thought of his mortality was enough to fill his heart with exhilaration. It was the greatest gift the Old Religion could ever have given him.
He had thought that when it came to the end, when Morgana was dead and the Old Religion returned, he'd perhaps feel a sense of anti-climax, a sudden emptiness with no more clear purposes in life. But that had not occurred. Instead, he found himself just reveling in the sheer relief and happiness of it all. He no longer cared. He was ready for his retirement. He felt more rested now than he ever had.
The hall was filled with Order and DA members who chatted and laughed as they sat at great tables that had been conjured by the Order. House-elves that had been brought in from Hogwarts by McGonagall were hurrying here and there carrying food for an impromptu morning victory feast. It was more than a little bizarre.
Kingsley and some Aurors had searched the castle for lurking Death Eaters and found several unconscious that were now being sent to Azkaban. All the others had been taken care of by Kilgharrah and Aithusa, who were now visible in the grounds, feasting on a large carcass of some unidentifiable animal Hagrid had managed to procure from somewhere.
Kingsley had now gone back to the Ministry to make the necessary announcements. He'd been gone several hours, and Merlin could only imagine he was stuck in the same sort of situation he had been when Merlin had revealed his identity: an endless press conference.
But Merlin was in no rush for him to return, in no rush to deal with all the jubilation and gratitude of the wizarding public. He was content to sit at the table between his friends and simply watch and laugh along with them. He was mortal. He wouldn't have to watch these ones die. He was finally free from his burdens.
Harry was sitting across from him, and would occasionally look up and smile at Merlin, which Merlin would immediately return. Nothing needed to be said between them. They now understood each other perfectly. Fawkes rested comfortably on Merlin's shoulder again, his soft crooning stirring up even more happiness in Merlin's heart.
"So," said Bill, from further down the table, addressing Merlin, "does the fact You-Know-Who's dead mean that the Old Religion is back for good? That anyone can learn it?"
Everyone looked to Merlin in interest.
"Possibly," said Merlin, smiling. "But even in my day, not all magic users had the power to use the Old Religion to its full extent. It runs through us all, in some more strongly than others. But, in the long run, yes. I believe now that it is returned to its full power, people can begin to learn it again."
Merlin turned to his left and grinned. "And I think we may start with Mr Malfoy here."
Draco jumped as Merlin addressed him, and he flushed under everyone's gaze. "Me?"
"Yes," said Merlin, nodding. "You have Druidic ancestors don't you? The Old Religion is within you."
"But I thought you said it wasn't powerful enough inside of me to be able to use it?" Draco asked, his eyes wide.
"Before, no it wasn't," said Merlin. "But now it has returned to the world and can operate in the open once more, it will flow more strongly inside people, and will begin to manifest itself again. I think it entirely possible that you'll be able to learn it."
Draco gaped. "You mean- I could learn the magic of the Old Religion?"
"Yes," said Merlin. "Would you like to learn it?"
Draco spluttered. "Well, of course! To be taught Old Magic by Merlin himself … you really think I could use it?"
Ron stared. "Whoa," he said, looking at Draco. "I never thought I'd see the day when Draco Malfoy would be modest."
Draco glared at him, but the rest of the table erupted in laughter. Harry however looked thoughtful.
"I can feel it," he said suddenly, looking intensely at Merlin. "I felt it as soon as you killed Morgana. The magic inside me became a whole lot stronger, and I actually heard the Old Religion. I followed it, and I felt it work through me. I could always sense the magic, but never as strongly as this."
Merlin nodded. "Welcome to my world, Harry."
Everyone laughed again.
"You think we could learn it, Merlin?" Fred asked, and he and his twin grinned eagerly.
Merlin laughed. "Maybe. Who knows? Maybe one day Old Magic will be something taught at Hogwarts!"
"I can't believe it's all over," said Hermione, her eyes oddly watery. "We can all finally relax! And I can go to Australia and get mum and dad! I can finally see them again!" A single tear dropped from her eyes, and she giggled as she brushed it aside. "They'll be so mad when they find out what I've been doing …"
"No," said Ron, putting his arm around her. "They'll be proud of you. Proud of raising such a brave, good and freakishly smart daughter."
"Hear, hear," said Merlin, smiling at Hermione who blushed furiously.
"There's one thing I still don't get," said Neville, frowning. "Why didn't you kill Morgana last night in Grimmauld Place? I mean what difference would it have made killing her a couple of hours earlier?"
"It made all the difference in the world," said Merlin. "We wouldn't have succeeded otherwise."
"I don't understand."
"Harry does," said Merlin, looking at him, and Harry nodded.
"I think I do," said Harry. "It seems to make sense now though it didn't before."
"Well we don't!" objected Bill. "Tell us."
Merlin sighed. "I couldn't have killed Morgana last night," he said. "When I killed her this morning, when I … was made mortal, I was weakened. If I had done it last night I couldn't have come with you here, I couldn't have helped you all and Harry get to this hall. And besides," Merlin smiled. "I would have been too weak to save Ginny."
Ginny flushed uncharacteristically, but she smiled and moved closer to Harry.
"But why let her take Excalibur?" Ron asked. "Why was that important?"
"Because," explained Merlin. "If Harry had taken Excalibur, if he had brought the sword with him here this morning he would not have defeated Voldemort. If he had been the one to attack first, he would have lost."
"The Old Religion never intended for Harry to kill Voldemort. It was vital that we were both here, at the right moment. When I killed Morgana, for a moment I was entirely defenceless. Harry saved me from Voldemort, the first move he made was that of one to protect a friend, not a blow in anger. That was absolutely crucial. He wasn't like Voldemort, deliberately trying to kill for his own pleasure, or for revenge. He was defending the ones he cared about."
"That's why I knew you wouldn't need the sword, Harry. You didn't need to kill him, you didn't need to tear your soul for evil such as him. I was a lost cause, I've killed hundreds of people in my life, but you're better than that. He killed himself. He signed his own death warrant when he dropped his blood into the Cup. At that moment, the Old Religion marked him out for death, seeing the goodness that he had corrupted. You were the means through which the Old Religion would right the wrong that he did. His death was inevitable, but without you, it would not have happened. The two of us, Harry, are linked with the Old Religion even more so than we already know."
Harry smiled, but everyone else at the table frowned in confusion.
"I don't get it," said Ron, but Hermione nudged him.
"You don't need to, Ron. All that matters is that both of them are gone. They're gone forever."
Yes, thought Merlin to himself. Forever.
"Hey!" Charlie yelled, noticing Kingsley walk in through the door. "Finally finished with the vultures at the Ministry then?"
Kingsley grinned. "Yes. I don't think I've ever been so thrilled at giving news before. You should have seen their faces."
"Surprised they let you get away," joked Mr Weasley.
"Oh, they didn't let me," said Kingsley. "I had to escape. Such celebration I have never known before, even after the last time Voldemort was defeated. Even the thought of dealing with all the Muggles who saw the fight last night doesn't worry me too much at the moment. We are truly entering a new era of wizarding history. There are some calling for Mr Potter here to become my second-in-command at the Ministry."
Harry's eyes widened. "What?"
"Oh, that would be a disaster," said Hermione, shaking her head.
"I take it that is a no then, Harry?" asked Kingsley, laughing at the look on Harry's face. He paused for a moment. "Though they are right in one respect; after everything you have done Harry, you deserve some recognition."
"I don't," said Harry hastily. He smiled at his friends. "It's enough to know that I won't ever have to worry about the people I love being torn from me again."
"Sure you don't want a nice big shiny medal, Harry?" George asked, innocently. "I'm sure if you asked nicely, you'd get an Order of Merlin, First Class no problem."
"Ha ha, George," said Harry, but Merlin sat up straighter.
"Yeah, why not?" he said, and everyone turned to look at him. Merlin grinned. "I started the Order of Merlin back in Camelot. It was designed to honour those sorcerers who had promoted tolerance between magical and non-magical peoples. It was disbanded after Camelot's fall, but the Founders managed to get it revived years later. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more."
Harry's jaw fell open. "You want to give me …"
"Not just you," said Merlin, barely suppressing his laughter. "All of you. Orders of Merlin, First Class all round, what do you think?"
Now, he could no longer contain himself and he laughed openly. The looks of awe and disbelief he was getting were priceless.
"I thought only the Minister for Magic could issue those," Percy spluttered. "I mean, he can't exactly give one to himself can he?"
Merlin kept on laughing. "I started the whole thing. Who's more authorised to decide who's worthy of one than me? It's literally my name on the label, you know!"
"And who's going to reward you?" Luna asked quietly, as everyone else at the table began to cheer and laugh. "What are you going to get out of all of this?"
Merlin smiled and looked around the table once more, catching the eyes of all his friends.
"A life."
A/N: I had a surprising amount of people who were afraid I was going to kill off Merlin in this chapter. Did you really think I would be that cruel? ;)
Here's for some bad (I think) news … the next chapter will probably be the last! I feel like crying! I've been writing this for about 8 months and I'll be incredibly sad to finish it!
So, the next one will probably be an epilogue trying to round everything up. Any requests for what I should include in it? :)
Poll is (I think) now up on my profile. Vote for what sort of companion story you think I should write next for this fic! :)