"Punish you?" Yugi repeated. Even though Mahaad's gaze was fixed on the dying embers of the fire, he knew his younger master's eyebrows were knit together in innocent confusion.

Yugi, who had been standing near an armchair, approached Mahaad. Both were wearing Hogwarts robes.

"Why would I punish you?" Yugi asked.

Mahaad held back a sob at how concerned his master sounded. Mahaad felt the all-too-familiar rush of magic that occurred whenever the Pharaoh phased out of the PUzzle. To add to Mahaad's discomfort he felt the curious eyes of his Pharaoh on him as well.

It was too much for the magician who sank to his knees in a low bow.

"I have shamed you," he began as his voice broke.

"I lied to you on the day you resurrected me that I was feeling alright. I looked you in the face without express permission. One day I couldn't find your spell book, so I gave you mine."

As a torrent of guilt poured out of the Priest's mouth, Yugi and Yami shared a glance. Yami was more content to let Mahaad continue for a moment longer so he would get to the real thing that was bothering him.

Yugi took a few steps forward only to kneel at the magician's side.

"Mahaad," Yugi ventured uncertainty.

The Priest's purple hair fell forward, hiding his face. Mahaad quieted and his vision blurred as unshed tears threatened to fall. Mahaad breathed shallowly, straining to hear anything.

Mahaad suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and he flinched at the contact. Mahaad lowered his gaze further, knowing that hadn't gone unnoticed by his Master.

His sovereign placed a hooked finger under his chin. Mahaad closed his eyes but allowed the Pharaoh to raise his head. The Pharaoh cleared his throat. Mahaad swallowed and opened his eyes. His gaze held self-doubt and guilt.

Once the Pharaoh was certain Mahaad wouldn't drop his gaze, he removed his finger.

"That's better," the king said soothingly. "Mahaad, have you known me to be vindictive?"

The king paused for several seconds.

Mahaad realized his king expected a response. "Vindictive, no. But just." Mahaad broke eye contact, looking away.

"Look at me," the Pharaoh commanded softly.

"I owe you a debt that cannot be repaid."

"And yet I have never demanded payment for such a debt. You sacrificed your life and your afterlife in my service. You have been my most loyal servant for millennia-"

Yugi shifted in spirit form, as the Pharaoh had control of their shared body, drawing Mahaad's eyes to him.

"You know me, you trust me," Yugi said holding Mahaad's gaze and smiled encouragingly. Mahaad's thoughts were drawn to the last time Master Yugi spoke those words to him.

Mahaad blinked, pulling himself out of his memories.

"Yes, my Masters."

"Mahaad what is this really about?" The Pharaoh asked gently.

Mahaad tried to duck his head, but was prevented from doing so by a disapproving grunt from the Pharaoh. Mahaad squirmed, uncomfortable.

The Pharaoh gazed at him expectantly.

"I-I had a nightmare," the Priest confessed, blushing. "...the Pharaoh execrated me."

The Pharaoh's eyes widened with horror.

Execration was to not just kill someone but to utterly annihilate them. His king shook his head, trying to mask the hurt that crossed his face.

The Pharaoh sat down in the chair beside Mahaad. He grabbed Mahaad's wrist and pulled Mahaad into the chair beside him. Mahaad's breath hitched in surprise. The Pharaoh wrapped his arms comfortingly around Mahaad.

"It was only a dream," he cooed softly, into the other's ear. Mahaad relaxed in his sovereign's embrace, as his heart and breathing slowed.

His king was warm and Mahaad could feel his king's heart beat strongly against his own.

"Sleep," the Pharaoh breathed.

Mahaad obeyed, closing his eyes as he released a contented sigh.

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Author's Notes:

Sorry I haven't updated this in a year... here is another chapter if anyone is still reading this..