By the time January 7th rolled around, Quirrell had still not gone to the third-floor corridor. It didn't relax Merlin in the slightest. He knew Quirrell would go. Even if the stone was gone, Quirrell would go on the off chance that the headmaster was lying and the stone was still there. Merlin really wanted to confront the man but he couldn't. Well, he could… but he promised Flitwick and Arthur that he wouldn't.

Today was a special day. It was the day the Wizengamot met and Pettigrew was to be delivered to that meeting. If all went well then Sirius would be released from Azkaban today. Or at the very least given a trial.

Merlin had spent the last two days arranging everything with Professor Flitwick. That included making sure Pettigrew knew nothing about him and Arthur. Professor Flitwick had created a Portkey that would take Pettigrew directly into the chambers of the Wizengamot. It wasn't easy. There were a lot of security wards to overcome. But with Merlin's added power it proved to be rather easy. Merlin's magic would ensure that the Portkey would be able to cross through any ward, no matter how strong.

It was just after eight when the three boys managed to drag themselves to the Great Hall for breakfast. For the last week Professor Dumbledore had made sure there were pain relievers at their spot at the Gryffindor table. For the first few days it was one at every meal. Now there were just two, one at breakfast and one at dinner. Merlin figured in another week or so they wouldn't need them anymore.

"You three look better," Hermione noted, sitting across the table from Merlin.

"The more you work out, the less painful it is," Arthur said piling eggs, sausage and toast onto his plate. The other two quietly served themselves.

"The pain potions Professor Dumbledore provided helps as well," Merlin added gesturing to the potion beside his cup of water. The three had learned that pain potions work better after they ate so they held off on drinking them.

"It's curious that the headmaster would go so far to help a couple of first years," Hermione noted.

Merlin shrugged. "He is the headmaster. It's his job to look out for the students," Merlin said. He did agree with Hermione though. It was strange how much the headmaster was focused on them, or more likely, him.

To his relief, Hermione let it go. At least for now. Merlin could already tell she would be an issue in the future. She was simply too perceptive not to be. He wasn't entirely sure what to do. Did he allow her to potentially discover their secret? Or did he do whatever he could to keep her from discovering, even if that meant stealing any books she may have found? He was leaning toward the latter but still… he was unsure.

Merlin waved his hand at the table and the time appeared. 8:32. They had 28 minutes before their first class started. They would be in Transfiguration when Pettigrew appeared in the meeting at ten. Merlin would give anything to be a part of that meeting. Sadly, he couldn't. He was already being watched closely by Madam Longbottom. He couldn't bring more attention to himself… not until it was time to tell her. He had a feeling that time would be fast approaching.

"Merlin, will you calm down," Arthur hissed. It was 10:14 and Merlin hadn't stopped bouncing in his seat since 10am. The meeting was underway and he was eagerly waiting the news.

"I can't Arthur," Merlin said shaking his head. "Pettigrew is there in the courtroom. I need to know what is happening. I need to know they aren't going to sweep this under the rug."

"They can't," Arthur assured him. "Pettigrew appeared in front of the whole Wizengamot. They can't do anything to Pettigrew without some serious backlash. Besides, Gran already promised to tell us what happened. We need to be patient."

Before Merlin could respond, Professor McGonagall was standing in front of them. "I haven't seen you complete your spells," she said. "Perhaps you should focus on that instead of your conversation."

Merlin didn't bother to look at the mouse sitting on his desk. He raised his hand and it turned into a snuff box. It was risky to do the transfiguration without a spell but Merlin was getting tired of dumbing down his skills.

"Very good Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall praised. "Next time do your assignment first before you start having conversations with Mr. Weasley and Mr. Longbottom."

"Yes Professor," Merlin agreed. Luckily, Ron and Arthur were able to do the spell on the first try so she didn't take point from them.

"Why didn't you use a spell?" Arthur hissed.

"Didn't need one," Merlin answered. He glanced at Arthur. "I don't need spells Arthur. I only use them out of habit, or to blend in."

"Don't you think it will look a little suspicious when you go from a druid that didn't know anything about his heritage to a druid that doesn't need spells?" Arthur questioned. Merlin frowned. That was likely to be suspicious. "You're an idiot Merlin."

"Mr. Potter, stay behind for a moment," Professor McGonagall called when the class was dismissed.

"Is something wrong Professor?" Merlin questioned, silently cursing himself for being so stupid. He was tired of hiding his skills but now was not the time to start showing off. He should have waited.

"I noticed you didn't use a spell for that demonstration," Professor McGonagall stated. Merlin sighed. "I can't say I know anything about druids and how their magic works… are spells necessary for you?"

"Yes and no," Merlin answered carefully. "The more I practice, the easier it is and I can get to the point where I don't need a spell. I heard from some older students that this particular task would be part of our exams, so I practiced the best I could."

He studied Professor McGonagall's face, hoping to the Triple Goddess herself that she believed him. "Very well," she said. "Those older students were correct. This will be on your exam and it looks like you will do just fine."

"Can I ask you something about the exams?" Merlin questioned, relived that his explanation worked. It would allow him to do more silent casting in the future as well which he was grateful for.

Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow at him. "I will not give away any information regarding the exams, however you may ask your question."

"Thank you Professor," Merlin said. "It's just… as I said I was talking to older student," a lie, he talked to Professor Flitwick, "about exams and they said wand movement and incantations have an effect on our grade. But I can't use wands, or proper incantations, so I was wondering what would happen."

Professor McGonagall smiled slightly. She was briefly reminded of a nervous Lily Evans, trying to get as much information about exams as she could. "All of the professors are aware of your unique situation Mr. Potter," she began. "You will not be graded on the spell or the wand movements. Normally you're graded equally on the incantation, wand movements and the success of the spell. You, however, will only be graded on whether or not your spell is successful. In some cases, it can be considered easier for you and in others, not so much."

Merlin nodded in understanding. "I appreciate that Professor," he said gratefully. Even though he'd already completed Hogwarts more than once, and was more educated, magically, then everyone in the castle, he still wanted to do well. He was especially grateful he wouldn't be punished for something he had no control over. Then again, he could always do a demonstration on what happened when he used a wand. He would love to see a repeat of Salazar's expression.

"You're welcome Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said. She hesitated before continuing, "you are extraordinarily like your mother. She too panicked about exams in her first year."

Merlin was startled for a second. Whenever he thought of his mother, he thought of Hunith, his mother in his original life. That wasn't to say he didn't care about Lily Potter, because he did. He also felt immense guilty whenever he thought about her due to her needless death. If only she had stepped aside, she would have seen the killing curse bounce off of him and she would have survived. Although it was possible the rebounding curse could have still killed her.

"I uh… I don't know much about her," Merlin admitted. "Professor Flitwick has told me some but he didn't really know her outside of class."

Professor McGonagall nodded in understanding. "In the future, should you wish to talk about her, or James, my door is always open to you."

"Thank you Professor," Merlin said gratefully. "I should go. My friends are probably worried I managed to get detention again."

"And that is where your father used to shine," Professor McGonagall said with a sigh. "He was extremely good at getting in trouble. Something I hope you didn't pick up on." She peered at him over her glasses. "I've had a conversation with Professor Flitwick about your excessive number of detentions. He mentioned he was teaching you about the druids, given his half-goblin status. Rest assured Mr. Potter, if you need to speak to a staff member, any staff member, you don't need to put yourself in detention to do it."

Merlin smiled sheepishly. "Yes Professor," he agreed. "Have a good day."

Arthur and Ron were waiting for him when Merlin left the Transfiguration classroom. "What was that about?" Arthur questioned as soon as Merlin walked into the hallway.

"Did you get detention?" Ron asked curious.

"No detention," Merlin answered. "And it was nothing Arthur. Professor McGonagall told me a bit about my parents. I asked about the exam grading because part of your grade is based on spells and wand movements." He purposely left out her question about his lack of spell. There was no need to worry them over nothing.

"So, are you going to automatically fail then?" Arthur asked with a grin.

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Like anyone would let Harry Potter fail," Ron said with a laugh. They slowly made their way to the library to get ahead on some assignments before their last class of the day, Defense Against the Dark Arts.

They grabbed a table away from everyone and spread out their books and assignments. "What do you think happened in the Wizengamot?" Ron asked curious. He was staring at his Transfiguration essay in disgust. Normally he liked Transfiguration but today it just wasn't working out.

Merlin passed him a sheet of parchment with some notes to help with the essay. Ron took the sheet and sighed in relief. "I don't know," Merlin answered. "They should interrogate Pettigrew. Which will alert them to Black's innocence, and possibly lack of trial."

"All this effort to get Black released, why?" Arthur questioned.

"Dementors are nasty creatures," Merlin began. "No one deserves to be stuck with them, but especially when that person is innocent."

"You're immortal right?" Ron asked although he knew the answer. Merlin nodded. "The dementors… I know they don't actually kill you, but would you spend eternity without a soul, unable to die?"

"No," Merlin replied. "They affect me like any other person. But when it comes to the Dementor's Kiss…they don't get close enough to me for it. I never understood why but I'm not going to argue. I've seen too many people subjected to the Kiss before."

"Is there nothing you can do?" Arthur asked curious. "I mean if anyone has the power to stop them it would be you."

Merlin shook his head. "They can't be killed. Believe me, I've tried," he said. He closed his eyes as he remembered the countless deaths caused by Ekrizdis and the dementors. Killing Ekrizdis was the least he could do. But no matter how much he tried, the dementors wouldn't die. "I was researching dementors before my…slumber. Never amounted to anything."

Ron shook his head and continued writing his essay. "There has to be something that can be done. If you can't kill them… maybe imprison them?"

Merlin's head snapped up. "That's something I never considered," he said thoughtfully. He sighed. "A project for another day. We have enough to deal with right now."

"There were rumours that the dementors worked with Voldemort," Arthur warned him. "I don't know if it was ever confirmed, but we need to keep that in mind."

Merlin groaned. Of course, the bastard would try to recruit the darkest creatures to ever exist. Ron's idea did have its merits though. He would have to look into it and perhaps recruit Professor Flitwick and the goblins to help.

It grew quiet for a while as they worked on their essays. Merlin hated History of Magic. He lived through everything Binns was teaching and half of what he taught was wrong. He scribbled a bunch of words on his parchment. He was curious if he made up his essay, if he would still get full marks. If that was true then only the exams mattered and that would make his life easier.

A short while later, the ward around the third-floor corridor went off. Merlin cocked his head to the side. It seemed Voldemort was taking this opportunity to try and get the stone. "Quirrell's gone to the third-floor corridor," Merlin told Arthur and Ron.

Arthur dropped his quill. "Are we going to do anything?" he questioned.

"No," Merlin answered. "I promised not to do anything. The sooner he realizes the stone isn't there, the sooner Voldemort will leave. That's all that matters." Merlin hated to do nothing. It was something he always struggled with, even if it put him in danger.

They each finished an essay before heading to their last class of the day, Defense Against the Dark Arts. With Quirrell having gone after the no existent stone, the three boys weren't sure what to expect when they got to the classroom.

To their surprise, they found Professor Dumbledore leaning against the desk. "Hello gentlemen," Professor Dumbledore greeted cheerfully.

"Headmaster," they greeted.

"Where's Professor Quirrell?" Merlin asked. It was obvious Voldemort was now gone after failing to get the stone. But Merlin was curious as to what Professor Dumbledore would tell them. Did he know Quirrell was dead?

"Ah, Professor Quirrell is no longer with us," Professor Dumbledore said. Merlin frowned at the double meaning. To him, it confirmed Quirrell was dead and Voldemort fled. "I will be taking over the class for the rest of the year."

Other first years walked into the classroom during the headmaster's announcement. Most of them were excited to hear they were learning from such a great wizard. "Headmaster, are you aware of my…er…situation?" Merlin questioned.

"Are you referring to your status as a druid, or your inability to use a wand?" Professor Dumbledore questioned.

"Er…both," Merlin said. It was obvious he was aware of the issue so there was nothing to worry about.

"Yes, Mr. Potter," Professor Dumbledore said. "All of the staff are aware of your circumstances. Have no fear, you will not be marked down on your differences. Druidic magic is something to celebrate."

"Thank you Headmaster," Merlin said with a slight bow. The three boys took their normal spots and waited for the Headmaster to start the class.

"Good morning everyone," Professor Dumbledore greeted the first years. "As some of you heard, Professor Quirrell is no longer a professor here. So, I will be taking over for the rest of term. For the next two classes we will be doing a review. We will start with dark creatures and then you will practice your spells. If we need to spend more time on reviewing then we will do so. If not, then we will move onto the last two subjects before we begin prepping for exams." He paused to study the first years. "Any questions?" No one raised their hands. He clapped his hands together. "Excellent. Our first topic will be… vampires."

"Professor Dumbledore is brilliant," Ron praised as they left the Defense Against the Dark Art's classroom and made their way to the Great Hall for lunch.

"He really is," Merlin agreed. He could see why the headmaster is considered the greatest wizard of the time. He could feel the power coming off him. Not only that, but it was obvious Professor Dumbledore was a teacher at heart. He was more patient than most of the other professors which was especially good for first years.

They sat down at the table beside Hermione and grabbed sandwiches. "What did you think of Professor Dumbledore as a teacher?" Ron asked Hermione.

"He's brilliant," Hermione responded.

The boys laughed and Hermione's face fell. "Ron said the exact same thing," Arthur said quickly when he noticed Hermione's face. He didn't want her to think they were making fun of her. "And we all agree. Professor Dumbledore is brilliant."

"It's good he's reviewing," Merlin added. "Not only is he emphasizing certain things, which I'm sure will be on the exams, but a lot of us struggled to understand Quirrell through his stutter. This will allow students a chance to learn what they missed before."

Hermione nodded. "You think he was putting extra attention on certain things?" she asked. She completely missed that.

Merlin dug through his bookbag, just as a letter flew to Arthur. He pulled out the notes he took in class. With a flash of gold eyes an exact copy of Merlin's notes was created. He passed the copy over to Hermione.

"Here," he said. "I took notes on what he emphasized. It should help narrow down our studying for exams."

Hermione studied the list. It was only about half of what was covered in class. If he was right… then this would save her so much time and effort.

"This is amazing Harry," Hermione praised.

Arthur nudged Merlin and handed him the letter.

Neville

I writing to you now after the Wizengamot meeting. I don't know how Mr. Potter did it but, Pettigrew arrived in the middle of the meeting much to the shock of everyone in the room. I have never seen the Wizengamot in such chaos. Light and dark came together for the first time in, I don't know how long.

Despite the Minister's attempts to cover it up, Pettigrew was questioned under Veritaserum regarding the night the Potter's were killed and why he faked his death. His answers provided enough doubt that Sirius Black's case is being revisited. It was also discovered Black never had a trial. His trial is now scheduled for Friday. I will be speaking to the Headmaster about Harry attending the trial. Whether Black is innocent or not, Harry deserves to be there to see justice is done.

The rest of the letter was personal things for Arthur so Merlin didn't finish reading it. "This is great," Merlin said handing the letter back. "I wonder if I should speak to the Headmaster about attending the trial."

"No, don't worry about it," Arthur told him. "Gran will make sure you can go."

Arthur passed Ron the letter so he could be caught up. "What trial?" Hermione asked curious. She blushed in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's none of my business."

"Don't worry about it," Merlin said. "You'll find out soon enough. The trial is for my godfather, Sirius Black." Hermione frowned in confusion. She didn't recognize the name. "It's not surprising that you haven't heard about him. He was imprisoned for betraying my family to Voldemort," Merlin explained. Hermione's eyes widened in horror. "There are some questions regarding his guilt. It seems he was never given a trial and Peter Pettigrew, someone who Black allegedly killed, was found alive."

"But if Black did betray your parents, why would you risk him getting out of prison?" Hermione asked confused.

"He deserves a trial," Merlin said firmly. "Everyone deserves to have a trial, no matter what they did. If he is guilty, he'll go right back to Azkaban. If he's innocent… then he will get justice after a decade. I owe him that much and he owes me answers."

"Where will he go?" Ron asked curious. "If he's released, where will he end up?"

"Gran will take him in," Arthur said confidently. "She's Harry's guardian right now. He's Harry's godfather, not to mention a lord of an Ancient and Noble house. It makes sense for her to take responsibility for him."

Merlin was relieved. Despite all of his planning, he hadn't thought about what would happen to Black if he was released. How he hadn't considered it, he had no idea.

"I hope it goes well for you Harry," Hermione said.

"Thanks Hermione, I hope so too," Merlin said with a small smile.