The boy stirred from his rest to find himself in a bed.
"Ah. You are awake," a man says.
The boy blinks as he looks around tiredly and sees a robed man sitting at a table, looking over a book.
"Where am I?" the boy asks.
"England. Where else?" the man asks smiling. "Just joking. You are in the farm fields of Derby."
"Who are you?" the boy asks.
"Oh, just a wizard," the man says.
"Wizard…but…they are fairy tales," the boy says confused.
"Sorry to tell you, but they aren't. In fact, you are one as well. That is how I found you," the man says.
"Me…a wizard? No…that can't be," the boy says heavily confused.
"Oh, but it is," the man says closing his book.
The boy looks at himself and wonders if he really is one or this man is lying.
"So what is your name boy?" the man asks.
"Um…Zarif…is it okay if I go?" he asks, pointing to the door.
"Well Zarif, I am Merlin," the man introduces, smiling to him.
"Hello…" Zarif says holding up a weak hand.
"Nice to meet you," Merlin says before something was knocked over.
Zarif looks to the fallen item and sees it was a cup before looking up to the small wooden counter where a hedgehog is sniffing around the containers.
"Marcus," Merlin calls.
The hedgehog looks up at him in some type of confusion.
"Not in the house," Merlin says.
The hedgehog squeaks at him before rummaging back in the containers.
"So your magic is a bit out of control and, judging by your appearance, you have nowhere to go, right?" Merlin asks.
Zarif nods slowly at that.
"Then I shall teach you how to control it," Merlin says.
Months later, Zarif had become accustomed to daily life with Merlin and Marcus the Knarl. Apparently, magic consisted of a lot of herbs and other things than Zarif had ever thought as a lot of lessons were about self-control and these items. For months, he learned these things while doing chores like hunting for daisies for Marcus.
Until one night, he, instead of being sent to bed, was made to come outside with Merlin.
"What do you need?" Zarif asks curiously as he now wears some robes like Merlin.
"I think it is time I start teaching you your first spell," Merlin says as Marcus squeaked in support.
"What spell is that?" Zarif asks, almost excited about it.
"A simple spell to create your own will o wisp," Merlin says snapping a finger and a small light blue ball of light appeared.
Zarif reaches out and touches the will o wisp and notices how cold to the touch it is.
"Now, I want you to practice this and say the words 'Lumiiatis'," Merlin says before showing several gestures and four more will o wisps were created.
Zarif hums as he looks at his hand before mimicking the gesture. "Lumiiatis," he says as he gives the gesture but nothing happens.
"It's not so easy. You have to practice the motions and learn how to use them to direct your magic," Merlin says smiling as Marcus kept cheering him on. "I doubt you will get it to work tonight, but it's your first spell to work on," Merlin says.
Zarif nods and keeps trying to do the gesture. "Lumiiatis," he says and keeps giving off the gesture.
Two months pass for Zarif under the guidance of Merlin and then it happened, he created his first will o wisp. The little blue flame floating right in front of him and allowing him to reach out and feel the cold light as it waves slightly in the countryside winds.
From there, Merlin started teaching him more spells like a small mending spell and a shield spell, then they focused hard on teaching him how to brew potions, how to scry using the crystal ball, how to ride a broomstick though it was not the most comfortable of things, and what was poisonous and what was okay to eat. Before Zarif knew it, three years had passed by. But with each spell Merlin had taught him over this time, he had noticed something. When it first took him two months for him to do the spell, the next it only took a month, and the next only a few weeks. Of course, he had in no way mastered each spell in that time, but he could use the spells mastering them came later, but he was learning spells faster now.
Merlin was curious the whole time he taught the boy. Especially as he took the spells well enough and has been getting the styles of each spell gesture quicker while he words were perfect with each cast. A curious boy indeed. Though it is time to get more supplies for his potions training.
"Zarif. Could you get the blue cap mushrooms from the river? And some elephant ears plants?" Merlin asks as he floats over a book.
"Of course," Zarif says getting up before giving some nuts to Marcus who chows down happily and walks out.
As Zarif came back, he found another wizard talking to Merlin.
"Ah, Zarif. Good. Meet Lucius. He is actually going to help make you an important tool for being a wizard," Merlin says smiling.
"Hello. I have brought the mushrooms and elephant ears," Zarif informs as he places it on the table.
"Good. The potion will be done soon then," Merlin says before taking the ingredients.
"Hello there Zarif. Merlin tells me you need a wand?" Lucius asks as Zarif looks over the robed man, though not as grand in color as Merlin is.
"Huh? Oh…yes. The master tells me that a wand will allow me to learn faster," Zarif says.
"Actually, make spellcasting easier. The wand does most of the work," he explains smiling. "And so, you are in luck," Lucius says before bringing out a container.
"What is that for?" Zarif could only ask.
"To be your companion," Lucius says.
"Like Marcus?" Zarif asks, pointing to the little creature as he lays on his back, having enjoyed his meal.
"No, your wand is your companion and one of the most powerful things in a wizard's possession. It can help focus, empower spells, and even make them easier to learn," Lucius says
"So…the container…?" Zarif asks pointing to it.
"Has your wand inside," Lucius states.
"Wha…but you haven't even met me," Zarif tries to say as he looks at the round cylinder container.
"Ah, a wizard has his ways," Lucius says letting him have the container before heading inside.
Zarif hums as he looks at the container in his hands and wonders if should he open it.
"Merlin, I also come with urgent news," Lucius says to Merlin inside the house.
Zarif blinks before walking up the building and pressing his ear against the closed door.
"What is it, Lucius?" Merlin asks.
"It seems that there is a dragon rampaging in Wales and it needs to be stopped," Lucius informs.
"Ah. Then I will deal with it," Merlin agrees.
"Many others have gone to try and deal with the hebridean black as well. Even Godric Gryffindor is going I hear," Lucius says.
"Best I help then if he is going," Merlin says before things quiet down. "Zarif, we know you are there."
"What about the boy?" Lucius asks as Zarif enters.
"Why he is coming with me of course. What is life without a bit of danger and adventure?" Merlin says.
"Being safe?" Lucius asks sarcastically.
"What about you Lucius? Will you be going?" Merlin asks.
"Me? No. I have much to do. Especially to prepare wands for other orders," Lucius says, trying to look innocent.
"Well, that is a shame. If the dragon is slain, you could acquire a few things for the cores of your wand," Merlin says smiling.
Now it's Lucius's turn to frown. "You make things difficult."
"Now Zarif, after we finish the potion and put it away, we shall be off," Merlin says excitedly.
Zarif tilts his head at this.
'To Wales. He said. This is an excellent chance for you to learn about dragons and meet many other wizards which, sad to say, besides Lucius and me you know. He said,' Zarif thinks as they rode uncomfortable brooms.
"One day, we will make good brooms," Merlin states as Zarif trails right behind the two masters.
"I think we are in Wales now," Lucius says looking around as Marcus clung to the inside of Zarif's robes.
"Good. Then let's start landing," Merlin calls to them all and aims his broom downward with the other two riders following his example.
"Now let's find us Godric," Merlin says starting to cast a spell.
"What is he doing?" Zarif asks Lucius as they landed to the relief of Marcus.
"Using a locator spell to find him. I think many will be doing this to see how he intends to deal with the dragon," Lucius informs.
"Ah, this way," Merlin says after letting his wand become like a compass and pointing him in a direction.
Thus, the trio walked through the countryside. Following Merlin, they started to take a look around and notice the signs of fire damage and a rampage and maybe a battle here or there. It was obvious a dragon had made this its territory.
"Is this what dragons are really capable of?" Zarif asks.
"When you let them run wild, yes," Merlin says as they approached what looked like a fortified tavern.
"Looks like the muggles are getting desperate," Lucius says.
"Muggles?" Zarif asks.
"Non-magical people," Lucius explains.
"Oh," Zarif says, now getting the term.
"I spy several horses. Looks like the knights are gathering as well," Merlin says.
"They could distract for you," Lucius suggested.
"Not at all. In fact, I say it is a sign where Godric is," Merlin says walking towards it and opens the door into it to see several men in better quality clothing gathered around a tall, muscular man with a lion-like mane of wavy red hair and a beard to match. He had green eyes, peach-colored skin wearing segmented red sword gauntlets adorned with gold fittings that are often depicted as being rather worn and burned-looking and magnificent red robes with gold highlights and rather intricate designs on the sleeves.
"Godric!" Merlin calls.
The large man looks over and laughs as he walks over. "Merlin, you old coot. What have ye been up to? Making more spells and potions alike?"
"Who are you calling old? I am not even twenty-nine yet. If anyone is an old coot, it is you," Merlin shot back friendly while smiling.
"I am still moving and striking back. That's a good sign that I am young still," Godric boasts.
"I had heard you had come to face the dragon as well," Merlin says switching the subject.
"And so have I. It has started burning the crops and farm homes of the villagers," Godric informs.
"I have come because it reached my ear as well and I thought it would be a good opportunity to show and teach my young apprentice now that he has his wand," Merlin says.
"Is that so?" Godric asks and looks to Zarif who is holding the container for the wand in his robes.
"Yes, what better way to learn about dragons and Lucius is here for the chance to harvest some of the dragons if it is slain," Merlin informs.
"As with any maker or creator," Godric says smirking.
"Now what are we dealing with?" Merlin asks.
"It's a Hebridean Black. It must have migrated from the Hebrides Isles," Gondor informs.
"Hum, yes. I see those dragons, if I recall correctly, it is far more aggressive than any other dragon species in Wales and at least twice as big as well," Merlin says thinking now.
"A strong stubborn one at that. So, maybe a fine kill," Godric says smiling at the thought. "And a worthy fight that will come of it."
"I see you also are teaming up with the knights," Merlin says.
"I see the potential for them to slay the dragon as well," Godric says proudly.
"How aggressive is it?" Zarif asks.
"Ah. Clever boy. Very. You go into its perceived territory, it is enough for it to snap at you," Godric describes.
"I see," Zarif says.
"What are you thinking boy?" Godric asks.
"Well, isn't that a weakness that can be used for a trap like how we trap rabbits?" Zarif asks looking to Merlin.
"My word…that is very clever indeed," Godric says smiling at Merlin.
Now it is Merlin's turn to be proud. "I taught him well."
"Now the question is, how to trick it?" Godric says addressing everyone to think about it.
"Birds?" Zarif suggested.
"You may have a good idea there," Godric says.
The next day, Zarif was watching a giant chicken walk around a field from his hiding place.
'This is far from what I had in mind,' Zarif thought.
"This is a great plan. Hard to find a chicken that big," Godric praises him.
"Yes, a simple Engorgement Charm did the trick," Merlin says.
"I was talking to your pupil," Godric corrects smirking.
"I actually had a different thought, the Avifors spell," Zarif informs.
"And that is my true pupil," Merlin corrects.
"Well, a large flock of that would have worked as well," Godric says before they heard a roar and the chicken started to react badly to it.
"And here we go," Lucius whispers as they lay down more in the grass as the chicken panics and runs around in circles.
"Whoa," Zarif says spying the dragon as it flies down and skids on the rough ground, grabbing the chicken in its claws.
"Now then, let's make the kill," Godric says, taking out his sword.
"What kind of sword is that?" Zarif asks, never seeing a sword like it.
"It's a sword I took when I slew the goblin king in a duel," Godric says smirking as the dragon ate the large chicken.
"He brags constantly," Merlin sighs as he takes out his own wand.
"CHARGE!" Gordic yells, his sword raised high causing several mounted knights to charge out of the woods nearby.
The dragon immediately picks its head up and looks at the charging group before it rears its head back as its neck glows before it throws its head forward and breathes fire toward the knights who immediately stop and try to cover themselves with their arms from the burning hot flames.
"That's bad," Zarif says trying to think of something before starting to do motions and calls, "Avifors!" Creating several birds out of thin air, sending them to fly around the dragons head.
The dragon quickly growls and snaps at the birds, stopping its breathing of fire.
The knights seeing this start to rally and charge again while Godric had never stopped running at the dragon.
"Not bad," Merlin praises as he pats his back.
"It's not over yet," Lucius says as Godric finally made it to the dragon.
Godric grunts as he brings his sword down and slices away at the foreleg of the dragon, slicing deep into the scales and opening up the area. The dragon roaring in pain and turns its attention to him before snaking its head forward and tries to snap at him, only for Godric to move to the side and stab the chin, pulling its head back up and slide the sword out as it writhes in deep pain.
"Now then, let's help him out," Merlin says before withdrawing his wand and, with a cracking sound, shot a torrent of lightning from it, striking the dragon and making it roar in pain.
"What can I do?" Zarif asks.
"That my young apprentice is a dueling jinx," Merlin says.
"And what can I do to help?" Zarif asks.
"Hum…keep casting Avifors at the dragon. That should distract it," Merlin says.
Zarif nods as he holds his hand out at the dragon before making gestures with it. "Avifors," he speaks and birds appear around the dragon's head.
The dragon roared, now completely confused as the knights slam their lances into its side mostly doing little damage to it, Godric looking for a proper place to cut it again, Merlin shooting it with lightning, and finally, all the birds flying around its head pecking at it if they land. Then something happened. The dragon moved and brought down a claw hard, trapping Godric under it. The dragon feels this and looked to the claw, about to breathe its fire when a bird flew suicidally flew right into its eye making it roar in fury and pain as it reared up, freeing Godric from its grasp.
"That's my apprentice," Merlin says proudly as he kept shooting lightning with his wand, trying to aim for its mouth.
Godric, now free of his captivity, moved right in front of where the dragon would come down, his eyes now set on a place. When the dragon crashed down on its forelegs, Godric reared and stabbed up where its throat met its torso, cutting deep into the dragon.
The dragon roars loudly and tries to crash a claw down where Godric is, only for the dragon to slowly slump on its side and fall over. Kicking up dirt and making everyone stop in place as they stare at the fallen beast. Only Godric moving his sword to take it out of the dragon and look upon his kill.
"Victory!" Godric calls, getting a chorus cheer from the rest of the knights.
"My turn," Lucius says walking up to the still warm dead body.
There was much partying that night by everyone, except those working on cutting up the dragon corpse to get the hide, horns, teeth, blood, and, most important for Lucius, the undamaged heart and all the heartstrings.
"That can be part of a wand?" Zarif asks curiously as he watches Lucius carefully open the heart.
"Don't underestimate the power of a magical creature's body parts," Lucius says as Godric walked up to the two.
"And don't underestimate its magical poweress. It's so strong, it can still take you down even when dead if you do not handle it right," Godric warns.
"Yes sir," Zarif says before Godric bends down to him.
"I saw what you did and how you saved me with that quick thinking of yours," Godric says smiling at him.
"I was keeping it distracted," Zarif says without a beat.
Godric chuckles and pats his back. "And modest too. Ah. Don't ya worry. I'll repay you one day. Just need to think about it," he says to the side now.
Zarif hums and walks away back to Merlin. "They are interesting."
"As they should be. When you tend to fall into a life, you meet very interesting people," Merlin says smiling.
"So Merlin, how about you send the boy to my school, Hogwarts? We would be happy to have him," Godric offers.
"I think I can handle his education well enough," Merlin insists.
"And mine, he can learn all manner of spells and potions," Godric says.
"I still think he can learn as much as he needs from me," Merlin says, trying not to brag. "Besides, don't you have your hands full enough as it is with who you have?"
"Never," Godric boasts.
"Wizards, please. Take this somewhere else so I can concentrate on harvesting the core ingredients," Lucius says.
Zarif looks between the two as he wonders if this is them almost every day.
Zarif and Merlin returned home a few months later and Merlin wasted no time teaching Zarif how to use his wand.
"Now, it is almost the same as moving your hands and fingers. Like so," Merlin demonstrates and waves his wand in a very familiar pattern and makes a will o wisp appear in front of the tip. "Almost the same. But, it is quite easy to do so. Now, let's try it. Take your wand and wave it like I did while saying the word," Merlin instructs and watches as Zarif gathers his wand from the container and looks over the ash wood wand.
Zarif keeps twisting the wand around before waving it in the air in front of him, following his pattern. "Lumiiatis," Zarif says and the magical quickly travels along his wand before being turned around halfway and then shot back at Zarif that made him cry out in pain as his arm was flung back and the wand went flying, leaving Zarif groaning in pain as he held his arm.
Merlin hums as he lifts Zarif's sleeve to see a heavy bruise that went up to his arm from his hand. "This is troubling," he says as he aims his wand at the bruise and says something before the bruise slowly went away. "I have honestly never seen this happen before."
"It felt like it went half way up my wand then came crashing back," Zarif says.
"I saw. This is very troubling," Merlin says as he goes to pick up the wand and looks it over. "No damage. So there is no chance the wand was the cause. Let's try your other arm," Merlin says, giving his wand to hold in his other hand. "Just try the spell again."
Zarif tests his recently fixed arm before looking at his other one and moves the wand around in a gesture before saying, "Lumiiatis," he says and they see the magic try to pull through the wand before whips back and sends his arm flying back as if someone threw it hard while the wand went flying off. Zarif groans as he holds his arm and looks at it to see the same bruise mark as before. "It's too painful to use."
"Hum…could he have been cursed?" Merlin mutters to himself.
Zarif groans as he sits down and rubs at his arm.
The following month, Merlin tried to figure out what was wrong with his apprentice while Zerif kept to his education, eventually getting the spell to come from his wand.
Zarif groans as he feels the recoil still from his wand as he sent out the spell and a few will o wisps appeared in front of him. The shockwave back still threw his arm, but thankfully though it is not nearly as bad as when he first started with it.
"Still troubling you. Then that means you are cursed to cast spells from a wand obviously, but why is the question?" Merlin asks out loud.
"I am not sure," Zarif says as Marcus came up with a letter in his mouth.
"Oh, what do you have there?" Merlin asks.
Time seemed to fly as Zarif kept training and before he knew it, he was fifteen and had learned so much about magic and magical creatures. He had now left Merlin's company for a bit now and was traveling around. He had already made a bit of a name for himself when he helped wrangle a Keppi by getting a bridle over its head and had dueled and managed to defeat a 'dark wizard' who had been terrorizing a village. Though, truth be told, it was just a muggle who had managed to get his hands on a wand and bluffed a bunch of muggle villagers and their earl. Though that fact didn't hamper the reward that was given to him. The gold he sent to Merlin, knowing his former master was horrible at keeping up any money and needed help.
Eventually, though he came across a herd of centaurs who had seemed to be waiting for him. They had told him they had used the stars to divine that he was a being from the future and needed to return to it.
As such, Zarif started to remember where he had come from before. Or rather when. Thoughts of doubt and reluctant sayings went through his mind, all of them saying they don't want to leave. But a small part of him wanted to. He wanted to go back to what used to be his time and his life. What it should have been. And that is the part that won over. So he accepted the offer and walked along with them. Walking to a still lake in the forest. The simple word of 'walk' from the shaman of the centaur tribe told what needed to be done. But before anything he made them swear to him they would deliver a letter he was now writing and all his things to Merlin.
Zarif put down his bag of belongings and his wand before getting out of his clothes, only wearing a tunic and pants and starts to walk into the lake. Disturbing the once still water and letting the level rise up to his head. Sinking further and further until he submerged himself, seeing the slightly murky water as he lets go of his breath. He tries to hold out for as long as he can until he coughs once and takes in a gulp of water. The water around him shimmering until it changed into a murkier and rough lake.
Zarif gasps as he tries to stay above the water and sees himself in a large rushing river at night. His own mouth spurting out the water that gets splashed on him before trying to move towards the sides. Grabbing onto the brick walls desperately to hang on from the roaring torrents. Before finally crashing into a wall that made him stop and look up to see a stone slab in front of him that he climbs onto and looks up further to see a set of stairs.
A light soon shines on him and blinds him greatly. "Hey! You okay down there?!" someone calls over the pounding rain.
Zarif groans as he keeps coughing the water out of his lungs and keeps trying to see past the light to spy a yellow highlighted vested man come slowly down the stairs before reaching him.