Title: Harry Potter and the Return of Merlin

Fandom: Merlin/Harry Potter Crossover

Rating: T for slight violence and language

Pairings: Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione...or at least the precursors to the relationships

Spoilers: HP - definitely through the end of OotP, since Merlin is supposed to know more than most, there may be other spoilers as well. Merlin - through the end of season 3 because I haven't had a chance to watch season 4, so I can't spoil it, lol.

Warnings: AU. Slight Violence and language.

Beta: the wonderful animeloveramy. I don't know what I'd do without her.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Merlin. They belong to J.K. Rowling and BBC respectively. They have simply been kind enough to allow dreamers like me to indulge in fantasies involving their characters. Some of the text is directly from, very close to, or inspired by what J.K. Rowling originally wrote. This is simply because this fic closely follows OotP and I see no reason to pretend that I'm better than J.K. Rowling and try to rewrite it. I will try to leave an AN at the bottom when I use large amounts of the text.

Summary: When Voldemort used a spell of the old religion to regain his body, he gives Merlin the reason he needed to step out of the shadows. Disguised as a fifth year student, he goes to Hogwarts to watch over Harry and do what he can in the war to come.

Author's Note: I want to thank everyone for the reviews. It was really heartening to get such a response. I can't believe how many people are reading this. I intended to get this chapter out sooner, but I'm have a little more trouble than I anticipated blending the book and my version of it, so this chapter ended up being a bit more boring than I would have liked updates might be a little bit slower in general. Just bear with me, please.

I'm posting a poll on my profile as to whether or not I should bring in Morgana, as a good guy, not a villain. I actually have it all worked out as to why she went evil. Please vote and let me know what you think.

Also, I don't usually do this, but there were a couple of reviews that I'd like to respond to. They were either annonymous or PMing had been turned off.

Cazzam: Unfortunately, there aren't as many crossovers out there as I'd like. You might try The Stuff of Legend by Xanthiae. I really liked that one.

Shattered Thunder: Thank you. It means a lot to me to know that my writing is easy to read. Would you mind sending me a PM about what you think I can improve? I know you mentioned something about my sentence structure, but I'm not entirely sure what you mean and I'd like to try and work on it. If a PM doesn't work, just drop me a review or something.

DoWeKnowWhenWeFly: Hopefully this won't become corny. I think I'd have to kill myself if it did, lol.


Chapter 3

"What was that about?" Tonks asked, watching Myrddin disappear up the stairs.

When Mad-eye had suddenly hurried out of the room as fast as his gimping pace could take him - which was still remarkably quick - the rest of the Order had followed on his heels. They'd arrived in time to see the boggart transform into an old, grey man that bore a slight resemblance to Myrddin.

"I don't know," Mad-eye growled, his electric blue eye obviously following Myrddin up the stairs.

Arthur Weasley pushed through the crowd and hurried to his wife, falling to his knees beside her and wrapping her in an embrace. Her sobs had subsided somewhat, but she was still shaking. Lupin shepherded Harry, Ron, Hermione, the twins, and Ginny out of the room.

"You'd best go to bed," he said softly. "I think Molly needs a moment."

For once, no one argued. Even the twins nodded solemnly and trekked upstairs rather than apparate.

Hermione followed Ron and Hermione into their room.

"What do you think that was?" she asked.

Ron snorted. "Obviously Myrddin is afraid of getting old."

"I don't think so," Harry said slowly, sitting on the edge of his bed. "That was more than him as an old man. He seemed almost...broken, I guess."

"You're right," Hermione agreed. "There was definitely some off about that old man."

"Sounds like another mystery to add to the list," Ron grumbled. "Do we actually know anything about Myrddin?"

"You mean other than the fact that he saved my life, cheerfully does chores and cooks breakfast with your mum, and keeps to himself?" Harry asked. Ron nodded. "Then, no. We know absolutely nothing."

"Maybe he's just a private person," Hermione suggested.

Ron glared at her. "We've been through this before, Hermione. It's one thing to be private. Myrddin's completely different. He's hiding something. You've heard him. Half the time he sounds like he's trying not to say something."

"I know," she sighed. "He just seems like such a nice person, I can't think of what he'd want to hide."

"We'll just have to keep an eye on him while we're at school," Harry said decisively. "Do we know what house he's going to be in?"

Ron and Hermione both shook their heads. "No," said Ron. "He hasn't mentioned it. Would be a good thing if he's in Gryffindor?"

"Dunno," Harry shrugged. "But at least we'll be able to keep an eye on him if he is."


Harry, Ron, and Hermione did their best to keep an eye on Myrddin over the weeks preceding their return to Hogwarts, but he was doing an excellent job of thwarting them. He still came down and helped Mrs. Weasley with breakfast and with the chores, but he didn't join the conversation as he once had. He kept quiet, a strange look on his face. The others seemed to have forgotten all about the form his boggart had taken.

Soon, the chaos of getting ready to return to school drove all thoughts of Myrddin from their minds. September first found Harry lugging his trunk downstairs and trying to avoid Mrs. Weasley, who was not very happy with the twins and likely to shout at anyone who came near her.

Barking happily and adding to the chaos, Padfoot deftly wove through the trunks and people to stand by Harry's side. He wagged his tail happily.

"Sirius, you know Dumbledore said no," Mrs. Weasley snapped. Padfoot just stared at her, his tongue lolling out, tail still wagging, a strangely steely look in his eyes. She pursed her lips. "Well, on your own head be it. COME ON YOU LOT! WE'LL MISS THE TRAIN!"

Harry winced at the sudden shout. He was immensely grateful that Myrddin had gotten rid of the portrait of Mrs. Black. He didn't even want to imagine what the hall would have been like with her shrieks added in.

A rather strange group headed down the street to Kings Cross. Moody, a hat pulled low to cover his magical eye, led the way with Tonks, who'd morphed into an old woman, bringing up the rear. Sirius gamboled about them, barking happily and chasing pigeons. Harry couldn't help but smile at his godfather's antics. Getting cooped up in his room at Privet Drive over the summer was bad enough. He couldn't imagine what it must be like for Sirius to be stuck in a house like Grimmuald Place. At least Harry could go out without having to worry about aurors arresting him.

Mrs. Weasley was keeping a close eye on Fred and George, who had their heads together and were muttering to each other when they weren't watching Padfoot. Harry almost laughed out loud at the memory of how they'd realized they were in a house with the last two Marauders.


The target was Myrddin.

The twins had been trying to prank him since he first arrived, but had remained unsuccessful. However, they had been very successful in getting everyone else in the process. Most of the Order thought it was funny, proving Harry right about how necessary a joke should be to keep everyone sane during the war. Even Moody was impressed by the creativity of some of the twins' spells.

Unbeknownst to Fred and George, two other people, besides Mryddin, had remained unaffected by the pranks and were only mildly impressed. Harry had been walking around on tiptoes for days, just waiting for Padfoot and Moony to show Gred and Forge how it was done.

He was almost sure that something would be happening soon. Sirius had seemed more upbeat than usual since he'd practically skipped into the kitchen at breakfast and even Lupin had been suppressing a smirk, though no one had noticed save Harry. He may not have known the Marauders for long, but he'd known Fred and George long enough to recognize the signs of a prank in the making.

Harry peered cautiously into the kitchen. Everyone else was already seated, waiting for Mrs. Weasley to finish the final touches on dinner. Everyone was taking part in their customary pre-dinner past times. Tonks was entertaining Ginny and Hermione by morphing her nose. Moody was glowering at everyone in between terse sentences directed toward Bill Weasely and Myrddin - who apparently knew more about DADA than anything else - regarding various wards and curse-breaking techniques. Ron was eyeing his mother impatiently. Sirius and Lupin were talking quietly with Mr. Weasley. Mundugus was teetering in his chair, and Fred and George were once more muttering with their heads together.

Seeing no immediate cause for worry, Harry walked in and took his seat next to Ron. Sirius caught his eye, nodding in greeting. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye that did nothing to calm Harry's nerves, especially when he saw that it was reflected in Lupin's eyes as well. Somehow, Harry doubted he'd get to actually eat his dinner.

"There you are, Harry dear," Mrs. Weasley said pleasantly. "Just in time for dinner. Grab your bowls and line up."

No sooner had she spoken, than the bowls, spoons, cups, and any other piece of dinnerware on the table rose into the air and flew straight toward Fred and George. They let out a bellow, throwing their hand up over their heads just in time to protect their faces from the dishes that were now attacking them.

"Oh, honestly," Mrs. Weasley snapped. "This had better not be one of your pranks gone wrong again. Finite incantatem!"

Nothing happened. Fred and George sprinted round the table, trying to escape the dishes that were intent on bludgeoning them.

"Help! Someone get these bloody things off us!" they shouted in unison.

An explosion went off over the table. The dishes stilled without warning. They hung inches from the twins, as though waiting to strike. White sparks formed words that nearly sent Harry, Ron, and Hermione into peals of laughter. Fred and George lowered their arms cautiously to take a look.

Messers. Moony and Padfoot would like to congratulate Messers Gred and Forge on their creativity in pranking, but would like to point out that the mark of a true master prankster is accuracy.

Without warning, the dishes resumed their attack, beating Fred and George over the head relentlessly, eliciting muffled curses that earned them a stern look from Mrs. Weasley. Harry snuck at glance at his godfater. Sirius was looking decidedly smug.

As Fred and George raced around the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Tonks, and Mr. Weasley took turns attempting to end the spell. When nothing seemed to work, Moody stepped in, but even he couldn't break the enchantment.

"Whoever cast this charm knew what they were doing," he said grudgingly. "They're probably the only ones who can break it."

"What!" the twins exclaimed in unison.

"You mean-"

"-we're stuck-"

"-like this!"

"It looks like it," Moody growled.

"Well, I don't know about that."

All eyes turned to Lupin. Harry noticed for the first time that the spark of mischief in his eyes and the smirk that was tugging at lips made him look considerably younger. The same could be said of Sirius, who was standing beside the one-time professor, a wide, smug grin on his face. Harry had the feeling that he was catching a glimpse of what he'd been like before Azkaban.

"I think they've learned their lesson, don't you?" Sirius asked, Lupin.

The smirk became apparent. "I would have to agree. Perhaps it's time we took pity on them."

"If we must," Sirius sighed.

As one, the two drew their wands and pointed them at Fred and George and said, "Mischief managed."

The dishes immediately floated back to their places at the table as if nothing had happened. Harry could no longer hold back his laughter. The dumbfounded look on the twins' faces was absolutely hilarious.

"Was that really necessary?" Mrs. Weasley demanded, glaring at the two smirking men.

Sirius raised an eyebrow and turned to Lupin. "What do you think Moony? Was that really necessary?"

"I believe it was, Padfoot." He leveled a calm gaze at the twins, who were still staring, dumbstruck, at them. "Targeting a group in hopes of striking an individual that has alluded you is just sloppy."

The twins blushed as red as their hair, knowing exactly who the Marauders were talking about. The man in question just looked amused.

Mrs. Weasley huffed angrily. "Honestly, they're bad enough without your encouragement. I can't believe that you would be involved in something like this Remus. I always thought you far too mature for pranking."

Lupin took the admonishment lightly. "There's a time to be mature and a time not to be."

"Moony always did come up with our best pranks," Sirius said. "And he made some of my more interesting ideas work."

The twins seemed to finally found their voices. "We just got pranked by the Marauders," Fred said numbly.

"I think I can die happy," added George.

The entire room, even Mrs. Weasley dissolved into laughter.

The pranks on Myrddin had stopped after that. For three days, the twins had followed Sirius and Lupin around, begging the Marauders to teach them how to be true pranksters. It had been hilarious.


"Fred, George, you two go first."

Harry pulled himself out of his thoughts to see that the group had reached the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Padfoot was looking at him strangely. Harry just grinned.

There was a slightly nerve-wracking moment on the platform where Sirius put his paws on his shoulders in a very un-doglike manner to say goodbye. Harry could have sworn he saw Malfoy eyeing Sirius critically as Mrs. Weasley shoved him aside. It had made his stomach drop.

Once on the train, Ron and Hermione went off to the prefect's carriage, leaving Harry with Ginny and Myrddin. The two of them had made their way down the train until they ran into Neville. Eventually, the four of them ended up in a compartment with Luna Lovegood. Harry wasn't sure she was all there. She was reading her magazine upside down and kept going on about creatures that he was almost sure weren't real, but she seemed nice enough.

Myrddin stayed quiet, speaking only when spoken to and mostly just to explain who he was. Luna gave him a bit of strange look, almost as if she didn't believe him, but chatted amiably enough with him just a few minutes later about something called a Crumple-horned Snorkack.

About two hours into the ride, the compartment door slid open and Cho Chang stuck her head in. Just a few months before, her presence would have been enough to make Harry's heart flutter. Now, all he could think about was that he had watched her boyfriend die, that he'd been too slow to save Cedric.

"Hello," she murmured.

"Um...hi," Harry said awkwardly.

Cho blushed. "I just...wanted to see how you were."

"Oh, well, I'm good, I suppose. You?"

Harry almost kicked himself as soon as the question came out of his mouth. He knew he sounded incredibly insensitive.

"I'm all right," Cho said. "Um...I should go. My...my friends are waiting. I'll see you later, Harry."

He muttered a good bye, trying to ignore the looks from his friends. To his surprise and gratitude, Myrddin began asking questions about Hogwarts to distract them while Harry came to the not so surprising conclusion that he no longer had a crush on Cho Chang.


A hand grabbed Merlin's arm as he disembarked from the train. He found himself pulling into the shadows by Luna Lovegood. She was giving him a strangely piercing, yet unfocused look.

"Your name isn't Myrddin and your magic is strange," she said dreamily. "Who are you?"

Merlin narrowed his eyes to examine her magic. It only took a moment to find what he was looking for. She was a seer, and very rare one at that. She could sense the truth of people. There would be no getting around her.

"Someone who's here to help," he said, keeping his voice low. "I can't really give a straight answer right now, but you'll have to trust me. I want Voldemort gone as much as anyone and I'm here to do what I can to make sure that happens."

Luna cocked her head. "I believe you," she murmured, before skipping away.

The warlock shook his had. Magic and those who wielded it would never cease to surprise him, even after all of his centuries. Shaking his head, he followed her to the carriages. Harry was staring at the thestrals in horror and confusion. Merlin winced in sympathy. He still remembered the first time he'd seen one. It had been more common for a person to be able to see the creatures back then, given the way Uther was executing sorcerer's left and right. But it had still been a shock. Now, seeing a thestral was more taboo than ever.

"It's a thestral," he said quietly, moving to stand beside Harry. "They can only been seen by those who have witnessed death."

Harry stared at him with wide eyes. "You mean I can see them because-"

"Yes," Merlin said quickly.

"And you can see them, too? I'm not mad?"

Merlin shook his head. "No. I've been able to see them for a long time." He hesitated before telling Harry why he could see them. Strictly speaking, it was because he'd seen the execution of Mary Collins' son his first day in Camelot. He sighed, and settled for not saying anything unless Harry asked.

He didn't.

The timely arrival of Ron, Hermione, and Ginny broke Harry's somber mood. Merlin listened as they chatted about Quidditch and who would be teaching Defense this year. Kilgharrah had told him about the curse on the DADA position. They were trying to determine how exactly Voldemort had managed that and break it so that Dumbledore could get a decent teacher. Merlin had given up the idea of disguising Kilgharrah as a cat since the dragon seemed determined to make himself known. It would make him stand out, but he'd just keep telling people the story he'd used with Harry and the order.

He clambered out of the carriage behind the others and looked up at the castle. He was beginning to feel decidedly nervous. There would be no hiding the fact that he was an ancient warlock from the Sorting Hat. He wasn't really looking forward to that argument. And on top of everything else, he had to convince the Hat to put him in Gryffindor so that he could more easily keep an eye on Harry and the others.

Professor McGonagall was standing in the hall when they entered. She caught sight of Merlin and headed right toward him.

"Mr. Lyonnesse, you are to follow me for Sorting," she said briskly. Merlin nodded and followed her to the same room where the first years were waiting. This was not going to be pleasant.

All of the first years were staring at him in wonder. He gave them a reassuring smile. The Sorting would be painless for them.

Time stretched on interminably, but McGonagall finally returned. "Form a line and follow me, please. Mr. Lyonnesse, if you will stay close to me. You will be sorted first."

Merlin nodded to her and fell into step behind her. He stared pointedly at the head table, allowing himself to look nervous, as any other transfer student would be. The stool with the Hat was already standing before the head table. McGonagall gestured at Merlin and the first years to stop before moving to stand beside the Sorting Hat.

"This year, we have a transfer student for fifth year," she said clearly. "Myrddin Lyonnesse, please come forward for Sorting."

Taking a deep breath and ignoring the whispers that had suddenly erupted through the hall, Merlin walked up to the stool and sat down. The hat fell over his eyes.

And nothing happened.

Um...hello?

Merlin Emrys? How is this even possible? the hat almost squeaked.

It's a long story, Merlin thought tiredly. Could you please just sort me?

Of course. But where to put you? Any house would suit you. You would have done the founders proud. Where to put you?

If it's really that difficult to decide, you'd make my life a whole lot simpler if you would put me in Gryffindor so I can keep an eye on Harry. He's going to need all the help he can get over the next few months.

Indeed. It was a pleasure to sort you into GRYFFINDOR!

Merlin let out a sigh of relief. That was easier than he'd expected. Fixing a weak smile on his face, Merlin made his way to the Gryffindor table and sat down opposite Harry.

"Congratulations," Harry whispered.

"You're a bit old to be a fifth year, aren't you?" Seamus asked bluntly.

Hermione looked like she was ready to slap him upside the head for his question if she's been close enough to do it or if she hadn't had to reach around Ron. Merlin just sighed and quietly repeated his story about being ill as a child and eventually losing his parents to their fight against any and all dark wizards. Seamus paled and muttered an apology.

"Think nothing of it," Merlin said gently. "I know that this is an unusual situation."

He glanced up at the head table to ward off any other questions and noticed for the first time that Dolores Umbridge was sitting in the seat usually reserved for the Defense teacher. This could not bode well.

Professor McGonagall rolled up the scroll and carried the stool and the Sorting hat out of the hall. Once she was gone, Dumbledore stood, holding up his hand for silence.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," he said warmly. "First year students, and some returning students as well, should note that the Forbidden Forest is strictly out of bounds. Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you once again that magic is forbidden in the corridors.

"Also, we have two new additions to our staff this year. "First of all, Professor Grubbly-Plank will be teaching Care of Magical Creatures while Hagrid is unavailable. Second, the Defense Against the Dark Arts position will be filled by Dolores Umbridge."

Merlin joined in the polite, if unenthusiastic, applause. He did not like the fact that a ministry stooge had found a way into the school. He would have to talk to Dumbledore about that.

"Quidditch trials will be held on the-"

"Hem hem."

Merlin wasn't the only one taken aback by the interruption that came from the toad-like witch who had stood up and was looking at Dumbledore expectantly. The headmaster looked at her in slight surprise before sitting down sharply and giving her his full attention. She smiled more widely and walked round the table to address the students.

"Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts with such happy little faces smiling back at me," Umbridge simpered.

Considering that Merlin was a twelve hundred year old High Warlock, he was not at all happy to be addressed like a toddler. Just by glancing around, he could see that most of the school was in agreement. Umbridge didn't notice.

"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. Every headmaster and headmistress has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay. There again, progress for progress's sake must be discouraged, for our tried and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance then, between old and new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation because some changes will be for the better, while others will come, in the fullness of time, to be recognized as errors of judgement. Meanwhile, some old habits will be retained, and rightly so, whereas other, outmoded and outworn, must be abandoned. Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effectiveness, and accountability, intent of preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited." (1)

Silence followed her speech. Hermione was frowning. Knowing how clever she was, Merlin was almost sure that she had figured out exactly what Umbridge had meant.

"What was that all about?" Ron asked as Dumbledore resumed giving the announcements.

"Weren't you listening?" Hermione snapped. Ron and Harry both shook their heads unabashedly. Hermione scowled at them. "She more or less said that the Ministry is interfering at Hogwarts."

Merlin was mildly impressed that she'd figured it out. Umbridge had done a very good job of disguising her intention in boring speech that most of the students wouldn't listen to.

The rest of the feast went off without a hitch. No one but Merlin noticed the looks that Seamus kept giving Harry. He frowned slightly. That did not bode well.

When the feast ended, Hermione and Ron - with some prodding - jumped up to lead the first years back to the common room. Merlin almost laughed. Ron was going to be an interesting sort of prefect.

Harry caught his eye and led Merlin up to the common room. He knew the Hogwarts castle almost as well as he'd known Camelot, but it didn't seem like a good thing to mention.

"You must be the knew fifth year," the Fat Lady said appraisingly when she saw Merlin. "I do hope you won't be causing trouble as some do."

Ignoring the admonishment directed toward him, Harry opened his mouth to say the password only to realize that he'd rushed off without getting the password.

"Sorry about that," he said sheepishly.

"It's all right," Merlin shrugged. "Someone'll be along soon enough."

Neville came running up even as Merlin spoke, brandishing a strange cactus-like plant that he'd shown them on the train.

"Harry! Guess what. I'll actually remember the password this time. It's mimbulus mimbletonia!"

The portrait swung open. The three boys scrambled through.

"Our dormitory is at the top of the stairs," Harry said. "I'll show you which bed you can have."

Merlin nodded and followed him quietly. When they reached the dorm, they found that Ron hadn't yet returned, but that Dean and Seamus were there. Seamus looked up at Harry and glared.

"Something wrong, Seamus?" Harry asked, taken aback.

"Me mam didn't want me to come back," Seamus said angrily.

Harry stopped short. "What?"

"She didn't want me to come back to Hogwarts."

"Why?"

"Because of you!" Seamus snapped. "You and Dumbledore."

Harry's eyes narrowed and he suddenly tensed. "You mean she believes the stuff the Prophet has been printing? That I'm a liar and Dumbledore's an old fool?"

"Yeah, she does. It's not as though any one knows what went on during the Third Task. What did really happen? Did you really watch You-Know-Who kill Cedric?"

Merlin could see that Harry was about to retort, which wouldn't help matters. Laying a hand on Harry's shoulder, Merlin stepped forward.

"It's the Daily Prophet's word against Harry's," he said softly. "You should ask yourself if you wish to believe a paper that has shown itself to be allied to the Ministry, regardless of the state of things, or do you wish to believe someone with whom you have shared a room for four years. Personally, given the lies that Rita Skeeter has been known to write, I would rather trust someone I have barely known for two months than the Prophet."

Seamus glared at both Myrddin and Harry before shoving past them and storming out of the dormitory.

"Thanks," said Harry softly.

"Don't mention it," Merlin said. "I meant every word."

"It's probably a good thing that Ron wasn't here," Harry admitted. "He'd have probably punched Seamus."

"I highly doubt that would have helped anything," Merlin said with a chuckle.

"You can take that bed." Harry gestured at the sixth bed that had been added to the dormitory. "If you need anything, that one's mine and that one's Ron's. Though I wouldn't recommend waking him. He tends to be a bit incoherent and rather grouchy."

Merlin chuckled.

Late that night, once the other boys were asleep, Merlin cast a glamour over himself and slipped out of the dormitory. He had a painting to visit.

When magical paintings had been introduced, Merlin had cast the enchantment on one of the few paintings of Arthur that had survived the fall of Camelot. The castle has been razed shortly after his death. Very little had survivedWhen Hogwarts had been founded, Merlin had donated one portrait of Arthur and enchanted a second, the only other one left, so that the king could travel from portrait to portrait and help Merlin keep an eye on the school.

It had worked well for a while. Then something had happened. A dark wizard had risen, and once more Merlin was forced to stand by and do nothing. It hadn't gone over well with Arthur and they'd gotten into quite the argument, which had culminated in Arthur saying that if Merlin wasn't going to do anything about the situation, then he wasn't about to continuing helping the warlock. He'd stormed out of the painting in Merlin's little house, and hadn't returned since.

That had been at least several centuries ago. Merlin had never thought that Arthur could stay angry that long. Eventually he'd just forgotten about the argument. It had hurt too much to think about it. But now that he was going to be in the castle, he was going to have to confront Arthur, if only to avoid unpleasant confrontations should they accidentally meet.

Merlin passed unseen through the halls of Hogwarts. Not even the paintings on the walls noticed him. It was a simple spell that had proven its usefulness over the years. Not even Mad-eye Moody would have been able to see him. He only wished that he'd discovered the spell back when he'd been sneaking around Uther.

He made it to the North Tower without incident. He didn't even have to dodge Mrs. Norris. Panting slightly, he came to a halt before a painting that housed a fat dapple-grey pony that was snoozing peacefully. A squat little knight was laying beside the pony, fast asleep.

Merlin arched an eyebrow and tried not to burst out laughing.

"What on earth happened to you, Arthur?" he choked out.

Moving closer he ran his fingers over the canvas, feeling the magic. There was something more than the usual animating enchantments on the painting.

"Iewan wiccunga," he whispered, running his hands over the canvas once more.

The painting began to glow faintly. There were traces of grey and sky blue light surrounding the frame. His eyes glowed as he gazed at the painting. He recognized the traces. Arthur's painting had been hit with a badly case confundus charm followed by an equally badly cast bloating charm. It was obvious that some students had started duelling and the painting had been caught in the crossfire.

Suppressing a grin, he poked at the painting. If he was right, he was about to have quite a lot of fun.

"Arthur?" he said. "Arthur, wake up."

"Who goes there?" the little knight shouted, leaping to his feet and looking around blearily. "Stand and fight you braggart!"

"I mean you no harm," Merlin said soothingly. He raised his hands in a gesture of peace when the knight's sleepy gaze found him. "I am looking for a friend. I thought this was his painting. Though it has been many years since I have seen him. It is possible that I am wrong. Are you Arthur?"

"Arthur?" the knight repeated, looking comically confused. "I know no such man. A quest to find him perhaps?"

"That is not necessary," Merlin said, quickly. If any part of Arthur had been retained after the confundus charm, then once he got started on a quest, he wouldn't stop. "I believe I know what mistake I made. I am sorry to have disturbed your sleep."

"Think nothing of it," said the knight. "If you require aid in finding your friend, call upon Sir Cadogan."

"Oh I will," muttered Merlin. "And when I do, Sir Cadogan is going to remember that his is actually King Arthur and I am never going to let him live it down. This will be perfect revenge for all those times he brought up Dragoon."

Merlin was still chuckling when he slipped back into the dormitory and went to sleep. His time at Hogwarts was going to be more interesting than he'd thought.


Author's Note: Umbridge's speech (1) comes directly from OotP. Really, I can't do any better than J.K. Rowling, so why even try?

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