Well thanks for all the reviews guys. For those of you that remember this story from the first time it was posted are going to see a couple of small changes, but don't worry I do have a couple of new chapters ready to go. I'm just taking my time, posting a chapter every couple of weeks so I have enough room to back track between the chapters I haven't posted yet to include the new stuff.

For those of you that want to see Harry adopted, I don't think it's going to happen the way the story is going so far. Harry's actually going to be doing quite a lot this year, and I think that having parents might hinder his character development.

Anyone wanting to know what kind of character Dumbledore is going to be is just going to have to wait and see. I want to avoid cut and dry good guy or bad guy in this story. I know that the way I portrayed the Potter's kind of goes against that but there is a difference between doing mean things and being evil.

Anyway on with the next chapter.

The Chronicles of Merlin: The Return

Chapter Four

August 17, Malfoy Mansion, Entrance Hall…

After the Malfoy's had spent two weeks getting to know Harry they could see why their son was so loyal to him. A trait not usually found in Slitherin. They had always believed that power and politics were the way to change the world but they had come to realize that belief was wrong. In the end it would all be decided by the kindness of one person, Harry Potter.

"Now I want you to visit us again next summer Harry." Narcissa said as she gave Harry a kiss on the cheek.

"I would like that." Harry said with a smile.

"If you ever need anything Harry, just floo us," Lucious instructed.

"I'll see you on the train Harry." Draco said smiling.

"We don't have time for this boy. Let's go." James Potter said impatiently. Obviously James had returned to the way he used to treat Harry.

"Why are you always trying to tear Harry down?" Narcissa asked. "He's trying to do so much good for the world, and will do so much more when he's older. How can you hate him so much?"

"The boy knows nothing of how the world works. If it were up to me Glory would have the power of Merlin, she's the one that disserved it." James said as he activated the portkey as he and Harry disappeared with a soft pop.

"One day Harry won't have to deal with those 'people' and maybe then they can realize what they're missing out on." Draco said.

"Yes." Lucious agreed. "People considered it an honor just to be alive at the same time as Merlin and the Potter's don't even seem to realize how lucky they are."

August 18, Potter Mansion, Harry bedroom…

Harry sat in his room deep in thought. When he had returned to Potter Manor his family seemed to have reverted to back to before they discovered he was Merlin Incarnate. Every chance they got they seemed to try and tear him down.

Harry had also made some discoveries about the stone that he pulled out of the lake. At first he had believed that it was actually Merlin's memories and powers that were being transferred to him, but in actuality it was a very powerful information archive. It was most likely Merlin's journal.

'If the stone came from the lake, then the lake itself must have some connection to Merlin.' Harry thought to himself as he decided to go to the lake again.

"You must think you're so special now." Glory sneered at her brother as he walked down the stairs. "Well, I'm going to Hogwarts this year too, and I'm going to make sure everyone knows that you're a fraud." She threatened.

Harry for his part simply ignored her. There was nothing he could gain from arguing with her. Maybe someday Glory would change, become a better person, but it wouldn't be anytime soon.

"One day a time will come when you can no longer bring any fame to our parents. How do think they will treat you when that time comes." Harry offered a word of warning.

The forest behind Potter Mansion…

After a couple of hours of hiking Harry finally made it back to the lake. If his suspicions were correct, this would definitely be an interesting visit to the forest.

Harry took of his shoes and his socks. After rolling up his pant legs he waded into the water and looked towards the center of the lake.

"Is there anyone out here?" Harry called out.

Harry stood there for several minutes, hoping that something would happen. Just as he was about to scold himself for such a stupid idea something actually happened.

From the center of the lake a soft blue light began to pulse. It pulsed slowly at first but began to pick up speed. Soon the light was almost blinding.

Harry could barely make out a figure coming out of the lake from the center of his light. From what he could tell it was definitely a woman.

To Harry's shock he felt himself floating up towards the woman as the light began to fade away.

As Harry got closer he was able to make out the figure of the woman. Strangely enough she looked to be about his age. She had pale skin, and deep blue eyes. Her hair fell in dark tresses down her back. She wore a dark blue dress that reached her ankles, but it was not wet, as one would assume. It looked as if it hadn't even touched the water.

"The lady of the lake," Harry whispered in awe when he was only a foot away from her.

"It's been a long time." The Lady of the Lake smiled towards him.

"Do we know each other?" Harry asked. His knowledge of the time of Camelot was still sketchy at best.

"We used to, but back then I called you Merlin." She replied. "What should I call you now?"

"My name is Harry Potter." He answered.

"My name is Altia." The lady of the lake answered back.

"I have missed you." Altia said as she pulled Harry into a hug.

"I wish I could remember you." Harry said as Altia broke the hug.

"How did you find me?" Altia asked curiously.

"I came here a few weeks ago, and I found a stone. I think it was an archive of all of Merlin's memories."

"You don't like being referred to as Merlin do you?" Altia said as she picked up on the fact that Harry referred to them as Merlin's memories and knowledge.

"How could I be Merlin? He was the greatest wizard that ever lived. He did so much good, I can't even hope to compare to him." Harry answered.

Altia laughed softly at this, "You are more like him than you know."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Merlin was never the great hero that could do no wrong the world made him out to be. It was all lost when people stopped remembering the man, and started worshiping the legend.

He had doubts then, just as you do now. He always tried to do what was right, to help people, as I am sure you will do soon.

I can not count the times that he came here to talk to me, afraid that he had made the wrong decisions, wondered if he tried just a little bit harder he could have saved that last person's life.

I will tell you now what he told me then, what he told King Arthur, and anyone else that cared to listen. There are no perfect people in this world, only perfect intentions."

"You cared about Merlin a lot didn't you?" Harry asked as he stared into Altia's eyes.

"I still do." Altia admitted. "But it was a love that could never be. I am bound to this lake for eternity."

"Was this why Merlin never had any children?" Harry asked.

"It was he would not even consider finding someone else, no matter how many times I begged him."

"I would spend the rest of my life just staring into your eyes." Harry said. He was not sure why he said it but it just popped into his head and he had the overwhelming urge to say it to Altia.

"Merlin said the same thing." Altia gasped. "I didn't think you would be able to keep any of those memories."

"I didn't. It just felt like something Merlin wanted you to know before he died."

"That means a lot to me. I know that you are not Merlin Harry but you being here is comforting. " Altia said.

"We have the same soul. Even though I don't have Merlin's memories I still feel a pull to you."

"Then I have condemned you to live another life without everything you deserve." Altia said sadly. "Merlin said the first thing when we first met."

"I will never lead a normal life Altia. Anyone I meet will see me as Merlin, not Harry. They will see the legend long before the person." Harry said wisely.

"What a pair we make." Altia sighed. "Both of us destined to be alone, never allowed to feel true happiness."

"One day when all the battles have been fought we will both be able to live the lives we yearn for. I promise you I will discover how you were bound to this lake, and free you." Harry said.

"Then you will need this." Altia said as she levitated a sword out of the lake.

"Is that what I think it is?" Harry asked as he looked at the sword.

"It is Excalibur." Altia confirmed.

"That was for King Arthur to wield alone. I have no right to use it." Harry said.

"Excalibur was never meant for King Arthur. That was proven when Camelot fell. Merlin was too humble to see it then, but the sword was meant for him and now you. Only you can unlock its true power."

"If you're sure," Harry said reluctantly as he picked up the sword.

"You must return to your home Harry. There is something you must do." Altia said as kissed Harry's cheek and floated him back to the edge of the lake.

Excalibur had somehow magically strapped itself to Harry's back with no visible sheath.

In another burst of light Altia disappeared back into the lake with a wave of her hand.

Potter Mansion, Main Hall…

"Where is that boy?" Lily asked as she paced around. "We have indulged him for long enough, it's giving him a swelled head. How long ago did he leave Glory?"

"I think it was a couple of hours ago." Glory said as she turned back to the toys that she was playing with.

"I've got a few ideas to put him back in his place." James thought evilly.

"Where have you been?" Lily shrieked when she saw Harry enter the hall. "And what is that on your back?"

James was already moving before Harry could react. "Where did you get a sword?" He demanded as he tried to pull it off of Harry's back.

Almost instantly a blue spark of light leaped out of the sword and struck James's hand. He pulled it back quickly in pain and shock.

"The sword is Excalibur and I need it keep a promise to someone." Harry said as he stood up to his parents for the first time.

"Promise? What are going on about?" Lily demanded.

"I must free the lady of the lake."

"I don't care what you're going on about but Harry if you don't give me that sword right now I will not be paying for your second year at Hogwarts." James threatened as he thought about all the fame he would get for wielding the Excalibur.

"I am not the same little boy you pushed around. I have finally found something worth fighting for." Harry felt strength grow inside of him. He had to free Altia, and he would not let anyone stop him. "I refuse to be your punching bag."

"Well you don't have much of a choice." Lily said smugly. "If you want to see any of your little friends again or even graduate you will do exactly what we tell you."

"Do you really think Merlin had nothing before he died?" Harry recalled one of the memories he had just recently acquired. "His vault is still at Gringolts, I imagine the interest accrued is significant."

It didn't take a genius to figure out that Merlin's fortune was massive. In all likelihood Harry was probably the richest person in Britain, probably even the world.

"Harry, maybe we were a little harsh." James backpedaled. "Why don't we sit down and talk things over?"

Harry didn't even dignify him with a response. A white light swirled around Harry, and he simply disappeared.

"Where did he go?" Glory demanded. "I thought we couldn't apparate inside Potter Manor."

"We can't." Lily stared in shock. "What ever that was, it wasn't apparition."

172 Maple road, Hermione's house…

Harry found himself standing in front of what he assumed to be Hermione's house. It was the only logical explanation since he was thinking about the fact that Hermione was probably the best person to help him figure out how to free Altia.

Excalibur seemed to have shrunk itself when Harry left Potter manor and was now looked like a cross Harry wore around his neck.

Harry knocked on the door and waited patiently for someone to answer the door.

"Harry is that you?" Hermione said as she gave Harry a hug. "What are you doing here? I didn't think your parents would let you leave.

"They didn't. I need your help with something. What do you know about Excalibur and the lady of the lake?" Harry asked.

"Not much other than the legend, and that's probably not very accurate. Why do you need to know anyway?"

"It's probably better if I tell everyone at once." Harry said thoughtfully referring to Draco and Ron.

"How are we going to get there?" Hermione asked. "All I know is that Ron lives at a place called the burrow, which actually reminds me. How did you find my house? I don't think I even told you my address."

"I just wanted to be here and I just showed up." Harry said, not fully understanding it himself either.

"Maybe you can try to do it again, except this time think of Ron and the Burrow." Hermione offered.

"Maybe we should tell your parents we're leaving then." Harry said. "I don't know how long this is going to take to explain."

"You're probably right." Hermione agreed as she pulled Harry into the house and called down her parents.

"Mom, Dad Harry came for a visit." Hermione yelled up the stairs.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Harry." Mrs. Granger greeted. "Hermione has told us a lot about you."

"What brings you all the way out here?" Mr. Granger asked with a smile.

"I need Hermione's help with something. Would it be okay if she came with me to visit Ron and Draco?" Harry asked.

"I don't see why not, as long as she's back in time for dinner." Mr. Granger agreed.

"We'll see you in a few hours." Hermione said excitedly as the pair disappeared in a flash of swirling white light.

The Burrow, Garden behind the tool shed…

"So this is the burrow?" Hermione said as she looked around.

"Ron must have a lot of fun out here." Harry said as he looked around.

"Hermione, Harry? Is that you?" Ron asked as the pair turned around to face him.

"What are you guys doing here? I never thought your parents would let you visit." Ron said as he looked at Harry.

"They didn't. Ever since they found out that Merlin and I have the same soul they've been acting strangely. One minute they're falling over themselves trying to buy my affection, the next they're shouting at me for disgracing their good name. I couldn't stand it so I just left for a while." Harry explained.

"Well it's about time. They shouldn't be allowed to push you around like that." Ron fumed. "It's a wonder they weren't arrested."

"The Potter family is old money. A few campaign contributions and the minister would turn a blind eye to anything." Harry said as he remembered his old nanny. She was the first one to stand up to his parents about the way they treated him.

Harry never saw her again after that, no one would speak of her, and when he did he was punished for it.

"What's the matter Harry?" Hermione asked when she noticed the change in Harry's mood.

"I just remembered Nanny Julia. She was the first person to stand up to my parents, the first friend I ever had. Before I met you guys she meant everything to me." Harry sighed.

"What ever happened to her?" Ron asked. "I'm sure she'd like to see you again."

"So would I. She disappeared after she stood up to my parents. They never told me what happened to her, just that I would never see her again."

"My dad works for the ministry. He might be able to find out for you." Ron offered.

"Thanks Ron. That would be nice." Harry smiled.

"Why don't you come inside? You can meet my family." Ron offered as he led them into his house.

"Hey mom, guess who showed up?" Ron asked as they walked into the house.

"You must be Harry and Hermione." Mrs. Weasley greeted them warmly. "What brings you two here?"

"I needed some help with a couple of things." Harry answered. "Do you mind if I use your floo? Draco will want to help as well."

"Certainly, Ron has told me all about you three." Mrs. Weasley said as she handed Harry some floo powder.

Harry tossed a pinch into the fire. "Malfoy manor, Draco's room," Harry said.

Almost immediately Draco's head emerged from the fire. "Hi Harry. I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. What's going on?"

"I need your help with something. I think it would be best if you came to the burrow."

To Be Continued…