Merlin wasn't the type of person to worry easily. He liked to believe he was quite laid back, and could handle any situation with a level head. He was usually right.

So he was quite startled when an alert popped up on his monitor for the first time signaling an urgent update to Gary Unwin's records. When Merlin first found out about the young Unwin being Harry's mate, he took it upon himself to keep tabs on the boy.

Upon reading the details, Merlin didn't know how to handle this. He has to tread lightly with this information. Merlin was reluctant to text Harry while he was away on a mission, concerned that it would jeopardize the mission.

Merlin made a snap quick decision, and sent a quick page to Harry's mobile to report back at HQ as soon as his mission was over.

Harry phones in not a minute later - the bloody bugger.

"Merlin?"

"Galahad."

"Mission successful, I'm scanning the files now."

"Good, you got my page then?"

"Yes, what's the matter now?"

Merlin curses. "Urgent details I need to discuss with you."

"About my next mission? Already?" Harry muses. "What mess do I have to clear up now?"

"No," Merlin says dryly. "Not quite. I would rather not speak to you about this over the phone."

"Merlin?" Harry says, worried now.

Merlin sighs; there really is no helping it. "There's been an alert to Gary's file."

"I told you, Merlin." Harry says stiffly. "I don't want to know anything concerning him. I don't want to make this any harder than it is already. It will only make matters worse by interfering in his life."

"You'll want to see this, Galahad." Merlin says softly.

"Merlin?" Harry says, fear rising in his chest. "Fuck - I'm on my way."

Harry arrives with surprising speed.

Merlin was composing the details in a file for Harry, when he suddenly burst into his office, face strained into an expression of composure Merlin was sure he wasn't feeling.

Harry caught Merlin mid-step, reaching out to take the folder from his offered hands.

"Tell me I won't have to be admitted to medical for this." Harry rasps as he opens the folder.

"That depends on your reaction." Merlin replies gruffly, watching him closely. "Maybe you should sit down for this, Harry."

Harry's head snaps up to look at merlin, giving him a bewildered look but follows his advice.

Harry's breath hitches in his throat, anger swelling in his gut as he flips through the photos and notes Merlin had gathered.

"Who did this!?" Harry growls in anger, looking pained as he stares down at a photo of young 10 years-old Eggsy with his lip split and bruised. Other photos point towards similar abuse: bruised ribs, sprained wrists, along with a CT scan showing several concussions.

"I don't know." At Harry's harsh look Merlin continues. "This has been going on for quite some time, but was dismissed as school scuffles when he was administered for a checkup by his mother. I didn't suspect anything unprecedented until I was alerted about the police report that was filed."

"What police report!?" Harry snaps.

"Last page in the file…"

Wednesday September 4th, 2003

Police were called to the scene of a home in downtown Kennington at 4pm Wednesday evening when a neighbor reported of a domestic altercation in her apartment building. Deputy Harold Conner responded and upon meeting the victims, 10 years-old "Eggsy" Unwin and mother Michelle Unwin, there were clear signs of physical assault.

Offender, Dean Baker was arrested upon confirming evidence of his crimes.

Note: Charges were dropped by Michelle Unwin at 6pm Wednesday night. ID was confirmed and no later charges were placed. Dean Baker was released from police custody at 6:30pm.

[CASE CLOSED]

Harry was visibly shaking in barely contained rage, as he slowly got up from his seat. He dropped the folder on top of Merlin's desk before turning to walk out of the room.

"Harry." Merlin warns, catching Harry by the elbow.

Harry whips around to look at this friend, eyes flashing. "Don't."

Merlin watches as his friend walks briskly out of the room. He knew this had been a bad idea.

Merlin flinches at the resounding slam of his office door closing shut behind him.

He's really gone and done it now.