Chapter 18

I want you guys to know that I appreciate your support so much and I'm so glad you're all looking forward to this chapter. Just so you know I will not be following cannon from the actual Arthurian legends just from the show. The show varies differently from the actual legend but I did get a very interesting suggestion on something I could incorporate into my story without varying too far from the show itself. I don't know much about the true Arthurian legend so if anyone else has any suggestions I would be happy to hear them.

Just btw Umbridge kinda reminds me of Trump and I don't know why.

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Violent winds swirled around the mansion atop a hill overlooking the small English village below. Voldemort sat in his usual chair, stroking Nagini's head and pondering the future. He found himself doing this more and more these days.

Since his strange revelation the day before, he had taken it upon himself to read anything he could on Arthurian legends.

That had gotten him nowhere.

Some said Merlin had been a servant, some mentioned he was the court sorcerer. One said magic had been banned in Camelot, but others said it was a kingdom of magic and wonderment. Yet another legend mentioned Merlin being a close friend of King Arthur's, but others said the two had disliked each other and simply had a tactical relationship.

The only thing the legends agreed on was Merlin's immense power and Queen Guinevere's betrayal. Voldemort signed, it was almost comical to think the new professor at Hogwarts was Merlin and Dumbledore wouldn't know about it. The old fool did tend to find out things about people he shouldn't know.

Suddenly a loud bang sounded right outside the mansion. Voldemort jumped and Nagini hissed at the window of the library that faced the outside. A large tree had caught flame, most likely from a bolt of lightning.

The flames began to die down and a figure in the center of the charred remains of the tree became visible. In only moments the Dark Lord was outside in the storm with a wand in hand ready to kill the uninvited visitor, only to blanch at the aura that greeted him.

Power radiated from the unconscious woman and her pale skin had a gold undertone that pulsed with magic. Even though she had just destroyed a tree in a bolt of lightning, her intricate dress was spotless although the beautiful fabric was soaked through.

"My Lord!" yelled a voice from behind him as Bellatrix rushed up behind him with her wand arm raised, about to kill the strange woman.

"Control yourself Bella" he said coolly and she froze.

"My Lord?"

"Bring our visitor inside, I have a feeling she may be of use to us."

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Harry smiled to himself as he watched a third year Hufflepuff finally disarm his partner. The boy had been struggling with the spell and Harry was glad to see him finally master it. It was strange; Harry had always seen himself as a fighter, an enforcer, of all that was good. It is what he had been groomed for since he was eleven years old, but watching his fellow classmates perform spells he had taught them he started to rethink himself. Harry had always seen his future as Voldemort. He always imagined that if he got the chance he would try to go Pro in Quidditch, then retire young and let life take the wheel. Although in the world's current state it was likely Harry would never live to let life take control.

Suddenly drawn from his thoughts, Harry gave one his first genuine laughs the term had begun. Ron sat looking rather dazed slumped against a wall as Hermione smiled at him rather smugly. It seemed she had finally perfected her modified confundus charm. Ron stood up looking red cheeked and ruffled. Most of the DA had now turned to giggle quietly at the Weasley's misfortune.

"Lucky shot" he heard Ron mutter.

Hermione frowned at this, "expelliarmus!" Gripping Ron's wand in her left hand, she waved with her right, "wow! I must be having a really good day!"

Ron huffed and students laughed. Harry couldn't help but join them. The mirrored walls shown golden with light from the many candles adorning the room and reflected more happiness than any mirror had shown in Hogwarts in many years.

"Alright everyone..." Harry started before trailing off, "has anyone seen Cho?" Most the students shook their heads although one second year tentatively raised her hand.

"Amalia?" asked Harry.

"She got in trouble in charms today she and she had detention with Umbridge but that was hours ago so we all assumed she went back to her dorm" Amalia said in a strong voice that didn't match her tiny body. Harry's brow furrowed. If Cho had detention, he assumed she would tell him about it. Something was wrong.

"Okay everyone, let's pack up early tonight" he announced and continued after seeing their questioning looks, "I have a bad feeling about this."

Understanding, the older students began to grab their things and the younger ones followed suit.

Just as Harry was about to open the door and peer out into the normally abandoned hall he heard small whispers on the other side.

Seeing the terrified look on his face, his friends grabbed second and third years and hid them in the corridors that created themselves behind the many mirrors. As soon as the last mirror was closed, a small hole was blasted through the door and Harry stumbled backwards. Fourth years were positioned behind upperclassmen as two dozen students drew their wands.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron stood in front their other students and got away from the door just in time to avoid a large explosion that blasted a huge hole in the wall. Harry's heart was in his throat as the dust settled and Umbridge and Filch were revealed. A twisted smile formed on the evil woman's face as she scanned the faces of the students in front of her.

"I see we've found the conspirators" Flich rasped bearing his rotten teeth.

"I believe you should all follow me to my office" Umbridge commanded and many students cringed, knowing what was coming next.

"No" said Harry suddenly, bringing himself up to his full height. Ron and Hermione tensed on either side of him.

"I'm sorry what was that Mr. Potter?" Umbridge asked dangerously, her eyes narrowing as she gripped her wand.

"He said we're not going with you, you sadistic, evil woman" Hermione repeated. Some students muttered in agreement and aimed their wands.

"I'm sure that's not the smartest decision" Umbridge said, her face turning an impossible shade of red.

"I think it is" said Ron, "there's two of you and only one has magic and there's about twenty of us. I don't think anyone'd miss her." Some students chucked as Umbridge blanched as she looked at the many wizards in front of her.

Sensing the hostility around her, Hermione took a step forward, "we'll go with you..." the students behind her began to mutter angrily, "IF...you lay a hand on any of us I will personally deal with you. Like Ron said, I doubt anyone would miss you." Harry looked at his friend with silent appreciation. That situation had escalated much faster than he anticipated it would. Hopefully the second and first years had found their ways to safety in the tunnels by now.

The students followed Umbridge and stood in her magically expanded office. It was silent for a long time as Harry attempted to stare the woman down.

"You all may go back to your rooms now. Mr. Potter I know you're the leader here so you will remain with me" Umbridge announced suddenly. Harry felt his friends about to protest but responded before they could, "okay." Ron looked at his best friend with indignation but Harry gave him a warning look that was very obvious, better he punished then them.

The students slowly filed out of the room and as soon as the last one was gone and the oak door closed, Umbridge gave Harry a sickly smile.

"Please place your wand here Mr. Potter" she said, gesturing to the table in front of her. Assuming his punishment would be slightly less severe if he cooperated, Harry obliged. As soon as his fingers left the thin wood rod, he found Umbridge's own wand at his throat.

"I don't take kindly to treachery Mr. Potter" she growled, eyes ablaze with fury. Harry flinched backwards as the tip of her wand suddenly burned the skin it touched. He felt his eyes grow wide; she was going to kill him. He was sure of it.

"You see Mr. Potter, you know as well as I that if you are not here to lead your merry band of misfits that they won't question me anymore" she whispered.

"I think you're underestimating how much they hate you" Harry answered defiantly.

"Well this will be rather cathartic anyways" she said as the wand began to burn him, although this time he had nowhere to escape.

"You're making a mistake" tried Harry.

"I don't think I am Mr. Po..."

She was cut off as the door burst open, revealing Ron, Hermione, and Professor Emrys.

"I suggest you remove your hands from him woman" Merlin said coldly, "may I remind you Professor, your ground in this school is shaky." Umbridge's wand was lowered from Harry's throat, "I would advise you to refrain from doing anything to worsen your current situation."

With a frustrated huff the pink clad woman strode away from the two, out of the room and down the hall. Ron and Hermione stood silently, unsure of what to do.

"I'll take Mr. Potter here to the Hospital Wing, you should return to the dormitories Mr. Weasley, Miss. Granger."

"T-thanks Professor" said Harry, rubbing his neck and eyeing Umbridge wearily as she walked away. He grabbed his wand from the table and vowed to never let it leave his hand again.

"Of course my boy, I can't help but feel as if this is all my fault" Merlin said, sighing.

"Well…" Harry started awkwardly, "Mione' got the idea after Dumbledore left and I think there was a comment a teacher made that…ah….inspired her."

Merlin shook his head, "I swear that witch is too clever for her own good." Harry smiled at this.

"I do suggest Mr. Potter, that until further notice you travel with friends or a teacher at all times. For now I may be able to keep you out of her grasp but I cannot promise anything. And I will be seeing you after classes on Fridays I'm sure."

Harry's form deflated a bit at his Professor's words.

"Oh c'mon my boy, you didn't think you'd escaped punishment completely did you?" Merlin said with a smile, "I do believe detentions with me will be slightly more preferable than anything Professor Umbridge could dish out." Harry laughed in agreement as Merlin escorted him to the Hospital Wing.

As soon as they reached the door Madam Pomphrey rushed over and took Harry from him. Signing, Merlin walked away and wearily returned to his room. The normally inviting room seemed somehow drab and foreboding at the moment. Merlin furrowed his brow in confusion as he scanned the room. His face grew slack suddenly as his roaming eyes rested on the wall to his left. The pendragon banner still hung on the wall, but the sword below it was missing.

"Excalibur!" he exclaimed, rushing over. His wards over the area remained intact as if the sword was still there, although he was sure it wasn't invisible.

Merlin collapsed on the plush chair that faced the wall, "how? How is this possible?"

His eyes wandered to the dozens of gory stills that lie on the table next to him. Hs groaned and placed his head in his hands. Arthur's sword was missing, students were being tortured, and at the moment Merlin felt as if he could do nothing to stop it. Merlin reached out with his magic and tried to locate the magic weapon.

Nothing.

The poor man sat in silence as his mind silently screamed. He couldn't handle the stress at the moment and gave up on trying. Walking to the other side of the room he grabbed a flask of dreamless sleep draught and downed the whole thing.

Collapsing into the chair, Merlin fell asleep almost instantly.

For a few hours his sleep was peacefully dark and his subconscious relished the nothingness; suddenly an image was painted in his mind. A figure in unmarked armor wandered around with Excalibur in their hand. They seemed to be in an impossibly dark forest, but every few feet or so a small beam of light would make its way through the foliage. Every time one appeared they would change direction to follow it. This went on for a long while before the forest began to thin out and more light began to shine though. Seeming confused, the figure stopped for a moment before deciding to walk forward.

This seemed to work for a while until the forest began to grow dark again and the figure turned around and tried another direction. This happened another four times before the exit was found. The figure ran to the exit before emerging out into a very familiar field. Suddenly, Merlin felt as though he was with the figure and in control of his body but as soon as he reached out the picture in his head was washed away. Merlin jolted awake and looked around the room. The position of the sun told him it was morning, although he saw no figure standing on the fields.

Groaning, Merlin slipped on an American Stanford sweatshirt and the bunny slippers he had bought a few months ago. He wandered down to the great hall when the complaints from his stomach became too much. Piling his plate high, he sat back in his chair and began to enjoy his wonderful breakfast.

"How did you sleep Ben?" asked Professor McGonagall politely.

"Rather badly actually" Merlin answered and glanced over to Umbridge's empty chair.

"I understand" answered McGonagall, "yesterday was rather...eventful."

"I'm not sure what to do at this point" added Merlin, his mind wandering back to the missing sword.

"Neither am I Ben" replied McGonagall, "I truly miss the days where my students were carefree and still...innocent."

Merlin nodded and the two sat in a comfortable silence for a few more moments before continuing to shove food into his mouth.

"You know Ben you remind me so much of Remus Lupin when he was still in school" McGonagall laughed and Merlin looked up at the old woman.

"Oh c'mon Remus is much wiser than I could ever hope to be" Merlin laughed.

"Don't be so sure Ben, you're quite wise yours..." McGonagall was cut off as the door to the great hall banged open.

Merlin's head shot to face the entrance and he shot to his feet instinctively. The figure in the door wore spotless armor and simply stood there for a few moments before removing their helmet.

In his soul Merlin already knew what was coming and took a few steps toward the figure as the helmet was removed.

Blonde hair was shaken out of a tan, handsome face as Merlin stared into fiery blue eyes that almost matched his own and a face he never thought he'd see again.

He was about to call his name, but the other man beat him to it, "Merlin?" Merlin's face broke into the widest smile it had ever housed as people in the hall broke into confused whispers.

"You're late Arthur" he said with shining eyes.

Before either man knew what was happening, they were embracing for the first time in one thousand years.

Arthur pulled away first and suddenly seemed to notice the hundreds of children staring at them.

"What the hell is going on Merlin?" he asked in a tone Merlin had grown to love.

"I knew it!" shouted Hermione suddenly, her eyes wide as the entire room turned to face her.

He knew he should say something, but at this point Merlin could only smile.

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I hope that was a satisfying reunion. I'm actually pretty happy with how this chapter turned out. Some of the parts seem a little rushed but I was so excited to write the end of this that I couldn't really help it. I hope you all like it and I'd love to know what you think! Thank you all so much for your support.