Merlin's Chosen
Rating: T
Summary:Arthur has slept in Avalon, the otherworldly place just beyond the reach of magic for all but Merlin and his chosen, recovering from the injuries sustained in the battle at Camlann. Years have passed and times have changed and Hogwart's school of Witchcraft and Wizardry has taken it's place on the edge of the Lake of Avalon, unknown to modern witches and wizards. The world is in need of the Once and Future King to protect Albion again but to do that the immortal Merlin, the man that has learned to live backwards, must be there and he is nowhere to be found. It is now the job of Merlin's Chosen. Only, Harry Potter thinks he's going mental.
A/N: I feel like I should warn you, my dear readers, about the possibility of miscarriage. The original version of this chapter did have Gwen miscarry, but I felt like it didn't fit right with the story and that as a writer I couldn't do the many psychological, emotional, and physical issues justice. It is a heart-wrenching thing to loose a child at any stage of life, so I will understand why you as a reader would skip that portion. It is easily done, as it is at the beginning.
Chapter IV:
Gwen paused outside the tower door at the sounds of small explosions and she stood wondering what kind of trouble Merlin got into this time. She pushed open the door and despite her own feelings she laughed at the smokey and singed Merlin.
"What went wrong this time?" she asked and he looked like a startled bird when he realized she was there.
"Hmm. Not sure," he said absent-minded as Gwen sat across from him. It took him several minutes to acknowledge that she had something she needed to talk about with him. "What's wrong?" Gwen knew that she looked uncomfortable and she refused to meet his eyes. "Gwen? What is it?" She felt her eyes well up and she fought back the tears. Merlin was in front of her like a shot and she fell into his shoulder sobbing.
She could barely get the words out between gasping for air. "I'm not pregnant." Merlin's arms tightened around her and she just sat there crying. Merlin only pulled away when she had composed herself. He handed her a clean looking rag and she wiped her face. "It took us so long and we were thrilled when we thought... but last week." She stifled another sob. "I bled."
"Has Arthur said anything?" When she didn't answer, he said, "Arthur does know, right?" When she nodded Merlin let out a breath.
"He said that we would try again when I felt ready and not to worry about it. But Merlin, I hear the whispers. The court questions my ability to have Arthur's child, to have an heir."
"Has Arthur heard anything?"
"If he has, he hasn't said anything." They were silent for several moments and Merlin knew there was something else she wanted to talk about and he had a feeling he wasn't going to like it. "Merlin... I've been thinking. Perhaps, you -"
"Gwen, if you are about to ask me what I think you are about to ask me, the answer is no. I won't do it. Nothing is worth it." Merlin pulled away from his friend and he saw her shocked face before he turned away from her.
"Merlin..." her voice was pleading.
"Did Arthur ever tell you the circumstances of his birth?" He took her silence to mean no. "Do you remember the Questing Beast?" She murmured a yes. "I went to the Isle of the Blessed to bargain for Arthur's life. The witch Nimueh tricked me and I left thinking that I was going to die in place of Arthur. My mother almost died, and then Gaius. It ended up that I killed the witch and the balance between life and death was restored." He snorted. "It wasn't until years later that I understood what happened." He finally turned back to Gwen and she saw how weary he was. "I have the power over life and death. I could grant you your wish if you really wanted me to. But a life has to be taken for a life to be given and we don't have a choice of whom that life is. Uther didn't understand that. It was what started the Purge." Gwen gasped just as Arthur walked in. Merlin knew that he heard everything and was almost afraid that he said to much. But the look on his face put Merlin's fears to rest and Arthur carefully knelt in front of his wife.
"I know there are a lot of things I can say, but ultimately they are just words and you will always have the worry. But know this, I love you and I don't care if we never have children." Merlin busied himself as far away as possible without leaving the room. He knew that if he tried he would be called back anyway. "There will always be rumors and at times the noblemen are worse than their wives, but I don't care. I won't make the same mistake my father did. I am not that desperate for power."
"But what about the Pendragon line?"
"The Pendragon line will end with me, if need be."
Merlin pulled some potions from his shelf and placed them on the table. "These should help with conception, and when you are with child, please come to me as soon as possible. There are remedies that will help with your health and the health of the child." The couple thanked him. "And, Gwen," Merlin said, stopping them at the door. "My mother served as midwife in Ealdor. I overheard a lot of conversations when my mother thought I was in the fields, of women worrying they couldn't give their husbands a child. It is not uncommon for a couple to have difficulty. Maybe you need more practice." Merlin could feel his ears growing warm and Arthur just laughed.
Harry didn't really know what to do with himself in the days after his birthday. Hermione and Ron mostly kept to themselves, exploring their still new relationship, something Harry didn't really want to think about for too long. Fred and George spent most of their time at the shop, despite the near constant arguments about their safety while at the Alley, and both Bill and Charlie had to get back to work after they spent a few days with the family. He and Ginny did spend time together playing Exploding Snap but after awhile even that got boring and she went off to do her own thing.
While trying not to think about Ron and Hermione, he tried to not think about the book buried underneath his bed and the responsibility it had placed on his shoulders by just appearing in his room all those years ago. He had picked it up the day after his birthday and just looked at it. It took his about five minutes to realize that the unintelligible symbols that littered the page just days before, he could understand perfectly even if it seemed like they didn't change. It only took him a few seconds to hide it underneath his bed, trunk and all.
Harry sighed and stood intent on finding Sirius or Remus, only to find a busily working Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen, and while there weren't many people at living in the house she had been making enough food to feed an army. Harry suspected she was nervous cooker.
"Hello, Harry dear. Fancy a cuppa?" When Harry nodded the kettle flew to the stove at the flick of her wand.
"Have you seen Remus or Sirius lately?"
"Professor Dumbledore came by early this morning and asked them to go to Hogwarts and set up the classrooms they will be using. He also hinted there might have been a meeting with the Board of Governors as well."
"Oh, okay." A tray containing tea and cakes was placed in front of him and he quickly made a cup to his liking before the tea pot did it for him, something he was quite surprised to find out, because it always made his cup too sweet. He just bit into a scone when the post arrived. It took him a moment to realize that the waiting owl was for him while Mrs. Weasley was busy with the rest of the post. Harry saw the the Gringotts seal. He reached out and took the letter from it talons before flying off. He felt a rush of magic and breathed a sigh of relief when he stayed where he was. Not a portkey then. But what was the magic? He broke the seal and found out why.
August 5, 1996
Mr. Harry James Potter,
You are hereby summoned to the will reading of James Potter and Lily Evans Potter on August the 10th at 9 AM. A secure place and a port key will be provided. If you are unable to attend, please send your response as soon as possible. We await your answer.
Sincerely,
Rugnuk
Head of Will Affairs
"What have you got there?" Mrs. Weasley asked. Harry jumped surprised but refolded the letter before she could see it.
"Just a letter from Neville, wishing me a late happy birthday. He managed to forget." Harry smiled at the memory. It wasn't quite a lie because Neville did forget, Harry just got the letter the day before. He didn't know why he wanted to keep it a secret, he wasn't even sure if he would be able to go without someone finding out, but for now he felt like Mrs. Weasley wasn't to know.
The fire flared to life and they both were distracted by the return of Remus and Sirius. Harry stood and greeted the pair and discreetly motioned to Sirius that he needed to talk to him. They retreated to Harry's room and took their arm chairs. "I got another letter today. This time from the Department of Will Affairs. My parent's will is to be read on August 10."
Sirius stared at him for a second and asked to see the letter and Harry handed it over with no comment. "This doesn't make sense. When I got out of Azkaban and Dumbledore finally caught up with me, he told me that James and Lily's will was already executed and that everything went to you." He smiled at Harry's blanch. "It was going to be held in trust until your... sixteenth birthday..."
Harry didn't know what to make of the expression that crossed Sirius' face but his godfather stood and called for Remus. It took a few shouts but soon the man walked through the door.
"What do you know of James and Lily's will?"
"Dumbledore told me that everything went to Harry and that is was going to be held in trust until his sixteenth birthday as per their instructions."
"Then why would Gringotts send him this?" Sirius thrust the letter at Remus.
"He is the head of a Noble family so this may be just a formality, so he knew the exact contents of the will."
"Just think for a second that Dumbledore lied to us, it is standard procedure to have the will reading when the heir is sixteen."
"Why would Albus lie to us?" Remus asked.
"Because of the Dursley's." Harry said and the pair stopped and looked at him. "Wouldn't my parents have a list of people I should go to in case something happened to you?" Sirius tried not to flinch and almost succeeded. "Aunt Petunia hated my mother and Mum must have known that, so they wouldn't have been on the approved guardians list if there was one."
"There must have been a reason, Harry. Albus always has a reason."
Harry nodded. "He does always have a reason, and I don't want to think that he trying to completely run my life, but there are some things that just don't add up." Harry leaned back in his chair and Remus tried not to pace. "I think we need to go to the reading."
"But what if it is a trap?" Remus asked not liking the plan.
"Is there a spell that would tell you where a portkey is supposed to go?" Harry asked and Remus looked like he wanted to smack himself and Sirius did.
Remus shook his head in Sirius' direction. "I think there is. I would have to look it up. Give me a moment."
When Remus left, Sirius asked. "Do you want to tell Dumbledore about this?"
"I have a feeling he is going to find out anyway, but no. I don't want to tell him yet. Not until we figure out what is going on."
Sirius nodded and seemed to be thinking deeply about things. Remus returned a short while later looking a little scandalized but with a book in hand. "You might want to have a conversation with Ron and Hermione about the proper use of a library later, Padfoot." Sirius choked and Harry laughed. "I found the spell. Hopefully, we can get it to work. It looks a little complicated."
"Then I guess I will send my acceptance." Hedwig must have been listening because she was at his shoulder before he could stand to get parchment and a quill. "Eager to get out of the house, girl?" Harry asked scratching her on the head. She seemed to be pleased and hooted softly. He wrote quickly and soon the letter was on its way out the window tied to Hedwig's leg.
*** *** ***
Merlin approached the water carefully, almost reverently, mindful of everything that had happened in the past few years, yet a smile stretched across his face when the small figure of Freya appeared above the water.
"You're here!" she exclaimed overjoyed.
Merlin smiled. "Of course I'm here. Am I not allowed to visit? And, yes, I know it has been awhile." Merlin smiled softly at her before motioning to someone behind him. "There is someone I want you to meet," Merlin said. There was a rustling at the tree line and Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, stepped into the sunshine.
Arthur walked slowly as if he was still getting used to the idea of magic and didn't know what to make of Freya. "It is good to meet you properly, King Arthur."
"My lady," he murmured bowing his head. "I will admit that I was worried about this meeting. I as unsure of your feelings toward me after what had happened."
Freya laughed. "The only thing I regret is being away from Merlin, but you freed me from a curse that was destroying me and killing those around me. I will always be grateful for that. Thank you."
Arthur looked like he didn't know exactly what to do so he let the other two catch up for a few moments only idly listening before snapping back to attention when Freya said, "You need to get back to Camelot. The delegation we were waiting for has arrived early."
As Merlin pulled Arthur away, Freya heard the king ask, "How does she know?"
"Out of everything going on during that conversation, that is what you ask first?"
As the pair disappeared into the forest Freya smiled sadly knowing the future that waited for the High King of Albion and his Sorcerer, she only hoped that Merlin would be able to survive.
The moment Hedwig returned with the portkey Remus descended on it with spells, both looking for dark curses and to see if the destination spell actually worked. Even when it said that it would end up in a private room in Gringotts, London, they wouldn't know for sure until they landed.
"Do you still want to go?" Remus asked Harry and he was glad that he was giving him the choice.
"I think I need to. I have questions that could be answered." Remus nodded and the three of them set to planning.
"We need someone to cover for us, even maybe a couple someones." Sirius pointed out.
"Ron." Harry said firmly. "Ron would cover for us, but with Hermione, we may need someone else."
"Why not Hermione?" Remus asked.
Harry shook his head. "I don't think she would understand, and maybe that's unfair of me, but she asks too many questions and, even now, she is too intent on the rules. She would insist on telling Dumbledore."
"Then who else can we get?" Sirius asked.
"Tonks?" Remus suggested and the other two looked thoughtful.
"It could work, but can we trust her?" Harry asked.
"She's family, one of the few family I acknowledge, so I trust her," Sirius said and Harry nodded his assent.
A few hours later the two aforementioned people found themselves sitting in a private parlor that Harry didn't know existed located off of Sirius' room.
"We need your help," Harry said without preamble and Ron and Tonks both looked surprised.
"What with?" Ron was quick to say and Harry smiled.
"I need to get out of the house and these two are coming with me," Harry answered.
"What for?" Tonks said. She looked wary but willing to help.
"My parents' will reading." Tonks' eyebrows almost disappeared into her hairline.
"That should have happened on your birthday if it hadn't happened before," she said.
"We know, so we have to go to investigate," Sirius said. Both nodded and Harry let out a breath of relief.
"What do you need us to do?" Ron said and Harry smiled.
... ... ...
Harry pulled on his cloak over his jeans and t-shirt just as Sirius walked in. He eyed the ensemble with a little contempt and said, "We're going shopping after the meeting. We need to get you some proper clothes."
Harry looked down at himself and couldn't help but agree. "But unfortunately it may have to wait for the Dumbledore approved visit."
Sirius snorted. "You have a point." A mischievous grin spread across his face and Harry knew to be scared. "I think I found my mum's old fabric shears from back when she made our clothing." He shuddered at the memories. "They will cut the fabric to your perfect size..."
"Stop thinking about it, because it is not going to happen."
Sirius pouted but Harry could see the calculating look in his eyes. Remus walked in pulling on a coat of his own. "Are you two ready?" They both nodded just as Ron knocked on the door.
"Tonks is ready and Hermione is still reading in her room. See you in a few hours."
Harry murmured his thanks as the trio gathered around a gold emblem of Gringotts that was serving as their portkey. Remus counted down the seconds, then Harry felt the uncomfortable pull behind his navel. The first thing he noticed when he reoriented himself was the armed goblins everywhere.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter, for coming," one Goblin said. Harry took him to be Rugnuk, but he couldn't have been sure. "I am Rugnuk, Head of the Will Affairs Department. I hope you are your guests had a pleasant journey." Harry nodded and sat in the proffered seat. "You will have to forgive the guards. While there has not been an attack here at Diagon, we are always prepared for it." Harry nodded as he remembered the constant news from the Twins and the worry from Mrs. Weasley. "You won't have to worry because they will not be present for out meeting."
"I was not worried, Head Rugnuk, but thank you for the reassurance."
The goblin nodded his head once. "If you will join me, Mr. Potter we can get started."
The goblin stood and Harry followed suit but a little hesitant. "Is it possible for my guardians to be present for the reading?"
Rugnuk looked down and Harry assumed he had a list of approved people. He nodded and Harry breathed a sigh of relief. The goblin motioned them forward and they entered a smaller room with a desk and chairs. On the desk was a box with a family seal etched into the surface. Harry didn't see the etching before the box was opened and two sets of sealed parchments were taken out.
"We will begin with the last will and testament of Lily Evans Potter, Lady of the Most Ancient House of Potter." The goblin broke the seal and Harry realized that they had been lied to. The goblin cleared his throat and began to read.
"I, Lily Evans Potter, of sound mind and body, do make this last will and testament to be carried out upon my death or mental incapability.
"If I am survived by my husband, James Potter, Lord of the Most Ancient House of Potter, all my worldly possessions are to be given to him to be distributed as he sees fit.
"If James is also dead, then all my worldly possessions are to go to my son, Harry James Potter, on the event of his sixteenth birthday. Before this age, they are to be held in trust in the care of the goblins of Gringotts.
"In the event that my son is also dead, all my possessions are to pass to Remus J. Lupin, to distribute as he sees fit.
"So it has been written and so mote it be.
"Signed by Lily Evans Potter on September the first, nineteen-eighty.
"Witnessed by Albus Wulfric Brian Dumbledore and Alice Longbottom."
With a jolt, Harry knew why Dumbledore knew. He was their witness and while he was relieved, it still didn't explain why he said the wills had already been read.
The goblin pushed over a parchment and it took Harry a moment to realize that it was a transfer of ownership form. He signed where prompted and felt the magic pass from his hand to the ink. The goblin seemed satisfied and broke the seal on the second scroll.
"We begin the last will and testament of Lord James Potter of the Most Ancient house of Potter.
"I, James Potter, Lord of the Most Ancient House of Potter, being of sound mind and body do set forth this last will and testament to be carried out upon my death or mental incapability.
"All assets of the house of Potter are to be passed to my only son and heir, Harry James Potter, on the occasion of his sixteenth birthday. This includes monies, properties and businesses outlined in the portfolio contained within. Any changes to said portfolio are to categorized and justified by the account manager, Goblin Grognut. It is my hope that my son is able to take over the accounts at this time, but in the event that he cannot, care will be given to his godfather, Sirius Black, with the provision that he teaches my son to take over management by his seventeenth birthday. If management is not turned over by his seventeenth birthday, management will return to Gringotts until such time Harry is proved competent.
"Any possessions contained in the family vaults and properties are to go to my son and heir, Harry James Potter, to be handled as he sees fit.
"Lordship of the Most Ancient House of Potter is to pass upon my death to my heir, Harry James Potter, and upon his sixteenth birthday, he is emancipated and considered an adult, in the eyes of both the Muggle and Magical world and all charms are to be removed from his wand at this time.
"A letter should have been sent the morning of his birthday, July the thirty-first, from myself that outlined pertinent family secrets. If this letter was not sent, please hand the letter to him now. More information on said secrets are contained in journals and books in the family vault and can only be handled by the Lord and the heir.
"Know, Harry, that your mother and I love you and always will.
"So it is written, so mote it be.
Signed James Potter, Lord of the Most Ancient House of Potter, on September the first nineteen-eighty.
Witnessed by Albus Wilfric Brian Dumbledore and Frank Longbottom."
The Goblin pushed several pieces of parchment over the desk as well as a quill and a large inkwell. As Harry picked up the quill, Rugnuk also pushed a stack of papers at Sirius as well as a quill and ink.
Sirius still looked a little stunned that he was mentioned in the will. It was a huge responsibility to guide an heir of another family and in the past it had led to families being killed off or completely disappearing because of power hungry guardians.
"Was there a contingency plan?" Sirius asked. Rugnuk looked surprised. "I was imprisoned and then was on the run, what would have happened if I wasn't able to take on this role?"
"You mean was there a list of people that Mr. Potter was to go to in case you could not take him?" Rugnut asked. While it wasn't what Sirius was asking, but at that moment, it would answer the more burning question. He nodded and Rugnuk pulled out another piece of parchment. "Lord Potter did include a list of approved guardians and people that Mr. Potter should not go to in any circumstances."
"Was Petunia Dursley on that second list?" Harry asked and Rugnuk scanned the list.
"Yes, it seems that Petunia Evans Dursley was on the list of disapproved guardians," Rugnuk answered. He looked up concerned. "Was that where you were taken?"
Harry took a moment to answer taking very careful, measured breaths. "Would Professor Dumbledore have known the list?"
Rugnuk shook his head and Harry let out another breath. "Professor Dumbledore was only privy to the wills. The list of guardians would only be made known to Child Services at the Ministry should the need have arrived." Rugnuk shuffled a couple of more pages. "It seems that Child Services was not consulted on the placement of you, Mr. Potter. Am I to assume that Professor Dumbledore took it upon himself to place you in a home?"
Harry nodded. "I was placed with my aunt and uncle on November first, nineteen-eighty one."
"That is troubling." Rugnuk opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out another set of forms. "These forms would bring up a formal complaint on Professor Dumbledore from the House of Potter, if that is what you wish."
Harry shook his head. "That won't be needed, thank you. I won't be going back there ever again." He looked over at Sirius. "I have a home with my god-father now." Rugnuk looked relieved as he put the forms away.
The rest of the business went quickly after that, including having the charms removed from his wand and retrieving a few books and journals from the vault, but Harry was still exhausted as he stood and accepted green powder from Sirius. Rugnuk nodded to the roaring fire on the opposite wall and Sirius nodded back his thanks. He gestured for Harry to go first and he took a breath before throwing the powder in and shouting his destination.
Harry hadn't even caught is breath or his spinning head when Hermione stood and screeched "Where have you been?"
Ron looked sheepish from his place on the couch and Harry knew that Hermione practically beat the information out of him. Harry sent him a sympathetic look before turning to Hermione. "I had business at the bank," he said simply and moved to walk right past her.
But she didn't let him pass. "Professor Dumbledore told us we couldn't leave because Voldemort has taken over the Ministry. Or have you forgotten that?"
"Gringotts is the not the Ministry. Or had you forgotten that?" Harry shot back. Hermione looked stunned. "And as far as we know that is all Voldemort has done. Diagon hasn't been attacked, Hogwarts is still secure, and I haven't had a vision in nearly three months, so I think I was safe. Besides, Sirius and Remus were with me and we didn't leave the bank." He looked at her calmly. "We took everything into consideration. I had questions and the Goblins had the answers."
"But why didn't you tell me?" Hermione asked. "I would have helped you."
"That's the thing, Hermione, I don't think you would have." Hermione looked away and Harry could see the tears in her eyes. "Hermione, I trust you, I really do. But you wouldn't have understood why I needed to go. You would have spouted off every reason you could think of to make me not go and then if I still decided to you would have gone straight to Professor Dumbledore."
"I would only be trying to keep you safe."
"I know and that is the problem."