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 its 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.
AN: Hello, All! Welcome back for those who have been following and welcome to the new readers. It has only been six months! Not the longest, but certainly not the shortest wait between updates. As always, for update on this fic, please head to: bottleofblackinkwrites. tumblr. com. The next chapter is being planned as we speak and hopefully will be up before the end of the year… but as always, enjoy! If you want to leave a review. I love hearing from you all!
Chapter 19
The fire had long since died down to glowing embers and Harry was curled up in the armchair sound asleep. Arthur sat in the opposite chair while Morgana had gone to bed hours before. Arthur was still used to being up most of the night keeping watch so while he felt the beginning of sleep deprivation he held it off by focusing on his young charge. Arthur wasn't sure why he felt the need to keep watch. But the news that Mordred was out in the world was troubling even if he knew that he was safe in the large townhouse in the city called London.
Arthur didn't quite know what to make of this new life. It was a comfort that despite what Morgana had told him about the world at large, the Wizarding World was dated and old and in some ways he felt at home amongst the candles and parchment.
Arthur could see the sky start to lighten behind the curtains and stood to shake off some of the sleepiness. He was about to quietly and gently either pick Harry up or encourage the boy to go to his room, but turned sharply as the door open and shut, his hand automatically going to his hip where his sword used to lay and cursed when he remembered he left the blade in his room.
"That would be Sirius and Remus returning," Harry said, his voice still heavy with sleep.
"I'm sorry if I woke you," Arthur said.
"You didn't," Harry said simply and stood, stretching out the kinks that come from sleeping curled up in a chair.
The young man, who seemed older far beyond his years, padded across the room and into the hall. Arthur followed the murmured voices to see, Remus leaning up against Sirius on the landing looking tired and in pain. Arthur didn't see any injuries, but just imagining what he must have gone through turning into a wolf turned Arthur's stomach.
"I'll make you some tea and bring it up," Harry was saying and Remus just smiled a tired and long suffering smile as Sirius helped him limp up the stairs.
Arthur watched the pair for a moment, hesitated for a moment, before following Harry down the two flights of stairs out of the wards guarding the family wing and into the basement kitchen.
"He looks tired," Arthur said and then cursed himself when Harry jumped.
He nodded. "He is, but I guess this month was one of the better ones. According to him, at least. Sirius just shook his head and didn't say anything."
"I don't know how you can have a better month when your body rearranges itself," Arthur said.
Harry huffed out a laugh. "That's one way to put it."
Arthur pushed himself away from the door jam he found himself leaning on. "Is there anything I can do?"
Harry looked up from where he was rearranging a tea tray. "Uh, not really, but if you want to you can go and get the package of chocolate biscuits out of that cupboard over there."
Arthur followed Harry's pointing finger and pulled down what he thought were the biscuits and was quite happy to see Harry smile as he reached for them. "Thank you," he said. "These are Remus' favorite and Kreacher likes to keep them stocked."
"Despite his… oddness, Kreacher has a certain fondness for you all," Arthur said and Harry snorted.
"If that's what you want to call it." Harry arranged a few of the biscuits on the plate before picking up the entire load and making for the stairs.
An odd thought crossed Arthur's mind and out his mouth. "Why don't you use magic to take it up to him? Wouldn't it be easier and safer for the tea?"
Harry's mouth quirked out into a half smile. "It would yes, but my government made it illegal for anyone under the age of 17 to use magic outside of school. I could probably get away with it because I don't always need my wand, but I was raised in a non-magic house and my default is to not use it."
"It seems barbaric to bar children to use something that is so much a part of them," Arthur observed.
"It's for protection, Your Majesty," Harry said. "Children don't always have the same control as adults —." Harry paused as if something just occurred to him, but then shook his head against the thought.
Arthur shivered as he felt the magic wash over him again as they ascended the stairs. By that time they arrived at Remus' room and knocked lightly before pushing the door open. Remus smiled sleepily from his place on the bed while Sirius was washing something that looked like blood from his hands into a bowl of warm water.
"Wondering what was taking you so long," Remus said as Harry placed the tray across his lap.
"A king couldn't find your favorite biscuits," Harry said, shooting Arthur a wink and a smirk. Sirius snorted.
Arthur huffed out a laugh.
"Glad you were able to find them eventually, Your Majesty," Remus said with cheek clear in his voice as he brought of them to his mouth and took a bite.
There was a sudden chuckling noise from behind him and Arthur turned to see Morgana standing in the door way with her hand over her mouth. "Sorry," she said. "It's just been awhile since I've heard such impudence directed at my brother."
Remus smiled again before letting his eyes close and Arthur didn't know what he was doing. For a brief moment he felt a panic well up and he took a breath to quell it. Morgana let a hand brush against his shoulder as she passed. Arthur watched she leaned over Remus' prone form. He saw Sirius tense then relax as all she did was murmur quietly to him before brushing his shoulder with a smile. Remus's eye fell closed again and she turned away to offer Sirius a comforting touch.
As she faced Harry she gestured with her head for him to follow her which he did with only a little hesitation. Arthur followed and sighed in relief when they descended the stairs to what Sirius called the parlor just above the public floor. The fire was once again raging staving off the winter chill and Harry fell into his chair with a groan and an arm thrown over his eyes.
"You should have gone to your room after Sirius left last night," Morgana said.
His arm came up as he look at her and shrugged. "The chair was comfortable."
"Yeah, I doubt that, but I understand the fear for your guardians." Morgana sat in the chair next to the fire casting her half in shadow and Arthur tried not to shiver from distant memories as he settled himself on the couch. "I wanted to talk about what you learned last night."
"About Mordred?" Harry asked.
Arthur's hand shot to his chest and he once again shivered. His reaction to the name was not lost to his sister as she looked at him with knowing eyes.
"Yes," she said. "You talked about how a dragon tamer friend of yours —."
"Charlie," Harry interrupted. "His name is Charlie and he's Ron's brother."
Morgana nodded. "You said that Charlie was working when a strange man toured the preserve looking specifically for a white dragon?"
"Yes," Harry said. "And when Charlie intervened when his boss was attacked the dragon helped him."
"And then she spoke," Morgana prompted.
Harry nodded. "Charlie said something along the lines of 'the warlock once again walks the earth.'"
"How do you know that it refers to Mordred?" Morgana asked.
Harry shift in his seat and reached over for a book that lied innocently on the table next to him. He opened the cover and turned it to face them.
I fy Dewis, Fy hanes.
"He mentions that this is just one of them," Harry said, turning the book back to face him. "It is a general overview of everything that happened from before the time he left Camelot to the time he left Hogwarts. He refers to Mordred as the Warlock a lot in the later years, a nickname Mordred got from Salazar Slytherin, of all people." Harry let his hand lightly brush the cover of the journal. Arthur thought he looked protective of the journal.
"So what do you feel like we need to do?" Morgana asked.
Harry set the book back on the table and leaned back in the chair, one leg thrown over the other. Arthur thought the boy looked regal, like a king of old.
"He won't be able to ignore Arthur's return," Harry said. "For all we know, he's already in the country and on his way to the last place he remembers seeing Arthur."
"Hogwarts?" Morgana asked.
Harry cocked his head to one side. "Incidentally, but more like Avalon."
"You want to go back, don't you?"
They all looked up. Arthur could see that Sirius was sad. His eyes were shining with unshed tears and Arthur didn't know what to make of the man.
Harry stood and crossed the parlor to pull his god-father into a hug. Sirius buried his face into the boys unruly hair.
"I just want you safe," Sirius whispered.
Arthur saw Harry give his guardian an extra squeeze. "I know."
They pulled apart and Arthur found himself being stared down by who he knew to be a powerful sorcerer ~ Wizard, Arthur mentally corrected himself.
"Do you think Merlin will go back to the Lake?" Sirius asked.
Morgana stood. "It is the most likely situation."
"And where it is most likely that Voldemort and this… Mordred will follow," Sirius said.
Harry stood there a strange look flitting across his face. "Actually, I think it is the other way around."
"How so?" Morgana asked.
"I- I'm not sure," he said. "More like a feeling. Tom will not easily bend but I don't think Mordred will allow himself to be yoked."
"A rather accurate assessment," Morgana said. "Also, Tom?"
Harry grinned. "He hates it so I used it."
Sirius snorted. Morgana grinned and Arthur could see the humor.
"When did you want to head back?" Sirius asked.
Harry sank back into the chair a thoughtful expression on his face. "I would like to give Remus a couple of days to recover, but I would like to be back at Hogwarts before New Year's."
Sirius nodded himself. "Fair enough. Remus might have something to say about that, but let me take care of him."
The plan settled for the moment the group broke up. Harry mentioned something about a nap, but was too tired to head upstairs and settled back into his chair. Sirius shook his head at his god-son, but mentioned going to check on Remus and headed upstairs. Morgana and Arthur watched over the tired teen.
Arthur had no idea what he was doing and it was made worse by being around those that seemed to know more than him. It shouldn't have been a feeling he was used to, but after everything that happened with Merlin, it was.
Arthur sucked in a breath, trying to keep the panic at bay. This time it wasn't working. He felt his sister's hand on his shoulder and tried to anchor everything he had on that feeling. He thought he heard yelling and some sort of rushing sound, before all sound was drowned out of his ears and his vision when black.
***MC***HP***
"Wakey, wakey, Your Majesty!" Arthur groaned at the chipper sound of Merlin. "Come now, Arthur, none of that. You have a busy schedule already. Including general audiences, along with training with the knights and then the Knighting Ceremony tonight."
Arthur's eyes snapped open and focused on the sad face of Merlin. That night, he would knight Galahad, in a ceremony that his uncle should have been at, participate in, but wouldn't be. Arthur got out of bed, subdued and went about getting ready for the day.
During the midday training, he took on the young man himself, taking him through the basics into a lively mock fight that had sweat pouring off his forehead. He disengaged with a laugh and was thrilled to hear an answering chuckle from Gawain, who was standing just off to the side watching them, and a small laugh from Galahad.
"Good bout, young Galahad."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the young man said with a bow which Arthur returned. "Sir Gawain has taught me well."
"That he has," Arthur said with pride lacing his voice. "Are you ready for tonight?"
Something clouded Galahad's eyes that pained Arthur to see, but he nodded resolutely with a murmured, "Yes, my Lord."
"Good," Arthur said clamping on the shoulder. "He would be proud," he added, whispering. The answering smile was all Arthur needed.
"Merlin!" he called. The man appeared with a slight grimace. Despite his complaints that Arthur didn't need him and his magic at training sessions, Merlin still watched over them. None of them wanted to mention what happened to the boy in front of them that led to Merlin being outed and the ban rescinded two years previous. "Is everything ready for tonight's ceremony?"
"I just checked with the Queen and Steward and everything appears to be on schedule," Merlin said.
"Very good." Arthur turned to Leon and instructed him to continue with the training session before falling into step beside Merlin.
"I will need to bathe before the ceremony tonight so please inform George to have the water ready for me," Arthur said. "Speaking of which, why did you wake me this morning?" Arthur stopped and looked at his former manservant turned magical advisor, quietly marveling at how much things had changed since Lancelot left all those years ago.
"Gwen had him on some task at the opposite side of the castle so I volunteered for old times sake."
Arthur laughed. "Then I am glad you didn't resort to a bucket of water," he said.
Merlin smirked. "Wouldn't have been worth it. You just would have made me clean it up."
Arthur laughed again while Merlin smiled. The pair jogged up the steps to the castle where they were met by Gwen and George who looked harried and disheveled even if a hair wan't out of place.
"Good afternoon, my love," Arthur greeted ignoring the amused cough of his resident magician. "How goes everything for this evening?"
"Nearly complete," she said. She sent Merlin an amused glance. "Thank you for lending me your manservant. He has been a great help."
George preened under the praise and Arthur didn't have the heart to tell her he did no such thing. Instead, he nodded and requested that water be brought to his chambers for a bath which George went promptly to do before preparing the king's ceremonial clothing for that night.
There were many conflicting emotions throughout the assembled body as they all gathered to witness the knighting. Arthur could feel the excitement, nervousness, and, prevailing all, sadness. They all knew that Lancelot should have been there watching his nephew receive honor he held so dear.
Arthur took his place on the dais, Gwen sitting just to his right on her own throne, looking radiant in the early evening light. Across her lap sat Excalibur, ready and shining.
In the front of the crowd, Gawain stood next to his brothers-in-arms which to no one's surprise included Merlin as they all waited for the ceremony to begin. In Gawain's arms was the cloak that would grace his young charge's shoulders that would mark him as the Camelot's elite. An honor that was not lost on the knight.
Arthur raised a hand to the already near silent hall and the last of the chatter died away.
"We gather this evening for an auspicious occasion," Arthur started. "It has been more than a few years since someone has proven himself worthy to be included in the Order of the Knights of Camelot and it is not lost on me the significance of this such man."
"Though grief may temper our celebrations this night," Arthur continued. "Let us remember the work and loyalty this young man has shown."
Arthur nodded and the doors opened. Galahad hid his nerves well as he stepped into the hall and Arthur couldn't help the smile of pride that graced his face. The room was silent as Galahad made his way to the front of the hall with a determined look on his face that only broke when he flashed a smile at Gawain.
The young man looked regal in his new set of chainmail, commissioned and paid for by the knights and a sneaky donation from Arthur and Gwen. When he reached the dais, Arthur gestured for him to kneel and there was a whisper of skirts as Gwen stood carrying the blade Excalibur. Arthur gripped it before settling it on Galahad's shoulder.
"Galahad, do you pledge your unending loyalty to the Kingdom of Camelot and it's king, even if it costs you your life?" Arthur asked.
"This I so swear," Galahad intoned.
The sword moved to his other shoulder. "Do you pledge to help the helpless, take care of the poor and the needy, and defend those who are defenseless?"
"This is so swear."
The blade moved again. "Do you pledge to stand with your brothers-in-arms to defend Camelot and all it's peoples bravely and to fight with honor?"
"This I so swear."
Arthur lifted the blade and handed it back to Gwen. "Then stand, Sir Galahad, Knight of Camelot."
Galahad stood and Gawain stepped forward bearing the crimson cape that bore the golden dragon of Camelot. From behind he wrapped it around the young man's shoulders before doing up the clasp then stepping back. At Arthur's nod, Galahad turned to the cheers of the assembled crowd.
It wasn't long after that they were all deep in their cups as the celebrated the new knight and for once no enemy, magical or otherwise tempered their happiness.
***MC***HP***MC***
Harry watched as Arthur dropped into a dead faint and if the situation weren't so dire he would have laughed. Morgan surged forward and stopped the king from flopping onto the floor in a heap and set about trying to get him to wake up.
They should have expected it really. It seemed like the situation finally caught up with the man out of his time and without any real understanding on why he had returned there really isn't any good way to explain it to him.
There was a thundering on the stairs from the third floor and Sirius appeared in the door way.
"What happened?" he demanded.
"Panic attack," Morgan said still trying to wake Arthur up.
Sirius nodded as he made his way over to help. "Do you want me to try...?" he trailed off twirling his wand between his fingers.
Morgan shrugged. "It would gentler than me slapping him."
Harry snorted and blushed at their scandalized looks. "Sorry," he said. "Reminded me of a story Merlin wrote about."
Morgan smirked. "I think I know which one you're talking about."
"Anyway," Sirius interrupted. "Rennervate."
The effect was slow and, when asked later, Remus surmised that it was probably because while the King was known to have been born of magic he had no active magic himself to aid in the waking process. Arthur took a shuddering breath before his eyes opened slowly. Harry could see Morgan's smirk before Arthur did, but the groan was one of embarrassment rather than pain.
"I am so telling Merlin," she said. "It will be the highlight of his century."
"And I am guessing there is no dissuading you from telling him," Arthur asked throwing a arm over his eyes.
"Not a chance."
He hummed. "Thought not." He pulled himself up to lean more comfortably against the back of the couch. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
"Are you alright?" Sirius asked.
"Yes. Thank you, Master Black," Arthur said. "I believe the last few days has finally caught up with me and caused a reaction I was not ready for."
"You can say you had a panic attack, brother," Morgan said. "There is no shame in it."
Harry saw one of his eyes crack open then the other followed it before he nodded. "I am sorry for causing such a scene," Arthur said.
Sirius waved the apology off. "To be honest, I can't believe it didn't happen sooner."
A crack had them all jumping out of their skins only to see the wrinkled form of Kreacher in front of them.
"The headmaster is asking for yous, Master," the elf said before disappearing without a muttered insult which Harry found disconcerting.
Sirius sighed. "I forgot about the wards. I'll be right back."
They sat in silence again. All thoughts of a morning nap gone and Harry was wide awake. It didn't bode well if the headmaster was here, with no plans for an Order meeting until after the school break - a request from Sirius- unless something happened that needed their attention. And obviously something did.
Harry sat at the edge of his seat waiting for whatever news Professor Dumbledore would impart and what he didn't expect was a wane and anxious looking Sirius to return to them.
"Albus has requested that we return to Hogwarts," he said falling heavily into his chair by the fire.
"What?" Harry asked. "Why?"
Sirius leaned forward and covered his face with his hands with a groan and a sigh. "Voldemort has seen fit to attack Downing Street and Parliament."
Morgan slipped into the couch next to her brother like a ghost. Her face white quickly turning to ashen. "What?" she breathed.
"The Muggle government is already calling it a terrorist attack," Sirius said. "And while no members of government were actually there because of the holiday several people were killed and so many more were injured."
"How do they know it was Voldemort?" Harry asked.
"His Mark was seen by the Aurors that were called," Sirius said. "Look, Albus believes that it was a ploy to lure you out and he wants you to return to Hogwarts as soon as you are able."
Harry felt faint, but at the same time he was confused. Why then? Why the Muggle world?
"Mordred," Harry breathed. "He knows you're back and is trying to draw you out." Harry looked over at Arthur and the king nodded.
"That was my thought, as well," he said.
"Then do you think Voldemort is doing Mordred's bidding now?" Remus asked.
They all looked up at him and Sirius was the first to act. "What are you doing out of bed?"
"I was wondering where you all were," he said. "I'm fine, Sirius."
"Like hell you are," Sirius said. "You said it was a bad moon. You should be resting."
"Not when it seems like our worst enemy has found someone that - that is even worse that him!" Remus said, but he still sank into the proffered chair. "What are we going to do?"
"Find Merlin," Arthur said. "He is the only one that can stand against Mordred."
"That's assuming he's still alive," Remus countered.
"He is!" It took Harry a second to realize that both Morgan and him said that at the same time.
Remus rolled his eyes. "And how do you expect to do that? It's not like we have the time to comb the earth and we can't go around asking people if they've seen the legendary wizard."
"We follow the plan," Harry said. "Professor Dumbledore wants me to return to Hogwarts and we had already planned on doing that when Moony was a bit more recovered, but we go today."
Sirius and Remus looked sad but Harry thought it was for very different reasons.
"And you expect him to just show up there? Of all places?" Remus asked. Sirius looked caught off guard at how sarcastic Remus sounded.
But Harry just looked at Arthur and simply said, "Yes."
...MC...HP...MC...
It didn't take them long to get ready and before Harry knew it they were on their way back to Hogwarts. Still, before they left, Remus drew Harry aside and apologized for how had acted. Harry waved it off knowing that the wolf was still near the surface and how ridiculous it all was. He confided in Remus that if wasn't living it he wouldn't believe all the nonsense of Merlin and Arthur rising. The admission made Remus snort and agree.
The Portkey back to the castle was far less adventurous as the one to London. Part of it was because Arthur knew what to expect, stayed on his feet, and kept his lunch down. No one was waiting for them at the gate, but Sirius didn't seem overly concerned as they swung open and he led them through. Their trek to the castle was slow going due to Remus still recovering health, but he waved off even Sirius when he tried to help him.
The great doors swung open and Harry let out a sigh of relief at the Headmaster standing there waiting for them.
"I'm glad you decided to return," he said as he motioned them up the stairs and into his office. Remus following with a glare despite Sirius' protests. "I've been fending off owls and floo calls all day. It has been an absolute mess."
He proffered each of them a chair which they all took gratefully. Arthur was staring unabashedly at the portraits of past headmasters and they stared at him right back no doubt hearing who he was from the other portraits.
"And there was no warning?" Remus asked.
Professor Dumbledore shook his head. "No, there wasn't, which is why it is so concerning and why I wanted you to return to the Castle."
"Is Professor Snape okay?" Harry asked. Despite the animosity between the two of them, Harry understood the dangerous role that the spy played in the war.
Professor Dumbledore smiled. "Severus is fine, Mr. Potter. In fact, he was caught off guard by today's events as we were. According to him, he hasn't been called away in weeks."
"Then something isn't right," Sirius said.
Professor Dumbledore nodded. "We thought the same, but if we thought that Severus's position was compromised we would be more worried that he hasn't been called."
"Then what is going on?" Remus asked.
The headmaster sighed. "I was hoping you could tell me."
Harry looked up at the professor and saw his hopeful eyes and he didn't know what to do. He broke eye contact and glanced over at Morgan and Arthur. Arthur looked a little lost, but Morgan smiled and nodded.
"We believe that Voldemort has a new ally," he said and Professor Dumbledore looked pained as his eyes slid shut. "We also believe that while Voldemort may think he is the one in charge the ally has taken over, which is why nothing seems to make sense anymore."
"Do you know who this ally is?"
Again Harry glanced at his companions and they all nodded encouragingly.
"We have reason to believe that Mordred once again walks the earth."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the office erupted in shouts, some of disbelief, others of fear, and one odd one was cheering. He was quickly shut down by the other headmasters and mistresses. Harry could see that the news just weighed Professor Dumbledore down even further.
"And this is why you were sent back, Your Majesty?"
Arthur started and there was a light blush across his cheeks. "I am unsure, but it seems that way."
Dumbledore nodded seemingly come to some sort of conclusion. "Then we will make preparations and get you some training, Harry. Wielding that kind of power is not something that can be taken lightly."
Harry looked over at Morgan and then at Sirius and Remus utterly confused. "What are you talking about, Professor?" he asked.
"You are Merlin's Chosen, are you not?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "That means you wield his power —."
Morgan started laughing as Harry stared at his headmaster with confusion and incredulity. "That's not what that means, Professor," he said as Morgan continued to laugh.
"What do you mean, Mr. Potter?" he said. "Of course, it does."
Harry glared as Morgan took in a sucking breath to continue laughing. "I don't know what stories you've been told, Professor, or where you got your information, but that is not what that means."
"You wield his power," Professor Dumbledore repeated. "You opened the way to Avalon and I know you've asked Professor Flitwick for his help with something. I can only imagine what it was."
Morgan continued to laugh and Harry was both annoyed and worried, but it seemed like Arthur had reached the end of his tether.
"Morgana, control yourself!" Harry instantly straighten at the tone but Morgan merely rolled her eyes as her chuckles quieted.
"The Potter's were Chosen not because we wield Merlin's powers, but because our magic is as close to Merlin's as any of the new users can be," Harry explained. "My family still practiced the Old Ways when Merlin chose them."
"But such magic is dangerous and thus training will be needed," Professor Dumbledore said. "We can search for such a practioner and —."
"There's no need, Albus," Morgan interrupted and her eyes flashed gold. "We've been working on since we figured out what was going on."
Professor Dumbledore leaned back in his chair with a tired but pleased look on his face. "Professor Dippet told me that he knew it was time to retire when he didn't know everything that was going on in the castle." The headmaster chuckled at the shocked and worried looks on their faces. "But not to worry, I have a few years left in me yet."
Harry felt the laugh bubble up and didn't stop it in time. "Sorry," he stuttered out and contained the slightly hysterical laughter. "It's been an adventurous few days."
Sirius snorted. "That's one way to put it."
They all turned back to the headmaster. "For the duration of the holiday, I decided that you could remain with Sirius and Remus in their quarters. Since you are already comfortable there and all." Harry blushed and realized with thanks that the headmaster allowed it. "I have allocated bigger chambers if you wished to stay with Miss Penn, your majesty."
A lot of things happened at once and Harry should have seen it all coming. He blamed it on the lack of sleep. Arthur realized that Morgan accepted Uther as her father despite everything that had happened. Harry watched as the wheels turned in the Headmaster's mind and the exact moment when he figured out exactly who he hired all those months ago.
"Well then," he said to Morgan's smirk. "Maybe I do need to retire."
"Give it a few more years, Headmaster," she said. "Like you said. I'm from an age that hid their gifts and we didn't have communities like you do. I'm used to hiding."
"Fair enough, Mistress," the headmaster said. "I guess my question is now: When do we expect Merlin to how up?"
It was asked with derision and perhaps a fair dose of skepticism, but Harry shrugged.
"We hope soon," he said.
The headmaster threw his head back and laughed. "I should have known."