Months passed and the weather turned cold. Merlin stared out the window at the white surroundings; the crisp freshly fallen snow glittered in the sun.

He had become quite complacent in this life. Despite his best intentions to stay partial he had found friends. Ron, Hermione, Harry, Neville, Luna, and so many more. He knew in his mind that it was a folly; such relationships would only bring him more pain in the end, but his heart didn't want to listen.

He sat in the common room with Harry while Ron and Hermione did their duties as prefects. Merlin watched Harry; the boy had looked depressed for a long while. Harry knew part of that had to do with all the slander but there was something more to this than just that, Merlin could tell.

"Harry, are you alright?" He blurted out without thinking

"What?"

"Sorry you just seem down."

"It's nothing"

"Right because I believe that" His words dripped with sarcasm

Harry looked at Merlin and then laughed slightly "Sorry, I just… Hogwarts is my home, its somewhere I always look forward to, but… not this year. Everything feels so wrong Lance. Umbridge has made this place like more of a prison, and everybody thinks I'm an attention seeking liar!"

"That's not true"

"Really because I can't walk around the schools without someone sneering at me, I get detention for telling the truth, and half of the people I thought were my friends have stabbed me in the back!"

"You have to stop thinking about it like that. Stop thinking about all the people who don't believe you and look at the people who do. You have more people on your side than you realize."

Harry looked down at his feet stubbornly. "Maybe"

"That's not all that's wrong is it"

"How can you tell?"

"Because you're my friend Harry"

Harry looked over and smiled before sighing "I guess I'm also worried about the Defense group Hermione wants to start. Don't get me wrong it's a great idea but she wants me to teach it!"

"From what I've heard you're quite qualified."

"You heard wrong. I haven't done anything great. I've always had help!"

"Even the greatest wizards have had help in their lives Harry, but I think you're qualified because you've been in those situations. No one else in this school has ever been in a real fight Harry; they need you to help them because you have real experience."

"But what if I do something wrong or teach them something wrong and it gets someone killed!"

"Harry you're not leading these kids into battle your just helping them learn."

Harry ruffled his hair in frustration. "What if… what if they don't want to learn, what if they just want to come gawk at me or question me about what happened with Cedric."

"Yes maybe some people will show up for that reason, but that doesn't mean you have to tell them anything. It's your business not theirs." Merlin put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Besides all that, it's not as though you'll be doing this alone. You have Ron, Hermione, and me."

Harry didn't reply for a time but then he looked up and smiled at Merlin "Thanks Lance. You're really wise."

"So I've been told" Merlin grinned.

Harry laughed.

Merlin was feeling antsy. Morgana was gaining power he could feel it in the wind, could feel the old religion twisting and turning, and yet she had not made a single move against Hogwarts or anywhere else. She was planning something, but Merlin didn't know what and the lack of activity was fraying his nerves.

It wasn't that he wanted her to attack but at least if she did he could figure out what she was planning or have some clue as to where she was.

"Hurry up Lance, we'll be late for potions" Hermione called. Merlin stood up from his perch next to the window and raced after the trio.

"Sorry" He apologized for the delay as he caught up

"It's ok let's just not be late; Snape's been even more unbearable than ever because of Umbridge's teacher reviews." Harry stated.

"Umbridge is a real toad" Ron commented but then smiled "Although it was rather funny when she asked Snape about the DADA position" He snickered. Harry couldn't help but agree.

"It isn't funny Ronald a lot of teachers are really stressed out because of her reviews. Look what happened to Trawlany." Hermione scolded.

"I know, I know." Ron said tersely. They made it to the dungeons just in time and hurried into class taking their seats. Merlin walked down the aisle to his spot next to Neville.

The boy smiled nervously, and Merlin grinned back. "Hi Neville, how are you?"

"I'm alright I guess… Lance?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm thinking about quitting the D.A." He said solemnly

"Neville..?"

"I'm just no good at it Lance. I can't even disarm an opponent. I'm useless"

"Don't say that." Merlin turned to face Neville determined "Neville even some the greatest of wizards had trouble with spells at first."

"Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but I'm pretty sure Dumbledore never had trouble like this."

"You don't know that for sure, everyone always starts off clueless. Why did you know Merlin was often called an idiot" Merlin told him remembering all the time Gaius had told him off or Arthur had mocked him.

"Really?" Merlin nodded enthusiastically

"I know you can do this Neville. You just need to have more confidence." Neville didn't look convinced. "Neville may I see your wand for a moment?"

"Umm… sure" Neville looked confused, what did his wand have anything to do with this, but he trusted Lance.

Merlin held the wand gently "This is cherry wood isn't it?" He asked after a moment. Neville nodded.

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Cherry wood is said to react badly towards an owner that doesn't have the strength of mind. Basically if you have no self-confidence the wand will continue to give you trouble." Merlin explained. "Your magic isn't the problem; it's the way you think that's holding you back."

"How do you know all that?"

"I read a book once on wand making" Merlin told him.

Neville stared down at his wand. "It sounds easier said than done."

"You can do this Neville, I have faith in you. And when you do, you're going to be one of the most amazing wizards this world has ever seen!"

"I don't know about that, but I think I'll keep trying"

"I'm glad"

"Thanks Lance"

True to his word Neville showed up that night for DA.

He was against Hermione and his wand went flying. Merlin caught it handing it to Neville who looked down. Merlin smiled at him.

"You can do this."

Neville nodded a new look in his eye and Merlin grinned this was it Neville looked determined and it was the first time he'd seen such a look on his face.

The boy faced off with Hermione again. "Expeliarmus" He shouted. Hermione's wand went flying. The whole room was silent for a moment as Hermione's wand hit the floor with a small clack. There rose a great cheer. Everyone grinned patting Neville on the back.

"Well done Neville" Harry told him brightly. Neville had never looked happier.