Okay, sorry if this took a really long time...I took a trip, then didn't know what to write about...yeah...now! On with the story!

Merlin ventured down the halls, having no destination in mind. "hello dear"

Merlin turned to the side to see no one there. He turned back around and started to walk, but the voice called again, "I'm right here child." Merlin turned again and still saw no one. "Don't you see me" he saw movement and gasped as an old woman sat waving at him; from inside a painting.

"Whoa"

"Hello deary, haven't you ever seen a painting before?"

"Not one that moves my lady."

"Not one that moves? Do you live with muggles?"

"Yes, I am the only one with magic where I live."

"well I'm sorry to hear that. Paintings make such good company" she chuckled.

Merlin laughed, "yes, I guess they would. It was a pleasure meeting you my lady." he bowed.

"oh so polite. You make an old woman blush." she giggled, "it was a pleasure talking to you dear sir." she blew him a kiss.

Merlin caught it then walked away.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The warlock walked down another corridor. A bell had rung and students were bustling across the halls and into more classrooms. Merlin quickly jumped into an open door to get out of the way. "Ah Merlin, how nice to see you."

Merlin turned around to see Remus clearing the desks and chairs. "Remus, this is your room?"

"yes. Defense against the dark arts."

Merlin smiled, "well, do you mind if I stay and watch?"

"not at all. We are going over the patronus charm today." Remus said.

"Oh sounds like fun." Merlin smiled.

Students slowly filed in the room, curiously looking around the empty class room. "Professor, where are the desks?" asked a tall girl.

"Gone Adelle, we are having a practical lesson, tables and chairs will only get in the way." Remus smiled.

"What are we learning about?" a boy asked.

"Well, since you are all seventh years. I thought we could start the year off with something challenging."

The students started whispering excitedly.

"What are we learning professor?" Adelle asked.

"A very challenging charm called the patronus."

"What! But some aurors can't even produce one." A short boy exclaimed.

"It's true, not many your age can accomplish this but there is no harm in trying." Remus smiled.

The class smiled and spread themselves throughout the room.

"Now," Remus started, walking around the room. "Can anyone tell me what the patronus does?"

A dark skinned girl quickly raised her hand?

"Yes, Erika"

"The patronus protects you from dementors."

"Yes, very good. Marc, can you tell us what a patronus looks like?"

A fair boy looked around nervously. "Uh, I think it's an animal."

"Yes you are quite correct, each patronus is different. The animal will be a reflection of your inner self." Remus explained.

"What does your patronus look like professor?" Erika asked

"How do you know I have a patronus Erika?"

"You have to have one professor, you can't not." another boy said

"Thank you Sean. Yes I do have a patronus. It's a wolf." He took out his wand and held it out in front of him, "expecto patronum" a silver whisp came out of the tip of his wand to form a medium sized wolf. The silver creature ran around the classroom a few times, then ran to Merlin and jumped on him before disappearing. The class laughed.

"Sorry about that." Remus offered his hand and helped the warlock to his feet.

"No problem" Merlin smiled

"Class, this is Balinor. I'm sure all of you remember him from the feast."

The class nodded in affirmation. Adelle raised her hand.

"Yes?" Remus asked

"Can he show us his patronus?"

Merlin looked shocked, Remus was, but he didn't show it.

"I'm afraid I've never learned how to do one." Merlin said shyly.

"Then you could learn with us." Sean exclaimed, along with many excited cheers.

"Please sir, will you try it?" Marc asked.

Merlin looked around anxiously, "I guess."

Cheers followed and Erika pulled him into the group of students.

"Okay," Remus said once the class quieted, "To power a patronus, you need to think of a happy memory. Not just any memory, a strong one."

The students had their eyes closed, thinking of a memory that would work.

"Once you have your memory, let it fill you up. Then say expecto patronum."

Most people got a small silver whisp from their wand tip, others got a non distinct patronus. Everyone was laughing and trying their best. The only one not doing anything, was Merlin.

Remus came up to him, "What's wrong?"

"I don't have a wand." Merlin whispered.

"Oh, well, Just give it a try." Remus encouraged.

"Has anyone ever done it without a wand?"

"Not that I know of" Remus smiled.

Merlin didn't look assured by that. Erika decided to enter the conversation. "Mr. Balinor, why aren't you doing the exercise?"

This caught the rest of the class' attention. Merlin looked around nervously.

"Ready?" Remus asked.

Merlin smiled shyly and nodded.

"Alright then, close your eyes and think of the happiest memory you have."

Merlin did as instructed and thought of his mother, then his mind drifted to his friends, the adventure he has had, when he first met his father, when he and Kilgherrah became friends.

"Let the memory fill you, then say the incantation, expecto patronum."

Merlin breathed deeply, "expecto patronum". His eyes turned gold and a silver mist appeared in thin air, slowly forming a medium sized dragon. Everyone was in awe as the dragon spread its wings and gave a silent roar, shooting silvery flames from its mouth before disappearing.

The class was silent, even Remus was in shock.

"That was incredible!" Erika exclaimed.

Merlin smiled down at her, "Thank you miss Erika."

Just then the bell rang, "Alright class, for homework, I want you to review all defensive spells. Good day."

The class filed out, still talking about the dragon. Once the door was shut, Remus turned to Merlin.

"I must say, I'm very impressed. I didn't know you could produce a patronus without a wand."

"I'm shocked as well." Merlin chuckled. "you are a very good teacher. Your students really seem to like you."

"Thank you, I try to teach in a more direct style."

"can you produce a patronus without a wand?" Merlin asked.

"Me?" Remus looked shocked, "Oh no, of course not."

"Oh come on, please. If I can do it, so can you."

"You are Merlin though, a lot more powerful than I am." Remus replied.

"You made a fire this morning. How can you say you can't do it. Just try, you might surprise yourself."

Remus sighed heavily, "Fine, if it will make you happy." he closed his eyes and brought up the memory he used to make his patronus. "Expexto patronum". He opened his eyes to see nothing. He looked towards Merlin, "I believe an 'I told you' is in order."

"No, it's not. Your memory just isn't strong enough. What are you using?" he asked.

"It's the same one I use to produce a regular patronus." Remus replied.

Merlin thought for a minute. After a moment the warlock snapped and looked at Remus.

"how many memories are you using?"

"One"

"That's your problem, you aren't using enough. You need to think of everything that makes you happy and have them fill you to the brim. Once you have that, say the spell."

"Uh, sure." Remus looked a bit unsure, but closed his eyes anyway. He thought of his life before he became a werewolf, his friends and family, his time at Hogwarts, Tonks, Harry, and Teddy. He allowed the memories to fill his whole being. When he was filled with warmth, his mouth opened, "expexto patronum" his eyes opened gold and a silver wolf appeared out of thin air.

"you did it!" Merlin shouted excitedly. He was jumping up and down, laughing as the wolf ran around the room.

"I guess I did." Remus said once the wolf disappeared. "That's amazing."

"I told you that you could do it."Merlin smiled.

"Thank you."

"No problem, now, I'll just let you get back to your class. See you at lunch." Merlin waved goodbye and walked out.

So how was that? I kind of liked it...took me long enough to write ^-^

Review please!