Merlin sat reading in the common room very early one morning. Not a soul was around. That was until Hermione descended from her room just a moment ago. She didn't seem to acknowledge his presence, probably not noticing he was there but he certainly saw her. Her hair seemed even more wild and untamed than usual. He could also see the appearance of slight bags under her eyes giving him the impression that she hadn't quite slept last night. Where could she be going again? He thought to himself as she exited through the portrait entrance.

For once he had decided to follow her. Normally he wouldn't think this matter as any of his business but this has become an almost daily occurrence. Also, despite the higher priorities he has taken to getting everyone else to remember, he has certainly come to notice a deep-rooted need to protect the young witch. Despite all that has been happening as of late, she has remained as optimistic as she could it seems. That is until recently when he has notices her growing more and more tired. It has only been a week since she missed training and arrived late for dinner.

He followed at a distance; trying to make sure he remained unnoticed. He could have easily used a spell to do so but the notion seemed pointless. He honestly doesn't care if there are any teachers nearby. If push-comes-to-shove he knows this castle like the back of his hand.

The walk didn't take long; they remained at the north end of the school. By the time Merlin entered the library, she had already seemed to vanish. Now he is scouring the isles looking for her. In truth, it was the light from her lantern that gave her away. He turned the corner to find her nose first in a dusty old book. Most of the books in this section it seems often are due to a high lack of use.

"What are you reading?" He asked curiously. She nearly dropped the book in fright before recomposing herself and looking up at him.

"What are you doing here?" She asked accusingly.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"I'm reading… obviously."

"Must be something truly important if it couldn't wait until daylight." She turns away from him. "I mean, sneaking around at night to read. What is it you're trying to hide?"

"Its just research."

"Nothing for any class I presume. And don't give me that Defense Against the Dark Arts self-training crap. I see right through it."

"Why are you so interested?" She regards him intently.

"Because I'm worried."

"About me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because you're the unanswered question!" He blurts out. "You're the puzzle piece I can't manage to place. Between Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Gawain and everyone else I understand why they're here. They were there and they came back. Even Nimueh, with all her evil intent after the hurt and torment she went through, still had a role to play in all of this. I've tried to be patient and I've tried to understand but everything is about to take a turn for the worse. Things are about to come to light and I would be crushed if you were thrust in front of the sword. I can't explain it but I need to protect you… I need to…" He got down on his knees in front of her and put both of his hands on her shoulders before looking intently into her eyes. "Please, who are you?"

"I don't know," she whispered so quietly it could barely be heard but he caught it.

He hung his head and light out a small sigh. His eyes briefly glanced the title of the now closed book almost completely fallen off her lap. "The Druids," he now whispered to himself as his eyebrows furrowed at the thing. Then, as quickly as possible he was on his feet and on his way out of the library before Hermione could even comprehend that he was gone. Once she did, she noticed the quickened pulse of her heart and slightly labored breathing. Whether it was from fear or something else she couldn't be sure. There is too much of a war raging in her head at the moment to allow her to form any coherent thought.

"What just happened?" Rather than risking a run-in with anyone else she decided to put away the remaining books and head back to her dormitory. There is much to think about.

Merlin on the other hand did not find himself back in the common room. In turn he decided to sneak outside for some fresh air. He has made a colossal mistake. How stupid could I be to go off on her that way? Why is it that whenever she is nearby I seem to lose all of my rationality? This hasn't happened to me since… but that was... and she… and Hermione doesn't even look like… so why?