The Problem With Rebirth: Chapter 3

Hello everyone! I was happy to see some of the theories. They made me smile. Some of you were on the nose, while others were really close, but I notice no one made any guesses at Morgana or Gwen.

Sad face! Lol

Anyway! I won't be able to post for a month. Not till December. I'm hoping this chapter will have you teaming with theories for me while I'm away!

Harry felt like pinching the bridge of his nose. Something he often did when he had lived as a painter in Italy.

It wasn't as if he'd missed the royal prat, but well... He really had missed Arthur. His eyes drifted from the blue grey, and met vivid blue. Emerald eyes went wide. Mordred!

Sammy just waved to Harry. "Hello! It's nice to meet someone my own age! We will be attending Hogwarts together!" He gave a big grin. Harry wasn't sure if he should smile and greet him, or pin him to the nearest wall. How much did Mordred... Sam remember?

Time to get some answers.

"Hello Samuel. It's nice to meet you as well. It is nice to meet someone my age too! What house do you think you'll be sorted into?"

Sammy only blinked at him. "House?" he wondered aloud. This caught Arthur's attention as well.

Harry smiled. "There are four houses. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. They were made by the founders themselves. Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin." he explained full on teaching mode.

He pointed to the adults who were having a conversation with the elderly goblin about the paperwork. "They teach at the school too."

Sammy's eyes lit with excitement. "What do they teach?" he wondered aloud. "My father teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts. We will take that in first year and up. Sirius teaches Dueling. We can opt to take that in third year, along with Ancient Runes which Remus teaches." Harry explained.

James was listening to Harry explain Hogwarts. It was if Harry had been through this explanation a thousand times. He smiled at his son's enthusiasm for teaching others. His son even left out the usual despise for Slytherin. Not that Harry hated anyone from any house, unless they were rude, but Sirius sure did talk about Slytherins as if they were evil people.

James wasn't the only one listening in. Sirius smiled softly. It seemed that he'd have no real trouble out of Samuel and Arthur. He was relieved that neither of the boys had been seriously hurt by their father and mother, but he knew the mental damage that was done would heal in time.

It came so close to his own childhood, except his was a lot worse.

. . .

"So it's official boys. The goblins will represent you in the muggle world, disguised of course. Mycroft doesn't stand a chance against goblins. They have your truthful recount, and even a substantial amount of evidence that he's not fit to be a parent." Sirius announced to Arthur and Sam as the new family headed out. "Therefore, you won't have to go back there after we collect your things." he announced.

The joy that the statement brought both boys couldn't be hidden.

While Mycroft never beat Sam, he'd often taken his anger out on Arthur. Thankfully, the man had usually been away at work, and often didn't have time to deal with Arthur.

But now, freedom from oppression called out to Arthur and Sam. Both would relish the days to come.

"So... What do we do now?" Sam asked. Sirius grinned.

"We have to take Harry shopping for his first year supplies. Did you already get yours?"

Sam's eyes sparkled. "I got most of it, but not all of it. I'm lacking the cauldron, and an animal, as well as the telescope." he explained.

Sirius' grin turned into a thoughtful expression. "Hmmm... Well, I'll take you both to Quidditch Supplies, and explain more about our world while Harry goes to get his books, and robes. We'll meet at the ice cream parlor, sound good James?"

James nodded, content to let Sirius make the plan. He was more excited about getting Harry his wand. Oh the spells he'd teach his son. Especially charms. Lilly did so love charms, and had hopped Harry had her knack for them.

Arthur was frustrated. He wanted a word with Merlin... Alone. There was so much they had to discuss. A pang in his heart told him so much that had weighed on the warlock's shoulders would now be bared to him.

Was he ready for this? Was he really and honestly ready to confront his friend on all the things he'd thought about in the many lifetimes they'd been apart?

He wanted to believe he was. He didn't want it to drag out any longer. The sadness behind those now emerald eyes echoed the many sentiments that had hidden behind blue eyes in times of the sword and shield. Had they both changed that much?

He looked up, only to see wide emerald eyes pinning him as they discussed the plans. Then he saw the smile that crossed those lips, and he swore they were standing in the forest, by the river bank once again, talking about far away things.

Like his feelings for Gwen. How much of a joke that turned out to be.

Before his mind could drift into dark thoughts, an elbow caught his ribs, hard.

"No thoughts like that, you royal prat. The time for that has long since past. Focus on the now." were the hushed words whispered to him. He blinked, rubbing his ribs in pain. That had hurt!

"Clotpole!" he hissed playfully. Merlin just shrugged and smiled once again. "Not my fault I had to nudge you out of your depressing thoughts. Get on with today, before tomorrow runs you over." he suggested. Arthur sighed. This was starting to feel familiar.

"When did you get so wise?"

"Well, there was this prat, you see. Had to watch over him, and protect him. Royal pain in my arse, might I add. Always bossing me around... Something about great destinies." Merlin mentioned as he waved around the alley.

"Albion looks so different." Arthur shook his head at Merlin's statement. "This isn't Albion anymore."

"So we aren't in London any more, Toto?"

"Clotpole!"

"Missed you." were the whispered words as the boys were swept up in shopping.

. . .

Harry smiled at his father as they made their way to the book store with Remus. "What books do you suggest reading up on, Remus?" Harry wondered. He always enjoyed the books Remus would assign him to read in his preHogwarts studies. Remus smiled.

"Don't think that I'm going to let up on your studies now that your going to classes. I'll still assign you some homework, and reading. It will just be to a lesser degree." Remus reassured Harry, even if it sounded like slight scolding.

James groaned. "My son is a Ravenclaw." he joked in good nature. He got two glares.

"What's wrong with Ravenclaw?" Remus asked. "If I remember correctly, before Lilly, you used to like a young lady from Ravenclaw."

James blushed. "Actually... It was her brother, but we aren't discussing that!" he huffed.

Harry laughed. "How many books am I allowed this visit?" he wondered, turning wide pleading eyes towards his father.

James had to put a limit on how many books Harry could carry out of the store, or else they'd never be able to carry all of it, even with magic. "Twenty, this time. We've much more to carry today." he warned. Harry let a full on pout out. James wobbled.

"Fine! Thirty, but that's my final offer!" He crossed his arms. Harry and Remus seemed to brighten, and began chatting about what kind of books, other than school books, that Harry would pick up.

. . .

When looking for school robes, they had a bit more trouble.

Namely one Draco Malfoy. He was a shrewd little ferret, Harry would give him that. But the boy obviously lacked one thing. The knowledge of when the bloody hell to shut up!

Harry rolled his eyes as the boy went on and on about blood purity, and all the rubbish that went with it. The brat even went on about how powerful, and handsome the Malfoy line was because they'd descended from an ancient Black name. Finally, he'd had enough!

"Look! I understand that your a very proud pompous git, but will you please remember, that inbreeding does damage to your genetics. You could go bald later in life because the Malfoy line is related to the Black line, and your mother married into it. Your the product of inbreeding!" He didn't even bother to see the git's reaction. He just bounded off as soon as the madam told him he was done.

He finished the rest of his shopping with a bit of anger. They were to meet Mordred and Arthur back at the ice cream parlor. For that, he'd have to be in higher spirits.

Draco Malfoy huffed! How dare Merlin just blow him off, AGAIN! He had a right mind to march up to that big eared oaf and let him have it! He had to shake his head, remembering that he didn't quite look the same as he'd use to. Sighing, he resigned himself to try and make up with Merlin. Wouldn't do well to fight with the most powerful warlock of their age.

. . .

Arthur looked around nervously as they entered Olivander's. He'd noticed Merlin's... Or Harry's foul mood once they'd met up at the ice cream shop, but now that mood seemed to have lifted.

He and Sam were chatting away on some creature called a boggart. Arthur wasn't sure what that was, but he didn't think he wanted to know by the way they were talking.

Everyone was pulled out of their conversations as Olivander rounded the corner. "Mr Potter, Mr Mycroft, please come this way." He motioned them forward, and as they stepped up, a strange tape measure began to measure them by itself!

"Present wand arms." They both held out their right arms.

Once it was done, Olivander had gone about the shelves, looking through boxes.

Three hours later, it seemed that nothing had come to a resolve.

"Curious!" Arthur swore that if that man said that word one more time, he'd lose his cool.

"Curiouser, and curiouser." Arthur's eyes narrowed on the man. Could he read minds?! Arthur wouldn't be surprised if the man could.

"Try these." Olivander said as he put two wands into their hands.

Sammy's 9 inch yew with unicorn hair wand let out some golden sparks, and Olivander sighed in happiness.

Harry's did nothing, and Olivander frowned, taking the ten inch, holly and phoenix feather core wand from him.

"Maybe that's for the best." he muttered. "But this leaves us in a conundrum."

Harry worried. Why was no wand working for him. He was sure he had magic. All the accidental magic that happened around him could not be a coincidence. Maybe... He'd never used a tuning agent in his first lifetime... Or any lifetime.

He closed his eyes and focused on a wand. Wood, a natural part of mother earth. What type of wood? Harry thought on this. Ebony Wood. It was a darker wood than usual, but it was sturdy. It was usually found in the center of trees in India. It would do.

Core... What would do him well for a core? Nothing truly called out to him... He waited for a few more minuets, and then began to feel a pulse.

"You've always been a master to all, Merlin. But to be honest, it is in your nature to be master to none."

He remembered those words. Dragon... Dragon Lord. That's what he'd been called.

Something tugged at him. Dragon Heart String? No. Something stronger. He blinked his eyes open as Olivander handed him another wand.

Ten inches, Ebony Wood and Dragon Scale wrapped about it. The core was a Siren's hair. Harry blinked. He didn't expect that.

Sure enough, as he gave it a small flick, gold and blue sparks rained down from the tip.

"Curious..." Harry heard Arthur's face meet his palm.

Being fourteen, Arthur had a few options. He could take some muggle studies classes at Hogwarts, or attend a full fledged muggle school.

He wanted to stay close to his brother, and Merlin. However, he knew he needed an education. Thus his issue. Want vs. Need. Why did it always come down to that for him?

Even in their previous life, he'd always put need before wants. To be fair, he was the prince of a kingdom, and eventually a king. He'd had more than himself depending on him. It seems he'd still do it, because despite how band he wanted to be with those he loved, he needed his future. So with a heavy heart, he resigned himself to picking a school.

He and Sam had moved into Hogwarts to live with their guardian, soon to be adoptive father, Sirius Black. They'd been given rooms, and washrooms that were spacious, but not overly so. Sirius had even asked them what kind of decor they had wanted.

Arthur had done his in rich honey tones with underlying reds. A soft welcoming feel. Sam had done his in several shades of blues and browns, giving it a bit of an earthy feel.

They had both filled the space with their needs and desires, but each room held a bed, a bookshelf (or three in Sam's case), and a desk at the least.

Arthur smiled at having finished his personal space. Before he could lounge on the bed, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

Sirius stepped in with a grin. "I've come to discuss important things with you." he announced. Arthur smiled, and Sirius closed the door.

"What kind of things?" Arthur asked. Sirius nodded. Right down to it then. "Schooling, for one. There are classes here, but..." "Not exactly the education I need." Sirius nodded.

"On the other hand, there is a school for muggle siblings. It's called Grindlyhollows. Sounds scary, but you wouldn't have to leave us this way. You could floo to school every day, and floo home after classes." Sirius suggested.

Arthur brightened at the prospect. "Really?!" Sirius nodded. "I don't want to separate you and Sam." He admitted, bitter memories creeping up in his mind. He missed his little brother often.

So they wouldn't send him to a boarding school! It was relieving. "When will be going to get our stuff?" he wondered. Sirius grinned. "It's already been packed up by house elves. Just waiting for you two to go get it. James, Remus, and myself can take you tomorrow afternoon, but for now, you and Sam need rest. It's been a busy day for the both of you."

Arthur nodded, and Sirius gave him a pat on the back before leaving.

Just as Sirius left, Harry poked his head in.

"Now a good time?" he asked. Arthur nodded.

Harry slipped in, and pressed his hand to the door. Arthur noticed that a slight gleam had overtaken the usual brown of the door. "What-"

"Just insurance of our privacy." Merlin nodded. Arthur blinked as the other man went to take a seat across from him with most of the room as distance. Arthur frowned at that.

Before, Merlin would sit closer to him. Would move to stand next to him. The man would even make sure he always rode his horse next to Arthur. Why was he so distant now?

"Your angry." Merlin said in way of apology, waving to the distance between them.

He'd seen the look on Arthur's face.

Arthur blinked. "No... I think anger flew out the window several life times ago." he admitted. "I am confused."

"How so?"

"You could have been so much more. You could have taken over all of Albion with that power of yours. Why didn't you?" Arthur asked. Merlin snorted and glared at him.

"Why would I be foolish enough to paint an even larger target on my forehead? That, and I don't much like ruling, thank you very much! Far to much work. Better for some royal prat to do. I have enough on my hands guarding your back. Besides... I'd miss you to much." Merlin admitted, not looking at him. Green eyes seemed focused on something else outside Arthur's window.

Arthur knew he could take that to mean something a lot deeper than what either was really comfortable with at this time. He decided not to. They were both skittish, and needed to face one another.

There were things they could no longer run away from.

"I'm sorry for hiding what I was. I should have told you." Merlin whispered.

Arthur blinked. "I'm sorry for making you think you have to apologize." he muttered, but Merlin heard him, if the bug eyed look was any clue. Arthur knew he had to elaborate as Merlin was now staring at him like he'd gone and lost his mind.

"Yes, I was angry at you for the first few lifetimes... Honestly, after the third, I started to realize that you didn't have a choice. Uthur would have killed you. I will admit to this... I would have suspected you when something bad happened, and it was due to magic. Not because I actually thought you'd do something like that. No... Definitely not a spiteful bone in your body. But somehow, I would have suspected that you were linked to it. I know better now. If anyone has to apologize, it is me. I deeply offer my apologies, Merlin." Arthur actually knelt down before Merlin. He owed this man this, at the least.

"In our first lifetime together, you pledged your loyalty to me, and upheld it with whole heart, and brave soul. Even when I didn't truly deserve it. Now, great wizard, it is my turn. Merlin, or Harry, I offer you my solemn vow of loyalty. To be your sword and shield when in need. To be your council when trouble finds you. I, Arthur, pledge my friendship and devoted loyalty to you."

Merlin couldn't stand it any longer. He was pretty sure his ears would melt off at Arthur's vow. His face felt like it was trying to melt. "Please stand Arthur. You don't have to pledge it, but I'll accept it if this is what you truly want. You've always been those things to me though."

They stayed up for hours, talking about the lifetimes that had passed them by.

Hermione Granger was a very sharp witch. She knew she'd be going to school with Merlin. To be honest, she was excited about it. This was her first lifetime being a witch! She was now like Merlin, but with some differences. Muggleborn. That's what they had called her. She smiled at the thought.

She had a lot to read up on, if she didn't want to look a fool, but she couldn't help but to stare at a recent picture of Merlin, and get excited. She wasn't quite sure how she knew that was him, but she knew it was all the same.

She excitedly told her mum all she'd learned about the wizarding world as she packed her trunk.

"So excited about all the cute boys you'll meet in school?" her mother asked. She wrinkled her nose. There had only been one boy for her.

"Mother... Learning is far more important than silly boys. After all, I'm going to school, not to a social." she sniffed, slightly offended at her mother's laughter.

Honestly!

She huffed, and shoved 'Hogwarts A History!' into her trunk. Her mother almost fell off the bed. "Weren't you just mooning over the boy in the papers?" she pointed out. Hermione turned wide, slightly horrified, brown eyes to her mother.

"Oh heavens no!" she cried out in surprise. Merlin? Her? Her mind almost went blank. She'd admit... There had been a time when... But that had faded quickly.

He'd been sweet, and she'd been lonely. Although... He had promised.

She paused in front of her mirror. She looked rather wild for an eleven year old.

She had to take a deep breath, and slow down. It wasn't even half way through August yet. She had time...

She had time indeed.

Fin Chapter 3

So?! Theories or questions? Things not adding up? Ask away! Can't guarantee an answer, but I will do my best to respond!