Chapter 6: Old Friends, New Faces

Saturday morning, Merlin was ecstatic. He had gotten the protection spell to work. The swords would stay sharp, they would deflect enemy magic, and then if the students were in danger they would defend them. But when they weren't needed, they would be just normal statues. No one would even notice. Now he only had to figure out how to enchant each suit of armour, not miss a single one, and not be caught. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to let the founders know. Keeping the secret would be worth it to see the surprise on their faces. So in bright spirits, the young looking warlock walked into the empty great hall early Saturday morning. He laid down on the Slytherin bench and watched the enchanted ceiling as the sun lit up the sky. The candles around the room provided the rest of the light, but they would soon blow themselves out when it was bright enough. With an even bigger smile, Merlin decided to take a small risk, since he was in good spirits. He sat up and held out his hands.

"Sit fumus erunt lucernis et serpentium." His eyes flashed gold and he laid back to wait for the rest of the school to arrive. Slowly they wandered in. Servants began filling up the tables with food and passing out plates. The professors also walked in, looking less tired then the students, but the students didn't really care about appearances. Flora and Libæna sat down on the bench next to Merlin who was already enjoying his sausages.

"You're in a good mood, Drugen." Libæna noticed as she sat down.

"Well, I have had a good morning so far."

"So far? Do you ever sleep in?" Libæna asked in amazement.

"Rarely." He grinned and held up a pitcher of grape juice. "Juice?"

"Seriously, you are missing the point of weekends," Flora said as she accepted his offer to pour her drink. "There are no classes to wake up for. Why would you insist on getting up before the sun."

"Because sometimes great stuff happens to those who wake up early." He grinned, as with impeccable timing, the candles blew themselves out. Normally this wouldn't be noticed, but this morning, the smoke curled up from the wicks and appeared as snakes, hissing as they hovered in the air before dissipating. The buzz of conversation was gone and everyone was looking at the Slytherin table. The Slytherins themselves were looking confused, none of them had been responsible. Well, not that they knew of. Merlin winked at his friends and schooled his features into a bored look as he took a long drink from his cup.

"Did you?" Flora whispered and gestured at the candles.

"Me? No." He denied. "I wouldn't know how to do that."

"But you seemed to know it was going to happen." Libæna propped her chin on her arm and narrowed her eyes at him. "Is that why you were smiling when we came in?"

"I had no idea." He continued to deny the truth.

"I don't trust you." She stood up with a haughty hmph and grabbed her food. "I'm going to go sit at my table."

"Libæna wait." Flora grabbed her arm. "Don't leave just because Drugen is being an idiot."

"I'm not." She smiled at both of them. "I did promise Lena that I would have breakfast with her this morning though and I just saw her sit down. I'll see you later." They watched her walk off and slide into a seat next to a small druid girl. One of the few druids, Libæna was eager to learn more about their lifestyle from her.

"She got us good," Merlin said as he nudged Flora in the side. She scrunched up her face and stuck her tongue out at him.

"I still think you knew. I don't think you could've done it, but somehow you knew." Merlin had a great retort on the tip of his tongue but he was interrupted by a servant bringing him a letter. It was folded with his false name scrawled on the front. But he recognised that script anywhere. He quickly unfolded the parchment and angled it away from Flora as he read.

Merlin,

It was good to hear from you. I am glad you are adjusting to your new life. I know it is probably strange, but I do believe you made the right decision. I am truly sorry that you still have to hide who you are though.

Camelot misses you still but life has continued on. Percival and Elaine have a newborn daughter now named Florence. She has Percival's eyes. Already she is a strong and feisty little child.

If you ever need a break from hiding you are always welcome here. Your room is still as you've left it last time you visited. I've told Gwen where you are and she insists on including a note of her own.

Stay safe my boy.

Gaius

On the second page was Gwen's note.

Merlin,

I'm sure Gaius has told you that everything is fine here. We miss you but life moves on. What he hasn't told you though, is that he is very sick. He has resigned as Court Physician and is only serving in an advising role to the replacement he has been training. He spends most of his day in bed resting and, oh Merlin we are worried. I know you are attending lessons, but if you can find time to come back to Camelot and see him before

Please Merlin. I know you mean the world to him.

Gwen

Merlin numbly folded the papers again and clutched them in his hands.

"Drugen?" Flora laid her hand on his arm. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

"I, er, I need to go home." Her face fell. "I'll be back. It's just, my, my uncle. He's dying and I want to see him one last time before he, you know. Dies."

"Of course. How far is home? Will you be back by Monday?"

"I'm not sure. I'll tell Professor Slytherin just in case. I must go pack."

"I'll tell Libæna. Safe travels."

"Thank you." He stood and put the letter in his pocket. As he walked out the door and broke into a run, he reached out to Salazar. I have to go back to Camelot. Hopefully just for the weekend.

Okay. Anything serious? Could we help in any way?

Can I borrow a horse?

Yes. Just ask the stable hand for my horse. His name is Alexander.

Thank you. Merlin cut the connection and finished throwing a few more supplies into his bag. Knowing he wouldn't need it, he threw his staff into his wardrobe and locked it with a spell no one but he could unlock. Within minutes he was back on horseback, galloping across the grounds. Although no one was around to notice, he did not transform back into his true age so that he was lighter on the horse's back and it wouldn't tire as fast.

He reached Camelot before supper time. He rode Alexander to the stables and patted him down. Both the horse and Merlin were exhausted and hungry. Even though he was confident in his abilities to sneak through Camelot unnoticed, he knew that it would be easier as a young boy. So he darted up the servant's stairs, ducked and wove through the kitchen, snagging a biscuit on the way, and slipped into crevices whenever guards approached. He made it to Gaius's chambers without incident. Taking a deep breath, he cracked open the door to see if anyone was inside. Sure enough, Gaius could be seen resting on his cot but there was no one else. Double checking that no one was approaching, he let his disguise fall away and walked in. Gaius opened his eyes and looked to see who it was.

"Merlin?" He sat up. "What are you doing here?"

"Gwen told me you were ill." He pulled a stool over and sat beside him. "I had to see how you were and if there was anything I could do." Gaius put his hand on Merlin's arm.

"I'm afraid not this time. I'm old and my time is drawing to an end. It's not even painful; I simply have less energy."

"I'm sorry, Gaius."

"No, come now. Tell me all about Hogwarts. You only gave me a taste in your letter."

"Okay, only I need some food first." Gaius smiled. Some things never change. They sat together and Merlin told him about his new friends, his classes, and the spells he had put up around the castle. Gaius made suggestions here and there, but mostly listened raptly. When Merlin had finished telling him about Hogwarts, he begged Gaius to tell him of Camelot. And so Gaius told him stories of the knights' children and their antics. They laughed at young Elyon finding out that the head of the kitchen was not a woman to be crossed. He felt pride for Leon at raising a daughter who was already very wise. And he was glad to hear that the young Pendragon was growing up to be like his father.

"Does he still parade around with a kitchen knife at his side?" Merlin asked. The prince had been very young when Merlin last visited Camelot and spoke with his friends inside.

"He has grown up enough that Gwen trusts him with his own short sword. Already he has begun training. Leon has made sure of it. He doesn't want to disappoint Arthur."

"Nothing Leon could do would ever disappoint Arthur." Merlin shook his head. "Surely he knows that."

"I'm sure he does, but nonetheless he still is driven by a desire to honour his memory." Merlin sighed. He couldn't deny the same drive often drove him too. "Now you had best go and see Gwen. She wouldn't forgive either of us if you left without seeing her."

"You're right." Merlin laughed as he stood. "She'd probably send a search party to Hogwarts to drag me back and I can't have that. I'll return soon."

Merlin gently knocked on the door before entering. Gwen was sitting at the table looking over stacks of paper, her quill twirling between her forefinger and thumb. She glanced up tiredly to see who was at the door.

"Merlin? Merlin!" She threw down her quill and ran over to embrace him in a tight embrace. "Well this isn't fair, you don't look like you have aged a day since I last saw you." He laughed.

"I have aged, don't worry. Although my latest disguise is almost as fun as being eighty."

"And what is that?" She frowned and put her hands on her hips. She still couldn't quite believe that Dragoon the Great had been Merlin all along. Nor could she wrap her mind around the idea that her clean shaven friend would eventually have the longest beard she had ever seen. Merlin smirked and transformed into Drugen.

"Drugen Dourado at your service, your highness." He gave a mocking bow that made Gwen giggle. She could see why he was enjoying his time at Hogwarts. It was good to see that carefree smile again, even if it was on a face that was unfamiliar to her.

"Stop it. Now you really are making me feel old." He dropped the disguise. "Come sit with me. Gaius told me some things about this school you are attending, but I want to hear it from you." So they sat at the table and he gave her a condensed version of all he had been up to. Then she updated him on the success of the new magic laws they had worked together on and shared some of her daily life. Gwen made the mistake of mentioning that she was struggling with a few different laws at the moment and soon they were both working finding the right wording to use. They had just finished another when someone burst into the room.

"Mother, I was sent to tell you it is supper time," the young boy said as he slammed the door closed behind him. Merlin stared at the young Pendragon. His resemblance of Arthur was eerie. They didn't look the same, the boy had inherited more of Gwen's looks, but the way he spoke and carried himself was all Arthur.

"Thank you Ambrose." He was about to leave but then he saw Merlin and his face lit up.

"Uncle Merlin!" he cried, running towards him with outstretched arms. Merlin stood from his chair and embraced the boy. Although while he did, he raised his eyebrows at Gwen.

"Uncle?" he mouthed.

"You and Arthur were closer than brothers. And without you we would've never been together," she explained. "It was the least I could do considering you don't let me recognise you for anything else." Merlin was going to argue, but he was interrupted.

"Uncle Merlin it's so good to see you. Mother has told me lots of stories about you. She says you have lots of magic and you saved father a lot. Can you show me some magic? I wanna see good magic. Can you teach me magic?"

"Woah, slow down." Merlin raised his hands to stop the questions. "It's good to see you too, Ambrose. You've grown up a lot since I last saw you. Now you wanted to see some magic." He squatted down so that Ambrose was taller than him. "Good magic, you said. What do you want to see?"

"A dragon! I know there's no more dragons but I want to see one."

"There are still real dragons left, but I'll save them for later. For now..." He beckoned with his hands and the flames from the candles in the room floated over to him. With gold in his eyes, he waved a hand and the flames were replaced with a fiery dragon. It's large wings stirred their hair as it flew around the room. Merlin was delighted to see the joy on the young boy's face. It made him wish he had stayed in Camelot. But that could never be. And with that thought, he plunged the room into momentary darkness as the dragon vanished and the candles relit themselves.

"You both had best be getting to dinner before someone wonders what is keeping you."

"Join us Merlin," Gwen immediately offered. Merlin straightened himself out.

"No, I'd rather keep my visit known only to my friends. And we both know how word spreads among the servants and then out to the rest of Camelot." She smiled wryly.

"But you still need food," she protested. "Come in disguise if you must, but you will have to eat."

"Alright." The emptiness in his stomach was a powerful persuasion. "But how will you explain my presence?"

"Depends on your disguise."

"That depends on your excuse. I can look however would be easiest." Gwen rolled her eyes. If anyone else had said that she would call them a show off, but from Merlin it was just honest fact. She thought for a minute.

"I could say you are the son of a friend I met in Ealdor when I stayed with your mother. Mary's son maybe." Merlin snorted.

"Perfect. She was always suspicious of me. Thought I was the one who kept painting her chicken's feathers."

"And were you?"

"Will and me. But that's besides the point. It should work." He stepped back from them and closed his eyes in concentration. As the Pendragons watched, Merlin once again returned to being a young teenager.

"Woah!" Ambrose couldn't speak for a moment. "Now you are almost my age! That's better than seeing a dragon!"

"Now Ambrose," Gwen cautioned. "Merlin is in disguise now so you must call him Drugen. You only just met him. And no mentions of his magic."

"Oh you can mention the magic if it comes up, but Drugen is not nearly as powerful as Merlin. You got it, Ambrose? This is a big responsibility."

"Yes sir!" He snapped to attention causing Merlin laugh and shake his head in disbelief.

"I could never get your father to do that."

A/N: The spell I used is simply: Let the smoke of the candles become snake.