A Tale of Rivals
Elk99
Ch. 27
A/N: A Bit theory heavy this time around, enjoy!
"Few witches and wizards throughout history have gained the prominence to withstand history and become legend not only in our world, but amongst muggles as well," Edmund began. Stories and legends of Merlin and his nemesis, Morgan le Fay are excellent examples of those who were among the last to wield ancient magic. Their intertwined destinies reflect not only the tumultuous power struggles of ancient Britain but also the deeper themes of magic, identity, and what we believe to be the soul's connection to the land."
Kate Whitehall picked up after him. "Early into term, Edmund and I had been researching soul-bonding rituals used by the Ancient celts. What we were looking for specifically was how souls may be bonded to another soul, in ways alluded to by many enchantresses throughout time. We came across however this legend of Merlin's demise at the hands of Morgan and we quickly realized that there might be something here of value to our research on soul-bonding. However while we begun our project hoping to uncover Celtic soul-bonding rituals between souls, what we have uncovered here is a soul being bound to the land, like Merlin's was in the story we will present, found in Anciente Avalon."
"We're all familiar with Merlin and Morgan," Edmund continued. "They're two of the most frequent wizard cards you can get with your chocolate frogs… but just to introduce them again. Merlin was a powerful wizard, revered for his wisdom and foresight, Merlin is often seen by muggles as the architect of the legendary King Arthur's reign. His deep connection to the natural world and mastery of ancient magic enabled him to navigate magical complexities at a time when magic and how it used and seen was changing. I should also mention he is a proud Alumnus of Slytherin House."
"There is less biographical information about Morgan," Kate said. "Claims that she was a relative of Merlin are tenuous at best, and there is no record of her in the Hogwarts records, a contrast to records clearly stating Merlin attended here, and yes, was a member of Slytherin. What we can say is that she is a complicated figure, and faithful records attest both to her loyalty to Merlin, and her treachery at different points in her life. Her motivations are complex, driven by a desire for recognition and autonomy in a patriarchal society."
"Morgana," Edmund said excitedly, "feeling marginalized by the changing power dynamics of what we presume to be the Court of Camelot, commissions the Lady of the Lake to perform a powerful act of magic: to seal Merlin within an ancient oak tree, a symbolic act meant to bind his essence to the very heart of the land he had once safeguarded. The Lady of the Lake offered Merlin a draught, which he accepted and led him to slumber against an ancient oak. And then, casting her enchantment, the oak wove itself around Merlin, not killing him, but becoming a vessel for his very being. Anciente Avalon specifically notes, and we have cross-referenced the translations, that the oak bound Merlin, and did not imprison him."
Kate flicked her want to show an excerpt from their text on the stone walls of the classroom before continuing. "And here, for time upon the end of time, ye can hear this warlock groan as his roots run deeper across the land."
"Now, through the lens of modern magical thought, we can understand this binding not as a termination of life but as a transformation. For this sealing is not merely a prison; it signifies a profound bond between Merlin and the land itself. Merlin's spirit, entwined with the oak, allows him to remain a guardian of the land, embodying the ancient magic that flows through it."
"The oak tree, once a mere organism, now holds a duality—a living entity infused with the wisdom and power of Merlin. In this way, Morgana's actions, while appearing as an act of destruction, ultimately forge a new reality where Merlin becomes one with the land."
Edmund paused for a moment before setting his parchment aside for another one. "From the legend, we wanted to see how the Lady of the Lake could have wielded such magic against one of the most formidable wizards to ever walk the land. We noted several important elements in the story. The draught. The tree. And Merlin consenting to the draught."
Kate explained further, "The draught did not kill Merlin, it put him to sleep. And why not have poisoned Merlin? After all, he freely consented to taking it. By a strict interpretation, that would have satisfied Morgan's commission. But it puts him to sleep, a deep one, not unlike the Draught of Living Death, and allows the ancient magic to bond him to the oak."
"The deep sleep suggests that the Lady of the Lake had a greater purpose. Perhaps she sought to protect Merlin rather than destroy him. By putting him into this enchanted slumber, she could ensure that his power remained dormant but still tethered to the land, accessible only under the right conditions. This transformation emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and magic—a theme deeply rooted in Celtic traditions."
"It also suggests a reverence for Merlin, rather than mere animosity. Morgana's actions, while they may have appeared antagonistic, could have been driven by a desperation to harness the powerful magic Merlin represented. The Lady of the Lake, in turn, might have acted out of necessity to preserve that magic, allowing it to be part of the land rather than fall into the hands of someone who might exploit it."
"This leads us to the significance of the oak tree. In many cultures, trees symbolize life, wisdom, and stability. The oak, particularly revered in Celtic lore, is known for its strength and endurance. If Merlin's essence is indeed bonded to the oak, then this act of binding transforms the tree into a living repository of his knowledge and power. It's as if he becomes part of the very fabric of the land."
"While we certainly count for the possibility that Merlin's magic lies dormant somewhere, the implications for soul-bonding to the land, another living organism rather then just a human, is significant. But the hardest step is finding the ruins to do so. The two of us explored ruins from the druidic Circle, and we believe that the use of Ogham Runes may be helpful in determining the exact script. With the use of a potion such as the draught of living death, and Celtic ruins of transformation, such a soul bonding should be possible."
As Edmund wrapped up, he looked at Kate, who nodded at him encouragingly before saying, "any questions?"
The room was silent for a moment as Professor Shafiq and the rest of the class absorbed their research. Finally, Professor Shafiq adjusted his robes and leaned forward from where he sat in front of them.
"Fascinating work," Shafiq began, his voice quiet but firm. "You've done well to blend ancient lore with modern magical theory, particularly in the way you've linked the legend of Merlin to practical magical principles. However, I have a few questions."
His eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing Edmund and Kate with the precision of a man who had spent his life studying the details of ancient magical traditions. "You spoke of the draught—the potion that Merlin willingly took—and suggested that it worked much like the Draught of Living Death. You've also referenced the use of runes and ancient magical symbols to bind him to the oak tree. My first question is this: Why would Merlin consent to such a fate? In your theory, it seems like the Lady of the Lake could have easily used a simpler poison to fulfill Morgana's command."
Edmund straightened up before replying. "While we believe Merlin consented to the draught, it remains unclear whether that consent was entirely free. The nature of such powerful magic raises questions about how much Merlin understood of what would become of him. If the Lady of the Lake entombed his essence in the Ancient Oak using Celtic runes, the binding process—much like a marriage bond—would require a certain level of consent, at least on the surface."
He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Magic of this nature, particularly binding or transformational magic, typically relies on the individual's will being aligned with the forces being harnessed. If Merlin's consent to the draught was genuine, even without full knowledge of the outcome, it would have ensured that his will was in harmony with the enchantment. This is what allowed the magic to work as intended, blending Merlin's soul with the oak. But here's the key: if Merlin had been tricked or coerced into drinking the draught, the balance would have been disrupted. The binding magic may have faltered or, worse, led to catastrophic consequences for Merlin, the oak, or even the land around it."
Edmund gestured towards Kate, who stepped in smoothly. "It's important to understand that Merlin's willingness to accept the draught, even if incomplete in his understanding, might have been the stabilizing force in the spell itself. His acceptance, whether reluctant or trusting, became the gateway through which the ancient magic could flow without resistance. A coerced Merlin would have introduced chaos into the spell, potentially corrupting the binding and preventing the deep connection to the land that we now see as a fundamental part of the legend."
Professor Shafiq nodded thoughtfully. "You make an intriguing point about Merlin's consent being crucial to the success of the binding magic. What makes you so certain that Merlin's consent was necessary, and not simply a means to weaken him? Couldn't the runes alone, in combination with the draught, have bound him regardless of his will?"
Kate responded quickly. 'Please, sir, we are not saying that Merlin was not giving the draught with the intent of being weakened. We simply do not know enough to say that. What we are saying is that most rituals require consent on some level. Think of a member of the fae being powerless until invited into one's home. The same concept applies. Merlin had to open the door, so to speak. He had to willingly take the draught. A non-consenting Merlin would be one who fought back and resisted. This was not ritual sacrifice, but ritual bonding, and so we maintain that consent is a prerequisite."
"Your point is well-taken," Professor Shafiq nodded. "Let's move onto your runic theory. The connection between runic magic and herbal enchantments is complex. How confident are you that the particular runes you chose, combined with the herbal components of the draught, would have created the conditions necessary for such a powerful soul-binding? In my studies, runes of binding are seldom used in isolation. They require environmental factors—perhaps something more than mere consent or a potion. How did you account for these variables in your theory?"
Edmund exchanged a glance with Kate before stepping forward to address Professor Shafiq's questions. "You're absolutely right, Professor—binding runes, especially when connected to such powerful magic, are rarely used in isolation. The runes themselves are only one part of the equation. What we theorize is that the runes in this case didn't act alone but worked in concert with a series of external, environmental elements that amplified their effect. The draught, of course, was one—crafted specifically from herbs known for their abilities to deepen magical connections. But we also factored in the location itself: the oak tree. Ancient oaks, in Celtic traditions, were not just symbols of strength and endurance; they were often believed to be natural conduits for magic. A place of power."
He paused, letting the thought settle before continuing. "The oak acted as a stabilizing force for the rune-work, grounding it to the physical world. But we also believe the time of day and the natural alignment of magical energies in the area contributed. Celtic magical theory often speaks of ley lines—natural lines of energy that run through the earth, often intersecting at points of significant magical power. We propose that the oak Merlin was bound to sat at one such intersection, enhancing the potency of the runes inscribed into it. In this way, the environmental factors went beyond the mere presence of the draught or the runes themselves."
Kate chimed in smoothly. "We also examined the specific herbal properties of the draught itself. We suspect it included elements like belladonna and valerian root, both known for their use in sleep-inducing potions but also possessing deeper properties of binding and spiritual alignment. The runes etched into the oak would interact with the potion's ingredients in a subtle way, using these herbs to 'anchor' Merlin's soul. The balance between the physical and spiritual elements, strengthened by the runes, would have ensured a stable bond."
Edmund nodded in agreement. "So, in response to your question, Professor, the runes weren't isolated. They were amplified by the oak, the ley lines, the time of day, and the specific properties of the potion. We accounted for these variables by cross-referencing both ancient Celtic lore and modern magical theory. Without all of these components working together, the magic likely would have failed or produced an unintended result."
"You have certainly given us a lot to think about," Professor Shafiq said. I'll open the floor to questions and comments from your classmates."
Diana Mack from Hufflepuff raised her hand. "Well done to the both of you," she smiled encouragingly at Edmund and Kate. "I was wondering if you had considered how other forms of ancient magic – Egyptian, Norse, etc. – might have approached a similar topic, or do you think this is unique to the Celtic tradition?"
Kate smiled. "That would be the next step in our research. While we began with Celtic runes due to their connection with Merlin's legend, we've already started looking into similar practices in Norse and even Ancient Egyptian magic. The idea of merging with the natural world appears in many magical traditions, and we believe that studying these different methods will help refine our understanding of the process."
Philip Rosier raised his hand next. "It's an intriguing concept, and I was particularly fascinated when you spoke of ley lines. Have you considered locations where soul-bonding could be particularly advantageous?"
Edmund looked at Kate for a moment. They indeed had had this discussion. Just because magic could be done certainly did not mean it should be done. "It's a good question, but one that requires a lot more research, especially given that we are not yet sure about the affects such a bonding would actually produce. However, I will say that both Kate and I have wondered what would happen should such a thing happen here at Hogwarts, which sits on a series of interconnected ley lines."
The class instantly broke out into murmurs at the prospect. Hogwarts without a doubt, was one of the most magical locations in the Europe due to its placement at the junction of major ley lines. To tap into that power would be to tap into an arsenal that would overpower most wizards and witches.
Professor Shafiq raised a hand, silencing the murmurs that had erupted across the room. His eyes narrowed in thought as he leaned forward slightly. "A powerful and dangerous thought," he said, his voice measured. "You both recognize the implications of bonding a soul to a location as rich in magical energy as Hogwarts. But you also touch on an important question of ethics—one that transcends theory and dives into the heart of magical responsibility."
Edmund nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the professor's words. "Exactly, Professor. While we can speculate about the potential benefits—immense power, possibly even a form of immortality—the risks are equally significant. A soul bound to such powerful ley lines could become trapped, unable to ever leave, or worse, corrupt the very magic of the land itself."
Kate added, "And this is why further research is critical. We've only scratched the surface of what we understand about the bonding process, the role of ley lines, and the long-term effects. The story of Merlin, though ancient, provides us with an important case study. But even he, as powerful as he was, became entombed—perhaps against his will in the end."
Philip Rosier, still intrigued, pressed on. "But hypothetically speaking—if one were to properly prepare, ensuring full consent and understanding, could it not be a tool for the greater good?"
Kate shook her head slightly. "Hypothetically, yes. But it's the unknown variables that concern us. Ley lines are unpredictable. They amplify magic, but they also warp it. Binding a soul to such raw, untamed power could have unintended consequences. The nature of such magic means it could be a force for good or for destruction."
Edmund then concluded, "That's why we focus so much on consent and intention. Just because we could theoretically do it, doesn't mean we should."
Professor Shafiq leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Indeed," he murmured, "the line between curiosity and caution is often thin. You've both done well to explore the theoretical aspects, but be careful. The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake can sometimes lead down a dangerous path."
The room fell into a thoughtful silence, the weight of Shafiq's words sinking in.
With that, Kate took a deep breath and glanced at Edmund before addressing the room. "We've reached the end of our presentation. Thank you all for your attention. We welcome any further questions."
But for now, the class remained still, each student lost in thought about the very magic that surrounded them at Hogwarts—its power, its potential, and its dangers.
Edmund and Kate exchanged a triumphant high-five as they stepped out of the Ancient Studies classroom, leaving Professor Shafiq behind. The cool air of the corridor hit them, a refreshing contrast to the intensity of the last hour. Both were still buzzing from the conversation, their minds racing not only with relief but also the possibilities the discussion had opened up.
"An Outstanding!" Edmund grinned, shaking his head slightly as if he could hardly believe it. "I was half expecting him to tear us apart with more questions."
Kate smiled, adjusting the strap of her bag. "Honestly, same. But I think we handled it well. I mean, he definitely wasn't going to let us get away with just the theory. His questions about Merlin's consent and ley lines were exactly what we needed to take this to the next level."
Edmund nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, and I think the whole ethics question helped too. It made me think about the limits of magic in a new way. We started off just focused on whether Merlin's soul could be bound to the land, but Shafiq really pushed us to consider the 'why' behind it. Why would you want to do that? And is it worth the risk?"
Kate glanced sideways at him, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You're not thinking of binding your soul to Hogwarts, are you?"
He laughed. "Not unless I get an ironclad contract that guarantees I won't get stuck in a tree for eternity."
They both chuckled at the thought, the tension from the presentation finally easing away.
"But seriously," Kate said, "I think the ley lines discussion was the turning point. It wasn't just about the ancient magic or Merlin anymore—it was about real, tangible power and what that kind of bonding could mean in modern times. I mean, imagine if someone actually tried that here, with Hogwarts being at the crossroads of so many magical energies."
Edmund rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, that got everyone's attention. You could hear it in the room—no one had thought about ley lines like that before. It's tempting, right? To think that with enough preparation, it could be used for good."
Kate nodded slowly. "Tempting, but dangerous. That's why I'm glad we kept the focus on the importance of intent and consent. It's not just about what magic can do, it's about how it's wielded."
"Exactly," Edmund agreed. "And Shafiq's feedback really hit home. He didn't just praise the theory—he warned us. The pursuit of knowledge without caution can lead down dangerous paths. It's something we've got to keep in mind."
They walked in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts.
Kate broke the silence. "We did well, though. I mean, an Outstanding from Shafiq? That's something to be proud of."
"Definitely," Edmund grinned. "I can't wait to just not do work for a few days after this."
"You're lucky its not your OWL year," Kate said. "I still have to prepare for all my core subjects. Now that I think about it, taking Ancient Studies as a third year is a good idea you had."
"Took a bit of hard work," Edmund smiled. "But thank you nonetheless."
With one last high-five, they parted ways down the corridor, Kate to Ravenclaw Tower and Edmund to the Dungeons. The journey of their research had been one which spanned most of the term, but it had opened doors to deeper questions that Edmund was eager to pose and answer.
Daphne, Tracey, Helen, and Blaise were waiting for Edmund in their usual corner of couches upon his arrival in the Slytherin Common Room. Rosier and Bletchley were already seated by some fifth years near the fireplace, and Edmund guessed their earlier arrival from class had tipped off his friends that he would not be far behind.
"How was it?" Blaise asked as Edmund forced his way to the couch, resting between Helen and Daphne.
"Outstanding," Edmund replied tiredly.
Daphne raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Outstanding as in your grade or just the experience itself?"
"Both, actually," Edmund replied, sinking deeper into the couch. He ran a hand through his hair and glanced at Blaise, who was lounging comfortably in the opposite chair. "Shafiq gave us top marks, and the whole thing went... surprisingly well."
Tracey leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "So, what did you and Kate present on again? I know it was something about Merlin, but you never gave us the details."
Edmund sighed, half in exhaustion, half in amusement. "We looked into the legend of Merlin and how he was supposedly bound to the Ancient Oak by the Lady of the Lake using runes. We analyzed how such a binding could work in real magical terms."
Helen let out a low whistle. "That's not just ambitious—that's borderline insane. Did Shafiq grill you on the theory?"
Edmund nodded, sitting up a little. "Oh, absolutely. He asked why Merlin would consent to something like that and questioned the whole ethical dimension of it. Honestly, that was the hardest part. It's one thing to research how the magic might work, but it's another to justify why anyone would want to use it in the first place."
Blaise grinned. "Sounds intense. So, did anyone in class freak out when you mentioned the possibility of soul-bonding today? I'd imagine that would cause a stir."
"Yeah, it definitely did," Edmund chuckled. "As soon as we brought up Hogwarts sitting on ley lines, the whole class broke into murmurs. People really started to imagine what kind of power that could tap into. Kate and I had discussed it beforehand, but even we weren't ready for how people reacted."
Daphne exchanged a glance with Tracey before turning back to Edmund. "So... would it actually be possible? Binding someone to a place like Hogwarts?"
Edmund hesitated, then shrugged. "Theoretically, yes. But the consequences would be unpredictable, to say the least. Besides, magic that powerful would require absolute precision and... well, a very strong reason to attempt it. We weren't exactly advocating for it."
Helen smirked. "Just stirring the cauldron a bit, were you?"
"More like presenting the cauldron with a warning label," Edmund replied. "But yeah, it was definitely a wild ride."
Blaise stretched, folding his arms behind his head. "Well, you survived. That's what counts. And now that it's over, you can relax."
Edmund let out a long breath. "I think I need it. This research has been consuming every spare moment for weeks."
Daphne patted his shoulder, her voice soft but teasing. "Then you've earned a break. Enjoy the glory of that Outstanding while you can—the rest of your exams are just around the corner."
Edmund smiled, the weariness in his eyes slowly giving way to relief. "For now, I'll take it."
