So, this fanfic is dedicated to a boy in my school. He doesn't know that I - attempt to - write fan fiction. I guess you can tell how much I value my work, eh? I tend to keep things a secret unless I'm actually good.

Anyways he told me a little about fan fiction and that not writing was certainly no way to get good. And for that? I dedicate this whole fanfic to him.

In some ways, I hope he reads it. If you know who you are feel free to pm me!

Arthur raised the horn to his lips, ready for everything in Camelot to be right again. "Merlin has magic!" Uther's spirit form called as it was pulled away from their Arthur's world. Maybe, Camelot was destined to stay in a sorry state forever.

Arthur's eyes darted to meet Merlin's. The second their gazes met, Arthur knew that it was the truth. How could he? Use something that is strictly outlawed and hide it from the person who was supposed to be his friend.

"Get to my chambers." Arthur ordered, his tone made Merlin tremble. "Now." He added. Although, it was not necessary, Merlin could feel Arthur's anger and was already marching to the familiar room.

The only sound up the several flights of stairs was the scrape of their boots on the stone and occasionally some muttering from Arthur.

Merlin became the perfect servant. When they reached the correct floor, he stopped with his head bowed and allowed his master to go first, falling into step behind him. Three steps exactly behind him, not one more.

Whilst Merlin stood, barely two steps into the room, Arthur paced. He muttered to himself. Merlin winced every time he stopped.

Eventually, after the tension in the room was so thick it was surprising the men could see each other, Arthur broke the silence. "You use magic." He stated. It was not a question, but Merlin felt the need to answer it.

"Yes. I have magic. It is part of me." He daren't say more.

Arthur's hands were all over the place, running through his hair, intertwining with each other, at his mouth in his pockets. He had to clench them at his sides to keep them still. He was at a loss for words.

His best friend, his manservant of seven and a half years, practices magic. Right under the noses of everyone, hidden in plain sight.

"Arthur?" Merlin asked warily, so far he hadn't had his head bitten off so he continued, ever careful if Arthur's reaction.

"You have every right to be angry at me but, please, all I ask is that you let me explain." Merlin kept his eyes down, for safety reasons, waiting on Arthur's approval to speak.

Arthur was fidgety. He was rearrange the papers on his desk for no apparent reason. Their was a more important matter at hand than Duke Arbild's birthday.

"Go on then!" Arthur yelled, "Explain! Explain how my so-called best friend used magic, in my own kingdom! You know the law Merlin, you should be killed right now. You have confessed. I have every right to strike you where you stand. Go! Explain that!" Arthur punched the bed post.

"I saved your life once. The least you can do me is one favour: let me explain." Merlin had his hands clasped behind his back. His eyes were still down and he had hardly moved since entering Arthur's chambers.

"You have three minutes," Arthur whispered, "Explain."