Hey! So just something to be aware of, I know that the second task doesn't happen until February 24, almost a full 2 months after the Yule Ball, but I've decided to speed up the timeline of events so we don't have to miss anything in Merlin's life at Hogwarts. I would hate to just skip ahead and leave 2 entire months unaccounted for. Things have been happening so quickly that I don't think it would make sense to leave 2 months of calm, so just letting you know my reasoning.

The chapter you all have been waiting for, begins now…

Chapter 13

~:/\:~

As Merlin submerged his head underwater and opened the egg, his heart beat quickened, unsure of what to anticipate. Thankfully, it did not screech. Instead, a beautiful and lulling voice began to sing, enchanting him. It filled the tub with a sweet melody, calming his racing pulse. Though having heard the merpeople sing before, the wonderful beauty of it never failed to entrance him. The words were almost lost to him as he was caught up in the soothing sound, but he shook himself and listened to his clue.

"Come seek us where our voices sound,

We cannot sing above the ground,

And while you're searching, ponder this;

We've taken what you'll sorely miss,

An hour long you'll have to look,

And recover what we took,

But past an hour – the prospect's black,

Too late, it's gone, it won't come back."

After the song ended Merlin closed the egg and rose up from the water to breathe. Fred and George stood hovering over the tub, looking at him expectantly. "Well?" They both asked.

"I'm not sure." Merlin hoisted himself out of the water and wrapped himself in a towel.

"What did it say?" Fred urged.

"I thought you said you opened it under water first?"

"Yeah, but only long enough to realize it wasn't screeching at me." George urged, eager to know what Merlin had learned from the egg.

"Oh." Merlin pushed himself out of the water and took the towel Fred was holding out for him. After Merlin ran the towel over his damp hair he tied it around his waist and spoke as he walked toward his clothes. "It was a song. I recognized the voice as distinctive to the merpeople."

"How do you know what merpeople sound like?" Fred questioned as he and his twin through Merlin strange looks.

"I did a project on them while I was homeschooled." Merlin continued putting his clothes on as he kept his backstory in check. "It's funny that you opened the egg in the Black Lake." Merlin commented to George while pulling his shirt over his head.

"Now why is that?"

"That's where the next task will be."

"And how do you know that?" The twins didn't understand how he reached his conclusion.

"Because that is where the merpeople are." Merlin finished, now completely dressed and turning to face the two redheads.

"Where are you getting this information!?" Fred accused.

"Is this more convenient knowledge you learned from doing your 'project'?" George asked, equally as frustrated as his brother.

"No actually. It's in Hogwarts, A History. I read it over the summer in preparation for coming to this school." The two looked at Merlin blankly. Merlin shrugged. "I like being prepared."

Shaking their heads, they dismissed the topic. "Okay, so we know where the task is, but what does it entail?"

"Did the song say anything about what you'll be up against?" Fred pushed.

"There was a lyric; we've taken what you'll sorely miss. Whatever they've taken, I have to retrieve it within an hour."

"Taken? What is it they took from you?" George asked Merlin.

"I have no idea. I don't even know if they have taken it yet, whatever it is."

"Is there anything your strongly attached to?" Merlin thought about his more precious possessions. He had his sidhe staff wand, his magic book, his crystal from the crystal cave, but nothing he couldn't live without. What could they take?

Merlin shook his head coming out of his thoughts. "No. I can't think of anything I have that I would sorely miss."

"Really? You can't think of anything?" George asked with a wink. "Because to me, it seems you are oddly attached to that strange neck garment of yours."

"My neckerchief? You think they are going to take my neckerchief?" Merlin couldn't tell if the man in front of him was serious. "I have a look, but that doesn't mean I would put my life in danger for the sake of fashion!" He concluded the ridiculousness of the idea.

"Well what does that leave us with?" George huffed.

"Oh Forge, you dear brother of mine- have we forgotten to use our brain? I think the question we should be asking is how our friend Myron here plans to breathe underwater." Both George and Merlin's eyes widened at that realization.

Merlin thought about it for a moment. He was sure he could find a spell in his book of magic, but he could think of no contemporary methods to enact such a result. Though he was capable of achieving such an effect, Merlin wasn't sure how his audience would respond to his use of ancient magic while his fellow competitors resourced more modern techniques.

"I have no idea." Merlin finally exhaled.

"Well lucky for you Myron, I always have ideas, and that leads me to my next question…" Fred drawled. "Exactly how chummy are you with Professor Snape?"

~:/\:~

Severus Snape was organizing an assortment of herbs for his upcoming class when Merlin knocked on the door. "Come in," the familiar monotone voice resounded on the dungeon walls. It was late, but Merlin knew the potions master would still be up.

"Professor," Merlin greeted. He entered the room slowly, recalling their last encounter. Merlin had been exhausted and overwhelmed, leading him to snap at the man who had done nothing but help cover for him since they met. Taking a deep breath, Merlin lifted his gaze from the ground to look Severus Snape in the eyes. "I'm sorry for my temper the other day, and for not coming to apologize sooner. I've just been so busy with-"

"There is no need for you to apologize, Mr. Emerson. I think we can both agree that your unique situation, whatever it may be, entitles you to a bad day on the occasion." Severus Snape held Merlin's gaze for another few seconds. He then shifted his eyes to Merlin's still sopping wet hair from the bath, giving him a slight raise of the brow before returning to his sorting.

"Thank you." The potions master hummed in passive acknowledgment. Silence pervaded the room as the professor finished his task. Putting the last jar of herbs in place, Severus Snape once again turned to face Merlin.

"However, Mr. Emerson, while I have expressed leniency towards you for what seems obvious reasons, I implore you not to test my trust. Eventually, I will expect answers. I have not pushed you to reveal more of yourself for some time, and while this is partly because I find the magnitude of your power to be deeply alarming, I refuse to enter this war unprepared."

"War, Professor?" Merlin scrunched his brows.

"Evidently. Do not play the fool to me, boy. I have covered for a number of your misadventures, and each time you have returned looking more solemn and conflicted then the last. You look over your shoulders in hallways, retreat to the forbidden forest to escape- don't think I haven't noticed- and it is clear to me that you are afraid. Now, I have come to terms with the fact that you are an extraordinary being with powerful, old magic coursing through your veins. Even you explained your magic to derive directly from the Earth. Since only you seem to be aware of the danger the world is in, I am led to conclude that whatever force threatens us is powerful and can be matched by your power alone."

"What are you implying?"

"What I am stating, irrevocably, Mr. Emerson, is that you will try to face this threat alone. Do not deceive yourself. By keeping your secrets, you are putting everyone in danger. Not only are you limiting yourself by splitting your energy into protecting your true identity, but you are leaving everyone defenseless in their ignorance. There will be a war and there will be casualties, regardless of your intentions. You have the ability to limit the number of people that perish and give them a fighting chance. You owe it to the people, the people who's lives you are fighting for, to tell at least one person. I will help you, unquestioningly, if you give me your word that you will tell me, before it is to late."

Merlin considered the professor's offer. The request and confrontation was a sudden one, but he was right. It was clear this had been a concern of the man's for some time. Merlin had fooled himself into thinking he could do this alone. Then again, he wouldn't actually be alone. He had Kilgharrah… and Arthur, possibly. Yet, even still, it's more then likely Morgana would be coming at him with an army. She had more than a thousand years to plot her revenge, not even Merlin was completely prepared for the threat she posed. If he didn't warn people, their blood would be on his hands. If he did warn them, people would die fighting because he failed to ensure Morgana never returned to wreck havoc on this world. It was too late for that, though. She was back, and Merlin knew better than anyone that in this life, all people have is the ability to choose. He owed people a choice. He needed an ally. "I give you my word that I will reveal myself to you in my entirety when the time is right, so that you may rally the people and prepare them for the strife ahead."

"And you will be allowed to reveal such things?" Severus Snape alluded to one of their earlier conversations.

"I refuse to fulfill a destiny that would force me to stand idly by and watch as innocent people die, not when there is something I can do to prevent it." Merlin's eyes hardened in resolution and determination.

"Very well." The professor bowed his head in respect of Merlin's oath. "As I said, I will help you if it is within my power."

Merlin's hardened exterior quickly dissipated with a grin. "Actually, there is something you could do for me." Severus Snape looked up with a raised eyebrow, but with an unamused expression.

"Oh?"

"That's actually one of the reasons I came here. I need your help with the second task for the tournament."

"Ah, yes. The tournament you inexplicably willed yourself into." The potions master revealed the faintest hint of a smile. "What do you need."

"For once, your area of expertise." Merlin smirked and the professor's face twitched as his smile slightly widened.

"Are you giving the teacher permission to teacher again? How kind."

"Yes, alright, have your fun." Merlin rolled his eyes. "I need you to help me find a way to breath underwater."

"Breathe underwater?"

"Yeah, the second task is in the Black Lake. It took a long time to figure out, but once I got Fred and George to help me-"

"You let those dunderheads help you figure out the task?"

"Well, yes."

"You must have been truly desperate." The professor cracked the joke, and Merlin chuckled.

"I'll have you know they were very helpful, while a bit unconventional. They were the ones who figured out to open the egg underwater. The egg was a type of music box that captured the voice of a merperson. It sang and said something about taking something I'd miss. Whatever it is, I don't think they've taken it yet, but I'll have an hour to retrieve it once the task starts. Since the merpeople live in the Black Lake, I'm almost positive that is where the task will be which means I need to figure out a way to breathe underwater for an hour."

"And this is not within your own ability?"

"Well yeah, of course it is, but as this is an essential part of the task I think it may cause some questions when no one can figure out what spell or potion I used."

"I see."

"Well?"

"Well, what?"

"Can you help me?" Merlin pleaded.

"Gillyweed." Professor Snape walked across the room to a shelf full of jars.

"Excuse me?"

"Gillyweed. It's a magical plant that was first discovered near the Mediterranean Sea. When eaten by a witch or wizard, it will cause gills and webbing between fingers and toes to develop on the individual. It will last long enough for you to complete your task." The potions master found the jar he was looking for and carefully opened it, removing a piece of Gillyweed. He took the plant and placed it in a small bag and brought it back over to Merlin. "Essentially, this will turn you into a fish. It will not be a pleasant experience, but it will do what you need."

Merlin carefully took the bag. "Thank you," He said as he placed it inside his robe's pocket.

"Is there anything else?" Severus Snape awaited tiredly.

"No. I don't think there is anything else at the moment." Merlin wrapped up, shifting his weight between his feet. A few seconds of silence lingered.

"Perhaps it is time for you to return to your dormitory to get some rest. It has, after all, been a long day for you, what with all the dancing and deciphering singing dragon eggs." Merlin chuckled.

"You're probably right. Have a good night, professor."

"Goodnight, Mr. Emerson."

~:/\:~

"Where in Salazar's name have you been?" Merlin stiffened in the dark room at the surprise of the unexpected voice and clumsily tripped over a pile of books he had casually left on the floor to pick up at a later date.

"Draco?" Merlin whispered harshly, trying to push himself up from the floor. Hands grabbed his arm and lifted him up. After another couple seconds of muttering and fumbling, a triumphant exhalation indicated his fallings catalyst's success.

"Lumos." Faint light entered the room. "Of course it's me, you clumsy idiot." Merlin froze as Draco rolled his eyes and moved to sit on the edge of his bed. "Why are you just standing there?"

Merlin blinked several times. He had been caught off guard by the cavalier insult with slight affectionate undertones. Very few people in his life joked with Merlin in such a way. At first, when Merlin had been free to share his life with the people he loved, these fond jeers were made in an abundance. He was the beloved fool, an identity Merlin had not particularly cared for at the time, but would gladly relive in a heartbeat.

There was Gaius who always gave him a disproving lecture about using magic, and then when Merlin did it anyway he got a smack on the head- which actually really hurt and were hardly looked forward to. Still, it came from a place of love and Merlin missed that. The knights all gave Merlin a hard time and taunted him endlessly. Uther even harassed him on multiple occasions about having a mental affliction, although Merlin was sure the late King was more concerned about the service his son was getting. And Arthur. Especially Arthur. No one teased him more than Arthur. Arthur had a list of names he liked to alternate between when referring to Merlin; though not nearly as long of a list as Merlin had for him. Arthur could often be heard shouting strings of adjectives through the halls of the castle, always wondering where his, lazy, girlish, incompetent, late, worthless, annoying, irritating, unbearable, manservant could be found. But by far, Arthur's favorite insult was to call him an idiot. He liked to pair it with his list of add on adjectives. It was always exciting to see what kind of idiot Merlin would be described as each day. Such insults greeted him when he woke Arthur up, and vice versa for when he overslept. It was an odd, aggravating, yet calming and beloved tradition.

Merlin and Arthur went through a lot together. They went on adventures, faced bandits, and conquered magical beasts and mystical forces. They survived wars fighting side by side. They sacrificed themselves for their friends, family, and each other. They became more then brothers. Through the ups and downs, the joy and pain of wounds, betrayal and loved one's deaths, they were always there. Through all of this their banter never faltered, not when their army was vastly outnumbered, not in the face of Morgana, not even during times of self doubt. They lifted each other up through their playful insults. At the end of the day, they could not be broken. They would tease and laugh, giving each other the strength to carry on. Their taunts challenged them to be strong, it reminded them there were still people worth fighting for. These insults gave them a sense of continuity, it grounded them and gave them hope.

Hope. Merlin was in short supply of that these days. He held on firmly to the little he still had, but as time continued his spirit faltered. Coming back to Hogwarts had given him back some of the hope he had lost. He had purpose again. Still, with Morgana's return and no insight about her plans, Merlin's hope was once again dwindling. All he wanted to do was close his eyes and never wake up. He wanted this torture to be over, the pretending, the waiting. He needed a sign, he needed something to reassure his growing concern about Arthur's return.

Merlin assessed the blonde boy sitting before him with his furrowed brows and searching blue eyes. From description, he was similar in physical traits to Arthur, but the resemblance ended there. Draco, while he was a loyal friend, he had much to learn. He was not Arthur. Heat grew in Merlin's chest feeling a flare of annoyance. He was Arthur's idiot, no one else's.

Merlin tried to calm down, trying to remind himself that Draco didn't know any better. He didn't want to overreact. With Draco's appraising eyes still trailing him, Merlin nodded, feigning to shake his head in exhaustion as he moved to his own bedside.

"Are you ok?" Draco looked at him now with concern.

"I'm fine. It's just been a long day." Merlin turned to lay on his back. The sudden rush of nostalgia had taken the last of his energy.

"No kidding. You had to listen to Looney Lovegood talk your head off all evening." Draco chuckled.

"I told you not to call her that." Merlin sighed, too tired to properly chastise Draco for his name calling. "It's not just that."

"What is it?" Draco leaned in interest peaked.

"I figured out the clue in the dragon's egg today." Draco scoffed.

"It's about bloody time! The task is, what? Three days away?"

"Shut up. It's done. I'm completely prepared." Merlin groaned. "Now let me sleep."

"Fine, but I want to know the details in the morning." Draco grumbled.

"Sure, sure, whatever you say." Merlin's voice trailed off as he fell asleep.

~:/\:~

With only one day to go before the second task, Merlin needed all the sleep he could get. Alas, as he tossed and turned in his bed during the early morning, Merlin realized the futileness of his attempts to fall back into his slumber. Giving up, Merlin sat up looking toward the window in an attempt to estimate what ungodly hour he had arisen this time. The moon still shown brightly, and Merlin groaned. Grabbing his robes, Merlin hoisted himself off his bed, slipping on his shoes and making his way to the common room so not to disturb Draco or his other dorm mates.

Merlin groggily shuffled his way to a lone chair stationed in front of the fire place. Roughly sitting down in his sleep deprived haze, Merlin ran his hands over his face trying to come to his senses. Chilled by the dungeon draft, Merlin's eyes flashed gold, lighting the fire. He didn't think to check his surroundings, positive he was the only Slytherin tormented enough to be up before the sun had risen.

Slumping forward in his seat to better feel the heat emanating from the flames Merlin found himself in an ever more frequently occurring existential crisis. Where had the days gone? Why was he chosen for this wearying fate? When would Arthur return?

Arthur. Merlin's throat tightened thinking about his friend, knowing his return was imminent and soon. How much longer would he have to wait for his friend? His brother? The anxiety was a mix of excitement, worry, and fear. He was not afraid of Arthur, not anymore. They had made their peace on the day of Arthur's death. It was the first time he had felt free, wholly accepted and able to be himself. This bliss was quickly tarnished by the agony he felt spurred by sudden mourning. But soon he would return. Merlin would have his friend, and they could finally trust completely in one another as there were no more secrets to wedge them apart.

The prat had centuries beyond the gates of Avalon to contemplate Merlin's magic, so Merlin anticipated Arthur being fully receptive to him. If not, Merlin would spend the time to teach Arthur how magic could be used for good, to prove how good he is. Arthur was worth it. Besides, he had already spent the past seventeen hundred years waiting for Arthur. No matter how long it took Arthur to understand him, it would be time spent together and that in itself was reward enough.

Right now though, Merlin needed to focus himself. He only had a single day before the task and needed to be ready for whatever obstacles the task had in store. He had to be sure to keep himself in check, meaning no eye flashing wandless spells. Magic came instinctually to him, which meant he had to be ready for a threat, modern spells prepared at the tip of his tongue, giving his magic no reason to lash out. He already drew enough attention to himself during the first task when all the dragons came to his defense.

He also couldn't forget about Harry Potter. After all, that boy was the whole reason Merlin was in the tournament, let alone back at school. The boy is in danger, and Merlin must protect him. But how would he be able to keep an eye on him underwater? Merlin wasn't sure. There was so much that could go wrong, but he had to do his best.

Merlin tried to push his frets to the back of his mind, trying to recall the events of the previous day. His mind was still fogged by his tired delirium, and the only image Merlin could conjure in his mind were the incessant pleadings of Draco to reveal the second task in tantalizing graphic detail. Finally, Merlin gave in and told the boy what he knew to shut him up. Draco had smirked smugly at him, feeling victorious in his interrogation.

Shaking his head, Merlin lifted his gaze toward the opposite end of the room where faint outlines of furniture were beginning to take shape. Glancing at the window, Merlin sighed. He had been sitting and thinking for several hours. The sun was rising.

Deciding that he didn't want to be part of the hustle and bustle that flowed through the common room that began once the sun becomes fully visible, Merlin decided to exit the dungeons and traverse the castle.

While thankful to be away from the hyped up Slytherins, Merlin quickly realized simply strolling the castle would not be an option.

"Look, there he is! Myron, you ready for the tournament mate?" A painting Merlin did not recognize called from the wall. Soon, other excited voices chimed in.

"Oi Myron! Over here!"

"Bless his heart, that boy is still just a child."

"Knock 'em dead champ!"

"Win for ol' Slytherin! Make Salazar proud!"

Merlin tried blocking their voices out, but everywhere he went he was beckoned. Finally having enough, Merlin sought solitude in the one place he could think that talking was strictly prohibited.

Making his way into the library Merlin greeted Madam Pince with a nod. She lowered her glasses giving him a pointed look, clearly not elated by his presence for fear of the following mobs. Merlin shrugged off her heavy glare, making his way to the back of the library, ready to enjoy the quiet once more. However, to Merlin's surprise he was not the only person in the library.

"Er… hi." Merlin announced himself. The golden trio sat at a long table before him with books piled high and strewn about, their appearance immensely disheveled.

"Myron!" Hermione gushed in a surprised whisper.

At Hermione's exclamation Harry perked up, jerking upward and looking around disoriented. It was clear that he had dozed off. "Oh, hi Myron, you startled me." Harry's face reddened in embarrassment.

Merlin glanced toward Ron who was out cold. His arm was flung over the side of his chair while his head lolled backwards. He had a book on teetering on his lap, threatening to slide off onto the floor. Following his gaze Hermione turned toward Ron. Her face contorted from surprise to a look of aggravation. Grabbing a book from a pile, Hermione slapped Ron's shoulder with it.

"Agh! I swear I didn't do it mum!" Ron jolted awake taking in his surrounding. Both Merlin and Harry chuckled while Hermione kept a stern composure. "Ouch." Ron said scowling and rubbing his arm. "What was that for 'Mione that really hurt!"

"Honestly, Ronald! You need to focus. We only have a day to help Harry prepare for this task and you are no use asleep." She scolded.

"Not much use awake either." Ron grumbled still clutching his arm. Looking toward Harry Ron pulled back his sleeve. "Think it will leave a bruise?" Harry rolled his eyes.

"I think you're good."

"Bloody madwoman this one is." Ron scooted his chair out of Hermione's reach.

"I am still here you know." Hermione interjected.

"Yeah, yeah." Ron continued to pout. Seconds of uncomfortable silence followed before Ron noticed the forth presence in the room. "Oh, hey Myron. What are you doing here?"

Before Merlin could respond Madam Pince's sharp shushing resounded through the library. Needing to close the distance to communicate, Merlin gestured to a nearby chair asking permission to join them. Hermione gave him a curt nod and he pulled up his chair to their table.

"Hi." Merlin said again awkwardly.

Hermione smiled. "Hello Myron. What does bring you here?"

"Oh, you know, trying to escape the common room rush. I wasn't in the mood for backhanded compliments today." Merlin said thinking about the resentment many of the Slytherins' still had toward him.

Hermione nodded again. Next to her, Harry's eyes suddenly brightened. "Hey, Myron. Did you figure out the clue?"

"Harry! You can't just go asking the other champions for help. Part of the challenge is you have to figure this out on your own!" Hermione reprimanded.

"And you aren't helping me?" Harry rolled his eyes.

"That's different. Ron and I are not your competitors."

"Well, I just figured, what's the harm in asking? We have been here all night and I am exhausted Hermione. If you have any sudden brilliant ideas, I would love to hear them." Hermione folded her arms across her chest.

"You know I've been doing everything I can to help you in this tournament."

Harry sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm just so tired and these books are all completely useless and-"

"Actually, if I may cut in…" Merlin cut Harry off. "I'd like to help you out if I can, to pay you back for the dragon tip off during the first task."

"That would be greatly appreciated." Harry grinned.

"So, how far have you gotten?" Merlin inquired.

Moving all the books away from him, Harry now sat comfortably in his seat. "Well, after the twins helped you they clued me in about the under water bit, so I've got the clue. I just can't find a way to breathe underwater." Merlin nodded.

"Yeah, that took me a while to figure out. I had to do my own asking around, but eventually I convinced Professor Snape to clue me in. Told him I would stop teaching his class if he didn't help me out." Merlin winked, indicating his joke. The trio laughed.

"Bloody hell, this guy takes on multiple dragons and tames the slimy git? You're my hero." Ron spoke in awe and gest. Merlin laughed, but did not respond to Ron's comments.

Steering the conversation back on course Harry brought back Merlin's attention to him. "Are you allowed to share what Professor Snape told you?"

"I don't see why not. He gave me some gillyweed from his personal collection. Basically you eat the plant and you sprout gills and become a fish for a limited amount of time."

"But you got it from Snape's private collection?" Harry groaned. "Thanks Myron, but there is no way I'll ever be able to get that."

Knowing that his number one priority was to protect Harry, Merlin sighed and reached into his pocket. "Here, take mine."

"No I can't do that. You need it for the task tomorrow!" Harry refused to take the gillyweed from Merlin's hand.

"Harry, really. It's fine. It won't be hard for me to get more. Professor Snape has really been enjoying his free periods and I really doubt he'd want to lose his teaching replacement. Just take it, please." Merlin shoved it into Harry's hand.

"Thank you Myron. You have no idea how much you just helped me."

"Yeah, well, I want strong competition. I expect you to bring your 'A' game and stay on your toes." Harry nodded enthusiastically, and Merlin was happy to have slipped his words of caution into the conversation, even if it manifested itself as a challenge. Whatever kept Harry alive and well would be good enough.

Merlin spent the rest of the day in the library with the three Gryffindors. They used their time to study potentially useful spells and trying to determine obstacles that may await them in the lake. Ron, who was particularly uninterested in immersing himself in more books, made food runs, smuggling food from the Great Hall. They ate while they worked, making occasional jokes in their hushed voices, trying to defuse the tension in the air that grew as the hours counting to the task dwindled.

As evening drew nearer, Fred and George entered their study space. "Ah, look Gred! The two Hogwarts champions working together."

"Truly brings tears to my eyes, Forge." The twins smirked at them and made themselves comfortable, pulling up two spare chairs.

Ron scoffed. "Never thought I'd see the two of you in the library."

"Then you don't know us at all dear brother." The one Merlin assumed to be Fred spoke.

"For you see, to be a good prankster one must be unpredictable."

"Which means we cannot adhere to such patterns of predictability."

"No day is like another."

"We change it up, see."

"So your notion that we would never come to the library-"

"Is entirely flawed."

"It is predictably unpredictable."

"Our presence is unexpected."

"Which makes it the perfect place for us to be."

"On a contingent basis."

"Got to keep everyone guessing." They concluded in sync.

Ron rolled his eyes grumbling to himself. "Mental they are."

"What are you both doing here?" Merlin turned towards the twins.

"Myron our dear friend! How good it is to see you again. Hope you're ready for tomorrow. As much as enjoy spending time with you…"

"McGonagall sent us here to collect our nitwit brother and the reason he hasn't flunked out of school yet."

Hermione flushed. "Honestly."

"Well, come along Granger. Whatever McGonagall wanted it seemed important. The two of you should get going." One of the twins beckoned.

"What does she want with them?" Harry questioned.

"No idea. She just grabbed us in the hall-rough grip, really thought her hands would be softer-"

"But she just pulled us aside and promoted us to the temporary escorts of the brainy bird and questionable specimen."

"And since we were curious and have no desire to get on the wrong side of our head of house we decided to comply."

"Alright." Harry frowned. "I guess I'll see you both later." Hermione hugged Harry.

"Don't worry. We will meet you in the common room later."

"See ya, Harry." Ron waved.

The twins, Hermione and Ron exited the library. "I guess that interruption was a good stopping point. We should probably call it a day. See you at the lake, Myron." Harry packed up his stuff and left. Merlin decided to do the same.

When Merlin walked into his dorm room he nearly clonked heads with a familiar blond. "Draco!" He announced in surprise.

Draco stumbled backwards. "Merlin's beard! Don't do that to me. I nearly hexed you." Merlin internally cringed at the phrase his legacy inspired.

"Sorry." Merlin walked through the threshold no longer blocked by the boy. "Where are you heading?"

"Professor Snape wanted to see me about something. Haven't got a clue what he wants. Are you turning in for the night?" Merlin nodded. "Well, we can talk more when I get back. Professor Snape doesn't like to be kept waiting." And with that he left.

Merlin waited for Draco to return. He didn't come back.

~:/\:~

When Merlin woke in the morning there was still no sign of Draco. Worried, Merlin got dressed, making sure to grab the spare Gillyweed he convinced Professor Snape to give him on his way back to the dorm the previous evening. He made his way to the Great Hall hoping to find his friend at the table.

The Great Hall was lit in an excited commotion. His presence only added fuel to their jitters. Looking around, Merlin still couldn't see Draco. Merlin maneuvered his way through the crowd and spotted Harry. Catching his eye, Harry beckoned him closer.

"Myron! Hey! Have you seen Hermione or Ron? I can't find them anywhere." Merlin shook his head.

"I can't find Draco either." Harry didn't exhibit nearly as much concern for his friend as Merlin did his, but Harry still nodded in understanding.

"Where do you think they could be?" Harry groaned. "I mean, you don't think…"

Merlin quickly came to the same conclusion and muttered under his breath. "Yeah, I do. I think we have to save them." On that note, Professor Dumbledore announced it was time for the champions to start heading over to the Black Lake before the spectators began filling the stands.

Walking side by side with Harry, Merlin felt his heartbeat quicken. He had grabbed a roll and a piece of fruit to go, but was having trouble eating it due to both his fast pace and nerves. Now Merlin had to worry not just about Harry, but his friends too.

When they arrived Fleur and Viktor were already there. Ludo Bagman waited for them to get situated before he delved into the big reveal. "Ah, welcome. Welcome. I hope you are all prepared for this task. Now, something dear has been taken from each of you. The treasure in which you seek is being held captive in the merpeople's village which you must discover. You must retrieve your treasure, lest it be lost, in the time frame of one hour. You will wait for the sound-off before initiating any spell work and beginning your task. Best of luck to each of you."

Merlin and Harry shared a worried glance. As the crowds filled the stands, Ludo Bagman pointed his want to his throat, "Sonorus!" His voice was amplified as he explained to everyone what the task entailed. Merlin got ready, holding the gillyweed in his hand. Harry did the same.

"Good luck." Merlin smiled at Harry.

"You too." Harry returned his smile, although it didn't quite meet his eyes.

The horn went off. Merlin thrust the gillyweed in his mouth, gagging on its bitter taste. It was rough to chew, but finally he swallowed and jumped in the water. The water was cold on his skin and his eyes burned. The transformation was slow, but Merlin was sure when it was complete. The water was no longer cold to his touch. He gulped it in and could feel his body responding as it would to air.

Merlin's body now moved through the water with ease, no longer feeling the pressure build up behind his ears. The cheers from the crowd disappeared the deeper into the water Merlin went, leaving him in absolute silence. Now that he was adjusted he began searching the water for Harry. They had leapt in different directions, and even though Merlin could see underwater now it was still murky. Feeling the panic return, Merlin decided that the best course of action would be to find the hostages. Harry would be heading in that direction.

Merlin swam aimlessly for what seemed like hours but couldn't have been more than twenty minutes. Finally, he began to see signs of what looked like civilization. He moved between decayed columns that displayed remnants of mer-architecture.

Then he saw them. Harry had beaten him there. Merlin prepared to join Harry near the hostages, but stopped behind a pillar. Reason set in and Merlin knew he had to wait. The mer-people would sense his power and he wasn't sure he could trust them not to reveal his identity in front of others. He assessed the situation.

The hostages seemed to be under some sort of enchanted sleep charm. They floated unconscious and unaware in the water bogged down by ropes that were wrapped around their midriffs. Harry was searching the water frantically. Surrounding Harry was a mass of merfolk, luckily keeping their focus on the boy.

Suddenly Viktor Krum, who had transfigured the upper half of his body into a shark, jetted through the water past Harry, chomping down on the rope that trapped Hermione, freeing her. Without hesitation, Viktor claimed his treasure and swam away with her, leaving both himself and Harry a little surprised.

With Hermione headed toward safety that left Ron, Draco, and a young girl who couldn't be older than twelve. Merlin waited. Time had to be nearly up, but Harry wasn't leaving. He could see the boy glancing at the other hostages with worry. Merlin realized Harry wasn't going to leave until he was sure they were all safe. That meant Harry had to rescue Draco.

Merlin repressed his magic as much as he could, trying to disguise himself as he swam into the swarm of mer-people. Harry looked at him relieved and gestured his head toward Draco. Merlin nodded, affirming that the Slytherin was his to save. Harry then nodded to the girl. Merlin shrugged. He didn't know who she was, only who's she was to save.

Keeping his back to the mer-people Merlin tried to signal to Harry to leave but the boy shook his head. He kept motioning toward the girl. Frowning, Merlin went to go free her. He would just take her and Draco if Fleur didn't show up. Harry grabbed his arm with webbed hands like his own and shook his head more forcefully. He pointed at the mer-people and Merlin snuck a glance. When Merlin had turned toward the girl the merfolk moved closer, tritons and other weapons raised. Merlin understood then that they would only be allowed to save their one.

They waited together for Fleur, but she never came. Taking one more glance at the mer-people Merlin knew he didn't have a choice. Urgently tugging on Harry's arm to get his attention knowing the gillyweed would not last much longer, Merlin looked back at the girl then back to Harry pointing from him to her. He then gestured to the mer-people and pointed to himself. Giving Harry a pointed look he began mouthing a countdown. He would be Harry's distraction to get both the girl and Ron out. Harry seemed to understand and nodded.

Three… Two… One… Harry blasted Ron's rope with a stream of light, casting some non-verbal spell. Moving quickly, he repeated the process on the young girl's rope. The mer-people were enraged and they raised their weapons charging at Harry. Harry froze, looking at Merlin, but Merlin shaking his head with urgency contorted his face while mouthing for Harry to go. Not looking too happy, but understanding, Harry grabbed the hand of both Ron and the girl and began to swim away from the mer-people toward the surface.

The merfolk were gaining on Harry, but Merlin wouldn't let that happen. He unbound his repressed power. There was a shift in the lake's atmosphere. Those chasing Harry froze. Luckily, the boy was too focused on swimming to turn back. Slowly the merfolk turned toward him, almost disbelieving.

"Emrys." A voice sang, and soon it became a chorus. "Emrys." They swam toward him. Weapons were lowered in curiosity.

"Leave my friend alone." Merlin spoke. He used his magic to allow his voice to translate in the water.

"We abide by the rules of the tournament. Your friend did not." Merlin stood his ground.

"And I am telling you that my friend will not be harmed." The effect of his unspoken threat was immediate. Many of merfolk were murmuring to one another, turning to their leader, of whom Merlin had just been conversing with. He seemed to be sizing Merlin up and evaluating his power. Merlin's eyes flashed gold as he lifted his wand and it transfigured back into it's original sidhe staff for effect. He asserted himself more firmly. "You will leave him alone." And glancing at Draco, Merlin added, "And I will be taking him with me."

"Very well." He conceded and bowed to Merlin. The rest of the mer-people followed his action.

"Thank you." Merlin acknowledged. "I expect you not to speak of this encounter to anyone. My identity must remain hidden."

"As you wish." The mer-people were not particularly friendly, and Merlin could tell they were only humoring him because of their fear of his power.

Merlin began swimming his way to Draco when a glint of gold caught his eye. It glistened beyond the stone made temple. Looking at the merfolk, Merlin threw them an incriminatingly skeptic look. He left Draco to wade in the water, sure no harm would come to the boy, to inspect what must be a trick of his imagination.

As he swam closer the object began to take form. The gold was distinct and upon realization Merlin's breath caught in his throat. He knew that gold. It was gold forged in a dragon's breath. He knew that shape. It was a sword. It called to him from the mantle in which it adorned. He knew that sword. "Excalibur." Merlin breathed.

Merlin swam faster and faster until the sword was within his reach. His heart pounded more heavily than it had in centuries. His eyes blurred momentarily as tears swelled in his eyes. He blinked and the water around him swept them away. Ever so slowly, Merlin reached for the sword. His fingers brushed the hilt. It felt warm. It swelled with familiar power, his own and Kilgharrah's. He closed his eyes as he wrapped his hands around it. His emotions were overwhelming him. His magic had been repressed for so long, and he had only unbound it temporarily, but holding the powerful sword it was too much.

Unable to hold it in, Merlin yelled as his magic tore through him, reverberating throughout the depths of the lake. The force of it leveled the temple which he waded, sending waves of energy outward, no doubt sending waves crashing into the stands of people. At the moment Merlin couldn't bother to care.

As the pain of his magic tearing through his body dissipated, Merlin swam back to the gaping merfolk with Excalibur held tightly in his grasp. "Where did you get this." Merlin demanded.

"It was a gift. One we will not permit you to take." Their leader hissed in harsh song.

"A gift from who?" His voice was still hoarse from his prior torment.

"It is not your-"

"FROM WHO!" The water around them bubbled.

"A woman brought it to us. She was very powerful. She was concealing some of her power, how much we cannot say, but she brought us this sword to safeguard. Probably from the likes of you." Their leader seethed.

"Morgana." Merlin cursed under his breath. "She wanted me to find this. It was never yours. You were just part of her game. She knows. She knows about Hogwarts and the tournament and wanted to show me how easily she could invade the places I consider safe. She wants to get inside my head." He spoke to himself, but say the others listening out of the corner of his eyes.

Morgana was taunting him. She wasn't ready to make her move yet, but she certainly wasn't wasting time. She was putting all the pieces together, setting up the board for the game she engineered. But why would she give him Excalibur? Unless she had something more powerful, but still. This was Arthur's weapon…

No. She couldn't. No. He wouldn't have missed it. No. But it made sense. No. How could destiny let this happen. NO!

Merlin sliced Draco's rope with Excalibur. He grabbed the boy and thrust the sword to the surface, using his magic to speed him up. How had this happened? How did he miss the signs!? Of course Morgana didn't need Excalibur anymore. She didn't want it anywhere near her and giving it to him was surely her declaration of war.

The Once and Future King had returned and Morgana had him.

~:/\:~

How about epic? I owed you guys this one. I'm really looking forward to hearing your feedback. Let me know what you think! Things are getting pretty intense. I'm looking forward to writing this next part. What will Severus Snape think about this turn of events?

Your support means everything to me. Thank you all so much for reading!