Chapter Text
On a hot summer day, a black-haired boy slumped on the bed and looked sound asleep. In his hand, a pair of round glasses pressed against a newspaper, and the paper spread out with moving pictures... This was not a newspaper from the Muggle world.
On the front page, the headline: You-Know-Who is back... Fantasy or Reality, was printed in dramatic big fonts; on the side, the second page was also a similar topic; Another piece of paper fell to the ground, and it said: Albus Dumbledore emphasizing the importance of unity.
On the other side of the room was a huge bird cage, in which a snow-white owl was staring at the sleeping master displeased, occasionally stepping on the iron frame like a protest. The boy didn't wake up because of this, he just mumbled in his sleep and rolled over.
There was an extra piece of newspaper under the birdcage. Since most of it was covered, only part of the text could be seen: Porter won the Triwizard Tournament. However, at the awards ceremony, the headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus Dumbledore revealed what happened in the third task and claimed that You-Know-Who was back that night. Many people have doubts about the veracity of this matter. According to Dumbledore, the witnesses to the whole thing were two students, Potter and another disqualified champion, Milvin Emrys. Are the words of the two teenagers really believable? Whether or not……
Next half of the newspaper was submerged under the iron cage, and was stained with a little dirt.
◎◎◎
Far away in the countryside on the other side of England, a man with golden hair was reading the same newspaper. He frowned and turned to the page "Death Eater Attacks? Inventory of Recent Disappearances and Attacks", which was describing the debate between the two factions. One side argues that there's no more crime than it used to be in the wizarding world, and that it's all just psychological; while the other side points to the suspicious aspects of the recent attack, which they see as a sign of the return of You-Know-Who.
Scrolling down another page, more than half of the page was taken up by a discussion article, analyzing why the return of the Dark Lord was a fabricated falsehood. However, right below that article, another column describes the unusual in the magical world, and the irresistible connection with the return to You-Know-Who.
"Leon, Ethel asked if you wanted to be at the party, it's a beautiful full moon after all." A youth's voice came from outside the tent, causing the blond man to raise his head and put down the newspaper.
"Yes, just a moment." After sorting the scattered papers a little, the man called Leon snapped his fingers, extinguished the magic ball of light suspended above, and stuffed the wand back into the loose druid robe. Opening the curtain, the black-haired youth was smiling at him.
"Reading?" asked Merlin, taking the lead. "I thought you said you're done."
"I did read that one," Leon replied, keeping up. "but there are at least twenty books in that set...I think."
"Still like Murder on the Orient Express the most?"
"Yep." The knight agreed briefly, then added, "But I wasn't reading a book, I was reading newspaper."
"Ah." The warlock made a sound of understanding, but did not continue the conversation.
"Looks like the wizarding world is splitting into two very distinct factions." said Leon. "The Ministry of Magic still refuses to acknowledge Voldemort's return, but can't deny it either... afraid of Dumbledore or something. I think Fudge does see the truth, but at the same time avoiding admitting. "
"In just a few minutes I've seen Fudge, I can only say that I'm not surprised," Merlin replied, walking through the path between the trees. "and the wizarding world... well, it's as blind as the past."
"I want to go back and have a look."
The warlock stopped. In the shadows, his expression was hard to see.
After a while, Merlin continued to walk forward, and the fire in front of him gradually became visible.
"Do as you wish, Leon, you know I'm not going to stop you or anything."
"Yeah," the knight agreed, "but you won't particularly follow me."
"You are the only person in the world who is older than me. You can take care of yourself." The open space appeared in front of them, around the campfire, a lot of food and drinks were already placed. Many druids noticed the approach of the two and smiled and bowed to greet them. Merlin paused for a moment, then spoke again before entering the crowd. "Just… be careful, try not to die, or let me have to pull you out from somewhere."
"You can talk." Leon raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah yeah." The warlock waved his hand. "Let's first enjoy this night, the moonlight is beautiful."
◎◎◎
Druid's party was quiet and peaceful. Sometimes they sing old ballads and exchange stories and tales from around the world, but no drums, no laughs.
It was a special occasion, and druids from the rest of the UK came here as well. Occasionally, a few unfamiliar druids would come to Merlin with shyness or respect and talked to him. As the Druid's guardian, Merlin sometimes visits other tribes and has more or less friendship with the elders of the various regions. Already some druids have opted for a more modern lifestyle, living in cities or towns, and they also tend to offer newer stories and news at parties.
"Speaking of which," Merlin whispered to Leon in a quiet interval, "you said you are going back to the wizarding world... You know I don't have any opinion against it, and I don't mind you interfering in their disputes. But you have to be careful. I've seen Voldemort, and I do think he's got a bit of touch of the ancient religion."
"I thought ancient magic had disappeared in the magic world."
"Indeed." The warlock looked at the campfire in front of him. "He uses some magic transform from the ancient religion, twisted and dirty spells... But it is undeniable that this makes him stronger than a normal wizard."
"How powerful is he?" Leon asked curiously.
Merlin pondered for a while.
"Only in terms of magic power, he is better than you. Duel experience and magic knowledge are obviously not weak, but I think his flexibility is not as good as you." He finally said, "If you fight him, the outcome is unknown."
"Noted."
"Though it's not really immortal... Voldemort has an advantage that is very similar to ours." After a while, Merlin added. "He made some Horcruxs. It was a magic transform from the ancient charms, splitting his own soul, so that he would not be restricted by the physical body... a very disgusting spell."
"These Dark Lords, each year is getting worse on the standard." Leon shook his head.
"There is another person you need to pay extra attention to." added Merlin. "Albus Dumbledore, known as the most outstanding wizard and the headmaster of Hogwarts today."
"What's up with him?"
"Cunning guy, magical abilities are comparable to Riddle... I can't tell which of them is stronger." The warlock paused and said. "He discovered my true identity."
"Really?" Leon raised his eyebrow, "How did he find out?"
"You can blame Godric."
"And why am I not surprised."
It is almost midnight. The full moon rose directly overhead, brighter than the gradually weakening ditch fire. Some had already left or slept, and the rest were mostly adults of the tribe, enjoying the night in peace.
Seeing a little girl (Mia) in the camp with her eyes wide open and somewhat bored, Merlin quietly created the illusion of a few dolphins from the fire, which made her laugh in amazement.
Leon smiled slightly, looking at the harmonious scenery. He'll miss these when he returns to the wizarding world.
A flash of fire caught the knight's attention. He was a little used to it, but Merlin clearly wasn't. The appearance of the phoenix made the warlock startled and almost jumped up.
"Fawkes?"
Phoenix is one of the few creatures that can freely enter and leave the camp. Apparently, the ancient bird was not limited by the surrounding defensive spells. The noble creature landed on Merlin's lap, raising one foot to reveal the letter tied to it.
"Who would use a phoenix to send letters..." muttered Merlin, causing Leon to laugh.
"Oh, that bloody wanker!"
"Merlin!" scolded Leon in shock. "Watch your language!"
"Yes, sorry." Merlin glanced at Mia awkwardly, making sure the child didn't hear it, and then handed the letter. "Look."
The knight quickly scanned the italicized words above, and understood a little why the warlock would swear.
"You coming?" The young man stood up, looking a little angry, "I'm going to Hogwarts."
"Yes," said Leon quickly, "so you don't accidentally kill someone."
"Under such circumstances, I really agree with you..." Merlin shook his head, "Fawkes, if you don't mind, I'd rather not use my Apparition."
The bird chirped softly and jumped on his shoulder. The two joined hands and let the Phoenix teleport them to Hogwarts.
◎◎◎
"Merlin's beard" was, as expected, the first word to greet them. The two appeared out of thin air in the headmaster office at Hogwarts, staring murderously (mainly Merlin) at the people in front of them.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Dumbledore's cheerful smile, and Merlin muttered in his heart.
I'll deal with you later, old man.
"Cornelius Fudge, dear Lord Minister." The warlock stepped forward, walking straight to the short Minister of Magic. "What makes you think you can send someone to interfere at Hogwarts?"
"What the hell... Dumbledore, what is he doing here?" yelled Fudge. "Control your Phoenix!"
"Sorry, but Fawkes did grant my request." said the headmaster happily. "Send a letter to Mr. Emrys."
"Send a letter to... he's just a student! Does he need to be in this discussion?" Fudge raised his voice, turning to Merlin. "What do you want? It's none of your business!"
"It's none of my business?" Merlin laughed angrily. "You planning to send a teaching inspector to Hogwarts? This is 100% my business!"
"You're a student!" Fudge emphasized again. "A graduate student...a student who's only been here for a year!"
"I don't know if you've got water in your head or something. I don't care if you haven't issued a statement confirming Voldemort's return. Now you want to...I don't know, control the school?" Merlin stared at him, his voice dangerously low, "Others are none of my business, but this is way too much."
"Who do you think you are to question the decision of the Ministry of Magic like that?" shouted the Minister, facing the headmaster again, "Dumbledore, what are you playing? For Merlin's sake, you are the headmaster! Why called a student here?"
The coincidence of the choice of words made Leon burst out laughing, and the four founders also fell while laughing silently in the portrait. The other headmasters who heard the conversation that night covered their faces, trying to hide their expressions as if they didn't dare to offend anyone.
Dumbledore was obviously amused by the phrase, but he didn't say anything about it.
"Cornelius, trust me, Mr. Emrys has more to say in this matter than I do."
"What the hell?"
"I own this school, genius." Merlin refrained laughing and said from behind, causing the man to turn around abruptly. "Go and see the title deed at Gringotts, or the statement tucked in some corner of the headmaster's office... this castle is mine, Minister."
"Yours? Hogwarts is a school!"
"A private school." said Dumbledore happily.
"A private school, and it has the right to be free from government interference since hundreds of years ago." Merlin agreed, looked around, gave up eventually searching and took out his wand, "School rules, Accio!"
With a bang, a photo frame in a corner fell off the wall and flew to the young man's hands.
"Look." Turning the whole picture frame to the rest, Merlin said, "Article 5, Hogwarts refuses to accept any government interference and inspection unless the headmaster or staff have major violations of the law, or students have reported abuse, prohibited charm classes. Minister, if you look closely at the Ministry of Magic's Education Regulations, there are similar regulations for private schools."
Fudge could only stare blankly at the school rules.
"Right, Cornelius, I believe that your idea of arranging a teacher to Hogwarts is probably impossible." said Dumbledore gently, "Don't worry, the teachers at Hogwarts have always tried their best, and the students will be in a well learning environment.”
"You're really mad..." The Minister of Magic shook his head. "Dumbledore, you're so stupid that you're willing to let a boy above you."
"With all due respect, Minister." Professor McGonagall, who had never participated in the conversation, said with some displeasure, "The ownership of Hogwarts has been inherited since the establishment of the school, and the Emrys family has never intervened in the school's affairs over the years...Compared to that, what you are doing, Minister, is even more unreasonable."
Fudge's face was flushed, but he couldn't find a word to refute.
"I think that's the end of today's discussion." said the headmaster cheerfully, "Cornelius, if you really find something illegal at the school, please come with a search warrant or some other legitimate means, and I will welcome it. ."
"Very well," the Minister of Magic repeated angrily. "Very well."
After that, he strode into the stove and disappeared into the green flames.
Dumbledore even waved at the vanished back before turning to the two of them.
"Mr. Emrys, you haven't introduced your friend yet."
"Professor Dumbledore, I believe?" Leon took a step forward and said kindly, "Leon Knight, Milvin's uncle."
"Ah, yes, Mr. Knight." The headmaster nodded. "The admissions documents are indeed marked. Mr. Knight, this is Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmastress at Hogwarts."
"Nice to meet you." The two simply shook hands.
"Okay, the chat is over." Merlin folded his arms on his chest, staring at Dumbledore, "How do you know Fawkes can find me?"
"Ms. Ravenclaw vaguely mentioned this when the Minister came to talk about related matters." Dumbledore replied with a smile, causing Merlin to turn his gaze to the founder above. Pretending to be asleep again, of course.
"Rowena, stop pretending," the warlock scolded, "I know it's you guys, tell me how to cancel the admission notice."
"Mr. Emrys..." Professor McGonagall wanted to say something, but was interrupted by an uncontrollable laugh.
" Godric!" Ravenclaw could only open her eyes, staring helplessly at his laughing companion.
"I knew it was you!"
"Okay, Professor Dumbledore, please erase Emrys from the admission list." said Hufflepuff amusingly, "You know that piece of paper that automatically fills in the freshman list every year? Just at the left corner."
" Helga, why did you give in so easily?" Gryffindor complained.
"Don't be childish, Gryffindor, this prank has been going on long enough."
"Yeah yeah, Salazar, don't pretend you're not the person who first proposed! "
Dumbledore took the admission list from the office cabinet, and sure enough, in the left corner, he found a neat Emrys written in permanent ink in small print. Professor McGonagall watched with a puzzled look on his face.
With a tap of the wand, the name finally disappeared. Merlin grimaced at this.
"So..." Maybe decided not to ask, Professor McGonagall hesitated to bring up another topic and looked directly at the young man, "How does this whole thing work? Does the school administration need to report to Emryses?"
Merlin shook his head, "No, Professor McGonagall. As the four founders said, the Emrys family basically don't interfere with the school. Unless, of course, there is a major scandal or violation."
"Noted."
"Speaking of administration, we're currently short of another Defence Against the Dark Arts professor." Dumbledore put the list back in place, and said with some distress. "Cornelius originally used a candidate from the Ministry of Magic to occupy this position, so we could not find new candidates... not to mention the lack of willingness to take the job."
"Oh?" Leon made a voice of interest, which made Merlin cover his face, "Leon, don't say..."
"You know what, Milvin, I think I can apply!"
The warlock let out a groan.
"Professor Dumbledore, are you still using a duel to decide the candidates for this class?" Turning to the headmaster, Leon asked enthusiastically.
"A duel…?"
"What he means was, actual combat." Merlin corrected quickly, glaring at the knight commander, who nodded obediently, "Yes, actual combat."
"You know, maybe it is a good idea," said Dumbledore thoughtfully. " Minerva, what do you think?"
"Albus, don't you think this is a little reckless?" Professor McGonagall said with a slight objection.
"Well, I can also apply through due process." said Leon politely. "Write a letter first, right?"
"That wouldn't be necessary," replied the headmaster. "Why don't you have a simple interview here. Minerva, if you have any doubts, you might as well stay and watch."
"I'm leaving." Merlin groaned. "Fawkes, if you don't mind..."
With that said, the phoenix landed on the young man's shoulders and led him out of the headmaster's office with a burst of fire.
"Okay, please sit down, Mr. Knight. Why don't we start with your teaching experience?"
◎◎◎
In another corner of England, the forest at night was full of echoing bird calls, and the shadows clawed deeply. Beneath the thick foliage, an old mansion stood, with faint lights shining inside.
A pale figure stood alone at the table, staring down at the spread out newspaper... It was a report from few months ago, several champions of the Trieizard Tournament showed stiff smiles in the photo.
He saw himself reaching out and gently touching the dark-haired youth in the photo, fingers slender and ghostly pale.
"Emrys..." His voice was hoarse and deadly like a snake.
Then he raised his head, in the front mirror, blood-red, slender greedy eyes looked back.
Harry screamed, clutching his stinging scar, and slammed off the bed.