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Harry drifted off to sleep. Along the path he was travelling he lifted his head to find a village. There were both men and women toiling in the fields knelt down with dirt covering their clothes.
He continued down the path he was travelling before his surroundings started to blur and then he found himself in the middle of a room.
It was medieval-like and he could see two people inside the room.
One of the men was a blond man with square shoulders and clear blue eyes. The other man felt familiar somehow. He had brown wavy hair and ocean blue eyes.
They both seemed to be talking about something Harry could barely decipher. Then, in an instant they turned around to stare in his reaction.
At first he had assumed they were looking somewhere in his general direction. But their gazes were too piercing, like they were looking directly at him.
No….they were looking directly at him.
“Wait. You can….you can see me?”, Harry asked in disbelief.
In an instant he was met with a sword to his throat.
“Stop it Arthur! We don’t know who he is yet don’t just kill him!”, one of the men exclaimed.
The other man — Arthur….? continued to hold the blade to his throat. Though Arthur… that name did sound familiar.
“You’ve lost your head Merlin! This boy is an intruder who seems to have just suddenly appeared!”, Arthur called out.
What….? Merlin? As in the great wizard Merlin that Harry knew? No… it couldn’t be.
The Merlin that stood in front of him was nothing like the old bearded wizard he’d seen in pictures.
“Just give the boy a chance, sire! Maybe he wandered off this way or something!”, Merlin answered.
Arthur narrowed his eyes on Harry. “Well then what are you waiting for? Speak!”.
Harry now realised this wasn’t some elaborate prank. They could actually see him.
“Um Sir Arthur…and Sir Merlin I apologise. I must have taken a wrong turn”.
At Harry’s response they both looked at him confused and looked him up and down more carefully.
“Your attire… I don’t believe I’ve ever seen it before”, Arthur noted.
Harry looked down and saw he was wearing his robes. Merlin looked at him attentively as if trying to pay attention to what he wore. Something seemed to flicker in Merlin’s eyes when Harry’s eyes met his.
“I believe this boy just lost his way. He's probably new around here. I’ll guide him to the servants quarters”, Merlin said.
Harry quietly followed behind Merlin in disbelief. Surely this was all a dream right? But it all felt so real….
“Who are you? What’s your name?”, Merlin asked as he closed the doors behind them. This didn’t look like the servants quarters; instead there were books on shelves and potions littering the table.
“My name is Harry. Harry Potter”, he answered. “Who are you?”, Harry asked.
“You’ll answer my questions first. Harry Potter huh? I’ve never heard of you before or seen you around here”, Merlin said, narrowing his eyes.
Now Harry was confused. He moved his hands to his pockets for his wand when he was thrown against the wall. He looked up to see Merlin with his hands outstretched and his eyes a now golden hue.
“Don’t make any sudden moves and I’ll let you go”, Merlin said.
Harry’s eyes widened in shock. Was he really not dreaming? No — he couldn’t be. It all felt too real. The pressure that was pressing against him disappeared when he quietly nodded his head. He almost collapsed to the ground before catching himself.
Harry couldn’t believe this. That power….
That was a power he hadn’t ever felt before and he could feel how strong it was.
Was this….
Was this man in front of him truly Merlin? As in the great wizard Merlin?
The one Hermione mentioned was the most powerful wizard in history?
“Now answer my question. Do you have magic and what is your purpose here?”, Merlin asked.
Harry found himself speechless. How on earth did he end up here? He could believe he ended up in medieval times and was now face to face with the Merlin.
But…..why was he being interrogated about his magic? Was this not a time when magic flourished freely? At least that’s what he could remember.
Harry knew lying would be futile. He was sure Merlin could sense his magic.
“Yes. I do have magic. My purposes are pure”, Harry answered.
Merlin narrowed his eyes sharply. “How do I believe your purposes aren’t impure? I don’t recognise your clothing or that thing you’re wearing over your eyes. Where are you from?”.
The thing over his eyes? Was he talking about his glasses? His clothes….they did look out of place here. Should he just tell the truth? Merlin probably already somewhat guessed he wasn’t from around here.
Harry sighed. “For Merlin’s sake”, he muttered.
“What was that?”, Merlin asked perplexed.
“Er — Look Sir Merlin…I don’t know if you’ll believe me if I tell you”, Harry said.
“I’ve seen my fair share of unbelievable just tell me”, Merlin said.
“Okay then”, Harry paused, “I’m from the distant future”.
Merlin’s eyes widened in shock. Harry could tell he was trying to register what was just said.
“W-what?”, Merlin sputtered, “The future?”.
Harry sighed. “Believe me Sir Merlin I can hardly believe it myself. I was dreaming and then was brought here”, he explained.
“The distant future….”, Merlin trailed off, “Guess that does explain your odd attire and that thing over your eyes. But why do you keep calling me Sir Merlin?”.
Harry remained quiet. Was it really okay to just tell him? Messing with the timeline was sure to not be ideal.
“Well…. let’s just say you're well known in the future as the most powerful wizard in history”, Harry said slowly.
Merlin’s eyes widened in surprise once more. “But….what’s a wizard? Do you mean a magic-user?”.
He guessed they were referred to as magic users here. “Yes, a magic user”.
“I have a question. Is the future you come from….is it a safe and free place for magic users?”.
Harry paused at that question. “I can answer but I can’t answer anymore of your questions. It might jeopardise the timeline”.
“That’s fine”, Merlin said.
“Well…yes. It’s a safe and free place for wizards and witches. But I wanted to ask….does that mean that right now magic users aren’t safe and free?”.
Harry couldn’t remember whether there was mention of such a time. He wished Hermione were here, she would know.
“Yes….magic users aren’t safe or free. They're persecuted”, Merlin muttered. His face looked grim.
“Do you mean….do you mean like executed?”, Harry asked. Surely that wasn’t true.
“Yes”, Merlin whispered, face downcast.
Magic…..magic-users were being executed? As in he would be executed if discovered?
Harry couldn’t believe this. “I’m….Im sorry Harry”, Merlin said.
Harry looked at Merlin. He looked quite young, younger than he did in portraits. He looked tired now that he really looked at him.
“Don’t be sorry Sir Merlin. Just because things are the way they are now doesn’t mean they always will be that way”, Harry said. He was never the best at comforting someone but he meant every word he said.
This was Merlin. The greatest wizard of all time.
“Please stop calling me sir Merlin. Just Merlin is fine. Thank you Harry. I’m glad to hear the future you’re from sounds bright”, Merlin said with a smile.
The future he was from…..
He couldn’t really say it was all that bright but that wasn’t something Merlin could know. But it was a future better than this time.
“Okay er — Merlin? The future I’m from is proof change is possible. But calling you just Merlin feels wrong”, Harry said.
Merlin laughed. “I guess I’m really considered a big shot where you're from. Arthur would never believe it. But seriously I don’t mind”.
As Harry opened his mouth to speak, the door slammed open.
At the door stood Sir Arthur and a face he recognised for better or worse. Sir Arthur had what he recognised was Malfoy by the collar.
“Malfoy?”, Harry shouted in confusion.
“Merlin. I don’t believe this is the servants quarters. I found this one lurking in front of my room”, Arthur said, shoving Malfoy forward.
“You—“, Malfoy seethed.
Merlin looked between them and interrupted. “Apologies Sire. I’ll reprimand them both and return to the servants quarters”, Merlin said.
Malfoy finally spotted Harry and looked puzzled.
“Alright then. I’ll leave it to you”, Arthur said.
He lingered for a moment glancing at Harry briefly and turned around and closed the doors behind him.
“What in Merlin’s name are you doing here Potter?”, Malfoy asked.
Merlin glanced at Harry clearly confused.
“The better question is why you're here. I was dreaming and somehow found myself here”, Harry said.
Malfoy sighed and shook his head in disbelief. “That’s how I found myself here too. Of all the people I end up here with you”.
“You —“, Harry barely stopped himself, “I can say the same for you”.
“But who is…who is this?”, Malfoy asked, turning to Merlin, “I believe I heard your name was Merlin?”.
“Yes it is. What’s your name?”, Merlin asked.
Malfoy paused. “Wait…your name is actually Merlin? As in….”, Malfoy trailed off glancing at Harry. Harry nodded at Malfoy seeing the question in his eyes.
“M-Merlin?!”, Malfoy shouted, “Sir Merlin, my name is Draco. Draco Malfoy”, he said politely with a short bow.
“Please no need for the formality just call me Merlin. I’m assuming you're from the same time Harry is?”, Merlin said.
Malfoy cast an accusatory glare in Harry’s direction. Merlin sensed the tense atmosphere.
“No need to worry. Harry didn’t tell me much at all. Only that you two are from a time where magic is free and safe to use”, Merlin reassured.
Malfoy still seemed to accept this whole thing. “Your….your really the Merlin? The most powerful wizard in history?”.
Harry spoke up. “If you don’t believe it, ask him to use magic”.
Merlin looked between them and Malfoy’s eager gaze.
He looked around briefly and cast his magic. In an instant everything in the room began to float including him and Malfoy.
Malfoy watched in awe and surprise even as Merlin stopped the magic.
“It’s actually Merlin”, Malfoy muttered. Harry couldn’t blame his reaction, he could hardly believe it either.
“I wasn’t entirely sure before but you two really are telling the truth about me aren’t you”, Merlin asked.
The both of them nodded silently. “The better question is trying to figure out how to get you two back. I can sense your both powerful magic users yourself, isn’t it possible to just return to your time using magic?”, Merlin said.
Harry exchanged glances with Malfoy. They both knew it wasn’t possible.
“It isn’t possible unless you use a special device which we don’t have”, Harry answered.
Merlin seemed to then be in deep thought. “Then I suppose you two will have to stay here for now. I’m sure Gaius will be here soon. I'll ask him”.
Harry hadn’t considered that. Was he really trapped here? Not only that but with Malfoy of all people?
“Gaius?!”, Malfoy shouted in disbelief.
“Er— Yes, Gaius. Do you know him?”, Merlin asked.
Harry didn’t recognise the name. Perhaps Gaius was a name mentioned in association with the round table legend?
Malfoy regained his composure. “I know Gaius, yes. Though I can’t say exactly how”.
Merlin nodded in curiosity.
The doors then burst open. The man who stood there looked somewhat like Dumbledore.
“Gaius!”, Merlin greeted.
“Hello Merlin. Mind telling me who these two gentlemen are?”, Gaius asked.
“Um. Well, their…travellers from afar! I was hoping you could lend them the room upstairs”, Merlin said.
“Travellers from afar”, Gaius said assessing the two of them, “I suppose they can stay but there’s only one bed upstairs”.
Harry nodded in thanks. “Don’t worry Mr Gaius. We can make do”.
Malfoy snapped his gaze to Harry glaring at him.
Gauis nodded accepting that. “The room is upstairs so feel free to go and check it out”.
Harry nodded and made for the stairs. Malfoy reluctantly followed.
**
When Harry and Draco were out of sight Gaius turned to him, narrowing his eyes.
“Care to tell me who those boys really are Merlin?”, Gaius.
“Their people who can be trusted. You have to trust me”, Merlin said.
“If you're absolutely certain Merlin”, Gaius said.
“I am”, he said.
“I have to head back to Arthur or else he’ll do my head in. I’ll be back soon”, Merlin said.
Gaius watched as Merlin waved and left the chamber.
He was now left with the question — who on earth were those two boys?
**
Harry opened the door to a room smaller than he was expecting.
Malfoy peeked into the room examining it.
The window was fairly small and next to the bed stood a tall closet.
Harry walked over to the bed and sat down on it bouncing up and down.
“It’s not that comfortable. I guess it’s because it’s medieval times”, Harry said.
Malfoy locked eyes with him giving a deadly glare.
Malfoy scoffed. “What were you thinking saying we’d make do? There’s only one bed”.
Harry glanced around and spotted a small figure on the bedside table.
“We can just transfigure this”, Harry says pointing to the coin.
Malfoy sighed. “Fine. But what is going on here? How on earth did we go back in time and meet the great wizard Merlin?”, he asked.
Harry shrugged. He didn’t have an answer either. “I don’t know either. Maybe we’ll go back when we fall asleep?”.
“Of all the people to be stuck with”, Malfoy said, shaking his head.
“Trust me Malfoy. I don’t like this anymore than you do”, Harry seethed.
Malfoy seethed. “Just mind your own business Potter”.
Malfoy then swiftly approached the coin and he grabbed it. He lifted his wand from his pocket and transfigured it. It transformed into a bed next to the bed originally in the room.
Harry brushed his fingers through his hair letting out a sharp sigh. Malfoy made his way over to the bed and sat down.
It was quiet for a while before a knock came from the door.
Harry looked at Malfoy and turned to the door. “Who is it?”.
“It’s Gaius", the voice answered.
Harry called out. “You can come in”.
Gaius opened the door and seemed surprised for a moment looking between the two beds but didn’t say anything about it.
“I was wondering if you two were settling in okay”, Gaius said.
Harry didn’t look at Malfoy. “Yeah. I’m settling in okay thanks”.
Gaius nodded and turned to Malfoy who gave a stiff response.
“Yes. I’m adjusting okay thank you”, Malfoy said.
Gaius’ expression seemed blank before he continued. “That’s good to hear. But just to let you know, Merlin told me he’d be back soon he’s just busy at the moment”.
Harry remained silent. He didn’t know what to do. But he did feel a sort of relief that since he’d met the Merlin.
“Thanks for telling us Gaius", Harry said.
“If you two need anything let me know”, Gauis spoke as he approached the door to leave.
The two of them said nothing as Gauis opened the door and left.
A few minutes passed of the silence before he couldn’t endure it.
“Was that….was that really Merlin?”, Harry asked.
“It obviously was Potter. But I thought I told you not to bother me”, Malfoy seethed.
“Unless you have any idea on how to get out of here I think you know sharing information is the best thing we can do right now”, Harry said.
Malfoy gave him a deathly glare and he opened his mouth to say something before closing it again.
People were bound to start searching for them right? Especially if they were gone for so long.
…….
“You think people have started looking for us?”, Harry asked.
“I wouldn’t know. If I could wager I guess not since it’s likely still the middle of the night Potter”, Malfoy said.
Harry looked at Malfoy sort of surprised. “Don’t look so surprised. It’s off putting”, Malfoy spoke with an irritated tone.
“I’m well aware of the situation we’re in. I’m not as oblivious as you”, Malfoy says matter of factly.
“What! I am not oblivious”, Harry spoke angrily.
“Well then clearly uneducated. I’m sure you don’t know who Gauis is”, Malfoy quipped.
Harry did know who he was. Sort of. “Wasn’t he….a good mentor of Merlin’s?”.
Malfoy scoffed. “Not just a mentor. He’s the reason there’s several written documents about Merlin’s deeds”.
“I knew that”, Harry said, nodding.
Malfoy rolled his eyes at him. Harry knew just enough of magical history!
Harry paused and rethought what just happened. “Wait…did you meet Arthur in his room after he could suddenly see you?”.
Malfoy turned to meet Harry’s gaze. “You— Did the same thing happen to you?”.
Harry nodded and Malfoy sighed. “Guess we’re both stuck in some dream then”, Harry mused.
Malfoy laughed bitterly. “Yeah as if you would be in my dream Scarhead. That blade was real”.
Harry nodded. “I know. That magic was real too. I guess I just wish this was all some stupid dream”.
“Chaos just follows you everywhere doesn’t it”, Malfoy noted.
“If you can call it that”, Harry spoke quietly.
After that they spent a while — a few minutes or hours he didn’t know in silence.
Soon they could hear a knock on the door.
“It’s me, Merlin!”, the voice called outside.
“You can come inside”, Malfoy answered.
Merlin stepped into the room and Harry was as awestruck as he’d been before. He looked over at Malfoy who reacted the same.
The Merlin was standing right in front of them. Harry couldn’t figure out how.
“You two. How is this room?”, Merlin asked sincerely.
“It’s good”, Harry said.
“So you both have magic?”, Merlin questioned.
Malfoy looked at Harry briefly. “Yes. We both do”.
Merlin seemed to contemplate something for a second. “Do you two know how you got here?”.
Harry sighed. “Unfortunately we don’t know how. Well we were both dreaming when you could suddenly start to see us”.
Merlin looked as if he was in deep thought. “Perhaps you two will return to your time after you sleep. If not you both can continue to stay here until we figure it out”.
Malfoy piped in. “I just wanted to ask. That....Arthur…Is he Arthur Pendragon?”.
Merlin nodded. “Yes he is. But how do you…”.
“I also know you’re Emyrs”, Malfoy continued, “ I know there’s a prophecy about you two and how you’ll unite the land of Albion”.
Merlin reared back in shock. “You.. you know about that too”, he said in surprise.
Malfoy nodded. Harry didn’t understand that much of what Malfoy said. All he knew was that there was an Arthurian legend about the Roundtable of which Merlin was included as his closest confidant.
But if the Arthur they saw was Arthur Pendragon…
Then this place…
“Is this place called Camelot?”, Harry asked.
Merlin nodded slowly. Malfoy turned around and met Harry’s gaze. They shared a look of understanding.
Merlin looked between them furrowing his eyebrows.
“So you two really are somehow from the future…”, Merlin trailed off.
Harry nodded. Merlin continued. “I’ll help you find a way back I promise”.
Malfoy spoke up. “That truly means a lot”.
Merlin smiled at Malfoy then his expression became more serious. “But if you two aren’t able to return to your time when you sleep I need to warn you to be careful. Magic is forbidden here and you can be executed if you’re found out. Also Arthur is king so it’s best if you address him accordingly”.
Harry paused. He remembered that Merlin had mentioned magic was forbidden here. Harry turned to see Malfoy’s face pale.
Malfoy didn’t know about it until now. Harry knew it would be difficult for them both. Their magic was like second nature to them.
Malfoy spoke again slowly. “So…magic is forbidden here and I can be executed if I use it?”.
Merlin gave Malfoy an apologetic look and remained silent.
“But it’s as I said before. I’ll help you both in whatever way I can”, Merlin reassured them.
Harry nodded, feeling calmer than before. They had Merlin by their side to help.
“But I must be going now, I have to attend to Arthur. If I don’t see you both again after tonight I just wanted to say have a good night and thank you. It was nice meeting you both”, Merlin added.
Harry gave him a smile. He even saw Malfoy look at Merlin with gratitude. Something Harry didn’t know Malfoy could even feel.
“Thank you Merlin. If we don’t see each other after tonight then it was nice meeting you too”, Malfoy replied.
Harry was taken aback by how sincere Malfoy sounded for a moment. Then, he turned to Merlin.
“I want to thank you too. I feel the same way”, Harry said.
Merlin smiled at them both and approached the door before leaving the room.
Harry sat on the edge of the bed once Merlin left.
He didn’t know the exact time but he already felt slightly sleepy.
“Let’s hope we wake up to Hogwarts”, Harry said.
Malfoy let out a bitter laugh. “I sure hope”.
Harry had used his wand to extinguish the candles that had lit the room.
They both didn’t say a word and tucked themselves into bed.
Before long Harry drifted off to sleep hoping to return to his own time.
**
Merlin descended the staircase from where those two boys slept.
He met the gaze of Gauis who seemed to still have questions.
Merlin sighed. How did he begin to explain it? He could hardly believe it himself. That they were from the future…a far and distant one. But then there was their odd attire….even the words they were using….they had called him Sir Merlin as he was a big deal.
He wanted to ask more questions and find out more from them but that boy — Harry — had told him it was best that he didn’t know much. It made sense to him too considering they were from the future. Merlin was well aware of what magic was capable of.
Yet they had known far more than he had expected. That other boy — Draco — had called him Emyrs. Only people of magic called him that. But they had come from the future .…they probably knew more about him then even he did.
Merlin could sense they were both powerful sorcerers or wizards as what they called magic users. It was an odd term but it somehow slid off his tongue smoothly.
He could only hope that they could find their way back home. Merlin could remember their expressions when he first met them. Merlin could recognise the carefully concealed fear behind the brave looks in their faces.
They were clearly still young so he couldn’t imagine how difficult it must be for them.
He didn’t know what to do if they weren’t able to return to their time after tonight.
Merlin had even promised them he would help them find a way back. He hadn’t exactly thought of how he would do that though.
Arthur would surely have his head if he knew Merlin was making such promises. But then again, what did that dollophead know? He probably wouldn’t even believe Merlin even if he told him.
As Merlin passed Gaius he wished him a goodnight and reassured him that the two boys had good intentions. He mostly believed they did
Merlin didn’t sense anything off about them and the knowledge they had of him was clear. It wasn’t everyday that a sorcerer recognised him as Merlin or even Emyrs immediately.
But he still had his doubts. They did still come out of seemingly nowhere. He barely knew anything about where they were from. He’s seen many people enter this kingdom under the guise of meaning well like Edwin.
Even as he returned to the servants quarters his mind spiralled.
He knew magic was never as easy or simple as it seemed. Merlin hoped it was in this case.
**
Harry opened his eyes again as he stirred awake from the streaks of sunlight that hit his face.
As he gathered his bearings he could feel the dread creeping up to him. He was still in the same room he had slept in last night.
He heard a voice coming from the other side of the room he’d rather not hear.
“You're finally awake?”, Malfoy noted.
“I sort of wish I wasn’t. Shove off Malfoy”, Harry spoke frustrated.
“I’ve barely said a word Potter”, Malfoy replied with a snarl.
Malfoy rolled his eyes and stood from the edge of the second bed.
“You're impossible, Potter.”
“And you're a delight,” Harry shot back automatically.
For a brief second they stared at one another before both looking away. Somehow arguing felt normal. It was easier than thinking about the fact they were stranded hundreds of years in the past.
A knock sounded on the door.
Neither of them moved. The knock came again.
“Come in,” Harry called.
The door opened and Merlin stepped inside carrying a wooden tray with bread, fruit and two cups.
“You're still here,” he said, sounding surprised.
Harry couldn't miss the hint of disappointment hidden beneath the words. Merlin had clearly hoped they would have returned home.
“Unfortunately,” Malfoy replied.
Merlin set the tray down.
“Well. That settles it then. We'll have to figure something else out.”
Harry sat upright.
“You actually believe us?”
Merlin blinked.
“You appeared out of thin air, with clothes I've never seen before, know things you shouldn't know and somehow knew my name before I introduced myself.”
“When you put it like that...” Harry muttered.
“It's rather difficult not to believe you.”
A small smile tugged at Merlin's lips. Before Harry could respond, Merlin spoke again.
“I’m going to go fetch you both some food”, Merlin said in a hurry before closing the door behind him.
The room fell quiet after his sudden departure. It was silent for a few minutes. Harry dragged a hand down his face and pushed himself off the bed. The tiny chamber suddenly felt far too cramped. Medieval chamber or not, he needed air.
“I’m going outside,” Harry muttered.
Malfoy scoffed. “Try not to get yourself executed.”
Harry shot him a glare before pulling open the door and leaving the room. He then stepped into the corridor.
He could see servants hurried down the halls carrying baskets and cloths while knights strode past in armour that clinked loudly with every movement. Harry tried not to stare too much, but it was impossible not to.
This was Camelot. Not the stories. Not the books Hermione had forced him to read once. The real Camelot.
Harry descended the stairs carefully before nearly colliding with someone turning the corner.
“Woah— Harry!”
Merlin caught him by the shoulders before he toppled down the remaining steps.
“Sorry,” Harry breathed out.
Merlin laughed lightly. “You really do have a habit of appearing out of nowhere.”
Harry rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “Sorry.”
“It’s alright. Though Arthur’s been asking questions about you and Draco,” Merlin admitted. “I told him you’re travellers.”
Harry winced. “He believed that?”
“Not entirely.”
“That sounds about right.”
Merlin grinned before motioning for Harry to follow him. “Come on. I have breakfast.”
Harry followed him into Gaius’ chambers where Malfoy already sat at the table looking deeply offended by the wooden bowl in front of him.
“What is this?” Malfoy asked flatly.
“Porridge,” Gaius answered.
Malfoy stared at it like it had personally insulted him. Harry snorted loudly before sitting down beside Merlin.
“To think,” Harry mused, “the great Malfoy defeated by porridge.”
“Oh shut up, Potter.”
Merlin looked between them with visible amusement. “You two always like this?”
“Yes,” they both answered simultaneously.
Gaius chuckled quietly into his cup. For a little while things almost felt normal.
Until a horn suddenly sounded outside the castle walls. Arthur burst into the chambers moments later.
“Merlin!” Arthur barked. “There’s been an attack near the lower village.”
Arthur’s eyes immediately landed on him and Malfoy. “You two are here as well.”
Harry straightened instinctively. “Your Majesty.”
Arthur looked faintly surprised at the title before nodding once. “We don’t know if there are more attackers nearby,” Arthur continued. “Remain inside the castle.”
Merlin was already grabbing supplies. “What happened?” he asked.
“Bandits,” Arthur answered grimly. “Several villagers were injured.”
Harry saw Merlin’s expression tighten for only a moment before he masked it.
“I’m coming with you,” Merlin said.
Arthur frowned. “Merlin—”
“I’m coming”, Merlin said with a sense of finality.
Arthur sighed heavily. “Fine. But stay close.”
They turned to leave before Harry stood abruptly. “We can help.”
Arthur looked at him sharply. “Absolutely not.”
“We know healing remedies,” Harry corrected quickly after seeing Merlin tense. “We helped heal injuries back home.”
Arthur hesitated.
“They could help gather supplies,” Merlin added carefully.
Arthur eventually nodded once. “Fine. Stay near Merlin.”
Malfoy leaned toward Harry as they followed after Arthur. “You nearly got us killed,” he hissed.
“I fixed it!”, Harry said.
“Barely”, Malfoy seethed.
Despite everything, Harry found himself fighting back a smile.
**
The village looked far worse up close.
Harry could see smoke curled into the sky while injured villagers sat scattered near overturned carts. The knights moved quickly through the chaos trying to restore order.
Harry immediately dropped beside an injured man clutching his arm.
The wound was deep. Too deep.
He exchanged a quick glance with Malfoy. They both knew ordinary remedies would not be enough.
Arthur was helping nearby villagers further down the road while Merlin knelt beside an elderly woman trying to calm her.
No one was looking. Harry carefully slipped his wand from his sleeve beneath the cover of his robes.
“Episkey,” he whispered so quietly even Malfoy barely heard it.
The wound slowly closed.
Nearby Malfoy discreetly used healing charms beneath strips of cloth while pretending to bandage injuries normally.
Whenever someone approached, Merlin distracted them effortlessly. Harry realised then just how much practice Merlin must have had hiding his magic.
By the time the chaos settled, several villagers who should have died were alive and Arthur never noticed a thing.
They returned to Camelot exhausted long after sunset. Gaius fussed over Merlin immediately while Arthur removed his gloves with a tired sigh.
“You all did well today,” Arthur admitted.
Harry blinked slightly. Praise from Arthur Pendragon felt oddly satisfying.
Malfoy looked surprised too, though he masked it quickly.
Merlin smiled tiredly. “The villagers are safe. That’s what matters.”
Arthur nodded once before looking toward him and Malfoy. “You two aren’t entirely useless after all.”
“That may be the nicest thing you’ve said to us,” Harry replied.
Arthur rolled his eyes. “Don’t get used to it.”
Merlin laughed quietly beside them. For a brief moment Harry could almost pretend they belonged here. That they were simply four people talking after a long day….
Then Arthur suddenly stretched and pointed at Merlin. “You. Early training tomorrow. Don’t oversleep.”
Merlin groaned dramatically. “You’re cruel.”
“I’m your king.”
“You’re a bully.”
Arthur smirked before leaving the chambers. The second the doors closed, Merlin visibly relaxed.
Harry noticed it immediately. The constant caution. The carefulness. Even around Arthur.
Harry suddenly understood why Merlin looked so tired all the time. “You hide it well,” Harry said quietly once Arthur was gone.
Merlin looked at him knowingly. “I have to.”
The room fell silent for a moment. Then Merlin smiled faintly.
“But seeing you and Draco use magic so openly earlier…” he admitted softly, “it was nice.”
Malfoy looked oddly uncomfortable at the sincerity. Harry smiled slightly.
“In our time,” Harry said carefully, “you wouldn’t have to hide.”
Merlin looked down at his hands. “I hope one day that’s true here too.”
Harry thought suddenly of all the stories written about Merlin. Merlin was considered the greatest wizard of all time, practically the founder of many different spells.
Yet standing here now, Merlin just looked young. Young and exhausted and trying his best and somehow that made Harry admire him even more.
**
That night Harry couldn’t sleep. Neither could Malfoy apparently.
The two of them sat near the small window in silence while moonlight spilled across the stone floor.
Finally Malfoy spoke. “You know,” he muttered, “I always imagined Merlin differently.”
Harry glanced at him. “How?”
Draco shrugged awkwardly. “Older. Grander, I suppose.”
Harry snorted quietly. “Yeah. Me too.”
“But instead he’s…” Draco trailed off.
“Just a person?” Harry offered. Draco nodded once. The room went quiet again. Then suddenly the air shimmered.
Both boys shot to their feet instantly. The room trembled softly as golden light began surrounding them.
Harry’s stomach dropped. “We’re going back,” he breathed.
The chamber doors burst open moments later as Merlin hurried inside. His eyes widened immediately when he saw the light around them.
“So it’s happening now,” Merlin said softly.
Harry swallowed hard unexpectedly. He should have been relieved. He was relieved. But suddenly leaving felt all the more strange.
Draco straightened awkwardly beside him. “I suppose this is goodbye.”
Merlin smiled sadly. “I suppose it is.”
Harry stepped forward slightly. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “For helping us.”
Merlin shook his head lightly. “You two helped more than you realise.”
The light around them intensified. Harry could barely keep his eyes open now.
Merlin looked between them both carefully before speaking again. “When you return to your time…” he began quietly, “take care of it.”
Harry nodded immediately. “We will.”
Merlin smiled. And then Arthur’s voice echoed faintly somewhere down the corridor.
“Merlin! Where are you?”, Arthur’s voice echoed. Merlin rolled his eyes affectionately. “There he is.”
Harry laughed softly. The light suddenly surged brighter around him and Malfoy.
Before everything disappeared completely, Harry heard Merlin call out one last thing.
“It was nice meeting you, Harry Potter!”, he called.
**
Harry jolted awake. The bright morning sunlight streamed through the Gryffindor dormitory windows.
He sat upright breathing hard. These were his curtains. His bed.
Hogwarts. For several long seconds Harry simply stared ahead. Then a loud groan sounded from the bed beside him.
Harry whipped around. Malfoy sat bolt upright in the neighbouring bed looking equally horrified.
There was a beat of silence.
Then Draco hissed, “Why am I in Gryffindor?!”
Harry burst out laughing. The kind of way he hadn’t laughed in a long time.
Malfoy looked deeply offended. But then he paused. Slowly, he reached into his pocket.
And pulled out a small worn cloth tied with the crest of Camelot. Both of them froze. It hadn’t been a dream.
Harry looked down at his own wrist.
Wrapped loosely around it was a red neckerchief Merlin must have forgotten he’d lent him earlier that day.
Malfoy stared at him. Harry stared back. Neither of them spoke for a long moment.
Finally Draco cleared his throat awkwardly. “We are never telling anyone about this.”
Harry grinned. “Agreed.”
Though somewhere deep down, Harry knew he would never forget it.
Not Camelot. Not Arthur Pendragon.
And certainly not Merlin — the young sorcerer history would one day remember as the greatest wizard of all time.
Outside, Hogwarts was waking for another day. Inside, two boys sat in silence carrying a secret no one else would ever believe.
And somewhere far in the past, a young sorcerer lived. He would one day become a legend. And his name? Merlin.