Merlin's Apprentices

Prologue

Merlin was bored. He hadn't found anyone with enough raw potential to be his apprentice since Salazar and he had already traveled the world twice in the past ten years. He was nearly about to try and venture into the wizarding world again, that's how bored he was.

He sighed and looked out over Avalon once more before deciding to go on a walk. He apparated to a random suburb and decided to walk around there, hoping to see something interesting.

The suburb was in horrible shape. The street lamps were all broken and the houses were dilapidated. Abandoned factories were scattered amongst the buildings and Merlin could see a dirty river running through not far away.

Merlin sighed and was about to apparate away when he heard shouting. Merlin hastened his pace until he was running in the direction of the shouts. He got there just in time to see a man shove a child out of the door to a rundown home, spitting on him before slamming the door.

The boy was around ten and had dark hair that fell to his shoulders. His skin was pale and he was frighteningly skinny. He hit the ground hard, but didn't make a sound, only glaring at the door.

Merlin glared at the door as well as he approached the boy. As he got closer, he could sense the powerful magic radiating from him and his eyes widened. He hid his surprise and crouched down beside the boy, who seemed to notice his presence for the first time and shifted his gaze to Merlin.

"Are you okay?" Merlin asked, looking over the young boy for injuries.

The boy scowled. "Why do you care?"

Merlin raised an eyebrow at him silently, waiting patiently for an answer.

The boy seemed to cave after a little bit and shrugged. "I've been worse."

That comment made Merlin frown. "Why did that man throw you out? Is it because of your magic?"

The boy stiffened and nodded.

Merlin's frown deepened. "What's your name?"

"Severus," the boy answered cautiously.

Merlin sighed and stood, offering the child his hand. "Come on, Severus. Let's get you something to eat."

Severus looked at the hand skeptically, but ultimately decided that the possibility of food outweighed the risk of going with a stranger. He took the offered hand and stood, allowing Merlin to lead him away from the house he used to live in.

Merlin led Severus to a diner and let him order whatever he wanted. Then, he started to try and make the boy comfortable around him. "So, Severus, I assume you have questions?"

Severus paused in his eating and looked up at Merlin. Slowly, he nodded. "Who are you?" he asked first.

Merlin tilted his head as he thought of how to answer the question. "You can call me Myrridian," he said finally.

"Are you a wizard?"

"I'm similar."

"What are you then?"

Merlin shrugged, unsure of how to explain that he was magic incarnate.

Severus seemed to be getting annoyed with his vague answers and glared at him. "Why did you help me?"

There was a question Merlin could answer fully and honestly. "I can never not help someone in need," he said with a small smile. "Besides, your magic is stronger than nearly any other I've ever felt."

Severus's eyes narrowed into slits as he tried to find a lie in Merlin's answer. He found none. "What does my magic have to do with anything?"

Merlin merely smiled at the boy's harsh tone. "I have been looking for an apprentice," he said, tilting his head to the side contemplatively. "Yet, I have not found anyone with enough potential for the Old Magic. That is, until I found you."

"Old Magic?"

"Yes. Magic has been diluted over time, and has dwindled to but a shadow of what it once was. However, a select few with raw potential and magic are still able to wield the powers of the Old Religion. It is my duty to seek out those with that potential and train them in the Old Ways."

Severus frowned. "And you want to teach me?"

Merlin nodded. "I do."

"I suppose I don't have much of a choice," Severus said with a scowl. "It's not like I have anywhere else to go."

Merlin sighed softly. "We always have a choice in life, Severus. The question is, will you make the right one?"

"So, I could choose to either remain homeless and penniless or I can come with you?"

"You can come with me and choose not to learn the Old Ways, if that is what you prefer," Merlin said. "I will not force you to do anything."

"Fine," Severus said. "I'll come with you and learn your magic."

Merlin smiled widely. "Finish eating," he said. "Then, I'll show you my home."

Severus scarfed down the rest of his food and allowed Merlin to apparate him to his home.

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The cottage seemed normal enough on the outside, but Severus's jaw dropped when they entered. It was huge. He hadn't expected a mansion by any means, but that is what Myrridian had. The foyer itself was as large as Severus's old home in Spinner's End.

Myrridian gave Severus the whole Upper East Wing of the mansion as his "room" and Severus immediately set about exploring it. It was spacious, with a sitting room, several extra rooms, a master bedroom with a connected bathroom, another restroom for guests, and a study.

"Severus!" Myrridian called a few hours after Severus had finished exploring. "Would you come here please?"

Severus managed to find his way through the halls and down the stairs. Myrridian was in the main sitting room with a black cat curled up on his lap. "Yes?" Severus asked, sitting across from the mage.

"We need to go shopping to get you some clothing and essentials," Myrridian said. "Perhaps we can also stop by the Ministry and get you registered as my apprentice."

"When?"

Myrridian shrugged. "How about tomorrow morning? It's getting quite late."

Severus glanced out the window and saw that Myrridian was right. It was getting late. "Alright," he said. "When can I start learning magic?"

Myrridian smiled at him. "After you're settled, you can start lessons."

Severus let a rare smile grow on his face as he nodded.

"Now, you should get some sleep. I'll wake you in the morning."

Severus nodded again and raced back up the stairs and to his new room, where he plopped down on the bed with a happy sigh. Perhaps, his life could change for the better.

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And change it did. Severus attended Hogwarts with Lily when he turned eleven, making several fast friends... and several enemies.

He was targeted by James Potter and his friends after they found out he wanted to be in Slytherin, the house of the Cunning and Ambitious. They made his life hell, and Sirius Black even almost got him killed at one point before Potter saved his life.

Despite this, Severus had two good friends: Lucius Malfoy and Remus Lupin. Remus and him had to remain friends in secret, as he was also friends with Potter, Black, and Pettigrew. Severus didn't understand why someone as smart as Remus would be friends with them, but he didn't want to ask, in fear of Remus pushing him away like Lily had after he messed up and accidentally called her a mudblood.

After a couple of years, Myrridian revealed his true identity to Severus, apologizing for the secrecy. Severus understood and they became even closer than before.

After he graduated Hogwarts, he took a mastery class for potions and applied for the position of the potions professor at Hogwarts and got the position. He never became a Death Eater, having Merlin's teachings to guide him in a better direction.

Under Merlin's tutelage, he became very skilled in Old Magic as well as modern magic. He stayed in contact with Merlin, often asking for advice or just someone to listen. They became more than just Master and Apprentice. They became good friends, close to family.