Merlin's Apprentices

Chapter 4

Merlin searched the platform for Harry. He had informed Harry's rather unpleasant relatives that he would be picking Harry up. They hadn't argued.

Finally, he spotted Harry with two children whom he assumed were his friends, Ron and Hermione. He headed their direction.

"You must come visit this summer," Ron was saying. "Both of you."

The other two nodded. "That sounds wonderful!" Hermione exclaimed.

"I'd love to, but I'm not sure if I can. I'll ask," Harry said.

"Ready, Harry?" Merlin asked as he reached the trio.

Harry nodded and said one last goodbye to his friends before following Merlin. "So, where are we going?" Harry asked.

"We will first go to my cottage and discuss things. I have already explained everything to your muggle relatives."

Harry nodded and held Merlin's arm as he apparated to his cottage.

"Wait, I recognize this place!" Harry exclaimed. "You live in Little Whinging?"

Merlin nodded as he opened the door. Immediately, Morgana flew over in her dragon form and landed on his shoulder.

Is this the boy?

Merlin nodded. "Yes, Morgana. This is Harry. Is Colin working with Quilo like he's supposed to be doing?"

Yes. Quilo has learned to transform into a snake. He still can't change his size, but that's likely due to age.

Merlin smiled. "That's good. Harry, this is my familiar, Morgana."

Harry smiled, though his eyes contained a hint of fear and confusion. "May I ask what a familiar is, Master?"

Merlin chuckled. "A familiar is a companion. Having a bond strengthens your magical stability, and you will be able to communicate with your familiar and you become a team. Sadly, the magical community has abandoned the practice of having familiars. It is a part of the Old Religion, which has been nearly forgotten. Only few remain that continue to practice the Old Religion in full."

Harry seemed to light up at the thought of having a familiar, but quickly hid it. "Master, do you practice the Old Religion?"

Merlin nodded. "I do. Now, sit. We have much to discuss."

Harry quickly sat and Merlin sat across from him. "Will I be staying with you?" he asked hopefully. He had heard that apprentices often lived with their masters.

Merlin shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Harry. You must live with your muggle relatives during the summer. Albus has decided, despite Severus's efforts, and I cannot change that. Now, let's talk about your apprenticeship, shall we?"

Harry nodded quickly.

"You are a special case, Harry. I do not normally consider requests, but Severus is right. Hogwarts will not teach you properly. I have chosen to teach you, but you must know that you will not be permitted to use your magic until instructed. There are many things that you must know how to achieve without magic."

"I understand."

"Good. You will be here every morning by seven for breakfast. After breakfast, we will hold lessons on magical culture and traditions. Then, we will have lunch. After that, you will have an hour of free time to do with as you please before lessons continue. Supper will be held at six, and after that you may return home unless I require you to remain longer. This schedule may change if needed."

Harry was slumping as he thought of all the reading he would have to do, but he nodded anyways. He was still excited, he just didn't fancy the idea of squinting for hours on end.

Merlin stood. "Now, first thing we must do is get you to an optometrist. I suppose those muggles of yours aren't about to buy you some new glasses?"

Harry timidly shook his head.

Merlin huffed angrily. "Very well. I've got a friend who works there. She'll get you in today."

Harry scrambled after Merlin as he stood and stalked up the stairs towards the living areas. "Where are we going?" he asked.

Merlin glanced back at him. "We need to change into muggle clothing. I think I've got an old pair that will fit you."

Harry nodded gratefully and changed into what he was handed: A white shirt and black skinny jeans. "Thank you, Master."

Merlin chuckled and snapped his fingers to change his own clothes. "Why do you call me that, Harry?" he asked.

Harry frowned. "That is the proper term, isn't it?" he asked, worried that he had messed up.

Merlin nodded slowly. "Yes, but I would think you would prefer to call me by my name, as most young people do nowadays."

Harry bit his lip shyly. "I don't actually know your name," he admitted.

Merlin paused before turning to the boy. "I see," he said quietly. "Well, my name is Merlin. If you wouldn't mind referring to me as such while we are in public at the very least, I would appreciate it. Muggles don't approve of apprentices calling their mentors masters anymore."

Harry nodded. "Of course. Did your parents name you after the famous Merlin?"

Merlin chuckled. "No. My mother named me after the bird."

"Why the bird? The wizard was much more famous. We even have a portrait of him at school! I want to be like him one day."

Merlin smiled in amusement. "Come with me, Harry." He led them through town and towards the optometrist. "Do you have a way to get to my cottage?" he asked the boy as they walked.

Harry shrugged. "I can walk," he said.

Merlin frowned. "No. I live on the other side of town from you. That's an hour long walk. I'll get you something."

Harry nodded. "Thank you, Merlin."

They reached the optometrists soon enough, and Merlin steered Harry up to the front desk. "Harry needs new glasses, Carly," he announced. "Urgently. Is there an opening today?"

Carly, a beautiful young woman, smiled flirtatiously at Merlin. "Oh, hey Handsome. Let me check." She clicked a few things before nodding. "Dr. Lane is in right now and has a free slot. I'll go let him know."

Merlin smiled gratefully at the woman as she walked away, long red hair flowing along behind her.

"She likes you," Harry said with wide eyes.

Merlin nodded stiffly. "Sadly for her, my heart is taken."

Harry hummed. "You have a special someone?"

Merlin shook his head. "He is long dead, but I will never love another."

Harry ducked his head. "I'm sorry for your loss."

Merlin smiled sadly. "I will see him again one day."

Carly came back into the room with a large smile. "Dr. Lane will see you now."

Merlin smiled at her and had sent Harry in alone before going to sit and wait for him to return. He closed his eyes as memories returned to his mind, unbidden.