In the Heart of Men • Harry Potter/Merlin Crossover

chapter ten

I don't really like how this turned out but I like it less each time I try and change it so, here you go. I'm also thinking about getting a beta writer so if you are interested please pm me.

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"Come along!" Merlin called as he led them to Flourish & Blotts.

The group of first years were chatting excitably and they only managed to slowly navigate through the crowd by walking along the shop fronts. The downside of this, however, was that almost every second shop someone would point something out and then the group would all be disappointed when they were told they were not going in the store.

As they walked up to Flourish & Blotts, Merlin saw books such as Common Household Charms for Newly-Weds by Lena Schilcrote and What You Need to Know About Muggles, Version 4: The Beginning of the Industrial Revolution to the End of World War 1 by Hecate J. Robinson. These were all standard books that one would expect in a magical community but they were not the ones that caught his fancy.

What caught Merlin's eye was the book situated in the centre of the display — The Castle of the Carpathians by Jules Verne. Personally, Merlin enjoyed the book and was proud to admit (to himself) that telling Jules about his travels around Europe had been a wonderful idea. The man had created wondrous stories that made their way into wizard culture without a complaint from any of the major pureblood families.

Merlin took out a pouch of gallons and turned to Anette as the door closed behind the first years who had just entered the shop.

"Do you think you can deal with the kids in here by yourself?" He said while sending a glance at the kids. They were all busy collecting their school books and inspecting the rows of shelves for an extra book to take home, "I have to run some errands but I don't know how long it will take me to deal with the goblins. Worst case scenario is that I meet you at Madam Malkin's,"

She tucked the pouch into her pocket and patted it, "As long as you catch us before we go into Ollivander's, I should be alright,"

"Thank you," Merlin breathed as his shoulders dropped, "I'll be back as soon as possible!"

He turned around began walking quickly through the crowd, careful not to bump into or trip over anyone. It was a short walk to Gringotts but when he arrived he received a small, inconspicuous nod from the goblins near the door as he entered.

Merlin continued into the bank where he could see several people. Along with the four or five goblins attending to the desk, there was also two goblins speaking to someone who looked as if he was no older than a fifth year.

As he walked past them he could not help but overhear their conversation.

"Unless you have your key, then you can not access the vault," Said the first goblin, showing off his large teeth as he snarled.

"I don't have a key because I was never given it!" Said the boy.

Merlin stopped and pretended to be looking around for someone but was just listening in. It was a bad habit it of his and it more often than not led to a lot of trouble (read: Gwaine).

"Then come back with your parents!" Said the second goblin, "They should have a key,"

The boy looked very angry, "My parents are dead, I have no idea who has my key and I don't have enough money to last until school starts again!"

Merlin felt sorry for the boy. He couldn't help but think that if the roles were reversed he would want someone to help him.

"If you do not have a key, then I suppose you are not getting any money from the vault,"

Decision made, Merlin turned around and approached the trio. The boy jumped as Merlin's his hand was placed on the boy's shoulder.

He gave his blinding smile — the one that made him look like an idiot — and said, "I sorry to interrupt but I couldn't help overhearing. I was just about to head down to my own vault and I wouldn't mind giving you some money if you needed it."

"I don't want your help," Said the boy as he crossed his arms. The two goblin's said nothing as they watched the exchange brewing between the mighty Emrys and the boy they had just been talking to.

"Not everyone who needs help wants it," Said Merlin bitterly, "And even if I was to give you some money, it would not be a hassle; I have more than enough to spare,"

"Are you sure?" Said the boy. He was looking at Merlin like he expected a catch.

"Absolutely!" Said Merlin, smile back on his face as he turned to the goblins, "That is if one of you has the time to spare?"

"I will go with you," Said the second goblin as he turned around, "If you will follow me,"

From there the trip to Gringotts ended up much like any other. The two of them sat in the cart and endured the ride down to the vault and when they got there the goblin opened it so that Merlin could take out a few bags of gallons — handing one to the boy — they all got back in the cart and rode back up.

As Merlin exited the cart he thanked the goblin who left to serve another customer. Then he began walking with the boy to the exit.

"You don't have to do this," the boy said while he looked down at his scruffy shoes, "It is not like we're ever going to see each other again,"

Merlin studies the boy and his lips quirked, "I wouldn't say never. Life is exciting; People often appear when you least expect it. And I think we will see each other again very soon,"

The boy looked at Merlin as if he was insane. Anyone would if a random person that they had just meet told them that. Merlin ignored the look he received as he turned around and began walking down the stairs, the boy still by his side.

"But until then, goodbye," He said, disappearing into the crowd as he finished.