Merlin

Chapter 2

"I'm where?"

"When, you mean." The man had a long, silver beard and half moon spectacles. His bright blue eyes studied the young man, who was clearly shocked. "This is 1994."

"1994." Merlin repeated. "1994. How?"

"That is a very good question, one we do not, as of now, have an answer to."

"You mean I'm stuck here?" A pang of homesickness hit him, as he thought of his family and friends, and his home near the river. In this time they were all dead and gone, what if he never say them again?

"For right now, yes." Dumbledore nodded. "But I'm sure a way to get you back to your own time can be found eventually. Meanwhile, we will need to find a place for you to stay, and I believe it would be best if you went by a different name."

"Why would I have to have a different name?"

"Later on in your life, Merlin, you shall achieve great things. Even now you are famous. The great Merlin being here in this year would cause quite a ruckus. I believe it best that no one but the three of us be aware."  Dumbledore answered patiently. Then he turned to Erin, who had been silently standing off to the side. "Ms. Miller. I do believe, being as you are responsible for Merlin's being here, it is only right you should allow him to stay with you."

The woman's eyes narrowed, clearly not pleased. However, she was not about to argue with two of the greatest wizards ever known. "Alright. Let's go." Once again Merlin found himself jogging to keep up. Apparently Erin always went everywhere full speed. Outside, the woman offered him his arm. "We'll apparate." Somewhat reluctantly, Merlin took her arm. Suddenly, he felt as if he were being squeezed through a terribly small tube of some sorts. It was a relief when they arrived. However, they had arrived in the middle of London. Despite the late hour it was still very busy.

"What are those?" Merlin asked, as one of the metal boxes on wheels whizzed by.

"It's called a car. Muggles use them for transportation." Erin called over her shoulder, already speed walking.

"Amazing."

Merlin made a point not to ask any more questions as Erin seemed in a bad mood, but could not resist goggling at everything. The elevator fascinated him. Somehow the muggles had made doors that opened and closed themselves and a room that went up and down, which he found impressing. Muggles really are quite smart, he thought.

Inside Erin's small apartment, she sent him immediately to a small bedroom in the back with the instructions not to wake her or to mess with anything. "I technically don't have to work tomorrow, so we'll get you some clothes and such. Good night."

"Thank you for your hospitality. It's very kind of you to allow me into your home." Merlin said, but Erin ignored him. "She doesn't seem to like me much." Merlin muttered to himself.
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Merlin had always been an early riser, usually up before anyone else in his family or the dormitories while at school, but apparently Erin was even more so. Breakfast had already been placed on the small table when Merlin arrived, still in his clothes from yesterday. "Good morning."

"Morning. Have some breakfast." Erin's mood had improved after a few hours of sleep, however she still seem displeased at Merlin's presence in her home. He could hardly blame her, after all, Dumbledore had not given Erin a say in the matter, but had simply told her she had to take a strange person claiming to be the famous long dead wizard into her home.

"This is very good. You're an excellent cook." Merlin told her after having taken a bite of the pancakes. He rather hoped complimenting her might help break the ice between them.

"Thanks." Erin took the other chair with her breakfast. "Now," she said briskly. "Like I said before, I'll have to take you shopping today. You will also need a different name while you are here. Any prefences?"

"I don't understand, why can't I go by Merlin?" He realised he was apparently quite famous but didn't know just how much.

"It would cause an uproar, do you want to be followed by reporters day and night?" She snapped.

"No, sorry."

They are in silence for several minutes, until Erin suggested the name Gaven for him. "And we'll tell everyone your my nephew."

"That works for me."

"Good." Erin stood up and with a wave of her wand had sent the dishes flying into the sink, where they began to wash themselves. "Come on, let's get this over with."