Merlin had fulfilled his destiny. Albion was alive and beautiful, and magic was no longer feared in the land. But nothing ever lasts, does it? Memories gone, and in his ten-year-old form once more, he's traveled over a thousand years in the future...
As it turned out, Slytherins did not just forgive and forget.
They pretended that everything was all right with dangerous smiles and darkened eyes, while at the same time plotting revenge. When Merlin woke up the next morning, it took him less than five minutes to realize that he had somehow managed to alienate the entirety of Slytherin.
After working for years as a servant, Merlin had grown accustomed to waking up early – which was perhaps lucky, because no one would have woken him. The rest of the dormitory was already up and getting dressed. As he got to his feet and quickly started to dress, Malfoy glanced toward him and sneered.
"What's the matter, Evans? Afraid you're going to be left behind?"
Crabbe and Goyle sniggered behind him. Merlin glanced up at him, his eyes narrowing. "I just don't fancy hanging around here longer than I have to." He pulled on a fresh pair of socks and starting putting on his shoes. He could be ready for the day in less than five minutes if need be - a side effect of working for a demanding clotpole.
Malfoy readjusted his tie and straightened up. "If I were you, I'd take my time."
"And why exactly would I want to do that?" Merlin snapped back.
Malfoy glanced over at him. "You threw dirt at purebloods." He ground out each word. "Do you really think that everyone will just let you get away with that?"
Merlin opened his mouth and then closed it again. Hadn't they apologized to each other last night? Had this not all been resolved? Malfoy seemed to know what he was thinking because he suddenly laughed. "You have some things to learn about pureblood families."
He felt strange like someone had just hit him hard over the head. He felt betrayed, to be honest. "Please, enlighten me O' pureblooded one," he spat.
Any semblance of a smirk slid from Malfoy's face. Crabbe and Goyle popped their knuckles, their faces contorted with rage. Merlin was willing to bet that they'd have gladly whaled on him until there was nothing left. And then Malfoy held up a hand for his bodyguards to hang back. He walked forward until he was standing right in front of him and he could see the cold fury in his grey eyes.
"Our dispute was about blood-traitors. But, you made it about every pureblood when you attacked our core beliefs." And then he gave a smile, a chilling smirk that didn't reach his eyes. He put his hand on Merlin's shoulder. "If you want to survive here, I suggest you re-evaluate your opinions. There's not a Slytherin here who won't rip you apart if you dare shame them in front of another house. We are united, we protect each other's back and we can't do that if one of our own is spewing Mudblood ideals."
His grip tightened for a moment. "Do you understand me, Merlin?"
Merlin was silent for a long moment. He glared right back at Malfoy, restraining his magic with difficulty. It itched to jump up and push the clotpole back. "So what was that apology last night?" Merlin muttered. "A trick? A lie?"
Malfoy took a step back. "No." He turned his back and started walking out of the dormitory. "Because the repercussions you now face are also my fault."
And he disappeared down into the common room.
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