After her classes, Hermione made her to Merlin's room, her mind buzzing with curiosity. She knocked lightly before the door opened to reveal Dobby, who beamed up at her and ushered her inside, guiding her to a small table set neatly near the window.
"Would you like some tea or cookies, Ms. Granger? Lady Merlin recently acquired a fine blend of jasmine from Dobby knows not where, but it's delicious," Dobby said happily, practically vibrating with excitement.
"I'd love some, Dobby, thank you. Where is the professor, if you don't mind me asking?" Hermione said as she took her seat, smoothing her robes.
"Oh, Lady Merlin will be along anytime now," Dobby assured her brightly as he carefully set the tea down in front of her.
Hermione lifted the cup and took a sip. Her eyes widened almost instantly.
"This is absolutely the greatest tea I have ever tasted in my life," Hermione said, stars practically shining in her eyes as she stared into the cup in awe.
"Isn't it, though? I asked a friend of mine to put me in contact with the greatest tea maker he knows, and he did not disappoint," Merlin said as she entered the room.
She sat down across from Hermione, folding her hands together with a smile that seemed almost giddy.
"Now, apprentice, it's time I told you what your unique magic is," Merlin said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Your unique magic is the same as mine. Infinity," Merlin added happily.
"Does that mean what I think it does, Professor?" Hermione said in surprise, sitting up straighter, her cup momentarily forgotten.
"Why, yes, it does. It means that you have unlimited magical energy and while others have to end their spells after a certain amount of time, you can keep yours going until you make it stop. I'll teach you the specifics in time, but for today, our lesson will be on control. Can't have you accidentally blowing up the school now, can we?" Merlin said with a warm chuckle.
------
As Merlin walked through the Forbidden Forest, the shadows bending around her, she noticed a mangy black dog prowling between the trees. Its ribs showed through patchy fur, and its wary eyes tracked every movement.
She moved swiftly, closing the distance in a heartbeat, and knelt in front of it, looking it straight in the eyes with unsettling intensity.
"I know a transformation when I see one. I confess, I'm actually quite interested in the animagus magic. I'll have to give it a try one day, but for now, why don't you introduce yourself?" Merlin said with a wicked smile.
The dog shrank back slightly, frightened of the woman before him. A moment later, with a shimmer and shift of bone and muscle, he took on his true form. A man in his mid to late thirties stood there, long unkempt black hair hanging around his gaunt face, a beard just as wild, and a tattered prison uniform clinging loosely to his thin frame.
"Sorry, miss. I've been in prison a rather long time, and I've forgotten my manners. My name is Sirius Black," Sirius said, his voice carrying a note of caution.
"Ah, yes. Alleged murderer and godfather of Harry Potter," Merlin said with a small nod, studying him carefully.
"Alright, let's go prove your innocence, shall we?" Merlin said as she turned and began walking toward the castle.
"Wait, you believe I'm innocent?" Sirius said in shock, staring after her.
"Yes. I went over your case, and none of it made sense. Plus, there seems to be a full-grown man pretending to be one of my student's pet rat. I only noticed today. I was looking for the chance to confront the scoundrel," Merlin said, continuing toward the castle without slowing.
Sirius hesitated only a second before hurrying after her, disbelief and fragile hope warring across his face.
---------
Dumbledore's office, the fire crackled softly in the hearth as Sirius finished telling his side of the story, his voice rough but steady by the end. The room felt heavy with revelation.
"I see. Then we should capture Peter immediately. His appearance and a trial by Veritaserum should prove your innocence. Professor Ambrosius, if you would be so kind as to secure Peter for me," Dumbledore said seriously, his fingers steepled beneath his chin.
"Of course, Headmaster. I won't be a moment," Merlin replied smoothly.
Before either man could blink, she teleported out of the room in a silent flash of light.
"I thought apparition wasn't possible in the castle," Sirius said, staring at the empty space she had occupied, shock written plainly across his face.
"Oh, I don't believe that's what that was," Dumbledore said with a small, knowing grin.
Moments later, Merlin reappeared just as suddenly, a squirming rat clutched firmly in her hand. The tiny creature writhed and squeaked in panic.
"Oh, do be quiet," Merlin said coolly, pointing a crackling ball of energy toward it from the tip of her finger.
The rat froze mid-struggle, terror overtaking instinct. Magic surged around it, wrapping tight as the air hummed with power. There was a flash, a distorted cry, and the rat was forcefully turned back into his human form, collapsing onto the office floor.
"Merlin's beard," Sirius breathed, eyes wide.
Merlin twitched in slight displeasure at the phrase but said nothing.
"How did you do that?" Sirius asked, awe replacing shock.
"Years of study, Mr. Black. I'll leave you three to it. I've stunned him. He won't be going anywhere for awhile," Merlin said calmly as she turned toward the door.
"Thank you very much, Professor Ambrosius," Dumbledore called after her warmly.
Merlin simply waved in response as she walked out.
-------
Merlin sat at her desk, chin resting lightly against her hand. No classes. No one in need of help. Nothing to do but sit back and relax. The quiet stretched thin.
Then a knock came at her door.
"Oh, thank goodness. I was afraid I was going to be bored," Merlin mumbled to herself before straightening. "Come in," she shouted into the classroom.
Draco Malfoy entered, posture stiff but composed, hands clasped neatly behind his back.
"Good evening, Professor. I was wondering if you could help me with something," Draco said respectfully.
"And what's that, Mr. Malfoy?" Merlin asked curiously, folding her hands atop her desk.
"Potter. I mean, Harry. Said he went on a trip with you last summer and learned a lot. I was wondering if I could do the same. I just want to get away for awhile," Draco asked, a flicker of hope breaking through his usual guarded expression.
"I see. I suppose I could arrange something like that. But why wait until this summer? I could make a construct of you to act as a stand-in until you're ready to return," Merlin answered thoughtfully.
"Really? Yes, please, Professor. I'll go pack my things," Draco said excitedly, already turning toward the door.
"No need. You'll only need your wand. Give me a few minutes to make some arrangements," Merlin said plainly as she rose and walked out of the room.
A few moments later, she returned, looking entirely satisfied.
"It's done. A friend of mine will handle transportation, and you'll be leaving right about now," Merlin said cheerfully.
"Wait, like right now? How will—" but before Draco could finish, a portal opened beneath his feet, and he fell through with a startled yelp.
"That was a little mean, Tet," Merlin said with a small frown, staring at the spot where he had disappeared.
-------
Extra:
Merlin was relaxing in her bath, steam curling lazily through the air as she reclined against the porcelain edge, a newspaper held delicately in one hand. The faint scent of lavender drifted through the room as she turned the page, water rippling softly around her.
She sighed heavily when she read the headline.
Sirius Black Innocent. Peter Pettigrew on the Run.
"For fuck's sake. I literally handed him over, and you're telling me they managed to lose him at the finish line? What's wrong with today's wizards?" Merlin said, her left eye twitching sharply as she lowered the paper just enough to glare at it.