Thank you for all the support and I hope you're still reading and enjoying. And yeah, it's been a super long time. Well, I've had some important things going on and yeah. That's all I have to say really. ENJOY!

"Italics are sign language."

"Bold Italics are Parseltongue."

Disclaimer: I take no ownership of either Harry Potter or Merlin!

Chapter 15

More hunting! There was absolutely too much hunting going on in this kingdom. Now, Hermione was alright with fighting and weapons practice. Hunting animals though? That was something she drew the line at. Yes, she did it all the time while she was in animal form, but she could eat the entire animal. Even the bones. That was new for Hermione. When in human form, hunting just felt wrong. She ate meat, she didn't have any problem with that. It was just doing the deed that made her stomach twist and turn with a sort of guilt. Hermione was out in the woods anyways. It was dangerous out there so that meant that if Merlin was going, then she was as well.

Though, she felt horrible that they were having a grand old hunting trip so soon after the death of Tom, Gwen's father. It was a really sad and kind of exciting adventure? It really wasn't worth all the fuss, but her friend did suffer a terrible loss. One she could relate too.

Arthur was out with his knights and decided, "hey, lets drag around my manservant to carry everything!" The great prat. Of course, she got over feeling bad for Merlin's predicament when she saw how ridiculous he looked carrying bags and weapons. The knights and Arthur had officially stopped seeing her as a fragile girl and let her do more with less fuss. It was amazing. So, there they were, crouched down and waiting for a beast. Hermione was stationed a ways away from Merlin and Arthur and she could see Arthur giving Merlin that, "your an idiot" face. Hermione sighed and was about to signal Merlin with a subtle pop sound beside his ear, when a loud sound was heard. Everyone paused in their movements.

Arthur tried to assure the men that it was nothing to fear. That is, until it charged out of the fog. It was the most fearsome creature she had ever seen. It was gigantic! The head of a snake, cobra. Fangs the length of a child's arm. Teeth razor sharp. It's eyes were golden with slit pupils and a death like glare. The body of a white leaped with black spots was attached to the gruesome snake's head. What was this creature? Even with all her knowledge, she had no clue.

Arthur was brave, strong and proud, but he knew when to run. The group of men quickly turned and sprinted from the creature that would certainly be their death. They ran and ran, but Merlin's feet got in the way and he tripped. Hermione sighed and turned back to see that the creature was above him, ready to strike. She couldn't do anything! No magic allowed. Luckily, one of the knights and Arthur pulled Merlin out from under the beast. He looked and saw it was Arthur and another knight that was his savior.

They kept running and didn't notice that one of their group had been taken out. They heard the roar, far away from them. They stopped and saw that the beast had stopped chasing them. Arthur looked around and saw they were missing a knight. They heard a scream from the forest and knew that he was as good as dead. The group returned to the castle in a rush to tell the king of what happened. Hermione could not believe that she had let that happen. She should have just sneakily followed the hunting party in her wolf form. She could have battled the beast,

The group walked through the city and were made a path through the people. It was as busy as ever and Hermione wished more than anything that it would all just slow down!

They rushed to the court and Arthur rushed in. "Father!" That was when Arthur described what had transpired and King Uther called on the court physician.

The situation was explained to Gaius and he looked about ready to pass out. "Sire, the description you gave me is the exact description of the Questing Beast. It is a creature conjured from the nightmares of a long-dead king. An omen of great upheaval!"

Merlin could see the king's eyes widen. "Then we shall kill it and stop anything before it happens. Arthur, prepare your men for a hunt, you leave at dawn." Arthur bowed and went to prepare his men, taking Merlin with him. Merlin could hear Gaius speaking, but couldn't make out the words. The king was mad though.

Meanwhile, Hermione had gone to do all the research she could on this Questing beast. Even in her time, she hadn't heard of it. Which was strange because she read the entire magical beast section in Hogwarts library.

Merlin helped polish armor, sharpen swords and fix shields. All of the men's supplies was ready for the next day. When the next day did come, Merlin dressed in his customary brown trousers, blue shirt, red neckerchief, and brown jacked. Merlin slipped on his boots and looked in the mirror to fix his messy black hair. His blue eyes looked over himself and he concluded that he looked alright.

Merlin looked around his small room with creaky wood floors, stained walls and small bed. His clothes littered the floor and his closest held barely anything. The only thing he was worried about was the magic book he kept hidden under the floorboards. That, was something he would never give up.

He fixed his jacket once more and threw his bag over his shoulder. He headed out of his door and saw Gaius waiting for him. Hermione wasn't there. Merlin didn't even know if she was coming! He looked at Gaius questionably and Gaius gave him a sad look. "You must be careful Merlin." He scoffed jokingly and replied, "I'm always careful!" Gaius gave him a serious look and said in a dangerous tone, "At the very heart of the Old Religion lies the magic of life and death itself. The Questing Beast carries that power. One bite, you die, and there is no cure." Merlin nodded at his words with caution.

Merlin took Gaius's words seriously. Hermione was there then. She looked as she always had. Just today, she had no excited smile, snappy remarks or a small smirk to show her confidence. She was scared. Merlin could tell by her stance. The way her eyes would flicker every once in awhile. How she kept her attention to Merlin and his safety. This beast must be pretty serious for Hermione to be frightened. Merlin and Hermione were standing in front of the Knights of Camelot, Arthur had finished his speech to motivate the knights and the doors to the castle swung open. Morgana, had run out and grabbed hold of Arthur. "You can't go Arthur!" She kept yelling and mumbling so Merlin decided to help. He ran up to Morgana and gently as possible guided her away. "Go up to Gaius, My Lady." She resisted and the guards had to carry her away. "You'll die, Arthur!" The doors closed and Morgana was cut off.

Arthur, Merlin, Hermione and the Knights of Camelot rode towards the forest. They wanted to catch the beast and kill it. Merlin knew it would be down to him or Hermione. A magical creature could only be killed by magic.

They entered the dark forest stealthily and Merlin made sure that he made no mistakes that time. Hermione stayed close to him and signed, "I want you to stay safe Merlin. It is my job to make sure mum doesn't have to bury her son in pieces." Merlin looked back at her and responded, "Hermione, she wouldn't want to bury you in pieces any less than me. So, you stay safe too. I know I don't have the skill you have, but I'm not incapable." Hermione looked at him with a small smile and patted him on the shoulder. "That's my warlock."

They searched around for anything to give away the direction of the beast. They searched for over an hour until one of the Knights pointed to a giant paw print. Arthur bent down to study it and concluded it was the beast. They heard a growl and they all looked up. Nothing was there. "We follow the tracks" Arthur said with authority. They all followed Arthur in the direction of the tracks.

They only traveled a small amount of time until they reached a cave. Another growl was heard from deep within it. Merlin swallowed and knew they were going in. Hermione tightened her grip on her blade. Arthur motioned for the men to go down separate tunnels and Merlin followed Arthur to go on the far left tunnel. Hermione looked Arthur in the eye and said, "I'm going with you." The smart Prince didn't argue. The three tread carefully on the dirt ground. They reached a large space in the cave, littered with bones. The only light came from Merlin's torch and the the shadows danced on the wall.

They looked around and glanced at each other. A hiss was heard behind them and they turned around to see the snake head. Arthur pushed Merlin out of the way and began to fight the beast. Merlin watched as Arthur expertly dodged, slashed and stabbed. It was all in vain though. Arthur was pushed down and his sword was dropped. Hermione didn't know what to do! Reveal her magic or let Merlin handle this by himself. No, that would be selfish. Hermione knew Arthur was knocked out so she held back the beast with a shield.

Merlin quickly climbed a rise in the ground and called the sword to the air. He waved the torch at the beast that was positioned above Arthur, ready to kill. He saw Hermione holding off the beast and took his chance. Merlin got the creature to look his way and he enchanted the sword and it impaled the creature. The beast withered and tried to get the sword out of him, but it was futile. The beast fell and Merlin took no time to take pride in the fact that he just killed one of the most magical creatures ever.

He rushed over to Arthur and saw his eyes were closed. "No, no, no! You were not bitten!" He lifted Arthur's head and noticed the blood. Hermione dropped to the ground. She held off the creature! Arthur could only have been bitten…...when the beast knocked him down! Hermione had been too slow. She hated to do it, but she pushed Merlin out of the way and summoned a magi block unto the poison. It wouldn't hold forever, but enough time to figure out what to do.

All the while, Merlin couldn't stop thinking that Arthur had been bitten. Arthur's been bitten! No! He can't die! The Knights came rushing and they all quickly exited the cave. They rushed full speed to get their prince back to the castle. Horses hooves pounded against dirt and they rushed faster and faster. The castle came into view and they didn't stop at the gates. They rushed past the guards and came right to the front doors. Arthur was rushed through the doors, past every worker and no attention was payed to anything they ruined as Merlin raced ahead of everyone to get to Gaius. Hermione hot on his trails.

They finally reached the Court Physician and Merlin swiped everything off a table for Arthur to be laid down. The Knights rushed away to tell the king and Gaius looked at the wound. He looked to Merlin and asked sadly, "he was bitten?" Merlin nodded and said desperately, "you need to do something Gaius! Arthur has to live!" Gaius shook his head sadly and said, "I cannot cure him. The bite of a Questing Beast is beyond any power I hold." Merlin looked around desperately. Magic. Magic! He looked to Hermione and looked at her hopefully. She signed to him solemnly, "The only thing I can do is transfer the venom to me, but I don't see how that'll help. I would gladly give my life for Arthur, but I can't leave you. I already put up magic blocks in the venoms pass, but it is a powerful venom."

Merlin understood her struggle. He wouldn't have let her take Arthur's place anyways. If it were between his destiny and his sister, his sister would always come first.

"Gaius!" The three looked up to see the King rush in and go to his son's side. "He was bitten? Gaius, can you save him? Please Gaius."

"I will do everything I can."

"He needs to be moved to his chambers."

The King lifted Arthur and walked towards the door. Gaius gathered supplies and followed him. Merlin had something else he needed to do. Merlin ran as fast as possible to the dungeons. Before Merlin left, he told Hermione to help Gaius while he talked to the all knowing idiot dragon that would probably give him a riddle for an answer. Hermione told him to go an that witty zingers weren't important at the moment.

Merlin was still worried about being caught, but at the moment, he didn't care about anything besides curing Arthur. He grabbed a torch and sprinted down the steps. He reached the cave edge and the dragon was sleeping. "Oi!" The large golden dragon looked at Merlin with all knowing eyes. "I need to save Arthur! Tell me how!" The dragon looked at him closer. "Are you willing to do anything?"

"I'd gladly give my life for Arthur."

"Yes, but will you do anything?"

"Yes! Anything!"

"Go to the Isle of the Blessed. To save Arthur's life, you need to sacrifice one in his place."

Merlin nodded morbidly and he knew he was prepared to die. He would leave right away. Arthur didn't have that much time left even with the magical blocks. Merlin could save him. Even if it meant giving up his own life. He rushed to Gaius's chambers and packed a bag quick as possible. Obviously, Hermione would want to come She would find him "Where are you going, Merlin?" Merlin lifted his head to see a worried Gaius. "I'm going to save Arthur."

"You can't! The bite is fatal and you already tried."

"I'm going to the Isle of the Blessed-"

"No!"

"You heard of it then?"

Gaius hesitated and then sighed. "Yes."

"I'm going to plead for Arthur's life to be restored."

Gaius rushed over to Merlin and looked at him with pleading eyes. "Please, don't do this. For you to save Arthur's life, one has to be given in return!"

Merlin nodded sadly and gazed at Gaius. "Please" Gaius pleaded.

Merlin shook his head and said, "I have to. It's my destiny." With that, Merlin left. He passed no one on the way. Instead of grabbing a horse, he just ran to the forest where he knew Hermione already was. She had a sense about these things, plus he knew she was by the door when he was telling Gaius his plan. There in the forest was Hermione in Black shuck form. He hopped on and patted her behind the ear. She whined and he sighed. "I know it isn't ideal Devil, but it has to happen. I know you'll think of something."

The ride was bumpy, but he knew where he was headed. The white mountains came into view after only thirty minutes or so of riding a shadow traveling hell hound. They reached a small dock with a rowboat missing the oars. Merlin didn't know how he was going to get across in a timely manner. That is, before Hermione looked at the isle of the blessed, grabbed Merlin's jacket and transported themthere. He knelt over and promptly spewed on the rocks. How did she transport like that all the time if it messed up the stomach like that!

Merlin looked upon the ruined castle walls on the Isle of the Blessed. The rubble was everywhere and the waters were littered with leaves. Ruined walls and shadows created and eerie effect. The air held a sense of foreboding and dread that made him want to turn away, but he kept moving forward. They reached the middle of the island. Merlin and Hermione came to the circular clearing. Broken walls surrounded them and the grass was still green. What looked to be an altar sat in the middle of everything. Beautifully carved white stone and ultimately untouched. "Ah, you have arrived."

Merlin turned back to the altar and saw the person he was least expecting. Nimueh. Merlin could almost hear the fire burning in Hermione's body She was angry. He could sense it. Merlin looked at the witch and said, "You can't be the one I'm meant to see."

"You know me?"

"Nimueh."

"Very good. I am the one to see though. You are here for Arthur?"

"He needs to live."

"The Old Religion requires balance to life. For Arthur to live, another life must be given."

"I am prepared to die for Arthur."

Nimueh grabbed a cup from out of nowhere and held it out to him. "The one to drink from this cup, will have their life restored." She held her hand to the sky and whispered a spell. The clouds opened up and it began to pour. He held the golden cup out and it quickly filled. The rain stopped and Nimueh poured the water in an intricately crafted flask. "Give this to Arthur and his life will be spared. A life will be taken in his place." Merlin grabbed the flask and pushed it into his bag. He looked back up, only to discover Nimueh was gone.

Hermione grabbed Merlin's shoulder and pulled him back. He looked into her angry red eyes as she signed, "I'm warning you Merlin. Nimueh is as sneaky as they get and she doesn't want you dead. She wants you to join her. The rules say one life, not yours. Do you know whose life you bargained?" Merlin stood stock still and peered at Hermione. She shook her head and replied, "Nimueh wouldn't dare touch me. The little witch is too frightened. I guess we'll just find out."

Darkness crept up on them and they headed back. Merlin had Hermione's words stuck in his head. He had bargained someone else's life? Who? He wished he understood people like Hermione did. She could sense evil from a mile away even if it was wearing a pretty smile and sparkling happy eyes.

Instead of riding back, Hermione just apparated back. She pushed Merlin to get to Arthur as she disappeared again.

He ran to Gaius's chambers and grabbed Gaius's hand. He dropped the vial he was holding and was pulled along. "Merlin!" Merlin shook his head and said, "no time! We need to get this to Arthur." Gaius didn't ask, just followed Merlin. They ended up in Arthur's room, administrating the elixir. The King came in the room in the middle of giving Arthur the water and asked, "what is the meaning of this?" Gaius came up with a good lie and Merlin watched Arthur. There seemed to be no change yet except for a change in his breathing. The king asked, "well, did it work?" Gaius sighed and looked at Merlin sadly. "We will just have to wait and see."

Merlin and Gaius soon left and Merlin was ecstatic! Arthur would live and...he would , hopefully. Merlin would rather he die than someone else. Merlin looked to Gaius and Gaius shook his head sadly.

It was time for them to sleep and Merlin completely expected never to wake the next morning.

His hand moved. Moved? He was thinking? Breathing? Alive? He was alive! A life has to be taken though, so who's life did he trade. There was something in his hand. He looked down and panicked. Merlin rushed out of his room and shouted, "Gaius!" He looked up and saw a red cloaked figure lying on the ground. "Hermione brought her here last night" Gaius said gravely. Merlin rushed around Gaius and choked. His mother? His mother! She had boils and bumps everywhere! Her skin was red and she could barely breath. "This is a deadly illness, Merlin." Merlin was angry. "No! It was supposed to be my life! Not my mother's! Mine!" Merlin held onto his mother and promised her that she would live. She couldn't seem to hear him.

Hermione sa in the corner with a tearful gaze. Nothing good ever came out of cheating death. Nothing.

Gaius situated his mother in his bed at Merlin's request and Merlin left. He had someone to talk to. Merlin rushed down the halls and to the cave where the dragon lived. He had a bone to pick with the manipulating lump of scales. Merlin grabbed the torch after sneaking past the guards and once again, sprinted down the steps. He came to the cave opening and the dragon was waiting. "You did this!" Merlin was angry. His mother was dying and it was all his fault. "I said I would give my life! Not my mother's!" The dragon stared at Merlin and responded, "you said you were willing to do anything for Arthur's life."

The realization hit Merlin like a ton of stones. "You knew" he accused. The dragon did not deny the claim. "YOU KNEW?!" Once again the dragon stayed silent. Then he spoke up, "your destiny needs to be fulfilled! You need to help Arthur become king so magic can be free to use and I may be free." It all clicked. Selfish. This dragon didn't do anything for Merlin. He just wanted to be free. Yes, Merlin wanted magic to be legal, but the dragon just wanted to be free? "I thought you were my friend?" The dragon stepped forward and replied, "that and much more. You are my kin." Merlin's anger boiled over and he shouted, "no! My only family is my mother and Hermione and my mother is dying! I'm going to save her and you" Merlin paused to take a breath, "will never see the light of day!"

"MERLIN!" The dragon opened his mouth and shot fire at him. He erected a shield and was protected. "You will never be free!" Merlin shouted and the dragon roared as he ran away. "NOOO! MERLIN!"

Hermione sat invisible just around the corner. The dragon had never lied actually. This beast is probably the inspiration for Salazar's Slythern qualities somehow. The Great dragon had never lied to Merlin, just bent things in his direction. It was smart, cunning and she hated it. She was glad Merlin stood up for himself. He was becoming a big boy that didn't need her help. She sighed. Her little boy was growing up.

Merlin raced and raced. He dropped the torch a while ago and he slowed in the hallways. He was pulled into an alcove unexpectedly and was facing a haggard looking Morgan. Her black hair was undone, her porcelain skin was looking sickly and her green eyes held fear. "It is only the beginning" she whispered hurriedly. he removed her hands from his person and pushed away from her. She was going crazy. She was worried.

Merlin needed to go back and bargain for his mother's life. He needed to plead. Merlin said his goodbyes to his mother and Arthur. He had told Arthur to learn to listen and to not be a...Prat? He had already told his plan to Gaius. It was early afternoon and Merlin was prepared. He headed out the door and saw that Gaius was nowhere to be seen. "Gaius?" Merlin saw an envelope in the corner of his eye with his name scribbled on it. Merlin's heart began to sink as he got a bad feeling. He shakily picked up the envelope and tore it open. He read the note...

"NO!" Merlin ran out the door and sprinted as fast as he could. Gaius was going to give up his life for Merlin. He couldn't! He is not meant to die. Hermione was quickly informed of the situation and wanted to blast Gaius into the sun. All he needed to do was ask Hermione and she would have gladly traded her life for her family. Hermione quickly apparated Merlin and her to the Isle of the blessed and took a breath. Wow, was she out of shape for this distance in apparition!

The sun started to go down when Merlin and Hermione reached the center of the Isle of the Blessed. They caught the last of Nimueh's spell and saw Gaius laying on the ground. "No!" Nimueh cut off her chant and turned to Merlin. She looked almost happy. Happy?

Merlin's anger shone through and he yelled, "you killed him!" hermione was equally as angry, but she could feel something in the ir shift. Merlin would be victorious in this battle, she knew it. It was Merlin's time to shine and use the skills he had learned. It was time for him to take a step in becoming the great warlock history had foretold.

Nimueh gently set down the cup and walked towards Merlin. "He asked for it. Your mother is safe and on the mend. Is that not what you wanted?" Merlin shook his head violently and said in a low voice, "no. I was supposed to die in Arthur's place! Not my mother and not Gaius." Nimueh launched into a speech of joining her. The only thing Merlin could do is remember the selfish words the great dragon spoke. Nimueh would use him just as the dragon had.

Merlin got angry enough and sent a ball of flames at her. She just absorbed the power. "Your petty tricks won't work on me." She sent a larger flame towards him faster than he could react. He shielded himself with his arms, but it never came. He opened his eyes and was relieved to find a shimmering shield around him. Merlin wasn't the cause of it though. Nimueh looked angry at Hermione who had simply snapped her fingers.. She tried spell after spell, but the shield stood. The shield around Merlin dropped as Nimueh focused on Hermione. "You do not belong here! I have prepared for you Nyx and you will no longer get in my way!" Nimueh sent a dragon flame at Hermione and his wonderful sister did was open her mouth and eat the flame. Nimueh stumbled back and Hermione steadied herself and shot the flame right back out. This time, stronger. Hermione laughed and gathered up enough strength to speak. Her three vocal cords worked together to form the words, "Silly little witch. Didn't you know Hell Hounds live for flames?" Nimueh was angry and hurt. Her right arm was badly singed. Hermione looked to Merlin and signed, "Finish it."

That's what Merlin did. He shouted the incantation at the sky and Nimueh was electrocuted and exploded from bolts of lightning. His eyes were blazing gold and rain poured down. He forgot all about Nimueh when he saw Gaius lying still on the ground. "Gaius!" Merlin rushed over to him and tears pooled his eyes. "No! You can't be gone! Please!" He felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned around. Hermione was looking at him with a small victorious smile. She tilted her head towards Gaius and Merlin saw that his eyes were open. Merlin laughed in joy and hugged his mentor.

He turned to Hermione and tackled her to the ground in a hug. She hugged him back and whispered into his ear, "I knew you c-could do i-it." Merlin pulled back and responded, "Never without my big sister." She smiled at him and there the three relaxed for a while in the cooling rain. Reveling in the knowledge that Nimueh was no more. They were going to be okay. They could overcome anything standing in their way.

And it's finished! Yeah, I know. I planned a cool pairing and a sweet ending and everything, but I just can't type anymore. The loose ends are everywhere, but you've seen the show! I know for a fact that you could imagine what the outcome would be in your own imaginative way. But, maybe I like it this way. You can choose your own ending for the story. I might make a part two, I might not, who knows! But guys, I think I'm all written out for a very long time. So, I apologize and hope you've enjoyed what I could give. Thanks for reading, Darlings!