Nana, Papa,

Sorry we haven't written much - there's so much here and we've been terribly busy. Magic school is schoolwork and exams, pretty much. Our tutor for our non-magic work has us working on the written portion of the books. After winter, we'll start the physical portion.

I got Sorted into a school House. Actually, both Merlin and I got Sorted in the same house - if you can believe it, there was a talking hat involved.

I like most of the teachers here. Professor Snape is the exception to that, because whenever he looks at me I think he hates my guts. I think that because my scar's constantly hurting, and according to Merlin, who's actually been reading some Healing books - books that are telling her how to heal people, like doctors do - according to her it's a curse scar, and curse scars don't hurt as much.

There's not much else to tell, other than we're making lots of friends. Mostly in our own House, but Merlin's recently met a girl named Cho Chang who isn't in our House.

More later - Hermione's asking me about someone named Nicolas Flamel.

Love,

Harry Potter

The letter lay open on a dusty table.

"They're protected," a voice said. "As soon as what happened gets out, there'll be no way to catch them."

"That old fool -"

"Is not the one that protects them. Even if he was… No. We need to leave this place. Put the mark upon the wall."

A witch waved her hand, and a burning mark appeared.

The mark of Mordred, which was an 'M' made entirely out of swords.

The entire mark seemed to solidify, then settled into the wall as though it was a painting.

"It begins."

~:~

Harry stalked off the field, glaring at Draco.

Merlin held in a groan.

"Your brother will end up on the wrong end of a wand one day," Pansy huffed.

Merlin blinked. "Oh, yeah?" She withdrew her wand. "Is that a threat, Parkinson?" Just because she privately agreed with the other first year didn't mean she'd allow anyone to insult her brother. Other than her, of course.

"No," Draco said, startling everyone. "Longbottom, please accept my apologies. I was quite out of line to do that."

Neville shrank behind Merlin. "It's fine," he muttered. "I still don't know what I forgot."

Merlin looked at him, wondering why he looked so off.

Then she realized it.

"Oh, for the love of Merlin," she said after a moment. "You forgot you bloody robes."

Half of Gryffindor House looked mortally embarrassed.

Madam Hooch came striding back with Parvati, who had slipped off her broom.

"Where's Potter?" Madam Hooch asked.

Pansy opened her mouth.

"Professor McGonagall asked to see him," Draco lied.

Merlin was pretty sure everyone was staring at Draco like he was a tapeworm because he was a Slytherin and had just lied for a Gryffindor.

"Oh." Madam Hooch looked disappointed. "Well, let's just get on with the lesson."

~:~

"Enjoy the feast!" The Headmaster proclaimed as everyone dug in. Harry sat down just as Merlin began eating and informed her quietly.

"I'm going to be a Seeker," he told her.

Merlin frowned, reminded of her pitiful attempts to mount a broom.

"I'm going to input a petition to get carpets allowed," she announced.

Hermione sighed. "You have to be seventeen to do so."

Merlin muttered something that sounded like "ducking spit".

Harry slapped the back of her head.

"Language, or I'll sic the Bloody Baron on you," he said sternly.

Merlin had a mutinous face.

"So un-"

"TROLL!"

Professor Quirrell ran into the Great Hall. Merlin's currently sepia eyes widened as the rather unremarkable teacher (really, Merlin could barely remember a single lesson of his, they were that boring) stopped and clutched at his heart.

"Troll - in the dungeon," he gasped out. "Thought you ought to know."

He crumpled.

Merlin tilted her head, then faced forward.

~:~

When she was finished with dinner, she stood and walked out of the Great Hall.

"What are you doing?" Professor Snape demanded, appearing out of nowhere.

Merlin blinked her eyes.

"Sorry," she said, her hair turning pink with embarrassment. "But I just thought he was lying. And I haven't really eaten anything today, so I was quite hungry."

Snape stared at her. "What made you think he was lying?"

Merlin frowned, recalling her Healing books. "Well… There's only one fact, really. If someone were passing out, they'd usually pass out on their faces. And he was too casual."

Snape stared at her for a long moment. "I see." He nodded to himself. "Do not mention this to anyone else. Go directly to your dormitory." He paused. "And be quick about it."

Merlin nodded quickly and darted up the stairs, mind racing.