two months and we have a deal
*
October 2, 1575
The poster Morgana is showing him has the words ‘Duelling Club this Thursday’ written on it in rather threatening, blood-red letters. Merlin raises a questioning eyebrow at her,
“And?”
Morgana gives him a look, which Merlin answers with a hurried,
“No way. I’m not joining that. It’s all Gryffindors and muscles and brawn and, you know, that sort of thing!”
Morgana responds, while munching on her marmalade-covered toast,
“Yeah, and that’s exactly why you should go for it. Prove to those Gryffindors that we’re the better house. Annnnd there’s the added plus of that beautiful feeling you’ll get when you beat your little frenemy Arthur Pendragon- I hear he’s also joining.”
Merlin is aware of this. It is in fact one of the factors in his refusal.
Morgana is probably aware he is aware of this, cunning as she is, and has mentioned Arthur just to get Merlin’s competitive spirit out.
“No, Morgana. I’m fine with Charms club and our library study group. Those are enough sociability for me for a week.”
Morgana tries her next tactic, flattery,
“I’ve seen you in Charms, and in Defence and Transfiguration too, You’re easily the best- even though I know you try to pretend you’re not.”
Merlin opens his mouth to speak but Morgana continues,
“Additionally, it would be a great occasion for you to introduce me to your Arthur and the other Gryffindors so that I can meet his gorgeous friend, that Lancelot guy.”
”He’s not my Arthur.”
Merlin gives her his most annoyed look. How anyone could fancy that Lancelot is beyond Merlin. Especially the feared and powerful Morgana.
While only a first year like him, her withering looks and unorthodox hexes (such as the ‘bat-bogey hex’ which she claims to have invented) have made her quite a well-known witch. Word was that the other day a Gryffindor fifth-year had seen her coming towards him down a dark corridor, and had scarpered the other way, missing his Charms lesson.
Why Morgana had attached herself to Merlin- nay, chosen Merlin as a friend, he still had no idea. On one hand he was glad for her reputation meaning he was (mostly) left alone by older Gryffindors who liked to pick on firstie Slytherins. On the other hand, she enjoyed discussing gossip and drama rather too much for Merlin.
Case in point:
“Okay, Merlin, here’s the deal. I’ll let you borrow my Celestia for a month if you just try out the duelling club.”
Merlin pretends to consider this offer carefully, even though they both know he would kill a puppy for her Celestia broomstick. He loves to fly, but his mum can’t afford the expensive broomsticks being sold in Diagon Alley. He responds,
“Hmmmmm. Make it two months and we have a deal.”
She nods and shakes his outstretched hand, before smiling,
“Yay! Expanding your social palette Merlin. You’ll love it, I promise.”
After breakfast Merlin says bye to Morgana before starting off to Potions alone.
Morgana doesn’t do Potions lessons with their year because she’s training to be a Potions Master, which requires private lessons with Professor Heathcliff- a doddery old witch who seems feeble but in fact sees everything and can be very strict.
Merlin himself is heading to Professor Wakefield’s Potions class- this professor is not as skilled as Heathcliff, but he is a lot friendlier and Merlin enjoys the lessons despite potions being his weakest subject.
He’s daydreaming about flying the Celestia, wind in his hair and eyes on the snitch, when he’s suddenly knocked back to reality by someone putting their arm round his shoulders and greeting him loudly,
“Hello ‘ello Merlin mate. Excited to lose to me in brewing again?”
Merlin cranes his head to see blond curls and a roguish grin. He gives a long-suffering sigh and responds,
“Good morning Arthur, I hope you had a nice breakfast. And for your information, no one ‘loses’ in Potions, it’s not a competition- have you been giving yourself a gold star every time you ‘win’ ?”
Arthur, ever the morning person, just keeps grinning at Merlin, not bothered at all. He seems to remember something,
“Oh, Merlin, are you going to the duelling club on Thursday too? Only, Gwen told me that Morgana”- Arthur visibly shivers saying her name (he is one of those that’s slightly scared of her)- “told her that you said you are. So. Are you?”
Merlin nods,
“I literally only told Morgana 10 minutes ago. Honestly, I have no idea how she’s gossiping so rapidly, she must have a time turner or something.”
Arthur agrees, adding,
“The real question is how are her and Gwen even friends? They’re so different.”
Merlin shrugs and says,
“And in many ways, though, they’re very similar. Anyway, let’s get to Potions. I always feel bad when I’m late- Professor Wakefield’s disappointed face makes me want to sink down into the depths of the earth and never return.”