fandomficsnstuff

[fandomficsnstuff]

Witches And Wizards - 23

(Warnings: Fluff, fluff and more fluff! A bit of angsty fluff, I think, but otherwise this is a pretty fluffy chapter too, I think)

Note: I once read parts of a fic where the reader has magic and goes back in time, meeting Merlin. I sadly can’t find it anymore. Also Fred didn’t die in this.

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The one thing she now hated about Hogwarts was the stairs. The stairs that had previously filled with awe and amazement and wonder were now the bane of her existence. Or rather, her left leg’s existence, as she refused to use the Floo network for everything, determined to make it on her own, as she had when she was a student. She winced a little at the pain in her leg as she walked down the last few steps, papers in one hand and cane in the other, leaving her unable to grab the reiling when she felt her foot slip on the last step, her eyes widening and she let go of the papers in an effort to catch the railing to steady herself when someone helped her to it. She looked up to see who had caught her, helping her get steady on her feet again and she grinned “Professor Emrys! It appears that you showed up just at the right time” she stated with amusement once she got steady, beginning to lean down to pick up the papers she dropped when Merlin bent down and gathered them for her “I-I was looking for you, actually” he admitted, gathering them neatly before standing back up, yet he didn’t give the papers to her. “Really? What for?”

“I-I was wondering-... w-what-... has anyone… done anything about your leg? Is there anything that helps?” he asked with a small frown and some hesitancy but she just smiled at him “well… warmth sometimes helps, such as a blanket over my leg or something like that. Though it seems that it gets much worse the colder the year gets” she admitted, Merlin nodding, staring at her with a soft expression and she smiled again, glancing at her papers before looking back up at him, clearing her throat lightly “Professor Emrys, unless you want to take a quiz on the unknown side effects of Angel’s Trumpet and the danger of unknown plants and how to recognize them in the wild then I think you ought to return those papers to me” she joked, Merlin snapping out of his daze, blinking as he nervously nodded but he offered her his arm instead on her left side “are you going to your class?”

“I am, yes.”

“Would you mind if-”

“Not at all” she said with a warm smile, looping her arm in his, still walking while leaning on her cane and Merlin frowned at it “you can lean on me if you need to, I won’t mind, I promise” he stated and she chuckled lightly “thank you, but I couldn’t do that to you. Besides, you’re on the wrong side of me. My cane is in the opposite hand of the leg that hurts because when I lean on it, it lifts up my leg so I don’t have to walk too much on it. Many make the mistake of walking with the cane on the same side as their injured leg or foot, even though, in reality, it only puts more weight on it” she explained plainly before frowning, yet with a smile “I’m sorry, the nurses at St. Mungo’s were very-... strict” she admitted nervously, Merlin just smiling at her. He stopped walking, shifted the papers to his other hand, moved over on the right side of her, took her cane and replaced it with his arm, smiling at her in a way that made every single cell in her body flutter like a butterfly, a large grin on her lips that Merlin willingly drowned in. “Thank you, Merlin” she said softly, leaning on him as she would with her cane. “A-And nothing helps?”

“They say the tibia bone was shattered, cracked in several places. They said some splinters appeared to have made their way into my muscles. They removed them but couldn’t be certain if I would ever walk normally again. Honestly, I’d just settle for a day without pain now” she joked with amusement and Merlin forced a smile, a feeling of regret and guilt taking root in his gut. “You once agreed that it was possible to have a life before the one we’re living,” he started and Ophelia looked at him casually, nodding before looking ahead again as they continued to walk “what if-... d-do you think someone could-... have wronged someone in one life and make up for it in another?” he asked hesitantly and she frowned before shrugging lightly “that depends on the wrong they wanted to right, I suppose…”

“Hurting someone…”

“Intentionally?”

“No, but-... letting it happen, not doing enough to prevent it from happening…”

“Well, if they tried to help, I don’t think it’s a wrong… if they stood by and just-... watched… then yes, I’d say it’s a wrong, but if it wasn’t intentionally and they tried to help in some way, or wanted to and simply couldn’t for their own life’s sake or someone else’s, I’d say they were brave. Many people do nothing but stand to the side and watch. Trying to help, whether it’s successful or not, is always a brave thing” she admitted softly, smiling at Merlin in a way that made him melt inside “whatever wrong you feel you have to right, I don’t believe there’s anything to right to begin with. From what I know, you’re a good man, your parents raised you well” she complimented and he smiled shyly at her before looking down “I never knew my father… my mother raised me until she had to send me away, for my own safety…”

“I’m sorry to hear that…”

“It’s alright, she had a friend who took care of me… he taught me everything he knew. All that I know is thanks to him” he stated with a smile and Ophelia grinned “is that why I don’t remember seeing you at Hogwarts? You were taught privately?”

“Y-Yes, I suppose…”

“Who was your teacher? A former professor of some sort?”

“I-I suppose. His name was Gaius and-” he stopped talking as she suddenly stopped walking, frowning at him and he frowned right back at her, though secretly his heart raced with anticipation and hope. “What is it?”

“Nothing, I just-” she trailed off, looking off to the side and Merlin took a step closer with a hopeful look in his eyes “what? What is it?”

“I feel like I know that name, that’s all” she admitted with red cheeks and Merlin could barely contain his joy, grinning at her as she blinked, looking back up at him, frowning yet with a smile “I suppose I might’ve known him in this ‘past life’ we’re talking about, I don’t know why else I’d feel familiar with that name” she admitted nervously, Merlin grinning as he took her arm once again, continuing to lead her to the greenhouses, stopping by the large tree inside the Herbology wing, just outside the greenhouses with the plants used for teaching, and she grinned at him, taking the papers and her cane from him “thank you, for walking with me, it was a great help for my leg” she admitted, Merlin nodding with an anxious yet happy smile, the two just staring at each other with grins until some students began to snicker and whisper, making Ophelia snap out of her happy little bubble “right then, thank you for helping me with my leg, Professor Emrys. I’ll see you at lunch?”

“I look forward to it, Professor Black” he stated curtly and he could just see in her eyes how happy it made her to hear that title, he had imagined it would, of course, but actually seeing it… nothing could compare.

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She limped towards the table as the students gathered into the Great Hall, a frown on her brows and she winced a little at her leg, on her way to the seat Neville was already in when someone gently touched her shoulder and she turned. Her heart raced when she saw him and she smiled. He moved to the right side of her and extended his arm, making her laugh and smile, taking it and briefly leaning her head on his shoulder before walking with him, he even pulled the chair out for her, sitting next to her with Hagrid on the other side of her. “Thank you, Professor Emrys, both for helping me and for pulling out my chair” she stated with a grin, Merlin nodding with a smile of his own “it was my pleasure” he stated with a grin of his own, Hagrid watching the two of them interact with a small frown. Ophelia wasn’t one to be comfortable around just anyone, or even let them touch her, even if it was to help her walk with her leg. She’d rather throw herself down the Grand Staircase than accept help from a stranger, even if they were her coworker, and Molly had been the one to help her after she woke up and got out of St. Mungo’s, the only one Ophelia had allowed to help her. Molly had told him of how cold Ophelia had become, like a piece of her, a vital piece, was gone. How she barely let anyone touch her anymore, even to help her stand, how she barely gave a genuine smile, her eyes empty and blank. But she had accepted his touch, even leaning her head on his shoulder briefly; he hadn’t seen her do that since her boyfriend Jaime died at the Battle of Hogwarts and with what Molly told him, after waking up, she’d rather suffer the Cruciatus curse than get close to anyone new in her life. Or old. “So, Professor Black, how did the class go?”

“Quite well, actually, Sprout taught them all well, but that’s no surprise, she’s a brilliant woman and skilled with plants of all kinds. It’s a shame she retired” she admitted with a small frown, Hagrid looking between the two with a confused frown before clearing his throat, gathering their attention “she said something about not being able to see the school the same way after Dumbledore died” he announced, trying to become a part of the conversation and Ophelia frowned, nodding with a sad look in her eyes “I can imagine that, even being back here feels-... distant” she admitted with a small frown before quieting down as food appeared on the tables. She put various kinds of food on her plates, at least one of each, aside from a few things she didn’t like, and Merlin smirked. She still wanted to taste everything to figure out what she wanted to eat the most, not wanting to miss out on something new that she might like. “Merlin, could you pass me the gravy?” she asked softly, Merlin nodding, none of them noticing how Hagrid choked on his food at the first name. “Are you sure? I don’t think you’ll like it” Merlin admitted as he handed it to her and she narrowed her eyes at him with a smirk “I may surprise you yet, Professor Emrys” she teased and Merlin smirked as she poured some of the gravy on her plate, watching her with utter amusement as she tasted some of it, immediately gagging, Merlin handing her a napkin and she subtly spit the gravy out and quickly drank some water to try and wash away the taste. “Merlin’s Beard! That’s horrible” she admitted quietly with a laugh and Merlin smirked. She always hated the-

“The texture is like sand in flavored water” she whispered with a laugh, Merlin nodding with that same smirk “it is” he agreed, smiling at her with utter adoration as she subtly wiped her tongue with the napkin, cringing at the gravy that had touched some of the other food on her plate “fuck” she muttered and Merlin smirked, sneakily reaching a hand over her food and she frowned at him as his hand hovered over the food with the gravy on it, she looked back at the hand that hovered over her food, not seeing the way Merlin’s eyes glowed for a brief second but when he removed his hand, the gravy was gone. Ophelia’s eyes widened and she looked at Merlin in shock “how-... how did you do that?! You’re a non-verbal who doesn’t need a wand?!” she asked with shock, Merlin’s cheeks growing red under his black stubble beard “I-I suppose-”

“You ‘suppose’?? You’re making it very hard to catch up to” she teased, while Hagrid was still in a shocked state, unable to say a single thing as he just stared at them, mouth half open as Ophelia began to eat, looking to her side to look at him, frowning “you’re not hungry?” she asked and gestured to his plate casually, Hagrid snapping out of his daze, blinking, a frown forming on his face before slowly picking up his fork and knife, confusion still written all over his face as he began to eat. Ophelia gave Merlin a small smirk, shaking her head with a grin “a non-verbal and wandless” she muttered with amazement, smiling at him “you’re quite the man, it seems, Professor Emrys.”

“I’m only trying to live up to you” he stated and she laughed, throwing her head back briefly as she grinned “me?? I’m not a non-verbal! I can do one jinx and it’s only defensive, and I certainly can’t cast any notable spells without a wand” she stated through her laughter, Merlin remembering the blue sparks she used when they reached the cup of life in Camelot… blinding the guards for enough time for Merlin and Lancelot to get the upper hand from the start. He smiled at that memory, watching her eat, barely getting anything to eat himself, too caught up in admiring her while he could, overjoyed to find that everything about her seemed the same, the changes she went through in Camelot had stuck with her instead of when she had first arrived, back then she was barely allowing a hug or compliment to be given to her, the very idea of any conflict had her running for the hills. He wondered if she still needed Sleeping Draught, she still used it before she-... before the crystal cave.

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Her eyes were closed tightly, squeezed shut as she gripped the armrest of her lounge sofa by the fire, tears running down her cheeks as she gritted her teeth while Madam Pomfrey was applying a cream to the slightly deformed knee and the area closely above and below it, both of them hoping it’d soothe the pain once it was through the skin. “Is there anything else-”

“NO! I’m sorry, I mean-... ‘no’, thank you” she managed through gritted teeth and Madam Pomfrey nodded with sad eyes “do you want company?” she asked fondly and Ophelia was silent for a few seconds before stiffly shaking her head, her breathing shaky as she clung to that damn armrest like her life depended on it “no, thank you, I-... I feel as though I’ll shout and scream and-... I-I’d like to be alone” she managed to utter, Madam Pomfrey nodding, standing up, giving her shoulder a comforting, sympathetic squeeze as she handed Ophelia a small vial with some liquid in it “here, drink this, dear, it’ll give you a few hours of sleep and peace. I’ll check on you after lunch, it should have worked by then” she stated comfortingly before leaving the room for lunch. The second the door was closed Ophelia managed to cast a silencing charm on the room before screaming in agony at her leg as it felt like it was being crushed slowly, tears running down her cheeks as she sobbed in pain, managing to chug down the liquid in the vial before dropping it on the floor, eager for it to work and put her to sleep.

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Minerva noticed how Merlin looked from side to side, not as subtle as he probably thought himself to be and she leaned closer “is there a problem, Professor Emrys?” she asked calmly, Merlin looking at her, cheeks burning a little red under that black stubble as he cleared his throat awkwardly “no, sorry, just-... where’s Professor Black?” he asked, Minerva hesitating while glancing at Madam Pomfrey further down the table before looking back at Merlin “she’s currently-... indisposed. Not to worry, Professor Emrys, she’s in the best of hands” Minerva comforted before going back to eating, Merlin hesitating before nodding to himself. He ate everything on his plate as though he was a starved man before filling it once more, only the food he picked was everything Ophelia would have picked if she had been there, Hagrid easily noticed that. Merlin excused himself and got up, walking through the castle and to the seventh floor in the Astronomy Tower, stopping in the hallway with the tapestry of the wizard and his ballet trolls. He wandered around for a while, back and forth, when suddenly the wall in front of him changed, a door appearing seemingly out of nowhere and he hesitated before leaning closer to it, knocking on it, waiting outside. “Professor Black? Are you alright? I’ve brought you some lunch” he called, knocking again, a frown on his brows as he reached for the handle, finding that the door was unlocked. He hesitantly peeked his head inside, frowning with worry when he saw her laying in front of a fire in her room on a couch, sweat covering her body, cheeks red with dry tears, eyes red and puffy. Her cane was leaning against the wall, close to the hallway and the door, not too far from the fireplace she was laying in front of. He hesitantly put the food down on the large table in front of him and closed the door, walking over to her. She looked absolutely exhausted, like she had been running all her life without a break and finally passed out. Like she had been in excruciating pain before her body shut down. “Ophelia?” he asked as he kneeled down in front of the fire to be by her side, ignoring the burning warmth he felt from being so close to the fire, his hand reaching up, intending to cup her cheek but when he touched it, he felt how sticky it was. “Ophelia??” he gently gripped her cheek, a constant look of worry on his face as he shook her slightly “Ophelia?! Ophelia-”

“It’s alright, Professor Emrys” he spun around to see Madam Pomfrey, a small smile on her lips as she walked in and walked over to Ophelia. “I gave her something to make her sleep through the pain, it’ll be better by the time she wakes up, but it won’t be for another few hours” she admitted, reaching down and laying a hand over Ophelia wounded knee and even through all the layers of clothes and fabric, she could feel the heat coming off of it. Madam Pomfrey nodded to herself and retracted her hand, giving a soft, caring smile at the unconscious Ophelia. “She was a Prefect of Ravenclaw, you know, always whipping her friends into shape, but I suspect she got up to much more than she let on, especially once she became head girl, and turned a blind eye to much of her friends’ pranks and mischief” she spoke softly, Merlin smiling at the words, nodding and without thinking, he responded; “I know, she told me. She beat Cho at Seeker in Quidditch, too” he mumbled, Madam Pomfrey frowning at him “how do you know that? She hasn’t talked about her school years since the battle” she asked with suspicion, Merlin’s cheeks and ears growing hot and red as he looked at her, a look of panic in his eyes “no, I just- s-she’s mentioned it, a-a while ago, that is… over breakfast, I think it was” he muttered quickly, Madam Pomfrey narrowing her eyes at him as he looked back at Ophelia “I see…” she muttered with suspicion before looking back at Ophelia “well, best let her rest for now. Come on, Professor Emrys” she began to turn to walk out of the room when Merlin didn’t follow her and she turned to see him gently shake his head “no, I’ll-... I’ll stay with her” he muttered, Madam Pomfrey studying him closely before nodding to herself “well, suit yourself, Professor Emrys, if she was comfortable enough to share her school years with you, I suppose she wouldn’t mind, though I would of course ask you to not disturb any of her things and respect her privacy” she nodded to herself again and left the room. Once she was gone, Merlin let out a heavy breath, hesitating before allowing himself a brief moment of how it used to be, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, his thumb gently brushing against her cheekbone and the sweaty, sticky skin, a small sigh leaving him. His eyes glowed briefly and a cloth appeared in his hand and with a single look, the cloth grew damp and he began to wash off the sweat and tears on her face so she’d wake up a little more comfortably. It was only then that he realized something. The room he was in, her room, was almost like the one she had in Camelot, only built upon and modified with a few things added, since it was now possible for her with magic to add different things she desired and wanted, a gramophone standing near the desk in front of the large window, resting atop a small shelf with three shelves in it, all of them filled with large, paper-thin squares, no doubt containing the music he knew she had missed so dearly in Camelot. He frowned yet with a smile, getting up and looking around. The table he put the food on, the walls were the same stone and the same color, the floors had been turned from stone into hardwood and the ceiling expanded upwards in a glass bubble, the evening sun somehow shining down into the Room as well as from the two windows in the Room itself. Outside of the window behind her desk, which was filled with only God knows what, was a training yard, the sun was setting over the grassy field but he recognised it as the training yard Arthur almost made him deaf in, with how many times he hit him on the side of his helmet, he could still hear a bit of the ringing in his ears if he tried to imagine it.

#Merlin #Merlin BBC #Merlin x Ophelia #Ophelia Black #HP #Harry Potter #HP fic #Merlin fic #Merlin the Show #Merlin x OC #Harry Potter Fanfic #Witches and Wizards

[fandomficsnstuff]

Witches And Wizards - 22

(Warnings: FLUUUUUUUUF! Fluff and some fluffy fluff!)

Note: I once read parts of a fic where the reader has magic and goes back in time, meeting Merlin. I sadly can’t find it anymore. Also Fred didn’t die in this.

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Sitting on the opposite side of the table this summer felt bittersweet for Ophelia. She could see the seat she used to sit in at the Ravenclaw table, and the best thing of all, she sat next to Hagrid. On one hand, this is where she had always dreamed of sitting, right?... On the other hand, she felt as though her dreams had somehow changed, but she wasn’t sure what they had changed to, or when, she just felt the bitter shift in her as she sat and talked with Hagrid, whom she adored, the half-giant as gentle as he was tall. “Settle down everyone! Settle down! Welcome back and to those of you who have just arrived, welcome to Hogwarts, the school of Witchcraft and Wizardry! The sorting ceremony will begin shortly, after that, you will get to meet two of your new teachers. Now, when I call your names, please step forward” Minerva called out into the hall, Ophelia smiling softly, leaning closer to Hagrid “she’s got the room, just like Dumbledore did” she whispered, Hagrid nodding “she does. She’s quite the headmistress, too, you know. Had a bit ‘f an incident with a Billywig… thought fer sure she’d sack me.”

“Why? Did the student float off?”

“No! Merlin’s beard, no, just got a good scare ’s all. It’s that lad over there” he whispered with amusement as he pointed to some kid at the Gryffindor table, Ophelia forcing a smile as she suddenly felt… cold… cold and alone… all her life she’d heard and used that name, so why would it feel different now? “Now,” Ophelia snapped out of her trance as Minerva turned to her, smiling and gesturing to her “as you all know, Professor Sprout has retired after many years of faithfully teaching Herbology, so, it is a privilege to present your new Herbology professor, Professor Black” she presented, Hagrid being one of the teachers who clapped the loudest, Ophelia smiling, grabbing her cane and pushing herself to stand, limping over to where Minerva stood. Minerva lifted a hand and the crowd fell silent, Ophelia giving her a smile before looking out to the crowd, unaware of the blue eyes that watched her intently. “Hello. I’m looking forward to working with all of you. It’ll be a privilege to teach all of you, and I can only hope that you’ll enjoy learning about Herbology, how to care for your plants, the use for their ingredients and what to learn from them as much as I did. Professor Sprout was a great Herbology teacher, I have a lot to live up to so I hope you’ll give me a chance to do so” Ophelia stated loudly yet with a fond tone when she spoke of the old Herbology professor she had learnt so much from, even though it was in her later years, turning to Minerva who nodded at her. Ophelia nodded, turning around to go back to her seat when stopped, turning to face everyone again “oh, and just so you don’t have to ask later and interrupt my class, I’m limping because of an unfortunate accident with a Billywig and an allergic reaction, I’m lucky I didn’t lose my leg… it’s worth remembering to always listen to your Care of Magical Creatures professor” she stated loudly, her eyes locked on the boy that had been involved in the ‘incident’ with Hagrid and a Billywig. Minerva tried to hide her smirk as Ophelia limped back to her seat, sitting back down next to Hagrid whose ears were a little bit red, not that it was all that noticeable under all of that hair “what’d ya say that for??”

“Let’s see if you have any trouble with Billywigs now” she whispered with the ghost of amusement on her face, Hagrid trying to hold back a laugh. “And now, allow me to present your new Transfigurations teacher, Professor Emrys” the hall clapped again, even Ophelia, though she had no idea who this new teacher was. Her stomach felt strange again when she heard that name, like it did when she heard the name ‘Merlin’, but she shrugged it off, watching as a tall and lean black haired man stepped forward. He had the cutest ears imaginable and she couldn’t help but smile at the back of his head for some reason. “Thank you, Headmistress, it’s an honor to teach here, I’ve waited a long time to do so, waiting for the right moment. A former student I knew spoke very highly of this place and I just knew I had to come here when the time was right. I’ll be looking forward to getting to know all of you and teaching you, and I’m looking forward to work with my new coworkers” he stated, turning and gesturing to the large table all the teachers sat at, Ophelia’s eyes widening a little when she saw his face, her heart racing when she locked eyes with him, those blue orbs staring at her, as though he knew her, a hint of relief in his eyes that she had no idea why. Barely a second or two passed but it felt like a lifetime. Like a thousand lifetimes. And then she felt cold again when he turned to look back at Minerva, saying something quietly before walking back to his seat at the other end of the table, Ophelia staring at him with a frown. “Now, let the feast begin!” Minerva commanded and food appeared on the tables, Ophelia frowning when Professor Emrys appeared to be shocked at this, his eyes wide, shining with joy and surprise.

“‘Phia, you’re not hungry?” Hagrid asked with half a mouth full of some sort of meat pie, Ophelia barely able to tear her eyes from Professor Emrys, blinking out of her trance as she looked at Hagrid “hm?”

“I asked if you weren’t hungry? And why’re you starin’ at the new professor?” he asked, Ophelia resisting the urge to look at the person in question, forcing herself to look down at her plate “I, uh… I-I’m not hungry” she lied quietly, frowning.

She tried not to. She really did. But she failed, miserably, and slowly her gaze lifted to look at him. And he looked back. Once again their eyes locked and she felt her heart race, heat filling her cheeks but not out of embarrassment for being caught staring at him like a creep… it felt… bashful… shy… like she was being deeply complimented by someone whose opinion was of the highest value to her, and she was able to study his features much better now. He had a black stubble beard that she felt was foreign to him, yet it suited him, he had the most adorable ears that made her heart race, his cheekbones were high, those blue eyes feeling so familiar and she felt like a million lifetimes wouldn’t be enough time to study every inch of him, commit it to memory… and worst of all, she wanted that. She wanted those million lifetimes just to look at him, just to feel the way she did when he looked at her… She swallowed the lump in her throat, her hand clutching her pants as she tried to look away, finally being able to tear her gaze away from him, some form of fear coursing through her veins and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. “Excuse me, please” she muttered, about to get up when Hagrid frowned at her “you alright? Yer face is flushed…”

“Yeah, yeah I’m okay, just-.. my leg” she lied, forcing a smile that seemed to comfort the gentle half-giant and she grabbed her cane, subtly getting up and limping out of the room, walking outside through the door not that far from the table she sat at, feeling the unusually hot sun on her skin, just past the clouds as it descended in the distance. She tried to lean off of her cane a little, to rest her weight on her wounded leg but she quickly leaned back on her cane again, gritting her teeth in agony and she sighed heavily.

“Are you alright?”

She spun around at the voice, grimacing, clutching her cane at the sharp pain the movement caused her, her eyes shut tightly for a brief second before she opened them to see… him. It was him. “Yes, thank you, I just needed some air… I haven’t been back here for what feels like-... a lifetime” she admitted. He was her coworker, she might as well try to be civil, despite the strange feeling she felt when she looked into his eyes, heard his voice… she hadn’t felt like that since-... since Jaime…

“Are you sure? You look like you’re uncomfortable, I can leave if-”

“No! No, it’s not you, it’s- it’s my blasted leg” she admitted nervously, adjusting her stance a little to try and alleviate some of the pain she felt. “Oh, how-... w-what happened?” he asked nervously and she narrowed her eyes at him. She could swear she knew him… there had to be a reason for the feeling she felt in her gut when he looked at her, when she heard his voice, but he wasn’t a Hogwarts student, she would have remembered him, surely… wouldn’t she?…

“I uh, I don’t know, actually. I woke up in St. Mungo’s. They couldn’t do anything” she admitted sheepishly, shrugging as she looked down briefly before forcing a smile “but it’s alright, I’ve lived with it for a few months now. Almost a year after I woke up.”

“How long? If it’s alright that I ask…”

“It’s alright. I was unconscious most of the time at St. Mungo’s… for weeks, actually. I was-... ‘gone’, for a few years, maybe three, I’m not sure, it seems no one really is… but when I got back I passed out and, well, a few weeks later I woke up…”

“W-What happened?” he asked, taking a step forward and Ophelia frowned as her heart raced when he stepped closer. She liked his presence. She liked having him near and every step towards her felt like a drug she was slowly becoming addicted to. “I uh… I don’t know” she admitted sheepishly, forcing a smile “kind of stupid, right? I don’t even know what happened to me, all I know is that I somehow ended up in one of my friends’ shop, covered in rock dust and then I passed out and woke up in St. Mungo’s” she said with a forced laugh, watching as he nodded with a look on his face that made her worry. “Professor Emrys?-”

“Merlin” he corrected and she grinned a little, unaware of how close he was to sobbing when he saw that grin, his heart melting just as it had done so, so, so long ago. The muscles in her face, around her lips and cheeks, began to ache, it felt like it had been years since she smiled a genuine smile, a genuine grin that showed a little of her teeth.  “Your parents really had ambitions for you, then” she stated with amusement, Merlin’s cheeks growing hot “no more than any other parent…”

“Are you kidding? Your name is ‘Merlin’. That has to be a lot of pressure, though…” she wondered, Merlin letting out a shaky breath as he forced a smile, nodding, trying to hide how close to breaking down he was that she was still the same, despite the rumors he’d heard of how cold she’d gotten since she ‘came back’ “it can certainly feel like it sometimes…”

“I’m sorry to hear that. If it helps, I won’t expect any more of you than you’re comfortable with” she stated with a smirk, nudging his shoulder and he actually smiled. A true smile since he woke up in the crystal cave, no sign of her except some blood and her bag. “Thank you. I’ll still expect great things of you, though” he stated with a smirk and she chuckled lightly, shaking her head “oh dear, don’t threaten me with that, I don’t want to let you down” she admitted with amusement, Merlin smirking a little “you won’t… you’re incredible with plants…” he muttered as though in a trance and Ophelia frowned at him, still smiling, although she was a bit confused now “I...” she trailed off, Merlin’s eyes widening “I mean, you have to be! To teach Herbology, that is” he quickly added and Ophelia nodded slowly, still frowning at him. “Forgive me, but-... do-... do we know each other? I-... your eyes-... they remind me of someone… they’re… almost familiar” she trailed off, Merlin’s heart racing. “I-... perhaps in another life? I-If you believe in such a thing…” he stumbled over his words, a grin forming on her lips as she laughed, making Merlin unintentionally smile at the sound. God, he’d missed that sound so much…

“I don’t know, do you?”

“I-I mean-... I-It could be-... possible, you know?”

“I agree” she admitted, looking down with a small frown “sometimes it feels like I don’t really belong… like I’ve lived another life but now have no choice but to live this one…” she muttered quietly before looking up again, a few tears in her eyes that she hid well, just not well enough, forcing a smile “sorry, I’m ranting. If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll head to bed, it’s getting rather late” she gestured towards the western horizon, the sun gone, the only proof of it’s existence being the colored sky that was already darkening. He looked towards it, brows furrowing a little as he hadn’t noticed the passing of time and when he turned back to look at her, she was gone, making him spin around, searching for her figure but he never saw it, he never saw her blonde, almost white hair, those two unique eyes, one blue and one green. He sighed softly. He’d do anything to call upon Kilgharrah for advice right now… or Gaius… the memory still made tears form in his eyes but he blinked them away. There was always another day and this was far from a loss. He had waited centuries, time going by far too slowly, it felt like agony, having to see civilisations rise and fall, waiting for the right one, having to witness the horror people slowly became capable of, and not being able to intervene, he couldn’t. So he waited. And waited. And waited and finally… the date she told him she arrived in Camelot, breaking Gaius’ table in the process, the memory making him smile. He remembered how nervous she was, he remembered the way her eyes lit up when he first showed her his magic, the utter joy in her eyes as she looked up at him and he already knew… he had looked around like a madman, hoping and praying she had found a way out of the cave and gone ahead, at least that’s what he convinced himself, just before leaving the cave after getting his magic back.

He had returned every day to see if there was any sign of her. Then every week, then weeks turned into months, months turned into years. But he always visited, hoping and praying for a message of some kind, a proof of any kind. Civilisation had risen, buildings crushing the forests and fields he took so much joy in watching grow, but the crystal cave remained, he made sure of it, it had been years since he first visited it but now that he saw her, ‘met’ her again… he no longer felt the need to see it, to wait for a sign of life, a message, a clue. He had a chance to get to know her again now and this time, nothing would happen to her. Never again. And perhaps he could help with her leg as well… he’d have to look through all the books and spell books he’d collected over the years, most of them from Gaius. He wondered if she remembered Gaius like she remembered him? A sensation, a feeling, a faded idea of a past memory. He had a chance to work beside her, see what she would have wanted to become back when he knew her, how she would have lived her life, and nothing gave him greater pride than that opportunity.

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Ophelia smiled softly at Minerva as they made it at the top of the stairs, leading her down the small hallway, a door already forming in the wall across from the tapestry of a wizard trying to train trolls for ballet. “Are you quite sure about this?” Minerva asked with a frown as the door was fully formed in the wall, Ophelia nodding at her with a small sigh “the Room will provide what I need… I’m not sure I even know sometimes, to be honest, but the Room will know” she muttered and Minerva sighed softly, nodding “alright. I’ll still keep a room empty in the Faculty Wing should you want it and the floo powder network has been fully restored and is ready at your disposal” she promised and Ophelia nodded, giving her a weak smile “thank you. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight” Minerva wished her before walking down the stairs and Ophelia faced the door, letting out a shaky breath before opening the door and walking inside. The entire room shook a little and she had to place a hand on the wall to not topple over, everything changing size and color and shape until a room appeared. It looked almost-… medieval… like something you’d see in a castle. Not a magical one, that is, but a muggle castle, different from Hogwarts yet familiar. She stepped inside a little, looking around with the ghost of a genuine smile on her lips as she was filled with warmth, like coming home after a long journey and finally being surrounded by the deepest comforts of home and safety and familiarity.

The room was quite large in fact, a little bit bigger than the rooms in the Faculty Wing. But only a little bit. The floor, walls and ceiling were made of stone, a big window almost in the middle of the room in front of the door she had just passed through, a desk in front of it with a comfortable chair behind it. Along the wall, just under the window, were several small bookshelves, empty and ready to be used. There was a large table in front of the entrance, which was a small hall from the door, only a few meters long. There were chairs lining the table that stood in front of her almost in the middle of the room. As she walked out through the small hallway and into the Room itself, she noticed that on either side of the room were stairs, leading up behind her and over the small entrance hallway, a balcony resting up there, looking out over the rest of the room and she smiled when she saw a small, golden statue of an eagle at the start and end of each staircase, fixed to the wall like the Floo network around Hogwarts that had been restored after centuries of being forgotten. Speaking of, a small Floo network had appeared right by the door and she grinned. She looked around the room in awe, bookshelves appearing out of nowhere, lining the walls, a door appearing to the left side of the room by the stairs, the door opening itself a little to reveal a bathroom inside, one that she’d most definitely have to explore later. Cushions and sofas appeared around the fireplace, creating a cozy, warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere. She limped towards the right staircase, studying the golden eagle statue before reaching for it and the second she did, she was suddenly at the top of the stairs, a laugh spilling from her lips. The Room had even provided her something so she wouldn’t have to walk up those damned stairs. She grinned as she looked around the second floor, limping towards the dressing panels that stretched out and she grinned at the sight that met her. A large canopy bed with Ravenclaw blue and silver drapes, right near a window with a large wardrobe cabinet standing against the wall near the bed and she leaned closer to peer out the window, wondering what the Room would have conjured up for her and she frowned when she saw-... a training yard. Sort of. It had dummies, no doubt for training spells, though they had strange helmets on… and were made of straw… It looked almost medieval. She didn’t think too much of it before plopping herself down on the bed, grinning as it was perfect. The perfect bed for her, which didn’t surprise her, the Room stopped surprising her long ago. But she could explore more tomorrow after her lessons, for now, sleep was already tugging at her and she barely undressed before falling asleep in the bed, her wand on the small table next to the bed, her cane leaning against it.

#ophelia black #Merlin #merlin bbc #Merlin x Ophelia #Merlin fic #witches and wizards #Merlin x OC #Merlin the show #HP #Harry Potter #HP fic #Harry Potter Fanfic

[fandomficsnstuff]

Wolves And Hounds-6

(Warnings: Again, this is mostly just angst, sorry!<3)

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“You’ve seen better days, My Lord.”

“Another visit?”

“With a guest…”

Karliah approached hurriedly, kneeling down by Ned and hugging him tightly, letting out a shaky sigh, hearing the chains rattle as he moved his arms to hug her back, as much as he could. “It pains me to see you in chains… What were you thinking?!” she asked with a hiss as she leaned back from him and he was ready to defend himself, as he had with Varys, when he saw the tears in her eyes “what’s happened?”

“‘what’s happened’-... what do you think?!... Seven Hells, Ned…” she muttered with a sigh before looking up at Varys and then back at Ned “Sansa came to court today… pleading for mercy… Ned, just admit that Joffrey is the king and this can all be over, please-”

“He’s not-”

“He’s Robert’s son!”

“He’s a bastard” Ned admitted hesitantly and Karliah frowned at him through the darkness, trying to find any hint of a lie in the small flicker of light that the torch Varys carried allowed. “What-... what are you-”

“The Queen’s children… they’re bastards… born of incest, between the Queen and her twin brother” Ned admitted and Karliah’s eyes widened a little, letting out a shaky sigh as she looked to the side, thinking things over. Finally, she looked back at him, the tears still in her eyes “you will admit that Joffrey is the true king… if not for your own life, then for your daughter’s! We can’t find Arya and I’m not allowed outside of the Keep to look for her! We have no more Stark soldiers with us, Ned… We have no one that we can trust!... No offense intended, Lord Varys…”

“Oh, none taken, My Lady, in fact I think it clever to not trust anyone” he complimented and she gave him a weak nod before looking back at her brother “swallow your pride, Ned, and live to hold your daughter one more time…” Karliah pleaded before sighing, getting up and looking at Varys “thank you, Lord Varys, I won’t forget this, I promise…”

“I serve the Realm, My Lady, and your brother was a good hand for the Realm” it was all he said and she nodded, looking back at Ned before nodding to herself and leaving the dungeons, wiping the tears from her eyes before they could spill over and stain her cheeks, she wouldn’t have Sansa seeing her cry, not now, not now of all times.

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Karliah’s heart was in her throat as she was forced to stand away from Sansa, near the Hound and that foul leech of a Grand Maester, Pycelle. She would hang him from his guts if only she had the chance. As Ned was forced, limping and tied, up the few steps, he looked up, seeing Karliah right in front of him, her nails red from biting nervously and he… smiled… he smiled at the sight as it reminded him of how she used to bite her nails when she was but a little girl, she had only been fourteen when she had disguised herself and sneaked off to battle when Robert began his rebellion. He hadn’t seen her bite her nails since. Until now. He could see how desperate she was to step forward, how her jaw clenched, how the fire in her eyes swirled, nearly out of control had it not been for Sansa and him, he wondered if she knew about Arya. he couldn’t tell he, unlike Yoren whom he had passed by in close quarters, Karliah was simply standing too far away, and next to the new king’s personal pet dog. The people continued to call him traitor and she wanted nothing more than to shout at them how wrong they were, shout what Ned had told her in the Black Cells in the darkness, with only Varys as a witness. The thought made her look at the eunuch, his eyes finding hers and she saw… grief? Regret? Remorse? Sympathy?

She was snapped out of her trance as Ned spoke and a rock hit his face, Karliah nearly jumping forwards if it hadn’t been for the armored arm that wrapped around her waist, holding her back as Ned stumbled to stand where he had been before, Karliah’s eyes filled with tears and she hadn’t noticed that Sandor hadn’t even let go of her.

“Ser Ilyn… bring me his head!”

“NO!” Karliah once again tried to jump forward, kicking and shouting, her legs flailing in the air as Sandor just held her back. “Quiet.. Quiet! Do you really want to join your brother so badly?!” Sandor hissed and Karliah finally got free, turning around to face him with a spiteful look on her face, until she noticed her niece out of the corner of her eye. Her eyes widened as Sansa’s eyes closed and her body went limp, causing her to fall to the ground and Karliah was by her side faster than one could blink, gently picking her head up, gently patting her cheek to try and wake her up “Sansa? Sansa??...” Karliah whispered softly, leaning down, letting out a sigh of relief when she heard a heartbeat. Karliah turned her head just in time to see her brother’s headless corpse be pulled aside and that was all that was needed. The tears finally began to run down her cheeks, her heart racing and it took everything in her to not look up at the new king with spite, instead focusing on trying to wake up her niece.

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Karliah tried not to wince as the bard was held in place, his tongue about to be cut out by the same man who took Ned’s head and she felt her heart stop when Joffrey approached Sansa, Karliah’s hand gently placing itself on Sansa’s shoulder as Joffrey walked up the steps. “You look quite nice” he said in a cheery tone, Sansa looking over her shoulder at Karliah who clenched her jaw, hesitating before giving a subtle nod to her, Sansa looking back at Joffrey “thank you, My Lord” she muttered, Joffrey not even taking a second before correcting her “‘Your Grace’. I’m king now. Come, I want to show you something” he stated, about to walk past when his eyes turned to Karliah “I have no use of you, Lady Stark, you may remain here or wherever it won’t bother me or my Lady Sansa” he stated casually and Karliah forced a smile and curtseyed “of course, Your Grace” she said in a tight voice, Sansa looking at her with slight horror and Karliah’s heart broke all over again. She mouthed a quick ‘it’s alright’ before being forced to watch her walk off with Joffrey, Karliah’s hands were clutched at her side, not even having noticed that Sandor was still standing next to her “don’t worry-”

“I’ll worry until the day I die, Hound” she muttered with spite, watching her niece leave with the king, Sandor studying her before leaving, walking away and catching up with the boy king before he could notice that he wasn’t there.

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Karliah’s heart burned with utter rage and spite as she held her niece, her jaw clenched as she gently rocked her while she cried in her arms after having told her what Joffrey had wanted to show her. Her father’s head on a spike, next to her Septa’s, promising to mount her brother’s head next to their father’s. “Shh, it’s alright now” Karliah soothed, gently rubbing her shoulder, kissing the top of her head with utter love and adoration, attempting to comfort the girl as much as possible. She wanted nothing more than to mount Joffrey’s head on a spike, have Ned and the Septa’s remains brought back to the North, where he belonged, where they both belonged. Septa Mordane might have only been a septa, but she was a wolf. She was a wolf who protected Karliah’s nieces as though they were her own cubs and for that, she deserved a burial fit of a woman with such courage. “Winter is coming, Sansa…” Karliah promised as she held Sansa a little tighter in her arms, leaning her cheek against the top of her head “and with it, a storm… a storm unlike any other… all we wolves have to do is hide in our dens, staying close together, keeping each other warm…” she added, taking a shaky breath, trying to control her utter rage that was bubbling inside of her, boiling, ready to pour it over and scald anyone who got too close to her family again. “The lions, the stags… all of them will freeze to death in the storm… but the pack… we survive, we wait until the storm is over… until it’s safe to go back outside, and when we do… we’ll hunt the lions. We’ll hunt the stags, we’ll hunt every last one of them that survived the storm” Karliah promised in a whisper, parting from Sansa to look at her, gently cupping her cheek with her hand, her eyes studying the cut on her lip and Sansa spotted the way the corners of her nose tucked up in utter disgust, a look of rage on her features. “I-It’s okay, aunt-”

“No. It’s not” she interrupted, looking up at Sansa with determination “I need you to listen to me… keep your head down, agree with him… he’s a man, he wants to be told how right he is, how mighty he is. I wish you weren’t this young, Sansa… but we have no choice… keep your head down and agree with him, always… this is not your fault… this will never be your fault, any hand he will ever have laid on you will never, ever be your fault. Any man who hits a woman, or has his servants do it for him, is weak… and they will freeze in the storm” she whispered, Sansa nodding weakly “tell no one of this conversation… I will do everything I can to be with you at all times, okay? I will do whatever I can for you” Karliah whispered, Sansa nodding with tears in her eyes. “I’m scared” Sansa admitted and Karliah’s stern look broke, giving way to a few tears in her eyes as she sighed, soothingly rubbing her cheek in a loving manner “I know, pup…” she muttered, mostly to herself, sighing again “I will be here for you, always… they’d have to kill me to tear me from your side and that’s not happening. You’re stronger than you know, Sansa… you are so much stronger than you think… and you’re clever…” Karliah muttered before sighing softly at the sight of her split lip that had begun to bleed again. “It’s bleeding again” she muttered, standing up and kissing the top of her head “wait here, I’ll be back” she whispered before leaving to get a rag, Sansa slowly lifting her hand, her fingers shakingly grazing the wound, blood coating her fingers and she stared at it, her aunt’s words swirling around in her mind… Winter was coming, the lone wolf dies… but the pack survives… who was her pack? Her mother and brother back at Winterfell? Her sister who was probably somewhere, dead in a ditch? Her aunt?... A pack of two lone wolves in the south, far from their den and the rest of their pack… but she wasn’t alone. She wasn’t a lone wolf, not with her aunt here. She wasn’t alone.

#got #game of thrones #got fic #game of thrones fanfic #karliah stark #sandor clegane #sandor x karliah #sandor x oc #wolves and hounds

[fandomficsnstuff]

Wolves And Hounds-5

(Warnings: Angst, angst and more angst. It’s not a happy chapter, sorry<3)

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Karliah was silent as she was led to the room, walking inside on unsteady feet, especially when she saw him lying there, wrapped up in bandages, sweaty and pale, covered in blood. “Kal” his voice was faint and weak, but she heard him all the same, approaching hesitantly as tears formed in her eyes “Your Grace” she muttered as she sat at his bedside, making him scoff “enough of that” he murmured before wincing at the pain he felt. “Have you had milk of the poppy? You shouldn’t be in pain, Robert-”

“Pain is what reminds us we’re alive, Kal, though it won’t be long before I won’t be” he murmured and she shook her head “don’t say that… please, don’t say tha-”

“The Targaryen girl, you were right. You were right, and I couldn’t see it. Both of you were right… you were the only ones to stand up to me… I’ve asked Ned, if it’s not too late, to let the girl and her babe live” Robert croaked out and she smiled through the tears in her eyes “Lyanna would be proud” she whispered, leaning closer and he gave her a weak smile “you remind me so much of her…” he managed to murmur and she smiled “it makes sense, since we’re family” she joked and Robert laughed that deep, genuine laugh of his until he had to stop because of the pain it caused him to feel in his gut. “I’ve arranged for everything, Ned’s written down everything… I just wanted to say goodbye to his little sister” he murmured and Karliah smiled weakly “you’ve been like a brother to me, Robert” she admitted weakly, Robert giving her a weak smile “I know, which is why I ask that you stay with Ned, help him, the Gods know you’re smarter than both of us” he joked lightly and Karliah laughed briefly, nodding as tears ran down her cheeks, letting out a shaky breath. “Robert, you’re dying…” she trailed off and he scoffed “why would you think that?” he joked but she didn’t laugh, making him frown. “If-... if I could ask a final favor from you… would you give it to me?... All I ask is that you listen as I confess…”

“A dead man can’t pass secrets” he murmured and Karliah hesitantly nodded, making him nod as well and she took a heavy breath, looking down. “There was a man… I-... I loved him, I think… nothing ever happened between us except kisses but-... I knew if anyone got word of it, they wouldn’t believe that’s where it stopped and I-... he was killed, some days ago… by Jaime Lannister… I’ve told no one of what Jory and I had, not even my brother… no one knows and I feel like I’d suffocate if I can’t tell anyone… I loved Jory… at least, I think I did… now that he’s gone, I’m not so sure… I was comforted by someone else, a hug, that’s all it was, but it made me feel less alone…” she admitted, daring to look up at Robert who nodded ever so slightly, looking away as he sighed “I’ve never been one to converse with on the matters of the heart, Karliah” he pointed out and she nodded “I know…” she whispered hesitantly. Robert studied her before sighing “I never got to have a life with Lyanna…” he admitted softly. He’d always been softer with her, more genuine and less joking, more open… he could still be coarse and rough, but when the time called for it, sentimentality came easier to him when it was her.

“I’d burn the Seven Kingdoms down to see her again… I can’t even remember her face, that’s the worst of it… just that you remind me of her” he admitted quietly with utter despair and Karliah sighed, wiping away some of her tears “she had dark brown hair, like me… her eyes were a light gray, almost like steel… she used to braid the top of her hair in a few braids, sometimes four, sometimes two, it reached past her shoulders… She was a little taller than me, her voice was a little lighter than mine… her face wasn’t as long as mine and she had cheekbones that I’ve always been envious of… she had a smile that could just-... light up the sky… she wasn’t particularly involved with the Gods, old or new… she had a scar on her thigh from a sparring match we had, it was the first match I won over her… in return she gave me a scar on the inside of my left ankle” Karliah admitted with teary eyes and a smile, looking down at a smiling Robert “she looked beautiful in blue and gray… it made her eyes stand out even more. She was pale but not in a sickly way… she was used to the cold… I’ve always imagined it was her warm heart that kept her from freezing, no matter how cold the North seemed to get. She loved the blue winter roses, she found them beautiful and enchanting, they were her favorite” Karliah added softly, Robert smiling at her with tears in his eyes “thank you” he whispered weakly, reaching for her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze and she nodded, wiping away her tears with her free hand.

“If there truly is an afterlife… promise me you’ll tell her I miss her?... Tell her I visited the Wall and it was as beautiful as we both thought it’d be… tell her that I’ll never forget the first time I fell off of a horse while trying to shoot a bow, the memory always made her laugh… tell her I love her… that I sometimes feel lost without her… promise me, Robert… promise me you’ll tell her?” Karliah begged, voice wavering, lower lip trembling as Robert squeezed her hand “I will, I promise…”

“Everyone I love appears to be dying around me… my brother Brandon, father, mother, Lyanna, Jory and now you” she whispered quietly, Robert giving her a weak but genuine smile “none of us can live forever…” he stated and she nodded, wiping away her tears before sighing, looking at him with a faint smile “at least you killed the bastard boar” she muttered jokingly and Robert chuckled with amusement, despite the pain it must have caused him “make sure everyone gets a taste of it” he ordered and she chuckled, nodding “I will” she whispered, sighing softly as she leaned down and kissed his sweaty forehead. “Go, I won’t have you watch me die” Robert ordered softly and Karliah nodded, standing up after giving his hand another squeeze, leaving the room as she wiped away her tears.

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Karliah ran as fast as she could down the hallway, her footsteps echoing on the stone as she finally saw them “Sansa! Modena!” she called out, taking in the look of horror on Sansa’s face and Modena said something that urged her to run to her aunt, which she did, quickly. “Modena-”

“Go” she yelled, Karliah sighing before grabbing Sansa and running off with her “I’ll take you to your room, bar it off. I’ll go look for your sister afterwards, do not open your door for anyone you don’t know. Don’t open it for anyone but me, do you understand? Not the Hound, not the guards, not the Queen, not Joffrey, no one but me, do you understand?” she asked quickly, stopping and turning to Sansa who nodded weakly, Karliah putting her hands on Sansa’s shoulders “Sansa, do you understand?!”

“Y-Yes!”

“Good girl, come on” Karliah whispered, kissing Sansa’s head before continuing to run with her. Just as they ran around the corner, near Sansa’s room, Karliah stopped, grabbing Sansa and putting her a little behind her as they both saw the Hound at the other end of the small hallway, Karliah keeping a tight grip on her niece’s arm, shielding her with her body. “Don’t-”

“Step aside-”

“Over my dead body” Karliah hissed, Sansa on the verge of tears “no! Just, stay away from us… I-I’ll tell my father… I’ll tell the Queen!”

“Who do you think sent me?” Sandor asked through a chuckle as he advanced on them, Karliah slowly backing up with Sansa behind her. “Lay a hand on her, and I’ll cut it off.”

“Do you really think you can threaten me, girl-”

“It’s not a threat, it’s a promise, and I’m not some ‘girl’! I’m a Stark of Winterfell, not one of your common whores. Now, if you’re taking my niece, you’re taking me as well because I’d have to be long dead and buried for you to lay a hand on her” Karliah stated defiantly, staring down the Hound, Sansa looking between the two with worry but eventually the Hound merely sidestepped, Karliah releasing a shaky sigh of relief before nodding to herself, looking over her shoulder at Sansa “it’s alright” she whispered, gently leading her to follow Sandor.

As they arrived outside of a door, Karliah was stopped from entering, her eyes wide as she stared at Sandor who blocked her way “if my niece is going through that door, then so am I” she stated defiantly, trying to enter once more when Sandor grabbed her arm to stop her, causing her to back up and rip her arm out of his grip “don’t you dare lay a hand on me!” she snapped, placing Sansa behind her “do that again, and I’ll kill you” she stated calmly yet with a growl. All the fight left her when Sansa stepped out from behind her “i-it’s okay, I-I know the Queen won’t hurt me” she stated sweetly, still horrified, and Karliah sighed softly, cupping her cheek, wanting to call her naive but she didn’t, instead she sighed and nodded “It’s alright, Sansa” Karliah whispered, kissing the top of her head softly “remember our words?” she asked in a whisper and Sansa nodded, making Karliah nod as well “good girl… I’m out here…” she whispered, Sansa being led into the chambers and Karliah turned her eyes to Sandor, glaring daggers at him before looking away “is my brother dead?”

“No, he’s in the cells-”

“The Black Cells?! People have died of thirst there!! Why is he in the cells?!”

“Treason-”

“Against who?! My brother loved King Robert, as did I!”

“King Joffrey” Sandor stated in a hiss and she frowned, at first wondering why he was keeping his voice lower than hers, until she realized. She swallowed the lump in her throat before sighing, shaking her head a little “my brother would never betray Robert’s memory by betraying his son…”

“I’m not here for the politics” Sandor grunted in a bored voice and Karliah scoffed “and you think I am? I will die before I let anything happen to my brother’s children. All of them.”

“Even the bastard?”

“Even the bastard” she replied quickly, yet she looked away from him, her breath a little heavier as she tried to keep face but Sandor knew. He could see it on her. She was lying. Not about loving her nieces and nephews, that much was true, even he knew one couldn’t fake that kind of love, but she was lying about something else…

Before he could say anything further, the door opened and Karliah spun around, seeing a defeated Sansa, her head low and Karliah instantly pulled her into her arms, kissing the top of her head as Sansa hesitantly hugged her back. “The Queen wants to speak with you” Sansa stated in a wavering voice and Karliah frowned, giving Sansa’s shoulder a squeeze as she looked between her niece and the open door, she could see the Queen inside. “Please, allow me to escort my niece back to her quarters, if not, then please, allow her to stay with me…”

“She may wait outside.”

“Your Grace-” Karliah cut herself off when Sansa parted from her “it’s okay…” she muttered, glancing nervously at the Hound and Karliah sighed “wait for me here, do not go with anyone, do you understand? Scream and kick if you have to, manners be damned” she whispered so only Sansa could hear her, the young girl nodding and Karliah nodded, kissing the top of her head before entering the Queen’s quarters, approaching, flinching a little when the door was slammed shut behind her. “Your Grace” Karliah greeted, walking over and sitting down when Cersei gestured for her to do so. “Lady Stark, your brother has been arrested on the charges of treason…”

“So I hear, Your Grace” Karliah kept as flat a tone as possible, Cersei studying her before leaning a little closer “what had your brother told you of his treason?”

“Nothing, Your Grace. It’s why it surprises me to hear that he’s received these charges at all…”

“I see… you must write to your sister-in-law, Catelyn. She should hear the news of her husband’s arrest from you first.”

“Your Grace, I-”

“I’ve had your niece write a letter as well, to her eldest brother, Robb, but yours will be sent to Lady Catelyn. I urge you to tell her to keep the King’s peace. Urge her son to do his duty to the realm and the north and keep the peace.”

“May I ask, please, what happened? My brother committing treason is-... is as unbelievable to me as dragons coming back to life. Please, Your Grace… What are the specific charges?”

“He attempted to seize my son’s throne for himself.”

“While the late King Robert’s corpse was still warm!” Pycelle added with outrage, Karliah’s heart beating rapidly in her chest and she hesitated before sighing, closing her eyes briefly before opening them again. “I heard nothing of this, I swear it, Your Grace. Neither did any of my nieces, they are as innocent as your son in this-”

“Still, I cannot allow a traitor’s daughter to marry my son, she would be an unfit consort to our King” Cersei’s words internally made Karliah jump with joy. Until she realized. If Sansa were no longer to marry Joffrey… then what safety did she truly have in this horrible, dangerous place they had come to?

Karliah swallowed thickly at the thought, sighing heavily before preparing to degrade and humiliate herself, for her family’s sake “please, Your Grace, my niece is a good child, please, Your Grace… she loves your son! She only wishes to be a good queen, a queen like you, she aspires to be like you, and carry your son many children and heirs… it’s all she wants” Karliah begged softly, a frown on her face as she stared at the queen, praying to the old gods and the new that she was convincing enough. “She will hatch no treason, she will plan nothing, I will make sure of it, Your Grace… she loves your son, truly and deeply. I will be there to make sure that nothing happens, I promise, she will never ever betray him” Karliah added in a begging tone, tears forming in her eyes at the thought of her oldest niece… cold and dead in the ground because she had no further use should her engagement to the new king be broken off.

Cersei studied her before carefully placing a roll of paper in front of her, then a quill and some ink “please, write to your sister-in-law” she asked softly and Karliah nodded, picking up the quill, her hand shaking a little but she willed it to stop, moving the quill to the ink pot and dipping it before looking back up at the Queen “what do you want me to write?” she asked through gritted teeth, the question like poison in her mouth, venom on her lips, slowly sucking the life out of her as the Queen smirked subtly in victory.

#game of thrones #got fic #got #karliah stark #sandor clegane #sandor x karliah #sandor x oc #game of thrones fanfic #Wolves and Hounds

[fandomficsnstuff]

Wolves And Hounds - 4

(Warnings: Angst, angst, a bit of fluff and a bit of angst)

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Karliah was enjoying the evening sun from her balcony when there was a knock on the door, her eyes moving to it and she got up, approaching and opening the door, a smile gracing her lips when she saw who it was “Jory, a pleasurable surprise” she stated with joy, stepping aside to allow him inside but he shook his head “actually, My Lady, your brother sent for you” he stated, her smile dampening a little, turning into a forced one as she nodded “oh, right… did-... did he say what for?”

“No, My Lady, only that it was urgent” he admitted, taking in the disappointment in her eyes even though she smiled and nodded, walking out of her room and closing the door behind her “well, then you better lead me to him” she stated softly, Jory nodding, beginning to lead her towards her brother. “I’ll admit that I had hoped your visit would be for a more… personal reason” she admitted quietly, Jory had to restrain himself to not gaze at her “as did I” he admitted just as quietly, Karliah glancing at him out of the corner of her eyes and she looked around before stopping, grabbing Jory by his hand to stop him as well, his head nervously whipping around, scanning the corridors with worry.

“You have barely laid your eyes on me since I arrived, Jory” she stated with a small frown, Jory looking around with worry and Karliah sighed heavily, letting go of him to pinch the bridge of her nose in frustration “what is different except the location? Hm? My brother is not the only one who needs you… I find myself wishing for your presence every day and I try to ignore it, Jory, I do. But then you call me ‘My Lady’ and I’ve never wanted to punch as hard as I do when you call me that” she whispered with anger, Jory sighing heavily, looking around once more and she scoffed, stepping away “if you are so worried being seen with me, then I’ll find my brother myself” she stated harshly, already about to leave when Jory reached for her “My Lady-” he was cut off by her palm colliding with his face, tears in her eyes as he stared at her in shock. “I gave you everything! I gave you parts of myself I should have saved for my husband, whoever he might be! Now, you might not have deflowered me but what man would want me should they know that I had been involved with a man out of marriage?! I may still have my purity but that won’t matter to people! I am a woman. I have no voice. No right. It doesn’t matter if I speak the truth and say that you and I never laid together, people will draw their own conclusions - men will draw their own conclusions! And now you want to ‘My Lady’ me? As though the last three years have been, what? Nothing? Worthless? I could have found a husband but I waited for you… I waited on you! To pick up your balls and ask for my hand yourself! But you didn’t and now you want to call me ‘My Lady’ when we are alone?” Karliah whispered harshly, shaking her head at Jory “no one will ever want me now” she muttered quietly with a heartbroken voice that she tried to hide before turning around, storming off to find her brother herself. Both of them were unaware of a Hound that had heard the hushed voices from around the corner and had come to investigate.

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“Kal?” Ned asked with worry when he saw her there and she forced a smile as she walked closer “Jory said you sent for me?”

“I did-... where is he?”

“I asked if I could walk alone.”

“I gave him explicit orders-”

“And I counter-acted those orders. Now, why did you want me here? Jory said it was urgent?”

“It is… close the door” he muttered, Karliah hesitating before doing as told, turning to watch him sit back down behind the desk, rubbing his forehead with worry. “Ned?”

“Catelyn has taken Tyrion Lannister as her prisoner” he revealed, Karliah slowly closing her eyes as she let out a heavy breath, opening them again and walking closer, sitting down on the chair across the desk, across from Ned. “Seven Hells…” she muttered, Ned sighing “Catelyn has taken the Imp as her prisoner, Robert wants to murder the Targaryen girl and her unborn babe across the sea and I fear my daughters are not safe here, and neither are you. I’ve resigned as Hand of the King…”

“I told you, brother… We wolves do not fare well in the south” she muttered, leaning back in the chair with a heavy sigh. “His rage is because he thought that Rhaegar raped Lyanna and killed her… but-”

“No, Karliah-”

“You don’t know what I was going to say! Do you really think I’d ever, ever let him know about him now that you tell me he wishes to murder a girl and her unborn babe halfway across the sea?!” she asked in a hushed whisper, a frown on her brows as she shook her head at him “I would die for him, Eddard. I would die for him, just to see him smile and breathe for yet another day and I despise him being at the Wall because of the danger but at least he’s out of Robert’s reach there… I would never, ever use him like that to save that Targaryen girl, and I’m appalled that that thought would even enter your mind! Gods, what is with you Stark men?! What is with you men?! You never think about us women, do you?!”

“What?-”

“Of course I won’t tell him! You think I’m a fool? I love Jon with my life! I was merely going to ask Robert to change his mind! Gods!” she snapped and got up, storming out of the office and Nerd groaned loudly, his head in his hands as he let out a heavy sigh. Gods be good, the women in his life were sucking the life out of him.

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Karliah knocked gently on the door, waiting, and when she heard his voice, allowing her inside, she entered, spotting him by his table, a cup of wine in his hand and she sighed at the sight, walking closer after closing the door. “Karliah? To what do I-”

“I loved Lyanna, Robert… more than you could ever imagine… She was my sister, my mentor, my best friend. I looked up to her, I wanted to be her… she taught me to fight and shoot arrows and ride and-... we made such promises to each other… that we’d do so many things! That we’d see the Wall together, that we’d travel to Dorne or across the sea!...” Karliah remembered with a bright smile as she sat down across from Robert, studying him before reaching over, taking the wine glass from him and putting it down out of his reach, turning back to look at him. “You loved Lyanna in a way I can never… you loved her beauty, the way she looked in her dresses… the way she did her hair… her smile…”

“Karliah-”

“But that wasn’t just her” Karliah added, interrupting Robert with a frown on her face “Lyanna was wild. She was stubborn and feisty. She was strong in so many ways, stronger than anyone else I’ve ever known, even you, Robert… She liked to ride and fight and shoot arrows from horseback. She loved fighting and sparring… you knew Lyanna in her pretty dresses, I knew her caked in dirt, the biggest smile on her face that I’ve ever seen when I won over her the first time we sparred…” Karliah remembered with tears in her eyes, letting out a shaky breath “and her death-.... her death still pains me as though it was yesterday… but Rhaegar is dead. The Mad King is dead. The queen Rhaella is dead. They’re all dead except a spoiled brat and a girl, across the sea, so far away that it might as well be another world entirely! If you do this… if you go ahead with your plans-”

“Ned shouldn’t have told you-”

“He should’ve. And he did… if you go through with this, it will for certain bring war upon all of us. Imagine if the assassin you’ve sent out failed… if it had been Lyanna, carrying your child, and a brat and his sister in a far away country that you’ve never even considered tried to murder your wife and unborn child, the woman carrying your heir… would you not want revenge? Even if the assassin doesn’t fail, it still comes back to revenge! Leave them be, Robert… leave them to forget about Westeros. If you do this, you will certainly bring a war to Westeros but if you don’t-.... if you don’t do this… then it won’t draw their gaze to Westeros. I’m not saying that there isn’t a chance of war, but if you do this… it will certainly mean war, no matter what” Karliah finished, grabbing the wine goblet, drinking all of it before giving it to Robert, taking a jug and filling it for him before putting it down “and Ned is one of the best hands this realm has seen in a long, long time, Robert… and he’s your friend, your brother, you grew up together and you’re both fine men… but if you kill a girl and her unborn child… Lyanna would have your head herself. She was stubborn, Robert, just like you… and the two of you would have budded heads because of it, but she would never encourage what you plan to do now, even with the circumstances that led to her death, she could never accept such a thing” Karliah finished with a soft look in her eyes, it wasn’t a threat, it was a fact, and he knew it, tears showing in his eyes as he just looked at her and she bowed her head slightly “Your Grace” she greeted before leaving. She was on her way back to her chambers when Jory hurried past her with a very dirty Arya, Karliah frowning at the sight “Arya?”

“Aunt Karliah! You have to tell him! Tell him I’m not lying!”

“Tell who?”

“My father! Please! He’s about to leave with Littlefinger and-”

“It’s alright… it’s alright. Are you going to your room?” she asked, Arya nodding and Karliah nodded as well “alright, how about Jory deliver the message and I go to your room with you?” she offered, Arya nodding, already hugging her despite soiling Karliah’s dress but Karliah just smiled, lifting her head to look up at Jory with sad eyes. “You’ve gotten a red cheek, it seems, Jory” she muttered, Jory smiling a little as he nodded, looking down briefly “well earned, My Lady Karliah” he stated as he turned his eyes back up to look at her and Karliah felt her heart flutter, looking down at Arya “go on ahead, I’ll be right there” she spoke softly, Arya reluctantly doing as told and Karliah looked back up at Jory, a faint smile on her lips “sorry about the slap…”

“No worries, as I said; it was well earned… I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you… after this is all over and we return to Winterfell, everything will go back to normal again” he whispered, Karliah’s eyes saddening a little and she looked down with a frown “and what if I don’t want everything to go back to normal?... I just-... want more, I think… and I know that you’re not prepared for that… you’re not prepared to give me that because you don’t think it’s possible, so… This is goodbye, Jory. And please, take care of my brother” she whispered before walking away before he could respond, Jory watching her leave to catch up with her niece, a sad look in his eyes but he forced himself to leave to meet up with Lord Stark, as he was ordered.

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Karliah burst into the room, eyes wide with fear and worry and she sighed heavily when she saw him lying there, hurrying over as he was just waking up. She turned to the guard who had fetched her, anger in her eyes “why was I first told now?! What took you so long?! You didn’t think I needed to know that my brother-”

“Karliah, it’s alright” Ned mumbled and Karliah quickly turned to look at him, all traces of anger gone like smoke, and she leaned closer and sighed, using the sleeve of her dress to gently wipe away the sweat from his brow, not caring about being proper or soiling her dress “Gods, Ned… you look horrible. Have they given you any milk of the poppy? Someone fetch some more milk of the poppy! The man is in pain!”

“Karliah” he spoke again and she turned to look at him, sighing with worry “what happened? I heard that there was a fight in the street with Jaime Lannister? What in the name of all the Gods were you doing fighting him??”

“The girls..”

“They’re safe, it’s alright…”

“Do they-”

“No, not yet. I came the second I heard, found the first guard and demanded he take me to you…”

“That sounds like you” Ned muttered with a faint, weak smile, Karliah nodding her head with a sad smile “the girls are alright and in their rooms with their guards…”

“Go to them… they should hear of this from you and not some Lannister guard” he muttered bitterly and Karliah sighed softly, nodding “you rest, brother… sleep, promise me you’ll try?” she asked, Ned nodding, already about to fall asleep and Karliah smiled at the sight “it’s alright, Neddy…I’ll talk to the girls” she whispered softly before leaning closer, kissing his sweaty forehead before leaving the room after making sure he was safe and alright.

She entered the area that was connected to the girls’ quarters, her own, Ned’s and the Septa, finding her with Sansa, stitching. “Septa, a word?” she asked, the woman nodding, standing up and walking a distance away from Sansa. “Ned is wounded, I’m not sure if you’ve heard?”

“I have, I didn’t want to discuss it in front of the girls…” she admitted in a whisper, Karliah nodding, sighing softly as she glanced at Sansa before looking back at the Septa “well, it’s true, he’s wounded. His leg is-...” Karliah cut herself off with a small sigh, frowning “he’s resting right now, I will check on him later today but from now on I want a guard with you and the girls at all times. A Stark guard. Do you understand what I’m saying, and why?” she asked quietly, the Septa nodding “I do…”

“I’m trusting you with my nieces, Mordane, I love these girls more than life itself” Karliah whispered, the Septa smiling softly at her “I know, I do too. They’re good girls, although Arya is as stubborn as she is wild and unruly, and Sansa has taken to an attitude as of late, since the Kingsroad…” the Septa muttered slightly bitterly, Karliah sighing “I heard… I hadn’t brought it up, I didn’t want to remind the girls of it more than it already does by itself…” she admitted, sighing softly “go get Arya from her room, please” Karliah asked, the Septa nodding, leaving to fetch Arya as Karliah walked over to Sansa, sitting down next to her, leaning closer to see what she was stitching. “It’s beautiful work, Sansa, I could never stitch that well” Karliah admitted, Sansa smiling softly at her and Karliah studied her before smiling back at her, just as Arya and the Septa returned. “Arya, sit down, please” Karliah ordered and Arya frowned but did so, sitting next to Sansa, both of them facing her.

“Earlier this day there was an-... incident… your father was wounded - he is still alive! But he was wounded. He will be bedridden for-... I don’t know how long… Only time will tell. His leg was injured severely and he’s been given milk of the poppy. Your father is tired because of it, but he is alive and resting, as he should be” Karliah explained, the girls both seeming saddened and partly horrified, Karliah sighing softly “for the two of you, everything will go on as it has been. I will ask your father if you may visit him but I want both of you to understand that if he says no it is not because he doesn’t want to see you. He’s wounded, hurt and tired from milk of the poppy, he may not be at his best and he may not want you to see him this way, weakened and hurt. All the two of you need to do is go on as you have-”

“Then why tell us?”

“Because, Sansa, he is your father. He is your father and he loves the both of you more than his heart is capable of, and you don’t deserve to be kept in the dark” Karliah replied softly, studying the two girls with a soft smile “everything will be alright, I promise. I’ll look after your father while the two of you stop acting the way you do. You’re sisters, you are family whether you like it or not. What are our words?” she asked, the girls glancing at each other before replying at the same time; “Winter is coming.”

“And what does it mean?” Karliah asked, the two girls frowning a little and she smiled “when winter is coming, you prepare. You prepare for the worst, you hope for the best, you don’t know if it’ll be a kind winter or one that will leave you freezing in front of a big fire. ‘Winter is coming’ means to stand together, as one, to weather any storm that may be thrown our way. Your father is injured and weak, he cannot lord over the two of you as you squabble. You’re sisters, do you understand?” she asked softly, the two girls nodding, once again replying at the exact same time with the exact same words; “Yes, aunt Karliah.”

Karliah nodded and stood up, walking over to the two girls, leaning down to peck Sansa’s head and then Arya’s. “I love you both, dearly, as does your father. Listen to your Septa, I will let you know if anything changes with your father” she stated, kissing their heads once more before walking over to the Septa who smiled softly at her “where’s Jory? I need to speak to him, I want extra guards assigned to you and the girls-”

“You haven’t heard?” the Septa asked with a frown, watching Karliah frown as well, softly shaking her head “heard what?” she asked, the Septa sighing softly “Jory was killed at the altercation, when Lord Eddard was injured” she whispered, frowning even more at the way this seemed to shock the Lady Stark to her core, eyes widening a little, her breath a little shaky but she forced herself to nod “I’m sorry to hear that. He was a good and loyal man” she muttered before leaving, at first slowly and calmly, as she would any other day, but the second she was out of sight, she picked up the pace, hurrying around a corridor, back against the wall as tears filled her eyes and she had to cup her mouth to not sob too loudly, her heart breaking over and over again every time she thought of him and their last words. As she tried to gather herself, removing her hands from her mouth and tried to breathe normally, she placed a hand on her chest, over her heart, closing her eyes and leaning her head back as she sobbed quietly, tears running down her cheeks as she tried to keep quiet. She was so caught up in trying to control her rapid breathing, already feeling lightheaded, that when someone touched her shoulder she flinched, looking up at the scarred face of the Hound, her eyes wide and she quickly turned away, trying to wipe away her tears, cheeks burning with embarrassment and shame as she tried to gain her breathing under control. And failed. “Breathe” he stated gruffly and she scoffed through her ragged breathing, the Hound studying her before sighing, looking around before turning her around to face him, hesitating before reluctantly wrapping a single, armored arm around her, pulling her against his armor in an awkward and stiff hug, a displeased look on his face but it seemed to work, Karliah’s breathing calming down, her heart stopped racing and she felt fatigued, eyes already closing, the cool metal of his armor soothing her, cooling down her burning cheeks as she relaxed.

After a while, she realized something. He hadn’t moved away. He hadn’t let go of her and she enjoyed his presence, she enjoyed the stiff and awkward hug and when she looked up at him, he looked like he was just about done with the world and it’s shit. And then he looked down at her as she peered up at him. Something in his eyes changed when he looked down at her, the tears stuck to her cheeks, her red and puffy eyes wide as she looked up at him. His entire body softened a little as he studied her, his arm around her no longer as stiff as before, though it wasn’t entirely relaxed like she was. “Thank you” she whispered, lowering her head and resting it against his armor once more, closing her eyes. She didn’t ever want this to end. Ever. But it seemed it wasn’t meant to be, Sandor lifting his arm, leaning back a little and she understood the message, quickly taking a large step back as she wiped her wet cheeks in an attempt to wipe away the tears. “Forgive me, I-...” she trailed off. She had no idea what to say. ‘Sorry for sobbing up against you?’. ‘Forgive me, I enjoyed your hug so much that it made me forget all the horrible things happening around me and to my house and family.’

She sniffled a little, clearing her throat as she tried to make herself presentable “I-... thank you, for your comfort… it was-... nice” she admitted, finally looking up at him and saw that he was already looking at her, making her cheeks burn again “I would-... prefer it… if you didn’t mention this to anyone… I’m not overly fond of the idea of people knowing I sobbed like a child in the corridors” she admitted with an awkward chuckle, looking down before looking up at him, finding him still staring at her as he nodded ever so slightly, making her smile “thank you, Ser” she stated softly, hesitating before looking away “I suppose I’ll see you around, then” she muttered, wiping the remaining tears from her cheeks as she left, Sandor watching her leave with a small frown.

#game of thrones #Wolves and Hounds #Sandor #Sandor Clegane #Sandor x OC #Karliah Stark #Sandor x Karliah #GoT #GoT fic #Game of Thrones fanfic

[fandomficsnstuff]

Wolves and Hounds-3

(Warnings: Some blood and a tiny tiny hint at angst before more fluff. Also sorry it's so short<3)

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His eyes would wander to her every now and then, how bored she looked, her gray eyes dull as she barely paid attention to… well… anything. The jousting had yet to begin and she already looked bored. “Karliah!” Robert called suddenly, the woman turning to look over her shoulder before getting up without question, joining the drunk king without another thought after his wife had left “what in Seven Hells are you looking so bored for? The jousting will begin soon!” he asked with a burp that she didn’t even seem to care for “you know why” she muttered bitterly, Robert laughing, slapping his big wine belly as he did “I can’t have you fight them! There’s not enough gold dragons in the world to pay all the bets I’d win on that one!” he shouted loudly with joy, Karliah briefly looking around with a big blush on her cheeks, obviously feeling embarrassed since everyone turned to look at their exchange, but Robert just continued to laugh. “You’d knock them all off their fancy horses!! They’d never be able to walk again!” Robert continued bursting with laughter, Karliah forcing a smile to stay polite “thank you, Your Grace-”

“Get her a horse and some armor!! I’m sure there’s some pitiful squire’s armor you can wear. Come on!!! Before I die of old age!! Get the lady a horse and some armor!!” he stood up and roared, Karliah’s cheeks almost beet red as she shook her head “thank you, Your Grace, it makes me proud and happy that you have such confidence in me, should I joust, but I’m afraid I can’t joust-”

“Why not?! Afraid of embarrassing everyone else?” Robert asked with utter amusement and Karliah forced a smile “it’d be a shame to knock so many knights and lords off their horses and bruise their egos. Let the realm believe I cannot joust, for their ego” she whispered, Robert staring at her before laughing loudly, nodding as he could barely get his words out of his mouth “yer just like Lyanna! As clever as they come! Alright then!” he decided and Karliah smiled. She quickly turned around and walked back to her seat behind Sansa, Arya and their septa, just as a squire hurriedly approached with a horse. “Your Grace! The armor is in-”

“What in the Seven Hells are you doing?!”

“I-... you asked-”

“And now I’m asking you to leave! Get outta here so the jousting can finally begin!” he yelled loudly, the poor boy hurrying away with the horse as the jousting games began. As a man sat down next to Sansa, Karliah frowned, listening as he talked to her, listening to his every word and she forced a smile as she jumped in “Littlefinger, was it?” she asked, the man turning around to look at her, smiling politely as he nodded “yes-”

“But your name is actually Petyr Baelish, correct?”

“Yes, Lady Stark-”

“You grew up with Catlyn. Sansa is the spitting image of her mother, isn’t she? A northern beauty” she complimented with a warm smile, Sansa smiling with red cheeks, always enjoying the compliments and praise she’d get for her beauty and femininity “she is, she looks just like her mother when she was her age” Petyr said with a fond look in his eyes when he looked at Sansa, Karliah nodding “and have you heard? She’s promised to the prince himself” Karliah added, Petyr turning to look at her, his entire demeanor changing at the look in Karliah’s eyes. The warning. Telling him that he was far too familiar with her niece for her liking. “I can only imagine the pair they’ll make” was his response and Karliah nodded, forcing a polite smile “indeed” she stated, leaning a little closer “I am giving you one warning as a courtesy, Lord Baelish; I love both of my nieces very dearly. Do you understand?” she whispered so only Petyr could hear, waiting for him to nod with understanding before leaning back in her seat, a small victorious smirk on her lips when he finally did nod. Karliah’s eyes widened a little as the tall suit of black armor rode closer, her heart racing a little as she frowned, unaware that the Hound himself watched the way her chest seemed to rise and fall a little heavier, a look of shock disguised as intriguing on her face as she studied him. He truly was as tall as a mountain. She doubted his apparent size was due to the armor; it must have fitted him like a glove, unlike the shiny little squire on his white horse next to the Mountain. He’d run him through. There was no doubt about it. No Gods, old or new, could save that poor boy from the Mountain once he’d take his lance.

The first clash. The knight survived, both of them being offered new lances and then came the second one. The second clash. Sansa screamed as the knight fell from his horse, wood impaled in his throat as he drowned on his own blood as it spurted out all over him and his shiny armor that was obviously new. Karliah flinched at the clash and put a hand on both of her nieces’ shoulders out of instinct, Arya turning to look up at her and Karliah sighed as she wrapped an arm around the youngest of her nieces with a worried frown. Her gaze turned to the septa, both of them with worry as Karliah looked back at a shocked, wide-eyed Arya. “Do you want to leave, Arry?” Karliah asked in a whisper, gaining the young girl’s attention who looked up at her, eyes still as wide as the wheels on a wagon, she shook her head a little and Karliah sighed, the two of them unaware of Petyr who spoke in a hushed voice to Sansa. “You don’t have to stay. If you’re afraid of what people will think, I will lie. I can come up with an excuse” Karliah promised but Arya shook her head again, finally finding her words “I’m okay…” she muttered, Karliah looking at the septa and she nodded. Karliah looked back at Sansa just as Petyr leaned away from her, Karliah placing a hand on Sansa’s shoulder, gaining the girl’s attention. “Sansa?”

“I’m fine, Aunt Karliah, thank you” she spoke in a meek voice and Karliah sighed softly, reaching forward and gently cupping her cheek before nodding, leaning back in her seat, sighing heavily. As she felt someone’s gaze linger, she turned her head, finding the Hound staring at her but instead of looking away, as her oldest niece often did, she gave him a smile. A rare, one-sided smile, her eyes locked with his until he looked away first, Karliah smirking a little, her stomach fluttering with an unfamiliar feeling in her gut.

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Karliah was silent as she sat in the gardens, eyes closed, face turned to the sky as she had a small frown on her face. So much was happening, yet nothing was happening at the same time. She’d already been to the Godswood, twice, praying. She wasn’t entirely sure if the Gods existed, old or new, but there had to be something. Something more out in the world, there had to be. So she prayed, though her prayers were really more a front, allowing her to spend some time to herself without a Stark or Lannister guard breathing down her neck, without her brother’s worry rubbing off on her, and, as selfish as that may have been, without the banter of her nieces and by the Gods, those two could fight for hours if they’d be allowed to, each trying to get the last word, the two girls worlds apart and different, yet she adored them all the same. They were her life. All of her nieces and nephews were. She’d already accepted that marriage and children were not in her cards, so she doted on her brother’s children, each and every one of them… and her sister’s… her only sister’s only child.

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“I’m telling you, it’s awful! There’s all the laces and they’re all on your back and then there’s the shoes!! I have no idea how Cat does it! Or Sansa for that matter!”

“What ‘bout Arya?”

“Her? In heels? You must’ve eaten something that wasn’t quite right, Your Grace” Karliah joked before sipping her wine, amusement clear in her voice as Robert laughed. Robert had always been… different towards her. She was Lyanna’s baby sister, and he loved her as such, furthermore, unlike her brother, she could be chatty, after a few drinks, especially around her family and Robert was part of that family. And she had no filter with him. She’d even met his daughter in the Vale, once, and briefly while visiting Ned while he was fostered by Jon Arryn with Robert. Robert had talked about women, sex, battle, killing, shit, piss, blood and all manner of other things that a highborn lady shouldn’t be discussing, and he was overjoyed when she laughed, when she was showing him her wit with a clever comment or joke, proving the sturdy, unmovable, unfazed North blood in her veins, chilling her, making her unfazed by just about everything he’d brought up. Though he did joke a little too much about that time that a squire made her blush… and in front of the poor boy, making her furious and she’d dumped an entire flagon of wine over his head before storming off. He never apologized but the next day she seemed to have gotten past it faster than him, and the poor squire. “Seven Hells, where have all the years gone by, Kal?” he asked suddenly with a much dimmer tone compared to the cheerful one only a few moments ago. “Down your gullet, by the looks of it” she joked and he cracked a wheezing laugh at her joke, his cheeks red and flushed from wine and laughter before he settled back down again “you’re a soothing balm for the company of your brother” he admitted as he drank his wine, Karliah chuckling lightly “he’s not called the Quiet Wolf for nothing” she stated with a shrug, finishing off the last of her wine, which Robert of course noticed. “Boy!! Make yourself useful and fill Lady Stark’s cup already!”

“No, thank you, Your Grace, I’ve had quite enough” she quickly admitted, placing a hand over the top of her glass to prevent anything from going in as she stood up, putting the glass back down on the table. “Ah, ya prude!” Robert called as his own glass was filled, Karliah chuckling instead of taking it as an insult “and by the sound of it, you’ve had enough as well, but I know better than to stand between you and wine” she teased, curtseying before leaving, faintly hearing Robert shout at the poor boy when he realized the wine jug was empty.

#game of thrones #got #Wolves and Hounds #Sandor x OC #Sandor Clegane #Sandor x Karliah #OC #Karliah Stark #Game of Thrones fic #GoT fanfic

[fandomficsnstuff]

Wolves and Hounds-2

(Warnings: Again, mostly just fluff)

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Karliah couldn’t help but laugh as she rode alongside Tyrion Lannister, as far as Lannisters go, he wasn’t half bad actually, which was a pleasant surprise to her. “And down the hill he went! Right into the muddy pond” Tyrion exclaimed and she threw her head back with laughter, shaking her head as she tried to contain it, unaware of the small glare that Ned was giving the little Lord. “Poor squire! Right into the mud!” Karliah managed to get out through her laughter, shaking her head as she looked back at the Lord. “As far as Lannisters go, you’re not half bad” she said with a smirk, seeing him roll his eyes “another dwarf joke?” he asked amused, watching her as she nodded her head with excitement “yes, Lord Lannister, another dwarf joke, but at least mine aren’t as terrible as as my brother’s ward” she said with a smirk, chuckling as Tyrion laughed “no they’re not, and please, I’ve been making you laugh for the past hour, I think you can call me Tyrion” he said with a smirk, seeing her giggle quietly “my my, Tyrion, you couldn’t possibly be flirting with me, could you?” she asked with a teasing smirk, grinning as he laughed at her small remark “no, I wouldn’t dishonour you like that, My Lady” he said through his laughter, making her roll her eyes “you’ve been making me laugh for the past hour, Tyrion, I think you can call me Karliah” she said with a wink, throwing his own words back at him, laughing with him until she stopped her horse to say goodbye, for now, to Ned, who was saying farewell to Jon.

Once that was done with, she rode up beside Ned, a smile on her lips as she watched Jon join Benjen. “Your mind is made up, isn’t it?” he asked quietly, his eyes locked on her as she nodded “yes, you know I’ve always wanted to see the Wall… Lyanna and I made a deal… that we’d both visit it someday…” she admitted, looking down with a sad look on her face, a frown on her brows as she softly shook her head “I’ll see you in King’s Landing, though… the Gods know you wouldn’t survive the girls without me or Catelyn” she added with a forced smile, looking back up at her big brother who forced a smile as well. “Take care, you’re my only sister” Ned reminded her, making her smile a tad more genuine as she nodded “and you, take care, brother… you know how we wolves fare in the south” she muttered, giving him one last smile before joining Benjen, Jon and Tyrion, smiling softly at the three when she reached them. “My Lady, you’re joining us to the Wall?” Tyrion asked with a tiny hint of shock, a chuckle leaving Karliah’s lips as she nodded “yes, My Lord, you’re not the only one who wants to stand on top of the Wall, though I can’t piss off of it” she added with a smirk, hearing Benjen and Tyrion laugh while Jon smiled softly, the poor boy had no idea how important he truly was.

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Karliah’s jaw nearly hit the neck of her horse as she rode closer and closer to the wall, Benjen smirking at the sight of her so awestruck. “Pick up your jaw, sister, or it’ll freeze in place” Benjen joked and she closed her mouth with a light blush on her cheeks, though she still admired the Wall. As the gates to Castle Black opened, her attention was brought from the giant wall of ice to the men eyeing her with interest, a small scoff leaving her lips as Benjen glared lightly at the young boys, which she already knew he was doing without even having to look at him. “I’m quite capable of handling a few young boys, Benjen, Lyanna taught me how to fight after all” she half joked and saddled off once everyone was inside, a smile on her lips as she saw a face she vaguely recognised. She’d seen his face when she was but a little girl at a feast, before he joined the Night’s Watch. “Lord Commander” she smiled softly and bowed her head at the Old Bear as he approached with a chuckle. “Lady Stark! Come to see your brother off?” he asked and gestured to Benjen but she merely chuckled and softly shook her head “and my nephew” she said and gestured to Jon who stood behind her “and also because I wanted to see the Wall. A promise that’s been long overdue” she admitted softly as she glanced at Benjen who gave her a sad smile, he knew of the promise she and Lyanna had made, it had been while they were both just barely girls, coated in mud from playing in the Godswood, pretending to fight off White Walkers and giants beyond a wall neither of them had ever seen, only heard of. “You are most welcome here at Castle Black” the Lord Commander said and Karliah nodded and smiled before turning to Benjen, walking over to him as the Lord Commander greeted Tyrion. “Well, what are the sights to see here in your little castle?” she asked jokingly and Benjen scoffed quietly “while Jon gets settled, I’ll show you the Wall” he suggested, gesturing to the wooden structure that’d take them both to the top and Karliah paled, smile dropping as she studied it. “Uh… Benjen-”

“It’s alright, it’s sturdier than it looks” Benjen said with a hint of amusement, making her scoff “I’ll use you to cushion my fall if it isn’t” she muttered and Benjen laughed, letting her walk ahead of him into the structure, glaring at a few young lads who’s eyes lingered on her for a second too long for his liking. “You don’t have to fight every living creature off” she noted once they were both well on their way to the top, her Stark grey eyes locked on the landscape in front of her as Benjen sighed “these aren’t just boys, Kal. They’re rapists, murderers-”

“And thieves, I know… but I made a promise, Ben. I made a promise to stand at the edge of the Wall and watch the sun set or rise, hear the weeping of the ice as I stood upon it, at the top of the world, at it’s end… Lyanna isn’t here to see it for herself so I have to see for the both of us” Karliah admitted softly and Benjen nodded, ever as quiet as Ned. “It’s worth a few uncomfortable stares” she admitted softly, looking at Benjen with a soft smile “for Lyanna, it’s worth it” she added, turning once the structure stood still, opening the small gate and stepping out onto the wall, a grin on her lips as she felt the bitter cold bite her bones and freeze her blood in her veins but it was worth it. It was worth it to hear the wind howling, the Wall itself weeping below her feet as though it knew of the bittersweet feeling it brought her to stand upon it. Karliah closed her eyes and took a deep breath, taking in the clean air that almost burnt her lungs with how biting cold it was, but it was a good pain, the grin on her lips broadening as she sighed heavily, opening her eyes and looking at Benjen “she would have loved this…” she muttered, her grin fading into a bittersweet smile as she looked over the edge at the landscape below. Everything was so small from up here, Castle Black looked like a drop of ink that was fading on a piece of paper, the other castles lining the wall as far as the eye could see. Lyanna would have loved this.

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“My Lady, are you not staying with us?” Tyrion asked as she rode past the inn they stopped at, a chuckle leaving her lips as she shook her head, looking over her shoulder at him “no, My Lord… I must admit that I’m eager to see my nieces and my brother again” she called out, watching Tyrion as he rode alone closer to her, smirking “and perhaps you’re eager to see a certain kind of dog again?” he asked teasingly and Karliah blushed but scoffed and looked away from him “yes, Lord Tyrion, I do miss the wolves that keep my nieces’ company” she stated with a smirk, knowing full well it wasn’t the wolves whom he was referring to. “I’ll see you perhaps at the next inn, I feel like riding until dusk” she admitted, Tyrion nodding softly and looking over his shoulder at his soldiers. “One of my soldiers will accompany you, wouldn’t want a Lady on the road all alone” Tyrion waved over one of the guards and Karliah chuckled lightly, shaking her head as she looked back at Tyrion “that’s very kind of you, thank you” she bowed her head and waited as Tyrion gave the guard strict orders to protect her at all cost, all the way to King’s Landing, even if it should cost him his life. “Thank you, Lord Tyrion, I hope to see you in King’s Landing soon” she admitted, Tyrion raising a teasing eyebrow “is that so, My Lady?” he asked with a smirk and she chuckled “yes, I wouldn’t need to wear heels when I’m walking with you, my feet would greatly thank me for it” she jested and Tyrion chuckled as he shook his head at her “safe travels, My Lady” he said and bowed his head, making Karliah grin “you too, My Lord” she bowed her head and turned to the guard, giving him a soft smile before spurring her horse into action once more, the guard following as they both rode towards King’s Landing.

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“We cannot afford another tournament, we’re too far in debt with the Lannisters and I will not bankrupt the Realm further” Ned snapped as Robert groaned and downed his goblet of wine “I’m the King, I do as I please and you do what I say, and I say we have the damn tournament!” Robert roared back at his old friend, the two of them about to go into it further when her voice interrupted them “perhaps you could somehow divorce your wives and marry each other, you seem so happy together” she joked as she walked towards the two of them, a wave of her hand and the guard who had been escorting her bowed and left quickly. Robert grinned big and got out of his chair, approaching her and hugging her so tightly that her feet left the ground, as they always did when he gave her one of his signature hugs. “Karliah!! Knock some sense into your brother will ya?” Robert asked as he put her down, gesturing to Ned with an annoyed expression and she chuckled lightly “I’m afraid that is beyond my abilities, I’m no god” she jested and Robert laughed as he patted her shoulder “would you fancy some wine? Bring Lady Stark a goblet of wine!!” Robert roared over his shoulder at his squire, the poor boy flinching at the tone as he hurried to give her a goblet, filling it to the brim with wine before she could stop him, but she just politely thanked him and sipped the wine before it would spill over, Robert moving back to his desk and sitting down, pointing at Ned “we’re having the damn tournament!” he snapped and Ned sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance as he glanced at Karliah, seeing her shrug subtly, what the hell was she supposed to do? Convince Robert? Good luck with that to anyone. “Your Grace-”

“We’re alone, Ned, you don’t have to ‘Your Grace’ me every time I take a shit” Robert grumbled, he had never really been one to censor himself, especially not in front of Lyanna’s younger sister. Robert loved the Lyanna in dresses with braided hair and a soft smile on her lips, but he also knew of the feisty side she had, the side that put on men’s armour and picked up a sword, she would have driven him mad with her stubbornness, the thought bringing a soft smile to Karliah’s lips. “Well, if the tournament is inevitable, then-”

“You’re not participating” Robert and Ned snapped at the same time, a scoff leaving Karliah’s lips as she pouted and downed her wine in annoyance “where’s my nieces?” she asked with an annoyed pout, Ned sighing heavily in frustration. “Arya’s with her dancing master-”

“Her what?” she asked with shock, Ned sighing and looking down, the poor man had aged five years already just by being here. “Her dancing master. Sansa’s with her Septa, stitching” Ned informed and Karliah raised a questioning brow before slowly nodding, eyes narrowed at him before putting the empty wine goblet on Robert’s desk and nodding to herself “dancing master… right” she mumbled with confusion before walking out of the room, walking over to a Stark guard who bowed his head upon seeing her “take me to Arya” she ordered with a soft voice, the guard bowing his head before turning and leading her to her youngest niece, knocking once on the door before opening it for her, bowing his head as he let her inside and closed the door behind her. Karliah couldn’t help but laugh as she saw the wooden swords, of course, of course it wasn’t real dancing. “Aunt Karliah!!” Arya dropped her wooden sword and rushed over to Karliah, hugging her tightly as she hugged her back with a big grin “I thought you’d gone mad when I heard you had a dancing master! Now I understand better” Karliah said with a chuckle as she parted from Arya, looking at her supposed teacher, smiling at him as he bowed theatrically “Syrio Forel, the First Sword of Braavos” he introduced and Karliah smirked lightly as she walked down the steps towards him. “First Sword? I’ve heard of those… I know my brother wouldn’t have hired you if you were a slouch with a weapon” Karliah stated with a soft smirk before curtseying, bowing her head. “Karliah Stark” she introduced and he hummed with a grin “ah, the Lady Wolf, the… ‘Wild Wolf’. Little Arya has told me a lot about you, about your skill with a sword” he noted and Karliah looked at Arya with a light glare “well, she wasn’t supposed to know about that” Karliah muttered as Arya blushed and looked down shyly. “I saw you training with Jon and Robb…” Arya admitted and Karliah nodded and hummed, looking back at Syrio “well it’s been a while” she admitted, taking a step back to turn to Arya who picked up her wooden sword and rushed over to Karliah, giving it to her.

“You have to see her fight, Syrio! She’s really good!” Arya exclaimed and Karliah blushed wildly, eyes wide as she chuckled nervously “Arya, there’s a big difference between Westeros and Braavos, the fighting styles are very different” Karliah informed, looking at Syrio as he spoke up “ahh, so you know as well? Not many from Westeros know of the water dancing” Syrio said with a light shrug and Karliah smirked slightly “my sister and I were quite the feisty ones, we loved to train and learn new styles to fight” she admitted and Syrio smirked before getting ready to fight, getting in the proper stance and Karliah chuckled lightly, gently ushering Arya out of the way, chuckling as she practically jumped half a mile back, eager to see everything unfold.

“I’m afraid I’ve never danced a water dance, Master Syrio” Karliah admitted and Syrio nodded “you will learn” he stated before walking around her, prompting her to turn her feet to walk around with him, eyes locked on his instead of his wooden sword. “See how her eyes are watching mine, Arya? That is where the true intent of your opponent will show” Syrio commented with a smirk and Karliah just knew that Arya was watching with wide eyes, completely focused on the scene in front of her. As Syrio charged elegantly, Karliah jumped aside, moving a long step back and away from him as she didn’t have a clear cut with her wooden sword, a smirk on her lips as she chuckled lightly. “See? Elegant as a cat, smooth for a wolf, no?” he half asked and Karliah chuckled lightly again, dodging another attack only this time her ‘sword’ touched his sword arm, a stunned look on his face as she grinned at him, gesturing to his ‘wounded’ arm with her own wooden sword “are you really a First Sword of Braavos?” she asked teasingly, Syrio smirking as he chuckled and switched the sword over to his other arm, gesturing to her with the wooden sword as they both walked around each other, his ‘wounded’ arm behind his back. “Elegance is key, Arya, see the way her feet move? Quiet as the night, swift as a cat, you can barely hear her move at all. Except for her mouth, that is certainly not quiet” Syrio teased and Karliah chuckled lightly, shaking her head softly at him as she continued to watch him with caution, nothing really happening except the two of them circling each other, but it was more to teach Arya as well. “See her grip? Delicate yet strong. Who trained you, Lady Stark?” Syrio asked just before charging at her, barely missing her with his sword as she ducked out of the way, stumbling a bit before regaining her footing and blocking another one of his attacks with her sword, stepping back as she did. “My brothers and my sister. My brothers taught my sister and I, despite our father’s worry, when they realised we’d just learn it ourselves if they wouldn’t teach us” she stated with a light tone before charging at him, their wooden swords clashing as she advanced while he stepped back, only to swiftly move around her, forcing her to quickly turn so she wouldn’t have her back to him. 

“Ah ah ah, see? She lost her focus” Syrio noted and Karliah shrugged lightly “yes, talking about my sister is… a lot” she admitted before bringing her head back into the fight. “I understand. Arya, you see her feet again? Watch them as I advance” he ordered and did as he said, advancing, and Karliah let him push her back as their swords clashed, the sound of wood beating against wood filling the room as Arya eagerly absorbed everything she could. As the door to the room opened both Syrio and Arya turned to see who had entered, a smirk tugging at Karliah’s lips as she bent down, kicked Syrio’s legs out from under him and pointed her sword at his throat with a smirk “dead” she stated softly before lowered her sword and helping him up, finally turning to see who had entered, seeing Ned look at her with a small smirk, Karliah’s cheeks flushed as she panted lightly, clearing her throat as she gave the wooden sword back to Arya. “Been a while” she admitted and Ned chuckled lightly, shaking his head softly as she cleared her throat again and smiled at Arya “he’s a good teacher” Karliah noted and gestured to Syrio with a smirk “though he could use another arm” she jested about the ‘cut’ she had given him earlier on his best sword arm, a chuckle leaving his lips as he looked down with a small smile “it is good for the First Sword of Braavos to be humbled, every now and then” Syrio stated with a light shrug and Karliah chuckled “just let me know and I’ll be there” she joked as she walked out of the room, patting Ned’s shoulder as she turned to the Stark guard who had led her to Arya. “Take me to Sansa” she ordered and just as before he bowed his head, turned on his heel and led her towards her oldest niece.

#Sandor Clegane #GoT #Game of Thrones #Sandor x OC #Sandor x Karliah #Karliah Stark #OC #Wolves and Hounds #Game of Thrones fic #GoT fanfic #The Hound

[fandomficsnstuff]

Wolves And Hounds-1

(Warnings: Some fluff, more fluff, a bit of angst about suspicions about why Bran would fall while climbing but overall this is very soft and fluffy:3)

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Karliah stood by Ned’s side as the King arrived with his entire entourage, watching the King climb off his horse as she kneeled down next to her brother. She smiled as Robert subtly told Ned to get up, eyeing him up and down before telling him how fat he had gotten, prompting Ned to glance at Robert with a suggestive eyebrow and the two broke out in laughter, embracing tightly. Karliah grinned as Robert turned to her, his hands on her shoulders “my! Look at you, Karliah, as beautiful as ever! You haven’t aged a day unlike us old fools” he laughed and Karliah laughed with him, initiating the hug, which shocked most in Winterfell but Robert just laughed and hugged her back, even lifting her slightly off her feet before putting her down “and you still haven’t married, have you?” he asked and she rolled your eyes, causing him to chuckle “that’s my girl” he praised and gave her a wink before greeting her nieces and nephews and then greeting Catelyn. She watched as Robert and Ned walked towards the crypt, a sad smile on her lips, still to this day she felt tears sting her eyes at the thought of Lyanna, so she looked down and tried to think of something else, only lifting her gaze when she was certain she had no more tears in her eyes. Her eyes landed on a tall, iron clad man, she knew instantly by his helmet who he was. The Hound. The Prince’s obedient dog. She wondered how he would be in a fight, if he was actually as skilled as they said, or if he was just ruthless and that’s how he gained his reputation, perhaps like this brother? The mountain. Though she found the Hound much more interesting, she would admit that.

Karliah changed as the festivities were beginning to be prepared, the final touches put on as she laced up her high leather boots, a habit from the war with the Mad King, always being ready to fight which she couldn’t do well in small heels. She was only thirteen, Lyanna had been sixteen, almost seventeen, but that was sixteen years ago now… she was older, no one bothered to try and court her anymore despite her being still very much young and in her prime. So she didn’t care how she dressed, not that she ever had, but no one tried anymore, so why should she? She laced up her dress with some difficulty, but she had sent her handmaidens away, being fond of doing things herself instead of having people do everything for her. Perhaps it wasn’t how the last Lady Wolf to be born a Stark should act, but growing up with Lyanna had it’s perks, she taught Karliah everything their father was uncomfortable with his two girls learning, especially his youngest. Riding, fighting, archery… archery and fighting while riding, she was Karliah’s teacher, mentor and best friend… she even disguised herself and joined Robert’s rebellion to save Lyanna but she was too late… that was her biggest regret, though, not going with Ned to Dorne…

“Seven Hells” she mumbled as the loud bustling of people met her ears, the festivities had already started and she was late, damn dresses and their complicated lacing! It left no room for any kind of independence. She subtly snuck into the hall and sat next to a tired Ned, giving him a sheepish smile that screamed ‘I’M SORRY I’M SORRY I’M SORRY’. Karliah quietly began to eat, enjoying the wine and talking with Ned here and there. Her brother was never one for socialization but he talked when he needed to and wanted to. “When are you going to tell him?” she asked in a quiet voice, making sure no one else heard and Ned sighing heavily, eyes sad and tired, just as yours were whenever the thought of Lyanna would come across your minds. “I know what you’re going to say, with Robert, but remember, there is also Lyanna’s blood in him, no silver hair and lilac eyes, no madness, just pure hearted goodness and a sense of not belonging anywhere. He has her hair, her eyes… he’s more Lyanna than Rhaegar” Karliah whispered and got up, wine goblet in hand as she was about to walk out of the hall, Ned grabbing her free hand and looked up at her, making her scoff “no, I won’t tell him, that should be you, the boy sees you as his father” she whispered and Ned let her go with a curtly nod, her words had stung a little but he knew she disapproved of his choice to leave his wife in the dark, to Karliah, Catelyn was a good woman who wouldn’t betray the trust of her husband, at any cost, and she was right, of course. Catelyn would never betray him… except if the knowledge of Jon’s birth could save their children…

Karliah left the hall and noticed Lord Tyrion out in the cold instead of inside in the warmth and she approached, smiling at him “Lord Tyrion, not enjoying the festivities inside? What would you rather do out here, in the cold? You Southerners can’t handle it” she teased and he chuckled “be careful, Lady Stark, we might still surprise you” he fired back and Karliah chuckled “I’m sure you will, Lord Tyrion, enjoy yourself” she said and he bowed his head “you as well, My Lady” he left and she walked towards the sounds of hacking and beating. She raised a brow at the training dummy “think it’s dead yet?” she asked and Jon smirked at her, panting “almost” he said and Karliah laughed, walking over and handing him her goblet “here, it’ll warm you up” she said and he took a sip, handing it back to her “thank you, Lady Aunt” he said and Karliah rolled your eyes “oh stop it, sixteen years and you’re still calling me that wretched name, I feel old!” she said and cringed, making Jon laugh “sorry, Aunt Karliah” he said and she waved her hand “it’s alright, I’ll just have to beat it into you at our next training” she said casually and he smirked at her ��what makes you so certain you will win?” he asked cockily and she chuckled lightly, taking another sip of wine “because I’m smaller and quicker than you” she pointed out.

“True, and wiser” a voice said and she turned to see Benjen, a big grin forming on her face as she put her goblet down and ran to him, hugging him tightly, his arms wrapping around her as he chuckled “Seven Hells, I can still feel the cold on you” Karliah laughed as she parted from him, walking back and taking her goblet, Benjen sighing with a smile and reaching for it but stopped as she took a sip of it herself, smirking at him “what? You’re used to freezing your balls off up there, I’m not” she teased and Benjen scoffed at her “you will never marry if you talk like that” he pointed out and Karliah cringed, downing the rest of the wine in the goblet “I’m going to need more wine if we’re having this talk again” she said with a chuckle and left the two to hug and greet each other again. She couldn’t help but smile amused as she heard the two greet each other, even as their voices faded when she walked back inside, heading straight for a jug with wine that a servant was carrying, no words needed as she held out her goblet, seeing it filled instantly. Being a Stark had it’s perks sometimes. “Aunt, you’re going to be stumbling if you keep up drinking” she heard a voice say, and seeing as it wasn’t everyone in Winterfell who called her ‘Aunt’, she knew exactly who it was to begin with. “You’re just jealous because you’ll tumble over after three goblets” she teased without having to look over her shoulder, hearing a brief chuckle “exactly, so please, make me look good” Robb stated with a smirk, his eyes glancing at a young woman who giggled and blushed, smiling sweetly at him, a scoff leaving her lips. “Is Arya put to bed? It’s late” she noted, hearing him chuckle lightly, she always cared for him and his siblings like they were her own children, even Jon couldn’t escape the love she held for her nieces and nephews. “She is, she started throwing food at Sansa” Robb muttered, hearing her chuckle briefly as she tried to muffle it with her hand “Seven Hells, that girl, as wild as Lyanna” she muttered with a fond smile, Robb turning to look at her with a soft expression. 

“Father never talks about her…” he admitted, looking down as Karliah looked at him with a soft frown. “Your father just misses her… he had been the one to find her body… give him time, Robb, sixteen years are sometimes not enough for grief to fade into a fond memory… now, don’t let this bring down your mood” she said and gestured to the woman who had been eyeing him shyly with that sweet smile of hers, a smirk tugging at Karliah’s lips “be careful, Lord Stark, don’t have too much fun and don’t get her pregnant, I’m not old enough yet for that, I wouldn’t be able to handle a tiny version of you running around just yet” she teased before walking outside again, taking a deep breath of the cold air she was born in. She took a sip of her wine before continuing to walk, rounding a corner where she almost bumped into someone, her eyes wide as she managed to step aside at the last minute. She looked up and was met with the scarred face of Sandor Clegane, the Hound himself, Joffrey’s obedient dog. “Not a fan of feasts and parties?” she joked softly, seeing him scoff quietly and poorly bow his head “M’Lady” he muttered in an annoyed voice, about to walk away when her chuckle stopped him. “My, you’re not one for conversation, are you? Normally, a proper man would have answered my question” she teased, seeing him raise his unburnt eyebrow at her with a bored expression. “No, I’m not” he stated in a monotone voice, a flash of confusion running across his face as he saw the corners of her lips tug up in amusement. “Forgive me if I have offended you or disrupted your evening, it was never my intention. Have a nice evening, Ser Clegane” she said and bowed her head slightly before walking off, leaving a confused and shocked Sandor in his place, Tyrion watching, albeit a bit drunk, from the shadows, scoffing quietly before stumbling his way to somewhere else.

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Karliah was silent as she sat next to Bran, Catelyn on the other side of the bed, cheeks stained from her tears as she watched her little boy. Karliah sighed softly and reached for Bran’s hand, holding the limp hand in hers, it was so much smaller… Karliah glanced at Catelyn before getting up, letting go of Bran’s hand to walk around his bed and sit down next to Catelyn, wrapping her arms around her and the tired mother sobbed into her arms, the dam breaking for the hundredth time and Karliah gently rubbed her back “he’ll wake, Catelyn… he will. He’s a Stark and a Tully. He has his father’s strength and your stubbornness. He’ll wake any day now and he’ll look at you and ask why you’ve been weeping, he’ll ask with that sweet voice of his” Karliah whispered and Catelyn moaned in agony and grief, Karliah continuing to hold her. “He’ll wake, Cat… he’ll wake” she promised before leaning away from Catelyn, the mother looking at her, wet cheeks and red puffy eyes and Kalriah smiled “how can he not, with a mother such as you?”

“I should have-”

“There is nothing you could have done. You and I both know that Bran would climb on the ceiling of this room if he were to be confined in it, the boy is half-squirrel sometimes, I swear” Karliah stated with amusement, looking back towards the sleeping child. “He will wake. I know he will, in my heart, I know” she whispered, gently rubbing Catelyn’s shoulder. “You needn’t be by his side every waking hour… you should get some sleep, Cat… get some rest-”

“No... no, I can’t leave him… I won’t-”

“Something to eat, then? You can eat it here… We can have something brought in for you to sleep on and I will sit and watch over him while you rest. You need rest, Cat… or you’ll be delirious and then what use will you be of?” Karliah warned and Catelyn looked at her, eyes still full of tears and Kalriah sighed, standing up. “I will have some food and drink brought in. I’ll figure something out, a bedding of any kind, for you to sleep on, you need rest just as much as the rest of us” Karliah spoke softly, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze before leaving the room, heading immediately for the kitchens as her first stop.

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When it came time to leave, Karliah walked into the room, intending to say her goodbyes when she saw Catelyn with her head on Bran’s bedside, asleep, a smile forming on her lips and she sneaked inside. She leaned over Bran and gently kissed his forehead, stroking back his hair from his forehead, smiling down at him “Bran, if you can hear me, you must wake soon. Please. Your mother is beside herself, she needs to see that smile of yours, she needs to hear you laugh” Karliah whispered before walking over to the side Catelyn was on, smiling at her, leaning down and gently kissing the top of her head, being careful not to wake her “thank you, for taking some rest” she whispered before leaving the room as quietly as possible, sneaking out, being met with Robb who had gone to see his mother and brother, Karliah stopping him with a hand “your mother is finally resting” she whispered, Robb seeming to almost faint with relief as he nodded “good… is she-...?”

“No, no she’s still by his bedside, I doubt she has even looked at the cot that’s been brought in for her, but she’s asleep. Your brother is well, too. He has no fever that I could tell” she added in a whisper and Robb nodded “thank you, Aunt Karliah” he whispered back and she smiled, cupping his face in her hands and tilting his head down as she stood up on her toes, giving his forehead a peck before patting his chest “give her a few more hours before visiting her again, make sure everyone knows, the Gods know that woman deserves some rest” she whispered with a smirk and Robb nodded, Karliah patting his shoulder in silent praise as she walked past him.

As she walked outside, she felt the dread fill her, the reality of everything finally hitting her. Her nephew was laying in his bed, unconscious, unmoving… he was just a boy… just a little boy, a sweet boy who adored climbing… which made all of this even weirder. Bran never fell. Never. Not once since he could stand upright and grab onto things did he ever fall. So why now? She hadn’t brought this to anyone, her family was going through enough at the moment… she’d keep her thoughts about this to herself… Perhaps she was just overthinking everything.

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She didn’t even seem to notice his gaze on her as she talked with Rickon, the youngest of the Stark children, the boy up in her arms as she smiled at him, making him grin and smile, bouncing him a little, the three year old grinning and laughing with her before she had to put him down, smiling at Arya as she approached, ruffling the young girl’s hair as she passed by before turning to a horse, a horse she’d apparently be riding, instead of riding in a carriage with her nieces. Tyrion walked up to the large man who had kept his eyes on the unmarried Stark, the North having named her just as they had named her brother. The ‘Wild Wolf’. Tyrion smirked a little at the name. Had the Hound taken an interest in the Wolf? “I believe she remains unmarried” Tyrion suddenly spoke, Sandor whipping his head around and looking down at him before scoffing and grumbling, much to Tyrion’s amusement. “Well, if you won’t pursue her, I suppose you wouldn’t mind if I gave it a go. She’s a beautiful woman, still in her prime and youth” Tyrion commented casually. In reality, he had no intention of pursuing her, but he had an interest in the Hound’s interest in the Wild Wolf of the North. It was said she rode more than she sewed, that she hunted more than she practiced dance and singing, that she could often be seen riding and visiting smaller towns and villages, her hair braided and wild from riding through harsh winds.

Sandor glared lightly at the Lannister at his words, though he tried not to, and Tyrion smirked victoriously before looking back at Karliah. “Relax, Hound. A hound is better suited for a wolf than a lion” he stated casually before walking off, Sandor giving Karliah a spiteful look, though he wasn’t quite sure why, it just felt like he had to do that, that he had to hate her for some reason.

#Sandor x OC #Sandor x Karliah #Wolves And Hounds #GoT #Game of Thrones #Sandor Clegane #The Hound #Karliah Stark #OC #GoT fic #Game of Thrones fanfic

[fandomficsnstuff]

Happy holidays everyone!! Here’s a little unwanted present from me! A drawing I made last year for Christmas, I thought I’d try and post one of my drawings to see what people thought and well, yeah lol. Please refrain from being too mean, my confidence is low enough already. I’m open to ideas and criticism tho. Happy holidays my lovelies!!

[fandomficsnstuff]

Witches and WIzards - 21

(Warnings: Sad fluff, some angst but that’s about it, I think, it’s just sort of angsty, sorry!<3)

Note: I once read parts of a fic where the reader has magic and goes back in time, meeting Merlin. I sadly can’t find it anymore. Also Fred didn’t die in this.

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Ophelia was silent as she stared out the window, heart racing despite the calm look on her face. She didn’t even look away when someone knocked on her door, or opened it after a few seconds of silence. She stayed silent until her name was spoken, tears forming in her eyes when she recognised the voice.

“Ophelia?” she turned, her eyes meeting Harry’s and she frowned, tilting her head a little at him. It was him. Obviously. But he looked… different… older… he even had the hint of a growing stubble “the nurses said you woke up” he added quietly as he closed the door gently, walking into the room, towards the chair she sat in by the window. “Do you-... remember anything?” he asked hesitantly, pulling up a chair to sit next to her, watching her closely as she frowned and looked out the window. More tears formed in her eyes as she slowly, very slowly, began to shake her head. “Alright… you-... you sort of just… showed up… at the twin’s shop, out of a closet… your leg was wounded and you passed out. They said you looked like you’d been trapped under rocks or something, your leg-” he stopped himself, looking down at her left leg as she just sat there, his eyes shifting to a cane nearby, within her reach should she need it, before looking back at her face as she just continued to stare out the window. “You were out for a long time…”

“How long?”

“A few weeks…”

“I meant-... how long-... before-”

“A few years…” he admitted, a tear running down Ophelia’s cheek yet her face was without expression, her eyes a stormy cloud of emotions but her face was empty, blank and void of anything. “Fred and George came by every day I hear, ever since you showed back up, they’ve been bringing you flowers…” Harry stated in an attempt to elicit some sort of emotion from her, but he got nothing, making him sigh quietly. “What-... what happened? Are you sure you don’t remember anything? Not the smallest detail-?”

“How old am I?” she asked blankly and Harry’s entire expression softened, a mix of pure horror and remorse in his eyes. She was strong. Stronger than anyone he’d ever met. She had to be with all that she had endured. But this woman wasn’t the one who disappeared three years ago. This woman was broken, the last three years barely a foggy feeling for her, her memory of said time completely gone and it seemed like a piece of her had faded, like a part of her had been chipped off, the most important parts of her had been torn off the sides of her and thrown away somewhere, never to be found again. “Twenty-three… almost twenty-four” he admitted hesitantly, a part of him hoping it’d elicit some sort of emotion but she just stayed silent, she didn’t even nod, she barely blinked, as though she was catatonic. This was worse than after Jaime died… after Jaime, at least she cried, she was angry, hot tempered and refused to even say his name or hear of it because every time it was uttered, she broke down in tears and her two favourite spells became Confringo and Bombarda with an occasional Diffindo, but at least she felt. She didn’t appear to feel anything right now…

“Eyes…” she muttered blankly, a frown forming on her face as she stared ahead at nothing in particular, zoned out as her mind raced. “You asked if I remembered anything… I remember a pair of eyes and I think-... I think they belonged to someone who-... made me feel… happy” she muttered quietly, still staring straight ahead, head a little tilted as she continued to frown, as though the thought of happiness and good things were some unfathomable thing, foreign and alien and completely unheard of. Harry nodded “that’s good. You remember something. It’s good news, Ophelia” he stated, a small smile on his lips, desperate to see her smile as well but she just continued to stare ahead. “Mr. Potter? I think perhaps Miss Black would like some rest now” a nurse said after walking in, Harry looking at her with desperation before looking back at Ophelia, studying her blank face, devoid of any emotions, before nodding, getting up “I’ll visit you again soon, alright? ‘Mione and Ron will too…” he muttered, standing up, about to leave the room when Ophelia turned to look at him, tears in her eyes “Harry” her voice stopped him and he turned to look at her, frowning at the utter hopelessness in her eyes “they were golden, like burning orbs of fire…” she muttered with the first real sign of emotion in her eyes, Harry frowning even more “the eyes” she explained quietly “it’s it’s like a dream I can’t wake up from… or-... I woke up from a dream that I didn’t want to wake up from… it’s-... cloudy…” she admitted, Harry glancing at the nurse before walking over “give it time, alright? You don’t have to remember everything, certainly not all at once. It’ll take it’s time, and we’re here for you, all of us, through every step of it” Harry encouraged, smiling at her, only leaving when he got a smile in return, although they both knew it was forced. After he left, the nurse walked over, giving Ophelia a sympathetic smile that made her want to hex her “why don’t you rest for a bit?-”

“I am resting. This is me resting” she muttered bitterly, turning her head to glare up at the nurse “I’ve done nothing but rest and write and draw since I woke up… it was weeks ago! Why am I still here?! You obviously can’t fix my leg and writing and drawing to get my memory back has done nothing for me!” she spat bitterly, more tears forming in her eyes and she shook her head with determination “no, no I’m leaving. I’m not going to sit around and wait for me to remember while I draw shit drawings of nothing and write about how much I hate this damn place! I’m leaving, I’m done waiting” she muttered, struggling to pull herself out of the chair, gritting her teeth as the nurse hurriedly gave her the cane she’d been given, Ophelia reluctantly taking it. “I understand that this is all too much to handle-”

“‘Too much to handle’??... I don’t feel… I don’t feel anything except angry and the pain in my leg! It’s been weeks… nothing is getting better! I-... I might as well just-... move on” she muttered bitterly, the nurse sighing with a frown “is there anyone you’d like us to get for you? A relative? A friend? A husb-”

“No… no, he wasn’t my husband” she muttered with a dazed expression, as though barely aware that she said it, the nurse frowning at her before gently placing a hand on her back, guiding her back to the hospital bed “it’s alright, now… perhaps one of your friends who have visited you?”

“Molly… Molly Weasley… she’s-... always been like a mum for me” she admitted, the nurse nodding with a small smile before leaving, Ophelia sighing heavily, looking at the cane with spite before throwing it across the room in anger, closing her eyes in an attempt to see them again, those eyes that brought her so much comfort when she was asleep. She tried. Hard. Eyebrows pinching together as she struggled until they were there. Not as clear as when she slept, but she could see them behind her closed eyelids, those golden eyes. An almost blissful smile formed on her lips, a few tears running down her cheeks as she enjoyed the feeling of joy they brought her. Until she opened her eyes. She knew she had to. She didn’t have a choice… and it only made seeing them even more bitter-sweet.

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“She’s in room 4-”

“I know which room” the woman waved the nurse off, hurrying inside of the hospital room, a grin forming on her face when she saw Ophelia sitting on a chair in the corner and she instantly opened her arms as she hurried over “oh my goodness!!” she exclaimed with joy, hurrying over and hugging Ophelia, managing to pull a small smile to Ophelia’s lips, though Molly didn’t see it, that’s how brief it was. “Hello, Mrs. Weasley-”

“Oh, please, ‘Molly’” she corrected as she parted from Ophelia, sitting down on the chair next to Ophelia’s “you’re not a child anymore” she added, Ophelia smiling hesitantly at her before looking down “I was-... I was wondering if-... I heard Professor McGonagall is the head mistress now… do you think-... do you think there could be an opening? Potions, Herbology, perhaps?” she asked hesitantly, Molly smiling at her with utter warmth “I am sure she would be delighted to have you as a professor there. You aced all of your O.W.L.s after all, and your N.E.W.T.s” she stated with pride and Ophelia smiled forcefully at her, the smile not genuine, empty, like the rest of her, “and-.. I was wondering, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble-”

“I already prepared Fred and George’s old room for you when I got the letter yesterday, I know you haven’t stayed in Grimmauld’s place since-... well, since” she interrupted and Ophelia nodded blankly “thank you… it really does mean a lot to me… and I won’t be any trouble, I promise, and-”

“Oh, if I remember you correctly, you were always trouble” Molly teased and Ophelia actually smiled a little, a genuine smile, for the first time in weeks “I will take that as a compliment” she joked lightly despite her emotionless expression, the smile no longer there, but the ghost of it remained on her lips, Molly nodding with glee. “So, all we need to do is pack your things and-”

“I-I don’t-... have anything” Ophelia admitted quietly, Molly’s smile never faltering “Well, then we certainly need to get you things! The old apartment you have is still there if you-”

“No… no nothing was in it anyway, I had everything in my bag… which I don’t have” she admitted, Molly nodding “then we’re off to Diagon Alley at some point. But for now, why don’t we get you settled back at the house, hm?”

“I would love that, thank you” Ophelia muttered, Molly nodding as she got up, walking over to help Ophelia up, having heard about her leg when Ophelia raised a hand to stop her “I got it” she muttered, gritting her teeth as she pulled herself to stand, grabbing the cane and leaning heavily on it, sweating a little from the pain she felt. “Oh, dear…”

“It’s alright, I need to be able to do it on my own” she muttered, grimacing at the pain in her leg before sighing, nodding to herself before looking at Molly, sighing at her worried expression “it’s just a bad day, that’s all” she assured, Molly nodding with a sad smile before walking out of the room with her to check her out.

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Ophelia was sitting in front of the fireplace, a blanket covering her legs, the warmth of the blanket helping with the pain she felt, distant voices caught her attention as they came closer and closer. She looked over her shoulder and grinned at who she saw, moving the blanket and her legs to stand up, already grabbing her cane when Minerva hurried over “no need for that-”

“It’s okay, it’s a good day today and it’s good for me to do it even though it hurts” she stated, Minerva nodding with a sigh, taking a small step back and allowed Ophelia to stand up straight, Molly grinning when she saw that Ophelia didn’t grit her teeth as much this time. “Thank you for coming. I’m sorry I couldn’t come to Hogwarts myself-”

“No need to worry at all. Molly has told me a little about your ambitions…”

“You knew it was always my goal to be a professor at Hogwarts” Ophelia said quietly, a hint of genuine emotion in her voice but it still worried Minerva, though she didn’t, she just nodded with a small smirk “I thought as much… which is why I have prepared a class I know you will be fond of teaching. Herbology” she revealed, Ophelia’s lips nearly pulling into a genuine smile, her eyes lighting up a little “thank you. I’m excited to go back in a few years” she stated softly but Minerva just smirked again “in a few years?”

“Yes, I-... I have to be older, don’t I?”

“I have made special arrangements for you” was all she said and Ophelia grinned. It was a small, faint grin that was easy to miss, but it was there and both Minerva and Molly noticed. “I have spoken with Molly and when you are ready, this summer, she will take you to get whatever you need before you join the rest of us at Hogwarts to begin the new school year. You will of course stay in the faculty wing, all and any furniture you might require will of course be there, waiting for you, unless you require something specific or personal, then I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to buy it yourself. I look forward to seeing you at Hogwarts, Professor Black” Minerva stated with a small smirk, Ophelia giving her a faint smile, nodding “I can’t wait to start my first year. Thank you, for looking past my age…”

“You are incredibly gifted in Herbology and show a real passion for it, Ophelia, I’d even go as far and say you have the right mental age. It’s why I am certain you will prosper at Hogwarts as a teacher” Minerva praised, Ophelia’s cheeks turning red and she looked down shyly, clearing her throat awkwardly “thank you, professor…”

“I’m no longer your professor, you may call me Minerva if you want.”

“Thank you, Minerva” she tried the first name, looking nervously at Molly who grinned and chuckled lightly “it’s quite alright, dear” she stated with that heart warming grin she always had. Ophelia smiled and gave her a nod before turning to Minerva “I’ll see you in a few months time, then” she stated, Minerva nodding with a proud smirk on her lips “indeed we will” she agreed, smiling at Molly before turning around to leave but she stopped when Ophelia spoke up “there is one thing, if it’s not too much…” Ophelia trialled off and Minerva nodded “i-it can wait until I start my job, though” she added and Minerva nodded, giving her a warm smile before leaving, Molly turning to beam at you with joy. “Well, congratulations on the job, Professor Black” she said and Ophelia smiled faintly, ignoring the pain in her leg from standing for too long, nodding “thank you very much, Mrs. Weasley” she retorted, Molly laughing briefly “I’ll get you something to eat, you still look far too thin for my liking” she muttered the last part and Ophelia gave a brief nod, awkwardly sitting back down, wincing a little now that Molly couldn’t see it. She let out a heavy sigh as she sat down, putting the cane aside to glare at her leg. She knew that under all the loose clothing she wore, the spot just below her knee was-... not like the other… it always seemed crooked… she sighed heavily at the thought, opting to stare into the fireplace as she had done before Minerva arrived, even though no flames were lit.

#merlin x oc #merlin x ophelia #ophelia black #merlin the show #witches and wizards #merlin fic #harry potter #hp #merlin #harry potter fanfic

[fandomficsnstuff]

Witches and Wizards - 20

(Warnings: Angst, a bit more angst with some comfort, a bit of fluff, sad angst, more sad angst and angsty sadness, sorry y’all)

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“I am here for a purpose, Morgana. I did not break stride to find you. I bring you the news you have longed for…”

“Arthur’s death?...”

“The key to it… I was wrong to ever question your wisdom, My Lady, and I wish to make amends…”

“Tell me…”

“There is someone you have been searching for… someone who has always eluded you…”

“Emrys…”

“I know where he is…”

“Where?”

“Camelot. And I have his true name… It is Merlin…”

“And what of Agatha? The woman?? The old woman?? The one who is destined to help Emrys??” Morgana asked with urgency and desperation, Mordred lowering his head, heart beating rapidly in his chest, against the book he had tucked away under his chainmail, his head aching with the weight of the two choices before him. Finally, he lifted his head, looking Morgana straight in her eyes, the same look of rage on his face.

“I know not of a woman by that name… she resides not in Camelot” he decided, swallowing thickly before lowering his head again.

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Ophelia sat up straight in her bed when the doors burst open, heart in her throat until she recognised the voice calling out her name in the darkness. “Merlin?! What the bloody hell are you doing here?!” she snapped, standing up from her bed, wearing the nightgown she had been gifted by Gwen not too long ago. She watched as Merlin began to tear her room apart with Gaius, making her look at them with confusion before sighing heavily “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!” she screamed, her window cracking due to a brief loss of control in her magic when she screamed, both Merlin and Gaius stopped to look at her, Merlin quickly getting up from the floor after looking under her bed, his hands firmly on her shoulders. “Where’s your wand? Ophelia-”

“Get your hands off of me!” Ophelia snapped, getting out of his grasp as she stared at him. “How did you get in?!”

“Broke the lock-”

“YOU BROKE THE LOCK?!”

“You took my key!”

“I broke up with you!” There was a long silence that filled the room, Merlin swallowing thickly, the start of tears in his eyes when he sighed, blinking them away before she could notice “Ophelia, please… where’s your wand?” he asked quietly and she sighed heavily, walking over to her bed, unscrewing one of the pillars on the headboard, reaching in and taking out her wand. She showed him the wand with an angry look in her eyes, Merlin sighing softly before nodding to himself. She looked like she was going to murder him within the next few seconds. “Could you-... cast a spell?” he asked nervously, Ophelia frowning at him with utter confusion, shaking her head in disbelief before giving it a wave at the nearby fireplace. All she had to do was give it a wave and the fireplace instantly lit up as a ball of fire flew from her wand and attached itself to the firewood inside as she turned to face Merlin and Gaius, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared at Merlin in particular as they both sighed in relief. “Would you mind telling me why you barged into my room to ask me to do something you know I can do?!”

“Because-” Merlin began but stopped himself, tears forming in his eyes and he swallowed thickly, Gaius glancing between the two before leaving, closing the door behind him. Ophelia frowned at him with more concern than anger, taking a step closer to him. “Merlin, you’re scaring me” she muttered, Merlin nodding before finally finding his voice “I don’t have magic” he admitted, Ophelia narrowing her eyes at him “what are you-”

“I DON’T HAVE MAGIC, OPHELIA! Morgana took it from me! Mordred told her who I am and she took it!” Merlin shouted, something he’d never done before, not with her. He could barely see through his tears, but what he could see was anger. Pure, unfiltered rage. For a second he thought it was still aimed at him but all that vanished when she sighed and pulled him into a tight hug, shaking her head and closing her eyes in regret. It was the first time she showed any affection towards him after Mordred left and Kara was hanged. She shook her head as she held him, sighing heavily as she felt him hesitantly hug her back, his head in the crook of her neck as it used to, and she felt the tears fall from her eyes and onto her skin.

“I knew Morgana was cruel, but…” she trailed off, sighing heavily before parting from Merlin, taking his hands in her own “you listen to me right now, Merlin. This isn’t it. We’re going to go back to the physician’s chambers and meet up with Gaius, I’m going to bring every book I have and my potions kit. I don’t care if I have to empty this entire room, I’m bringing all of it. Do you understand? She won’t get away with this, and this isn’t it. Your magic is not gone, Merlin, it can NEVER be taken from you, not truly, we just have to figure out a way to bring it back to life, that’s all this is, alright? It’s dormant, asleep, but we’re going to wake it, and then we’re going to rain hellfire down on that cunt of a bitch” Ophelia was seething, releasing his hands and cupping his face in her hands, making him look at her “do you understand me? I’m going to bring her to her knees for this” she muttered, Merlin frowning at her “you don’t kn-”

“I do, Merlin. Magic can never truly be taken. It’s in here,” she pressed her hand against his chest, right over his heart “it’s in here and it can never, EVER, be taken from you, it will never leave you, not ever” she promised, sighing softly before nodding towards the door “I’m right behind you, go. I’ll bring everything” she whispered, hesitating before leaning up and hugging him tightly, closer than a normal hug. The hug she used to give him, before everything… before he had sided with Arthur against Kara before she died. Merlin parted from her with a nod and without a second thought she waved her wand, every book, every potion, everything vanished into her bag as she threw on her Ravenclaw robe before pulling on her shoes, grabbing her bag, hiding her wand in the hidden pocket in her robe before running out of the room, hesitating, glancing to the room where a spear stood in the corner, the norseman spear tip stretching further down than a normal spear, curving on one side, like a sharp knife, one side sharper than the other yet both could cut through flesh like it was a gentle stream of water, the tip slightly curved and twisted. She hesitated, glancing down the hallway before hurrying over and taking it, twirling it effortlessly in her hand before nodding to herself, not even bothering to close the door as she ran out, the room almost completely bare except for the plants and an unmade bed.

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Ophelia followed Merlin through the caves, choosing to not use her wand for light, her eyes lingering on Merlin at the thought of using her magic but she banished it, instead sticking close to his side. As they walked further into the cave, the torch was suddenly blown out, Ophelia flinching at the sudden act, shaking her head with a scoff before looking at Merlin who frowned at her “I’m alright. It just-... scared the crap out of me” she admitted quietly, Merlin daring a smile before nodding.

“~Emrys~” Morgana’s voice was taunting, Ophelia immediately pulled the spear from her back, holding it like she had been taught as she looked around, her hand not in the middle but closer to the end of her spear, her eyes narrowed as she studied the dark cave.

“~Over here, Emrys~”

Merlin and Ophelia exchanged brief glances as Ophelia gave him a small nod, the two parting to look around the small room in the cave. “I see you, Morgana…” his words made her look over her shoulder at him, opting to move over to his side again, carefully, treading lightly so as to not make too much noise.

“~How well you’ve kept your secret. How well you’ve protected my brother… but it seems you don’t want to protect the little Lady Black at your side… does your little love know about you? About why you’ve dragged her to this cave in a bandit filled territory? Or did she not ask? Did you fool her like you fooled everyone else? Lied to her like you lied to everyone? Who’d have thought it? A worthless servant with all that power~”

“He was never worthless, Morgana!” Ophelia snapped, looking around the cave, trying to see her, preferably so her spear could pierce her gut.

“~So, she knows. Tell me, did you trust her with it, or did she have to figure it out on her own? Did she have to see through all the lies you told her? But you cannot help your king now, can you? You cannot even help yourself! How will you ever protect the love of your life? The one who risked everything for you, the only woman who will ever truly see you. Is that what you told her? Did you tell her everything she wanted to hear so she’d look past all the lies?~”

“He never, and he never fooled me. I know he loves me, and-... he knows I love him, I always have and always will” Ophelia hissed, heart racing in her chest and she wasn’t sure if it was the slight fear she felt or anger “now why don’t you come out and face us? Are you still scared?” Ophelia taunted, a silence filling the room. “I fear no one, least of all that powerless servant you love so dearl-” she was cut off as Merlin turned around swiftly, cutting across her side with one stroke and Morgana recoiled a little, holding her side where Merlin had cut her, grinning and laughing as he held the sword to her throat from afar as she slowly backed up, Merlin following despite Ophelia trying to subtly stop him. “You have defied me for the last time, Emrys… my only regret is that you’ll have company in this tomb of yours” Morgana taunted before uttering a spell, aimed at the rocks above the small cave entrance. Luckily, she didn’t have time to finish it when Ophelia had her wand out “Morgana! Stop this! Stop this, I don’t want to kill you! Don’t make me” Ophelia nearly begged, Morgana just smirked at her, once again looking at the ceiling, intending to bring the rocks down over the small path she had come from, trapping the two of them inside. Just as the incantation left her lips, Merlin heard two words he’d never heard before in his entire life, a green flash enveloping the entire cavern as the cave rattled and shook from Morgana’s spell, Morgana’s eyes were wide and blank, her eyes briefly shining green before fading as the green light enveloped her, her body stiff before falling to the ground, dead. She prayed that it would stop the spell, but she was wrong. Ophelia’s eyes were wide in shock as she watched a rock fall towards her head, the rock dust floating down over her head, coating her hair as other rocks headed towards her and then everything turned hazy before she could do anything. She felt a surge of pain run through her leg, barely able to lift her hand to feel where the pain came from, glimpsing a small boulder laid over her right leg, right atop her knee, something warm dripping down her head like water and then everything turned to black.

--------------------------------------------------------- Ophelia was woken up by the sharp pain in her left leg, her eyes opening only to close again, jaw clenching as she couldn’t help but let out a scream of agony, sweat forming on her forehead as tears streamed down her cheeks, her eyes opening to see the her leg crudely bandaged with ripped cloth, she lifted herself up on shaky hands to look around, gritting her teeth as every small movement made the pain in her leg worse. Her eyes closed tightly as she raised a hand to her head, retracting it when she felt something wet, looking at her fingertips that were covered in blood. Her eyes widened as she felt sick, leaning to the side as she threw up whatever was left in her stomach, her hand weakly trying to keep her hair out of the way and she cringed at the ache in her head. She felt weak, she felt like she could barely hold herself up, everything almost as though it was spinning. She forced herself to dragged her limp body backwards and against the cave wall, cringing and whimpering in pain at her leg, eyes shut tightly until she forced them open, looking through her pockets for her wand, hoping and praying that it would be intact and she let out a sigh of relief when she felt it. Her hand was shaking as she pointed it at her knee, “Brackium Emendo” she screamed loudly as her broken leg and kneecap put itself back together in the blink of an eye, tears rolling down her cheeks as she sobbed, biting her lower lip to hard that she started to taste iron on her tongue, the spell had worked yet it still felt… crooked… uneven and misshapen. She took several deep breaths before trying to stand up, whimpering as the rock walls cut into her palms and shoulders. She barely made it halfway up before her legs gave out under her and she scraped herself even worse trying to grip the wall when she fell. She took a heavy breath, looked down at her leg and pointed her wand at it again. “Ferula” bandages flew from the tip of her wand and wrapped around her leg. She looked around the cave with a frown, shutting her eyes tightly as she reached for her wounded leg, blood dripping down her face and into her eyes and she forced herself to open her eyes, cringing at the pain she felt when blood dripped into them, tainting half of her sight red and she looked around once more and then she saw something. A black square, glittering like small stars and her heart raced. It looked as though someone had thrown it in a rage… or dropped it… She crawled her way over, as though it was instinct, she couldn’t remember it but she still felt drawn to it, her shaky hands managing to grab it, wincing at the pain in her leg as she tucked her wand away and hesitantly lifting up the box. Hesitantly she opened the box lid, holding the box in her hands as she stared into the darkness, taking a heavy breath to steady herself, closing her eyes, shutting them tightly. She had no idea where she was. All she wanted was to go home. She wanted to go home. She almost thought of opening her eyes when she heard it, people talking, laughter. She heard the sounds of toys that she recognized, jokes. She heard something singing and she recognised it. She took a second to calm her racing heart before opening her eyes again, finding herself in a small storage closet she recognised, her eyes trailing down to her hands as they felt empty, finding the box long gone. She forced herself to stand anyway, taking a moment to compose herself as her shaky hand reached for the doorknob, opening it, being greeted by people talking, the sounds of a cash register that she recognised, people walking up and down the stairs in the shop. Tears filled her eyes as she looked around, her legs feeling weak and she had to lean against the wall to stay upright. A small whimper left her lips and it caught the attention of someone near her, the person turning around and she nearly fell to the ground, caught by the person, passing out before she could see who it was.

#hp #merlin #merlin x oc #merlin x ophelia #harry potter #ophelia black #merlin the show #witches and wizards #merlin fic #harry potter fanfic

[fandomficsnstuff]

Witches and Wizards - 19

(Warnings: fluff, hints at a GoT character, angst and more angst)

Note: I once read parts of a fic where the reader has magic and goes back in time, meeting Merlin. I sadly can’t find it anymore. Also Fred didn’t die in this.

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Ophelia let out a grunt as she was knocked down once more, laying down on the grass instead of getting up, her eyes closing as she winced at the ache in her body. “I told you, Ophelia, I-” he was cut off as she swiftly rolled back and kneeled, smirking up at him before running at him, sliding under his legs and knocking them out under him, making the king fall face down onto the ground, Ophelia panting from hours of training, standing up and wiping the sweat from her brow as she approached a stunned Arthur, giving him her hand. “You were saying?”

“How on earth-”

“My mum took me to gymnastics when I was younger, turns out I’m quite flexible” she stated with a shrug, Arthur frowning but with a smile, about to open his mouth to reply when Merlin walked over “yes, you are” he agreed mindlessly, Ophelia smirking at him as he realised where he was, and how it sounded. “I mean-... I’ve-... I’ve seen her do something she calls ‘splits’ and it’s not what you think-”

“Merlin…”

“Shut up?”

“You got it” Arthur muttered with a cringe, making Ophelia chuckle as she smirked at Merlin before watching him hurry out of the training field once more. “So, what is ‘gymnastics’?” Arthur asked as he poured himself a cup of water, handing one to Ophelia first who gladly took it. “It’s sort of like training, I guess. Though it’s not to fight. It’s for flexibility. For example, I can do this,” she put the goblet down and swung back, leaning backwards and supporting herself on one hand as her legs followed in the air like a wheel, doing that three times before ending swiftly on her feet a few feet away from a shocked Arthur, the knights around all clapping and Ophelia felt her cheeks turn beet red as she walked back over. “That was… elegant. Almost as well as your skill with a bow, which is surprisingly good” he agreed, making her chuckle lightly “I can do loads more. Which is why brawn over brains might not be my fighting style…” Ophelia admitted with a frown “I’m sorry Arthur, I know I took time out of your day to train me for the last few months, especially since you got the real Gwen back and I know you have a picnic planned later today with her, but I just-”

“You don’t feel like fighting like a knight is the best option for you” Arthur ended, Ophelia nodding with an apologetic look on her face “I’m so sorry. I-I just wanted to learn so badly and I feel useless and-”

“Which is why I’ve sent for someone… lighter” Arthur admitted, gesturing to behind her and when Ophelia turned, she spotted a man walking towards them. Hands behind his back, even his walk seemed… light… like a feather barely flying above the grass, so close to getting caught in between the blades of grass yet remaining just above them. He wasn’t tall like the others, yet only a little taller than her. He had dark, curly hair and a beard, both dark yet his beard had hints of grey to it, showing his age. His skin was a warm olive colour, his eyes brown and deep and he had a flamboyant air about him. “Lady Black, this is Syrio Forel. He’s going to be your new teacher” Arthur introduced, Ophelia’s mouth wide open in shock as she turned to Arthur. “You-... you went out of your way to find someone who-... Bloody hell, Arthur!” Ophelia nearly screamed, grinning from ear to ear as she hugged him tightly, Arthur chuckling, a little surprised but he still hugged her back “now, if you’ll excuse me, as you said, I have a picnic with my wife” he stated, Ophelia nodding with a grin before turning back to Syrio, stretching out her hand which he shook gently “Syrio Forel, thank you, for agreeing to teach me” Ophelia admitted, Syrio smirking at her, walking around her as he studied her, looking her up and down, taking in every detail from head to toe “yes. You are small, slim but yet strong, this is good” his accent was like water off a goose’s back, smooth and easy-going with no hardness to it, exotic yet easy to understand. “I will train you” he agreed, picking up a training sword from nearby, examining it, noticing how you grimaced a little at the idea of fighting with it.

“The sword… it is a heavy thing, no?”

“It is…”

“It is as heavy as it needs to be. For the knights.”

“Not a woman?”

“Not you” he corrected, Ophelia’s lips tugging up in a smile as she studied him putting the sword back, instead picking up a long stick, making her frown. “I will teach you another dance.”

“A dance?”

“Yes. The water dance. These knights and their heavy swords, they hack and slash. It is useful, but not what you need and want” he stated knowingly, picking up another stick of the same length, just an inch or two taller than Ophelia. He threw it at her and she caught it, although rather clumsily, caught off guard by the flying stick coming towards her. “Tomorrow you will catch it better” he stated casually, effortlessly twirling the stick between his fingers before approaching, the stick parallel with his arm behind his shoulder, hand grasping it firmly yet not tightly. “Your legs should not be so far apart. Your shoulders, pull them back- yes, like that. You are learning quickly” he praised, Ophelia grinning like a little girl. Her heart raced as Syrio walked away from her to face her, effortlessly twirling the stick so it was in front of him, held with both hands “now, attack. Go right, right, then left and then right” he ordered, Ophelia doing as he told, slowly at first as the sticks met each other, her confidence growing with each nod he gave her.

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“Today, the first lesson is about Star Grass, then Angel’s Trumpet” Ophelia stated as she winced, holding her bruised side before waving Mordred over. “Are you alright?”

“Well, I got my arse handed to me” Ophelia muttered, smirking at a genuinely concerned Mordred “the foreigner?”

“Syrio Forel. A man of mystery but he’s bloody good with that stick of his… I think I actually feel more comfortable with what he calls the ‘water dance’” Ophelia admitted as she gestured to the pot in front of her with what seemed like a patch of tall grass, Mordred frowning at the sight. “This is Star Grass. You can figure out the name for yourself. It’s a magical healing herb, used in Star Grass Salve, which soothes sores, bruises and wounds. It has other names such as; Unicorn Root and Ague Grass. It’s a simple plant, really, it’s for pain and aches. You can eat it or grind it in a mortar and use the paste to put on your wounds but it really is most effective if you just eat some of it or use the salve it’s in. I always trim from the top but I’ve cast a spell on it so it won’t grow more than this length, even if I don’t cut it. Next up is Angel’s Trumpet” Ophelia moved over to a white bell-formed like flower, it’s stem green, as well as the leaves. “Tell me what you see” Ophelia ordered softly, tilting her head at Mordred who narrowed his eyes at it, studying it thoroughly “it’s… beautiful” he admitted, Ophelia giving a brief nod in confirmation “it is. And highly poisonous if ingested. Fatal, even” she admitted, Mordred turning to look at her with a frown. “Most beautiful plants are. It’s a trick, a lure. They look innocent when in truth they’re the most dangerous of all… I’d like to give you something” Ophelia stated, walking over to her bag, sticking her entire arm into it, which Mordred was used to by now, pulling out a small book that could be concealed in a fair sized pocket or bag, though not so small that it couldn’t be read.

Ophelia walked over and handed it to him, Mordred cautiously opening it, flipping through the pages, studying the drawings of flowers, the notes beside them as well as crucial information. “It was mine, back at Hogwarts… It was before I memorised it all and got other books” Ophelia admitted, sitting down at a nearby table, studying Mordred for his reaction, waiting nervously “you-... you don’t like it?”

“No! I-... thank you” Mordred mumbled, tears forming in his eyes as he shifted through the small book, only a little bigger than his hand, Ophelia smiling softly at him. “You have what I’d call a ‘green thumb’. A knack for plants in general, how to care for them, identify them…”

“I can’t-”

“You can. See it as-... a thank you…” Ophelia admitted, Mordred frowning at her and Ophelia sighed heavily, gesturing to the chair across from her and Mordred sat down. “A thank you?”

“I-... growing up, do you know what I always wished for, every birthday?” he shook his head and Ophelia smiled “a brother… one who would protect me against the kids that bullied me… I remember saying that he didn’t even need to have magic like me, he could be a muggle and I’d love him all the same… I’ve… enjoyed teaching you about these plants, about what I learnt at Hogwarts…” Ophelia admitted, looking down at her hands in her lap with a frown, waiting, yet when she heard nothing, she looked up at a teary-eyed Mordred as he stared at her, mouth half open in shock, eyes wide and even a tear rolled down his cheek. Without thinking Mordred flung himself at her, hugging her tightly and at first she was shocked, frozen, but soon her arms wrapped around him, despite the awkward angle of him standing up and her sitting down. “You can’t show anyone, but I hope you’ll learn from it… and it doesn’t mean I’ll stop teaching you if you still want it” Ophelia muttered, Mordred parting from her as he nodded, wiping his eyes to try and remain knightly, but Ophelia just stood up and chuckled, wrapping her arms around him again, a grin on her lips.

“Now, you be careful out on patrol tomorrow, alright?” Ophelia asked as she parted, wiping away her own tears before smiling at Mordred who nodded, lingering before grinning and walking out, the book in his hands, firmly holding his attention.

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Ophelia watched with a frown as Arthur circled the young woman, her eyes drifting to Mordred who seemed to especially loathe the situation, a frown forming on her brows and he caught her gaze, blinking away his tears as he looked away from her and she had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep as neutral a face as possible.

“Were you part of a cohort of saxons who attacked an armed shipment bound for Camelot?”

“Yes” her affirmation made Ophelia take in a subtle breath, glancing at Mordred who was trying to contain his anger, doing his best to not openly glare at his king, her eyes returning to Arthur as he continued to question her.

“Were you acting under the orders of Morgana Pendragon?”

“What I did, I did for myself. For my people. And for our right to be free.”

“I have no quarrel with the druids.”

“I’ve spent my life on the run because of my beliefs… and seen those I have loved, killed.”

“Once, maybe… but I’m not my father.”

“You don’t kill those with magic?” Her question made Ophelia shift her weight a little, heart ramming against her ribs, so loud that she was sure the entire court could hear it.

“It is not I, Arthur Pendragon, who needs to answer for my crimes. It is you. You and your father have brutally and mercilessly heaped misery on my kind. It is you who has turned a peaceful people to war. And it is you, and Camelot, that shall pay the price.”

“In your words I hear the voice of Morgana… it is she and others like her who have abused the powers of magic. It is they who have brought the rift between our people. It is their deeds that have terrorised Camelot and forced us to outlaw such practices… but you stand before the court not because of an act of sorcery or sedition, but because of an act of murder… your actions have brought about the deaths of many good men… threatened the lives of many more.”

“They were casualties of war… and I would do the same again. For I will not rest until you are dead and your kingdom is no more” her reply made Ophelia close her eyes in regret, lowering her head briefly before sighing quietly.

“Yet you have friends here… somehow you got treatment for your leg. From someone in Camelot… who?” Ophelia subtly turned her head to Mordred, seeing a horrified look on his face, her eyes returning to the girl. “I treated myself” her reply was calm and smooth, yet the lingering hesitation before her answer was enough for Arthur to determine she was lying. “You are lying. Whoever it was, left a trail of footprints in the mud. Footprints that resulted in your capture.”

“A stranger came across me and he helped me. I have no idea who he was.”

“You show no remorse for your actions… I have no choice but to declare you an enemy of Camelot… at dawn tomorrow, pursuant to the laws of this land, you will be taken from your cell… and hanged” Arthur declared, nodding to the guards and they came forth, grabbing her and leading her out. “You can do as you wish! It will not stop Morgana’s uprising. Your doom is near! My only sadness is that I won’t be there to see it” she called, Ophelia shrinking back into the crowd, moving towards Mordred, catching him by his arm, glaring at him when he looked at her “you. Me. Talk. Now” she hissed quietly before moving out of the room with the others, Mordred swallowing thickly. He followed her out, almost losing her in the crowd when she grabbed him and shoved him behind a pillar, glaring at him before making sure no one paid them any mind. “You’re just about the most idiotic, mindless, careless idiot of a person I’ve ever met!” Ophelia hissed quietly, Mordred staring at her with tears in his eyes, making her sigh, shaking her head at him “Mordred… you’re a bloody idiot” she muttered in a much softer tone. “My Star Grass Salve wasn’t where it used to be… did you take it?” she asked quietly, Mordred giving a shameful nod, making her nod and sigh. “You’re just about the biggest idiot I’ve ever met in my twenty-three years on this earth!... But you love her…” Ophelia whispered softly, Mordred staring at her with confusion, making her give him a soft smile “you’re more obvious than you think, you’re just lucky they’re all just as stupid as you” she muttered before nodding to herself “I’ll talk with Arthur… I won’t promise anything!” she stated harshly when she saw his eyes light up at her words, “I’ll talk to him… but she hasn’t made it easy on herself, admitting everything, showing no remorse! Trying to kill Arthur, I mean- I’m shocked he didn’t charge her with that as well!...” Ophelia hissed before leaving, turning in the opposite direction to walk back to where Arthur was.

------------------------------------------------

“‘There’s nothing I can do’?! YOU’RE THE KING!!”

“And the king must uphold the law and protect his people!!”

“AND A KING MUST SHOW MERCY!!”

“Ophelia-”

“SHE’S JUST A GIRL!! SHE’S BEING USED BY MORGANA, MANIPULATED LIKE GWEN WAS, YET YOU DIDN’T HANG HER!” Ophelia screamed, Arthur glaring at her, a deadly silence falling over the two of them, one that should have warned that she had gone too far, and she knew it, yet she took a step closer to Arthur. “You are my king, Arthur, my friend. I love you and I always will, as I love Gwen and Gaius… if you value me, not as an advisor, but as a friend, a person who cares for you, deeply… then you won’t do this… let her spend the rest of her life in that cell! It IS possible! She will NEVER breathe another day of freedom but she’ll live! If not for me, Camelot or yourself, then do it for Mordred! Show the people, and the other knights, that the king sees his knights as more than glorified bodyguards, that they’re a family!! Under his protection and love!!”

“And what will the people think when I let an enemy of Camelot live in the palace?!”

“She’ll be a prisoner!! Put her in chains for the rest of her life if you must!! Make her life miserable! But if you do this, Arthur… I will never, ever forgive you, nor will Mordred…” Ophelia hissed before storming out, slamming the door behind her so hard that it bounced back, Arthur flinching at the sound before sighing heavily.

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Ophelia sat in the cell with Mordred, holding his hand as he cried, anger pooling in her eyes as she just sat there, back against the stone wall. As everything began to shake, she frowned, looking around, at the table that was shaking, the hinges on the cell door, and her gaze turned to Mordred, seeing the look of rage on his face and she felt her heart quicken. She squeezed his hand in hopes of bringing him out of it, moving her other hand to his shoulder when it didn’t work. “Mordred… Mordred” she gently shook his shoulder, trying to get his attention until eventually he snapped, screaming, and the last thing she remembered was flying back, something colliding with her head and then. Darkness.

#merlin x oc #merlin x ophelia #harry potter #ophelia black #merlin the show #witches and wizards #harry potter fanfic #merlin #hp #merlin fic

[fandomficsnstuff]

Witches and Wizards - 18

(Warnings: a bit of angst, fluff, fluff and some more fluff)

Note: I once read parts of a fic where the reader has magic and goes back in time, meeting Merlin. I sadly can’t find it anymore. Also Fred didn’t die in this.

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“Tyr Seward, by the power vested in me, I hereby sentence you to death.”

Arthur’s words left Ophelia stunned, her eyes wide as she stared at him, mouth slightly open as Tyr was being dragged out, her heart beating against her chest with rage. The second the doors were closed and they were left alone, Ophelia approached Arthur “death? Arthur!”

“The evidence speak for themselves-”

“His testimony is evidence as well! Why would he do this? He’s harmless, Arthur! He’s always taken care of the horses, especially yours! And he’s been kind enough to take care of Lovegood even though she’s not a part of the royal stables or one of the horses the knights use! He loves what he does, why would he risk that?” Ophelia asked with desperation, Arthur sighing heavily as he turned to face Ophelia “I don’t know. But what I think doesn’t matter, the law is the law-”

“You’re the king, Arthur! You are the law and the law are you!” Ophelia snapped before storming out, heading directly for the cells, glaring at the guards that stood guard outside. “Leave me with him” she ordered, the guards bowing their heads and doing as told, Ophelia dropping the cold facade, sighing heavily. “Hey…” she mumbled, Tyr looking up at her, the tears on his cheeks not even dry. He quickly tried to wipe them away and stand up to look presentable but Ophelia gently shook her head “it’s okay… I’m so sorry about this, Tyr…”

“M’Lady… I-I know I’ve got no right to ask b-but… c-could you-... look after my mother?” he asked, whimpering, Ophelia’s heart breaking as she nodded “of course… but you’re going to be alright. I know you didn’t do this. The king will realise it too…” Ophelia stated softly with a warm smile, Tyr nodding as fresh tears almost ran down his cheeks, Ophelia sighing softly at the sight, frowning at him. “Don’t think about this right now… how’s Lovegood? I haven’t had a chance to ride her in a while” Ophelia asked softly, managing to pull a smile from Tyr’s lips as he wiped his nose, sniffling as he looked down “she’s good. Never worked with a kinder horse, she truly lives up to her name” he admitted in a giddy tone, Ophelia grinning “that’s good. It’s been so long since I’ve taken her out for a ride… but I’m glad that you’ve kept her company” Ophelia stated softly, gesturing to the bed in the cell and Tyr nodded, sitting down on it, clearly overjoyed to be speaking about his work and the horses. Ophelia pulled up a chair and sat down as well, giving him a kind smile that encouraged him to continue speaking about the horses that he loved and worked with.

She sat with him for hours, in the end it was just silence, silence and company, until the guards approached with Merlin in tow behind them, Ophelia’s eyes meeting his and she gave him a soft smile, standing up and gently placing her hand on his arm, a silent gesture of affection. “How is he?” Merlin asked quietly, Ophelia sighing as she looked over her shoulder at Tyr as he stared at the stone floor of the cell he was in, sitting on his bed. “I’ve distracted him by having him talk about horses but-... we’ve run out of things to talk about that distracts him, and I haven’t-… I haven’t asked, I thought it best to leave that to you…” Ophelia admitted in a whisper, Merlin nodding with a sigh, about to approach when Ophelia moved her hand down to hold his. “See me afterwards…? Tonight?” she asked quietly, Merlin giving a brief nod and a faint smile before entering the cell as Ophelia went the other way to her room.

It was hours later when Merlin entered the room with the key Ophelia had given him, raising her head from her book with a soft smile as he walked over, yet her smile faded when she noticed the look in Merlin’s eyes. “Merlin?”

“He’s been threatened, Ophelia… he’s horrified… Did he say anything to you? Anything at all?” Merlin asked urgently and Ophelia felt her heart beat rapidly against her chest as she thought over her conversation with Tyr. “He asked me to look out for his mother, but other than that, not much” Ophelia admitted, Merlin nodding with a sigh “they threatened his mother… said they’d cut her throat if he told anyone…”

“Have you told Arthur?”

“Of course, but-...”

“But what?”

“Have you noticed…. A change in Gwen?...” Merlin asked hesitantly, Ophelia narrowing her eyes at Merlin, closing the book and standing up, walking towards him with a shrug and a frown. “She just lost her brother a few months ago, Merlin-”

“You know that’s not what I mean-”

“But yes” Ophelia finished, Merlin staring at her with a little bit of shock, Ophelia sighing as she nodded. “She-... people grieve in different ways, Merlin, and grief can change people… she’s been through a lot, she’s dealing with it in her own way and-... although I don’t like it, if it’s what she has to do to get through it, then it’s what she has to do…” Ophelia admitted with a frown, sighing at Merlin as he seemed unsatisfied with the answer “Merlin-”

“There’s just something-...”

“She’s grieving. Let her grieve” Ophelia asked softly, Merlin sighing, nodding reluctantly and Ophelia gave him a warm smile. “Good. We can figure all of this out tomorrow and we’ll get Tyr out of this mess and hopefully the next few months will be without someone trying to kill Arthur or kidnap Gwen or torture Gaius” Ophelia hummed, Merlin nodding with a sigh as he wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder as her fingers gently played with the hair at the back of his neck, soothing him.

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“Get your grubby hands off of him!” Ophelia screamed as she pulled and tugged at the guards, her fist colliding with the one that shoved Merlin into the cell, causing her to be shoved in as well, the door closed just as she had gotten up and ran for it, colliding with the bars and wrapped her hands around them “cunts!” Ophelia screamed as she watched them walk away, heart racing in her chest as her hand ached, making her eventually let go of the bars and turn around, wincing at her sore and red knuckles, shaking her hand lightly as though it’d shake off the pain. “Did you really just punch a guard?” Merlin asked with a smirk despite the situation, approaching and gently taking her bruised hand in his own, gently running his thumb across the reddened knuckles, Ophelia hissing lightly at the sore sting she felt. “He deserved it…”

“And called every guard in here a ‘cunt’?”

“They are!” Ophelia shouted at the bars in hopes that the guards heard her, sighing heavily as she sat down on the bed “besides, you didn’t actually think I was going to let you be here all alone?” she asked jokingly with a small smile, Merlin sitting down next to her, taking her hand in his own “I still wish you hadn’t punched that guard…”

“It was better than hexing him into the next century” Ophelia muttered with a shrug, Merlin chuckling lightly “it is… you shouldn’t be here, Ophelia…”

“Merlin-”

“I’m serious!”

“So am I, Merlin. I love you, more than anything in the world! Where you go, I go… besides… I’ve faced worse…”

“Worse than the charges of treason and possibly a painful death?”

“What? I meant being in a cell” Ophelia stated with a smirk and amusement, managing to pull a smile from Merlin. “You can’t do this, Ophelia… You have to look out for Arthur… he has to make it, Ophelia-”

“Gaius knows where the antidotes are, he’ll no doubt have used both as well as whatever else he had, and besides, a little private time never hurt any couple” she stated with a shrug and a smirk, once again being able to make Merlin smile for just a brief moment, despite the situation. It wasn’t long until Gaius arrived, finding them in the cell together, Ophelia’s head on Merlin’s shoulder, their hands interlocked until they heard him approach. “Ophelia?”

“I may have punched a guard…”

“Ophelia!”

“He shoved Merlin! You know he’s too good of a person to fight back!”

“I’m right here…” Merlin mumbled, Ophelia looking over her shoulder with a sigh as she gave him an apologetic smile. She listened as they both talked, her eyes lingering on the floor of the cell, the idea that Gwen did this… What she must have endured at that tower…

Without realising it, tears had started to run down her cheeks, and she wasn’t even the one who noticed it first, it was Merlin, turning to gently cup her face in his hands, making her look up at him, her tears smearing across her cheeks and his palms, making her quickly recoil in an attempt to wipe away the tears but Merlin held onto her, his thumbs stroking away the tears before he held her against his chest. “It’ll be alright… Gaius said he tried both of your potions… it’s too strong… but my magic will work, I know it will…” Merlin whispered comfortingly, Ophelia biting her lower lip as the image of Neville’s parents popped up into her mind. “Are you sure? Are you sure that it’s Gwen?” Ophelia asked quietly, still coddled into his chest and Merlin hesitated before nodding “it’s Morgana’s work… she’s taken control over her, somehow… she’s using her…”

“It’s like one of the forbidden curses…” Ophelia muttered in a breathless, meak voice, Merlin frowning at the sound. He’d never heard that sound. The breathless whisper of fear. At least not when it came from Ophelia. “Forbidden curses?” Merlin asked quietly, feeling her tighten her grip around him as she nodded into his chest “Imperious… Crucio… if Morgana somehow cast either one… Merlin, either she’s not herself, Morgana is literally in her head, her body and mind, or she’s-.... Or when she was in that tower, she-... the pain she must have-” Merlin cut her off by holding her tighter, sighing heavily as he briefly closed his eyes, shaking his head softly before kissing the top of her hair “we’ll get her back… I promise” he whispered, continuing to kiss the top of her head lovingly as he held her tightly. “When Gaius gets me out of here… I need you to stay here-”

“What?” Ophelia lifted her head from his chest, looking up at him with red and puffy eyes, already shaking her head “Merlin-”

“Listen. I need you to stay here. Gaius can get you that potion you’ve mentioned before and you can get some of my hair…” Merlin revealed quietly, Ophelia hesitating before nodding, sniffling before continuing to nod “okay… okay I’ll try b-but I don’t know what’ll happen, I’ve never tried it with-... Hermione tried to become Pansy Parkinson and I became Tracey Davis but I don’t know what’ll happen if I drink it and it’s not hair from a woman…” Ophelia admitted, Merlin about to reject the idea when she quickly shook her head “but I’ll do it! I’ll do it!... For Arthur and for Gwen and for you. I’ll do it for you” Ophelia admitted, Merlin cupping her face in his hands, his forehead resting against hers as he nodded in agreement.

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Merlin hesitantly handed the vial to Ophelia before placing the spare clothes on the bed, watching her take it with distaste, cringing at the thought of how it’d be, not only the taste but the turning as well, a feeling she wish she wasn’t so familiar with but she nodded to herself, turning to Merlin and hesitantly reaching up a hand, giving him an apologetic smile before tugging off a few hairs, putting them into the potion that began to bubble sizzle as Merlin winced when the hairs was tugged out. Ophelia sighed heavily, awkwardly clearing her throat “I’ll uh,” she cleared her throat awkwardly and Merlin nodded with red cheeks, making sure no one could see as Ophelia quickly undid her dress, shivering at the cold as she couldn’t even keep a thin gown on, having to quickly pull on Merlin’s spare clothes, Merlin keeping a watchful eye out, casting the ageing spell as Ophelia drank the potion with a frown and cringing at the taste, gagging. As they both turned around to face one another, both of them couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.

“You look like… me” Merlin whispered, Ophelia chuckling “and you look…. Old” she teased before looking past him to the corridors “you have to hurry” she whispered, leaning up to kiss him when both of them recoiled, grinning at each other “later” she muttered, Merlin nodding, about to leave when something struck him “you don’t sound like me” he warned, Ophelia clearing her throat and nodding “it’ll come” she whispered, her voice already darkening and with that, Merlin left and Ophelia hid her dress, at first trying to sit as she always did before forcing her body to sit as he would instead, heart racing like a mad horse in a gallop.

She tried to hide her grin as she could hear Merlin- or, well, the elderly totally-not-Merlin Merlin, as he reprimanded the guards, commenting on one of them with a broken nose, taunting him about walking into a wall when they both perfectly well knew why, Ophelia trying to remain as quiet as possible and to keep face, acting like Merlin would in the situation.

Ophelia felt her heart race as the bells began to ring, wanting to just crawl away into the darkest hole of the cell but instead she got up, clearing her throat quietly before speaking, hoping and praying that it’d sound at least a little bit like Merlin “what’s going on??”

“Mind your own business!” One of the guards shouted with only a glance over his shoulder at the cell, Ophelia unable to not grin as she watched them run off, wanting to excitedly jump around but she sat back down instead. Even though no one was there to watch, she’d at least try and preserve Merlin’s dignity by not jumping around like an excited school girl. It took a while but finally Merlin returned, just as Ophelia felt the familiar tingle and slight burn under her skin, looking down and seeing her hands grow smaller until they were her own again, just as Merlin opened the cage door with magic before closing it again, turning around to look at Ophelia, the real Ophelia. She grinned at him and without another word, pressed her lips to his lovingly, Merlin eagerly kissing her back. “I’m guessing it worked?” she asked with a smirk, Merlin nodding with a breathless laugh “it worked” he confirmed before attaching his lips to hers again. “Why are you sweating?” Ophelia asked breathless after the kiss, Merlin smirking “I just climbed from the courtyard and up to Arthur’s room, and then back again” he bragged quietly, Ophelia smirking, fiddling with the collar of his tunic as she gave him a seductive look, knowingly biting her lower lip “really? Kind of sexy” she admitted with a slight shrug and grin, her lower lip again caught between her teeth, Merlin grinning from ear to ear as he picked her up and laid her down on the bed, hearing her giggle and chuckle, the two of them shushing each other.

Once morning came, Ophelia was back in her dress, laying on top of Merlin on the bed, some of the laces undone on the back of her dress but it was obvious it was only for comfort, her hair messy as she laid still, even when the cage door was opened by Gwaine and Gaius. “Morning, you two” Gaius greeted sternly, both Ophelia and Merlin raising their heads at the same time, her cheeks turning beet red as she quickly got up, smoothing down her dress and nodding to herself “morning… how’s-... how’s the guard’s nose?”

“Broken, no thanks to you” Gaius scolded lightly, Ophelia unable to not smirk, giving an unapologetic smile and Gwaine actually laughed “with that strength of yours, you should be training with the knights” he stated teasingly, Ophelia shrugging casually “maybe I will. I’ll kick your arse” she stated casually, Gwaine frowning at her “what does that mean?” he asked with genuine confusion, Ophelia smirking even more at him as she walked past him “it means you stand no chance” she added before walking past them and to her room as though she hadn’t just spent a night in the cells for punching a guard.

#Merlin x OC #Merlin #Merlin the show #Merlin BBC #Merlin x Ophelia #Ophelia Black #HP fic #HP #Merlin fic #Harry Potter #Harry Potter fanfic #witches and wizards

[fandomficsnstuff]

Witches and Wizards - 17

(Warnings: A bit of angsty fluff, more angst, fluff, fluff and more fluff:3 Watch out because this is almost teeth rotting fluff)

Note: I once read parts of a fic where the reader has magic and goes back in time, meeting Merlin. I sadly can’t find it anymore. Also Fred didn’t die in this.

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“I still don’t like it.”

Merlin’s words made Ophelia sigh heavily, again. “What don’t you like? That he’s learning about Herbology and Potions or that he knows about me?”

“Both-”

“Merlin, he has magic. He has as much to lose as any one of us and besides, people change. Destiny is not always set in stone. Sometimes a single thing that we do differently can be the thing that changes everything. I know that you fear that what Kilgharrah said is true but-... everyone deserves a chance, Merlin. He saved Arthur’s life. And besides, with him learning Herbology, I can keep an eye on him. The truth is-... I like it… I like not having to hide… I like sharing and teaching what I know to someone like us, because he IS like us, Merlin. I like not having to hide…”

“You don’t have to hide with me! Or Gaius!”

“Of course I don’t! That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just saying that-... I have been used to living in hiding amongst muggles for years now… and it’s-... it feels familiar to be sharing this with someone, someone who is obviously eager to learn. I know you worry, and I’m thankful, I truly am, and I love you more than anything in the world… but I feel familiar… like a piece of what I used to have before I ended up here… that doesn’t mean I ever intend on going back, this is my home now. You are. So is Gaius and Gwen and Arthur! But I like this piece of what I once had… what I could have been at Hogwarts… a herbology or potions or care of magical creatures professor… it’s what I’ve always dreamt of, you know that, and I-... now I have a piece of what it could have been like” Ophelia pleaded, waiting before sighing “but if you truly don’t trust him… I can stop teaching him…”

“You’d do that? Give that up?”

“For you? Without a second thought” Ophelia answered plainly and honestly, Merlin sighing heavily “no… no I-... I want you to be happy… and you’re right, you can keep an eye on him” Merlin muttered, Ophelia giving a soft nod with a warm smile, reaching over to hold his hand “thank you, Merlin” she whispered softly, Merlin smirking at her “anything for you, my love” he whispered back before kissing her, feeling her smile against his lips as she returned the kiss eagerly. “It won’t be the end of the world, Merlin” Ophelia whispered once she parted from him, Merlin sighing heavily, his hands resting comfortably on her waist as hers rested on his chest. “At least it’s not Uther coming back to try and kill Gwen as a vengeful ghost… or Princess Mithian being manipulated by an old Morgana” Merlin muttered, Ophelia chuckling lightly, making him smile as well. “Your laugh is really beautiful, you know” he murmured, Ophelia grinning at him, gently cupping his cheek in her hand while the other stayed on his chest. “And you are the sweetest, kindest man I’ve ever met… and I’m twenty-three, I’ve met a lot of people at Hogwarts… and yet you… you’re one of the best people I’ve ever met, Merlin… and not just because you’re THE Merlin, or what you will accomplish… but because you’re kind. You’re kind, thoughtful and so, so sweet… and not just to me” Ophelia stated softly, leaning up and kissing him sweetly before parting from him “now go before Arthur will make you his training dummy again” she whispered with a smirk, Merlin frowning at her before quickly looking out the window, nearly tripping over himself to hurry out of her room as he realised how late he actually was. “I love you!” Ophelia shouted, hearing his voice echo down the hallway.

“I LOVE YOU TOO!”

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Ophelia kept glancing at Mordred as he trimmed the Alihotsy, his obvious bad mood making her sigh finally, making him look at her “alright, spit it out.”

“M’Lady?”

“Ever since you returned you’ve been… quiet… everyone’s been quiet! And no one tells me anything. Also you know I hate that title so now I’m really concerned…”

“It’s nothi-”

“Mordred!”

“Did you know that we’re not permitted marked graves?” Mordred asked with a scoff, shaking his head as he looked away, trying to hide the tears in his eyes. Ophelia’s entire demeanour softened as she nodded with a sigh “I know…”

“Merlin believes it won’t always be like this…”

“Because it won’t.”

“You believe it too?”

“I know it” Ophelia stated calmly, gesturing to the nearby table and chairs, Mordred sitting down as Ophelia sat down next to him, sighing “I’ve never told you about where I’m actually from… How do you think things are over a thousand years from now, for our kind? Centuries from now.”

“C-Centuries?” Mordred asked with confusion, Ophelia giving him a brief nod as he frowned, shrugging lightly “I-I don’t know…”

“There’s a few schools. I don’t know all of them, but I know of four. One here, in this country, one in France. One in a place called Bulgaria and one in what will become America. I lived in a tiny town north of London… I grew up there, went to a normal school for muggles… I had to hide what I could do, what I am. Every time one of the other kids pushed me and was mean to me, I had to do everything I could to keep my emotions at bay so my magic wouldn’t do something by accident…”

“How-”

“Because I knew one day, it wouldn’t be like that… until I turned eleven, one and ten, that was my life… and I was pushed around by the other kids a lot, Mordred” Ophelia admitted with a sad smile “then I turned eleven and a letter was delivered by owl. ‘Dear Miss Smith. We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.’... My mother had gotten the same letter when she was eleven herself. This was the day I had been waiting for. This was why I had endured what I had endured, teased and bullied by the other kids. And so I left. My mum helped me get all the things I needed, even an owl, and I was sent off. The first time I saw Hogwarts it was-... beautiful... A great castle on a lake, it’s tall towers reaching the dark sky… we were hoarded into one big group, led up the stairs while someone else took care of all the things we had brought with us, ready to  take them to the appropriate rooms when we would be sorted. Outside the Great Hall I was met by one of the brightest witches I’ve ever known. Minerva Mcgonagall. She greeted us, told us of the houses we would be sorted into. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin… I was sorted into Ravenclaw. Each house represents different strengths, core personalities and traits. For example, a Gryffindor is brave, knows right from wrong and is often noble. A Hufflepuff is kind, loyal, accepting and welcoming. Slytherins are ambitious, cunning and crafty when it comes to their ambition. And a Ravenclaw is one who seeks knowledge, the cleverest of them all, bright witches and wizards who wants to learn more than anything about everything… I’ve always wanted to teach there, when I became old enough to be accepted as a teacher… I’d always fancied teaching about magical creatures, or potions… or herbology” Ophelia retold with a warm smile, looking back at a shocked and confused Mordred with that same smile of hers.

“What I call muggles are Gwen, Gaius, Arthur, and all the rest without magic. I’m telling you this so you can understand, Mordred. Magic can be used to gain knowledge, it can be used to right a wrong, to seek out and help others, to further ambition and help you reach what you want to achieve. But it’s not good, and it’s not bad either. Magic is like a tree, it’s deeply rooted in nature and can be used for shelter, or arrows. But the tree itself isn’t good or bad, it’s simply a tool. How we wield that tool is up to us. You don’t blame a sword for killing someone, you blame the wielder… How we choose to use our powers, this tool, shapes everything, not just who we are. I want to see the world I know Arthur will build, with Merlin’s help, and yours. So I bite my tongue and keep my secrets… I want to marry Merlin, Mordred… but I want my wedding to be filled with what we are, magic. It’s the only reason why I haven’t damn near asked him myself” Ophelia admitted with a chuckle, sighing heavily “I know it’s hard, but we have to hold out a little longer… just a little bit longer” Ophelia smiled at Mordred, watching him as he looked around with tears in his eyes “how do you do it? Hold out?” he asked softly, Ophelia gesturing all around the room that was filled with plants and herbs, growing strong and healthy next to tons and piles of books, both old and new, the bookshelves having run out of space, though to be fair they weren’t that big to begin with “this is how I bite my tongue… I take what I can get. There’s a lot of plants that I wish I could take care of, like these, but they’re sentient. Many of these plants are magical but if they look normal, no one will know any better” Ophelia stated with a light shrug, Mordred letting out a tiny smile as a tear ran down his face.

“Find your own way of biting your tongue, Mordred. If it’s training, then train, if it’s reading, then read. If it’s working with me on these plants then I’m more than willing to continue teaching you” Ophelia stated softly before getting up, smiling down at Mordred “now, that Alihotsy still needs trimming” she ordered softly and with a smirk, Mordred wiping his eyes as he stood up with a smile, nodding as he went back to work, both of them unaware of Merlin who had come to speak with Ophelia, having heard the entire conversation, from start to finish.

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Ophelia was quiet as she continued to gently dab the wounds on Percival’s arm, sighing softly as she gently ran a finger along the puncture wounds, her eyebrows knitted together in worry, even as the door opened and closed did her eyes never leave Ser Leon or Percival. “Did you find it?”

“I found both, but-” Ophelia looked up at the last word, frowning when she saw only two vials, her heart sinking. “Only one vial each?? Are you sure?”

“I looked through your entire kit, Ophelia, even the secret room you told me of, and the other secret room” Merlin admitted as he panted, hurrying over to her and giving her the vials as she inspected them. “What do we do?”

“Well I’ll have to brew more, obviously, but-....”

“Until then… who do we give what to?” Merlin asked quietly, Ophelia nodding with concern. “They’re both strong, but-... Ser Leon…” Ophelia admitted, gesturing to Ser Leon across from her on the other bed, Merlin nodding as he followed her gaze. “Percival is stronger… it wasn’t far in between but-... Ser Leon was bitten before Percival” Merlin admitted, Ophelia nodding with regret. “Give Ser Leon both… let’s hope either works… I’ll begin brewing the other antidotes for Percival…” Ophelia ordered softly, giving the vials to Merlin who nodded, hurrying to Ser Leon as Ophelia ran out of the physician’s quarters, hurrying to her room only to be met with Mordred outside, frowning at Ophelia’s distress.

“How are they? I saw Merlin run out of your quarters? Are they alright?” he asked as she hurried inside, closing the door behind him as Ophelia frowned, shaking her head “I uh, it’s-... they’re not good. Magic is involved. I didn’t realise I didn’t have enough antidote for both of them, I-I had to give both of them to Ser Leon, he’s worse than Percival” Ophelia admitted as she waved her wand and everything got ready for potion making, Mordred looking at her fly around her room, never having actually seen her brew a single potion, or any ingredients other than the plants he had learnt about and learned how to keep and care for. “W-What do you need me to do??”

“Nothing-”

“But-”

“Listen! Arthur is going after Gwen, at dawn, you need to leave with him, do you understand?”

“I-”

“Mordred!”

“Yes. Yes, I-I understand.”

“Good. Since there’s magic involved, it’ll most likely be Morgana behind all of this- oh who am I kidding? Of course it’s Morgana! So please… please be careful, Mordred” Ophelia stopped fussing around to turn and face him with a concerned frown “no matter what, you take care of the others, and yourself…” Ophelia warned softly, Mordred nodding sternly, making her sigh “and-... get Gwen… I don’t-... she’s my best friend, queen or not…” Ophelia admitted stiffly before turning around to continue her work “don’t be late, you know Arthur will leave without you if you’re late” she ordered softly, Mordred nodding, about to leave the room when he turned back to face her “thank you” he muttered, Ophelia halting to frown at him with confusion.

“I never knew what it was like to have a big sister…” he admitted with a soft smile before leaving, Ophelia sighing heavily, shaking her head, closing her eyes briefly before going back to work, trying to ignore the fear she felt. For Gwen, for Arthur, for Ser Leon and Percival and Mordred and Merlin and all of them…

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Ophelia was there when Ser Leon woke up, groaning, aching all over as he shut his eyes tightly when he felt the pain run through him. “Don’t try to move” Ophelia hurried to his side, sighing heavily in relief before reaching for a cup of water she had readied for when either one of them woke up, gently putting it to his lips so he could drink something. Ser Leon turned his head and saw a still Percival, his heart stopping for a moment and Ophelia followed his gaze. “It’s alright. He just had to get the antidotes after you… you were in worse condition and I had to make more, which took a little time” Ophelia admitted, Ser Leon turning to look up at her with a frown “antidotes?”

“I have some, just in case… I have one who works on common poisons and uncommon ones. You both had a dose of each, along with herbs and medicine that Gaius gave you both, we gave you everything, just to make sure we covered all the bases” Ophelia revealed with a soft smile “you should rest now, the others have gone out to find the queen, everything’s alright-”

“The queen… the queen!-”

“Is in good hands. I’m sure they’ve already found her and are on their way home” Ophelia comforted, making sure Ser Leon stayed in the bed, as calm as possible. “How long-”

“A day, you’ve been unconscious for almost a day. The pain you’re feeling is mostly from when you fell from your horse but you shouldn’t move about, a snake bite is still something to be wary of. You might feel fine but please listen to Gaius and I and do as we tell you, even if you feel fine, if we tell you to rest, you have to. The pain might last a week or two, depending on if you listen to us or not” Ophelia ordered, Ser Leon sighing heavily as he nodded, letting his head drop back down onto the bed, making Ophelia smile. “Are you in any pain?” she asked with worry, Ser Leon shaking his head as he briefly closed his eyes “just-... tired…” he mumbled, Ophelia nodding “it’s okay to sleep, you’re both safe here and Percival should wake up at any moment. Gaius has gone out for a bit but he’ll be back soon, I’ll stay here until he’s back” Ophelia promised, Ser Leon nodding weakly as he drifted off to sleep, Ophelia getting up and sitting down on a nearby chair, picking up the book she had abandoned, finding the page she left on and continuing to read.

It was dark when Gaius finally returned, walking inside to see both knights out cold, a hint of worry surfacing in his gut and Ophelia caught onto this “Ser Leon woke up, I told him to sleep some of it off, he’s not in any pain” Ophelia reported, getting up and walking over to Gaius after leaving her book on the table, Gaius nodding as he placed a hand briefly on her shoulder “thank you, Ophelia. I’d be grateful if you could watch them tomorrow as well-”

“I’m staying through the night, Gaius” Ophelia stated with slight amusement, Gaius frowning at her “you need sleep too, and I slept most of the day for this exact reason while I brewed more antidotes, just in case this sort of thing ever happened again” she admitted, Gaius nodding reluctantly, giving her a warm smile “you’ve grown, Ophelia… you’re much different than you were three years ago… it’s a pleasure to see” he admitted, Ophelia blushing as she gave a brief nod, Gaius chuckling lightly “yet still not a fan of praises” he mumbled as he walked off to his bed, Ophelia smirking “not all things change, Gaius” she stated before smiling at the two knights, sitting back down in her chair and picking her book back up to read.

#Merlin #Merlin the show #Merlin BBC #HP #Harry Potter #Ophelia Black #Merlin x OC #Merlin x Ophelia #HP fic #Harry Potter fanfic #Merlin fic #witches and wizards

[fandomficsnstuff]

The Dragon's Daughter - 14

(Warnings: A little bit of angst, fluff, a little more fluff aaaand some more fluff just for good measure:3)

Dothraki will be in bold

High Valyrian will be in cursive

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“You will not follow me! You will stay at Dragonstone-”

“NO!”

“You’re just a child!! You’re only nine-”

“I can fly Raemor!”

“Flying is not the same as war! You could be killed! You’re my daughter! My heir! It’s final, you’ll stay at Dragonstone with Ezzo and that’s it!”

“No! You’re going to burn the Iron Fleet! So will I! They killed Rhaegal!”

“Rhaella!-” Daenerys tried to catch up with her daughter, her eyes moving to Raemor as the little girl reached the dragon. “Don’t let her o-” she was cut off as Raemor screeched loudly in her face, her eyes wide as she halted, staring at the white dragon as it seemed to take her daughter’s side. Drogon bared his teeth at Raemor as he lowered his head at Daenerys’ side, tears forming in her eyes as she watched Rhaella climb up on her dragon. “I want to be there, Muña…” Rhaella shouted with tears in her eyes, Daenerys reluctantly getting up on Drogon, tears in her eyes as she saw Rhaella sitting atop her white dragon. “I want to help-”

“You’re a child!”

“You can’t stop me!”

“You’re just a kid, Rhaella! You’re a child! MY child!”

“I have Raemor and you and Drogon-”

“Rhaella-”

“My father would never back down from a fight, you told me so! You told me he was the bravest of all the Khals! The Khal above Khals!” Rhaella snapped, Daenerys staring at her daughter with wide, shocked eyes, Rhaella holding her gaze and Daenerys swore she saw the dothraki horse lord in her eyes, the horse lord she still loved to an extend, the small bells hanging from his braided hair that she used to braid for him, the white lion skin she had seen in the room of their daughter, she had caught her sleeping with it more than once. “You’re just a child, Rhaella, you shouldn’t be in a war to begin with-”

“Lady Mormont was in battle-”

“And she died!”

“Throne of ash. Ash and snow, the blood and fire of metal… I want to watch them burn! Black boiling blood of ash and snow... Please, Muña… I want to hear them scream for killing Missandei! Please…” Rhaella begged quietly, Daenerys watching her, swallowing thickly before just continuing to stare at her daughter, shocked at how… bloodthirsty her daughter seemed… the sudden idea of burning them all… it felt alien, foreign and disturbing, that her little girl, her little dragon, wanted a city to burn and be slaughtered. Rhaella slid off of Raemor “please” Rhaella pleaded again quietly before walking towards Dragonstone to wait with Ezzo who had stuck to her like glue since Missandei’s execution, well aware of the guilt the princess felt yet he still knew she needed him, and not just for protection.

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Rhealla watched from her mother’s side as both a man and a woman were pulled out of the Red Keep’s lower levels and brought before the Iron Throne where Daenerys waited, the throne covered in ash and snow, roof collapsed and ceiling broken open, letting in the cold air of the newly-arrived winter, despite how south King’s Landing were, the sounds of dragons roaring in the distance, their large wings taking them through the air and wind, high above the clouds and Rhaella felt a brief moment of peace as Raemor soared above the clouds, before she had to return to earth and pay attention once more. The woman was short-haired and blonde, the man had a golden hand, Raella frowning at the recognition of them. They were both roughly thrown on the floor in front of the chair that Daenerys sat in, her hands clutching the chair in an attempt to keep herself calm, or at least not ordering their execution immediately, causing a few cuts to bleed on her hands from the sharpness of the blades. Daenerys turned to Tyrion, her eyes piercing his soul with an unmatched fury “your sister, I presume?” she asked spitefully, Tyrion keeping his head down as he nodded nervously “yes, Your Grac-”

“‘Your Grace’... is this another one of your bad jokes?” Cersei hissed at Tyrion, turning to look at Daenerys with pure and utter rage “I am the queen of the Seven Kingdoms! I am the ruler of this Keep! You’re just a foreign whore with a foreign bitch for a daughter-” Cersei was cut off by Gray Worm’s knife that was pressed against her throat, so close that if she moved even an inch, the knife would pierce her skin and draw blood. “Cersei Lannister, you stand accused of the murder of your husband, King Robert Baratheon; the Usurper, Olenna Tyrrel, Queen Margaery Tyrell, Ser Lores Tyrrel, Eddard Stark, my dragon Rhaegal and countless others, you also stand accused of high treason, several accounts of attempted murder of Tyrion Lannister, current Hand of the Queen. You stand accused of the murder of Missandei of Naath, trusted adviser and counselor of the true Queen of Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms, trusted voice of the true Queen of Westeros… and a dear FRIEND. How do you plead?” Daenerys ended in as much a controlled voice as she could muster, Cersei smirking at her “not guilty, I demand a trial by combat” she stated smugly, Daenerys raising a brow at her in a silent challenge, “very well, choose your champion” she stated calmly, Cersei looking at Jaime, almost expecting him to defend her but he just shook his head and kept his gaze down “don’t” he whispered, Cersei scoffing “I choose Ser Gregor Cle-”

“Ser Gregor Clegane is dead” Daenerys revealed coldly, Cersei halting, fear slowly sinking in, shaking her head with a scoff “no, no he’s-”

“He’s fucking dead woman, I killed him” Sandor grunted out, Cersei looking at him as she tried to control her fear, Daenerys leaning a bit closer while in her seat. “So I ask again; how do you plead?” she asked loudly in a clear voice, Cersei staring at her, trying to contain her shock and fear. “I’m pregnant, you wouldn’t kill me while I am with child.”

“No, I wouldn’t. You’ll be imprisoned until you give birth, after, you will be executed if you do not die in childbirth, by my champion, whom I will choose when the time is upon you” Daenerys declared, turning her gaze to Jaime Lannister, raising a questioning brow at him “Ser Jaime Lannister you stand accused of treason against the crown and the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms as well against the heir to the Iron Throne and my daughter, Rhaella Targaryen. You also stand accused of murdering your cousin amongst countless others and attempting to escape the Crown’s justice via boat. How do you plead?”

“Guilty…” he admitted in a quiet voice, Cersei staring at him with rage and wide eyes, tears of utter fury in her eyes as Jaime just shook his head at her “it’s over, Cersei-”

“No! No it is not ov-” she shut up as Daenerys stood up from her throne, Rhaella looking at her as she approached Cersei. “Ser Jaime Lannister, you are found guilty of treason against the realm, your queen and your princess, you will spend your life in prison, you will most likely die in prison… unless,” Daenerys glanced at Tyrion who was looking at her with pleading eyes, her gaze turning to Jon Snow before finally settling on her daughter before returning to Jaime Lannister. “One day you may be released early… should that be the case, your fate will be discussed at that time” Daenerys ended with a bitter taste on her tongue “throw them both in separate cells, far enough so they can’t speak to each other” she ordered before looking over her shoulder at Rhaella who gave her a sweet smile. Once the two Lannisters had been removed from the throne room, Jon Snow approached Daenerys, smiling ever so slightly. “Thank you, Your Grace…” he whispered softly, Daenerys trying to hold back her tears, a cold expression on her face “when do you leave for the North, Lord Snow?”

Jon smiled softly at her, about to open his mouth when Rhaella ran over, a small smile grazing his lips at the sight of the young girl, something that Daenerys relished in. “Can I pick my own room?” the girl eagerly asked and Daenerys shared a brief glance with Jon before smiling down at her daughter, nodding as she kneeled down and took her daughter’s hands into her own. “Of course, but take Ezzo and Tyrion with you, Tyrion knows the castle the best, he knows where all the good rooms are” Daenerys stated with a grin, Rhaella hugging her tightly before hugging Jon and then she was off again, as quickly as she had arrived and Jon tried to hold back his smile, as did Daenerys as she stood back up again. “She’s a brave young girl, Your Grace” Jon stated, Daenerys nodding with a sad smile “she is…” Daenerys agreed, Jon turning his gaze to her while Daenerys still looked in the direction that Rhaella had gone off to. “Daenerys…” he began, the queen looking back at him, her smile wavering and it slowly faded as she prepared herself. “I don’t care about the damn crown, I don’t care about titles or names or blood, I’m not Aegon Targaryen, I’m Jon Snow. I know you think what I want won’t matter, but it will. I don’t want the damned crown, I’ve never wanted a crown. I love Rhaella and I love you… now I don’t expect you to marry me, or even keep me by your side… my place is in the North, I know that. And I’ll serve you as Warden of the North, as I always will, but not without telling you that I love you…” Jon stated softly, Daenerys studying him with tears in her eyes, forgetting about the audience but she remembered when Ser Davos bumped into a pillar in his attempt at sneaking out to give them some privacy, Jon glaring lightly at him, making the elderly man clear his throat and nod. “Right, I’ll just, uh…” he pointed towards the exit and swiftly moved that way, closing the doors behind him, leaving Daenerys and Jon alone in the throne room. Daenerys studied him before forcing herself to put on a regal face, devoid of emotion, confident in her power and self. “You’re not Jon Snow, because I hereby name you Jon Stark, the true-born son of Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North and previous King of the North, now joining the North as the Seventh kingdom. You’re now Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North…” she declared quietly, swallowing the lump in her throat as she continued to study him, trying to keep herself together, Jon nodding with a sad frown. “Thank you, Your Grace…” he murmured, about to turn around when her voice rang out in the throne room “but… you are welcome here. At my side… as my Lord Husband, if that is what you want…” she finished, Jon smiling at her, walking over, gently cupping her face in his hands before leaning down and kissing her passionately as his answer.

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Rhaella was quiet as she looked out over her balcony, hands clutching the stone railing, her eyes on the white, silver dragon that soared on the horizon, the rising sun bathing the sea and her dragon in a warm glow, Rhaella sighing softly and briefly. Without thinking about it, one of her hands lifted from the rail, moving up her shoulder, feeling just behind her back, near the top of her shoulders, feeling the silver scales against her fingertips. As there was a knock on the door she quickly lowered her hand and turned around, hesitating before sighing. “Come in” her voice didn’t carry any particular strength to it, the soft spoken words barely audible but whoever had knocked had heard them anyway, and thus they opened the door to enter. Rhaella watched her hand-maiden halt, looking at an already dressed princess. “Your Highness… you’re dressed?” the question made Rhaella tense, she almost wanted to scoff, her softened features hardening as she looked out over the balcony again “Gold. Golden crowns on golden wings… I’m quite capable of dressing myself, thank you” she muttered bitterly, her hand-maiden hesitating before daring to venture inside “the queen wishes to speak with you… perhaps-... a more suitable atti-”

“You don’t think me capable of deciding what I want to wear?” Rhaella sneered, glancing down at the clothes she wore when she rode Raemor, which was almost all the time. “O-Of c-course not! I j-just meant-... s-she’s asking for you in the throne room and I-” the poor girl cut herself off as Rhaella just walked past her, her eyes finding Ezzo’s as he waited outside, following along with her as her hand-maiden tried to keep up. “You shouldn’t be so hard on h-”

“Dark wings, dark words, dark ashes…” Rhaella spoke quietly, even though she knew Ezzo couldn’t speak High Valyrian, but he understood the message well enough, smirking ever so slightly. “Would you want me to remove her tongue?”

“Didn’t realize that it was an option…” Rhaella stated with a smirk before sighing “I would rather get eaten by Raemor than disappoint mother…”

“This is your fifth servant these last two years-”

“They all try to be her. They all try to be the woman they have all heard of, the woman who visited me in Mereen when I was but a girl and surrounded by my brothers… when I still had them…”

“You have brothers, princess.”

“I used to have two more… It seems that many forget that” Rhaella muttered, glancing up at Ezzo who gave her a soft smile “you are Rhaella Targaryen, the White Dragon of the Great Grass Sea and Westeros. You remember more than most because you have not just heard, you have seen” Ezzo explained softly just before ending up at the big doors leading to the throne room, Rhaella giving a heavy sigh before nodding, the doors opening and she saw her mother and the king consort by the throne, talking, until the doors opened. “Rhaella” Daenerys greeted, voice echoing in the hall, the dragon glass mural behind her proudly signaling the rise of the Targaryens once more. Rhaella walked the long walk to Daenerys and Jon, glancing at the latter before turning to face her mother. “Elyda said you wanted to see me?”

“Yes… now that you are of age and have bled for three years-”

“I won’t marry. You were sold to my father, and now you want to sell me?! None of the suitors want me, they want my blood and my position” Rhaella argued immediately, Daenerys sighing heavily “I loved your fath-”

“I know. But I don’t want to love my husband later, I want to marry him IF I love him, whoever he might be. If I ever marry. I won’t be sent off-”

“You wouldn’t-”

“Mother, the maesters say you carry a son. I know what the realm wants… and it will never want me… 300 years ago our family faced the same situation and it nearly ruined our house, it cost us our dragons and our dignity and we became a shadow of ourselves. The ship from Ashai has returned with two more eggs, we now have four that could be hatched, three keepers have already volunteered. We lost many ships and sailors to the storms on the voyage to and from Ashai. Let me ride my brother, let me fly to Ashai-”

“No-”

“I will never be Queen, mother!” Rhaella snapped, approaching a shocked Daenerys “you carry a son inside you and I am happy for you, I am…” she nervously glanced at Jon Snow who had entered the hall, looking back at her mother “but the second he is born, I will be cast aside. As Rhaenyra was over 300 years ago.”

“A son would never replace you as heir!”

“Viserys Targaryen the first said so as well, yet his son was crowned when he died and a civil war broke out and destroyed our house and who we were-”

“You will ascend the throne while I live!”

“You can’t-... wait-... what?”

“You will ascend before I die, Rhaella” Daenerys admitted softly, getting up from the Iron Chair, Rhaella helping her briefly before standing back again, looking up at her mother in shock. “But-... tradition-”

“Traditions have changed, my little dragon. There are now women at the citadel and in the Queensgarde. Lady Brienne is the commander of the Queensgarde and has been training you for years now, and you have been allowed into the Maester’s Citadel more than once. You will become queen of the Seven Kingdoms and Essos, no son of mine will ever change that, nor no daughter of mine will… Grand-Maester Ricardo says your dragon dreams have become less aggressive?”

“Yes…”

“I know, My night’s sky” she whispered, Rhaella looking up at her with wide eyes. She hadn’t called her that in so long. “I know you worry for the realm, that is why I know you will be a good Queen. Over 300 years ago the realm couldn’t imagine a queen on the throne but now they have lived under a queen sitting on the Iron Throne. You are my daughter and heir, and you will sit on this throne before long. You are a Targaryen, with fire and blood you will take what is yours, do you understand?” Daenerys asked softly, Rhaella studying her before nodding, looking down “I think so” she muttered, Daenerys giving her a warm smile, stretching out her hand and Rhaella approached, glancing at Jon before looking back at her mother. “Soon you will turn six-and-ten,” she began, turning to look at Jon who stepped forward, untying the sword from around his waist, presenting it to Rhaella who frowned in confusion, “this is an early name-day present. Though it has always been yours” she stated softly, Rhaella hesitatingly taking the sheathed weapon, un-sheathing it to reveal the sword she had been promised since she could barely understand words. Dark Sister. The sword that was thought lost in the Blackfyre rebellion, carried by Daenerys’ brother and kept safe for the day that Rhaella was old enough to wield it properly. Which she was now. Rhaella stared at it in awe, Jon momentarily taking the sheath so Rhaella could admire the sword properly, Jon and Daenerys sharing a brief glance of joy before looking back at Rhaella. She ran her finger along the surface of the blade, completely enamored with the weapon, admiring the way the steel reflected the light “it’s beautiful…” she murmured in awe, turning to look at her mother who smirked a little “you will need it, when you sit upon this throne. You cannot rule from the back of a dragon, Rhaella” Daenerys warned, Rhaella looking down before sighing softly, handing the sword back to Jon who put it in it’s sheath before handing it to her, Rhaella hesitantly taking it. “When the new eggs hatch… then I’ll accept the throne, but not before then… until then, I have a duty” her words made Daenerys frown a little, Rhaella smirking at her “it was once tradition that a dragon egg be placed in the crib of a Targaryen, wasn’t it? I have to pick one of the four” Rhaella stated casually, strapping on her new sword, nodding to Jon before leaving, meeting Ezzo at the doors, the Dothraki Screamer picking up the pace and walking alongside her. “Well?”

“I am to marry soon” Rhaella admitted bitterly, Ezzo smirking a little “I could always cut off the cock of your suitor? They can’t marry you if they don’t have a cock” he admitted quietly, Rhaella playfully glaring at him before shoving his shoulder with amusement “don’t tempt me. We’re going to the dragon pit, it was once tradition that a dragon egg be placed in the crib of a Targaryen… I want to revive that. We have four new eggs and the Maesters and keepers are all certain they could hatch” Rhaella explained, Ezzo nodding, following after her to the dragon pit, which he secretly adored, watching those magnificent beasts, how gentle they were with the princess, especially Raemor. He had witnessed how difficult that dragon was to control, the fire it spewed from it’s mouth at any command that was not given by the princess, it made him smirk to think of it, thinking of how too many to count had tried to command the beast and lost their lives and flesh all at once, yet with her it almost purred like a satisfied cat that had just had it’s fill of warm milk, it’s eyes closing in delight at her mere presence.

#The Dragon's Daughter #Rhaella Targaryen #Daenerys #Daenerys Targaryen #Daenerys Stormborn #GoT #Game of Thrones #GoT fic #Game of Thrones fanfic #Daenerys x OC #Mother!Daenerys #Daenerys x Rhaella

[fandomficsnstuff]

Witches and Wizards - 16

(Warnings: angst, angst, fluff, a lot more fluff, Ophelia and her green thumbs, more fluff)

Note: I once read parts of a fic where the reader has magic and goes back in time, meeting Merlin. I sadly can’t find it anymore. Also Fred didn’t die in this.

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Ophelia was as quiet as a grave as she stood in the corner of the room, heart racing despite her calm expression as she looked out the window to the night sky, hand clutching the stone pendant that Merlin had given her on their three year anniversary, not long before he went with Arthur to find the rest of the knights of Camelot and Gwaine. She sighed heavily before turning around, leaving the council room without a single word spoken all day, or all week for that matter. Not since they had left. She went to her room and the second the doors were closed, she waved her wand at it, locking it and sealing the room with a muffle spell, walking towards one of the windows, clutching the necklace even harder as she closed her eyes.

‘Please be alive. Please be safe.’

The words repeated in her head over and over and over again until she thought she’d go mad, losing time as she just stood there, by the window, her eyes locked on the gallows that were being built, praying. Hoping. Wishing and begging. Until she felt it. The tiniest spark touching her palm, a hint of life on the other end and Ophelia let out a heavy sigh of relief, tears filling her eyes as she nodded to herself, feeling like the dress sat too tight against her chest, her ribs crushing her heart and lungs as she tried to breathe. She heard someone persistently knock on the door, her eyes moving to the wooden barriers, giving her wand a wave and every sealing and muffle charm vanished, the doors opening to reveal a concerned Gaius. “Ophelia” he breathed out with relief, Ophelia frowning at him as he approached. “You’re alright” he mumbled, Ophelia frowning even more at him, meeting him halfway as he walked towards her “why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because you’ve been gone for two hours! I have been knocking on your door for the past ten minutes” Gaius revealed, Ophelia shaking her head in confusion, turning to look out the window, only now blinded by the light of dawn, revealing the tears staining her cheeks as she looked back at Gaius. “I-... I’m sorry…” she mumbled, Gaius gently shaking his head with a sigh “it’s alright…” he murmured, gently taking her hands in his own, offering her a soft yet forced smile “I believe Gwen is looking for you, she’s as worried as I was… perhaps you’d assure her of your well-being?”

“You don’t think I should be alone…” Ophelia concluded, Gaius just smiling at her again, not even denying it. Ophelia sighed and nodded, her hands slipping out of his “okay…” she mumbled, walking past him and towards Gwen’s room.

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Ophelia was sitting opposite of Gaius on the other side of Gwen when the doors opened, Ophelia lifting her head to see Sefa, her heart aching with both anger and sadness, her brows twisting together in a frown for a brief moment before she looked back at Gwen and placed the papers aside as the doors closed, glancing at Gwen before looking back at Sefa as she curtseyed briefly. “M’Lady…”

“Sefa… you asked to see me.”

“I’m sorry for what I did… It was wrong, I know, it was without thinking… I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I wouldn’t. I-... All I wanted was to help my father… and now I’m condemned to death…”

“You understand the law, Sefa. I cannot change it-”

“Please… I know you have a good heart… a reprieve, I’m begging you…”

“Men have died.”

“I know… I’m sorry. I’m s-... I’m so sorry… I did it for my father. It was the only thing he wanted from me… I told him I couldn’t but he-... I don’t know, he-... I wanted to make him happy… to please him…” Ophelia briefly closed her eyes and turned her head away at Sefa’s begging, the break in her voice…

“He used you” Ophelia spoke up softly, turning to look at Gwen briefly before looking at Sefa who nodded, turning her gaze to Ophelia now “I know…” her gaze turned back to Gwen instead “M’Lady… I don’t want to die…”

“There’s nothing I can do, Sefa… the sentence stands…”

Ophelia turned her head and stared at Gwen at her answer, heart racing in her chest when Gwen met her gaze, surprised by the look of shock on Ophelia’s face as Sefa was dragged out, begging. “Ophelia-”

“She’s just a girl, Gwen. A stupid, foolish, naive one, but still a girl!”

“Ophelia-”

“No! She doesn’t deserve to die!” Ophelia hissed, only being more and more angered by Gwen’s calm facade, the three of them completely alone in the room and Gwen glanced at the doors before turning to Ophelia “and she won’t” she stated softly, Ophelia narrowing her eyes at her, leaning back in her chair “you’ve lost me…” Ophelia mumbled, Gwen sighing, reaching over and gently taking Ophelia’s hand in her own “I have no intention of her dying, Ophelia. But her father WILL rescue her. He is the real threat, not her… but if he knows that I don’t actually intend on executing her, then he won’t come. He had one spy, there could be many more so I have to keep face, Ophelia… no one can know, it’s why I didn’t tell either of you until now” Gwen admitted, looking at Gaius before turning to look at Ophelia once more. “She’s just a girl, a naive, foolish girl… she was manipulated by her father, of course death isn’t what she deserves” Gwen added softly, Ophelia studying her before running her free hand over her face as she sighed heavily “bloody hell Gwen, you keep me on my toes…” she mumbled, offering the queen a brief smirk before shaking her head once more. “At least you’re the clever one out of you and Arthur” Ophelia teased, Gwen glaring playfully at her “he is your king” she reminded, Ophelia shrugging with a smirk “but not my husband, you have the short stick on that one” she teased further, Gwen chuckling “marriage is not so bad, you know.”

“I never said it was. Arthur’s just a clotpole, it’s a miracle he’s survived this long” Ophelia stated casually, smirking at Gaius who shook his head with amusement, deciding to go back to work and shut out the conversation between the two of them. “So, you’d want to get married?”

“Of course” Ophelia answered without even blinking, her eyes scanning over the papers that Gwen signed before Sefa had come to plead for her freedom, attempting to sort them as Gwen smirked at her. “To Merlin?” she asked teasingly, Ophelia’s cheeks growing darker as she shifted a little in her seat, keeping her eyes on the papers as she shifted through them “I think you forgot to sign one of these…”

“Ophelia-”

“Your Highness-”

“Ophelia!”

“Yes, okay?! I’d-... I mean it-... w-wouldn’t be-... you know… terrible, b-being married to him some day and-... you know what I think we should just get back to work” Ophelia babbled, cheeks flushed red as Gwen continued to sign and work with her and Gaius, still smirking at a still flustered Ophelia.

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Ophelia was currently trimming her Alihosty when there was knock on her door, her head turning and the second she saw Merlin she dropped everything and ran to him, wrapping her arms tightly around him, burying her face in his neck as he hugged her back, kissing up and down her neck to the point where it tickled her, making her giggle a little. “Merlin!”

“Sorry, I just wanted to hear you laugh” Merlin admitted sheepishly, hearing her giggle once more as she hugged him even tighter. It was a while before Ophelia parted from him, grinning from ear to ear as she studied him before kissing him deeply, Merlin eagerly kissing her back as he picked her up suddenly and without warning, making her yelp and giggled as he carried her to her bed, their lips continuing to meet in slow and passionate kisses. As Merlin laid her down on the bed, his lips trailed down from her lips to her jaw, continuing down her throat to her collarbone, his hands moving over her sides, feeling one of her legs hook around his hips to pull him in closer, her head tilting back in delight, his breath heavy and hot as it fanned across her collarbone, making her smile and her eyes close, feeling his lips over every accessible piece of skin. “Bloody hell I’ve missed you” she whimpered softly, Merlin lifting his head to kiss her lips once, twice, before lifting his head to gaze down at her, smirking “you missed me? How much?” he asked quietly, Ophelia smirking at him, pulling him in closer with her leg over his hip, “very” she mumbled before kissing him. “Cuddle time?” Merlin offered and she grinned “god you know me so well” she whispered, Merlin chuckling as he moved to the bed with her, laying down and holding her close as she snuggled up next to him.

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It was almost noon when there was a knock on Ophelia’s door, a smile on her lips as she already knew who it was “come in” she called, not bothering to hide the GlumBumble in her hand, gently shushing it as the door opened and closed again “it’s alright. You’ll make more next time! No one’s blaming you in any way, I can promise you that” she whispered softly before turning around, opening a small door in the side of the large wardrobe she had, the small door seemingly only a part of a much larger door, stretching the entire side of the wardrobe, enough for a person to barely squeeze through, the GlumBumble flying inside once more, sticking her entire arm inside to bring out a small vial with black liquid in it, smiling into the tiny hole that could be heard buzzing, as though an entire family of bees lived in there. “You’re late, you know, we were supposed to replant the new wormwood an hour ago, and the Alih-” she stopped herself when she turned and saw it was not him. Definitely not Merlin. It wasn’t even Gaius. Instead it was a young man in the armour of a Camelot knight. Ophelia slowly moved her hand to the hidden pocket in the skirt of her dress to grasp her wand, slowly taking it out “who are you?”

“Mordred, M’Lady…” he mumbled, eyeing the wand with suspicion, Ophelia sighing softly, forcing a smile “what can I do for you, Mordred?”

“Pardon me, M’lady, but-... your arm… was that…”

“No.”

“But-”

“Definitely not.”

“I’m sure I saw-”

“You didn’t.”

“And heard….”

“Please don’t…” Ophelia begged quietly, Mordred’s eyes widening in realisation “you have magic…” he concluded, Ophelia sighing heavily as she pointed her wand at Mordred “I’m so sorry, I really am I and I hate this spell but you can’t know about this… you just-… can’t. I’m sorry. Ob-”

“I have magic!” he exclaimed, Ophelia frowning at him with confusion. Mordred quickly held his hand out, his eyes glowing briefly as he whispered some words and a flame lit in his palm, Ophelia’s eyes widening as she slowly lowered her wand. “Merlin’s Beard…” she mumbled, sighing in relief as Mordred frowned confused. “His what-now?” he asked, confused, closing his palm which extinguished the flame, Ophelia waving her hand mindlessly “nevermind. I’m guessing Arthur has no idea?” she asked with a smile, placing her wand back in her pocket as she turned her attention to the vial with the black liquid in it “n-no… and you?...”

“Oh, no. No one knows-”

“Not even Merlin?” his question made her halt, her head turning to look at him with narrowed eyes “what about him?”

“I know he has magic-”

“He doesn’t” Ophelia lied with a scoff, shaking her head “and he doesn’t know about me either, and I’d prefer it like that, thank you” she snapped, moving over to her potions set that was laid out on a table, placing the vial down on the wood before turning to face Mordred who smirked a little at her “it’s alright. I know-”

“What you ‘know’ is that I don’t have magic. Merlin doesn’t have magic and you, especially, don’t have magic. That’s the facts. Three years ago I wouldn’t have been, but now? Now I’m not above the Imperius curse, so you best remember that. Magic is outlawed. Punishable by death and despite how torturous it is to not be able to be who I truly am, it’s better than death” Ophelia scolded lightly before turning back to the table, picking the vial back up and examining it, swirling it around a little, watching the black liquid inside. It was almost sticky, thick, like honey. “I know Merlin has magic…”

“He doesn’t-”

“He’s known as Emrys amongst the Druids” Mordred continued, Ophelia slowly turning to look at him with a frown, Mordred’s smile long gone and Ophelia sighed heavily. “Please don’t say it out loud. I’m not ashamed. I will never be ashamed of who or what I am, or who he is, but being careful is the reason why all of us stay alive, not just us with magic, but those who know, too… Now, did you come here for a reason?” Ophelia asked much more softly, Mordred frowning a little “to introduce myself… the king said you spent most of your days here…”

“True. I’m working on some things at the moment, but mostly I’m focusing on my Bubble Bat gum… an invention of mine” Ophelia revealed with a shrug, smirking when she saw it catch Mordred’s attention. “How old are you, Mordred?”

“Nine and ten, M’lady-”

“Please don’t call me that, I really don’t like that title. Ophelia will work just fine, it did for my mother, unless I misbehaved” Ophelia added half-jokingly, Mordred feeling more at ease, even letting himself smile briefly at the statement “what’d she call you then?”

“‘Ophelia Agatha Smith!’” Ophelia imitated, Mordred chuckling with her as he approached when she waved him over. “So, your name is ‘Smith’?”

“For a time, yes.”

“What happened? Did you marry?”

“What? No! No, it’s-... complicated… I took my father’s last name when I was thirteen” Ophelia admitted and despite the shrug, Mordred could sense that she wanted to leave it at that, so instead he gestured to the black, honey-like liquid in the vial “what’s that?”

“GlumBumble treacle. That insect I was standing with? It’s a GlumBumble. They make this. A bit like honey, I guess. GlumBumble treacle is the antidote to that plant over there, the Alihotsy. I managed to find the GumBumble by luck and some of my plants have been replanted from ingredients like bulbs and sprigs, like the Alihotsy” Ophelia gestured to the green and red plant not too far away, standing amongst many other plants. In fact the entire room was almost packed with plants aside from all the books, like an inside garden. “What does that one do?” he asked, gesturing to the Alihotsy which made Ophelia smirk “that is also called the Hyena tree, though it’s not a tree yet, of course. It’s leaves can induce hysterical laughter” Ophelia admitted before turning back to the GumBumble treacly in the vial, studying it before nodding “it’s viable” she muttered, walking over to her potions kit and pulling out a drawer, placing it neatly along with some other vials “I’ll label it later” she hummed, turning to face Mordred with a smirk. She leaned against a nearby table, crossing her arms over her chest and tilted her head at Mordred.

Mordred continued to inspect the room with great interest, making Ophelia smirk even more “you can look around, you know” Ophelia spoke up, Mordred glancing at her nervously before giving a hesitant nod, looking around the room, even wandering a bit, inspecting the plants. “Are all these magical?”

“No, not all. Some are muggle plants but if they have any use in potions, I try to have them. I have the ones who appear normal out here. I haven’t found a spot for the others, though…” Ophelia admitted, Mordred reaching out to touch a purple flower, it’s head hanging from a long, leafy stem, amongst other purple flowers of the same kind, their leaves long and basal amongst the colourful flowers. “That is Foxglove. It’s also known as ‘Witches’ Fingers’ or ‘Goblin Gloves’. It’s highly poisonous” Ophelia mentioned casually, Mordred quickly retracting his hand before he could touch it, making her chuckle “if eaten” she added with a smirk. “What does it do?”

“It causes heart failure. But it can also be used for medicinal purposes. If treated properly, it can actually be used in medicine to do the opposite of what it usually does, instead of harming the heart, it can be used to help the heart” Ophelia revealed, Mordred giving her a shy smile “could you teach me?”

“About Foxglove?”

“All of it… all of these plants” he asked nervously, Ophelia smirking at him “of course. So long as no one knows about this. No one but Gaius or Merlin, do you understand? No one else can know the true nature of these plants” Ophelia stated sternly, Mordred giving an excited nod which made Ophelia chuckle.

“Alright. Let’s start with lavenders.”

“Lavenders?”

“Yes, lavenders.”

#HP #Harry Potter #Merlin #Merlin the show #Merlin BBC #HP fic #Witches and Wizards #Merlin x OC #Ophelia Black #Harry Potter fanfic #Merlin fic #Merlin x Ophelia

[fandomficsnstuff]

Witches and Wizards - 15

(Warnings: some angst, a little more angst, some death (not Ophelia) and some tiny fluff at the end<3)

Note: I once read parts of a fic where the reader has magic and goes back in time, meeting Merlin. I sadly can’t find it anymore. Also Fred didn’t die in this.

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Ophelia was silent as she walked alongside Merlin, her eyes scanning the cave walls, as though expecting something to jump out from beneath the stone. “We’re safe here” he whispered with a smirk, Ophelia tilting her head up to look at him, giving him a smirk in return “right, I forgot, you grew up in these caves” she teased, Merlin nodding proudly “I did” he announced with pride, Ophelia chuckling lightly “caveman” she muttered, smirking up at Merlin who scoffed with a grin “don’t start” he whispered, Ophelia unable to not grin as she glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes “why? Are you going to drag me off by my hair to some dark, hidden spot only you know of so no one could hear us?” she teased Merlin, the young man was about to open his mouth when she turned to fully look at him “please do” she whispered teasingly before falling back in line with Gwen, smirking at Merlin before giving Gwen a warm smile, walking with her until the path began to narrow, leaving her to walk in front of Gwen, in between Merlin and her. Ophelia halted as she heard a noise echo in the large cave, her heart beginning to race and she turned to look at Merlin who in return looked at her as well, both of them coming to the same silent conclusion. ‘We’re not alone’.

“I thought you said we’d lost them…”

“I thought I had…”

“It won’t take long for them to catch us…” Tristan whispered, Ophelia barely able to speak up before Merlin walked past her “I’ll go back” he determined, Ophelia reaching for him but he was out of her reach, a frown on her brows as Arthur caught his arm instead “what are you going to do?”

“Create a diversion.”

“It’s too risky, Merlin” Ophelia hissed, Merlin turning to look at her after handing the torch to Arthur. Merlin gently cupped her cheeks in his hands “I know these tunnels, Agravaine doesn’t. Keep goin-”

“I’ll stay back with you” Ophelia determined, Merlin about to speak up when she leaned up and kissed him briefly, giving him a smile before turning to Arthur “keep going, we’ll catch up” she spoke softly, Arthur looking between the two before reluctantly nodding “just-... don’t do anything stupid, Merlin” Arthur muttered, Merlin and Ophelia both looking at Arthur, though Merlin had quite the frown on his face as he did “me?? What about her?”

“Ophelia won’t do anything stupid-”

“Well, how would you know??”

“Because unlike you, she’s not a clotpole.”

“That’s my word!”

“Merlin” Ophelia gently pushed him away from the others, smirking at Arthur as she stayed behind with Merlin. “I’ll lead them to a dead end, if you take that path right there and wait, you can come up behind them” Merlin whispered, Ophelia nodding, giving his hand a squeeze before getting out her wand and hurrying to the narrow passageway as Merlin went off to find the soldiers and Agravaine. Ophelia waited quietly as she heard footsteps approaching, all of them running, her chest barely scraping the cave wall in front of her and when the footsteps stopped, after torches ran past her, she silently got out, standing behind the small group of people, wand raised. “Merlin?” If only she could see the look on Agravaine’s face when he saw Merlin. “Be careful” Agravaine looked confused at Merlin’s warning, except when he saw white-blonde hair move towards him from behind, a frown on his brows as he looked at Ophelia “I always am, Merlin” she spoke softly, turning her gaze to Agravaine, her soft look gone, replaced by a wall of ice as she glared at him “Ophelia. Where’s Arthur?”

“Who?”

“Don’t play stupid-”

“No, you’re right… you’re right…” Ophelia stated with a sad frown, sighing heavily as she nodded to herself, looking down before looking back up at a smug Agravaine “stupid is your thing, you’re right, you don’t have anything else so I’ll let you have that” she stated with a growing smirk, Agravaine’s smug look fading into one of anger and annoyance “tell me where Arthur is. Now. Or I’ll have to kill you both” Agravaine threatened casually, Ophelia glancing at Merlin before raising her wand at Agravaine, slightly enjoying his confused look. “I don’t think so” Merlin stated softly, glancing at Ophelia who gave him a nod, her free hand interlocking with his, still locked with his as she turned to look at Agravaine who seemed almost amused. “So, you’ll die together, then” he barely got the words out before a bolt of energy crashed against them, giving Merlin the opportunity to make them fly back unhindered, his eyes glowing and a brief nod of his head was all it took, Ophelia turning to look at him before looking at Agravaine who was already waking up. Her hand dropped from his as they both watched him stumble up, pointing at them “you both have magic!”

“We were born with it” Merlin admitted, turning to look at Ophelia as she kept her eyes on Agravaine, his own soon following “so it’s you… you’re Emrys and Agatha…” Agravaine put together as he pointed at Merlin and Ophelia, and now it was Ophelia’s turn to look at him, studying his face closely before looking back at Agravaine as he took two small steps towards the both of them, Ophelia taking a small one forward as a silent warning. “That is what the druids call me…” Merlin admitted, turning to look at Ophelia who frowned at Agravaine, taking a small step closer “how do you know that name? Agatha?”

“Morgana had visions about you, both of you… she’s heard whispers of your name, how you were destined to help Emrys, that you were destined to become more powerful than her, than any priestess or witch before you…” Agravaine added with narrowed eyes, Ophelia turning to look at Merlin with slight shock. She knew that Merlin had a great fate and destiny, it was obvious, but her? Somehow she apparently had a fate that treaded his path as well… maybe it was what was meant to happen all along… something inevitable. Though she had never heard of anyone named Agatha with Merlin from any frog cards or Magical History, but then again Professor Binks really only ever talked about goblin rebellions. “And you’ve both been at court, all this time, eh?” Agravaine asked, oddly enough with a smile, Ophelia’s grip tightening around her wand as Agravaine kept taking steps closer to them, Ophelia backing up to be at Merlin’s side once more “at Arthur’s side... how you’ve managed to deceive him… I am impressed by both of you” Agravaine added, chuckling afterwards. “Perhaps we’re more alike than you think…” he pondered with that same grin, Ophelia gritting her teeth and scoffing “we’re nothing like you. Merlin least of all” she hissed, about to take another step forward when Merlin gently grabbed her wrist, holding her back and pulling her back at his side, both of them still watching Agravaine with suspicion. Agravaine reached out his hand to Merlin, Merlin in turn raising his own as Ophelia raised her wand, Agravaine raising his hand in surrender.

In the blink of an eye, a dagger cut across Ophelia’s shoulder, cutting through the fabric, only tearing a shallow cut across her skin because Merlin sent him flying backwards. As Agravaine flew back and hit his head, he laid still, Merlin instantly turning to Ophelia, cupping her arm in his hand as he inspected the wound, only for Ophelia to smile sweetly at him and cup his cheek in her hand, making him look at her face instead. “I’m fine. Thank you” she whispered, gently kissing him before looking past him at a dead Agravaine, sighing softly, her hands resting on his chest as Merlin looked back as well. “He was wrong, you know… you’re nothing alike… you’re nothing like him or Morgana… Morgana or Agravaine wouldn’t think twice about anything to save themselves, but you… you feel your hands sticky with blood when they’re cleaner than ever” Ophelia whispered softly and Merlin looked back at her, making her smile up at him. “They’re clean, Merlin… do you understand?” she asked, Merlin nodding weakly, making her smile even more at him “let’s find the others…” she muttered, putting her wand away and taking his hand, leading him away from the dead Agravaine.

Ophelia flinched as Arthur jumped forward, sighing heavily as she glared at the king. “Merlin! Ophelia!” he exclaimed with a smile, Ophelia scoffing quietly, unable to prevent the smile on her lips from forming. “Were you worried about us?” Merlin asked with a small smirk, Arthur hesitating before scoffing “I was worried about Lady Black, I feared you had gotten her into some trouble” he lied, Ophelia chuckling quietly “trouble finds me, Arthur, not the other way around” she muttered jokingly, walking past him as she patted his shoulder, soon hearing both of their footsteps follow her towards the others.

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Ophelia couldn’t help but smile up at the dragon as he landed in front of both her and Merlin, her eyes bright and it seemed like the dragon was pleased to see her as well. “Well, thank you. You saved us all” Merlin stated casually, the dragon briefly nodding “the land of Albion and the future we have all fought for was in peril” the dragon rationalised, Ophelia turning to look at Merlin as he was the embodiment of defeat, despair and hopelessness, a small sigh leaving her and she looked back at the dragon with pleading eyes, begging him for something. Some advice. Tips. Hell, even a training manual on how to bring self-confidence back to others, or oneself, would help. Luckily, though, the dragon seemed to catch on, tilting it’s large head at Merlin “what is troubling you, young warlock?”

“It’s Arthur… he’s lost the will to fight…” Merlin admitted, Ophelia gently placing her hand on his shoulder as a silent comfort before looking back up at the dragon “nothing we say or do helps… he thinks he doesn’t deserve to be king. That he lost for good, that he failed everyone, especially his people” Ophelia added once Merlin seemed to bite his tongue in order to keep his emotions at bay, as if saying something would make him break down in tears. “The fate of Camelot rests in the hands of you, young warlock. For you, Merlin, and you alone, can restore the king’s faith” the dragon stated softly, Ophelia giving Merlin an encouraging smile when he looked at her, briefly, before looking up at the dragon again “how? Nothing that Ophelia or I have said so far has worked, he won’t listen…”

“You must make him believe that he can be king once more-”

“The sword!” Ophelia blurted out, turning to face a confused Merlin. “The sword. That only the true king of Camelot, Arthur, can lift!”

“How do you-”

“Merlin, even outside the wizarding world, you’re still a legend, just thought of as more… fiction. You, Arthur and Excalibur are literally famous world-wide as one of the oldest and most prominent British legends. Literally everyone knows about Arthur and his bloody sword” Ophelia stated with amusement, grinning from ear to ear as an idea formed in his mind, the dragon chuckling at the duo. “I see you hardly need my advice to save the world of Albion, young warlock. She’s quite the clever one” the dragon complimented, Ophelia blushing as she smirked up at the dragon “head-girl of Ravenclaw, thank you very much” she stated with amusement, turning back to Merlin “all we need is an audience! And of course a reason for him to lift it! The other people who escaped, can you find them?” Ophelia asked the dragon urgently, the dragon raising his head proudly, unfolding his wings a little to show their size. “I am a dragon. I can cover many leagues in the blink of an eye. They shouldn’t be too hard to find” he stated smugly, Ophelia taking off her bag, opening it and putting it on the ground, stepping back to point her wand at it “Accio Firebolt!” a broom with brass stirrups flew out of her bag, taking both Merlin and the dragon by surprise, both of them leaning away as the broom shot out of the bag, flying high into the air, shooting back down before halting just above the ground, hovering. Ophelia smirked at both the dragon and Merlin, picking her bag up, putting it over her head and shoulder before casually mounting the broom, turning her gaze to the dragon. “You’ve seen it before” she argued, Merlin nodding “it’s still… your bag, it’s incredible! A-And your broom! I’ve never seen one like it!”

“It’s the fastest and latest model of racing brooms. I didn’t beat Cho at becoming Seeker by chance” she teased before turning to the dragon “well, we have some people to find, don’t we?” she asked with a smirk.

She grabbed the broomstick more sternly, placing both feet in the stirrups before looking at the dragon “see if you can keep up” she teased before shooting off, the dragon turning to Merlin with amusement “I see why you care so deeply for her” he teased before flying off, catching up with Ophelia who was smirking at him, the two of them glancing at each other before flying off.

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As Percival and Leon stepped forward, Ophelia walked out from behind them, smiling softly at a shocked Arthur. Her hair was wild and tangled, untamed as though she had been flying through the air, which Arthur of course dismissed because that wasn’t possible. As Arthur turned to whisper to Merlin, she approached, ignoring the part of her that wanted to fawn over the sword in the rock, the actual proof of the myth and legend. THE Excalibur. “We’re all here, Arthur” she stated softly, gently placing a hand on his shoulder as he turned to look at her, following her gaze as she turned to look at the sword. “Tristan is wrong. They’re here because they know that you’re their king. You will always be their king, Arthur, even if you sometimes forget it yourself” she smiled warmly at him, biting her tongue and a sarcastic remark when she saw the tears in his eyes. “And you? You’re always ready to question me...” he asked hesitantly, swallowing thickly, his question making Ophelia smile even wider as she held back a laugh. “I might chew your ear off but you’ll always be my king, Arthur. And a friend I trust and care for, deeply. A good servant must sometimes tell their king the ugly truth, rather than a pleasant lie, but that doesn’t mean that I’ll ever stop respecting you or see you as my king and friend” she admitted, gesturing in a head nod towards the sword. “Everyone here sees you not only as their king, but their friend. They’re here because they love you, because they believe in you… all you need to do is believe in yourself as well, repay their trust and faith in you by believing in yourself…” she added before stepping back to Merlin’s side as Arthur kept his gaze on the sword.

As Arthur grasped the sword with both hands, Ophelia couldn’t help but sigh a little. He didn’t believe. He didn’t believe he was strong enough to lift it like any other sword. And Merlin knew this. “You have to believe, Arthur” Merlin’s voice was calm, even as Arthur began to shake, and not entirely because he was straining himself. Ophelia nearly stepped forward when Merlin gently caught her by her wrist, keeping her in place as Ophelia looked up at him with a frown. “He can’t believe in himself if you don’t” he whispered, Ophelia nodding to herself, interlocking her hand with Merlin’s instead. “You’re destined to be Albion’s greatest king. Nothing, not even this stone, can stand in your way” Ophelia spoke softly yet sternly, Arthur glancing over his shoulder at Ophelia who gave him a firm nod, making him look back at his sword, grasping it with one hand, his eyes closed as he tried to find his will. “Have faith” Merlin spoke softly, his eyes glowing bright with the light of a roaring fire and Arthur drew the sword. Ophelia couldn’t help but smile as she watched Arthur pull the sword from the stone, chest filling with a sense of pride as she watched the courage come back to her king. If one had told her two years ago that she would actually call someone king, let alone proclaim it to be her king, she would’ve called them a loon and hexed them to never be near her again. Yet here she stood, a bright smile on her lips as she echoed the words that filled the small clearing.

‘Long Live The King!’

#HP #Harry Potter #Witches and Wizards #Merlin #Merlin x OC #Merlin the show #Merlin BBC #HP fic #Harry Potter fanfic #Merlin x Ophelia #Ophelia Black #Merlin fic