The ruling class or the nobles associated with the castle would be in big trouble. Their power base would be gone. They might try to hunt Merlin down or they could be forced to seek shelter and help from other lords. This would cause a shift in the power dynamics in the region.
It could be that the castle is harboring some great evil. Merlin, being the powerful wizard he is, has to destroy the castle to stop the spread of this evil. He might sacrifice the physical structure to save the surrounding lands and people.
One popular theme is the crossover of magic and modern - day detective work. Since Castle is a detective show and Merlin is all about magic, seeing how they blend together in different scenarios is really interesting to readers.
Power is a theme that can't be ignored. The idea of power, whether it's the power of the castle in the sky or Merlin's own power, is often played with. Some fanfictions might show Merlin struggling with the power he encounters in the castle, or how he uses his own power to protect or uncover the secrets of the castle. It can also be about the power dynamics between different characters as they interact with the castle in the sky.
Sure. One great Castle Merlin fanfiction is 'The Enchanted Alliance' which combines the elements of both Castle and Merlin in a really interesting way. It has a unique plot where Castle's detective skills meet Merlin's magic in a parallel universe.
It depends on the specific fanfiction. Some might have Dumbledore showing Harry Merlin's Castle early on for plot development, while others might do it later as a major plot twist.
It really depends on the specific fanfiction. Different authors have their own creative takes on when and how this might happen.
Perhaps some of the snooty nobles who look down on Merlin and constantly try to get him into trouble. They could be making fun of his clumsy ways one too many times and he just snaps and hits them with a shoe. It would be a moment of satisfaction for the readers who don't like those arrogant characters.
Perhaps a powerful and corrupted spirit that guards Merlin's Castle and sees Harry and his friends as intruders. This spirit might have its own evil agenda and try to stop Harry from achieving whatever goal he has in the castle, like obtaining a powerful artifact or knowledge. It could use all sorts of dark magic and illusions to deceive and harm them.
Arthur could visit Merlin in the tower. He might be curious about what Merlin does in his secret place or he could be in need of Merlin's help and follows him there.
One possible plot could be that Harry discovers a hidden passage in Hogwarts that leads to Merlin's Castle. There, he finds ancient spells and artifacts that help him in his fight against Voldemort. Maybe he even meets a ghostly form of Merlin who gives him advice.