A Not So Happy Return to Hogwarts
"We're supposed to be meeting your friends in the Leaky Cauldron, Harry." Merlin told his godson with a smile as they stood ready, Harry wearing the same blue shirt as he was, only without a red scarf. To be honest, Merlin mostly stuck to wearing those clothes, the same ones he wore in Camelot, as a reminder that while Camelot may have fallen and may never rise again, it's values and the hope for a better future would never die, as undying as Merlin himself was, for while he may have given up hope on Arthur's return, hope for a better future was something he never lost.
"Yeah! Let's go!" His son's enthusiastic reply snapped Merlin out of his somewhat bittersweet thoughts.
He gave a small chuckle as he took his son to the Leaky Cauldron, and there they were. The Weasleys and Hermione were all there, excited to meet him and his godson after only a week of not seeing him.
"Now! How about we start by enjoying an hour-long lunch in Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor? My treat." Merlin offered with a big grin on his face, which got bigger as they all smirked and happily accepted.
Merlin had brough his personal cooking, that of food with a more salty and hard taste to compensate for the sweet offerings of Florean Fortescue, one of his most favorite shoppers. He was a regular customer there, and even gave Florean some good recipes and tips to improve his business. It impressed and warmed Merlin's heart to see a dining business in the streets of the usually strictly magically-oriented Diagon Alley.
After finishing the lunch, Merlin and Florean discussing a few more subjects as they constantly did whenever Merlin visited, they started to buy the necessary school books and equipment. Merlin began by taking them to Flourish and Blotts, where he suggested they also buy some particular books that would be useful in Merlin's classes, especially ones related to Arithmancy, Divination, and Study of Ancient Runes. He bought them all the copies they needed, despite Molly, Harry, and Hermione's protests.
"You are my godson, and they are your friends. It's only natural that as your godfather, I give them special treatment in informal settings, don't you think?" Merlin said simply as they left Flourish and Blotts, Harry looking touched and Molly and Arthur sobbing as they shook his hands repeatedly. It almost made Merlin sad, and certainly made him solemn, that the couple would do that, reminding him exactly how their abilities and mindset weren't appreciated in the wizarding world because of his old failures.
Next, they went to the Apotechary and Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where Merlin bought some of the more expensive potion ingredients and cauldrons for them, particularly filling all that Ginny needed, casually stating that it was his gift to her and a reminder that despite her frosty start at Hogwarts, she was no lesser than her siblings, causing Ginny to sob as she thanked him, and also bought the uniforms for Harry and Hermione while giving some aid for the Weasleys.
"How's your family doing with all the money you were given from Lucius Malfoy's comeuppance, by the way, Hermione?" Merlin asked casually, a smirk appearing as he remembered how he humiliated Lucius Malfoy.
"They were very much sobbing and crying for hours. They were mostly relieved that I am fine, but they were also happy that they got so much money." Hermione said with a sniff, Merlin giving her particularly expensive clothes and potion kits due to feeling guilty he couldn't stop her from being petrified last year.
Suddenly, however, when Hermione had left to Magical Menagerie to buy a pet of her own, they stopped at the Quality Quidditch Supplies, Merlin staring at the newest made fastest broom, the Firebolt, intrigued at how Ellerby and Spudmore had suddenly overtaken even the Comet and Nimbus companies respectively.
"Wow! THIS is the Firebolt? It's amazing!" Fred commented as he stared at the broomstick in utter awe. Harry too was staring at it with a similar expression, almost longing.
"I'll see what I can do to start a Firebolt tradition in Hogwarts." Merlin said simply as all of them turned at him in awe.
"Don't worry, I am very rich. Even more so than any of the Sacred 28 Families. I can afford it." Merlin said casually, although there was a bit of anger as he remembered the concept of the "Sacred Twenty-Eight". It was disgusting to Merlin, most of them being pure-blood fanatics, and one of the foremost reminders as to what his failure in Camelot lead.
Anyway, if Merlin wanted to, he could pretty much buy 40 Firebolts and still have trillions in his Vault. He HAD after all been taking on jobs over the course of millennia, meaning he had more than enough time to amass an unmatched level of wealth. That was not to mention how with his mastery over Alchemy, he could easily make money endlessly without having to do jobs if he wanted to.
But it wasn't so much as Merlin buying it as much as he would work on it. He would have to buy one first, and then check on what kind of improvements on the enchantments and engineering that was made to the Firebolt. Afterwards, he could make his own Firebolt.
When they left, Merlin, Harry, and the Weasleys were greeted by Hermione with a half-Kneazle cat named Crookshanks.
"Isn't he gorgeous?" Hermione asked excitedly as Merlin gave a simple smile.
"A half-Kneazle cat, I assume. An excellent choice. Intelligent and capable of great loyalty, they are."
And so they went their separate ways, promising to meet again in King's Cross.
"Be seeing you at Hogwarts soon, Harry." Merlin said with a warm smile as he escorted him into the Platform Nine and Three Quarters.
He kept a firm smile on his face even as students and parents went to ask him for autographs.
"Good luck, Professor. I'll be seeing you at Hogwarts." Harry said with a slight wink of his eye, causing Merlin to roll his eyes in return and wave as his godson entered the Hogwarts Express.
Before the students entered the Hogwarts Express, their attempts at him were mostly a simple fascination over his growing popularity and asking for autographs and photos, although some asked him for advices regarding love and how to improve their magical skills, which Merlin was happy to give.
He didn't have much experience in romance, but he did encourage them to believe firmly in true love and not any kind of enchantment to earn love.
"A love that is made by magic rather than earned with genuine effort will only lead to heartbreak, students. Remember that."
"Sometimes, to love someone, you have to be willing to let them be happy with someone else."
"Remember that once you have someone who you love, you must take care of them, cherish them, and never ever let yourself be clouded by your victory in earning your crush's affections."
He also gave numerous valid inspirations of historical figures to struggling students, and even made mentions of the Founders own struggles.
"Godric Gryffindor once made numerous mentions of how he exploded his wand twice when he was learning ancient magic skills. (Yeah. The crafting of a new wand and the repairs afterwards were hard. That overly courageous and eager son of mine needed years to gain the discipline needed to master skills outside of Dueling. Just like Arthur)
"Rowena Ravenclaw struggled with Ancient Runes, even though she later became the teacher of the subject. There is no shame in taking time to be excellent at your fields. Enjoy your time as students, learn what you can, and in time, you will become great masters of magic."
Those advices were admittedly bringing back some bittersweet memories for him, yet he didn't allow it to show. He had much greater composure and control than that.
As Merlin was about to leave for Hogwarts, however, he was met by one Xenophilius Lovegood.
"Mister Emrys! My name is Xenophilius Lovegood, and I would love to hold an interview with you, if you have time?"
The Quibbler. Many people seemed to regard Xenophilius's works as rubbish, but actually Merlin did have to admit his knowledge of obscure magics and bravery to publish ideas that would not be accepted were quite noteworthy. He had read some of the Quibbler, and found it to be well-intentioned, decently written, yet too odd to be understood and appreciated by most.
"Of course! What do you wish to ask?"
And so Xenophilius began by asking him sincere questions about his everyday life. Merlin gave him numerous recaps of all the jobs he had taken as Emrys Ambrosius, starting from being a wandering all-solving guy to his time spent teaching at Durmstrang and Beauxbaton.
"Is Durmstrang really as focused in the Dark Arts as expected?"
"Well, I have taught both Defense Against the Dark Arts and the Dark Arts classes there. I can assure you that the students of Durmstrang are primarily focused on using basic but effective Dark Charms and rarely resort to using lethal Curses. Durmstrang also excels particularly in Transfiguration and Study of Ancient Runes, even including practicing some Runic Magic, a practice that has connections to the infamous Ancient Magic."
"How about Beauxbatons?"
Merlin allowed himself to smile briefly. It was quite nice to see someone interested in as much knowledge as possible, rather than just the necessary knowledge.
"Their students put much focus on Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and their grasp over the ancient study of Alchemy is truly exemplary..."
And so the interview ended when Merlin described his job at Hogwarts. He gave more examples of the curriculums and the ways which he taught his classes than what he gave Xenophilius regarding his time teaching at Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.
"Is it tough to teach 2 subjects at once?"
"No. I actually found it quite a joy. Teaching students is a must to the establishment of the next generation of wizardkind. Being able to teach them as much skills as I could is a marvel. Speaking of which, I am delighted to announce that..."
After telling Xenophilius of how his classes would get even more diversified, the man became even more excited and respectful of him, and promised to send a free copy to him personally.
However, the temporarily relatively good mood was shattered when Merlin followed the Hogwarts Express.
He was flying through an Old Religion spell that allowed him to defy gravity, an actually rather simple feat for him. He just had to cast the spell on his body and then he can fly at any speed he wants. He could even maintain it while having a Disillusionment Charm around him.
To be honest, flying like this while feeling the breeze and seeing the woods of the path to the school that he had built was a common hobby of Merlin, and he did that often when he had time. It reminded him of how he once took the Founders out for flying in this same manner, fond memories.
He had wanted to at first just reach Hogwarts before the Express did, but stopped when he saw Dementors searching the Hogwarts Express.
With wide eyes, Merlin immediately cast a powerful incorporeal Patronus, blasting away all the Dementors outside of the Hogwarts Express.
Why is this happening!?
Not wasting any time, Merlin entered the Hogwarts Express and saw there were still several Dementors and they were searching around the train.
However, the more important thing was that a Dementor was currently about to unleash a Dementor's Kiss on his godson.
Snarling, Merlin did not hesitate as he simultaneously conjured a blinding light while also summoning his corporeal Patronus, watching grimly as his Dragon Patronus emerged and proceeded to breathe light upon every Dementor in the train, not banishing them, but straight-up eradicating them in a burst of power.
As soon as the Dementor had been sent to oblivion, Merlin removed the light and attended to Harry.
"Harry! Harry!"
"Mate! Is he okay?"
Merlin detected that fortunately the amulet he had given to Harry had served it's purpose. Merlin had enchanted it to protect Harry from virtually every form of dark power around, including even Ancient Magics. It also could not be removed by anyone but Harry himself as the owner. The Dementor had been able to knock him out with the Dementor's Kiss, but could not suck out his soul or leave any lasting damage.
Merlin lifted Harry with a grim face. "He would need to go to Hogwarts sooner. I'll look after him."
"Professor Emrys, I assume?" Merlin turned and found a man with a pale face and light brown hair, wearing a rather shabby clothing. He knew it was Remus Lupin.
"Ah! Professor Lupin. Please do speak to the driver and get the train moving again."
"Will Harry be alright, Professor?" The newest Professor asked with clear concern.
"He will, I promise you."
"Here, drink up, Harry." Professor Emrys stated as Harry gratefully drank the potion that his godfather had made.
He had woken up after passing out to find himself in the comfortable room of the Hospital Wing, Professor Emrys brewing a Potion he called the Happiness of Hope. It seemed to make him remember his happy memories, allowing him to suppress the horrid memories of his parents screaming.
"Many people see Chocolate as just a wonderful treat, but in truth, it can also be used magically. This Potion incorporated copious amounts of chocolate to inflict joy and a good mood, and peppermint to control the amount so as not to be overdone."
Harry smiled, albeit a bit more warily at his godfather.
"Now, are you up for the Start-of-Term Feast, my boy?" Harry nodded and got up slowly.
He and Professor Emrys walked the corridors, unusually quiet due to how no student had yet to return yet.
When they neared the Great Hall, however, many of the students, except Slytherins, all asked about his condition in worry.
Harry assured them he was fine, regrouped with Ron and Hermione, and sat on the Gryffindor table, expressing gratitude towards anyone who asked about his status and gave him more chocolate in the hopes of him getting better.
Don't overly consume chocolate, Harry. It would do you not much good. Just consume four more bars.
Don't worry, Professor. I have no intention of losing all the shape I've built up.
Harry watched as Professor Emrys stood beside Professor Dumbledore, and couldn't help but smile at the sight of the two greatest and most inspiring teachers in all of Hogwarts standing together.
Professor Dumbledore, though very old, always gave an impression of great energy. He had several feet of long silver hair and beard, half-moon spectacles, and an extremely crooked nose. Professor Emrys, on the other hand, seemed unnaturally young, at the age of a fully-grown adult, and gave the impression of just as much energy as the Headmaster. They were both the greatest wizards of the age, but leaving aside their power and skill, Harry having yet to see Dumbledore's despite having witnessed Professor Emrys's power, they had this natural charisma and ability to make people, especially Harry, trust them.
""Welcome!" said Dumbledore, the candlelight shimmering on his beard. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast, right, Professor Emrys?"
Professor Emrys nodded, his smile turning solemn before he became fully serious. "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business."
Both he and Professor Dumbledore seemed displeased and grim. "They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds," Dumbledore continued, "and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Please explain why, Professor Emrys."
"Dementors cannot be fooled by tricks or disguises -- or even Invisibility Cloaks," Professor Emrys began, looking directly at Harry, causing him to grimace. "It is not in the nature of a dementor to understand pleading or excuses. They are here to ensure Sirius Black would not attempt anything in Hogwarts, but while I and the Headmaster have taken measures to ensure their presence will not be disruptive of our studies and activities, I must warn you that Dementors are merciless, vicious creatures, who will not hesitate nor will they take time to distinguish between who they hunt and they who gets in the way. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the dementors."
Percy had puffed out his chest and gave Harry reassuring pats to the shoulder. "Don't worry, Harry. I won't let you be attacked by Dementors again." Harry smiled a bit gratefully at the older Weasley sibling.
"On a happier note, I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year." Professor Dumbledore said, his smile returning as he turned to Professor Emrys, who smiled back.
"First, I would like to represent Professor Silvanus Kettleburn in expressing his apologies that he would not be returning to teach Care of Magical Creatures this year. He has grown too old to be able to handle magical creatures effectively, and he wishes his new successor well. I have personally tutored the newest Professor of Care of Magical Creatures, and I am delighted to announce that Rubeus Hagrid, my formal student in the ways of magic, has been selected to fill the post. He will take on the teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties, and I assure you that he has passed his O.W.Ls with distinction. His Care of Magical Creatures O.W.L was Outstanding, and he has had plenty of experience dealing with beasts and creatures of all kinds. I have faith that he will be a great teacher."
Harry smiled more genuinely than before as he clapped along with the rest of the school, except for some Slytherins. Hagrid was ruby-red in the face and staring down at his enormous hands, his wide grin hidden in the tangle of his black beard.
"As for our second new appointment! I am delighted to welcome Professor Remus John Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Good luck, Professor!"
There was some scattered, rather unenthusiastic applause. Only those who had been in the compartment on the train with Professor Lupin clapped
hard, Harry among them. Professor Lupin looked particularly shabby next to all the other teachers in their best robes.
"Look at Snape!" Ron hissed in Harry's ear. Professor Snape, the Potions master, was staring along the staff table at Professor Lupin. It was common knowledge that Snape wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, but Harry noticed the expression twisting his thin, sallow face. it was beyond anger: it was loathing. Harry knew that expression only too well; it was the look Snape wore during most of his early years at Hogwarts.
It wasn't exactly that Snape hadn't gotten better, though. After Professor Emrys humiliated him in front of the whole school, pointing out every single bad trait in him, the man had changed enough for his classes to be just tolerable. Of course, with Professor Emrys keeping constant watch over him, there was not much antagonism Professor Snape could do. His godfather had humiliated Snape a few more times in his first year. That said, he seemed to have grown somewhat of an uncommon tolerance for him.
But now Harry saw the expression of loathing for the first time in his eyes directed at Professor Lupin. What could have made Snape hate him so much? He seemed a good person.
"Finally! One last announcement regarding our highly exceptional and dedicated teacher, Professor Emrys Ambrosius. Please do announce the news!"
Professor Emrys took over as Dumbledore happily walked back to the Headmaster's Seat.
"First of all, I would like to express that while I was not in Britain when the war with Lord Voldemort broke out, I was devastated by the many losses. I often travel through many countries to offer my rather... Thorough skillset to all that needed it, but I have a particular fondness for Britain, for this is my home." Professor Emrys began solemnly as the students stared at him sympathetically.
"I have discovered that the education system in Hogwarts wasn't thorough enough. I have taught at Hogwarts before, and back then, students were well-prepared to handle many dangers. It was also under Professor Dumbledore's masterful teachings of Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration that Hogwarts produced many exceptional wizards and witches who survived the war with Gellert Grindelwald. The wizarding world may have been at peace for 10 years since the defeat of Voldemort, but I know fully well that peaceful times can end at any time. I do not wish to see the repeat of the fallout should Voldemort, or any other comparable threat, return to terrorize our world."
Professor Emrys allowed all the students to take in the news, most of them looking at him as if expecting him to pull off a hopeful speech, a sentiment that Harry shared. He knew his mentor could inspire all the students. Leaving aside Harry's bond with him even before he became his godfather, every student in Hogwarts looked up to him.
"Therefore, it is with the approval of the Headmaster that I therefore announce that from now on, Magical Skills shall be changed to "Repository of Magic". Also! I have decided to put particular emphasis on all the electives available to third-years and above, and I therefore announce that I shall have a new class to teach at the saturdays, named "Repository of Useful Knowledge and Skills"!"
The students returned to a cheerful mood as they clapped again and again. It was natural. Professor Emrys's classes was by no means confining. If anything, Harry swore that every single student acknowledged it was more than worth it to listen to what Professor Emrys could teach them for the time they spent learning under him while in sundays. An "excellent education dessert", as some put it, after "5 days of listening to mostly strict and unflexible teachers".
"Now! I also would like to offer all those who have taken their electives a deal. Those who have taken too much electives and feel like it would be a burden for them to study everything could withdraw 2-3 of their respective electives as long as they follow the Repository of Useful Knowledge and Skills. The class is free to be attended by anyone who wished to, and I shall keep the teachers of the electives up to date on your progress to prove that you are learning well."
The claps turned into roars and screams of excitement.
"Anyone who wishes to announce their desire to attend my secondary all-rounded elective, and cut themselves off from some of their initially chosen electives, may simply write a letter to me and I shall process your reasoning and your desire."
Despite the rather grim start of his third term at Hogwarts, Harry allowed himself to smile.
That was right. He still had Professor Emrys, and he would never let Harry down.
If only things were that simple...