07-19-07: Chapter one, up and at 'em. Up today because I'm out of town next week. Oh, and I've thought long and hard about Ceribi, and decided that she's having a major character rewrite. She'll be watching fairly from the sidelines for this series; she'll pop in and out sorta-often, but she's no longer a professor (hence the "four" needed) and… well, you'll see the full changes soon. (I've grown weary of OCs… except Hikari, of course. :P) Also, Gramps is still alive – barely, but alive – as this takes place a little after GX starts, and he's alive for that.

Oh, and I know we all know that I usually refer to Seto as Seto, but depending on who the scene is focused on – aka, when it's not just about the group in general – he'll be called whatever that person calls him (mainly Kaiba).

And Marik is Marik again, no Malik. Also, there is no Mariku – aka his yami – either. Yes, you're probably then questioning how I'm going to wiggle myself out of both him and Ceribi, but believe me, Ceribi's role's easily rectified, and Mariku won't be a challenge either. ("But what about the ENDING…?!" JUST WAIT, YOU'LL SEE.)

Telepathy:

((Yamis))

/Hikaris/

Disclaimer: Hikari Daeron does not own Yu-Gi-Oh! (Kazuki Takahashi) or Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling). The characters Hikari Daeron, Altáriël Daeron and Ceribi Motou are all original characters by Hikari Daeron. She also extends her apologizes to the owner and workers of Rules, in London.

Chapter One: Enter Albus Dumbledore
New Professors, New Adventures

Turtle Game Shop, Domino City, Japan

"YUGI! TELEPHONE!"

Twenty-two-year-old Yugi Motou groaned and turned over in his bed, covering his face with a sheet. "N-n-not now, Ceribi…" he moaned, willing himself to sleep.

From his soul room, Yami chuckled. ((Come now Aibou… it's ten AM on a Saturday, you should be downstairs in the shop helping out. You know Grandpa is too old to manage it anymore. Besides, count your blessings that Ceribi's here.))

"Blessings my foot," Yugi muttered, hearing footsteps coming up the stairs. "She's a demon."

"And a slave driver, thank you – I heard that, Yugi." Ceribi Motou opened Yugi's attic bedroom door and walked in, hands on her hips. She scrutinized her younger brother carefully before leaning over and yanking the sheets away from him. Yugi cowered away from her towering form. (Despite the heights of her brother and grandfather, Ceribi had been endowed with the blessed gift of being 6'1". She never let them live it down.)

"Now, if you don't get your host-to-the-Pharaoh butt downstairs in about three seconds, you'll not only have missed a call from one Marik Ishtar about a job, but you'll also be finding yourself working in the game shop for the next three weeks alone."

She had spoken the (many) magic words. Quick as a flash, (and still in his pajamas,) Yugi grabbed the Millennium Puzzle and sped down into the kitchen.

Grinning, Ceribi rotated 180 degrees. "I've still got it."

Yugi had been born when Ceribi was twelve years old, and at that time, she was about to be sent to boarding school in Tokyo. So really, it was no surprise that for years, he had not heard from her. Oh sure, there were the occasional postcards and there were birthday cards every year, but he'd never really… well, met her.

But Yugi was fine with that. By the time he was old enough to enter high school, Ceribi was already in college in America. They kept in better touch now – but with the completion of the Millennium Puzzle, Yugi suddenly found himself too busy to truly get to know his older sister.

It was a pity, truly it was, and he regretted never having a real conversation with her. But he had lived most of his life only hearing about his fantastic older sister, never having known her. His only memory of her when they were younger was when he was five; she was visiting on a trip before college, and he remembered her picking him up and spinning him around… and around… and around… and they were laughing, and he was so happy, because here at last was his Big Sis…

Then one day, he suddenly started hearing from her again. Things had started to settle down, especially after the whole KaibaCorp Grand Prix incident – as if enough people hadn't bothered them already – when she gave him a call. "Hey Yugi, Gramps, it's Cere. Just calling to check up on ya, let you know you're both certainly invited to the wedding next month. Well, call me back… bye!"

Just like that, they were reconnected. Ceribi was engaged to a college friend of hers, and Yugi went to the wedding of a woman he hardly knew. But it was… fun. It had given Yugi a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, to see his sister walk up to the altar. Besides, he had met lots of people, and had even met a very charming American duelist, who he later introduced to the rest of the gang in a Duel Monsters tournament held soon after the wedding. Overall, it had been a very… enjoyable time.

That was about five or six years ago, when everything was just settling down. Ceribi now had a charming daughter, and lived with her husband in America. But after Mr. Motou had a heart attack that was near fatal, she came up to help keep the shop for a few weeks while Yugi sorted out legal affairs. It would be harder, what with all the traveling he had to do for Duel Monsters and his job (he was an Egyptologist, and would often travel for research's sake), to run the shop as well. So he prepared for every contingency, even swallowing up Yami's pride and asking Kaiba for advice every now and again. (The CEO wasn't always pleased at the interruptions, but helped at the insistence of Mokuba.) And of course, Ceribi was always eager to help, especially when he filled her in on the last couple of years of insanity. (Needless to say, she was thrilled when she first met Yami, and talked his ear off for an hour.)

Yes, at last, it seemed that life was coming together, even if it was taking its sweet time…

Pity it wasn't to last.

Cairo International Airport, Cairo, Egypt

"Marik Ishtar! Why haven't I heard from you in the past three weeks?!"

Marik Ishtar, nearly six thousand miles away, grinned. Five years had only made the Egyptian more handsome. His muscles had toned and he had grown taller. He winked at a blonde who was checking him out. She blushed. "What kind of welcome is that, Yugi? After all, I haven't heard from you in three weeks." He could hear Yugi make an exasperated sound before adding, "Anyway Yugi, listen – do you remember Bill Weasley, the guy we met two years ago when they opened the Tut exhibit?"

Marik, leaning on the side of the payphone, knew he would. The two of them had become better friends when Yugi had chosen a major in Egyptology. They often worked together in Yugi's travels, and in one of those they had met a man named Bill Weasley. Charming fellow, very handsome with his thick red hair and devious smile.

"Oh, the redhead!" came Yugi's voice from the telephone. "Yeah, I remember him. He was the wizard, right?"

"Right." Quiet accidentally, Bill had repaired a vase he had broken in front of Marik and Yugi. He had done it so naturally that only after realizing that Yugi and Marik were staring at him that he knew something was wrong. When Ministry of Magic officials came to mind-wipe them, they realized that the two had magic of their own. Thus, Marik and Yugi were officially wizards, and were introduced to a fascinating new world. "Well, Bill's just asked me if I could take up a teaching gig at a wizarding school in England. He also mentioned that there are three extra spots besides mine, and begged me to see if I can fill them. So I thought, 'Heck, Yugi's been dying for a good job, why not this?' What do you say?"

There was silence on the line, before Yugi said, "I think it's a brilliant idea, Marik, but I need to talk it over with my family. Look, do you have more information about this?"

Marik laughed. "Yugi, believe me, we'll have all the information we'll need soon enough." An announcer overhead called for final passengers to board a certain flight number. "Look, Yugi, I've got to go, my plane's here – "

"Plane?"

"Oh, I forgot to mention! I'm coming to Domino!" Marik hurried through his call. "So don't worry about a thing, I'll be there tomorrow – can you get me from the airport around one? My flight lands about noon your time."

"Yeah, sure." Yugi sounded rushed. "Isn't this all a bit last-mi – "

Marik cut him off with a yelp. "Sorry Yugi, got to run, they'll leave without me!" And with that, he hung up and dashed to the gate before they let the last passenger board.

Rules Restaurant, London, England

Ryou Bakura sighed, picked up a chocolate-covered creampuff and stared at it. He had been asked to come to this restaurant, and had been kept waiting for nearly two hours. He had already ordered, eaten, and was working on dessert when suddenly…

"Mr. Bakura?"

Ryou jumped, dropping his favorite treat on the way. Silently cursing the loss, he stood and said, "Yes, and you are…?"

"Albus Dumbledore. May I sit?"

"Oh, yes of course." Ryou blushed and motioned towards a chair. "I hope you'll forgive me for ordering. I was a bit hungry…"

"No please, don't stop on my account. I only came briefly."

Ryou (and, from the Millennium Ring, Bakura) took time to examine the man before him. What a sight he was, yet people weren't staring at him. (In fact, most of the people in the restaurant looked about as oddly as he did.) He was old, to the point that his silvery-white hair and beard were so long that he had tucked them into his belt. Speaking of his clothes… he was wearing the oddest purple robes, a deep plum hue, and they were dotted with silver stars. His blue eyes twinkled behind his half-moon spectacles on his crooked nose, watching as Ryou tried not to stare.

((This guy's powerful,)) said Bakura at last. ((I'm not sure in what sense, but be careful.))

/I will,/ said Ryou slowly. Yet… something in him trusted the old man.

((Don't let your guard down,)) warned his yami, sensing his hikari's ease. ((It's the quiet ones that are the worst… look at you, for instance.))

/Ha, ha,/ said Ryou dryly, before tuning the spirit out and facing Dumbledore. "Forgive me, sir," he said politely. "The letter you sent was very vague… something about a job?"

"Yes, well, Mr. Bakura, I am headmaster at a school called Hogwarts." Ah, so not so much "sir" but "Professor". "It's not an average school. You see, Hogwarts is a school of magic."

Ryou blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

"Magic, Mr. Bakura." Dumbledore went into the pocket of his robes and pulled out a stick.

((Ryou, look ou – ))

But it made no difference, not that there was any need to be alarmed. Dumbledore flicked his wand, and the glass next to Ryou transformed into a tropical bird.

"Oi, watch what you're – " a voice shouted. Ryou turned and saw an angry chef speeding towards them. Suddenly, she stopped. "Oh. Professor! What a pleasure."

"Hello Burstinatrix," said Dumbledore politely. "How's business?"

"Could be better, sir," said the woman, putting her hand on a table and leaning on it. "Quite frankly, with You-Know-Who back, most people prefer to stay in their homes. And please, I've always preferred Heroid, as opposed to my first name." (1)

"Quite understandable," said Dumbledore, but whether about her name or her lack of business, he did not specify. "Well, please, don't let me keep you."

"Of course not sir." She bowed slightly. "Good day, Professor."

"Good day."

Ryou turned back to the headmaster with a stare. "Professor, I take it both you and Hogwarts are quite famous within this 'magical' world."

Dumbledore smiled politely. "Certainly. You may say I'm often in the papers. But that's not important. You see, I am in need of four new professors for my school, and your name came up in a conversation I had with someone I daresay you know quite well."

"Who?"

"Marik Ishtar?"

Ryou clapped his hands, delighted. "Ah, Marik, I haven't heard from him in months! Did he accept?"

"He did, graciously. If I'm not mistaken, he's off to persuade a Yugi Motou and Seto Kaiba to accept as well."

Bakura groaned as Ryou laughed. ((NOT THE PHARAOH!))

"Good luck with that," said Ryou pointedly. "Kaiba's never been one for the magic world. Speaking of which – how have you managed to hide yourselves from non-magic folk? I thought only people like me, Yugi and Marik had magic at all, but I guess I was wrong."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Muggles – non-magical people – often overlook even the simplest of details. But it is not that easy. Our Ministries of Magic have to regulate the use of magic, and control the witches and wizards around the world. But it's become harder, especially since Lord Voldemort's returned."

Ryou shivered instinctively. Dumbledore nodded appreciatively. "Yes, you have a right to shudder, but not out of fear. Fear of the name instills fear of the thing itself, and Voldemort, although a fearsome and extremely powerful wizard, is not someone to be terrified of. Wary, and never underestimated, but he is still but a man."

"I take it…" Ryou chose his words carefully. "I take it that this Voldemort figure is some sort of Dark wizard?"

"Yes. He calls himself the Dark Lord, and he's out to devastate the world. I need your help, and the help of your friends, if you can give it. Of course, I am not looking for an answer right away, but I do need it soon."

Hikari and yami consulted. /It sounds dangerous, but what choice do we have? We're in need of money, and I rather we were asked to enter this war than dragged in, as we usually are./

((Another madman out to destroy the world. Sound like anyone we know?))

/Yes. You./

((Hey, hey, hey, I never wanted to destroy the world, merely rule it. In any case, I agree with you. Besides, we don't know how much these wizards know about the Millennium Items. I'd like to keep my eye on them.))

The albino turned back to the headmaster. "Okay Professor, you've got yourself a new teacher."

"Excellent!" Dumbledore stood up, beaming down at him. Ryou stood as well, having already paid the check and taking his last creampuff with him. "I look forward to working with you," said the old man, shaking Ryou's hand. "I'll contact you again, once I get a hold of the other three professors."

"Sounds brilliant," said Ryou with a smile. "It was nice meeting you, Professor."

"Likewise."

Dumbledore turned and left the restaurant. Once outside, he looked around him, then disappeared.

KaibaCorp CEO Main Office, Domino City, Japan

"Yes, I… yes, dear, I know you're worried, but honestly I'm perfectly able… Come now Hikari! Do you honestly believe I can't take care of you, Mokuba, myself, the Item holders, their yamis and my company? … What do you mean, I'm going to kill myself one day? I'm Seto Kaiba, of course I'm not going… Yes dear. Yes. No, I…" A sigh. "Alright, I promise. I'll call you on Saturday. Alright darling. I'll tell Mokuba when I see him. After all you put me through, you better love me." A chuckle. "Okay sweetheart, tell him I say hi. Goodbye." (2)

Seto Kaiba exhaled deeply as he replaced the phone in its cradle. Calls like the one he just received always came with a price.

What would I need a new job for? It's not like I need the money. And yet…

Seto was intrigued by what he had heard. He had known about wizards for quite some time, and had been the one to introduce Duel Monsters – with a new line of magic-friendly products – to the wizarding world. He also knew that Lord Voldemort was raising up armies and wanted to fight. He hadn't wanted to choose sides, but, being experienced with madmen trying to take over the world, he knew that throwing himself in with Voldemort was not only cowardly, but dangerous as well. So, if he had to choose, Dumbledore and his Phoenix lot – though, at the moment, losing the battle – would be whom he cared to associate himself with.

And whom Mokuba cared to associate himself with. And that was the finishing tie – with the safety of his little brother and everyone else that he cared to give somewhat of a damn about on the line, he knew that, despite the risks it interred, he would rather be on the side of Dumbledore, whose powers rivaled that of the Dark Lord.

But teaching… he mused. Defense Against The Dark Arts… how could I possibly teach something I barely believe in? I don't know any Defensive magic… but maybe, perhaps, I can preach about the Dark Arts… (3)

Or wait… is it not possible to combine spells with martial arts? That's something I have a knack for, both defensive and offensive techniques. Maybe if…

And suddenly, despite himself, Seto Kaiba found his mind whizzing with new ideas. Maybe this isn't such a bad idea after all.

Considering that Mokuba was a fully-fledged wizard in his own right, and had been for the past five years… no, it wasn't such a bad idea, after all.

Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, England

"Well, Albus? Was Bill Weasley able to help? Did you find four new professors?"

Dumbledore surveyed Minerva McGonagall with a smile. "Actually Minerva, I was. One led me to two, two suggested a third, third mentioned someone who could convince the fourth, and here I am, a full staff and high hopes for the new year."

"Where are they now, Albus? Still in their beds?"

"Oh no," said Dumbledore, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "No, I talked to them each and sent them on their way. They need to pick out books, and for that need genuine wizard help. They should be on their way to the Burrow, where they'll spend the next three weeks before school starts."

McGonagall smiled. "An excellent though, Albus. I'm sure Remus and the others can think of ways to help the new professors."

"Oh, I'm quite sure of it," said Dumbledore cheerfully. "Even our students would be glad to. After all, who wouldn't want to help the worlds' best duelists?"

(1) Surely, the Lords of Anime will SMITE me for this terrible, awful, evil joke. (bows) FORGIVE ME OH LORDS!!!! (It's a really lame GX joke – don't ask, spare yourself.)

(2) Oh c'mon now, you didn't honestly think I'd forget about my favorite OC, now did you? (grins) Don't worry, like I promised in BBE, she's not someone supposed to be center-stage. But she'll be mentioned much more in this version of the story than in the last, because… well, since I took out Ceribi, I think it's only fair. But seriously, I promise, it's hasn't and won't revolve around her. (For those new to the story… well, you'll see.) (My favorite part in the whole conversation is the "Do you honestly think I can't take care of you and him and him and him and him and her and her and her and her and…" I chuckled as a wrote it.)

(3) I've never known was Arithmancy was – I always thought it was some kind of math – until today, and then I realized that Seto would never teach it! It's like fortune telling on by using numbers, so catch Seto Kaiba doing something like that! Seems like Marik's the only one going to keep his old job. I was thinking about throwing him in HOM for a while, but truly, AR would be his best subject, being a Tomb Keeper and all… (muses) Poor dear.

Like I said, radically different Ceribi much? I try. Still, I like this new one, she's definitely got the big-sister appeal.

I'm quite happy with this chapter. In fact, I'm quite happy with the way this story is going. And you'd think I haven't written it twice before! Psh! (grins)