A/N: Thanks for your reviews as always!

I'm afraid to tell you, that what you see before you is not the original Chapter 26. Unfortunately, Chapter 26 passed away an undetermined amount of time ago when its files became corrupted. Unfortunately, I did not notice, and every backup I made, every copy, every time I emailed it to myself to protect it from being lost in a systems crash … I was actually protecting something that had deceased a long time ago. Despite my best resuscitation skills, Chapter 26 was unable to recover. What you see before you now is only a shadowy representation of what Chapter 26 used to be in a previous life, reconstructed from a few notes and memories. But rest assured, Chapter 26's brothers and sisters (Chapter 27 onwards) survived the awful accident and have been safely locked away after a thorough check-up to ensure their health.

I apologise for this substandard imitation. I hope you enjoy it anyway, after all, I'm the only one who knows the difference :)

The First Day

The first day of the first term of the first year of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry dawned bright and early, and the Great Hall was soon filled with a gaggle of excited students at breakfast, eager to begin their first lessons. Merlin couldn't help but smile when he looked at them. He wondered how long the novelty of being at school would last; before long they'd be grumbling about their teachers and complaining about their homework.

But for the moment, everything was cheerful, and Merlin was content simply to sit and watch everyone else. Teachers were poring over last minute notes and preparations, students were examining their timetables with a mixture of curiosity and confusion and the Founders were already eying up the students as though trying to Sort them just by sight.

"I want that one!" Godric announced suddenly, pointing at a boy on a table at the far left. "He's got the look of a warrior, wouldn't you say?"

"He's barely twelve years old," said Helga, rolling her eyes.

"And? I knew how to hold my own in a fight when I was twelve, why shouldn't he?"

"Godric, we haven't even had our first lessons yet, would you please refrain from picking out the soldiers for your own personal army?" said Salazar. "Leave the boy alone. There will be plenty of time later to decide what House he's in. Give him a chance."

"Thank you, Salazar," said Helga warmly.

"Besides, I think he looks more like a Slytherin."

"Salazar!"

"For heaven's sake, they're not toys to be fought over," said Rowena irritably. "We have two months to decide. Stop trying to collect them."

"Well said," murmured Merlin, and winked at her. She blushed slightly and looked away, but no one else seemed to notice.

"Well, we shall soon see won't we?" Godric beamed, looking around eagerly. "First Dueling classes straight after breakfast. Can't wait to get started!"

"You will start off gently, won't you?" Helga asked worriedly. "Keep to the agreed lesson plan?"

"Of course I will!" said Godric, but something about his tone suggested to Merlin that Godric's first lot of students were in for a shock. Salazar seemed to think so too.

"I'm not so certain," he said, his eyes narrowed at Godric. "We don't want any … ah, injuries, do we? We don't want to give the Wizards' Council any reason to shut us down, do we? I'm not sure you should be left unsupervised."

"What?" spluttered Godric indignantly. "I am not a child!"

"But you act like one-"

"I am perfectly capable of running my own class!" huffed Godric. "I'm not as foolish as you seem to think!"

"Hmmm … tickled any dragons lately?"

"That has nothing to do with it!"

"Emrys, what are you doing this morning?" Helga interjected suddenly.

"Me? Nothing," Merlin shrugged. "I might wander down to the village or something."

"Why don't you go with Godric?" Helga said. "You could … assist him in his first lessons."

"I do not need to be babysat, Helga," said Godric, but the others looked intrigued. He scowled, but seemed to falter under Helga's look. "What exactly do you mean by … assist?"

"Assisting you in demonstrating spells, practicing with the students, keeping an eye on things …" said Helga. "Please, Godric. Just until you get settled in."

Godric sighed, but softened a little under Helga's gaze. "All right, but only for today, if it will put your mind at rest," he said gently. "I'll prove to you I'm not as irresponsible as you think. Besides, it could be fun."

Helga nodded gratefully, but Merlin still saw a trace of doubt in both the faces of Salazar and Rowena, both of whom seemed to be regretting the decision they had made months ago to allow Godric to teach Dueling now that the moment was finally at hand.

"I'll make sure he doesn't kill one of them," Merlin reassured Helga.

Breakfast passed in much the same manner, and Godric and Merlin both soon left and headed towards the Dueling Chamber. Before he left the table however, he paused by Rowena and whispered to her.

"Good luck," he said, and he detected the smallest of nervous smiles on her face before he followed Godric out of the hall.

"You really don't need to come," Godric said to him as they climbed the many staircases. "I know what I'm doing."

"I don't have anything to do anyway," said Merlin. "You lot won't be resuming your Old Magic lessons for a while. Might as well do something useful."

"I can't wait to learn some more," said Godric, rubbing his hands together. "I've missed our lessons. We never have much time anymore!"

"We'll sort something out," assured Merlin.

Before long they were standing in the cavernous Dueling Chamber. It was silent as the calm before a storm. Godric was practically skipping with excitement.

Before long a great bell sounded somewhere from within the depths of the castle, signaling to the students the beginning of the school day. Godric's grin widened.

However, five minutes later, and not a student had appeared. Godric's face fell a little.

"Where are they?"

"Give them a few minutes," said Merlin. "The castle is enormous. They need to find their way around."

Godric nodded, but kept staring at the door like some wild-eyed puppy awaiting the return of its master. Before long, his waiting paid off. The door slowly opened, and in crept about a dozen children in their black robes, looking around nervously and awed at the room, varying in age from about twelve to sixteen. Merlin immediately fell back and stood in a corner of the room to observe silently. He'd watch, and wait.

Godric face beamed as he beheld the children before him. They looked slightly intimidated.

"Welcome to your first Dueling lesson!" Godric announced. "Now, let's get started!"

"Shouldn't we take a register first?" Merlin interrupted, his attempt to remain silent already foiled. Some of the students jumped and turned to look at him curiously.

"Ah, yes," said Godric. "I forgot about that."

Merlin barely refrained from rolling his eyes. Godric may be the best dueler of his generation, but there was no denying that teaching was something that may come slowly to him, if at all.

"Right," said Godric, looking over a scroll of names. "Let's see … Pelagius Abbot?"

"That's me," said one boy about fourteen. He looked slightly nervous, but determined. He was the son of one of the Governors, and from what Merlin knew, already fairly skilled with magic.

"Ah, yes, I know your father, boy!" said Godric, grinning broadly. "Good man, good man."

Pelagius nodded, apparently not knowing what to say.

"Now, who else … Servillius Nott?"

Godric went through each of the names, grinning at each individual pupil. He must have thought it was a welcoming friendly smile, but it looked more like he was sizing them up. A couple of the children Merlin recognised as coming from the village; they were Muggle-Born, but had been taken in by wizarding families and given some basic training in magic. This training was the only reason they were in a fourth year class rather than in first year with most other Muggle-Borns. Every other child was Pure-Blood and had been taught a little by either their parents or professional tutors. The wealthier children were immediately evident; they were the only ones with surnames.

"Now, that's over with," said Godric, casting aside the register of names rather carelessly. "Now for the fun! Dueling is one of the most important things you will learn here at this castle. We all know how dangerous a world it is out there and you must be prepared. This will be hard work, and often dangerous, but I have confidence in all of you."

The two Muggle-Borns gulped and exchanged an alarmed glance, but Godric didn't seem to notice. Again, Merlin found it hard not to roll his eyes. Perhaps Helga had been right; he did need supervising.

"To begin!" Godric announced, withdrawing his wand from his pocket. "How many jinxes and curses do you know?"

Before the children could look any more alarmed than they already did, Merlin decided he had to step forwards.

"Perhaps teaching them to defend themselves first would be the best idea," Merlin said, looking pointedly at Godric. "That way you can teach them as many jinxes and curses as you like without danger."

"Oh, yes, I believe you're right, Emrys," Godric said, faltering a little. "Forgetting my own lesson plan …" He stood for a moment and shook himself. "Very well, Shield Charms then! And I warn you, unless you can perfect this spell quickly you will find the work in this class very tough going. I believe in learning by experience!"

This did not seem to reassure them.

"Alright, how many of you already know Shield Charms?"

A couple of hands went hesitatingly up. Godric looked almost disappointed.

"Is that all? Well, that won't do! Now, a Shield Charm is one of the most important spells you could ever use in a duel. It may very well save your life one day. Now, I shall demonstrate. Master Emrys, will you oblige?"

Not happy about being dragged in to this, Merlin slowly moved forwards. The children who knew him from the village smiled at him.

"Now, Emrys here shall try to attack me," said Godric, raising his wand into a dueling position. "I shall raise a Shield and, well, you shall see what will happen."

Godric nodded to Merlin, who then reached into his pocket and withdrew the wand that he hated and lifted it.

"Reducto!" he cried, and a jet of light went soaring towards Godric.

"Protego!" Godric shouted, and a silvery shield appeared around him. The spell went slamming into it, it shimmered, and dropped.

"There, you see," said Godric turning back to the children. "This is the simplest Shield Charm you could do. The Shield absorbs the energy from the spell and protects you from its effects. There are drawbacks however. This lasts only temporarily, and will only absorb one spell. You would have to cast another one to protect yourself against another attack. Of course, whilst this may protect you from a rogue spell, it would be no use during an all out battle. You can't keep casting Shield Charms when you have other things to worry about! So, what to do, is increase the power you put into the spell. Like this."

He nodded to Merlin again.

"Reducto!"

"Protego!"

This time, the Shield did not drop automatically on impact and stayed shimmering around Godric until he stopped the spell.

"Keeping a Shield sustained like this is a lot more effective against repelling multiple blows, but it will also be more difficult to maintain and may distract your focus. Another way you could do it is like this."

"Reducto!"

"Protego!"

This time, the shield grew brighter than ever and instead of evaporating, the spell bounced off the shield and came hurtling back to Merlin, who quickly blocked it with a Shield Charm of his own.

"This spell has the advantage of not only protecting yourself, but actually serving to attack the enemy as well. They may not be expecting that! But again, this way of performing the spell is much more difficult since it requires a great deal more power and concentration."

Godric grinned at the impressed looks on the faces before him. "Now, who wants to try?"

Immediately, everyone seemed to take a step backwards.

"Pelagius!" roared Godric, "you said you knew the spell! Come and help me demonstrate, won't you?"

Pelagius paled, but stepped forwards, shooting a terrified glance at Merlin, who sincerely sympathised with the boy.

"Now, raise your wand arm like this. No, not like that, goodness gracious, whoever taught you to duel like that, boy? That's it, a little higher, perfect! Now, I shall attack you, you repel me."

Merlin winced at Godric's phrasing. He hoped he'd restrain himself. But, it appeared Godric was not entirely without reason.

"Scintilla!" he cried, and a jet of red-hot emerald sparks went shooting towards Pelagius, who hastily muttered the incantation. The shield sprung to life before him and shimmered in mid-air. It was almost entirely successful, yet Pelagius still yelped in pain as some of the sparks burst through his shield.

"Good start!" Godric nodded approvingly. "Be more forceful when speaking the incantation though, no need to whisper! Try again."

He did so, and this time no sparks got through the shield, yet Pelagius was thrown backwards with the force of the spell into a heap in the floor. The entire class was watching with bated breath.

"Better," said Godric. "But you're still not packing enough of a punch. Really pour yourself into the spell. Try again, and this time, try and send some of those sparks back at me!"

Pelagius, burnt and bruised, screwed his face up in determination, and stood his ground fiercely. This time, he stayed standing and uninjured and managed to send about half of the sparks back to Godric, who sent his booming laugh echoing around the chamber.

"Excellent! I shall have to watch out for you, boy!"

Pelagius went back to his place in the class, receiving no small amount of admiring gazes from his fellow classmates.

"Now, organise yourselves into pairs and I want you to practice this until you can all manage it as well as Pelagius here. Be careful now! Don't use any spell other than scintilla; don't want any serious injuries now do we?" He nodded to Merlin here smugly as though expecting to be praised for not trying to kill his students.

The class wasn't too bad, all things considered. The wealthier Pure-Bloods like Pelagius and Servillius Nott were much better at it, having had more experience with professional teaching in magic than the Muggle-Borns and poorer Pure-Bloods, and Merlin was glad to see that both of them spent more time helping the others cast the spells than working on it themselves. It was nice to see that not all Pure-Bloods were as prejudiced as the Wizards' Council.

Before long the lesson was over, miraculously ending without any serious casualties or lasting injuries and the next lot trooped in. This was a second year class, but there seemed to be just as great a variation of age here, ranging from eleven to fifteen. It was certainly going to take a few years before the ages began to settle down.

This lesson Godric began to teach the Disarming Charm, once again using Merlin as his test subject. It seemed to delight him to be able to make Merlin's wand spiraling away from him time and time again; after all, this was the only time where Merlin was unable to fight back to his full power. He then began to experiment with the unique features of the room and had the children split up into two teams and try to disarm the opposite side, all the while navigating Godric's strange obstacle course that leapt from the floorboards under their feet, along with life-size dummies that tried to attack them as well. Every child was soon bruised and humiliated. Still, Merlin had to admit, Godric's teaching methods meant they learned fast.

The day continued in this manner most of the morning, and by the time lunch came Merlin was more than willing to leave. For his fifth year class, Godric had enjoyed teaching the children how to Stun, once again, Merlin being the 'willing' volunteer. He was bruised all over. He was certain Godric had only done it so often since Merlin was equally as ruthless in their own lessons.

"So, how many did he maim?" Salazar asked casually at the lunch table.

"None, surprisingly, though I think he would have liked to," said Merlin darkly. "No, he was more or less responsible, for the most part."

"It may help them learn faster," said Rowena. "I learn best through books, but others may need more hands on experience."

Merlin raised his eyebrows at her. Admitting that books weren't the only source of learning? Rowena pointedly ignored him.

"You think threatening a child with danger if they don't learn quickly enough is reasonable?" Helga asked.

"No, simply that Godric may achieve more success than we give him credit for. We each have our methods. We must teach in our own way. Godric may not be the most responsible man alive, but he is an excellent dueler, and for that we must give him credit."

"But probably not an excellent teacher," said Salazar.

"Oi!" said Godric, setting his food aside and glaring at them all. "Do you mind not talking about me when I'm sitting right here?"

"No, I don't mind," said Helga abruptly. "A child in my Herbology class had burns Godric! After your lesson!"

"They were only small!"

"You should have healed them!" said Helga. She turned to Merlin. "Why didn't you?"

"I was healing a broken arm at the time."

Helga rolled her eyes. "We must be careful, Godric. We can't go getting a reputation. If a student gets injured, which I acknowledge must occasionally happen in a Dueling lesson, make sure they are healed immediately. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Helga," sighed Godric wearily, not even attempting to argue. Helga nodded, and a few specks of dirt fell from her dress, which she brushed away impatiently. Her Herbology lesson had been a great success, and Merlin could see that most of the children in the hall that were still chattering excitedly were the ones also covered in dirt. The others were a mixture of emotions, all discussing their morning classes with their friends, pointing to various teachers and swapping stories, spreading a mix of excitement and dread. Especially when it came to Godric, and also the strict Arithmancy teacher.

"I think I'll go down to the village this afternoon," announced Godric. "All of my classes are over for today after all."

"Don't be so lazy, Godric!" reprimanded Helga. "You've only done half a day's work!"

"Well, what do you want me to do?"

"Why not ask Emrys for a lesson?"

"Helga …"

"When else are we to get lessons? We're busy the rest of the week!"

"What about we make a proper schedule?" said Merlin. "Friday evening can be the group session, Saturday mornings, Helga, Saturday evenings Godric, Sunday mornings Salazar, Sunday evenings, Rowena. That way you will still have time to organise lessons and have some time off."

"I can live with that," said Godric, seizing on this chance eagerly.

"Very well," said Helga, "but I expect you to work extra hard at Old Magic."

"Of course, of course," said Godric, waving his hand. "Now, I'd better get going. I promised I'd meet old Thelonius down at the inn."

And without another word, he was off, greeting his students enthusiastically as he passed.

Helga sighed. "He's passionate about this school and what we are trying to achieve, but I fear Godric will never be much of an academic."

"What then shall you do?" Salazar asked Merlin. "If you're only going to be teaching us at weekends what shall you do the rest of the time? You can't keep shadowing Godric."

"I'll find something to do …" Merlin said, though he wasn't quite sure what.

"Why don't you teach?" Rowena asked suddenly.

"Teach? Teach what?"

Rowena gave him one of her rare public smiles and nodded to Helena, who was sitting at the end of the table.

"From what Scáthach tells me, Helena has been feeling lonely as of late. And from experience, I know what staves off loneliness the most is a good book."

Merlin raised his eyebrows. "You want me to teach her to read?"

"Of course, I would love to do it myself," said Rowena almost regretfully. "But … well, she has taken to you."

Merlin was speechless for a moment, before grinning. "I'd be happy to."

Rowena nodded, and smiled again. Helga looked happy. "Good, I wouldn't want either of you to feel neglected," she said.

The rest of lunch passed uneventfully, and at the end of it, when students were beginning to dissipate, Merlin stood up and walked to the end of the table and bent down beside Helena.

"So, what are you doing this afternoon?" Merlin asked her.

Helena made a face. "Scáthach wants me to practice embroidery. I hate it. I keep pricking myself and getting blood over the cloth."

"Why don't you come with me and learn something new?"

"Like what?"

"How to read."

Helena's eyes grew wide with excitement and she gasped. "Really? You'll teach me?"

"Only if you want to …"

"Yes!" Helena cried. "I want to learn how to read!"

"Well come on then," Merlin grinned, and held out his hand for her to take. Behind her, Scáthach was glaring at him.

"Don't worry, she'll be safe with me, I'm not about to feed her to the Giant Squid," said Merlin to her, but as usual, Scáthach gave no sign that she had understood him.

Helena seemed oblivious however, and was soon skipping happily by his side through the corridors.

"Where are we going?"

"What about the library?"

"Oh yes!" Helena said enthusiastically. "I want to start reading books right away!"

Merlin laughed. "It won't be that easy."

They reached the library and nodded to the new librarian the Founders had hired and fond a table at the very back of the library. Helena hopped up on a seat eagerly as Merlin conjured some parchment and quills.

He dipped the quill into the ink and pulled the parchment closer to him. "This, is the letter A. Can you think of a word that begins with that sound?"

Helena bit her lip and thought for a moment. "A … a … apple?"

"Good! Now, you try and copy it."

The afternoon passed by rather lazily, but enjoyably. Helena was an eager and willing pupil, and was soon covering parchment after parchment with multiple letters, drawing little pictures of apples to remind herself. Then she took delight in pulling books from the shelves (much to the chagrin of the librarian) and pointing out every letter A she could find. Her fingers and nose were soon splattered with ink, though her enthusiasm was not dimmed.

When the great bell sounded the time for dinner, Helena looked disappointed and Merlin couldn't help but laugh. Together they made their way out into the already teeming corridors, Merlin seizing hold of her hand to stop her getting crushed in the multitude of students, all of whom seemed to be lost. Children milled around trying to find their way.

Ahead, Merlin caught sight of the boy from the previous night who had shown such disdain for his living quarters. He was leading a group of students confidently down the corridor. He was smirking widely.

"Of course, none of that was particularly difficult," he drawled. "I've been learning Latin since I was a child! Second nature to me now. Imagine, some people have never even heard it spoken before! Don't know why I've been put into a first year class, my Latin is near flawless! And why does everyone need to learn it? I mean, what use will it be to them? Will they be reading Virgil and Pliny to their pigs?"

There were some appreciative chuckles at this. Merlin immediately tensed.

"And some of these people can barely read! Can you imagine? I would have been humiliated to be this age and being unable to read! And have you heard some of them trying to speak English? Their accents are so thick they could be speaking in tongues for all I know! My father was right about all of this. He's got friends high up in the Wizards' Council you know. He told me just how much of a shambles this school really is-"

"Don't insult this school!" a voice sounded loudly from behind the boy. "The Founders are better than you could ever be!"

Merlin stopped in amazement as he recognised the shock of red hair. It was Tomin, the boy so shy Merlin had barely heard him say more than a few sentences before, now standing up to this boy with a fierce scowl on his face.

The boy sneered at him. "You're not one of these people who think the Founders are saints are you? They're barely hanging on by the skin of their teeth! They won't last long if you ask me."

"No one is," said Tomin, standing his ground, though the other boy was several inches taller. "You're lucky to be here. We all are, Augustus."

"Maybe people like you are."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Is there a problem here?" Merlin asked, deciding to intervene before things got worse. He looked between Tomin and the boy, Augustus.

"No … sir," said Augustus, barely stopping himself from glaring at him. "We were just going down to dinner, sir."

"Good," said Merlin, the sarcasm not being lost on him. "Well, I suggest you turn around and head the other way then. You're leading these people towards the latrines."

Tomin and a few of the other children laughed, and Augustus flushed pink and hurried off. But Merlin was not amused. That boy had been only about eleven years old and already he was spouting off the bigoted propaganda of his family. He only hoped the school could change that thinking before it became too late.

He considered this the entire way down to dinner. Once they reached the Great Hall and the chatter of all the students once again comparing their lessons and teachers reached his ears. Helena ran excitedly up to her mother and began proudly showing her the parchment covered with her shaky As. Rowena looked up at him here and smiled, and for a moment, Merlin felt a little better.

He sat down to dinner with the other teachers and other Founders (minus Godric who was still down in the village) and tried to clear his thoughts, but every so often the boy would catch his eye and once more he would think those same thoughts. This was what the school was for, he reminded himself. It would not miraculously change everything overnight. He had to be patient.

Then, pulling himself out of his daydreams, there was a great sound of laughter coming from all the students, Merlin looked up and almost laughed himself. Godric had returned from the village, and had acquired something new.

"Godric," said Helga, not looking amused. "What on earth is that thing on your head?"

"It's a hat!" Godric said, rather majestically. "I won it in a card game in the tavern!"

"Won?" Salazar asked, barely restraining his own hilarity. "Are you sure you won? It looks more the sort of thing the loser would receive in mockery!"

Godric scowled and whipped the hat from his head. "What's wrong with it?" he demanded. He held it up and Merlin examined it. It was long, pointed at the end and made out of poor-quality cloth. Overall it looked rather scruffy.

"I like it, Uncle Godric," said Helena smiling.

"Thank you, Helena," he nodded. "At least someone is on my side."

"Godric, it's disgusting," said Helga.

"It's noble!"

"It's mangy."

"The hat makes me look distinguished!"

"The hat makes you look ridiculous."

"Well, I like it!" said Godric. "And I don't care what anyone else thinks."

"Godric, if the Wizards' Council sees you wearing that-"

"Why should I care what they think?" Godric sniffed. "I didn't think we were after their good opinion."

"Let him wear it," said Salazar, still laughing. "If he wants to look a fool, let him. All the more amusement for us!"

Merlin found himself laughing too, unable to avoid it. Godric looked at him with a betrayed expression, made all the more ridiculous by the strange hat. Rowena simply sighed, and went back to the book she was reading propped up against the wine jug.

The argument about the hat continued all dinner, but Merlin didn't care. Even thoughts of the Augustus boy could no longer depress him. Today was the very first day of Hogwarts, the very first day of an institution that would change the lives of hundreds, if not thousands in the years to come. He was here, with his friends, at the pinnacle of a new era of his life.

Nothing could depress him at the current moment.

A/N: Chapter 27 has been carefully checked for signs of the illness that killed its brother and been found to be perfectly healthy. Hopefully it shall follow in a couple of days :)