AN: Honestly I am a terrible person- words cannot express how sorry I am for not updating this story and to anyone who is actually still reading this- YOU ARE AMAZING- truly. Each and every one of you deserve a medal or something. But this is the year guys. This. Is. The. Year. 2020 will be the year I finish this story because it has gone on way too long and I am so sorry you have all had to wait this much.

Anyway- please let me know what you think and I hope you enjoy it. Sorry for it being a little short. And if you have any questions please don't hesitate to PM me. Hell, if you ever want to check on the progress for this story or anything please just contact me either on here or on tumblr at merlinthegryffindor. Seriously just bother me all you want.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.


Silence followed Umbridge's exit, suffocating, uncomfortable silence that had Merlin feeling like he was back in the war- back behind the trenches and waiting for the bombs to drop. He coughed, the kid's gazes settling on him like a physical weight as he strolled up and down the two lines.

''Right'' the warlock thanked his lucky stars his voice was steady and no longer tinged with the anger boiling under his skin ''who can tell me what your biggest ally is during a duel or altercation?''

Hands went up- quite a lot of hands actually and Merlin flailed for a moment, spinning on the spot multiple times before settling on Neville Longbottom. He smiled, warm and inviting ''Neville, what do you think it is?''

The boy floundered as if he hadn't thought Merlin would actually pick him, seeming to cripple under the sudden attention he was receiving. He reminded Merlin a lot of Daegal actually, strange as that was, with too nervous smiles and the fidgety way his limbs would move like he didn't know what to do with them- Daegal had died before his time, rose to the occasion and lost his life doing so. A part of him swore the same wouldn't happen to Neville.

''A- a wand'' he stuttered, turning red when Merlin shook his head.

''I'm afraid not'' just over half of the hands went down and the raven head frowned, wondering just what these kids and the adults had been taught- you didn't need a wand to do magic; the conduit helped them focus their magic yes but it was possible without them. Even if their magic wasn't anything like the old religion, didn't have the same power and didn't draw from the earth- it was possible.

''Anybody else?'' he spun pointing at Malfoy ''Draco.''

The blonde smirked, sneered really, like he knew the answer would be right ''magic'' and really it was like they weren't even trying.

''Nope'' he enjoyed the way Malfoy's grey eyes grew flinty and his expression murderous a little too much- Harry did too apparently because Merlin noticed the half smile from the corner of his eye ''Parvati?''

''Shield charm?'' she stumbled over the words, crossing her arms over her chest.

''Sorry, no'' there were no more hands in the air- not even Hermione's- and Merlin decided to change tactics, tapping his chin with a finger and practically skipping down the line.

''Ok, let's say you're in a life threatening situation- no wand and without the ability to do wandless magic; what can you rely on?''

Blank faces greeted him and Merlin resisted the urge to rip his hair out- he'd expected at least Harry to have some idea of an answer. Hadn't the teen been in life threatening situations at least what, 10 times? Not nearly as many as him but still.

A student moved, clearing their throat like they were going to speak and Merlin whirled hope clear in eyes as he thought someone had finally figured out the answer, and ''dying.''

He was sure his mouth dropped open, his eyes going wide as he stared at the kids amassed in front of him. Had none of them been taught anything? Where was the survival instinct? Where was the ability to think on their feet?

When he took the job Merlin knew it would be hard, he knew that they hadn't been taught nearly enough to be able to survive in the real world. Apparently, that also meant they gave up at the first sign of danger.

The students began to fidget and he snapped out of his stupor, clicking his fingers and strolling back down the line ''no'' he wracked his brain for how to put the next sentence in a way they would understand.

''The thing you can rely most on is instinct- your instincts to be exact'' they looked confused, put out even, and Merlin resisted the urge to bang his head against a wall, barely. Looks Like he would have to amend his plan for the lesson.

''What do you mean sir?'' Hermione asked, gaze littered with intent and Merlin almost smiled- glad to see someone was interested.

''Your magic, your wand- they can all help you yes, but it's not them that choose to react- it's you'' another hand went up.

''I still don't understand'' Pansy said in a sickly sweet falsetto.

''Ok'' he tapped his chin with a long finger, perching on the edge of his desk ''let's say you dodge a spell- your magic doesn't tell you to do that, instinct does. It's how you know when someone stands too close, or there's something near you- the hair on your arms stand up, you get goose bumps and your body floods with adrenaline.''

They seemed to be understanding it now, a few of them looking deep in thought ''your body and mind can register things subconsciously before the rest of you catches up- when you drop a quill for example; you instinctively try to catch it before you have actively thought to do so.''

''That's rubbish'' Malfoy smirked and Merlin fought the urge to sigh- there was always one.

''Draco, please enlighten us with your infinite wisdom'' Merlin invited, sweeping his hand in an exaggerated manner only for Malfoy to turn red when all eyes turned to him and he couldn't provide an answer ''that's what I thought, but since you're sceptical how about a demonstration.''

The Slytherin looked murderous but didn't turn down the challenge knowing it would only make him look weak in front of his peers- something Merlin knew his father wouldn't be happy about. It really was strange sometimes how much Draco reminded Merlin of Arthur; not with his looks but more the lost, almost insignificant, feeling that brewed under his skin. The knowledge that his father would not hesitate to discard him if it would further his cause and yet Draco still sought his father's approval and love.

Arthur had been like that once, an unsure teenager trying to make a mark on a land too big and impress a father with only a limited amount of love. Arthur had acted out with swords and words until Merlin came along, giving him someone who could match Arthur in every way, could bolster him in his darkest moments and stand with him in his brightest. A true king born from the shadow of his father's idea's.

Merlin could only hope, Draco would see the error of his ways soon.

The teenager came to stand before him, a cocky smirk curling his lips but Merlin could see the way he clenched and unclenched his hands in nervousness- too bad Merlin wasn't going to go easy on him.

''Alright Draco'' he said, slipping his wand into his hand ''I want you to cast non harmful spells at me and I will do the same to you- but I'm going to be obscuring our view at the same time so you have to rely on instinct and awareness, ok?''

There was a hint of worry in Draco's eyes, one that he quickly dampened down, but it was enough for him to know the boy wasn't as far gone as he'd thought. Draco nodded- maybe he didn't trust his voice Merlin mused- ''there will be a shield around us so you won't be able to hit anyone else, though you will all be able to see through the smoke to watch us clearly. Are you ready Draco?''

''Yes.''

Smoke began to fill the chamber Merlin had encased them in, swirling around their ankles almost tenderly before ballooning out into a thick fog like substance neither of them would be able to see through.

Merlin didn't say go or start, more ducked quickly and rolled to the side when Draco cast his first spell, the hairs on his arm stood on end and Merlin thanked his lucky stars that he had as much experience with this as he did ''Locomotor Mortis'' he shouted.

A round of swearing rewarded his spell and Merlin assumed Draco had just managed to dodge ''language'' he chided, despite how much fun Merlin was having he was still a teacher so technically he couldn't have his students swearing.

''Obscurro'' the warlock paused for a second, the spell hitting him square in the face as a blindfold went over his eyes and he tried not to laugh.

''That's a pretty pointless spell Draco- I already can't see you'' he called, a few of the jeers from their audience reaching his ears as he vanished the cloth. Draco only huffed from what he could tell, closer than Merlin had thought him to be actually- maybe the teen had planned to use that as a distraction to jump on him or something. Who knew?

''Tarantallegra'' he neatly side stepped that one, having no intention of showcasing his dancing skills to a bunch of fifth years.

Honestly, Merlin was a little surprised Draco was keeping within the boundary of non harmful spells- from what he'd heard the slytherin had a penchant for hexing classmates. Then again he thought, ducking as a red light flew at him, he was a teacher so maybe he was a little worried Merlin would make his life hell. Completely understandable really, Merlin had met Professor Snape after all.

Their back and forth went on for another few minutes- grunts, spells and the occasional cheer being the soundtrack for the strange duel he'd put them in- before he decided he should probably end this so the rest of the class could have a go, though he would be sure to do something slightly different.

''Expelliarmus'' he flicked his wand and the fog distorted a bit as Draco's wand flew out of the teens hand and Merlin neatly followed it up with the body binding curse, the loud thud meaning their duel had just ended.

The fog Merlin had conjured dissipated almost immediately and Merlin could finally see his handiwork- amusement rising. Draco lay on the floor with no hair, or eyebrows actually now that he could get a closer look, and his face steadily getting redder and redder with each breath.

''Do you understand now Draco?'' it was a rhetorical question really, the boy had to have learnt his lesson by the way he was glaring a whole into Merlin's head ''Do the rest of you?'' he questioned; turning to the rest of his students who mostly looked gleeful at Malfoy's plight. Except Pansy, who Merlin deduced would hate him just on principle.

Various nods answered his question and Merlin smiled, glad they were finally getting his point ''so who's ready to try this themselves?''


''Best lesson ever'' were the first words out of Ron's mouth when they walked out of defence. Harry's best friend's hair had been turned a sickly shade of green and his own face donned bright orange spots but Harry was inclined to agree ''did you see Malfoy's face?''

Harry grinned, the image of Malfoy completely bald and red faced would not leave his brain for a long while he suspected- it had been utterly glorious. ''He's a wonderful teacher'' Hermione cut in, almost skipping next to them, her clothes had been dyed a bright purple that Professor Emrys assured them would fade in a couple of hours.

''He is'' Harry said, almost feeling guilty at the next words ''maybe the best teacher we've had.''

Remus had been a wonderful teacher but with his monthly absences they'd missed quite a bit of practical application and no teacher ever thought to teach them the benefits of using instincts. Ron's stomach growled, effectively cutting Harry from his thoughts.

''Honestly Ronald'' Hermione wrinkled her nose ''are you never full?''

''I'm a growing boy.''

Harry laughed, feeling light in a way he never had before. Maybe it was because he felt like he was actually going to learn something this year- maybe it was due to having a teacher that seemed to believe in every single one of them; a teacher who had already told Harry he wasn't crazy.

Whatever it was- Harry didn't want it to go away anytime soon.

Students chattered around them excitedly, laughing and pointing at everyone who stumbled out of the defence class- he didn't mind being known for having large orange spots all over his face if it meant they wouldn't talk about how crazy he was.

Harry kept pace with Ron and Hermione- their familiar bickering all but tuned out- looking forward to dinner for the first time since term started. Who knew dodging spells in a wind tunnel would work up an appetite? The raven head looked around as they neared the great hall, spotting the twins laughing at them as they came around the corner but it wasn't that which held his attention.

In one of the alcoves Umbridge had puffed herself up in an attempt to gain some height, staring at Professor Emrys with disgust. Professor Emrys had his head bowed almost as if trying to keep their exchange private but the obvious anger and contempt in his features was hard to miss. Harry's stomach dropped and suddenly he didn't feel too hungry anymore.

The teen didn't realise he'd stopped until someone bumped into him from behind, ''sorry'' he said absently- eyes still fixed on the pair. He particularly didn't like the look on Umbridge's face, like everything she wanted was neatly falling into place and the professor was another pawn on her chessboard.

''Harry'' a voice said next to his ear- a hand touching his shoulder- and Harry tore his eyes away from the scene to see Ron had stopped ''you coming mate?''

''Yeah'' he said looking one last time at the alcove- his eyes locking with Professor Emrys' ''yeah I'm coming.''

The exchange stuck in his head, playing on repeat as he tried to summon the appetite he'd had not that long ago so he could maybe eat some of the sandwich half-heartedly thrown on the plate ''do you reckon Umbridge could get someone fired?'' he finally asked, staring at his best friends.

Hermione frowned, biting her lip whilst Ron shrugged- his green hair beginning to change back to a familiar orange ''dunno.''

Harry sighed and turned his gaze onto Hermione when Ron just went back to eating ''I'm not sure'' she finally answered, maybe having sensed his unease ''she would probably have to go through the proper channels, have a valid reason and even then the decision would most likely be up to the headmaster unless the reason for dismissal warranted immediate action.''

Harry doubted Umbridge wouldn't find enough reason to get rid of Professor Emrys if she really wanted to. The lightness he'd felt earlier had just been a fleeting appearance it seemed, his body like lead when he glanced at the staff table to see the professor wasn't eating either.

''What's wrong mate?'' Ron questioned and Harry knew Hermione had probably been giving his friend the eyebrow for not saying anything, ''wait, you don't think Umbridge will try and get rid of Emrys do you?''

Apparently, Ron Weasley was more observant than anybody had ever given him credit for.

''I don't know'' Harry shrugged; watching the Professor's eyebrows furrow as he looked at Umbridge further down the table ''I've just got a bad feeling.''

''But- but he's like the best teacher we've ever had. She can't do that can she?''

''Who do what dear brother?'' a new voice piped up and Harry turned to Fred and George pushing some of the first years out of the way to sit down.

''Don't do that'' Hermione snapped, getting up to check that first year who'd fallen on the floor was okay- the twins rolled their eyes at her anger.

''Harry thinks Umbridge is gonna try and get rid of Professor Emrys'' Ron explained- trying to avoid the glare Hermione was sending his way for not backing her up. Harry really did pity his friend sometimes.

To all of their surprise the twins laughed ''I doubt he'll be going anywhere anytime soon'' George said, staring at the professor with gleeful eyes ''I sense a fellow prankster in our midst.''

''What, are you talking about?'' Hermione huffed, crossing her arms as she sat back down. Fred glanced around before gesturing them to lean in.

''Rumour has it Umbridge woke up to quite the surprise in her desk drawer this morning'' he explained, mirth dancing in his eyes ''apparently some toads had her screaming- especially when they kept multiplying and she couldn't banish them.''

''And you think Professor Emrys did that?'' Harry couldn't quite explain the look on Hermione's face- like she couldn't make her mind up whether to be happy he'd done it or concerned at the prank.

''Oh Hermione- dear sweet Hermione'' the twins each took turns patting her head until she turned a bright red in anger ''we have insider knowledge.''

They didn't elaborate- only tweaked Hermione's nose and ruffled Ron's now ginger hair before winking at Harry and flouncing off to do god knows what. Really, it was nice to know the twins weren't concerned.

Both Harry and Hermione spent the rest of lunch intermittently glancing at the professor whilst Ron continued to shovel food into his mouth at alarming speed- Harry wondered if maybe he was stress eating- and when lunch finally ended he couldn't make up his mind on whether to be pleased or not.

Especially when he saw Professor Emrys and Dumbledore disappear out of the door together.


Merlin was going to get a reputation- of that he was certain. A reputation of not turning up to his classes.

Dumbledore didn't look too concerned of that though as the warlock followed him to his office- a jittery feeling rising in him the closer they got. Merlin didn't ever really think Umbridge could be a serious threat, more a nuisance, in the grand scheme of things- but threatening to have him removed from his post was a new low.

Dumbledore took a seat behind his desk as Merlin paced around the room, gaze jumping from object to object until he finally turned to the headmaster ''Umbridge wants me gone.''

''I cannot say I am surprised'' he replied, swirling his hands in a dramatic fashion ''is it true you put toads in her desk drawer?''

Merlin didn't answer that- knowing Dumbledore knew full well it was him who'd put toads in her office ''I can't protect Harry if she has me removed.''

Dumbledore sighed, the mirth draining out of his expression ''no, I suppose not- though I have to confess I have no ideas on how to stop that from happening.''

The warlock groaned, collapsing into a chair and putting his head in his hands ''how do I always end up in these situations?''

''Do you often find yourself threatened over toads?''

''You'd be surprised'' he groaned- racking his brain for an answer and ignoring the interested hum the headmaster gave. He needed a way to stay as a teacher and yet appease Umbridge on her quest for toady vengeance. Wait-

''I've got it'' and really how hadn't he thought of this earlier; a contract, one that had been tested with much higher stakes back when Hogwarts was first being built ''a contract'' he says at Dumbledore's raised brow.

''I fail to see how that would stop her- she would simply break an agreement'' Merlin grinned at the wizards confusion, jumping up to lay one hand on the desk and one on the contract he'd just conjured.

''She can't if it's magically binding.''

''And you just happened to have such a contract in your pocket for such an occurrence?''

''Something like that'' Merlin said and Dumbledore smiled.

''Very well- what would this contract entail?'' he asked- already reaching for a quill on his desk.

Merlin almost rejoiced ''if you sign this contract it means that I can't be fired, only moved to a different department and even then it is only by the headmaster.''

''I fear she would not accept such a contract'' Dumbledore said though he still signed the parchment- his name glittering gold for a second.

''She would if her precious minister signed it also.''

''How in merlin's name are you going to get Minister Fudge to sign?'' Dumbledore stared at him like he'd grown a second head. Merlin's answering grin was all teeth- mischief dancing in his blue orbs.

''Leave it to me. But on another note you wouldn't be able to cover my classes for the rest of the day would you?''

The Headmaster quirked a brow, nodding his head even when Merlin didn't elaborate ''before you go'' he said and Merlin stopped from where he was moving towards the fireplace ''I will be meeting with order of the phoenix members tonight and if they are all agreeable to you joining then you will come to the next meeting on Saturday.''

Excitement rose in him and Merlin eagerly nodded his head- glad to be finally doing something ''I'm happy with that.''

''Very well'' Dumbledore stated, waving him towards the fireplace ''I believe you should be going.''

It's ironic that in Camelot all he'd really wanted was a bit of peace and now here he was actively causing trouble and getting involved in another magical war. If only Gaius could see him now- his pseudo father would surely laugh and raise that damned eyebrow.

Then again, he thought- throwing a handful of floo powder into the fire and stepping in peace was overrated.


AN: Ok guys this was meant to be a bit longer but I don't want you to wait anymore for a chapter so I hope you like it despite the shortness. Please read and review and let me know what you think. Hopefully, the next chapter should come a hell of a lot quicker.

Also, I'm sorry there wasn't much plot in this chapter- turns out I'm just good at rambling (who knew) but next chapter should be Merlin's introduction to the order of the phoenix and his meeting with fudge among other things.

Thank you for reading.