Chapter 1

Disclaimer: see previous chapter

They fell to the ground and found themselves beside Professor Dumbledore at the teachers table in the great hall. A short round wizard was addressing the students and Dumbledore was standing up and the students were clapping. One group in particular were staring at him and giggling. What was caught their eye about this group was the different colours of their robes and how old they looked.

"They can't be students can they?" Harry asked no one in particular.

"Yes" said Hermione "they are."

"How do you know?"

"Well they all have prefect badges."

Ron and Harry exchanged grins. "Trust you to notice things like that Hermione."

She blushed.

They continued to watch as the feast continued. "It must be the welcome feast."

Hermione began under her breath and the others could barely hear her. "Hmm. Probably Professor Dumbledore's first." They watched as Dumbledore exchanged looks with one girl in particular causing the rest of the group to giggle again.

Ron looked confused. "What are they giggling at?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "They obviously like Professor Dumbledore."

"Doesn't everyone like him, apart from death eaters I mean?"

Hermione sighed "They think he's cute"

Ron made a strange choking noise and Harry had to laugh at him. "I wonder who they are? I'm sure they look familiar" Hermione started again under her breath.

"I'm sure we'd remember girls that hot" Ron whispered to Harry who snorted with laughter while he checked that Hermione hadn't heard him. However she was distacted by the rush of students leaving the great hall. At that the professors relaxed and started leaving as well.

The small round wizard turned to Albus and said "I'll show you your rooms. They're not to far from your classroom and I think you'll find them quite pleasant."

"Thank you Armando. May I ask who those girls were?"

"Ah yes. I saw them looking at you. Miss McGonagall was the one you were engaging in a staring contest with. The others were Miss Hooch, Miss Pomfrey and Miss Sprout. They are all in your Transfiguration N.E.W.T class I believe."

"My first class tomorrow should be interesting then."

The memory ended and the found themselves back in the Headmaster's offices.

"Well that was interesting." Hermione remarked. Ron and Harry sat there shocked. Hermione looked from Ron to Harry. "Honestly boys. Our teachers were young once."

"Yeah but they were…" Ron trailed off as he noticed the look Hermione was giving him. He changed the subject: "Typical. The one good idea I come up with is a dud." and walked of in a huff. Reaching the door he paused and bent down. "Harry mate, there's a letter for you.

Curious, Harry opened the letter and let the others read it too.

Dear Harry,

I suppose your wondering why I left these memories for you to discover. They tell the story of how I defeated Grindelwald and my greatest strength. They might not help you much but I think there is a lesson you need to learn in them. Don't worry, the memories do lead some where and I suggest you let Miss Granger and Mr Ronald Weasley see them as well.

Good luck

Albus Dumbledore

They all looked at each other. "I suppose he knows what he's on about." Harry suggested sheepishly. "Here we go."

A/N: thanks to all who reviewed. I wasn't to sure about this chapter but it sets the scene for the rest of the story. Sorry about the wait, another 3 weeks and I'll be able to give this my undivided attention. Also the next few chapters should be longer. Thanks again.

Jenni