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Harry Potter and the Staff of Merlin by Holland Sauce
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Harry Potter and the Staff of Merlin

Holland Sauce

Harry Potter and all related Characters belong to JK Rowling

Chapter 6 - The Three Professors

"Really Arthur, couldn't you have put on some decent robes for today?" sighed Mrs Weasley pulling her wand out of her apron as Harry and the others walked into the kitchen the next morning.

"But these ARE my best robes!" protested Mr Weasley although it was rather half-hearted as it was clear he still wasn't over the shock of becoming Minister for Magic.

"What about your dress robes?" asked Mrs Weasley as she now reached up and straightened her husband's tie.

"Molly, not even Fudge wore his dress robes for going to the office," sighed Mr Weasley. "If I turn up to the office on my first day everyone's going to think that either I'm a complete pompous ass or a total nincompoop! No, these will have to do for now."

"I suppose," she admitted although Harry could tell she wasn't very happy about the state of her husband's robes. Mr Weasley obviously noticed this as well and quickly took his wife's hand in his and smiled.

"Tell you what love, this weekend why don't you and me go and see what they've got at Madam Malkin's."

"But Arthur, we can't afford new robes," said Mrs Weasley. "Ron and Ginny are going back to school soon, we'll need…."

"Molly," said Mr Weasley firmly cutting his wife off. "I'm the new Minister of Magic remember? That means I'm going to be get a rather big pay rise. I think we'll be able to afford some new robes without to much difficulty don't you?"

Mrs Weasley meanwhile stood staring at her husband in shock before a small smile crossed her face.

"Sorry," she said softly looking slightly embarrassed. "I'm still trying to get my head around this! I wish I knew what Dumbledore was thinking when he nominated you!"

"You and most of the Wizengamot," replied her husband with a sigh. "I was so sure he'd nominate Kingsley or Alastor, of course I forgot that active Aurors couldn't stand and with Alastor taking over at the Academy…well, I guess I must have been the first name that Dumbledore came up with who wasn't an Auror." He now gave another sigh while Mrs Weasley shook her head.

"I still don't like it!" she muttered. "It makes you a target for all the Death Eaters still out there!"

"I'd be a target anyway," replied Mr Weasley smiling softly at his wife. "My views on Muggle relations make me one! At least as Minister though I can try and do something about it, and I promise I will be very careful alright?"

Her husband's promise to take care seemed to alleviate most of Mrs Weasley's worries although it was clear she still wasn't totally happy but she now gave a small nod and sighed.

"I know you will Arthur," she replied. Mr Weasley now kissed her softly on the forehead before turning to the teenagers and holding out his arms.

"Well Kids, how do I look?"

"You look great Dad," replied Ron with a grin as Ginny jumped to her feet and hurried over to give her father a hug. However just as Ginny released him there was a pop and everyone turned to see Dumbledore standing by the stove straightening his robes.

"Ah good," said Dumbledore. "I was hoping I'd catch you before you left Arthur. How are you this morning?"

"Oh I'm alright," said Mr Weasley with a shrug. "Just a little nervous."

"Understandable," said Dumbledore with a nod. "But I'm sure you'll do an excellent job Arthur, I have great confidence in you!" At this Mr Weasley flushed slightly at the praise and his face now split into a rather lopsided grin.

"Oh, well, that…that's jolly…jolly nice of you Professor," he stammered. "Yes, jolly nice." He now grabbed his briefcase, gave Mrs Weasley a quick kiss on the cheek then turned to Harry and his friends.

"I'll…I'll see you later," he said with a nod and with that disapperated to the Ministry.

Mrs Weasley now gave a sigh then turned to the Professor who was smiling warmly.

"Would you care for some breakfast Professor?" she asked heading towards the stove, which she lit with her wand.

"Oh, yes thank you very much Molly," said Dumbledore before turning to Harry.

"Did you tell them?" he asked quietly so Mrs Weasley couldn't hear.

"Yes Sir," replied Harry. "I told them everything last night." Dumbledore now gave a nod

"Well done Harry," said the old man softly. "I know that can't have been easy for you."

"Professor, please tell us it's not true!" said Hermione in quite desperation. "It can't be!" Dumbledore now turned to her and felt his heart break at the look on the young girl's face. He could tell that none of the six had slept well the previous night but Hermione looked by far the worst. Her eyes not only bore dark circles under them but also were puffy and bloodshot telling Dumbledore she'd spent a great deal of time crying.

"After breakfast Miss Granger, I'd like to wait until our new Professors are here," he said softly but firmly. Hermione bit her bottom lip nervously and shot a look at Harry who took her hand and squeezed it softly whilst the others all looked on anxiously as Mrs Weasley now approached the table steering seven loaded plates with her wand before setting them down with ease in front of the tables occupants.

"There you go," she said cheerfully. "Tuck in!"

"Thanks Mum," said Ginny with a genuine smile as the others tucked in.

"So Professor," said Luna softly from beside Ron. "What subjects do these new Professors teach?"

"Ah, I'm very glad you asked Miss Lovegood," said Dumbledore happy to pull the subject away from the prophecy even if it was for only a short time. "Well now let me see, firstly there's Professor Hywel Stoutbridge who'll be taking over for Professor Sinistra as our Astronomy Professor, then there's Professor Abercrombie Hedges who'll be replacing Professor Binns who I've finally persuaded to retire and finally our new DADA Professor, Professor Thaddeus Gringle."

"Wait a minute," said Mrs Weasley. "I've heard of two of them before haven't I?"

"Indeed you have Molly," replied Dumbledore. "Professors Hedges and Stoutbridge both taught while Bill and Charlie where with us although back then Abercrombie was teaching Muggle Studies and Hywel taught Arithmancy. Professor Gringle however will be returning for his second stint as DADA Professor, the last time he was there was when Lilly, James, Sirius and Remus were there."

"He knew my parents?" said Harry in surprise.

"Indeed," said Dumbledore turning to Harry. "He was also a close friend of your Grandfather's, in fact all three were due to the fact they were in the same year and all members of Gryffindor." Here Dumbledore paused and Harry could tell the Headmaster wanted to say something else but that Mrs Weasley's presence was making him keep quite, at least for now. Luckily the Professor had one more diversion up his sleeve.

"Oh, by the way Harry. I spoke with Professor McGonagall last night and seeing as you're Quidditch ban has been lifted she asked me to give you this." And with this he handed Harry a small box. Harry looked at it curiously then flipped it open to reveal a badge similar to Ron and Hermione's prefect badges with the Gryffindor Lion but instead of a large P, there was a large Q. All Harry could do was swallow as he recognised the badge instantly; it was the Quidditch Captain's badge.

"Ruddy hell Harry!" cried Ron in delight as he leaned over the table and looking at the badge. "This is great! With you back as Seeker and with Gin here as a Chaser we'll be bloody unstoppable!"

"Ronald!" snapped Mrs Weasley but the reprimand was only half-hearted and Ron grinned broadly as his mother rolled her eyes.

"Oh dear," murmured Luna with a look of resignation on her face. "I was sort of hoping we might have a chance this year, but if Harry's back…"

"Now Miss Lovegood, do not despair," said Dumbledore with a chuckle. "The competition has not yet started and I believe Madam Hooch will be holding a meeting of the team captains on your return to Hogwarts." This statement caused Harry, Ron and Ginny to share puzzled looks whilst Dumbledore once more retrieved his pocket watch from his robes.

"Well, I think it's about time I go and find our guests. They're probably waiting outside by now." And with that he rose and disappeared out the door.

"What do you reckon Hooch's having a meeting for?" muttered Ron shooting a glance at Harry but before he could respond Hermione gave an exasperated sigh.

"Really Ron, how do you expect Harry to know what the meeting's about? He's only just been told about himself!" For a moment Ron just stared at Hermione before slumping in his seat.

"I only asked," he mumbled run a hand through his messy red hair. "No need to bite my damn head off." Before Hermione could reply the kitchen door opened and Dumbledore walked in followed by three men. The first man was the same height as Dumbledore, slim with blue eyes and was almost bald except for a ponytail of grey hair on the back of his head. The second was also the same height, slightly heavier although not fat and with a shock of white hair with a similar coloured moustache and round glasses. Then Harry's gaze fell on the third man who stood slightly shorter than Ron but just a tad taller than Neville. He was totally bald, thin but with a warm friendly face and like the second man wore spectacles although these were similar to Dumbledore's.

"Now," said Dumbledore with a smile. "Introductions are in order I think, first we have Professor Stoutbridge." At this the smallest man gave a small nod still smiling broadly.

"Then we have Professor Hedges," this time the man with a ponytail stepped forward slightly and smiled warmly.

"And finally," said Dumbledore. "Professor Gringle."

"Hate to say this Albus old man, but I think they might have worked that out already," said Professor Gringle in a cheerful voice whilst Professors Hedges and Stoutbridge just looked on with matching grins.

"Indeed so," said Dumbledore without the slightest trace of embarrassment before quickly introducing Harry and the others to the Professors. Harry was slightly surprised that, when Dumbledore introduced him to the Professors none of them showed any signs of surprise or delight that he usually associated with Wizards meeting him for the first time. In fact, once the introductions were completed it was to Neville who Professor Stoutbridge first turned to.

"Longbottom?" he chirped happily as he leaned back against the kitchen wall. "Any relation to Algie Longbottom?"

"Ye…yes Sir," stammered Neville. "He's my Uncle!"

"Well could you remind him when you next write him a letter he's still got my old Nimbus 750 and that I'd like it back sometime?"

"Eh, Okay," said Neville exchanging glances with Harry and Ron, both of whom just grinned.

"Well now that we're all introduced to each other," said Dumbledore slowly. "I believe it's time we get started." And with the he pulled a key from within his robes.

At this point Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna all exchanged puzzled looks whilst the look Harry and Hermione shared was more nervous. Across the room Mrs Weasley looked like she wanted to say something but kept silent as Dumbledore crossed over to a door in the corner Harry had never really given much thought and opened it before turning to him and the others.

"This way please."

***

Dumbledore lead the six teenagers and the three Professors down into another cellar, which Harry immediately saw, had been renovated at some point recently. Two large oak cabinets stood against the far end wall whilst the floor was covered with padded matting. There was also padding against some of the walls and although Harry wasn't sure what it was for there was something nagging at the back of his mind insisting he should.

"Now then," said Dumbledore. "I thing the first order of business would be to explain what's going on." And with this four high-backed armchairs appeared side-by-side with a wooden bench in front of it. Dumbledore now indicated for Harry and the others to sit on the bench whilst the three Professors sat down leaving only Dumbledore standing as he looked down on the six students.

"Now, Harry informs me you are all now aware of the Prophecy correct?"

"Trelawney must have been wrong!" said Hermione almost at once. "She must have been!" Dumbledore now gave a soft sigh and bowed his head before turning to Hermione whose face was a mixture of fear and disbelief. The Professor now glanced at Harry then back to Hermione. He knew in her heart that Hermione had already accepted the prophecy; she just needed to hear it from someone else.

"I'm afraid that on this occasion that Professor Trelawney is completely accurate Miss Granger. When all is said and done it comes down to Harry and Voldermort. One will live and one will die." He now fell silent for a second to let the six absolve this information before continuing.

"So what now?" said Ron nervously. Dumbledore now gave a wry smile and sat down in between Professors Gringle and Stoutbridge.

"The fact of the matter is Mr Weasley we have three advantages. First, Voldermort only knows a small portion of the prophecy so he is still in the dark about much of it. Secondly, Harry has you five. Voldermort may have his Death Eaters but as you have learned their loyalty only goes as far as their courage whereas you five have proven to be ready to give your lives for each other although I hope it will not come to that." At this time he paused and leaned back in his chair steeping his fingers.

"You said we had three advantages Professor," said Ginny nervously. "What's the third?"

Dumbledore now cast glances at the other three Professors before turning to the teenagers.

"Have any of you ever heard of the Staff of Merlin?"

For a moment the room was quite before Hermione spoke up.

"But…but that's just a Myth isn't it?" Dumbledore now shook his head and leaned forward slightly.

"No Miss Granger, it is very really," he said softly. "The only reason people considered it myth is because nobody knew where it was. The same could be said for the Philosopher's Stone, many considered that a myth but I think we know better than that don't we?"

"But where is it then?" asked Luna with curiosity.

"Somewhere in the Carpathian Mountains," replied Dumbledore as he folded his hands in front of him. "We don't know it's exactly location as the staff is protect by numerous wards and charms. The only reason we know it's there is because of an ancient text that was discovered about six years ago. It took nearly seven months for the Ministry experts to decipher it as it was written in a form of runes that hadn't been used since the late Sixth Century and even once they'd deciphered it, it took another four months for them to confirm its authenticity. Unfortunately at this point it was placed back in the archives due to the Ministry's refusal to accept that Voldermort had indeed returned. Thankfully however this has now changed and they immediately dispatched two of their top experts who have spent the last six weeks searching for it until just over a week ago they finally detected the edge of the wards. As luck would have it however the wards placed around the staff are merely to conceal it location and not protect it so the Ministry now believe it will only be a matter of months, maybe even weeks before they can break most of the wards and get a precise location on the staff." Dumbledore now paused and waited for the question he knew was coming and he wasn't disappointed.

"So what exactly is this staff thingy?" asked Ron with a slight frown.

"Miss Granger," said Dumbledore turning to Hermione with a broad smile. "Perhaps you'd like to answer that question?" Hermione now gave a nervous nod before beginning to speak.

"Well there's not much, just an obscure reference in `Mythical Relics'," she said slowly. "It says Merlin foresaw a time when a dark presence would threaten both the Magical and Muggle worlds. Knowing that he wouldn't be around to fight the forces of Darkness the next time they were strong enough to threaten both worlds he placed his powers in the staff shortly before his death. After that it gets a bit sketchy. Nobody knew what happened to the staff although the most popular theory was that Merlin had given it to one of his most trusted pupils with orders to hide it and protect it until it was need."

"That is quite correct Miss Granger," said Dumbledore with a smile which Hermione nervously returned before Neville spoke up.

"So…so this staff could help Harry to defeat Voldermort?" he said slowly.

"I cannot say for certain," admitted Dumbledore with a small shrug. "But that said there have been many times when the forces of Darkness have threatened both worlds since Merlin's death but this is the first time that we have had any idea where the staff is at such an occasion. Whether this is fate or merely a stroke of luck even I could not say, contrary to popular belief even I don't know everything." This caused a chuckle amongst the three other Professors while Harry and his friends wore nervous smiles before Dumbledore continued.

"Now we come to why we are all here," he said sombrely. "At this moment Voldemort is unaware that we have located the staff but that will certainly change and when it does we must be ready to make our move. You see Harry, one of the enchantments Merlin's student placed on the staff was similar to the one he place on Excalibur meaning only the person who can use it will be able to remove it from it's location which means that you will have to travel to the Carpathians for us to know if it is you who can use the staff's powers."

"But we're going too right Professor?" asked Hermione calmly although there was an unmistakable look of nervousness on her face.

"Indeed you are Miss Granger," said Dumbledore with a nod. "But first you will commence some `special' training."

"What kind of `special' training?" asked Harry. The old man now smiled warmly before turning left and right looking at the three other Professors before back to Harry.

"I think by now you will have probably all guessed that all three of these gentlemen are members of the Order and as well as being excellent in their teaching subjects both Professors Stoutbridge and Hedges are also high skilled in Defensive Magic and will be helping Professor Gringle to enhance your skills in them. At the same time they will also be training you in non-magical forms of combat due to the fact that one of the wards the Ministry experts have detected is a Tutis Ward."

"A what?!" exclaimed Ron with a puzzled frown. Harry glanced at Hermione expecting her to give an explanation but even she looked slightly confused.

"A Tutis Ward Mr Weasley," said Professor Gringle from beside Dumbledore. "And you won't find it in any book at Hogwarts either, not even in the restricted section."

"Why not?!" demanded Hermione hotly as if the fact this particular ward was not taught or even mentioned in any books at Hogwarts was a personal insult to her. A second later her brain seemed to catch up with her mouth causing her eyes to go large, her face pink and her hand shot to her mouth.

"Oh…oh Professor….I….I didn't…" she stammered but it appeared that Professor Gringle wasn't annoyed by her outburst. In fact he was grinning broadly whilst both Professors Stoutbridge and Hedges were shaking with silent laughter and even Dumbledore was wearing an amused smile.

"You said she was an inquisitive one Albus," said Professor Gringle nodding at Hermione whilst looking at Dumbledore who merely shrugged.

"Miss Granger is one of the finest students I've ever seen at Hogwarts," said the Headmaster casually causing Hermione to go even pinker. "It's a pity Voldermort's attack on the Ministry delayed the release of the OWL results as I'm sure it would confirm my suspicion that she's our best student since a certain Lily Evans!"

By now Hermione had changed from pink to such a shade of red that Harry and the others were barely stopping themselves from laughing as Dumbledore now turned back to face Hermione with a smile albeit a slightly grimmer one than he'd been wearing just a moment previously and almost at once Harry felt the grin fall of his face.

"Now Miss Granger, you asked why we do not teach the Tutis Ward at Hogwarts. The fact of the matter is it is one of the most dangerous wards know to the wizarding world. Not for the effects of ward but its effects on its caster."

"What kind of effects?" said Ron looking nervous.

"Death Mr Weasley," replied Dumbledore solemnly causing Ron to pale whilst Hermione gave a small squeak. "If the spell is cast incorrectly, it almost always leads to the wizard trying to establish the ward dying."

For a moment the six youngsters just sat looking at each in shock before Luna spoke up.

"So what does this ward do exactly Professor?" she asked trying to sound calm but Harry could sense a slight tremble in her tone.

"It creates a small area where magic will either not work properly or is totally suppressed," explained Dumbledore. "It is most effective in confined areas such as caves or tunnels."

"So that's why you're going to teach us non-magical combat," said Harry with a look of understanding. "Because we won't be able to use magic."

"But neither would Voldermort or his Death Eaters when they came after us right?" asked Hermione nervously.

"That would be correct Miss Granger," said Dumbledore with a nod. "But I will not lie to you Harry, Voldermort is well skilled in non-magical combat but at least without magic things should be a little more even."

"Wait a minute though," said Ron with a frown. "If this ward's meant to block magic how will Harry be able to use the staff if he can?"

"You raise an excellent point Mr Weasley," said Dumbledore. "However, I believe that Merlin's pupil created the ward with a special proviso, that being that if the staff was removed by the one who could use it the ward would drop thus allowing its powers to be used." He now fell silent and watched as Harry and his friends exchanged nervous looks before continuing.

"I will admit this is a huge gamble I'm asking you to take, and it's possible it won't work," he said slowly as he looked at each one of the youngsters in turn. "But this is possibly the best chance we have of destroying Voldermort before a war can truly begin." For a few more moments Harry sat looking straight at Dumbledore then exchanged brief glances at each of the others until he finally met Hermione's gaze. She now gave a brief nod while grabbing his hand and squeezing it whilst Harry now turned to his mentor.

"We ready," he said softly.

"Good," said Dumbledore smiling, a twinkle in his eyes. "We shall start this afternoon after lunch."

Authors Note

Once more thanks to all of you who've been reviewing this and I must say it's actually coming on nicely.

Secondly, Star22 pointed out the fact that Dumbledore's told Harry that the Dursleys are his only living relatives; however, if Voldermort can read Harry's thoughts it would have been dangerous.

Now, not many writers would probably dare to do this but I'm going to give all of my readers the chance to get their names up in lights. The fact is I suck at song lyrics and although I could easily skip it I'd like to put in a Sorting Hat song so anyone who can come up with a song and e-mail it to either UKDutch@hotmail.com or andycfuller@hotmail.com by the 1st August at 1900 GMT will get their name not only given a credit but will also become a 1st Year student in the house of their choice! How's that for a prize….Yeah, sucks a bit don't it? But I'm all out of Galleons! And if all the entries I get suck the deals off!

Finally, Tutis is a real word, it's Latin for Protected, safe or secure, you would not believe how many days that took for me to find!


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