AN: This is my first crossover fanfiction and I really hope you like it, it is set during the order of the phoenix. Please read and review.

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or Harry Potter all right belong to BBC and JK Rowling.

1500 years, 1500 bloody years of waiting for Arthur and there had been absolutely no sign the blonde prat of a prince would even return as kilgarrah had said.

It frustrated him the way his whole being seemed to scream and cry at just the thought of his clotpole (and boy did he think about him a lot), the way pain seemed to be present in every move he made, the permanent melancholy that never seemed to leave his eyes no matter how much he smiled or laughed and it was the way his body; his soul seemed to ache as if missing its most important piece.

He missed the light hearted banter they used to have, the unrelenting feeling of safety just the presence of his other half gave him. He missed the knights too, Gaius and Gwen- missed how simple his life used to be, envied his younger self for being able to feel happy in such a way he hadn't been able to since he laid Arthur to rest. But they were all gone; everyone he had ever loved or cared about, lost to the ravages of time and destiny.

And it was killing him.

That was part of the reason he had accepted the job in the first place, the defence against the dark arts position at Hogwarts, to create a distraction for his idle mind (he started to dwell on everything if his mind was not occupied), the other reason was that last year he had felt a spike in his magic and sensed that Lord Voldemort had risen once again, after spending most of his time doing absolutely nothing except sitting back and watching he had decided to finally act, after all he couldn't allow Harry potter and his friends to succumb to Voldemort's wishes.

Which was how he found himself walking through the forbidden forest and on his way up to a castle he hadn't set foot in in years.

He glanced around, feeling an odd sort of comfort as he took note of the trees surrounding him on all sides; it reminded him of the quests he used to go on- the way the sunlight would sometimes hit the leaves just right and suddenly everybody seemed to be able to see the beauty of the world around them or when night would fall the shadows used to dance across the ground, twisting and turning in some odd sort of rhythm only they knew.

What worried him though was the peculiar feeling in the air, the electricity that seemed to crackle and the shifting in the ground. He knew it was the old religion crying out for help as an abomination abused its practices and it made him sick. But there was a feeling of excitement that seemed to encompass his entire being when he realised that maybe, just maybe the threat was big enough to bring back the people he longed for most in this world, the people who had been shaped into a fairy-tale- moulded to fit the way others saw them, their stories changing drastically as more time passed with Merlin being the only one to really know the truth.

By this time, he had reached the path leading to the castle and it seemed so had the students for they were making their way to the carts being pulled by the thestrals.

Merlin was snapped out of his musings however when he collided with somebody sending them both toppling to the ground, he looked up to find it was none other than Harry Potter he had crashed into and he sighed resigned to the fact that he would always be clumsy. Standing up, Merlin held a hand out to the teen in an effort to help him up ''I'm so sorry'' he apologised hauling the teen to his feet ''I really need to start watching where I'm going, I can be so clumsy sometimes.''

Harry just laughed brushing off his robes as he adjusted his stance ''it's fine you weren't the only one who wasn't looking where he was going.''

Merlin smiled and Harry returned it warmly ''I'm Harry, Harry Potter'' the teen introduced and Merlin took the offered hand.

''Mryddin Emrys'' he replied ''I'm the new DADA Professor.''

Hermione thrust her hand forward at hearing this ''Hermione Granger sir.''

''It's nice to meet you Hermione'' Merlin grinned at the bookish girl before turning to the last of their group ''and you are?'' he questioned kindly.

''Ron Weasley'' the ginger greeted and Merlin shook his hand before casting an eye to the watch on his wrist.

''It was a pleasure meeting you all, but I'm afraid I have to leave lest I be late. I certainly don't want to anger the headmaster on my first day and I believe the three of you also need to get going or you may miss your cart'' he waved a hand at the only remaining cart and then strode up the path to the castle, inclining his head to the three teenagers in his wake.

Merlin was right he was late but luckily Dumbledore hadn't called him out on it, just welcomed him to Hogwarts and pointed him to the staff table at the front of the room.

Once sat down, Merlin glanced around the hall taking in all the decorations adorning the walls. He remembered the last time he was here, posing as a student (one of many times he had done so) decades after the founders had perished- he'd promised himself he would never again enter it's walls as a student after graduating, having found the repetition boring after a while.

He had always marvelled at the similarities the founders had managed to get to Camelot; if he squinted hard enough he could even imagine a red clad knight stalking down the hall, sword in hand and Pendragon crest emblazoned on his cloak. He knew though that Hogwarts was not Camelot, no the real Camelot was safely hidden from view leagues away from the school, perfectly preserved in all it's former glory; waiting for the day it's rightful owner would once again grace it's halls.

He knew that for a fact, after all he himself had been the one to cast the spells to hide the great city away- putting that many powerful protective enchantments on the place that some may say it bordered on ridiculousness.

Merlin just wanted to be sure though, that nothing and no one could ever tarnish the place he had been at his happiest; running away from irate princes because he could just not stop calling Arthur fat.

The warlock choked back a sob knowing he couldn't afford to break down now, especially not in front of these people who had no idea the trials he went through daily. When he had calmed, Merlin opened his eyes to see that most of the hall had been filled and seated except for the first years.

Hermione glanced up to the staff table to see the new DADA Professor sat with his eyes closed and looking like he was in pain ''do you think he's ok?'' the witch questioned worriedly.

The boys followed her gaze but it was Harry who answered ''I'm sure he's fine Hermione, don't worry.''

''He looks a bit young to be a professor don't you think?'' Ron piped up and Harry had to agree.

''I'm not sure'' the bushy haired witch replied ''on the outside he looks young, but when you look at his eyes- he looks ancient.''

''What do you mean?''

''Never mind Ron, I'm sure you'll see it soon enough.''

''Do you think he knows the position is cursed?'' Harry asked and Hermione glared at him.

''Don't say that, it's not cursed'' she denied and Ron snorted whilst the black haired teen stared at her in disbelief.

''C'mon Hermione, how haven't you seen it. First year, he had two heads and one of them turned out to be Voldemort. Second year, it was a narcissist who loved his fame just a little too much'' Harry ticked them off his fingers as he went, becoming more amused at the look on his best friends face ''third year he was a werewolf, granted a very nice werewolf but still. And fourth year was an imposter using polyjuice potion to look like the man he had stashed in his trunk- so tell me again Hermione that the position isn't cursed.''

''You may have a point but I'm refusing to believe that without solid proof'' the witch replied and Harry shook his head in incredulity.

It was at that moment that the doors to the great hall opened and a barrage of first years came stumbling in, led by McGonagall, looks of wonderment taking over their young features.

''Do you think we looked that gobsmacked when we were first years'' Ron questioned and Harry let out a startled laugh, taking a long look at his freckled friends face.

''Definitely'' he answered and Hermione snickered at the affronted look on Ron's face.

''ELIZA MIDDLETON'' professor McGonagall called and a petite girl with mousy brown hair and watery blue eyes made her way to the front.

''GRYFFINDOR'' the hat shouted a moment later and the girl scuttled to her seat amongst the smattering of applause.

''Half of them look as if a strong wind will knock them over, don't they mate?'' Ron said and Harry sniggered when Hermione shushed the pair, glaring at them.

Soon all the students had been rightfully placed and Professor Dumbledore stood to address the crowd, beard seemingly whiter than ever.

''I would first like to welcome everybody to Hogwarts and hope you have a great year, now some announcements I am sure most of you have noticed some changes in staff and I would like you to welcome professor Mryddin Emrys the new defence against the dark arts teacher'' Merlin grinned broadly at this, enthusiastically waving to the students and teachers alike.

''I would also like to welcome professor Dolores umbridge who is taking up the new role of subject inspector to ensure that all curriculum materials are appropriate'' here umbridge gave a little girly squeak, attracting the attention of some students ''and I'm sure you will all join me in wishing our new professors good luck, now as usual our caretaker Mr. filch has asked me to remind you-'' Dumbledore was cut off as Umbridge pretended to clear her throat.

''Hem, hem'' those in the hall all watched in disbelief as the tiny woman in pink stood from her chair and walked to the podium, pushing the headmaster out of the way slightly.

''She was at my hearing'' Harry whispered to Hermione who turned back to watch what was about to happen ''she works for Fudge.''

Merlin looked on stunned at the little woman who gave off an air of fake superiority ''thank you, headmaster for those kind words of welcome, and how lovely to be back at Hogwarts I must say. And to see such happy little faces smiling up at me'' she said in a demeaning manner, voice settled in a sickly sweet tone.

Merlin had to cover his mouth with the palm of his hand, lest he laugh out loud at the way she talked to the crowd as if they were two year olds.

Ron, Harry and Hermione watched the Professor; observing the slow reddening of his face, the way his shoulders seemed to shake with suppressed laughter and they grinned at each other- thinking that maybe this year they would have a teacher with a sense of humour.

''I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all, and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!'' Merlin did actually laugh at that, garnering the attention of everyone present in the room.

''Have you something to say Mr Emrys?'' she questioned acidly and he shook his head.

''No not at all'' he replied trying to suppress his giggles.

''Then I suggest you be quiet'' she warned, drawing herself up to full height- which admittedly wasn't very impressive and only served to further make Merlin laugh.

''You know Dolores'' he drawled ''I have never been one for taking orders'' everybody gasped at that then began sniggering; even some of the teachers, though they tried to hide it, had small smiles on their faces.

Ron leant nearer to Harry and Hermione ''you know I don't think the new DADA teacher will be half bad'' he said then they started laughing again when they noticed the murderous expression on her face.

Umbridge's face was starting to purple in outrage and she looked ready to burst but luckily Dumbledore stepped in- joy sparkling in his blue orbs even as his face didn't give any indication of amusement ''I think it best if you return to your seat Dolores, after all the children must be starving and I do not want them to wait any longer.''

She huffed, stalking back to her seat and throwing one last venomous glare at the warlock who grinned back at her.

''That will be all the speeches for one night so there's only one more thing to say, enjoy the feast'' Dumbledore boomed and food appeared in front of everyone.

Once everybody had stuffed themselves with food they all retreated to their chambers and Merlin was directed towards his.

'Well' he thought as he strode through the door, taking in the sight of the furniture 'it's not half bad, maybe just needs a little clean up' then he set to work.

Waving his hand cupboards dusted themselves off, rugs seemed to become vibrant in their colour and everything looked new. Satisfied, the warlock began unpacking his things by hand; centuries old books and tomes, his blue cloak, normal muggle clothes, pictures and mementoes from Camelot that had somehow survived 1500 years.

Underneath it all was a crimson red cloak, golden dragon embroidered on the front and he choked back the tears that welled in his ocean blue eyes. The cloak belonged to Arthur, it was one of his spares (one of the many Merlin had cleaned at some point) and it was one of the only things he had left of Arthur.

Placing the cloak back into his trunk, Merlin wiped the wetness from his eyes and got up to change into his night clothes before getting into bed.

Darkness soon enveloped him and the warlock fell into a fitful sleep, dreaming of blonde princes and cryptic dragons.

AN: So I hope you liked it and please let me know what you think. I love getting reviews.

Edited on: 02/08/2018