"There is no need to pay for a simple staff made of common materials. Any rare materials will have to be paid for, or provided if the smiths do not have any to hand." With even the rifters and refugees least suited to combat available to help in gathering supplies, there is no shortage of iron or other basic crafting materials. And the Inquisition is happy to compensate the smiths for their time, if the weapons made are to be used in its service.

She lifts an eyebrow. "It is possible, of course, to become proficient with other weapons. Most mages do not bother; there are a number of defensive spells and even those that serve to keep them somewhat hidden from their foes. But it is a possibility." An unlikely one, she thinks, if Hermione has gone this long without any weapons training at all. But it is possible.