The Hidden Power
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Summary: Harry's 6th year at Hogwarts begins with a bang. Voldemort is growing in power and new feelings are being discovered. Plus the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professors have a mysterious interest in him. Will this be the year he defeats his biggest enemy and finally gets to live a life?
A/N: Reading suggestion – dark background, ¾ width and whatever size font makes you happy. Very comfortable for reading.
Chapter 1: The New Professors
In the office of Albus Dumbledore, a now familiar conversation was taking place.
"What makes you believe that you are the best candidates for the job?" A couple sat before him, a young woman with reddish hair and a man with dark raven hair, both with eyes the twinkled like diamonds in the morning sunlight.
"Firstly, we were the best in our year for this subject. Lila here was the top student and dedicated her life to trying to defeat Tom Riddle and was part of a group that formed strategies on how to draw him out. I also was part of this group and went on to become one of the top cadets in the Auror academy. We had a child, but we woke up one morning and he was gone. For a while, we lost the will to live." Johnny, the man, had tears in his eyes as he choked this out.
Dumbledore looked down at the parchment before him, trying to conceal his own tears. He cleared his throat.
"Mr –" he paused. He could swear there was something hidden beneath this text. He continued, regaining control. "Partridge.. are you and your wife aware of the last five Defence Professors we've had?"
"We heard a rumour. But we'd love if you could fill us in further, Sir."
"Call me Albus. If you're successful, that's how you'll need to address me after all."
Johnny and Lila nodded.
Albus began. Story telling was an art and he would make it well worth it. "Alright. In 1991, a young man named Professor Quirrell taught the topic. I should have been suspicious by his stutter but I thought perhaps he was just a little terrorised by what he experienced on his sabbatical. It was discovered at the end of the year, thanks to young Mr Potter and his friends, that Quirrell was being possessed by Tom. Sadly, he did not make it out alive. The next year our students had Mr Gilderoy Lockhart. He chased poor Mr Potter around the school, telling him to not misuse his fame. It turned out that he was a fraud who obliviated people and stole their stories. After using young Mr Weasley's broken wand one day, his spell backfired and he himself was obliviated." Lila gasped.
"Third year we had a wonderful young man named Remus Lupin. He has been the best teacher so far but was asked by the Board of Governors to step down as it was discovered by certain Slytherin students that he was a werewolf." At this point, Johnny was now trying to bring a shock-induced coughing fit back under control. Remus Lupin? A teacher? He couldn't believe it.
"The following year, Hogwarts played host to the Triwizard Tournament. Alastor Moody was on staff that year. However, at the close of the tournament, we discovered that the real one was in his trunk and the one before us was the escaped prisoner Barty Crouch Jr. And finally, last year we had the 'pleasure' of hosting Dolores Umbridge – Minister Fudge's Senior Undersecretary. She believed only in teaching theory and as a result, Mr Potter formed a group with the help of his friend Hermione Granger that learned the practical side in secret. They named it Dumbledore's Army to scare her. She ended up trying to harm our students and was fired."
Johnny and Lila breathed a sigh of relief. The story was over. But there was a lot of pressure on them to perform.
"So, Albus, is it true that Tom put a curse on the Defence position?" Johnny asked.
Albus sighed. "If my theories are correct, then yes."
"Do you still believe the prophecy is true?"
Albus' eyes widened. They knew about the prophecy. Who were these people? He calmed himself and searched their feelings. There was no evil intent. He cleared his throat.
"To an extent. Hmm, how shall I put it? I believe prophecies have an element of truth to them but they are read into far too much. It is my opinion that Voldemort saw this is as the be all and end all, therefore taking it as a life or death matter. Voldemort did have a method of immortality on hand but due to the help of Lily and James Potter, those items have been destroyed."
The couple's eyes lit up.
Albus decided the serious part of the interview needed to finish – he was in dire need of tea, laced with something a little stronger.
"So, Lila, Johnny… are you willing to take the risk?"
They looked at each other excitedly. This was it. "YES."
"Wonderful. Now, I have a second proposition for you. Would you do me the honour of joining the Order of the Phoenix? You seem to know something about it."
The couple nodded, eyes full of happiness.
"Good, I'll reinduct you at the meeting."
Johnny's breath left him. He knew. Nothing could get past Albus Dumbledore.
Tea and scones were enjoyed before the couple returned to their Hogsmeade home. On the way out the door, Albus said "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
…..
A child lost, a group that formed battle plans to defeat Voldemort, and the best students of their particular year… there was only one couple that met that description. This was going to be an interesting year.
A/N: Yes, yes. Very short. But it's a prologue. Haha. I made it short on purpose – next chapter will be way longer. I hope you enjoyed it and if you did, let me know what pairings you want. I was thinking canon ones but am willing to work with ideas.
