Summary: Dumbledore has been hiding something because he promised someone he would never tell the truth about Harry. Now though, there's a new Defense professor, with her own intriguing secrets, and two children.

"I'd like to introduce to you all the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. Professor Jackson." Courteous applause as the new professor…didn't stand up? No one was sitting in the seat the Professor should be in….

The clapping died as students and professors alike began to realize this. It was then that the doors of the Hall opened to reveal Filch with a young woman dressed in sorceresses robes and two children, each clutching one of her hands.

"Found her at the gates, sir." Filch announces, almost proudly.

"Very good, Master Filch, thank you." Dumbledore motions the young woman to the front. 'Students, this is Professor Jackson." The young woman smiles at the stunned faces of the students before turning to Dumbledore.

"Sorry I'm late, sir, but there was trouble. Where should the boys sit?" She whispers for the old wizard to hear.

"There is room next to you." She nods, seemingly flustered as she ushers the two wide-eyed boys to their seats at the table next to Professor Snape.

She smiles wide at Snape, who acknowledges her with a quiet word of greeting loaded with much more. The two boys climb into their seats, respectfully quiet.

"As I know you are all hungry, I shall not make you wait any longer." Food appears on the tables and everyone indulges in ignorant bliss as they eat.

Except for one Harry Potter.

Harry joins in, but not the extent of his friends. His eyes wander to the new Professor. She looks very familiar to Harry.

But he could not for the life of him remember where he had seen her before.

Unbeknownst to young Harry, the same Professor he was watching, was watching him. Almost as if to make sure he is real.

"Professor, a word in my office?" Headmaster Albus Dumbledore asks the young Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at the end of the meal.

"Of course." She turns to the oldest of the two boys, "Michael, I want you to take your brother, and stay with Hagrid, he'll show you where we're staying." Jackson says firmly, glancing at Hagrid, who nods.

"Yes, mum." Michael answers, taking his brother's hand and following the large man out of the Hall.

Jackson obediently follows Dumbledore to his office.

"I'm sorry, sir, something came up, Daniel couldn't look after the boys. They'll be gone in a week at the latest, off to a Muggle boarding school….If you want, I could…" Dumbledore raises his hand to stop the young woman's ramble.

"This is not about the boys. It will be a delight to have them here. I'm sure Hagrid will appreciate the help while he has it." Dumbledore shakes his head, "No, this is about The Power. I wish to make sure you have it under control." The Professor nods.

"Yes, sir, I do. The Power of The Beast will not take me."

"As long as you are sure."

"Yes, Headmaster, the potions Professor Snape has given to soothe the pain are very helpful."

"Very well. Return to your boys, Professor. I am sure they are exhausted and unsure in this place. Be sure of your every action, these are dangerous times. He may not trust you as easily as you think." She gives a bow of her head.

"He will sir." Professor Jackson leaves the office and Albus Dumbledore sits in deep thought.

"For his sake and yours, I hope you are right, my dear, I hope you are right."

TBC

That's the first chapter of my first HP fic. I'm looking for a beta reader, so if any y'all are interested, email me and RandR please and thanx.

BaalsFirstPrime