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Chapter 1: A New Professor

Al was in his room as usual reading every book he could find, the family always joked that he was like his Aunt Hermione in that way but he was willing to bet his wand Aunt Hermione never read books like these for fun. Al wouldn't say he was enamored with the Dark Arts, but he did certainly enjoy learning all he could – from spells to potions, herbs and even the rare branch of dark divination. Al absorbed the information and relished in it. His desire to know all he could of the forbidden arts was hindered at home (being in a family of Gryffindor's will do that) but at school he was free to indulge. Which was why summers were agonizing for him and he locked himself away.

James came into Al's room a habit that had been lessening over the years as Al pushed his light centric family away.

"Hey Al. Want to pop over to Uncle George and Aunt Angelina's? Uncle George said that he's got some prototypes for exploding cauldrons that he wants to test. Should be a laugh." James knew the answer before Al spoke.

"No thanks." Al said, not even bothering to pause in his reading.

"Are you sure? I mean, the cauldrons probably won't pass the ministry inspection but having dad on his side is a bonus."

"I'm sure."

James sighed, "You know I'm always here to talk right?" he asked in a rare moment of seriousness.

"I know." Al said this mostly to pacify James and get him to leave.

James did leave with only a brief nod and Al continued reading in silence.

Some hours later he was putting the book down having finished it. It was a fascinating read on various poisonous plants that are detectable only to the most highly trained Herbologist.

"Al!" Ginny called up the stairs, "Dinner!"

Al trotted down the stairs and sat next to his sister at the table.

"I've got some big news kids." Harry said as they all began to tuck in.

"Are we actually going somewhere on holiday?" James asked hopefully.

"Is it a puppy?" Lily chimed in.

"No and no. Al, care to guess?" Harry smiled at his second son.

Al was used to being called out of his reverie and his ability to think quickly jumped to his aid, "You and mum are going to Australia and leaving the house to us for the week." He smiled.

"Like that would ever happen." Ginny said with a pointed look.

"It's like they don't trust us." James said, pretending to be hurt.

"They don't trust you." Lily clarified with an innocent smirk.

"No." Harry said interrupting the banter. "I'm going to be your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!" Harry said this with a mixture of enthusiasm and anxiety.

"This will completely ruin my life." James said exasperatedly.

"Oh hush." Ginny said with a roll of her eyes.

"That's cool dad! But, what about the Ministry?" Lily put in, "Won't they need you?"

"Well Uncle Ron's going to be interim Head of Office in my absence. And besides, it's not like I won't be living at home and popping into the office. I'll just be busy."

"Well fair warning dad – it's my N.E.W.T. year and I fully intend on out doing Uncle Fred and Uncle George." James said matter-of-factly.

"If you set off fireworks in the hallway and quit school you'll have bigger problems than your Dad." Ginny said warningly.

"Yea, you'll have Grandma Molly to worry about." Harry laughed.

James looked terrified. "Well, I'll keep it within non-expulsion parameters."

"What happened to Professor Ballyfitzpatrick?" Lily asked.

"He retired." James said.

"Oh right. But why you dad? Not that I mind, it'll be fun. Your guest lectures were always my favorite." Lily beamed proudly at her dad.

Harry felt himself blush slightly at the compliments, "Well thanks Lily. Apparently the Professor they hired decided he didn't want to work there as he believed the position to still be cursed."

"What if it is cursed dad?" James said suddenly. "Won't that mean you're in danger?"

"All the times he's been in danger?" Ginny interrupted, "its old news if he is."

"Thanks honey. Glad to see you're worried." Harry smirked.

"Well it's not cursed. Professor Ballyfitzpatrick worked there for what, twelve years?"

"Something like that." Harry agreed.

"See? He's perfectly safe." Ginny concluded.

"Al, you've been quiet this whole time, what do you think?" Harry asked.

"Oh, it's fine dad. Can I be excused?"

"Are you feeling okay son?" Harry asked concerned.

"Yea. Just…" he looked at the concerned and curious faces of his family. Surely he could tell them about the darkness overtaking him right? His doubts and fears… They were loving, supportive, kind. He could tell them anything.

Except this. A voice whispered in his head. They don't accept this. The darkness. They won't understand. They are not like you.

"I'm reading a really good book. Guess I'm anxious to get back to it." He plastered on his most innocent smile.

Harry smiled too. "Well just hold on a few more minutes okay?"

"'kay."

"So are the cauldron's going to pass inspection dad?" James asked hopefully.

"Did you go see them?" Harry asked.

"Yea, they're wicked! But Uncle George is afraid they're too close to the dark stuff they sell in Knockturn Alley. He's trying to figure out a way to show them as more of a joke than a dark art."

"Well, he's nearly there. I think with a few more tweaks he'll be able to market them."

"Really?"

"I like the Muggle tricks. I think they're fun." Lily added.

"Those are old news sis." James said airily.

"Well they're still fun."

Al forced himself to keep up with the conversation despite how terribly bland he felt it was. He wasn't sure why, weren't familial conversations supposed to be charming and pleasant? Wasn't this supposed to be lovely? Everyone getting along and joking…. He just wanted to go up to his room. To get away. Why was he like this? He knew the answer even before the voice hissed in his ear.

You're different.