A/N: So, I've really been slacking with my stories online, and I'm really, really sorry. I've finally started writing a little bit more of this one, which is hopefully going to keep me reminded to update. Who knew that AP Calculus, AP Psychology, Physics, and AP English would be so hard to manage at the same time? I'll work on getting better at the updates.
So, on that note, please Read, Review (lots of reviews is a good thing!), and Enjoy!
A few days later, Harry was once again teaching his N.E.W.T. class, Ginny at his side. As soon as the entire class sat down, Harry stood up from the desk he and Ginny were sitting on.
"All right," Harry said. "Today, we're going to learn about a very efficient shield. Who can tell me about a Patronus? Lily?"
"It's a smoky, silverfish shape, an animal that is unique to the caster, and it repels Dementors," she explained.
"Good. 5 points to Gryffindor. They also can transport messages from one person to another. The incantation is Expecto Patronum, and the one thing you have to remember is to think happy thoughts. I know it sounds stupid, but in all honesty, this doesn't work if you don't."
"Just show us already, Professor!" Sirius shouted.
Harry began casting the spell. "Expecto, Patro-"
He was cut off when Ginny jumped up and clapped a hand over his mouth, hissing, "You really need to think a little more about what you do or say, Potter."
"Fine," Harry said. "I didn't think. You do it then."
Ginny briefly closed her eyes and then opened them, casting her horse out into the room to various oohs and awws.
"We want to see Professor Peterson's!" James yelled.
With a sigh, Harry nonverbally cast a variation of the spell that was little known, sending a silver phoenix to soar around the room.
"There are a few variations of the Patronus, you just saw one of them. For the next few lessons, Professor West and I will teach you to cast the normal Patronus. I won't cast it in front of you for personal reasons, so you have to rely on Professor West for that. Any questions?"
Lily raised her hand and Harry called on her. "What's special about the kind that you just cast?"
"If it's done right, the Patronus will take on some of the characteristics of the animal it resembles. For example, mine is a phoenix, and if a person was injured, it would be able to heal them with its tears. It's a very powerful spell that takes a lot of energy. Not many people can do it. Other questions? Mr. Black?"
"Why can't we see your normal Patronus?"
Harry ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "It's very personal, and would reveal things about me that I don't want known. Now, pair up and think happy thoughts!"
The next night, there was a knock at the door to Harry and Ginny's office. Ginny opened it with a flick of her wand to admit Lily and James.
"Come to talk again?" Harry asked from where he and Ginny were curled up in an armchair.
"Yes, sir," James answered.
"Well, then come on in and sit down," Harry invited them, once again forcing them both onto the small couch.
James turned and grinned at Harry. "Comfortable, Professors?"
"Hey, James? Shut up," Harry growled.
Lily snorted, and then asked, "So can we learn more about you both?"
Ginny shrugged. "Ask away."
After a few seconds of silence, James looked up and awkwardly asked, "Professor Peterson, if you don't mind, what happened to your parents?"
Lily elbowed James and hissed, "What are you doing, Potter? That's a very personal question!"
Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "No, it's okay. He's curious, and I'll tell you."
"Harry, are you sure?" Ginny asked, squeezing her boyfriend's hand.
Running his free hand through his hair, Harry nodded to Ginny and began his explanation. "My mother and father were born in England, and both were magical. It was a pretty dark time, much like the one we're soon going to be in, very similar. My parents were part of a group who actively fought against the evil. They were both killed in my house by the man they were fighting against when I was one. My dad died trying to protect my mum, and she died protecting me. I'm very lucky that I wasn't killed as well."
James and Lily stared at their young professor in horror, as he blankly stated at them with a haunted look in his eyes.
"Er, look, Professor," James muttered. "I'm sorry I asked. Sorry to make you remember that."
"I promise you, James, it's okay," Harry reassured the boy he had just told the future to.
There was yet another awkward silence, then Lily turned to Ginny. "You have a big family, right Professor West?"
Ginny laughed, lightening the mood. "You could say that. I'm the youngest of seven, and the only girl. One of my brothers was killed a few years ago, and one isn't around the family very much. Only one of them is married yet, but I doubt it will be long from the rest of us, and lots of kids kinda run in the family. It's about time to wrap this up, then."
"Wait, Professor, can I talk to you in private?" Lily and James both asked at the same time, Lily to Ginny and James to Harry.
"Yeah," Harry said. "Come on, James, let's go to the classroom.
A few minutes later, Harry was seated across from his future father in the empty DADA room.
"Professor, I really am sorry about what I asked you earlier. I wasn't thinking much," James apologized.
"It really is alright, James, you have to understand that. I can't tell you how many times I've had to answer that question."
James protested. "You looked so sad, though. I'm sorry to have caused that."
"James Potter," Harry threatened. "If you apologize for that one more time, I'll hex you. I was a bit overemotional telling you the story. You remind me a lot of what I've heard about my dad. Better head off to patrols, James. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, thanks, Professor."
Meanwhile, Ginny and Lily sat in the office.
"Professor," Lily said timidly. "I'm a little confused about something. Could you maybe give me some advice?
Ginny nodded and asked what it was about, already having her own speculations on what it was.
"It's about James Potter," Lily admitted. "He's not acting normal. He's more mature and responsible than he's ever been. I don't know what prompted it or how to reply to it."
Ginny laughed and smirked at Lily. "He's doing it for you, Lily. He's trying to impress you."
"He is not!" Lily countered. "Right?"
"I really this he is. I can't be sure, of course, but that's what it looks like to me."
Lily groaned. "What should I do?"
Ginny shrugged. "That's up to you to decide."
"Thank you, Professor," Lily said as she ducked out of the room.
