Dear Mr. Potter,

Due to a shortage in Staff, Hogwarts has requested that we send a
suitable candidate to fill in as Defense Against the Dark Arts
Teacher. The only requirement was that said candidate have experience in the
subject and that they possibly come from the school themselves.
After much consideration, it has been decided that you are the most
suitable. Please make sure to arrive by the 31st of August, the
Headmaster will await you at the entrance to the castle. Keep in mind that apparition
is not possible within Hogwarts grounds.

Edward Greenley
The Department of Mysteries
England

The tall, dark haired man walking up the great stairs of the castle entrance was not a

happy one. James Harold Potter had decided 15 years ago, that he would never again

return to England, but here he was, as teacher in his old school no less. Sadness kept hold

of him like a warm cloak. One thought had haunted him since he had been ordered here:

Had his son lived, he would be in his 6th year. James pushed the wave of depression aside

as he came to the top stair and the great doors of the castle opened either from the inside

or of their own accord. He had never, in all his years at Hogwarts, found out which was the

case. Standing just inside was a tall man with a long white beard which was tucked into his

belt, and eyes, which normally twinkled in mirth, now looking at him in surprise.

"Mr. Potter! How is it that you are still alive?" James stared at him stunned. Hadn't the

old man known that he was coming? "Come in, come in, young man and join us in the great

hall. We have been wondering who the Ministry would send." James followed him silently

into the castle where Professor Dumbledore suddenly paused. "Oh! Please Mr. Potter, l

eave your things here, they will be taken to your rooms shortly." Finally the two men

stepped into the Great Hall. All chatter stopped at once as the newcomer walked in beside

Dumbledore.

"Professor?" James recognized the tall black-haired, hook-nosed man at once. "What

dark art is this?" Snape cried.

"I would like knowing this myself." Dumbledore replied calmly. "I am sure Severus,

that

James will give us an explanation any moment. First of all, James, I am sure you still know

half of the teachers here, let me introduce the rest." Introductions were made as the rest

of the staff fidgeted in their seats while staring at James with wide eyes. "Yes, as I am sure

you have all deduced, this is James Potter, Harry's father."

"But!" The teacher who had been introduced as Madame Hooch cried. "How did you

survive the killing curse? How is this possible?"

"Killing curse?" James asked. "Oh, you mean Voldemort. He hadn't cast the killing

curse on me, he just used the cruciatus curse about 10 times and was then satisfied that I

was no longer able to do anything." James stated this dispassionately, as though telling

the story of a stranger which for him, who had pushed it all in the back of his mind, it was.

James wondered though, why Dumbledore had mentioned Harry.

"You will be proud of the boy, he has been very brave in light of things."

James looked at him in surprise. "Who are you talking about?"

Now it was Dumbledore's turn to be surprised. "Why, young Harry of course."

"My son is dead." James said in a cold voice. "I would appreciate your not reminding

me of things I would rather forget."

The teachers all exchanged glances. "We need to talk immediately, please step into

my office.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Luna stepped out of the thestral-drawn carriages

and made their way up the steps of Hogwarts.

"I wonder who the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher is this year." Ron

commented.

"I just hope that he knows his stuff and does not belong to the dark side." Harry

replied.

"The others wish to continue the DA." Said Ginny.

"Do you think we could learn about Heliopaths this year?" Luna asked dreamily.

Hermione shot her a disgruntled look, but didn't say anything as she saw the look on

Harry's face.

As they entered the castle, Harry was stopped by McGonagall. "Mr. Potter, would you

please come with me. No, Mr Weasley and Ms. Granger, you need to continue to the Great

Hall." Confused, Harry followed his transfiguration teacher. Going to her office, they

entered the room to see Professor Dumbledore and a tall man hidden in the shadows.

"You wanted to see me, Professor Dumbledore?" Harry asked, glancing at the man

behind the Headmaster.

"Yes Harry, I would like you to meet the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher,

Professor Potter." James stepped forward, watching his son intensely. He was amazed at

how much his son looked like him. He worried, though, looking at the boy now. The 16 year

old showed no emotion as he stared at his father, although after having grown up as he

did, he could not expect him to be a bundle of joy.

The boy turned to Dumbledore. "May I ask what the meaning of this is, Sir? I am

hungry and would like to join the feast."

Dumbledore looked greatly surprised. "I wanted to warn you before announcing him

at the feast. Do you not care at all?" A pang ran through James at this question and

sadness set in once more.

"What, that I am not the only one with the last name of Potter?"

"His name, is James." Harry raised his right eyebrow and looked at the stranger.

"Your father is not dead, Harry." James saw a flicker of emotion in Harry's eyes which

quickly died.

"Then whose body had been found that night? Why would my father, having survived,

not tried to contact me, why did he even let me be taken away? He is not my father." With

these words, Harry turned and left the room.