The Darkness Within: A Harry Potter Sequel

Chapter One

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Harry's scar had not hurt for nineteen years. All was well.

All was well. At least, that was what he told himself, and what he told his wife every time she asked. She asked often.

As the train pulled away, Harry could no longer hold a happy expression, and his smile faded. Ginny took Lily's hand, and together the three of them turned away from the platform and passed through the nearest floo network.

Lily's obliviousness was somewhat effective in removing the strain once they arrived home. She skipped around the house, her sadness at being left behind while her brothers journeyed to Hogwarts evaporated. Ginny waited until Lily had left the room, then turned to Harry and pulled him towards her, taking his face in her hands.

"We have to keep an eye on her," she said. "The house will be quieter now."

Harry took her hands and lifted them away. "She's a tough girl, she'll be okay."

Ginny shook her head. "I remember what it was like when my brothers went to Hogwarts and it was just my parents and I in the house. I was so lonely. I counted down the days until they came back. Even though they never included me, I would rather have had them there."

Harry paused, then finally said, "We'll take her out more."

"Today?" Ginny asked, her expression hopeful.

"Not today. I have to get some work done."

Ginny's expression changed, a touch of anger showing. "But it's a Saturday. Take today off at least." She pulled Harry towards her and took his face in her hands again. She gently pulled him down until their foreheads touched. "We need time to process," she continued. "Albus leaving for the first time...you remember how it was with James. It's going to affect us."

Harry pulled away. "I need to work." He turned and walked into his office, shutting the door behind him. His chest immediately flared with guilt, but he couldn't bring himself to go back and apologise to his wife. He didn't have the strength for it.

Harry hadn't had Ginny's upbringing. He and the Dursleys had been mutually happy not to see each other for a whole school year, and they, like he, had dreaded his return each summer. Now he had a family of his own, who he actually wanted to spend time with, every September brought a new heartache. And now Albus had gone too. Sweet, soft Albus. He was so shy, so awkward. Would he manage to make friends? What had Harry and Ginny done wrong? Why did their son not carry the Gryffindor courage?

He shook his head. Neville Longbottom, his old school friend, appeared in his mind. Clumsy, bumbling Neville, whom no one thought belonged in Gryffindor, ended up surprising everyone in his final year at Hogwarts, displaying bravery that inspired them all. Albus would be fine.

It wasn't really Albus that Harry was worried about, he knew. He would miss his sons dearly. But even when they were home, he still missed them.

Ginny stormed into Harry's office, slamming the door behind her.

"Enough," she said, her voice carrying a steely edge.

"What?" Harry asked.

"You know what, Harry. We need to talk about what's going on with you."