Just a Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor: No More, No Less

Chapter 13: Changes That Must Be Made

When Harry mentioned that Sherlock had stopped buying ice cream, Ron and Hermione couldn't imagine the seemingly distant and aloof Sherlock indulging in such a childish treat.

"Maybe he was just standing there by chance? He doesn't seem like someone who enjoys things kids like," Ron mused.

"Could be," Harry shrugged, not thinking too much about it.

The group had originally planned to split up, but the Weasleys, eager to spend more time with Sherlock, insisted on sticking together. So, Harry, Hermione, and the Weasley children followed them to Flourish and Blotts to buy books.

As they walked down Diagon Alley, Mr. Weasley was gushing about what had happened after Sherlock left the Ministry of Magic.

"Kingsley was always regretful after you left the Auror Department," he said. "He said you were an exceptional wizard and that if you had stayed a few more years, you'd have been promoted to the Division of Magical Law Enforcement. You'd have had a great future ahead."

"It's better this way," Sherlock replied curtly, "teaching at Hogwarts. Every professor there is a leader in the magical community. It'll be a good opportunity to grow."

"Of course," Sherlock added with a sense of finality, though his response was brief compared to Mr. Weasley's enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Weasley was proudly recounting Sherlock's past to the children.

"When your Professor Forrest was at Hogwarts," she beamed, "he aced every exam and even earned twelve O.W.L.s. He was also the Boys' Chair during his seventh year."

Fred and George interrupted impatiently. They exchanged a glance and then turned to their mother with curiosity.

"Mom," Fred asked quietly, "who exactly is Professor Forrest? Why do you and Dad seem to like him so much?"

Hearing the question, Harry, Ron, and Hermione perked up, eager to overhear the story.

Mrs. Weasley's face fell, and her eyes softened with pity as she looked at Sherlock. "His mother was a very dear friend of mine... and your father's," she whispered, voice tinged with sadness.

Fred and George exchanged looks of interest, but before they could press further, Mrs. Weasley raised a stern finger.

"It's an adult matter, and you're too young to understand. I know exactly what you two are thinking, but you will show Sherlock the same respect you would show your own brother! Understand?"

The twins responded in a drawn-out, teasing tone.

"We heard you, Mom."

They exchanged mischievous grins.

"We'll respect him... just like we respect Percy!" they teased.

At the front of the group, Sherlock and Mr. Weasley were oblivious to the conversation behind them. The group entered Flourish and Blotts, where the children dispersed, eager to find their textbooks for the new term. Most of the Weasley kids headed toward the used books section, as their family couldn't always afford new textbooks.

"I think the Defense Against the Dark Arts textbooks are the same as last year. Why didn't you use your own work for the class?" Mr. Weasley asked, glancing at Sherlock.

Sherlock felt a pang in his chest. He knew the original owner had already published two well-received books on the subject. But these books were too advanced for most students, and Sherlock didn't want to risk confusing his pupils by using them as textbooks.

"My books are still a bit too advanced," he explained. "It would only hold the students back."

Mr. Weasley was surprised. "I haven't seen you in nearly two years, Sherlock. You've changed quite a bit. But don't be modest — the two books you wrote are just as valuable as any other Defense Against the Dark Arts text."

Sherlock's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained his indifferent façade. "I'm not being modest. I just hold myself to high standards."

Mr. Weasley beamed at the answer, misunderstanding Sherlock's words, but Sherlock didn't feel the need to correct him.

As they continued through the bookstore, Sherlock fell into deep thought. Magic could be used to read minds, and while he didn't believe anyone would do that to him, the idea of someone uncovering his true identity made his stomach churn.

The original owner had been quiet, distant, and unlikable, which made it easier for Sherlock to blend in, but pretending for too long would eventually wear on him. So, he needed to change — not all at once, but slowly, over time, in a way that wouldn't draw suspicion.

Sherlock's biggest fear was being found out. But if he could change how the Weasleys and Professor McGonagall saw him, he might be able to stop pretending altogether.

However, this would have to be done carefully. A sudden personality shift would undoubtedly raise suspicions, and with magic at their disposal, verifying these changes would be easier than ever.

Just as Sherlock was lost in thought, a voice called out from behind them, dripping with disdain.

"Oh, it's Arthur Weasley," a familiar voice sneered. "Did the Ministry of Magic give you a raise? Finally able to buy new books for your kids?"