Destiny's Saying

by Venquine1990

People always say that Destiny hates Harry. Well what if Harry had 2 destinies? And what if his second one involved a whole new race who give him back what he loves the most and gives him the chance to make sure that his destiny is not just his. After all, you know what they say. Things always get worse before they get better. WARNING HP/DM SB/RL SS/LM and serious AD bashing.

5. The Reading Begins

Hey everyone,
So one of my readers made me realize a little error that I made when counting everyone present and I feel really bad, because – when it comes to the movies – I always felt it wrong that they cut him and his actual birth and everything out. Yes, I am talking about baby Teddy, who travelled with Neville to the past.
I actually forgot that he was there and that Lupin had been handed his son before they travelled to the garden, so let's just imagine that someone else – Molly or Fleur, just to name some suggestions – was the one actually holding Teddy while Snuffles, Lupin and Harry reunited with the Marauders and Harry's mum and grandma.
Sorry about that,

Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette. Check out her content

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Chapter 05
The Reading Begins

23rd of December 1976
Lotelle Garden, Ariador
Harry's POV

I don't know how it's possible for these books to have actually recorded what happened when Voldemort got defeated, but in all honesty am I very much in two-battle right now. My parents have just been returned to me and now they will have to hear about the day where the war ended and they were actually murdered.
The only two things that keep me from actually speaking out are the fact that I don't want either of them to get suspicious before the time is right and the fact that they still seem somewhat hostile with each other, which makes me believe they might not be all that badly hurt when they hear how it is that they saved my life.

I then take a deep breath, understanding what Sirius meant when he explained about neutral thoughts not being able to make you happy, but keep you calm and sane and I say: "I – I don't know how it's possible for these books to record such an event, but –." I follow this with another deep breath and say: "Let's get to it."
Everyone nods and when I look around, do I see the worry in the eyes of my friends and this warms my heart as I know that they worry for my privacy being ripped apart, yet I already know that if I have to pick between my privacy and the safety of those I love, the choice is easy to make as I try to tell them with my eyes.
Hermione is the first to notice it and smiles at me with an understanding nod before I look on and see highly curious looks on the faces of the younger Marauders as well as Lily and even a look of interest hidden under a mask of boredom on Snape's face, while the interest on James' face is also mixed with a sense of pride.
This alone makes me feel even more proud that I made this choice and relieved and happy that Merden's future self convinced his present self to pick up me and my friends as well as that Adeline convinced the others from this time to come here as the feeling of seeing my father's pride is like no other as I start reading.

The Boy … very much.

"Does anyone from this time recognize those names?" Grandma asks and mum nods as she says: "They sound like Petunia and that new boyfriend of hers, which isn't surprising seeing this story is about my son." The woman nods and Sirius asks: "But what does Harry have to do with them?" And to answer him, do I read on.

They were … such nonsense.

"This nonsense of theirs, does that include magic?" Lucius asks, Sirius glaring at him until Lupin, who had gone to sit next to him, gives him a flip over the head and Lily sighs as she says: "I am sad to say yes, Heir Malfoy. In fact, Petunia would probably sooner eat her own arm then admit a world like this one here exists."
And while I roll my eyes at the fact that the girl is definitely right, do I also withhold on a sigh of regret as it took the ginger girl's sister twenty-six years for the magical world to catch up with her in such a way she was willing to accept magic as part of her sister's and her sister's family life. Yet I do not say this as I read on.

Mr. Dursley … made drills.

"Which made what now?" Sirius asks and I answer: "You know how Nifflers have these low sharp claws that help them burrow for gold?" The boy nods, while Hermione and Lily look at me curiously and I say: "Imagine those to be put together like this above a Niffler's head." And I make a spear with my hands as I go on and say:
"Then change the entire creature into metal and fuel it with what Muggles call electricity and you get a drill, which is basically something they indeed use for burrowing underground or digging a hole in certain materials such as metal and stone." The black-haired teen nods, while the girls look shocked and then he asks:
"So what are drills used for?" To which I shrug and say: "Mostly for construction, really. Muggle houses have a base of large metal pipes and bars that need to be put together, so to make sure they can push screws through, they drill a hole somewhere in the pipe or bar and then mold the two bars together through the screw."
And while pure pride is now shown on grandma, grandpa, Hermione and even Lily's face, do I smile slightly as I see a hint of interest hidden under a mask of polite boredom that is worn by Lucius Malfoy and I think: "We may no longer live with Muggles here, but we can still learn from them." Before I read on.

He was … the neighbors.

To this both Lily and – to the surprise of many – Snape shake their heads and Lily says: "I really thought we taught her not to do that anymore. I really thought she would have grown out of that as she got older." But while Snape now looks as if he believes that such a thing is impossible to happen, do I ignore him as I read on.

The Dursleys … the Potters.

"Hey, my family's not that bad!" James shouts and I sigh and say: "No, we're not. Unfortunately, it took several terrible events taking place before she herself realized that family is family no matter what." And while Lily looks at this in worry, do my friends look at me with understanding, making me smile at them as I read on.

Mrs. Potter … the street.

"No offence, Lily, but your sister – she does know about the Stature of Secrecy, doesn't she?" James then asks Lily and the girl sighs as she mutters: "Yes James, she – she does." And just by the way her voice lowers in voice and the terrible sadness in her voice prove me this is not all that great a subject to discuss before she says:
"She actually argued with me about it when we first heard about the stature. She – she said that such a Stature should have – well, that it should have made sure that – that –." Yet by this time is it quite obvious that she just can't continue and so grandma comes over and wraps her arms around the younger girl as she says:
"Just tell us when you're ready, dear. We can just continue reading until you're ready." The redhead nods and dad proves his worth as he says: "Sorry, Lily, I just wondered why your sister thought we would show up as wizards and all." To which Lily smiles and says: "It's okay, you didn't know." Before I read on, slightly relieved.

The Dursleys … like that.

"Sad to say, in the end, none of us got to have any say in whether or not I would mix with him." I sigh before I shrug and to the shock of my friends say: "At least he grew up in the end. Not that I really noticed until we said our goodbyes. Sorry, it's in the last book." Those from the present nod and I sigh before I read on.

When Mr. … high chair.

"Wait, highchair?" The twins chorus, the fact that Fred has been dead for five days apparently not effecting their joined ability at all and then Snuffles sighs as he says: "Harry's first conquest, remember? This must be about how the Dursleys responded to that the day after it happened." The twins nod and I read on.

None of … the house.

To this Remus suddenly gets another shock as Lupin asks: "Molly, can I have my son, please?" The woman nods, while the young Marauders and Lily send Remus a very elated smile, obviously ecstatic with the fact that the younger teen will grow up to be a father and then Lupin makes us all laugh as he tells his son sternly:
"You might be only a few days old, young man, but you better never think of doing such a thing as you won't just get such a comment if you do. Let that be very clear, little Teddy Lupin." And while I can see Sirius sending a wanton look at the two before sending the same to the younger version of the father, do I read on confused.

He got … a map.

This shocks all of us and then Lily asks: "Why is Professor McGonagall visiting my sister? Did something bad happen?" At this I share a look with everyone from the future, all of them looking hesitant, before I say: "I can only say; this event written – wasn't without loss." Those of the present look worried and I read on.

For a … or signs.

"Wow, I think that Muggle brother in law of yours can be glad that he and McGonagall aren't here, Lily.""What did you call him?" The girl asks shocked and James shrugs as he says: "What, I'm talking in reference of the future we're reading about. You already admitted that Harry is yours and this is Petunia's husband, so –."
And while the girl herself sighs in defeat at this easy logic of her House and Year Mate, does Snape send him an expecting look, but James just looks at me, expecting me to read on, but it seems as if Sirius noticed Snape's look as he says: "Forget it, Snape. James' persona is no more." Confusing the Snake and me as I read on.

Mr. Dursley … in cloaks.

"What is so strange about that?" Mrs. Weasley asks about then, one of her hands actually reaching for the cloak she is wearing and Sirius shocks her as he says: "Cloaks haven't been worn by Muggles since 1610. That's when it started getting replaced with what is called the 17th century jacket." We all look at him and he says:
"My dearest mum hates Muggles and I can't stand her, so I took Muggle Studies. Not my fault that we took a tour to a Muggle Museum back in our forth and that it got me intrigued, is it?" We all shake our heads and I think: "Wonder what other Purebloods could be persuaded to like Muggles through those tours." As I read on.

Mr. Dursley … young people!

"What is today's fashion? In your time, I mean?" Lily then asks me and Hermione answers: "Well, Muggle teens in our times like to wear casual chic outfits, though that didn't really start until somewhere around 1994. Before then it was more based on grunge looks. Don't ask me what that was like, please."
And the way that the girl ends makes us laugh softly as it proves she doesn't really approve before Lucius asks: "From what year are you anyway? I don't believe anyone here has asked this yet." To which the Gryffindors look as if they feel stupid and while I return my attention to my reading, do I answer: "We're from 1998."
"So 20 years exactly?" Sirius asks, but Merden shakes his head and says: "We travelled 19 years, 6 months and 15 days back in time. I picked Harry and his friends up from the 7th of June, five days after their biggest and most devastating battle." This worries my parents and grandparents most, yet I ignore this and read on.

He supposed … of him!

"That is definitely bad. A color like that would really make wizards stand out. Why would they – never mind." James suddenly breaks off his own sentence, his eyes skirting over to where Lily is seated and the redhead gives him a grateful smile as she says: "It's alright, James, thanks." And the boy nods as I read on.

But then … be it.

"Collecting? What does he mean?" Peter asks and while the others obviously try not to glare at him again, do I answer: "Well, what if people want to research a cure against Werewolves or one of the Unforgiveable Curses, but they have no money? Well, they make themselves an organization and then get funds through collections."
The younger boy nods, while Remus sends another worried look around the room as I mention werewolves, yet I decide that he should realize we're okay with him and his illness as I smile at my grandma and ask: "Speaking of which, do Elves do studies like that, grandma? Against Lycanthropy and the Curses, I mean?"
The woman smiles, Remus twitching a little uncomfortably at hearing me speak about his illness and she says: "Actually, any werewolf that lives here in Ariador for more than a month actually gets their inner Wolf changed into an Animagus. We just don't advert this to the other world because of our own Need for Secrecy.
And sorry, Remus, we swore we would help you get over your own little problem once we got back here. I know it might be a bit late, seeing we didn't plan to return until the war ended, but I do hope you can understand." The blonde haired boy turns red, but nods with a grateful smile on his face and I happily read on.

The traffic … sped overhead.

"Is it really that rare for Muggles to see owls during the day?" Ron asks and I answer: "Ron, remember what we're reading about? Such events make way more owls fly around than usual, so on a regular day owls have a much bigger chance of just staying out of sight of the Muggles while flying around the country."
My best friend nods in understanding and then Sirius asks: "You know, you constantly say something bad is going to happen, but you're not telling us what. It can't be that bad – is it?" He asks and while I hate doing this, do I sigh and ask: "What is your Boggart, Sirius? Cause it is up to that level bad." The boy whitens and I read on.

Most of … bit more.

"And that's a normal morning for him?" Sirius asks in shock and even Lucius looks mildly shocked, before I shrug and say: "Pretty much, yeah." The blonde and the black-haired teens look at me and I shrug, knowing it will be only a matter time before they all discover about my time having lived with this Muggle and I read on.

He was … the baker's.

"You know, it's one thing that people were affected by the events of the night before, but for them to consciously enter Muggle environments just to gossip about things that were Magical related, that's just wrong." Cedric then says angrily and Mr. Weasley nods as he says: "We had to arrest over 360 witches and wizards that day.
Another one to two-hundred of them in the week after that." This shocks those around me from the present and Sirius asks: "What on earth could have happened that was Boggart-level bad and still made so many people decide to break the Stature?" To this my friends and I share a searching look and then I say:
"Let me put it this way, Sirius. The event itself is Mirror of Erised good, yet the manner of how it happened is Boggart level bad. It's just that the manner didn't really count for everyone and most of those arrested were probably just not affected by it like that." This seems to worry the black-haired teen and I just read on.

He eyed … son, Harry –"

This instantly makes Sirius whiten, making me know that his Boggart is indeed losing one of his friends and while I feel really warm over the fact that he cares so much for my family to be so afraid of losing them, do I also feel very bad that he has to discover about his friends dying in about three and a half years.
"But – but if – if they're – they're talking about – about you and – and you're actually alive while they talk about you – does – does that – does that mean?" The boy stutters, his fear overwhelming him and making Snape and Lucius look at him shocked, while his friends seem to realize the same thing he did from his stuttering.
Yet, just because I don't want to actually voice my thoughts and confirm his own with words, do I instead of that get up and move over to sit with the one year younger teen and use a simple little charm to make the book float in front of me as I use my now free arm to hug the boy close, his body shivering as I read on.

Mr. Dursley … unusual name.

"In all honestly, that is exactly the reason we chose that name." Grandpa then says, his eyes on Sirius in great worry before he goes on and says: "We wanted a name that was completely unknown in the Magical world, yet one that was completely random for the Muggle and out of the few that our scouts found, Potter just sounded best."
Everyone smiles at this and then suddenly Sirius asks: "Harry, could – could I talk to you for a minute?" But instead of nodding or shaking my head, do I move closer and whisper: "They will hear what you already know in about a page or two. Sorry." And while he now lowers his head in sheer pain, do I read on.

He was … Or Harold.

"Oh Merlin, I actually guessed that a few minutes ago. I thought like that Muggle – no – do you feel offended if I insult him, Lily?" James asks in the end, having stopped halfway through twice before he asks and while I smile at him, does Lily shake her head and say: "Live yourself out, James." To which James smiles and I read on.

There was … like that…

"You do – and I gave her exactly what she deserved." I then smirk, the memory of what I did to that blasted woman still making me very proud of myself, regardless of the law or whatnot and while the twins, Neville, Luna, Ginny and Ron work their hardest not to laugh, does Hermione try to glare at me with a smile as I read on.

But all … almost fell.

This shocks me and I mutter: "He never even apologized for the bad things he said about my world. He must have really been more affected than I thought." And while Sirius, who is still seated beside me with my arm around his shoulders, looks at me with great worry in his teary grey-blue eyes, do I just shrug and read on.

It was … at last!

"Rejoice, because of what?" All of the teens shout in perfect shock, yet Sirius still has his eyes on the book floating in front of us and then, just when all the others want to start shouting and cheering, does he let out a howl of pure pain and heartache before throwing himself on me, my arms instantly wrapping around him.
Everyone looks shocked, those of the present shocked that he is sad instead of happy and the others shocked that he figured it out so quick and then, before I can stop him, does he cry: "No! No, not them! Please, please tell me it's not true! Please tell me his end was not theirs as well! Please tell me I won't lose them!"
Yet, while I finally feel as if someone really understands how I feel whenever I think about my parents and the day they were murdered, do I just strengthen the hold I have on the poor crying teen, hating that he has to actually realize this while we still have to get to the point where the story itself confirms his thoughts.
The feeling of my arms strengthening around him apparently confirms his own pleas to the teen and he howls the word NOOOO even louder than before, making tears appear in my own eyes and while I press my face into his hair and pull him even closer, do I keep quiet and motion the others to do the same with a quick motion.

My friends nod and while James is the first to get over his shock and wants to open his mouth, does my grandmother apparently understand my motion to be quiet as well as she gets my dad's attention and then shakes her head, silently telling him not to distract Sirius at the current time, the boy confused but nodding.
In the mean time do I, from the corner of my eye, see Lucius and Severus share a calculative look with each other, Lucius softly moving a single finger over his left lower arm, yet when Severus notices this, does he send a warning glare at the blonde, even if the young Potions Master is the only one noticing this.
Then, a few minutes later, does Sirius finally stop crying, yet while he cried, had I pushed his face into my own robe as he had been muttering the names of my parents as well as Peter and Remus under his breath and I just didn't want to take the risk that Remus' werewolf hearing would be able to pick up on that.
The werewolf himself had not responded to hearing what I heard his friend mutter, which makes me feel relieved and once the young Dog Animagus has calmed down, does he smile at me, his handsome looks for some reason making my heart skip a beat and making me smile back with more happiness than normal before I read on.

Even Muggles … of imagination.

This shocks everyone out of the stupor that Sirius' scream and the Marauders and the twins are the ones who whiten at hearing this, yet I quickly smile at them all, my smile lingering on Sirius more than on the others and I say: "Don't worry, guys. I grew up with the twins for the last 7 years, don't forget that."
This makes said twins smile, before Peter asks: "Wait, what do you mean, the last seven? What happened to the ten years before that?" And while Sirius tenses at this, together with some of those from my time, do I just sigh and say: "Just wait a few more pages, Peter. I'm getting to that part." The boy nods and I read on.

As he … its eyes.

"Her being there has to do with Voldemort's defeat, doesn't it?" Lily then asks and I nod at her, her eyes telling me that – like Sirius – she too has realized the terrible news that will soon be told to everyone else and while I really want to go over and hug her as well, do I just not feel like letting go off Sirius just yet.
This makes me turn my face back to the book, Lily herself moving a little closer to my grandmother, yet while I get ready to continue reading, do I sneakily glance at the young black-haired boy seated next to me, Sirius still having a few tear tracks on his face, yet he seems to feel very comfortable where he is and I read on.

"Shoo!" said … his wife.

"That is one unhealthy relationship." Grandpa then says, his arms crossed and his head slightly tilted as he gazes at me, yet I can easily see how his eyes slip over to where Sirius is leaning against me every now and then, yet no one else notices this and James asks: "What makes you say that, dad?" And the man answers:
"It's so obvious that whatever bugs one of them, they don't share with the other and that makes it so that they carry that annoyance on them for longer than is right for them and, before they know it, they will start fighting, just because they feel they can't trust their partner or maybe even just to relieve the stress they feel over the secrecy."
Yet while James nods in understanding, do I move my face back into the book and silently think to myself: "Yeah, only they didn't argue or fight with each other to relieve that stress. They took it out on me instead." And while I again hate the last 16 years I have been living there, do I return my focus to the book as I read on.

Mrs. Dursley … night tonight."

"What is that?" The twins ask and I easily answer: "A Muggle holiday, like Christmas, but then with a bit more of a religious meaning behind it." The two tilt their heads and I say: "It's like a group of people. We have Purebloods and Muggleborns and they have Jews and Christians." The two nod at the easy explanation and I read on.

Mr. Dursley … the Potters…

"I do not like the sound of those occasions happening all on the same day." Grandpa says, yet it only seems then that the other Marauders have noticed how Sirius is still leaning against me and Remus asks: "Eeehm, Sirius?" And without really understanding why, do I actually spot a hint of heartache in his voice.
Sirius himself just hums without really raising his voice any higher than a soft: "Hmmm?" And this makes me wonder what the time was when he and the others were gathered together here as it sounds as if he sounds quite tired and then Remus asks: "Don't you, you know, think you should be moving back to your own seat."
And to his and my own shock, does Sirius mutter with a voice that just drips over with sleepiness: "Too comfy. I'm sleepy.""How can you be sleepy at this time of the day? It's only three o' clock or so in the afternoon." James asks in shock and Sirius mutters: "Too big – a shock." He yawns halfway through his sentence.
This makes the others share a shocked look and instead of turning to my parents or grandparents, do I look at Snuffles, who smiles at me and then says: "Trust me, James. It's better to just let Sirius sleep this one out. I wish I had his luck, really." This worries all the present teens and while I agree with my godfather, do I read on.

Mrs. Dursley … a sister.

This makes Lily cringe and Snape and James glare at the book floating in front of me angrily, making me glad I am not actually holding the thing as just the feeling of being to the side of the target of their glares is pretty scary, yet while I wonder how the two of them will respond once they realize they are copying each other, do I just read on.

"No," she … her crowd."

At this Lily sighs and says: "Sounds like what – well, what she said the – the day she bullied me out of the house – last Christmas." This shocks us all and I can't help but ask: "Wait, on Christmas? Not on Christmas days themselves, right?" But the way that the girl answers me makes me feel absolutely terrible for her.
"No, on the morning of Christmas Eve. That's when she used the Stature of Secrecy against me and – and told me that – that she believed that – that it's magic should – should make sure that – that my kind couldn't be born out of Muggles." The girl whispers at the end, her voice softer than grass rustling in the grass.
Yet while her voice is that soft, can everyone around me still hear her – everyone bar Sirius who is now sleeping with his head on my lap – and we all look at her with clear shock, all of understanding the hidden meaning behind the message and then something happens that not even I could have predicted would happen.

Lucius stands up and while James moves one of his hands over to his robe pocket to grasp his wand, does the blonde move over to where Lily and my grandma are seated and while he sends a quick look at my grandma, does he then look at Lily when my grandmother nods at him and his glance makes her look at him.
Grandma takes Lily's hand in her own, while Lucius puts his hands on her shoulders and says: "In name of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Malfoy and with the blessing of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, do I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, hereby welcome Lindilwen Rose Evans into my family.
May my blood forever protect her, may my spells forever aide her and may my house be forever open to her. May she forever come to me for advice, accept me to protect and care for her needs and, when necessary, acknowledge herself as a true member of the Houses of Black and Malfoy. So I swear, so Mote it be."

And in front of all the shocked eyes of everyone around him, my grandma and Lily herself, does a bright light shine from where Lucius' hands are on Lily's shoulders and from where her hand is clasped in my grandmother's and once the lights have disappeared, do Lily's eyes now have a teal kind of glint added to them.
Then, while I am shocked at what just happened, does Lucius return back to his seat and when I keep staring at him, does he motion from Lily to James and then to me before keeping his head straight and his face calm and with happiness to realize what the man just did. He made sure mum was adopted, without risking her relationship.
This, in itself, reminds me of the vision I had of Voldemort when he and Malfoy met at the Shrieking Shack and while remembering how badly the man wanted to go and find his son and how bad he felt over his son being in danger, do I smile, knowing that Merden was right; bringing Lucius was a good idea. And with that I read on.

Mrs. Dursley … wouldn't he?"

"I'm only three months younger than your kid, you blasted Muggle." I then grumble and while some of the others look at me shocked, do I mutter: "He is." Making those who had been looking at me shocked now smile as they realize that I am not really against all Muggles in general; I just really hate this one. And with that I read on.

"I suppose … bear it.

This obviously reminds Lily of what her ex-sister said to her a little under a year ago and while part of me wonders where she spent the last summer, does grandma hug her close and whisper: "He's not related anymore, little flower. You're a Black-Malfoy now, not an Evans. Neither of them can hurt you anymore, dear."
And while I feel very happy and proud of the amazing caring person that is my grandmother, does Lily send her a very grateful smile, while it seems that James has also come to understand why Lucius did what he did and he too sends the blonde a grateful smile, the blonde smirking as he nods in respect before I read on.

The Dursleys … he was.

This makes Lily shake her head and say: "I – I don't know what happened when Voldemort got defeated, but – GOOD GOD, NO!" She suddenly shouts and then she turns to Snape and Lucius and says: "Malfoy, now that you are my brother, can you please promise me to take Harry in were anything to happen to me."
The man looks shocked, yet nods when he sees how desperate Lily looks and then James asks: "Lily, why – why did you ask that?" And the girl snaps: "Think it through, Potter. Harry said –." But then I say: "Lily please, let – let them find out on their own. It – it gives them time to heal." The girl nods and calms down as I read on.

Mr. Dursley … at all.

This makes Snuffles look both upset and confused at the same time and he says: "That – that can't be right. I was there only twenty minutes after it all stopped and it took Hagrid and me only an hour max to get to the right room. So why did it take whoever it is McGonagall is waiting for 24 hours to respond to this?"
Yet none of us have an answer for the man and then Ginny asks: "Who do you think she's waiting for?" And while the man says: "I think we can both guess who that would be, Ginny." Does he not say anything more, yet everyone around us nods, all of us feeling confident we know who he means before I read on.

A man … Albus Dumbledore.

"That was expectable." Lucius then says and we all nod as Remus says: "Yeah, her loyalty to him is known practically nation-wide." And while none of us voice it, do I know that my friends and I share the same thought: "And it really only got stronger as the years passed, even after he died." Before I sigh and read on.

Albus Dumbledore … have known."

"He's actually surprised to see her there?" Lily asks in shock, but I shake my head and say: "This happened during the school year. He must have been wondering where she was all day and must have thought she would be – well, where it happened." The girl nods, her face falling at the last bit of my explanation and I read on.

He found … little pop.

This makes Hermione and I share a smile at Ron, who sniggers when he sees this and Peter asks: "Wait, how do you have that item?" And while the rest of the Weasleys look shocked to hear that Ron now has it, does Ron sigh and say: "He gave it to me – when Harry turned seventeen." And while the Weasleys nod, do I read on.
Yet while I do so, do I interrupt Peter who wanted to ask something and else and while grandma and grandpa share a worried look over hearing how Ron sounded when he said this, do I barely even notice how one of my hands – now free off the book – is softly going through the long black hair lying on my lap.

He clicked … the pavement.

"Now that's keeping the Stature of Secrecy in mind. That is how those witches and wizards should have behaved." Snape growls, his eyes showing a hidden sense of worry as he looks at Lily, yet the girl seems to have grown over the pain her sister caused her a year ago as she doesn't respond to this at all and I read on.

Dumbledore slipped … so stiffly."

"Plus everyone knows that they became friends after McGonagall graduated. Some people even say that the only reason she is both Head of House and Deputy Headmistress is because she's friends with Dumbledore. Of course, no one would be stupid enough to say that where she's near." Snape then sneers and we snicker as I read.

"You'd be … way here."

"Wait a second – what? Does that mean what I think? Cause if it does, Dumbledore better be hiding as I won't be happy when I meet with him." Snuffles growls and I ask: "You do know you'll be meeting with a Dumbledore that didn't do this yet, right?" And the man grumbles as he realizes this, making me snicker and read on.

Professor McGonagall … much sense."

"What happened to Dedalus anyway? I remember meeting him before my birthday, but what happened after he left?" I then ask Lupin and the man smiles as he says: "He and Hestia constantly moved them from one Safe House to another. They stayed with Andy the longest, but weren't there when she was attacked.
Last I heard, he and Hestia returned them back to a safe house that two of them apparently really liked once they heard of your victory and then Hestia and him started working to get his house restored. I think they grew pretty close together during it all." And while those of the present look confused, do I read on smiling.

"You can't … eleven years."

"Wait, the war's supposed to take another four years?" James asks shocked, but Merden shakes his head and says: "It ended on Halloween 1981. However, both your son and the books will know of a way to make it all end much and much faster, which is why we called all of you over to read." The boy nods and I read on.

"I know …gone, Dumbledore?"

At this everyone of the present looks at us all in expectation, yet while I work my hardest to keep my face passive as I try not to remember all that happened in the second war and then I say: "He really disappeared that night, yes." Yet, while this does not seem to be the answer that the others were waiting for, do I just read on.

"It certainly … name: Voldemort."

"He actually tried that? While with the Taboo and everything?" Hermione asks shocked and James nods as he says: "People think he did this in the hopes that so many people doing this would overwork the Taboo spell and make it so that, if you were protected with wards, you stayed protected." The girl nods and I read on.

Professor McGonagall … never have."

At this I try not to falter as my mind reminds me of the conversation I had with Dumbledore while in Limbo and while part of me wonders what life would have been like if Arianna hadn't been murdered during that fight, do I then remember what I am actually doing here and with that happy thought in mind, do I just continue reading.

"Only because … stopped him?"

This makes everyone from the present sit up, their bodies tense with shocked anticipation, but then I sigh and say: "Don't forget what I told Sirius. How the events that led to his disappearance were Boggart worthy." The teens and my grandparents nod, yet their bodies remain tense with the need to know and I read on.

It seemed … the Potters.

This shocks the Potters sitting in the tent and James asks: "Wait, which Potters does she mean? Does she mean mum and dad?" But I shake my head and Merden shocks me as he says: "No Your Highness, my future self chose the me of this day for a reason. Today was the day he lost the actual King and Queen to Voldemort."
Everyone looks at the Elf in shock and the man nods and I ask: "So – so going back in time didn't – didn't just allow you to – to bring back seven people back from the dead – it – it also helped you save my grandparents?" Merden nods, while the teens from the present now look at me in shock, does Merden nod before James asks:
"Wait, seven people – back from the dead?" I nod and say: "Not all of us survived the events that will be described in these books. There are seven among us that Merden saved by picking their souls up just when they were murdered in their own times and then taking those here, where they got new bodies and a chance to survive."

This makes James look at those around him in shock and just when I want to tell him to just wait until it's described in the books, does Cedric say: "I am one of seven, Your Highness, but I cannot say for certain who else was saved from death as well. I think I was the first as the last time I saw your son, he was only fourteen."
The teens look at the seventeen year old in shock and James asks: "How – how did – how did you die?" But Cedric shakes his head and shrugs as he says: "It's still a bit of a blank for me too. We got Portkeyed, Harry's scar hurt, I saw someone approach, heard someone say something – and then arrive here in this world."
This makes me close my eyes as the memory of his murder, even four years later, is still fresh and very painful to me and then Snuffles moves over and hugs me from the other side of where Sirius is lying partly next to me, partly on my lap and then he says: "You really need to learn to let such terrible events go, little pup."
To this I nod and whisper: "Maybe once we get to them in the books, Snuffles. Maybe that will help me finally come at peace." The man nods and then, while he hugs me and while Sirius lies sleeping on my lap, does Hedwig move herself over to my shoulder and softly preen my hair, making me send her a smile before I read on.

The rumor … they're – dead."

And with that one sentence do I drop a bomb on everyone who has yet to realize what we were really talking about, making it so that everyone bar Lily, those from my time and the sleeping Sirius gasp in utter shock and while I push myself into Snuffles's embrace even more, does James instantly move over to where Lily is seated.
The redhead has her face hidden in my grandmother's shoulder, both of the women crying badly over the fact that neither of them will survive the war and while my grandfather goes to sit behind grandma and hug her, does James do the same with Lily, making me feel a little left out, had it not been for the hug Snuffles is giving me.
I then look around and see that, even though they already knew this, the Weasleys and Hermione are still seeking comfort with each other, while Cedric takes Colin in his arms and Lupin hugs Teddy just that little bit closer and even Snape and Lucius now have their heads hanging in silent respect for those they lost in the reading.
Merden and Adeline also go and stand near my parents and grandparents, their faces slightly passive, but their eyes showing how hard it is for them to hear about the day they lost their Prince and his wife and the fact that even two people who never really met my parents feel this pain makes me feel better and I softly read on.

Dumbledore bowed … son, Harry.

"DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, YOU LOWLIFE, HALFBLOOD WASTE OF A WIZARD!" Lily then suddenly shouts, her face covered with tears streaming down her face, while her eyes are blazing with heart-broken fury and she jumps up from the circle of four she makes with James and my grandparents.
Everyone looks at her shocked, her shout having actually caused for Sirius to grunt as he wakes slowly and then Lily looks at me, her eyes searching out mine before she says: "Harry, I – I won't deny that your father and I still have a long way to go, but – but I – I just – I just don't want to lose anymore family."
And just that last part of her confession makes tears appear in my own eyes as I feel as if the girl understands exactly how I felt when I decided to travel back in time and save both them and my grandparents from certain death, making me smile and nod at her through my tears, before she sits down and I softly read on.

But he … he's gone."

"Wait – what?" Everyone from the present asks in shock and then suddenly Merden gasps as he says: "Of course, you're a Music Elf." Everyone looks at him and he says: "Music elves, when still young, can draw their actual powers from the words of speech from others. Someone must have said something to activate your powers."
At this, while others look shocked, can I only gaze at my mother, the words she screamed at Voldemort when he came for us ringing through my mind and Hermione asks: "Harry?" I nod and say: "Third year. The creatures on the train." The girl nods, while those of the present now look very, very intrigued and I read on.

Dumbledore nodded … Harry survive?"

"Powers I didn't even know I had." I then whisper before a huge yawn shocks us all out of our stupor and when I look down, do I smile as Sirius shakes his head while lying on his back with his head in my lap and when his eyes open, does he see me, making him jump up with a yelp of shock, causing for his friends to laugh.
The boy looks around and even makes me laugh as he asks: "Who, what, where, when – huh?" And while his older self shakes his head at the antiques of the black-haired boy does it seem to take Sirius a minute to realize where he is, before he asks: "What did I miss?" And with pain in my voice, do I answer: "Your realization."
The teen nods, his mood instantly dropping low and he sighs before sitting down, a small smile growing on his face when he sees how my parents and grandparents are now all seated together and while James sends him a slightly happy smile back, obviously still hurt over the news of his incoming death, do I read on.

"We can … left now."

To this Lucius shakes his head and says: "Not anymore. I will not allow for my new nephew to grow up with – Muggles like that." The man ends after a small halt and while it's obvious he wanted to call them something much worse, do I smile at the man nonetheless, grateful that he would take me in were this scenario still to play out.
But then, as I look around the room, do I see that many of those around me – even Peter – have looks on their faces that prove they believe the same thing, meaning that even if Lucius will fail, there will be plenty of others who will fight Dumbledore's decision and while knowing that they are all willing to fight for me, do I read on.

"You don't … Dumbledore firmly.

"That guy needs to get his head on straight." Snape then growls and he says: "Just because you share blood with someone doesn't mean you accept them or care for them. I really thought he would have learned that by now." And while Sirius looks shocked at the boy, does he still nod in agreement and I sigh as I read on.

"His aunt … a letter?

"Thank goodness we have McGonagall there. At least one of the two has bloody common sense." Charlie then growls and Mrs. Weasley snaps: "Charlie!" But the man glares at his mother and says: "Not a word, mum, you hate this decision of his as much as the rest of us." And while his mother keeps silent, do I read on.

These people … his name!"

"The book and child part are definitely true, yet I actually wish they did name that day after me." I growl and everyone who knows me looks at me shocked before I go on and say: "Might make them actually show some respect to those I lost – those they all lost." And my friends nod in approval before Lucius asks:
"They don't even do that?" I shake my head and say: "Haven't seen a single one of them hold silent or raise their goblet in honor to my parents since I came there. And the funny thing is, this all happened on Halloween, so that should give it double the honor that they died that day, right?" The blonde nods and I say:
"Yet not even Dumbledore recognizes this fact as the Feasts at Hogwarts only revolve around three things; the Hogsmeade weekends, the size of the floating pumpkins and the amount of food that is produced during dinner. Haven't seen or heard anyone praise my parents for their sacrifice even once in all my years at Hogwarts."
This makes the blonde thin his lips in anger and I shake my head and say: "Makes me wonder if the pain I read about just now is really heartfelt or if they just want to stick their heads in the sand and ignore the fact that the end of the war meant the loss of two people they say they cared about." And with that I read on.

"Exactly." Said … take it?"

"Then maybe you should have put me with someone who has the same level of popularity and who knows what the word Responsibility actually means. Not with Muggles who hate the very oxygen that leaves my lungs." I growl, still feeling upset over my earlier thoughts and while Snuffles pulls me close against him, do I read on.

Professor McGonagall … as this?"

At this I shake my head and say: "I can get her worries over this, but other than my secrets, I would definitely trust Hagrid with my life. In all the years I have lived in the magical world he is definitely one of the few adults who has never let me down." This makes the others smile, glad I am feeling better and I read on.

"I would … was that?"

Everyone looks shocked at this as I had pitched my voice up at the end, yet while I had already read ahead, do others look worried, but Snuffles seems not to worry as much as the others as he leans back and says: "I think I know what she's talking about. Am I right, Harry?" Yet instead of answering, do I happily read on.

A low … of them.

At this both Lily and Remus look at Snuffles with an Are you serious look on their faces as Remus asks: "Why am I not even surprised that you have such a thing?" To which Sirius makes it even worse – and funnier – as he says: "I'm already saving for that beauty, you know?" And while Remus face-palms, do I read on laughing.

If the … of blankets.

"Wait, hold on a second." Sirius then says and he goes on: "I know that Dumbledore send Hagrid to fetch Harry and all that, but why aren't I there too? Did I die as well?" At this all those who heard about the saved souls look at Snuffles in fear, but while he shakes his head, does he still confirm their fears as he softly says:
"No, I – I didn't die – not yet." The younger Black teen looks shocked at hearing this and I sigh as I say: "Sirius, there are seven people here from the future, that died in the years I have been going to Hogwarts and Merden, thanks to his own abilities, was allowed to take their souls with him just when they were being murdered.
Your older self was one of them and – I guess it's time we tell you who else here was saved from certain death." The teen nods and then I sigh and ask: "Can all those who have been saved please get up from their seats?" And Cedric, Colin, Lupin, Fred, Snuffles and Dobby all stand up while Hedwig flies off of my shoulder.

The eyes of those who see Lupin and Snuffles stand widen, Sirius and Remus themselves turning pure white as they see this and in what feels like only seconds have all of the Marauders, both present and future, moved to sit together, Sirius, Remus and their future selves seated in the middle and James, Lily and Peter seated around them.
Sirius and Remus are hugging each other and so are Lupin and Snuffles, the way that Snuffles is clinging to Lupin proving to me that he has a hard time believing that his friend also passed away and while I feel a strong need to join them as the pain of losing those two is still fresh, do I just stay where I am seated.
Yet it seems as if my grandparents do not accept for me to sit alone as they move around the hugging group of seven and come to sit with me, grandma giving me a strong hug to which I respond by pushing my face into her chest with great need and once everyone feels more at ease with the news they got, do I read on.

"Hagrid," said … over Bristol."

"Wait, that doesn't sound right." Snuffles says and we all look at him as he says: "Bristol's not on the route between Godric's Hollow and Surrey. Where on earth did Hagrid go to get lost like that?" Yet not even I myself have an answer to that and while worry is now visible on the faces of my parents and grandparents, do I read on.

Dumbledore and … of lightning.

And while I read through the floating book, do I feel my hand reaching for my fringe and scar out of pure instinct, but then grandpa stops me and says: "No need for that, my little Elf. You changing into your Elven form made the scar almost invisible to see." This makes me smile at the man gratefully and then I read on.

"Is that … wounded dog.

At this I really want to shoot a glance at either Sirius or Snuffles, but I keep in as I know that the whole group now knows about Remus, Lupin and their Lycanthropy, are there still people around me that don't know about what James, Sirius, Snuffles and Peter did to help their friends out and with that thought, do I just read on.

"Shhh!" hissed … other two.

"EXCUSE ME!" Snuffles is, shockingly enough, before he turns to Merden and asks: "Merden, is there anyway, anyway at all, that you can take me to Dumbledore in the future and back here so I can shout that blasted old fool's hide full over his idiotic idea? I mean, leaving Harry with the Muggles is one thing, but OUTSIDE?"
And while all of the adults nod in furious agreement, does Merden sigh and say: "I'm sorry, Lord Black, I agree with your beliefs, yet those that have been saved from death must stay in the time they have been brought to or their bodies will disappear and their souls will be lost in the Between-World for the rest of Eternity."

This in itself seems to calm down Snuffles's anger, while Cedric and Colin look slightly fearful at hearing what can happen to them if they ever try to Time Travel again, yet I sigh and say: "Then I just want to thank you for this chance once again, Merden. You bringing us here will save more than just the ones here."
The others nod at this, Cedric and Colin now looking happy instead of scared and the rest of Snuffles's anger seems to abate as he smiles at me and moves over to hug me close to his person, grandpa moving a seat away to make room for him and while feeling warm in my godfather's embrace, do I read on.

For a … Dumbledore, sir."

"Did I get it back?" Sirius asks and while I really hate that we will have to wait two whole books before the boy can find out what happened to him after Halloween, does Snuffles shake his head and say: "I never got the chance. The after-effects of Halloween made me make the wrong decisions and – it screwed me up for a good decade."
This shocks the teen and Remus asks: "Does – does that mean that – that you never even got to visit Harry after he was brought here?" Snuffles shakes his head and says: "The after-effects kept me from being able to. Plus, Dumbledore did his best to hide Harry from the Magical world, so –." The teen looks hurt at this and I read on.

Wiping his … in reply.

"Good answer." I snicker and when others look at me, do I say: "Remember that this happened on Halloween? Dumbledore asking if he will see Professor McGonagall soon when they have school the next day – I just thought her blowing her nose is a good way to say Duuh." And while the teens around me snicker, do I read on.

Dumbledore turned … was gone.

"If Petunia turned any worse than she was last Christmas – then you really needed it." Lily sighs in defeat and while no one notices, do both Snape and I nod in agreement, me working hard not to remember all the bloody bad things I've gone through and then I look down and say: "Just a few more paragraphs." Before I read on.

A breeze … who lived!"

Yet these last four words I read out while adding all the hate and disgust I feel for that title to my voice and while some of the teens around me look shocked that I can sound so venomous, does grandma hug me close and whisper: "Don't worry, little one, that title means nothing here. Here you are their prince, not their hero."
This makes me smile at the woman and then Lucius coughs and asks: "So, we've read something terrible just now. My question is, how many more times will we read something like this?" And while uncomfortable looks now cross the faces of most of the Weasleys as well as those who have died in the war, do I sigh and say:
"Sorry to say it, Lord Malfoy, but practically everything starting my 5th year is just bad news. Cedric died at the end of my 4th and after that things just – went downhill so fast I still sometimes can't really fathom it. And I lived through it all." This makes grandma hug me close, her worry clear in her hug, while others looks at the fifth book.
Snuffles himself is one of the people looking at it, his eyes void of color as he must be remembering the part of the battle in which he was murdered and while this alone brings tears to my eyes, do I take a deep breath and ask: "Merden, we'll be making a time jump to my 11th birthday now, won't we?" The man nods and I say: "Let's read on."