Hey everyone,
With this chapter we are going to go a little further with Lindilwen and her growth as a character. I also checked the Poll and the option for "Locations Only" is winning by quite the landslide. And to be honest, I think that IS the option I am going for as I thought of something that will make finding those things quite the hurdle.
What is that you may ask? Well, I am only going to give you all one single hint. One of the readers, who, while not portrayed very often and mostly to the background, played a vital role in Lindilwen's life in the early stages of this story. If you can guess who I mean, you will probably figure out the hurdle as well.
Good luck,

Venquine1990

29th of December 1976
The Reading Room
Snuffles' POV

"If I'm so spot on, I want to read next." My younger self, a concept I have grown quite used to over the last few days, says, but before he can do more than take the book from Lindilwen, does she turn to me and ask: "Before you do, Snuffles, can I talk with you real quick? Outside?" And just the look in her eyes makes me nod.
I spot Hari smiling at the two of us and this gives me a bit more confidence about what the younger girl may want. We head outside and I make sure to cast a quick spell on the door, having spent some time with the Weasley twins and knowing that my younger self and his friends are quite the same when it comes to such issues.
I smirk at this, having always loved the challenge the two presented, trying to work around our secrecy spells because of their curiosity and their loyalty to Hari before I turn to Lindilwen and ask: "What's up?" But the girl asks: "What was that spell?" I smirk again and say: "A modified version of a privacy charm.

Fred and George are known for, sometimes, trying to put their ears where they don't belong. So again, what's up?" The girl grimaces but then asks: "Did he ever tell me the truth?" Confusing me. "Jaurion, I mean. Did he ever tell me the truth? About his persona and where it came from? Please Snuffles, I have to know.
It's the core reason I am so doubtful about all of this." The girl is now practically begging and it makes me feel awful. I sigh and say: "I – I wish I could tell you, Lin. Not because I don't want to or because the book will probably tell you, but because – because I don't remember." The girl looks startled and I turn away.
"The reason I'm still not part of the story? It's in the next book. And it – it was a challenge. A challenge I never put upon myself but that was thrust upon me, mostly by the Late Dumbledore. And now that I know what he was really like his motives behind that make a lot more sense." I growl, but then shake my head and clear it.
"But anyway, that challenge, Lin, it – it forced me. Forced me to push practically every happy, positive and warm memory so far to the back of my mind that, after a while, they felt like they were out of reach. And at the time, I saw that as a good thing as it meant they were protected. If I couldn't reach them, no one could."

I look down, having moved away from the door and run my hand over a small side table that has an intricate looking vase with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers standing on it as I say: "But then, I became part of Hari's life again and – and being around him and – and my beloved, it – it brought some of the memories back.
But most of them are still gone as the most memories I have of my youth are of the war. Our battles, our losses, you guys going down under – that night." I whisper, gripping the table in my need not to succumb to that memory. I feel Lindilwen's hand on my shoulder and smile at her as she stands behind me before I say:

"But most of our school time, what we were like in those days, the better memories, school stuff and studying, how you guys got together, how Moony and I got together – I hardly remember any of it, some stuff I still don't remember. Being around you and the gang definitely helps, but –." I sigh again, hating myself for what I'm about to say.
"It's a slow progress." Lindilwen mumbles and I nod at her and say: "I've needed the last, to me, three years to remember this much and most of it was war memories, because that monster did come back and did go after Hari again. I forced myself to remember the war, so I could give Hari the advice he needed to survive.
But I hardly remember the better parts of the war, the reasons we fought in the first place, and I hate that. I hate it, because it means I can't tell Hari what he deserves to know, about the parents James and Lily were – sorry, in my mind you two are just not the same people. The last few days have definitely been establishing that."

The girl looks shocked and I say: "Lin, think. You're not falling for Jaurion, because his persona might be growing onto you or because he told you the truth or – whatever happened back in our Seventh. You're potentially falling for him, because he's trying to be a good father, a good leader, a different person.
James didn't lead the rebellion against Voldemort, he hardly lead any of our missions or operations. He was more of a back-up guy, who constantly kept the others safe and cast protective enchantments or changed things into other stuff so it could take a hit for a fellow fighter. But Jaurion is being way more pro-active.
And you're not the Lily I remember either. You're a lot more direct, but you are also a lot more doubtful and concerned about yourself and your future. Once Lily had Hari, she looked as if her future was set, as if it was right in front of her, as if she had achieved her life goal. The four of you are very different, it's just a fact."

"Now I'm even more unsure." The girl moans and I smile at her, softly grabbing her by the shoulders and looking her in the eye as I say: "Lin, the future is changing and so are you, but that doesn't mean you can't try to reach a better destination. I never said you don't have to get together with Jaurion, just that it won't happen for the same reasons.
If you want to get together with him, do it. If you don't, because you're still hesitant on what you think he will do in regards to that persona of his and what James did back in my days, ask Lupin. But do me one favor." The girl nods and while I move back to the door, I say: "Don't base your decision solely on our advice.
This is your future, remember?" The girl looks startled, but then smiles as she follows me back inside. "You two okay?" Hari asks and the both of us nod as Lindilwen says: "I may not have gotten the answer I wanted, but I got some good advice and I did need that." Making me smile at them both and wink at Hari as I sit down.
Sirius looks between the three of us and asks: "Can I read now?" The three of us nod and yet I notice Lindilwen looking at Lupin as he starts. "Talk with her when you get the chance. It might increase the chance of Hari getting the family he deserves." I whisper at my one true love who asks: "Do I want to know?" Making me snort as Sirius reads.

Dobby's Warning

"Wait, isn't that the Elf that came with you guys?" Jaurion asks and Hari nods as he laughs and says: "Yeah, though this year he still needed to learn a little lesson. Namely how to – and how not to – try and help those he cares for." This really worries me and I look at him in concern, yet he keeps quiet and so Sirius just reads on.

Harry managed … that morning.

"Wait, shouldn't we get Dobby in on all this?" Molly asks, but Ron, Hermione and Hari all shake their heads as Hari says: "Trust me, I doubt Dobby would like to hear about his – well-meant exploits in his need to – help me." Though while the others miss it, do I notice him sending a furtive look at the Order members as Sirius reads on.

As they … arm- and leg-holes.

Here I notice Hermione grimacing, yet then the queen asks: "Have you read that book I offered you, dear?" And the girl looks startled before she turns red as she says: "I – I put it in my trunk on our first night here – and forgot about it when I found the library." The queen smiles at this and I really see my old preferred mother in her as Sirius reads on.

"Er – hello … my bedroom."

"Would there ever have been a good time for you to have a House Elf in your room?" Sirius asks, looking up from the book and Hari shrugs as he says: "There would have been – if I had been anywhere other than there." At this my younger self snorts and says: "Good point there." Before he focuses back on his chapter.

Aunt Petunia's … you're here?"

At this Hari stands up and asks: "Mr. Weasley, can I speak with you for a minute?" And this seems to startle and confuse everyone, proving this to be something only Hari knows about. And when the two come back, I can tell just by both of their faces, even before they sit down, that it is going to stay that way. Sirius reads on, but is obviously miffed.

"Oh, yes … an equal –"

"There are indeed very few Pureblood families who treat their House Elves that way, though some do compliment and provide a single social activity with their Elves every day. Though that was something I didn't even know about until after I met my Charlus, that is." The queen tells us all and Hermione smiles at this as Sirius reads on.

Harry, trying … Bad Dobby!"

"Ah, I see." Lucius grumbles and we all turn to him as he says: "All I will say is this. Father recently acquired, what he calls, new blood. It would seem that this is just that – the new blood." And just the tone of his voice seems to do something to Arthur, who looks at Hari ever so furtively, yet long enough for me to notice as Sirius reads on.

"Don't – what … family, sir…."

"There are definitely different ways that wizards have their elves punish themselves, not to mention different rules on what an elf can and cannot do. Though most families I met after my marriage certainly don't see something like this as worthy of such punishment." The queen tells us and Lucius sighs as he says:
"Perhaps not, your Grace, but my father and – ahem – fiancé probably don't fall under that category." This makes me raise my eyebrow at the man alongside the royals, but Lucius just looks at the king and says: "I'll tell you later. It has to do with what Draco told Hari when he explained about his heritage." The king nods, I feel dread in my stomach and Sirius reads on.

"Your family?" … knew, sir –"

"That is just horrible!" Lindilwen shrieks and Hermione is glaring furious daggers of hatred and disgust at the book, making my younger self gulp a little. But then Lucius sighs and says: "That's gentle. I mean compared to what my father would have him do for punishment." And while the two show their obvious disgust for this, does Sirius read on.

"But won't … extra punishments…."

"I just can't see you do such a thing." Lindilwen tells Lucius, but the man sighs and says: "If I know my father, he will have a line in his will that will order me to, as he will probably say, continue where he left off in regards to ruling. And yes, he considers owning House-Elves as him being their ruler." Lindilwen looks at him horrified and he says:
"I think it's best if you and I have a talk later as well. so you can truly learn just how different I am – or try to be – from my father, at least while I can." Again I notice Arthur look at Hari, who says: "Who knows, Lucius. This story might just give you that chance." This really startles Lucius, but Hari keeps quiet and Sirius groans before he reads on.

"But why … almost human.

"Who knows. Maybe having Lord Edgecombe for a father might just make that happen." Hari says thoughtfully and Jaurion glares at him as he says: "Until we know that for sure, you are not going back to them. Not for four weeks, three days or even an hour." And others nod, proving they agree on this, making Hari smile at them all before Sirius continues his chapter.

Can't anyone … never knew…."

Here Lucius sighs and says: "One of the downsides of being a Veela." At which I can only nod as I already know what he's talking about, even before he says: "If you take on a persona or attitude long enough, your inner creature magic starts adapting to it. And the closer you are to your Veela, the more likely you are to start believing and behaving to that image."
At this Hari mutters: "Ooooooooh." Before he turns to Draco, who nods and says: "Yeah, though that is partially also because of my upbringing. I'll explain more later, love. Just know that, thanks to my father, there were always subtle differences, that made it easier for me to accept you as my mate." He pulls the boy close, who happily cuddles with him as Sirius reads on.

Harry, who … the name!"

"And another piece falls into place." Lucius sighs before he goes on: "That is how father got that poor elf. He must have tricked the poor thing's former masters into inviting him into their home and then said the name, activating the Taboo. Probably even right in front of that elf's eyes." And this even makes Hari, Ron and Hermione share a shocked look as Sirius reads on.

"Sorry," said … yet again."

"How the heck did he know about that? I just can't imagine that Dumbledore would let such information slip like that. He wouldn't want the world to know that his arch-nemesis was in his school under his nose, there's just no way." Remus says, looking utterly confused, but I already have my suspicions and I'm apparently not alone.
"Dumbledore has spies; one of which was working for both sides at the same time. Though the other – that suddenly explains why Dumbledore waited so long. Why he never informed you guys." And he actually looks at the Weasleys, shocking me as this was a part even I hadn't thought of. "Of course. It's so something he would do."
And in my mind I can just see it happen. Dumbledore confronting Pettigrew, probably while Hari was unconscious in the Hospital wing and telling him: "Spy for me and give my enemies the information I want them to have and I won't reveal your secret to the world. Agreed?" I growl at this and suppress the need to look at Peter as Sirius reads on.

Harry nodded … at Hogwarts."

"That proves it." Hari says, crouched forward and his hand covering his face as he says: "That. That wording. It sounds just like Dumbledore. That bastard had one of his spies approach Dobby, get him to meet Dumbledore and then Dumbledore manipulated him. Praised me into the heavens and then proved he knew exactly what would happen.
Though I got to say, at the same time, it doesn't make a lot of sense. Why would he do such a thing? Surely he'd know this would make Dobby want to –." But then Draco pulls him close and says: "Forget him, my love. We have the book itself to worry about. Don't let him win. Push him from your mind." Hari sighs and nods, silently thanking Draco as Sirius reads on.

"No, no … mortal danger."

"Danger that Dumbledore will play the teachers into leaving to me instead of handling it themselves. That blasted bastard really cares so much for his own plans, he's just willing to sacrifice anything – anyone. Even the students his job description should make him honor bound to protect." And the boy cuddles deeper into his Dominant mate as Sirius reads on, grimacing.

"Why?" said … months, sir.

"Excuse me a minute." Hari says and we all watch as he walks out of the room. We just sit after that, all of us concerned as he looked so troubled before he left, but his voice proved that he needed to do whatever it is he's doing. And just when my instincts are about to overwhelm me and make me want to transform and hunt him down, does he return.
"Where'd you go?" Hermione asks and Hari answers: "To find Dobby. I needed to see if I was right about something. I was. Christmas. Last year's Christmas." This statement confuses me, but then I remember it. Dumbledore telling Hari that the mirror is about to be moved. This realization horrifies me and I reach out to my Moony as Sirius reads on.

Harry Potter … the wall.

"Someone who knows exactly how to make others take the blame." Hari growls, but then he suddenly looks up and looks at both Lucius and Draco. He then turns to his grandfather and then to Merden as he says: "Get the Guard Elves. Have them arrest Narcissa Black this instant. I'll explain when she gets here." And Merden accepts this as he nods and leaves.
"Care to explain us a little sooner?" Ron asks and yet Hari just looks back at his boyfriend and says: "Dumbledore's not the only one capable of framing others for their crimes, though they do have different methods of getting that accomplished." Draco's eyes widen and I myself remember what he said when he explained himself.
"The contract." I think to myself, feeling new disgust grow for those I am, sadly enough, related to and then suddenly Lucius asks: "You do realize this might mean that Draco won't be born." But at this Hari says: "I have no doubt that, with or without her, you will have an Heir worth being proud of. And who you will raise better than she could." Lucius smiles and Sirius reads on.

"All right!" … ever had.

I notice Molly grimacing in disgust at this and I know that that is something she has been known to say for many years before we made all of these discoveries. The woman then turns to me and yet before she can open her mouth, the king says: "I do believe that, after this chapter, we should break for potential conversations." We all nod at him, Molly smiles gratefully and Sirius reads on.

Dobby knows … decent wizard…"

"He stopped himself." Hermione mutters and Hari growls: "Of course he did. Dumbledore may have had him fooled, but he was a Malfoy Elf first – or at least after his former master was taken. And I doubt the current Lord Malfoy doesn't know about a smidge of the dirty laundry Dumbledore tries not to hang outside at the least." Lucius nods to confirm this and Sirius reads on.

And before … golfer joke….

"That one's actually decent." One of the twins says, shocking us all before the other one goes on: "Though the one Hari told us Dudley loved saying.""Is just horrendous.""When did he tell you about that one?" Ron asks and the twins say: "At the end of Third.""To help us destress.""From our constant studying for OWLs." This seems to startle Arthur and Hari looks at him as Sirius reads.

One more … my letters?"

This makes me look at Lucius in concern and I say: "If that was on her orders and you were ordered to take the blame for her wrongdoings." And Lucius nods as he says: "I would see at least a year in Azkaban for that – if not more for the fact that Hari is royalty." I nod, but notice that Draco is grimacing in anguish and Hari is this time the one to pull him close as Sirius reads on.

"Dobby has … gamekeeper, Hagrid.

I then notice that Hari is looking away and to my concern, is he once again looking at that accursed Snitch that has been stuck in the wall ever since he tried using his Patronus. "I know how to do it." Hari suddenly says and we all look at him as he moves over to it. This really makes me want to follow him, but I know I need to leave him be this time, let him do his thing.
Hari moves over to the wall, but while he does reach out, does he falter and turn back. And his eyes landing on Jaurion instantly takes away all concern I had. The young teen instantly and happily rushes for his son and uses the element he has been training more and more to safely get the Snitch out of the wall, letting it float on a small cluster of wind.
And as they stand opposite each other, do I feel at awe at how similar and yet at the same time different the two look. They definitely have Potter traits, even with them both no longer wearing the rosary, but both also have a sense of adulthood and responsibility about them that, while equally strong, obviously comes from different sources and experiences.
Hari, who still looks war-hardened, but is slowly regaining a bit of softness to him, reminding me of the thirteen year old I met in, what was to me, only a few years ago, stands before his father who, while only sixteen nearly seventeen, looks ready to be the father I remember him to be and seems as if he is but a minute away from the man who told his wife to take their son and run.

The sight of this is breathtaking and awe-inspiring and just looking at them brings tears to my eyes. I blink them away and just in time as Hari speaks, but yet he doesn't. A language I never heard before sounds from his throat and there is a musical note added to the lilt of his voice as well. Yet at the same time, there is no denying or ignoring the strong demanding undertone to it all.
And Dumbledore's – the late, fake Dumbledore as I think him – magic seems to fall under this as the whole Snitch actually breaks in half perfectly, the line going from the circle that holds one of its tiny silver wings straight to the other and then straight back as well. The two halves break apart and so do father and son – as they jump away from the mountain of stuff that now clutters the floor.
Everyone looks shocked at the sight of so many things and while Hermione, obviously out of it, mumbles: "That is one extensive Nonverbal Extension Charm." Does Ron not glare or snap at her over this, his own eyes proving he is probably so flabbergasted he didn't even hear her. And yet at the same time, I really can't blame the young redhead as my shock almost shuts my brain down.

"He hid this much from me." Hari mutters and his tone says it all. Even though he has now come to the realization of who Dumbledore really turned into, this is still a blow to my young boy. And a boy who is slightly younger in age, but clearly his equal in being an adult – and mine in being a father – ploughs through the torrent of gifts just to pull the boy in a caring embrace.
I turn away, believing that the two need a moment and notice that Lindilwen has taken to Adeline where she whispers: "Get that stuff checked, see if Dumb put any spells on it and then separate it in equal piles. One sent to my room and one to Jaurion's. It will give us an equal chance to spent time with Hari." The female elf nods in pride and I think: "She's getting there." As Sirius reads on.

Dobby blinked … back, sir!"

"Why is he so adamant on Hari not going back? I thought he had been watching Hari earlier. Surely he saw what Hari's homelife was like and all, right?" Peter asks confused and Molly sighs as she says: "I hate to admit it, but he's not the only one who ignores that, just because Dumbledore told him to." Peter looks at her astonished over this, but I feel proud of her for admitting it as Sirius reads on.

"No," said … for Dobby.

At this a lot of us turn to look at the boy, but the queen shakes her head and says: "Music Elves aren't known to become feline Animagus. They are more likely to be birds or other animals that let out musical sounds. Though there are the rare one or two that became wolves and other canines." Hari looks really intrigued at this and I think: "I might just start training him later." As Sirius reads on.

From the … own good."

"What good? Didn't Hari just say that they'd kill him? How –?" Peter asks and Bill sighs as he says: "If there is one thing you will discover about those who have Hari's best interest at heart, it's that they will often do something they think will accomplish that, while ignoring either the actual truth or what Hari tells them." Yet he looks at me at this, proving he doesn't include me in this, which I appreciate as Sirius reads on.

The pudding … the owl.

Here Sirius stops and frowns as he says: "That can't be right. Ministerial owls are trained not to show themselves to unaware Muggles. Why would this one –?""Because Dumbledore has a hand in the pocket of basically every Department of the Ministry. Or he at least did back then." Hari growls in annoyance and Draco pulls him closer in order to calm him down as Sirius reads on.

Aunt Petunia … of Magic

"That's not her." Lindilwen suddenly says and everyone looks at her as she says: "Mafalda is a First year in Gryffindor. I've been helping her with her homework and she's been helping the other Lions in return. She's especially defensive of the other Muggleborn Lions and believes in equal treatment and proper investigation.
Just before we came here, a couple of Third years tried accusing her best friend of breaking the rules to McGonagall and she threatened with a strike, saying she wouldn't come to classes if the accusation wasn't investigated. McGonagall returned the threat with one that she'd be expelled, but she stood her ground, forcing McGonagall's hand. I just – I can't see her change, not that much."
At this I hear Ron whisper at Hermione: "Makes you wish she was still around when we had that Point loss incident." And Hermione nods as I notice Hari grimace and he says: "Well, this sure wouldn't be the first time that bastard would make himself sound like someone else." And it really doesn't even need to be said who he means, making Sirius read on, grumbling to himself.

Harry looked … back upstairs.

Sirius' voice is almost a whisper at this point, his anger making him almost unintelligible. "If it's any consolation, it took me only another year at Hogwarts before I stopped caring about that. At least to the point that I was willing to stay there." Hari tells us all, reminding me of the fact that our first meeting was in the middle of the night. Sirius just calm down at hearing this and reads on.

Uncle Vernon … the clock.

"I'm starting to think that leaving that fat Muggle with Voldemort wasn't good enough of a punishment." The king growls and then suddenly Merden comes back. "Your target is in a holding cell awaiting charges. I already told her she's arrested for the deal she was trying to make with Lord Malfoy and that more will be added later.
As for Vernon Dursley and Lord Voldemort, Your Majesty." Here the Time Elf moves over to the king and whispers something in his ear. The King's eyes widen and he says: "That will do – for now." Merden nods and the king says: "Only some of you are ready to hear this. Others – have Hogwarts." And his son and friends nod, understanding what he means before Sirius goes on.

Three days … death anyway.

Molly looks down at this and Arthur wraps an arm around her shoulder as he says: "You didn't know." But the woman shakes her head and says: "They warned me. they told me themselves and I called them liars. I was willing to believe him over my own kids." This makes me look at the other Weasleys and I notice that the twins have hints of gratitude in their eyes as Sirius reads on.

The cat-flap … uneasy sleep.

And just like when we read of Nicholas Flamel, does this obviously really bother Hari as he looks down, lost, forlorn and hurt. "Hari?" Lindilwen asks and Hari mumbles: "I wish I had been full-grown – back then." At which I just stand up and gently pull him out of Draco's lap and into mine, pulling him close to comfort him as Sirius reads on.

He dreamed … Harry's window.

Hearing of the boy's dream makes me tighten my grip a little as it sounds like my own experiences in Azkaban, something I would never wish on anyone other than those who join either Dumbledore or Voldemort in their need to see my godson hurt, but my hold loosens again when I hear this wonderful news, that is until another realization hits me and I ask:
"How did you do that?" And while I obviously voice the thought on many minds, does Ron just smirk at me as the twins jokingly chorus: "Magic, of course." Making me glare at them before Sirius says: "Fine. You lot read then." But after he throws the book at Ron, does the king say: "Not yet. It's time we get some conversations finished." And we all nod.

Well, that's done.
Next chapter is going to be quite important. It will be a conversation between Lucius and Lindilwen, then Lindilwen and Lupin, Hari, Draco, Hendros and Narcissa over her crimes and maybe one or two others if I think about them. But personally, I think these three will do the trick and fill enough to create one single chapter.
Also, I know I've been getting some requests to chance the way I write my paragraphs, so I decided to try and add text, making it from three and a quarter lines on Word to four. Hopefully, this will make them long enough that they are now easier to read.
Let me know,

Venquine1990