Hey everyone,
So I made a bit of a mistake in the bottom AN of the last chapter. Snuffles was sharing looks with Merden, not the queen. I made sure to fix this, though I will also go back and fix other stuff – such as the actual dates – at a later time, sometime this year. For now, I want to focus on To Read Into The Universe, then after that I will probably focus on either this or Family and Friends.
Also, I am aware that Article 13 has been accepted by the European Parliament - or whatever - but I do not care, at least not yet. This whole act is not going to count for us for another two years, so until then I am going to continue posting updates every month. At least until as many of these stories are completed. Though I am hesitant to start new stories because of this as well, sorry.
Hope you understand,

Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.
Shout-Outs To:
V.L. Crawford
Kirsty21

29th of December 1976
The Reading Room, Ariador
Lucius' POV

"If no one minds, I'd like to follow up where my son left off." I tell the group at large and none of them seem to mind, yet the young Granger girl does turn to the group at large and ask: "Just a quick question. How much will we read today?" To this the boy that is actually my son from the future pages through the book before he says: "This book has 18 chapters, so maybe – 9 chapters today, 9 chapters tomorrow?"
Everyone nods in agreement to this, though I do notice Merden sharing another nod with the Lord of my former fiancé's family before Draco hands me the book. Yet I also notice that his mate, who really is growing into quite the handsome young man, even though his emotional scars are clear as day to see, is staring between me and Arthur Weasley. This intrigues me and I start to read.

Flourish and Blotts

And this title actually causes for all those who are in my son's year of age to groan as Ronald mutters: "I forgot about that. I thought we wouldn't have to deal with him until the Hogwarts chapters." "Would that have really mattered? They are probably in two or three chapters." His friend tells him to which Ronald moans: "Doesn't matter, it's the thought that counts." And while I feel quite concerned over all this, do I read on.

Life at … like him.

"You really are more likeable than you give yourself credit for, dear." Molly Weasley says and Hari jokes back: "Just give me until next book and my book-self might just start believing you.""So does that mean.""That you believe us?" The twins joke and Hari laughs: "Would you spend this much time in one room with me if you didn't?" Making the others laugh as well as I read on, smirking.

Mrs. Weasley … without magic."

"Oh great Arendia, I completely forgot!" Merden suddenly yells to himself, shocking us all. "Forgive me, I was so focused on the task I was given and aiding his Highness in getting his life back in order, I had completely forgotten about the other tasks given to me by my future self.""Wait, how does that relate to dad's love for all things Muggle?" Ronald asks bemused.
"Hermione. You see, Ron, Ariador has nine kingdoms, but a few of those actually have parts of their kingdom divided away from the rest so that the magic cast by the rest does not affect their space and through this have been able to start using Muggle devices in those spaces. I was told by my elder self to let Hermione go to these places and help them bring the devices into the future. I just don't entirely get what he meant with that."
"Did he give any hints?" The young Granger girl asks and Merdens shrugs as he says: "Just that it would help us relax and that it had something to do with technology and games." And this seems to make sense to the girl as she says: "Just take me to the ones creating the Muggle devices when you can." The Time-Elf nods and I continue reading, feeling slightly intrigued.

Harry heard … Gilderoy Lockhart.

"That guy actually became Valivial's persona incarnate." Severus moans and Hari groans as he says: "Trust me, you have no idea." And instantly their earlier moaning and groaning makes sense – and makes me realize the trials my beloved's future self is about to endure. This makes me grimace and I pull Severus closer against my person as I continue to read.

Fred, who … muttering, "Pathetic."

At this I can't help but turn to the Weasley parents and ask: "You do know that Eeyloops Owl Emporium takes owls that are too old to a sanctuary for the retired ones and in return pays the owners the prize of a new owl, right?" But the two look at me startled and confused at which I think: "Apparently not." Making me grimace as I read on.

Then he … the shame."

"Why is that shameful?" Lindilwen asks and George sighs as he says: "It's just how I used to see things. Let me explain. My entire life all I heard about was he works at the Ministry and she works at the Ministry and he was Head Boy and she was Quidditch Captain. But then Bill, our eldest, went to work for Gringotts and not a few years later Charlie became a Dragon Tamer.
It was so different and so unique and I grew up really looking up to both of them. Those two factors combined, constantly hearing about those titles and jobs that everyone and their mother had and earned, combined with how different Bill and Charlie were, even with their own school badges and titles, made me just have really limited views on certain titles.
And Percy was already set for the Ministry, so – in my eyes – it was so different and unlike Bill and Charlie – well, you get the picture, right?" My newly adopted sister nods at the lad, while his mother is gaping at him and his brothers – especially Percival himself – is smiling at him. And while I personally feel intrigued and impressed over their diversity, do I read on.

Bill was … the flowerpot.

Instantly I notice the boy tensing up again along with the other Weasleys that were present that day. "Wow, we actually forgot a lot about what happened that year." Ron mutters and instantly Jaurion asks: "You weren't hurt, were you?""No, just didn't arrive at the planned destination." Hari says and I notice him looking at Draco, who cringes and mutters: "Yikes." Making me read on, intrigued.

Harry stared … and George."

"Wow." A lot of those around me chorus and the twins say: "Yeah.""The only way.""That would have been.""More confusing.""Is if we said it." At which I nod, yet even this makes me think: "Surely the boy can't have used accidental magic and somehow broken through our family manor Floo wards. He's strong, but not that strong, at least not yet, right?" And I read on, feeling confused.

Trying hard … school list.

Instantly my son's role in all this makes sense, yet at the same time it shocks me as even my father did not bring me to Knockturn Alley at that age, regardless of how much of a Heartless Monster he was. I turn to Draco and the slightly younger teen sighs as he says: "It was her punishment. I publicly humiliate her, so you publicly humiliate me.
And she considered my scores to be such and had certain things that, the contract, forced you to get rid of for her, so – yeah." At this I nod as that does sound like something Narcissa would do, even as young Hermione says: "But your scores weren't bad as all. You were right up – ah." And instantly I get why Narcissa would consider the scores to be a sense of humiliation and I sigh as I read on.

A glass … the better.

"Thank goodness you were still wearing your rosary at the time." The Queen then mutters and we all turn to her as she explains: "Knockturn Alley lets off a certain vibe that is best sensed by Music, Wind and Empathy Elves. Without the Rosary they would even be able to sense it slightly from Gringotts, so imagine how strong they'd be able to sense it if they are that deep into the street." At this a lot of us wince and I continue reading as I grimace.

Nose still … peer through.

"Wow, I can hear Moody now. Are you stupid or something, Potter? What were you thinking hiding in an object when you're not even sure if it's cursed or not!" Yet at this his twin says: "Oh, how wrong you are, my darling brother. It'd be more like this. Good move, Potter. Keep an eye on your enemy and be able to plan your escape. Well done, lad." At this his twin brother nods and says: "Yeah, I suppose." Before I read on.

Seconds later, … Mr. Borgin."

I notice Draco looking at me as I read this and the boy asks: "Your future self was trying to keep me from giving into my inner Veela that was already growing, wasn't it? I was still a Submissive and as a Black Submissive Veela, I would tend to be jealous of the attention others would put on my mate and your future-self noticed that, don't you think?" And as I read the last bit again, do I mutter: "It sure seems that way." Yet at this I instantly turn to Hari, ready to reassure him.
Yet the boy shakes his head and says: "I don't mind. I would have, if the situation between Draco and myself, Light and Dark and all that wasn't what it was. I just want to know one thing and this is just a theory, nothing more." I nod at him and say: "If Sirius became Lord Black – just a theory – would you have made use of that fact?" And instantly I answer:
"To make sure that Draco would be raised the Black way and not Narcissa's and that he would get all the chances in the world to be his own person and make the family proud the way he has been doing since we came here? Instantly." And this, while I notice Snuffles smirking at his grumbling younger-self, makes my son and his mate smile at me as I read on.

A stooping … of anger.

And while I now understand the way Hari was looking between me and Arthur at the start of this story, do I not at all blame the Weasleys who are obviously feeling the same surge of anger and are glaring at me. That is, until suddenly Snuffles says: "Wow, your future-self really is wipped." Startling us all into looking at him instead. The man rolls his eyes and says:
"That's what Narcissa calls Muggle-lovers. You, at least according to my recollection, call them a whole lot of other things." At which Sirius' eyes widen and he says: "Hey, he's right. Remember what you and your father said about them that one Pureblood Gala that was held just before Reggie came to Hogwarts?" And my eyes widen, yet I cough and mutter: "Yes. Yes, I do. And I'd rather not repeat." I quickly look at Lindilwen in apology before I read on.

"– and as … taste, sir."

"And an even better memory, it seems." Ron mutters and Draco winces, yet then Hari pulls him close and says: "Ron, bathroom." And while it takes the redhead a minute to remember, do his eyes widen when he does. He whitens himself and mutters: "Right, sorry about that, Draco." And my son sends the Weasley a grateful nod before I read on, getting used to them just talking in code.

"I hope … elsewhere today –"

This seems to startle most of the Weasleys and to my confusion does Ginerva lower her head at hearing this, a dark look of pain showing in her chocolate brown eyes. Yet Hari goes to sit with her and whispers: "His wife. Remember the contract. Remember Snuffles' words. It wasn't him, it was her." Ginerva nods, I feel fear creeping up in my form for her future and I read on.

They started … to Date.

And instantly Harry scurries across the room, from Ginerva back to Draco, who is this time the one to have a dark look show in his pale grey eyes. Yet where Ginerva looked pained, does it seem as if Draco is haunted by a sense of guilt. "It was okay, Draco. You showed guilt the minute it happened. You tried your best to follow orders. Don't fret, my Dragon, please." Hari whispers at his mate and instantly I share a horrified glance with my own mate.
"Follow orders. My son worked for that – for that murderous monster at one point. He – he was ordered to – to kill – HE'S NOT EVEN IN HIS TWENTIES!" Goes through my mind and instantly my eyes shoot for the small cabinet beside the door where I know the other books are being kept, my gaze so intense I feel myself almost capable of seeing them through the wood.
Yet then I notice that the others have returned their focus on me. Yet this time I won't just return to the reading and so I turn to Hari and ask: "Which one?""The Sixth." Hari answers and I nod at him, willing to accept that I won't learn anything more until much later, but also grateful to know that my son won't be forced into such a horrible position at too young an age. "Though to be fair, any age of his is too young." I think to myself as I read on.

Draco turned … your manor..."

"I sincerely doubt she would be willing to part with that much, Ministry searches or no." I can't help but mutter only to notice Arthur smirking at me and he says: "I actually got an anonymous tip over Christmas as to where she was hiding her other goods and raided the manor. Got rid of it all." Making me smile at him, glad for the man's help, even if in the distant future and read on.

Muttering darkly, … can chew –"

Yet at this I notice all of the kids staring at their mother with incredulous smirks and the woman huffs, even if she is obviously trying to hold back a smirk of pride of his own. Then suddenly Draco snickers and asks: "Guess it is a bit of a shame, isn't it Mrs. Weasley? That He took your glory from you in this timeline?" And the woman seems to take a moment of thought before she shrugs and says:
"Maybe, but this time I plan to do the same to that bastard that thinks he can take my brothers from me. Faby and Giddy are still alive and I plan to keep it that way." And while I feel shocked that the two Lion Warriors could have fallen in this war, do I fully understand the determination behind the woman and her statement, yet I also wonder who else she took out as I read on.

"So you … Granger's hand.

"Arthur, would you perhaps like a course? There are a few among our kind who live in both worlds on a constant base – though not in the last few years, of course, due to the laws – and who have taken over the course of integrating their own lifestyles into both worlds, both the Magical and the Muggle. They know almost everything there is to know about both worlds."
The queen offers the obviously excited man, yet I also notice Hari and Hermione share a look before Hermione asks: "Your Grace, do these experts really know about today's technology? You know, like the VCR, the Walkman, the floppy disks and the digital wrist watch?" And while all these terms are completely foreign to me, does the queen nod and say:
"They do, dear, don't you worry. They may not be allowed to enter the other world, but my husband and I kept ourselves up to date for them and Hendros here sent a report on all changes in both worlds on a half-yearly basis for them to study." Hermione smiles at this, yet Ronald asks: "Why would you ask that?" And Hari sighs before he says:

"No offense, Ron, but if even your father wonders the function of a simple bath-toy, then it just proves to me how far behind the Magical world is and we feared the Elven world was the same. Heck, there were times where I wanted to ask either your father or Dumbledore about famous people from this century and well, I was just sure they'd ask who's that?""Like who, Hari?"
Arthur asks and while I wonder if, this time I will know some of these names as my father is quite paranoid and actually keeps up with popular or famous Muggles, spying on them to see if they would – as he used to call it – use their fame to stage a coup on our world does Hari answer: "Martin Luther King, Adolf Hitler, Walt Disney, Winston Churchill – oh come on! SERIOUSLY!"
He shouts in the end as his friends keep looking confused and he snarls: "He was our prime-minister during the Second World war in the Forties and the whole reason England helped America and Russia win in the first place. England was one of the only countries Hitler wasn't able to conquer thanks to him!" And at this I can't help it and so I quip: "I know that." Shocking most of those around me.
"Father's paranoid. He believes that famous Muggles only become famous so they can use their fans to stage a coup on the Magical world. Because of this, did he and grandfather often have spies – mostly House-Elves – keep an eye on such people. And I learned all about them so I would know what to look out for myself." I explain to the group at large and Hari groans: "My point exactly." And while the Weasleys turn a slight shade of red, do I read on, smirking to myself.

"Meet you … leather bag.

At this I suddenly notice the King smirking at the Weasleys and he asks: "Do any of you remember what our currency is?" And Percival answers: "It was called after a plant, right?" The king nods and says: "Clovers. And they are worth the same as Galleons. One clover is even, currently, worth three Galleons. And no, we don't have anything other than Clovers, not even in our different kingdoms." The Weasleys gawk at him and I read on, snickering to myself.

Back outside … to it.

And as I read this, do I notice Percival turning grim with guilt and pain and then the King mutters: "You know, you remind me of my uncle.""Grandpa had a brother? How did I not know that?" Jaurion asks shocked, startling even me and his father sighs as he says: "Because it was father's tale to tell you, son. You can visit some other time and ask him for it. And Percy, you can come too, if you want." Both teens nod at this and I read on.

An hour … books, now . ."

"Wait, he puts a picture that big on the front windows and then he doesn't expect a turn-up like that?" Sirius asks shocked and Remus asks: "You do remember that this is Lockhart you're talking about, right?""Not the point. No one should be stupid enough not to expect a huge turn-up when they hold an event with someone famous." His mate retorts and I nod with the younger teen while also noticing Hari grimacing before I continue reading.

Harry, Ron, … the Weasleys.

"Hari dear, quick question." The queen suddenly interrupts me and Hari turns to her as she asks: "Have you ever heard of a man named Arnold Securos?" But Hari shakes his head and so the queen turns to Snuffles, who says: "I know I heard James mention him once or twice, but never met him myself.""Who is he, Your Grace?" Lindilwen asks and yet it's her husband who answers:
"The Potter's official agent. I can understand why he wouldn't want to meet with Hari as no one would really expect Hari to do anything to live up to his fame in first, but other than him potentially not knowing Hari would be at Diagon Alley that day makes me wonder why he wasn't there that day, especially seeing this event. Heck, Arnold's father, when I was that age, would often just be in Diagon Alley on these like these, just to represent my father if we were to visit.
He hardly ever knew if we'd be there on those or not, but would still make sure to he could do his job if we would and I know for a fact he taught his son, Arnold that is, the same. So Arnold not being here to step in alongside Hari doesn't make any sense to me.""Unless, of course, someone just wanted to make sure Hari always faced the trials of his fame – on his own."
Snuffles then suddenly growls darkly and Hari whitens as the king turns to Merden and says: "Look that up. Find Arnold and see if you can bring him here. And make sure you do for him what you did for Snuffles when you checked his date of death at the end of the last book." The Time Elf bows and then leaves the room as I continue to read, an uncomfortable knot in my stomach.

"Nice big … and Wizardry!"

At this I can't help but shake my head in disbelief and Severus sighs as he says: "Another year, another moron for a colleague. What a joy." I also notice Jaurion smirking at his son as Severus says this and then the young Crown Prince states: "That moron has nothing on you, son. Especially not when it comes to holding a speech." And under the agreeing nods of his peers, does Hari turn red and I read on, smirking in agreement myself.

The crowd … front page."

By now Hari is smirking at my son and asks with an actual purr in his voice: "Were you, by chance, jealous?" Yet Draco actually glares at him and snarls: "I got jealous every time you were with Chang and only didn't when you were with Ginerva because she actually knew of me and agreed with my request. Do not tempt me." And Hari reels back, instantly embraced protectively by Snuffles.
I lie a hand on Draco's shoulder in order to calm him down as it's obvious that the answer was indeed yes and that Draco was actually reexperiencing those emotions and hear Snuffles whisper: "Never tempt newly bonded Veela's, Hari. They are, indeed, very protective and even possessive. You do not want to know what I was like the first few weeks my Lupine and I were dating." And both Lupin and Remus nod at this as I read on, feeling sure that Draco is calm again.

"Leave him … or Ginny.

"To be honest, I never quite understood that." Hermione mutters and she goes on: "I mean, Mr. Weasley obviously works so hard to keep the Statute of Secrecy strong and safe and yet no one appreciates him over it. Why is that?" And I sigh as I mutter: "His behavior, probably. He enjoys it too much for others to take it seriously that way. No offense meant, Arthur." The balding man nods in reluctant acceptance and I read on.

"We have … the shop.

By now I notice Sirius frowning at me in angered rage and he hisses: "You set him up. You hid something in that tower he pushed you into and it gave you the chance to hide it alongside that book you took from Ginny. You put something dangerous in her cauldron and made her father so angry with you he didn't even notice.""How did you notice that?"
Hari, Ron and Hermione are actually all asking this of him at the same time and Sirius snaps: "It was something Narcissa did for years when we grew up. She used it to constantly get either Andy, Bella, Reggie or me in trouble. She would come over, demand we play with something large and then hide something our parents didn't want us to have in it. She was usually caught in the end, but still." I grimace at this tale and read on, dreading the rest.

"Yeh should've … to travel.

And for some reason do I feel as if this line is like a hint as to how the rest of the book is going to be, as if nasty ways are abroad and we've just taken the path that will lead us down to them and wherever they are hiding. And just by looking at how, by now, Luna, Neville and Molly are comforting and reassuring a white-faced Ginerva, do I just know that I'm right. And the knowledge that my actions were the starting line makes me feel even worse.
"Arthur Weasley, I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy –." But at this Ginerva raises her hand at me to stop me before she turns to the King and says: "Before she gets trialed and after we finish this book – that woman's mine. I want at least one good shot at her. I need this. I need closure." And while I feel amazed that the girl isn't blaming me, as I feel is her good right, does the King nod.

Well said, Ginny.
And like I said, Ginny is NOT going to be that poor, troubled little girl that is still traumatized by what happened in her First year. She is going to prove to be the strong character we, more or less, got to see from Fifth year onward – seriously, I can hardly count the amount of times she had a real action scene or serious conversation with Hari, Ron or Hermione.
What does this mean? It means that I plan to do something that, I think, Rowling should have done; flesh out Ginny Weasley. Sorry, but when I read HBP, I have to admit, I think the first thing that threw me off and made me care less about the whole book was Harry suddenly finding that he liked Ginny's perfume or something. I just thought: "Where did that come from?" And trust me, Harry's struggle between his crush and his friendship with Ron DIDN'T help.
So yeah, long story short, I DON'T hate Ginny. I hate Dumbledore – to an extend as you can see a clear difference between this version's Dumbledore and the one in Family and Friends – and I hate Molly – again, to an extend as proven by the difference between her in this story and Preventing Trouble. Heh, you know what, after all these years, there really are just two HP characters that I hate with a burning passion; Bellatrix Lestrange and Dolores Umbridge.
Am I right,

Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.