A/N: I really wanted to try my hand at a 'Reading the books' fic, but the originals have been done over so much that there isn't much left unsaid. So, I thought I'd try it with author Deadwoodpecker's 'Backwards With Purpose' series; I would really recommend everyone to read that, it remains one of the best fanfictions I've ever read.

So, the story belongs to Deadwoodpecker and the characters belong to JKR. And without further ado…

Prologue

''I call this meeting to order,'' Professor Dumbledore's voice reverberated through the kitchen of No. 12 Grimmauld Place and Sirius and Remus, who were regaling Tonks with one of their many childhood escapades, fell silent and turned to face the aged wizard.

''Now, Severus, I believe you have some vital information to share with us?''

''Yes, Headmaster. After considerable effort,'' here he glanced slyly at Sirius, ''I have managed to learn that the Dark Lord is seeking a prophecy contained in the Department of Mysteries.''

''Considerable effort,'' snorted Sirius derisively. ''Crabbe and Goyle could have told us as much.''

''I assure you, Black that Crabbe and Goyle could not tell you that the prophecy concerns your precious Godson and that the Dark Lord considers it the key to his ultimate victory.'' Snape sneered, his eyes glinting malevolently.

Dumbledore sighed. ''Yes, I was afraid Tom would seek information in that regard,'' he mused to himself.

''What?'' Sirius said sharply. ''You know what prophecy Snape's talking about?''

''I'm afraid so,'' Dumbledore replied wearily. ''And it is of utmost importance that Voldemort does not lay hands on it. Fortunately, the only people who can remove a prophecy from the Hall of Prophecies are the individuals of whom it speaks. In this case,
Lord Voldemort or...Harry.''

''No way is my Godson going anywhere near the Department of Mysteries!'' Sirius snarled, daring anyone to contradict him.

''I quite agree, Sirius,'' Dumbledore said placidly. ''Now, we need to keep the prophecy safe and it is imperative that the Ministry not be aware of what we are up to, so it would be best-''

He stopped mid-sentence as the dank kitchen was lit up by a brilliant golden light, apparently coming through the scrubbed long table, where they sat planning.

Dumbledore was the first of many to whip out his wand but, as the light faded and went out, he could only see a thick book lying innocently on the table with a parchment on top.

''What is it, Albus?'' Professor McGonagall asked is a hushed voice as Dumbledore carefully levitated the letter and book, checking if they carried any curses.

''I do not know, Minerva'' he replied mystified. ''Though it does not seem to be cursed... and it is addressed to me.''

He read it out loud:

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I am hopeful that this note finds you in good health. I request that you take time out of your busy schedule to read the book that I have sent you; you will find it most illuminating. I am hopeful that it will aid you in the war against Lord Voldemort and, perhaps this time, it'll be done right the first time itself.

Your friend,
Merlin

''Merlin!'' Snape scoffed. ''It is more likely the Weasley brats up to their tricks again,'' he threw a venomous look at Molly Weasley.

''Let us not be hasty in apportioning blame, Severus,'' Dumbledore admonished, smiling reassuringly at Molly and Arthur. ''I am sure Messrs Weasleys know better than to disrupt an Order meeting. Especially with you in attendance,'' he added mischievously, smiling at
Snape, who bared his teeth.

''But what does 'Merlin' mean by 'doing it right the first time itself'? Remus asked puzzled.

''Again, I do not know, Remus. I think the book will hold answers for us, though. I suggest that we read it; I do indeed believe we shall find it 'most illuminating,''' he finished, his eyes twinkling.

'''Backwards With Purpose: Always and Always,''' he read out the title of the book as the image below depicted three people who were unmistakably an older Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Ginny Weasley staring blankly into a cauldron containing what looked like
translucent glass; he had never seen anything like it before. He felt
a vague sense of unease.

'''Prologue,''' he continued, opening the book but just then there was another golden flash and three more people appeared, sprawled on the floor.