Author's note. I proposed this idea to MySecretThoughts and she liked it. The basic idea is a group of Hogwarts characters read her story 'Under a Watchful Eye.' I got the idea from all the various 'characters read My Immortal' stories and I just thought it would be interesting to try. Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't, we'll soon see.

By the way trolls, have you ever heard of a little thing called a...wait for it, wait for it...LIBRARY! Yes, there are magical places where you can read the books FOR FREE. And frankly, the majority of people reading fan fiction have ALREADY brought/read the books or watched the film. I know it gives you a buzz to have people's work deleted because you're incapable of writing your own but try to resist the urge to be a douchebag.

Anyway, because of the trolls, I'm not going to post whole chunks of the books. I will either summarise or use quotes; the focus will be more on this alternative universe reading. You see I have a different take on the character than MySecretthougts does so for the purposes of this story, we'll simply consider it an alternative universe.

I'm afraid my Truth and Lies: Book One story has been deleted by FF, I'm really sorry everyone. I'm not sure where I can post it again, maybe Deviantart might be a good place.

For those that hate Ginny, don't panic, right now I'm not really planning to pair anyone with Harry.

Enjoy and please review.

"I'm sorry for being a jerk," Harry mumbled to his friends as they made their way downstairs.

"That's fine, just don't do it again," Ginny told him and he smiled sheepishly.

He still felt ashamed that he'd forgotten about Ginny being possessed by Voldemort for almost a whole year and almost killed by him. He just hadn't been able to think logically for the last week or so, not since Mr Weasley had been attacked. But his friends had convinced him that it wasn't his fault and he was feeling ten times better than this morning.

He was now trooping downstairs with them for lunch and he was feeling absolutely ravenous. But just as they were going down the last set of stairs, Molly suddenly came bustling out.

"There you are," she said breathlessly. "The headmaster is in the kitchen."

"Has something happened to dad?" Ginny yelped in alarm, instantly fearing the worst.

"No, no, your father's fine," Molly told her. "Albus would like to see you all."

"He would?" Harry repeated before sighing. "I'd better go; he won't want to see me."

"Oh he does dear," Molly interjected before he could start back up the stairs in a gloom. "In you all go, lunch won't be long."

Glancing at each other, they did as they were told while Molly went to fetch the twins. Dumbledore was sitting casually at the kitchen table along with Sirius who was staring at a pile of books and a letter. Harry thought they looked rather muggle in appearance, they weren't leather bound or anything and the colours were a little too bright for wizards.

"Good afternoon," he greeted them, catching Harry's eye which amazed the black haired boy. "The house is looking very merry; I hope you're all looking forward to Christmas."

"Yes sir," Hermione said instantly. "You wanted to see us?"

"Indeed I did," he nodded, taking out a letter from the folds of his robes. "I just received this rather unusual letter that needs to be shared with you."

As they sat down, Fred and George appeared behind them with a crack, causing the kids to jump.

"Stop doing that," grumbled Ron, rubbing his leg where he'd bashed it.

"Why, mum said it was important," Fred said smugly.

"Yeah, we couldn't possibly keep our esteemed headmaster waiting," George admonished his little brother.

"Yeah right," Ron said moodily as Dumbledore smiled at them all.

"Dear Professor Dumbledore," the old man began. "I know this letter may appear rather suspicious but I assure you its all true. We've included a note on things only you yourself know to verify who we are. This will be for your eyes only until such time as you want to reveal the contents."

Dumbledore smiled slightly as he said. "I have read that note and it does indeed contain information only I could know so I believe that whoever wrote this letter is telling the truth."

"And what is this letter saying?" asked Sirius, hands playing with a spare bit of cutlery.

"That its writer is from the future," Dumbledore said simply as everyone gaped at him. Before he could be bombarded with questions, he continued reading the letter.

In the future, Voldemort was defeated," he said as everyone gasped. "But at a great cost, many good people were killed and we feel this could have been avoided. Sadly, we can only send this gift back to the middle of Harry's fifth year; we can't save Cedric or the others Voldemort killed."

Harry's fist clenched as he thought of the kind boy whose life had been so abruptly cut short.

"I know how disappointed you will all be and believe us when we say we wish this could be different. Anyway, you will require a certain group of people to be with you while you read these books. Obviously you Professor Dumbledore but also Professor McGonagall and Snape. Mr and Mrs Weasley with all their children although we understand Charlie might not be able to make it."

"He'll be gutted," George stated.

"In order to allow Arthur Weasley to join you, we've written what potion he needs. Give it to him and by the evening, he'll be able to come home," Dumbledore read as Ron exclaimed.

"That's great."

Harry was also grinning, the guilt he'd felt over Mr Weasley's attack ebbing away slightly.

"Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. And lastly, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mad Eye Moody and Tonks. Some parts will be difficult but you must all stay for it, this is vital."

Sirius scoffed, thinking of being forced to sit in the same room as Snape for longer than an hour.

"This next part may seem very strange but we have our reasons. We have not only set you seven books detailing Harry's years at Hogwarts..."

"What?" Harry exclaimed, completely taken aback by this. "But why?"

"Because you have faced and defeated Voldemort several times," Dumbledore told him softly. "The events leading up to these instances are extremely important and may tell us more than we realised."

"So, it's just those events?" Harry said slowly but Dumbledore just smiled.

"I have not looked through the books so I do not know," he said, adding. "But they look a little too thick to be merely on those events."

"Oh," Harry said, not sure what to think. A part of him wanted to refuse but a larger part of him was curious as to what was in these books. He wanted to see them but he might not be able to on his own. So he decided to give in for now and see what would happen.

"Okay," he said aloud, allowing Dumbledore to continue.

"...But within these books are commentary from an alternative universe where a slightly different group of you are reading the same book."

"A what?" Sirius exclaimed in shock as the dam on questions finally burst.

"An alternative universe? That's impossible?"

"What does it mean by different group of us?"

"I don't understand!"

Dumbledore held up a hand and they all managed to stop their flow of questions.

"I don't know much about it but I believe this is possible. The Department of Mysteries studies this concept and the little that they reveal indicates these alternative universes do exist. They do not necessary contain drastic differences but there are enough to make them alternative in the first place. We shall soon see just how different this one is if we read."

There was a pause and then Harry said.

"I want to read it."

"Me too," Ron declared as Hermione nodded. "I'm in."

It didn't take much for Fred, George and Ginny to also declare their willingness to hear what these books had to say. Molly looked a bit worried and said.

"This will be safe, won't it Albus?"

"It will be," he assured her. "And if it's not, we will deal with it swiftly."

She nodded, a little distracted by the thought of her husband being able to leave hospital.

"Is there any more to the letter, Professor?" Hermione asked and he smiled.

"It is safe for you to look into Harry's eyes," Dumbledore now read quietly as they all stared at him. "But you should probably wait until the fifth book to explain your reasoning in the first place. Good luck from the future to the past."

"I guess we gather everyone now," Sirius said a little gloomily. "Does Snape really have to be here?"

"Yes he does," Dumbledore said firmly. "And you will treat each other with respect."

"I'll treat him with as much respect as he treats me," Sirius said shortly, standing up. "Do you want me to contact some of the others?"

"If you would," Dumbledore said with a nod and Sirius left, giving Harry a small smile.

"I must go as well to organise Arthur's treatment," Dumbledore said, also getting up. "And call the others, would it be possible to organise the sitting room so we can all sit comfortably?"

"Of course Albus, we'll have everything ready," Molly assured him.

"Excellent," he said with a beam. "Well, I shall see you all later."

And he swept from the room as Molly turned to them and said.

"Right then, we'd better get started. Fred, George, get your wands, I'll need you to..."

As she rattled off a set of instructions, Ron hissed to Harry.

"What you reckon this'll be like?"

"No idea," Harry said with a shrug. "I wonder what these people from this...alternative universe are like."

Ron had no idea so he simply offered his friend a shrug of his shoulders.

"I think it's fascinating," Hermione exclaimed excitedly in a whisper. "Just think about everything we can discover."

"Yeah, suppose it'll be good," Ron said with another shrug as his mother directed them out of the kitchen and towards the sitting room.

Later

"How do you feel, Arthur?" Molly asked as she made sure her husband was comfortable on a sofa. True to the letter's word, the potion they suggested worked perfectly and Arthur was able to leave.

"Wonderful Molly dear, just a bit tired," he said with a reassuringly smile as she sat beside him, allowing him to put an arm around her.

Everyone was sat in the large Black sitting room, on assorted sofas and chairs. They all, barring Snape looked happy to be here although Mad Eye was watching the books with both eyes as though he thought they would explode at any moment.

"That's everyone I believe," Dumbledore said with a smile as Tonks asked.

"Is this really a set of books from an alternative universe?"

"That has already been established," drawled Snape, sitting in a high backed chair with gnarled arms that snaked to the floor.

Sirius glared at him as he said. "Some of us find this a bit unbelievable Snape?"

"I'm sure you find many things unbelievable Black," shot back Snape. "Such as the fact anyone thought you were a murderer in the first place...took everyone by surprise that did."

Sirius growled as Remus placed a hand on his arm.

"Really Severus," McGonagall exclaimed. "There's no need for that, we haven't even started on these books."

He inclined his head and leaned back, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Who would like to start?" Dumbledore asked and Bill raised a hand.

"I'll start us off," he replied, not wanting there to be a big argument over who would and wouldn't start.

Meeting of the Order of the Phoenix

Number 12 Grimmauld Place
Winter holidays, 5th year

Severus Snape had finished giving his report of the latest Death Eater activity and now stared resolutely at the opposite wall. He didn't want to take the chance that he would meet accusing eyes. He was well aware that all but one of the assembled group had at least some doubts about his allegiance. He held back a sigh, a small but ignored piece of him wishing that things could be different.

This little segment caused everyone to stare in astonishment at the Potion's Master, was that really how he felt? Snape merely offered them all a sneer of derision, inwardly annoyed at the book's beginning.

The babble of conversation flowing around the room was abruptly interrupted by a small pop! and the thumping of a book onto the centre of the table. Instinctively half of the group grabbed their wands as they stared around in anticipation. When minutes passed with no further activity they turned their attention to the book.

"Only half?" grumbled Moody. "Constant vigilance."

"Watch out," Tonks hissed. "He'll have us all practising in case that ever does happen."

"It appears there is a letter here," Albus Dumbledore stated as he lifted the envelope from the cover of the book. "Ah, it is addressed to the Order..." he mused, opening the envelope.

"So that's how they got theirs," Moody said thoughtfully.

Hello Dumbledore. I know that you will be the one reading this as you will not be able to bear someone else knowing something ahead of you.

There were a few chuckles as Dumbledore himself smiled.

Silver eyebrows raised at this as there were amused coughs from around the table.

"Am I that predictable?" he inquired dryly before continuing. Many of the adults tried to conceal their mirth out of respect for the old man.

"They do clearly know me," the old headmaster acknowledged with a slight twinkle.

Not that that's necessarily a bad thing. Now if you haven't already looked, and Remus I'm really surprised if you haven't...

The werewolf in question flushed as he looked up from the book he had picked up. There was a smatter of laughter around him. Sirius slapped him on the back, grinning widely."Too curious for your own good," Sirius said good-naturedly, imitating the book by slapping his friend on the back.

The book is from the future, printed in the months after the end of the war from memories. It is only the first of seven and it chronicles the school years of the Boy-Who-Lived. And yes, Professor Snape, it is necessary to go back in time to the first year instead of starting from the current location. It is all necessary to understand why and how.

Snape raised an eyebrow; this so called book was already starting on a rather presumptive tone.

Snape resisted rolling his eyes at the dramatics, sliding his indifferent mask in place.

All the kids hid smirks at the sneer now on Snape's face at this.

Dumbledore, despite being unnerved by the whole situation, was showing an alarming amount of twinkle at the attitude displayed in the letter.Naturally, the present Dumbledore was doing the exact same thing.

Now to finish there are rules. First we are missing players. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and all of the Weasley children need to be present. Yes Molly, all of the children. Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood are waiting in the square to be brought inside.

"Luna and Neville?" Hermione repeated in confusion. "Why would they be asked?"

Ron shrugged and none of the adults had a good answer except for Dumbledore who said.

"They must be important to the future," he mused as everyone who knew the two in question stared. Just how could a rather bumbling but well meaning Gryffindor and an extremely eccentric young Ravenclaw be important?

House elves will deliver food at appropriate times.

Once you start reading your magic will be useless. There will be no pranking, hexing, or killing. Sorry Sirius, but this is for the welfare of everybody.

"That doesn't bode well," Sirius murmured, wondering about the pranking bit. It had been more than a decade since he'd last pranked anyone, hell, it was probably getting close to two. It had most definitely been the last thing on his mind since getting out of Azkaban.

The next book will only appear once you have completed the current one. Once you start reading time will basically stand still. All members must be present during the reading or the books will disappear. Time outside the house is standing still and will only continue once the last book has been finished.

"How could they do that?" Hermione was unable to stop herself from asking.

"Maybe it's possible to do that in this alternative universe," growled Moody. "Although I'd still bet it's in the future and not when this is set."

Hermione still couldn't understand how this could happen but decided to accept it for the time being.

You are being given a rare chance to change the future for the better. Don't waste it.

I solemnly swear I am doing this for a better life.

The twins grinned at this in delight and Sirius and Remus also smiled slightly. It reminded them of happier times.

Sirius flashed his eyes to Remus at the signature. Very few people knew the password to the Marauder's Map, and that phrase was too close for his liking. He saw Remus nod in understanding.

"Tch, lighten up," Sirius commented on. At this point in time, he didn't really care if some people knew the password as long as Harry had it safe and sound.

"I suppose we have very little choice in the matter." Dumbledore decided quietly after exchanging a glance with his friend and confidant Minerva McGonagall.

"Confident am I?" Minerva asked with a small smile.

"Of course Minerva," Dumbledore chuckled, nodding. "There aren't many I confide in but you are most definitely one of them."

"Wish he could confide in me a bit more," Harry thought to himself as his Head of House smiled again. At least Dumbledore wasn't completely avoiding his gaze anymore but he still wanted to know why he had been before.

At his words the room elongated to accommodate several chairs and couches for comfort.

"It's like the Room," Ginny exclaimed.

"It is, isn't it?" Dumbledore said cheerfully as the adults looked confused.

"It'll come up later," Hermione said quickly before questions could be asked.

"I believe I should go escort our guests. Molly, if you would get the children."

"I really don't see why they have to be involved at all-!" she started, staring defiantly at the older man. "They aren't in the Order. Ginny's only fourteen, as is Luna. It's not safe!" she added fiercely.

Molly frowned at this. Seeing this, Ginny quickly said.

"Mum, it's alright. We're not involved in dangerous Order business. We're just reading a book. And we probably lived some of this anyway."

Molly relaxed and smiled at her daughter.

"Your right Ginny dear," she said as Arthur squeezed her hand.

"I thought for a moment I might have missed something my other self knew," she whispered to her husband who nodded in understanding.

"It's only words at this time. Nothing more. And really we don't have a choice if we want to have the chance to change the future," Remus started in a calm and reasonable voice.

"The eternal voice of reason?" Kingsley asked and Sirius barked out a laugh. "You bet."

Snape sneered in contempt, oh yes, Lupin was the voice of reason...when his precious friends were actually in danger of bodily harm or expulsion. At all other times however...well, it wasn't as though Prefects were actually meant to intervene when there was trouble.

"Besides these children have lived through four of these books already. I am sure we are going to get far more out of it then they are," Arthur added quietly, prompting his wife to give in with a small huff.

"I wouldn't mind how a few incidents played out," Arthur admitted as the trio glanced at each other, wondering just how much these books would reveal.

Within twenty minutes, the large group of Order members and the teenagers where positioned in the new sitting area.

"I am sure not everyone knows each other so perhaps we should introduce ourselves. I am Albus Dumbledore and I have an inordinate fondness for all things sweet," Bright blues eyes at their fullest twinkle, he turned to the stern witch seated beside him.

Harry smirked, thinking how the password for the headmaster's office was always a sweetie.

"Really Albus." McGonagall muttered as she stared sternly around the room.

Remus smiled to himself, he'd rather enjoyed watching his old Professor be stern while he was a teacher. It had made a nice change from his school days when she was often stern with him and his friends.

"Professor McGonagall," he introduced her as she remained stubbornly silent before motioning to the grizzled man on her right, "Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody."

The majority of the room had glanced at the Twins, expecting some type of outlandish remark. They were surprised by the red faces and curled fists.

"What are you angry at Mad Eye for?" Tonks demanded as they held up their hands in surrender.

"We're not," they protested.

"Maybe he caught you trying to sell those ridiculous sweets," Molly said sternly as they protested again.

"Perhaps if we read," Snape cut in. "We could learn the reason."

With his cue, Bill continued.

"They've been silenced," their mother informed the group. "I'm sure it'll wear off once we start reading but for now at least we have some peace and quiet." There was a smattering of laughter and some smug smirks thrown the Twin's way.

"Mum," Fred exclaimed in mock horror. "How could you?"

"I'm shocked and appalled," George added.

"Very funny," their mother said as there was laughter. "But if you are too unruly, then I will put a silencing charm on you."

"Our lips are sealed," they both declared, making gestures to this affect.

"I am Kingsley Shacklebolt," he introduced himself, the glint from his earring catching the light. He continued in his deep soothing voice. "Emmeline Vance," he indicated the witch sitting next to him on the second couch.

"Should Emmeline be invited to this reading?" Tonks asked.

"The letter did not mention her," Dumbledore said, shaking his head. "And she is busy tonight but we will see."

Harry tuned out the rest of the introductions, recognising everyone in the group. His attention had been caught by the book lying on the coffee table in front of him. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone did not seem like a good book to him. He glanced nervously at this godfather. He was quite unused to having someone that actually cared for him and was unsure what type of reaction his adventures would cause. He certainly didn't want to drive the man away.

"Oi," Ron exclaimed. "What do you mean; someone that actually cared for you?"

"That's not me," Harry exclaimed, frowning at the book.

"I'm sure other Harry just means someone in a parental sense," Hermione reasoned. "You know what the Dursleys are like."

"Yeah," Ron admitted, he knew perfectly well they didn't care for Harry.

"Anyway," Sirius said in response to the last line. "You don't have to worry about driving me away."

His smile turned a little bitter as he said. "I'm pretty sure you can never top what I've done."

"I don't care about that," Harry said firmly, leaning over towards his godfather. "It wasn't your fault."

Sirius's smile turned both grateful and sad. Bill carried on.

Harry heard his name called in an exasperated voice and turned to the man in question.

"What?" he asked in surprise noticing everyone was staring at him.

Harry grimaced slightly but didn't say anything.

"Are you all right?" Sirius asked softly noticing the pallor of the teenager sitting next to him.

Sirius frowned, surely other Harry wasn't that badly affected.

"I think this is a bad idea and we shouldn't read them," Harry answered louder than he intended.

"I'm taking this well," Harry said bemused.

"Nonsense boy. These books can be a real advantage for us," Moody growled impatiently. His magical eye was spinning around rapidly while his other was fixed on Harry.

"Yeah well they're not from your point of view are they? They've not got your private thoughts splashed across the pages have they?" the teenager snapped back, taking the adults by surprise while the teens just sighed.

Harry paused before shrugging. "Oh yeah, that is a good point."

"We don't have to read if you're uncomfortable," Molly said soothingly but he shook his head.

"No...I'd need to tell Sirius and you guys some things anyway, at least this way you can probably see why I did stuff...I hope," he added with a frown, they hadn't got to any of the books yet and he wondered just how detailed they were. Would they explain why he'd done the things he'd did? Like going through the trapdoor, trying to help Hagrid, all these things.

"Only if you're sure," she said and when he nodded, Bill started reading again.

"Harry!" Sirius admonished. He was shocked by his godson's behaviour, having never seen the teen act so disrespectfully.

"I have," Snape said with a smirk as Sirius turned to glare at him.

Harry flushed at the looks he was receiving from his family and friends.

Sirius couldn't help but be bolstered by the word family, he really hoped that Harry did consider him that.

"Really Harry, I don't think it'll be so bad. And if it helps save lives..." Hermione trailed off quietly, always cautious nowadays of her best friend's volatile temper.

"Another good point," Ron said with a smirk at his best friend who ruefully remembered blowing up at his friends.

"Yeah," Fred said grinning. "Just as well none of us are toads, or we'd all be in trouble."

"Or a ferret," Ron couldn't help but add.

"Or beetle," Hermione said meaningfully as she and her two friends laughed.

"What's the joke...?" George started to ask eagerly but Snape cut across him.

"If we could continue?" he said pointedly.

"Git," Ron muttered very quietly to Harry who nodded in agreement.

"Yeah mate. It's not like we don't know what happened first year anyway- it isn't a big secret," Ron added, lounging back on the couch.

"I don't know what happened," Sirius pointed out with a small smile.

"Neither do I," Tonks said cheerfully as Kingsley smiled but didn't comment.

"Can't wait to find out thought," the pink haired witch added with a grin.

Harry didn't point out that there was plenty that had happened that year that no one knew about. But he was more concerned about the room finding out about his life before Hogwarts. Some things didn't need to be shared, not even with those that cared about him.

Harry felt his brow crease at this statement. He didn't particularly care to share his life history with the Dursley but there wasn't really that much to say. They didn't like each other, they'd tried to stop him finding out about magic, they spoiled their own son, wasn't really that much to tell. Besides, his friends already knew that, there wasn't much else to tell.

So what did this Harry mean?

"Harry," Dumbledore said in an unusually grave voice. "Unless you can give us a good reason, I'm afraid the benefits outweigh any slight discomfort you might experience during the reading."

Harry shrugged, his curiosity was too great.

The teen was quick to notice that the headmaster continued to avoid his eyes, focusing instead on the wall above his head. He wanted to lash out at the words slight discomfort, but the look of mild disapproval from Remus and the concerned one from Sirius held his tongue.

"Fine whatever," he grumbled, jerking his shoulder in irritation.

Molly tutted to herself, the Harry she knew was nothing like this, he was always a polite well mannered boy. Why was this Harry acting so out of character? Was it simply teenage hormones, she'd seen plenty of those exploding out of her growing boys.

"Don't worry Potter. I'm sure your sterling image as Golden Boy won't be tarnished too severely!" Snape sneered. How like the boy to cause so much commotion in order to draw more attention to himself!

"I don't like attention," Harry said with a scowl. "And I'm not like that boy."

Snape didn't say anything for a moment but then said lightly.

"We shall see."

Harry grimaced, if the other Harry continued to snap and snarl at people, Snape would be more convinced than ever that he was an attention seeking brat. Then again, Snape saw everything as evidence that Harry loved attention. What was one more piece of the overall picture?

Only he heard the soft words from his mentor, "Severus, behave. You might actually learn something from this."

"If he does, I'll eat my hat," Sirius muttered, watching as Snape sneered again.

"Doubtful," he snarled back.

"That's it," Bill told the assembled group placing the book down for a moment; his voice was a little horse from reading. It always seemed to happen when he read out loud.

"That was short," commented Tonks thoughtfully as Remus now picked up the book and opened it at its place.

"It's probably just the introduction," Remus surmised, turning the page to see chapter one, the boy who lived. "Ah yes here it is."

"You reading Remus?" Sirius said with a knowing smile.

"I might as well," Remus said with a small, clearing his throat and preparing to read.

Author's note. You should hopefully have an idea as to whether or not you're going to enjoy this story. Don't be a troll though if you don't like this, it ruins it for everyone. The next chapter contains the first chapter of the book.