Break I
Regulus had escaped his parents for the time being. They were speaking to the teachers and dismissed him to his own devices. He had never been more grateful to walk the halls of Hogwarts by himself. Unfortunately, he didn't stay by himself for very long.
His long-time friend, Barty, found him in the halls and fell into step beside him, staying silent for a while. “Reggie,” the other boy said after a few minutes.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Do you think it's all real?”
“The books?” Bartemus nodded. “It could be,” he confessed.
“I don't think so,” the Ravenclaw told his friend. “It all seems remarkably far-fetched.
“Maybe,” Regulus conceded.
They continued on in silence for several more minutes, neither sure where they were walking to. It was only when Regulus glanced out the window that he started to talk again. “My parents want me to quit Quidditch next year.”
Barry looked at his friend sadly before nodding. He wasn't surprised and knew better than to ask why. The two boys walked around in silence after that, knowing that this was the year their lives had started changing... and not for the better.
***
James was alone. His friends and family wanted to talk to him, but he said he wanted some time to think. Sitting at the Quidditch pitch, he thought about the books.
James was excited to marry Lily, and he definitely wanted a son. That wasn't what he was focused on though.
He died. The girl he loved died. His friends were probably dead and his parents too.
The kid he was so excited for grew up abused and neglected. Maybe it would be easier if he just didn't get married to Lily. He cared about Lily, but if their getting married ended in her death and their son’s abuse, then maybe they shouldn't let that happen.
It's not like Lily liked him much right now anyway.
***
Lily wasn't going anywhere. She and many of the other students stayed in the Great Hall. Everyone was passed that Dumbledore was making them wait to read the book. It wasn't about him. He shouldn't have control over when they can and can not read it if it concerns their futures.
Her son was in that book. Even if he didn't exist yet, and may never exist, gatekeeping it shouldn't be up to him.
***
Dumbledore sat down at the small table in the back room. He opened the first book and blinked in surprise. It was blank. Every page, even the ones they'd read, were completely blank.
He opened the other books, but found the same phenomenon. Withdrawing his wand, he cast several spells on the books, hoping to discern what was preventing him from reading.
After some time, and dozens of spells, words slowly inked themselves into the page.
The books can only be read in the presence of all.
The ever-present twinkle in his eyes dimmed some. It appeared as though he would have to wait and uncover the secret with the students of Hogwarts.