What If....

Lily and James Had Survived?

by IHaveASiriusObsession

Disclaimer: Harry Potter = JKR

A/N: This is a collection of one-shots that all have the same general plot, things that could have happened but didn't. I was originally saving the Lily and James one for last, but it was the first one I began writing, so here you go. I personally think it's a bit short, but I'm pleased with it. I'd love to know what you think, so please let me know. Enjoy : )

What If.... Lily and James had survived?

"Lily, take Harry and go! It's him! Go! Run! I'll hold him off-"

- James Potter, POA "The Partonus" pg 240

"Not Harry! Not Harry! Please- I'll do anything-"

- Lily Potter, POA "The Patronus" pg 239

Harry Potter rolled over in his bed, stretched, and opened his eyes. Blindly, he sat up and felt around his bedside table for his glasses, then pushed them up over the crook of his nose.

He sat there for a moment, yawning sleepily. Suddenly, a jolt of excitement coursed through his body and he sprang to his feet.

Today was the day.

With that same feeling of excitement, he threw open his bedroom door and bounded down the stairs. A familiar sight met his eyes as he entered the kitchen: His mother was busying herself at the stove with breakfast, and his father was seated at the table, a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the other.

"Harry!" James Potter exclaimed, laying eyes on his son. A proud smile overcame his handsome features. "How does becoming a man feel?"

Lily Potter smiled brightly at Harry. "He's only just eleven, James- don't give me a heart attack! Would you like some juice, Harry?"

"Sure," Harry grinned at his father (who winked) and sat down. "Sirius is coming today, right?"

Lily handed Harry a glass of orange juice and laughed.

"Yes, and you've only asked about a thousand times." she said, piling bacon onto a plate.

James' grin became wider as he watched his son's face light up with happiness.

"And," James began, "Remus sent me an owl last night saying he could make it too."

"Really?" Harry said, positively jubilant.

James nodded his head. "He'll be over this evening, he has things to catch up on at work today."

Harry grabbed a piece of bacon that was fresh out of the oven and shoved it into his mouth.

"Tell me about Hogwarts again, Dad?"

James chuckled. "I've already told you plenty, you'll have to see when you get there."

"Please?" Harry half-whined. "If you won't, tell me another story!"

James grinned again. "All right. Though, mind you, Sirius won't be pleased when he finds out you've heard all the good ones."

"Your stories never get old," Harry promised.

"For my sake, I hope not!" James teased, ruffling Harry's hair.

"Just don't tell him the one about the tapestry, you'll give him ideas." Lily warned with a smile on her lips.

Harry looked at his father eagerly. James winked at him.

"In the Gryffindor Common Room, there was a gigantic ancient tapestry-"

"James Potter!"

James laughed. "Okay, fine, fine." Then he whispered to Harry, "Another time."