A/N: PLEASE READ! So this is another fic inspired by a dream. I had a dream my mother was Lily Potter and I was Harry and Lily had survived but James ( also my father somehow) had made the sacrifice. In the dream I found an old bracelet with the Marauders initials on it, and gave it to Lily, and she began to cry. When I woke I had such a strong feeling of sorrow. I imagined what it might be like if one of Harry's parents had lived, as it is so often theorized about what it would've been like if they'd both lived. Technically for the magic to work, only one of them would've needed to sacrifice themselves. Stunning Lily and running to protect Harry does sound like something James would do. You'll notice there are a few differences other than just Harry's mom being alive. First is that Sirius is included, and not in Azkaban, this is because if Lily had survived I don't think he would've gone after Peter. He would've been sad, but the survival of Lily and Harry would've been enough to anchor him down, and convince him he didn't need to go on a mission for Peter. So I imagine he would've talked to Dumbledore and Remus, and been able to make people realize he hadn't been the secret keeper. Remus of course would be a big part of Harry's life as well. Also I think Harry would know more people like the Weasleys and Longbottoms from a young age, I mean Lily was in the Order with them so they would've been able to support her. By Longbottoms I mean Neville's grandmother of course, and I think then that Harry would've known Neville before Hogwarts. Also Harry might seem a bit softer, this is because I truly believe if Lily parented him alone, this is how it would be. They would cling to one another as they would be all each other had, Harry would be a big mama's boy, Lily would be overly protective. I know some of Harry's lines and tears seem a bit out of character as he almost never cried in the series, but he hasn't been hardened by the Dursleys in this AU, so I believe his emotions would be more encouraged. You also have to realize Harry is eleven so a few tears is more than acceptable. Also my least favorite thing about this is I had to alter how First Years are accepted. I know Hagrid doesn't greet them at Kings Cross, but I needed to add him in for a couple of segways into other sections, so sorry about that inaccuracy. I hope you enjoy this, I will be uploading a James version ASAP.

"Mum," Harry pushed up his glasses, and fixed Hedwig's cage on the trolley. "Do you see Ron?" Harry asked.

"No love," Lily said looking around, searching for a family with hair similar to hers. The two similar eyed brits surveyed King's Cross Station. Suddenly Harry noticed a mass of ginger heads bobbing through the station.

"There they are!" Harry smiled, eyes asking if he could go to them. Lily nodded with a gentle smile. Harry left his overflowing trolley with his mother, and ran off to his friend.

"Ron!" Harry called wildly.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed. They exchanged a hug, clapping one another on the back.

"Heya Harry," The Twins said in unison. Harry glanced up with a bright grin. Harry looked up to Fred, and George like they were his own siblings. Ron of course, was like his brother as well. In fact the whole lot of the Weasleys were like a second family to Harry. Even Percy, Ron's rather anal older brother, could be quite affectionate on occasion.

"Nervous Harry?" Charlie asked with smile.

"Little bit," Harry said, digging his foot into the floor.

"About your scar?" Ron asked worriedly. Harry nodded. The lightning bolt shaped scar that dawned Harry's forehead was always the first thing that people noticed about Harry, wherever he went. This mark was left by the most dangerous dark wizard, Lord Voldemort. This mark was all that was left after the Dark Lord had used the killing curse on Harry as a baby. The only reason he was still standing here was because of his father. In a desperate attempt to save Harry, James Potter, had clutched Harry to him, and refused to move aside for Voldemort. This had enacted a deep magic that Voldemort hadn't known about. Because of Harry's father's sacrifice, Harry and his mother lived on.

"Don't worry Harry, anyone bothers ya," Fred grinned impishly, grabbing one of his arms.

"We'll hex em!" George finished grabbing his other arm. Harry grinned through the jostling. The Twins blathered on and on about what'd they'd do to any sorry sap that would dare mess with Harry.

"You will do no such thing!" Mrs. Weasley had finally overheard their claims. "Hello Harry dear!" she came over to hug him.

"I see he found you" Harry heard his mother's voice.

"Yes he did, hello Lily," Mrs. Weasley, said making her way through her family to Lily. Lily gave Molly a huge hug. Though the women were very different in age, they were close friends. Lily had been taken in by Molly for a while after James had died. It'd been small and cramped, but of course Molly and Arthur had made room for the poor witch and her infant son. Harry had soon become fast friends with Ron, who was only about six months old at the time. For a year the two had lived at the small Weasley house, as Lily was a bit traumatized, and didn't want to live on her own. Thankfully, Lily had more than enough money to help Molly and Arthur out with some of their bills, and expenses of the two extra people living in their home.

When Lily had gotten her own home, she'd decided to live near the Weasley's since Harry and Ron were already such good friends. So Harry had really grown up with the Weasley's as a second family. Today was a day Harry and Ron had been fantasizing about for ages. In fact Harry had his letter hanging in his room.

"Oh Lily, you look wonderful, that dress is stunning!" Mrs. Weasley said in awe. Harry's mother had dressed up for this day quite nicely. Her dress literally shone like gold, and seemed to move like waves of an ocean. Small specks of forest green and plum purple were scattered here and there in the backless dress. Harry knew it was made out of some special material, but he wasn't sure what; he just knew his mother had dressed up, because she thought this was a very special occasion.

"You alright there Fred?" Ron challenged his brother suddenly as Lily did a twirl, and laughed.

"Shut up!" Fred snarled, face very red. George was laughing so hard he had to clutch Fred's shoulder to keep upright. Fred pushed him off, making George fall, yet that didn't deter the young ginger. George was still laughing on the marble floor of the train station.

"What's this all about," Harry whispered to Ron.

"Fred fancies your mum!" Ron said, eyes sparkling.

"What!" Harry said in disgust.

"Yeah we found out last night," Ron was practically squealing with delight, happy to finally have something on Fred, that Fred actually cared if he ratted about.

"How?" Harry asked, slightly intrigued, slightly grossed out.

"George and I pranked him!" Ron grinned. "Mom made butterbeer to celebrate me going to Hogwarts, and Fred said he wasn't feeling well, so he was in his room. George nicked a light truth potion from Mum's cabinet, and put some in Fred's drink, and we brought it up to him. It was hilarious! We couldn't get him to shut up for hours!"

"I'm pretty sure what you did was illegal!" Snapped Fred menacingly. "I could have you arrested."

"Oh yeah, and trying to shove me upstairs with the ghoul afterward wasn't illegal at all!" Ron retorted quickly. George was still cackling.

"Hey Mrs. Potter!" George called through his giggles, Harry noticed his eyes were wet with tears of mirth. Lily turned, and smiled at George.

"Fred wants to say something to you," He grinned, and Fred looked murderous. Fred stayed silent, and Lily cocked her head to the side.

"Well go on then Fred, we haven't got all day!" His mother prompted exasperatedly.

"I just uh," Fred scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "You look nice in your dress."

"Thanks love," Lily beamed. As soon as she turned her head, Fred knocked George upside the head. George didn't even mind the pain.

"She's a widow Fred, how could you!" George demanded in hushed tones. Ron immediately turned to Harry with a worried expression, nervous his brothers had gone to far. Harry just shrugged, he didn't particularly like the joke, but he wasn't going to make a huge deal about it. Ron rolled his eyes, as if to communicate to Harry that he was on his side no matter what.

"Oi, boys!" Mrs Weasley clapped her hands. "We'd better get going."

Her sons nodded. They all lined up in order of ages, Charlie in front of course, next Percy, then the Twins, Ron, then on the end was Harry. The two mothers stood to the side, to block their children from view as they ran at the wall.

"Where's Ginny?" Harry asked Mrs. Weasley.

"Oh the poor dear was feeling ill, Arthur is at home with her now. I haven't the faintest idea what she could've come down with so fast."

"Oh no!" Lily said worriedly. "Well Arthur shouldn't take the whole day off, I can stay with her," Lily offered.

"Oh love could you?" Molly said eyes shining with gratitude. "Because Arthur has a big meeting tomorrow, and he'd really love to be in at work, just to prepare."

"Of course, I can watch her for as long as you need," Lily said with a gentle smile.

"Thank you dear, I won't be too far away, I just need to run some errands," Molly explained.

"Harry we're next," Ron said, breaking Harry's attention away from the women's conversation. It may have sounded dumb, but Harry admired his mother for small things like that. His mother was always reliable, always a good friend, and wonderful person. He loved his mother, and he was especially happy she wouldn't be alone today. It would be the first time in Harry's entire life that he would be without his mother for longer than an a night. Because of his past, Harry's mother was rather protective of him, and honestly Harry didn't mind. He didn't like when people went on about it, but he was a big mamma's boy. They were all each other had sometimes, they depended on one another. The longest he'd been away from his mother was to have a sleepover at the Weasley's, and even then sometimes she'd sneak in the Burrow, late at night, to sleep on their couch; just to be in the same house Harry was.

The two young boys took a running start, clutching their trolleys. They ran at the place just three quarter past platform nine. They went through the wall easily, and arrived in a secret train station with a large, red, huffing train, whistling, and ready to take students to Hogwarts as it did every year. Harry and Ron's mother appeared behind them. The rest of the boys had already gotten on the train. They had about five minutes according to a large hairy man that was screaming "FERST YEARS! IN FIVE MINUTES, REPORT TER ME, FERST YEARS, FIVE MINUTES!"

"Mum is that Hagrid? The grounds keeper?" Harry asked his mother. She nodded, smiling at Harry.

"He's going to show you how to board the train and everything, it's for the more nervous students. Then when you get there you'll follow him out as well, he's in charge of first-years."

Harry had wanted to know about all the teachers at Hogwarts when he'd received his letter. From what he understood some of them had taught his parents, and Harry always wanted to know about anything pertaining to his father. He was most looking forward to meeting Headmaster Dumbledore, whom Lily had raved about when he'd asked. He was very nervous about meeting Severus Snape. His mother had cautioned him about Snape.

Apparently long ago, James had been horrible to Snape, and Lily had been Snape's friend. As Snape turned to the dark arts, his and Lily's friendship had dissolved. James had become a better person, and Lily had fallen in love with him. Snape had continued to work for Voldemort, and Lily hadn't spoken to him ever again, however a few years ago she'd heard he'd been hired at Hogwarts, as the Potions Teacher. She'd decided if Dumbledore could trust him she could too, but now that her son was going to be his student, she wasn't so sure. She'd mentioned to Harry that how he looked may be a problem for him, as he was almost identical to James except for his eyes. Snape would probably not take kindly to the boy who looked so similar to the man he'd hated. She'd told Harry to alert her immediately if he had any problems with Snape. Harry had said he would, but couldn't imagine how a grown man could be so spiteful and immature that he would hold a grudge this long, and after his father was dead as well.

"Harry, love, I'm going to miss you terribly," Lily said, and Harry noticed she wore a melancholy smile.

"I'll miss you too Mum," Harry said, and was surprised to find himself choking up.

"I just wish your dad," She cut herself off, and bit her lip. He saw her look away, trying desperately not to cry. Harry felt his heart break a little. Every time his mother cried, it affected him badly, thankfully, his mother didn't cry often. He felt his lip tremble, and he went red, embarrassed that her tears still affected him this way. He was thankful they were slightly removed from the rest of the crowd, not to mention, people were much too concerned with their own problems to care.

He heard his mother sigh deeply. She tried to pretend she was fixing her hair, but he knew she was really wiping her eyes. She turned back to him, with her consistent, brave face. Her slightly red eyes were the only give away that she wasn't completely okay.

"You just look so much like him," She said, running a hand down his face.

"Except for my eyes," Harry reminded her.

"Yes, love, you have my eyes," She said, nuzzling her nose with him quickly. He pretended to be embarrassed, but really he felt warmth fill his heart. He was proud to have his mother's eyes. He was ashamed to admit it, but sometimes he wished that he looked more like his mother. If he didn't look so identical to his dead father maybe his mother wouldn't cry so much, maybe he wouldn't catch Uncle Remus staring at him sadly, maybe Uncle Sirius wouldn't drink so much fire whisky after he accidentally called Harry "James."

"Alright love, I think you should go on to Hagrid, and tell him hi for me," She said softly, and kissed his head, right on his scar. Harry often felt self-conscious about his scar, like it was a constant reminder to his mother that he was the reason her husband was gone. When Lily had heard that she'd bundled him up her arms and kissed his scar over and over. She'd explained that it wasn't repulsive, it wasn't a reminder, it was a part of him, and she loved him, so she loved his scar. Ever since then, she made a pointed effort to kiss his forehead whenever she could, to remind him, he was not to blame, and she loved him no matter what.

"Bye Mum," Harry said, wrapping his arms around her. She hugged him tightly. He then, realized his luggage had been taken, and he ran towards Hagrid. Hagrid, beamed at him, beetle-black eyes shining. Hagrid had a lantern in hand, it reminded Harry of something, it reminded him of….All Hallows Eve. He stopped in his tracks, he felt his body go rigid, and cold. He spun around, running back to his mother at full speed.

Harry crashed into Lily with the full weight of his skinny body, and clutched at her desperately. He buried his head in the skirt of her dress.

"Harry, dear, what's the matter," His mother sounded alarmed.

"I can't go, I can't go, I can't go!" He said over and over into her dress. She kneeled down to his level, and held his tear filled face her hands.

"Oh love, you're shaking!" She said. "And white as a sheet, why can't you go?"

"B-Because, I can't' leave you alone," He said softly.

"Honey we've been over this, I'll be fi-" She began, but Harry wouldn't let her finish.

"I can't leave you alone on All Hallows Eve!" He almost shouted, he breathed heavily, as if the words had been an effort to say. Lily's face went pale.

Lily Evans Potter was not a weak person, she was incredibly strong. She was like a rock, being constantly beaten by ocean waves. Though the waves left cracks on her hardened exterior, they were always hidden. There was only one exception to this rule, one day she allowed herself to lose control. That day, was All Hallows Eve, the day her husband had been killed by Voldemort.

Ever since Harry could remember, that date had been a dark day. She would always tell Harry the day before that he was allowed to do whatever he liked the next day, he could stay up as late as he pleased, eat all the sweets he wanted, go sleepover at the Weasley's or at either of his uncle's houses. Harry always refused, and she didn't push him. She made meals in advance, and gave him whatever he might need, because that day he didn't see her at all. He supposed when he was young, she would've asked Molly to watch him.

That day she stayed hauled up in her room. Harry's mother would take out absolutely every article she owned that pertained to James, including his glasses, that she herself had removed from his dead body. The next day she would have marks on her hands where she'd clutched the glasses so hard, they'd bit into her skin. For the entire day, she'd cry. Harry never saw her on October 31st, but he heard her, oh God did he hear her. Her wails would resound through the house, her voice breaking over and over again on the same word. "James."

He would hear her choke on her own sobs, and not be able to do anything about it. He doubted that he would even see her if he did enter the room, he knew she probably covered herself in his father's old invisibility cloak, which she had kindly given to him just yesterday, as a "first day of school" gift. She had an incredible amount of stamina as she cried for about ten hours straight, she never ran out of tears, or stopped. It was if her tears were in honor of James, as though she might feel like she wasn't doing his memory justice if she didn't put her all into her grief.

This one day was when the tables were turned, for Harry did not cry when his mother did on this day. Though his heart ached beyond belief, he would not let himself cry as well. He kept himself dry-eyed, laying on the floor in his room's door way, with his feet on the wall. He waited, surrounded by different supplies. He had multiple sandwiches on a plate, a large goblet of water, pain relieving potions, and a box of tissues He waited, just in case she might open her door a crack and say, "Harry dear, could you grab me a tissue, I've run out" or anything similar. He wanted to be available in case she needed absolutely anything, especially a shoulder to cry on. She never did though, but Harry would not leave, for he knew one day, she might need something, and he had to be there to give it to her.

When she had about two hours left, she usually passed out at ten, she would open the firewhiskey. He could hear the bottles clanging, and then came the even more heartbreaking moments. She would talk to his father, her words slurred, and her head spinning, she would tell him so many things. Her voice would be so hoarse, that it was almost unrecognizable, but she never stopped. She'd tell him how much she missed him, how Lupin and Sirius were doing, except to him she called them Mooney and Padfoot. She'd tell him how much of a help Molly was, how wonderful the Weasley children were for Harry. She talked about the other children she would've wanted to have with him. Like a little girl with his gentle eyes. This never made Harry feel jealous or unwanted, just mournful for a sister he might've had.

This last time she'd talked to him about how Harry was approaching Hogwarts age. She told him, sending him off alone would be one of the hardest things she'd ever done. She told him how wonderful Harry was, how proud he would be. That speech was always when it was hardest for Harry to keep his tears in, because he wished his father could see him, talk to him, be here.

After she passed out, exhausted from sorrow, Harry would finally put away his supplies, and get into bed. Though, he wouldn't go to sleep quite yet, now was his turn to mourn. He'd take out old photographs of his father, and a scarf of his that his mother had given him. He would then cry and mourn the loss of a father he'd never known. A lot of his crying of course was for his mother, who was so sad, because Harry had never met his father. He was sure without his resemblance, and the photo album he owned, he wouldn't even be able to conjure up his father's face. He would cry out of anger, anger a Voldemort, and sometimes anger at himself. Often he struggled with blaming himself though his mother, and his uncles told him time and time over, that he was not to blame. Sometimes he believed it, sometimes he didn't. On that night he usually didn't.

As he cried he wished so much that he could go into his mother's room and crawl in her bed, like he usually did when he was sad. Tonight was the one night a year he wouldn't be hugged when he cried. Usually if Lily even sensed tears, she swoop him up and hug him tight. He couldn't even imagine what it would've been like if both his parents had died, if there was no one to hug him ever. He couldn't fathom how much more sadness he would've had to endure if his father hadn't stunned his mother, and ran up the stairs to protect Harry. If they both had died, he didn't know how he would function, so he could bare that one night of loneliness, for his mother who needed some time to herself.

The next morning, Harry would always knock gently, and she would welcome him in. He would bring her cold compresses for her swollen eyes, sometimes so puffy that she had trouble opening them. He would bring her tea with a potion for a sore throat mixed in. She always pretend as if nothing were wrong, like he didn't know what had happened. She'd feed him the same line every time.

"Oh, must've caught a cold overnight," She'd say in a weak voice, covering the tops of the firewhiskey bottles with her duvet. The first time she'd said it, Harry had almost protested, until he'd seen her eyes. Her eyes begging him not to mention it, so he never did. He'd just joke and say he hoped he didn't get it aswell. She would go back to being the rock he needed after that, never once breaking, never once faltering, but she couldn't possibly do it alone. No one would wake her up the next morning with comfort food, and a warm hug. She'd be alone, alone with her thoughts, free to repeat that night over and over if she pleased, as Harry wasn't in the house. He couldn't leave her alone, he wouldn't leave her alone.

"Sweetie," Lily said slowly, trying to calm her quietly crying son. "It isn't your job to worry about me, I want you to go have a good time at school and-"

"I won't leave you!" Harry vowed savagely, and clung to her arms with surprising strength. She sighed.

"Stubborn like your father," She mumbled, and Harry's heart leaped with a moment of pleasure. He loved being compared to his father, but soon he was back to adamantly proclaiming he would not leave his mother.

"I will not go even if Headmaster Dumbledore himself tries to pry me away!" Harry was almost yelling.

"Well!" Lily said a little harshly. "Dumbledore isn't making you, your mother is!"

"I-" Harry had shrunk a bit.

"Listen Harry, I know you're scared about leaving me, I'm scared about leaving you, but we're going to be okay, alright love."

"But!" Harry tried again.

"Look this was going to be a surprise, but Uncle Remus is going to come live with us. He's been having some trouble finding work, so he's going to stay with us for a year or so," Lily told him, Harry brightened.

"Uncle Remus? Really?" He said excitedly.

"Yes, now I want you to trot over to that train, Hagrid and Ron are waiting," She demanded. Harry felt slightly better now. He was still going to write her every week, but now he knew she would be able to face it if she had a friend.

"Okay Mum," He agreed and hugged her one last time. He ran off to Hagrid, who was showing first-years which compartment he could get into. Just as Harry entered the train Neville pushed past him, chasing what looked like a toad.

"Hey Neville!" Harry called.

"Oh, hey Harry!" He squeaked. "Save a seat for me, I've got to catch Trevor!"

"Will do!" Harry called after. After a moment he heard Ron calling from a few compartments ahead. Harry rushed there quickly. Harry entered the compartment to find a bushy haired girl sitting in the seat next to Ron.

"I'm Hermione Granger," The girl introduced herself, throwing a hand rather aggressive towards Harry. Ron gave him a wide eyed look as if to say,"Sorry I don't know what her deal is."

"I'm Harry Pott-" he began, but she'd seen the scar.

"Holy cricket, you're Harry Potter!" She exclaimed. Harry didn't have time to respond, because the train began to move. Harry rushed to the window to wave one final goodbye to his mother. Her gentle face smiled at him, as she waved vigorously, and followed the train as far as she could. Harry sat back into his seat, he was excited for his first year of Hogwarts, and he was happy he had his mother whenever he needed her.