I wrote this as a prologue to a longer story, but I'm a little snagged on execution (aren't I always?). I think this is an interesting idea, and stands enough alone that I wanted to post it. It's a bit short, but it's just a thought bubble.
Getting the (Best) Truth Out
It was a crisp and clear fall night and Albus Dumbledore couldn't help but feel a sense of renewal from the brisk autumn air. He looked down at the sleeping infant that had just been placed into his arms and smile. This young one had been the one to bring about this new hope and freedom that his world now reveled in, because this child was Harry Potter, son of James and Lily Potter, the prophesized defeater of the Dark Lord. Just this morning said Dark Lord had attempted to kill the child and, through strange circumstances, the unblockable Killing Curse had rebounded, diminishing the Dark Lord in body and power. How this had truly happened was unknown, though Albus had some ideas, because the only two living witnesses were this infant, not yet 18-months, and a supposedly disembodied Dark Lord, who Albus imagined was probably still a bit disoriented from losing said body. No, no one truly knew what had happened that night, but what was clear was Voldemort's power was broken and Harry Potter lived. Many conclusions could be drawn from this situation, so Albus had done his best to make sure the conclusion he thought best was most heard. Lily Potter, an incredibly intelligent and talented muggle-born witch, had with her death defeated the Dark Lord to save her child. No mention was made of the failed Killing Curse or the suspicious curse scar now appointing Harry's brow. Better that Lily be the hero, better that the child fade into history as the son of the defeater of Voldemort. After all, only two people alive could tell anyone different, and neither would be giving their side of the story for quite a while.
Better that the boy who had lived enjoy the new freedom bought by his mother's sacrifice: a childhood without fear of war and death. With thoughts of the possibilities now given, Albus Dumbledore left Harry Potter on the doorstep of number 4 Privet Drive and apparated away.
Over the next few years, the face of the wizarding world changed for the better. Lily Potter became everyone's mother, the hero who represented what a witch should be. After the fear of the war, more opportunities were available to muggleborns than ever before. How could birth truly be a large factor when their savior, Lily, was from similar beginnings? Purebloods found it harder to maintain the status quo and Dumbledore enjoyed a new class of students, innocent from war and extreme prejudice.
Harry Potter was reduced to a footnote in the books of history.
Well? Now tell me, politically, wouldn't this have been a smarter move? Muggleborns lose some stigma (nothing overnight) and Harry Potter has a much more level playing field when he goes to Hogwarts. Voldemort, having been struck by the killing curse and madder for it, is fixated on Lily protecting Harry, not Harry "defeating" him. He's still in danger, but it's lessened and Dumbledore is aware and watching for it.
This alternate, personally, is my main reason for not liking canon Dumbledore. Such a little non-lie could've made everything a bit easier.
Tell me what you think,
Avi