Last Moments

Author: Ron's Secret Admirer

Rating: PG

Genre: Drama / Angst

Summary: A dark, hooded figure stepped up the drive to Number 3, Godric's Hollow. The date was October 31, 1981...

Disclaimer: I neither claim nor imply ownership to the characters, places, or items mentioned in this story. As its name says, it is a fan fic, and I am nothing but an avid fan of the Harry Potter books. Everything but the plot belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., and various publishers.

Ron's Secret Admirer

Lily Potter snuggled up against her husband, James. She was feeling very content and relaxed on this peaceful night. Little did she know; the peace would soon be shattered.

Upstairs, her one-year-old son, Harry, was sleeping contentedly.

Lily and James were in hiding from Lord Voldemort, the most feared dark wizard of all time. Just yesterday, James had switched their Secret-Keeper (the person holding within their soul the secret of where Lily and James were hiding) to Peter Pettigrew, the least likely person to be suspected out of the tight-knit group of Marauders.

Not a soul knew of this change except Lily, James, Peter, and Sirius Black. Not even their other close friend, Remus Lupin, knew. Lily had desperately wanted to inform him, but Sirius, James, and Peter insisted it was for the best. The less people that know, the better, they told her.

Yet no matter how much she tried to ignore it, Lily felt a deep gnawing at her heart. It was possible that one of their close friends were feeding information to Voldemort. Someone close was wearing a mask, putting up a façade.

Lily was positive it wasn't Sirius.

Even, back in their early years at Hogwarts when James and Lily were enemies, Sirius had managed to be a great friend to both of them.

No, he would never betray Lily and James. Never. Sirius was too close, and Lily knew he would give his life for Lily or James', if needed.

Then there was Remus. Remus was shy, tentative, and overall a young man aged beyond his years by his lycanthropy.

Somehow, long ago, someone had started the nasty, horrible rumor that werewolves were not to be trusted. This rumor had passed through the years to bring Remus in his current state.

Remus Lupin was shunned by nearly everyone who knew what he was, except his friends and their old headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.

Lily wasn't positive it was he, but she had a slight suspicion.

Peter Pettigrew was the last of James and her close friends. A poor student, and very shy (though unlike Remus), James had wanted to somewhat "take him in", thus Peter had entered their little group.

Lily didn't know what to think about Peter. He was very shifty and suspicious, but she didn't want to go around making false accusations. Peter had been a good friend to James and herself in Hogwarts.

Lily arose from her light nap against James' chest. "I'd better go check on Harry." She murmured.

James nodded, his azul eyes glittering. Lily stood up and began to climb the stairs. When she reached Harry's door, she paused, then quietly turned the knob. Slowly, she tiptoed over to the tiny crib in the corner of the midnight blue room.

A small child was resting peacefully in his crib. The boy had messy, jet-black hair and brilliant, sparkling emerald-colored eyes. A small thumb was lodged firmly in the baby's mouth.

Lily smiled and leaned over to kiss her small, precious child. Then suddenly, a shout from downstairs startled her.

"LILY, TAKE HARRY AND GO! IT'S HIM! GO! RUN! I'LL HOLD HIM OFF!" James yelled. Suddenly, Lily saw many flashes of light from curses being thrown downstairs.

Voldemort had arrived.

Lily knew she mustn't startle Harry. Quietly but deftly she lifted the baby Harry into her arms and began to rush downstairs towards the back door.

However, before she had even left Harry's room, a cloaked figure appeared in the doorway.

"There's no use running, you foolish girl. Stand aside, and let me get on with my purpose!" Voldemort cackled. Although Lily couldn't see his shadowed face, (nor did she want to) she knew he was grinning evilly beneath the cloak.

"No, no! You can't take Harry, you can't!" Lily cried desperately. Her mind was running frantically, trying to find a way out. She knew that James was downstairs, dead.

James was dead.

The impact didn't hit her until she thought it for the second time. James, the love of my life, dead! This was horrible, absolutely horrible.

Harry. He was the only one to carry on the Potter name…

So, on a sudden inspiration, Lily told Voldemort, "No, please, don't take Harry; take me instead! Please, just don't kill Harry!"

By now, Lily was sobbing uncontrollably. James was dead, and Harry would probably die in a moment. Stalling, she cried out. "Not Harry! Not Harry! Please --- I'll do anything ---"

"Stand aside. Stand aside, girl!"

"You can't take Harry, please don't…spare him, spare Harry!"

"For the last time, you foolish girl, stand aside!"

"I WON'T!"

"Then you leave me no choice." Voldemort said icily. He pulled out his wand and pointed it towards Lily.

Lily was panicking. Harry must live. Harry must live! She told herself.

But there's no way... A part of her mind whimpered as the young redhead set baby Harry down in his crib while he watched on, eyes bright, but not crying.

Voldemort directed his wand towards Lily's chest. "Avada-"

Lily put all her willpower left into what she was doing. She struggled to cease her tears, and stand tall. You will not kill my son! She thought to Voldemort defiantly.

"Kedavra!"

I love you, Harry. Remember me always…Lily thought in her last moments. Quickly, the life slipped out of her, and the body of Lily Evans Potter fell upon the white carpet.