Why my son?
The windows were unlit, the streetlights going out. The twinkling shop windows went dark.
The final party-goers were being chaperoned up front steps, full, sleepy and satisfied.
No one noticed the silent, black-robed figure drifting through the street.
"No, Harry!" said Lily, tickling her son's chin. "It's past your bedtime, and you have a long day tomorrow."
"Pleeeease?
"Only one, okay?"
As James let the last puff of smoke drift, Lily saw Harry yawning. Laughing when James copied it, she scooped him up.
James threw down his wand and stretched out on the sofa. Lily had insisted getting a few Muggle household items, such as phones and a television. However, it turned out that the Fidelius Charm caused interference. Which meant he was dead bored.
The front door creaked.
"No!" thought James.
Indeed, it was he who he expected, who would have come. Sooner or later.
For the last time in his life, he wished he had been wrong.
"Step aside, girl."
Lord Voldemort was merciful. Others only brought their own doom.
"Please, spare Harry," she whispered. Tears trickled down the freckled nose. "I'll do anything."
He arched an eyebrow. "Anything?"
The girl took a deep breath.
"What will it take?"
Well, he had not expected that, but he meant to use it. Admittedly, it would be more amusing to kill the child when he was old enough to talk.
"I will spare your son on three conditions."
She stood strong. "Name them."
"Firstly, that you must never use spells against me."
She did not waver.
"Secondly, that your son must be Obliviated, never to be told of this incident.
Thirdly, that he is sent to live with Muggles, starting tomorrow.
You must make the Unbreakable Vow for all terms. Know that if you refuse, I will kill your son. However, the choice is yours."
She set her jaw, squared her shoulders.
"I accept."