Authors note: This is set just after James' and Lily's deaths.

This is the first part of the story, the next one I'm writing will be called "In This Life" – the opposite of this one.

Chapter 1

'It's not fair! It wasn't going to end like this! We were supposed to watch him grow up. He's only a baby; he can't defend himself let alone keep himself alive. He's never going to know his family, he's real family. Why can't he grow up normally with a loving family?'

James didn't know what he was saying. He was yelling for the sake of it.

He didn't know where he was either. He knew he was dead, but that was it. He had never been more scared, worried, confused or upset in his whole life.

He was somewhere, but there were no walls and he was positive he was walking on air. The only thing he could see was white mist – everywhere.

Flashback:

James walked over to Lily and Harry on the couch. He seated himself next to Lily and shifted Harry so he was sitting on both of their laps.

'James?'

'Lily?'

'Is he going to find us?'

'I don't know. I'm not sure if I want to.'

James heard the front gate swing open. He turned his head to the window and in one stride he was looking out the drawn curtains.

'They are coming. Run, Lily.'

'What happens if I never see you again? I love you so much James, I would die for you.'

'I love you too. I will hold him back. If I don't survive, hide at Hogwarts. Remember I love you both. I will always see you in the next life. Go, Lily. Take Harry and run!'

With one last look at her husband, Lily ran up the stairs to her sons bedroom, placing charms on the walls as she went.

Lily wasn't to know, but Voldemort had risen to power much higher than any dark wizard had ever reached; only one thing could save her son now, and that was love.

'James?'

'Lily?'

Author's note: this isn't the end of my story. Put the story on alert to update.