What if? What if things had been different that fateful day?
Prologue
It was late night and the calm, tranquil village of Godric's Hollow saw no sign of disturbance, Lily Potter was glad to note as she glanced out of the window. She noticed her son blink sleepily and had to stifle a yawn watching him. She smiled. He looked a lot like his father, James.
James handed Harry to Lily and spun his wand carelessly between his fingers. Lily picked her wand up from the coffee table and the small family began to make their way towards the stairs, heading for bed. That was, until a small creaking from the garden gate attracted their attention. This would not normally be a cause for fear but the potter family were in hiding. Only several close friends were able to visit and they all arrived by floo. Nobody should be able to see the gate, let alone open it.
Lily and James looked deep into each other's eyes. They knew what this meant. Peter Pettigrew had betrayed them to the Dark Lord. This meant that they would not sleep tonight. This meant that not all of them would ever leave this house. This meant that the wards had crumbled. This meant death.
James did not fear his death. He feared Lily's death. He feared Harry's death. Lily did not fear her death. She feared James' death. She feared Harry's death. They both knew this about themselves and each other instinctively. They knew they were united in doing all they could for their son's safety.
'Lily, trust me now. You must take Harry and get to safety. You know were to go. I will follow you if I can. I will not let you both die. I love you. You will own everything if I die. I put it in my will. Take care of Harry, and the Marauders, and yourself. Don't argue Lily. You know it has to be this way around. You can protect Harry better alive. I can protect you both forever if I die for you. You have my heart. Goodbye Lily, Harry. I love you both so much.' James spoke in a calm, controlled voice but there was no doubt of the emotions he did not try to conceal. He gave Harry a quick hug and a kiss on the forehead.
Lily choked back a sob and nodded slightly. She understood but she did not like it. She leaned in to kiss her husband quickly but lovingly. He responded tenderly until they broke apart.
The door burst open and James threw himself between his family and the monster whose soul aim was to cause pain, destruction and death. The monster laughed a cruel, cold laugh that almost certainly meant tears.
'Stand aside, Potter. I have no quarrel with you or your mudblood wife. You would be useful assets to me.' His voice was colder and higher than his laugh.
Lily murmured quickly to her husband, knowing these would be his last seconds, 'I love you.' James smiled, not a trace of regret or sadness tainting his eyes. He was glad to be dying for his family.
'I will not stand aside. You will never hurt my family again.' James stated courageously.
Lily did not see Voldemort raise his wand or here the words as she span on the spot but what she did see would haunt her forever. A flash of green, her husband falling to the ground and Voldemort disappearing into nothingness.
The worst, however, happened as she and harry were sucked into the void. She saw that, although the curse aimed at her son rebounded, there was a mark that would always remain. He had been touched by dark magic and survived. Her son was a hero, as was her deceased but incredible husband.
