Hey there! Hatinghaters 17 with a new story for you. This one is about one of those 'what if' issue, what if James and Lily did live?

On the famous night of October 31, 1981, there was a chill in the air, a bite that made the night colder than usual. And down in the little town of Godrics Hollow, the air was cool and filled with the laughter of trick-or-treating children. Kids donning muggle costumes raced up and down the street, and were so occupied with the fun they were having, that none gave a second look to the tall man wearing the long black cloak that was slowly walking the street.

Tom Riddle walked along the dark sidewalk, watching the children race along in their own happy thoughts, completely ignoring him. He hated muggles, all of them. A girl dressed in the muggle version of a witch raced by and Tom clenched his hand around the wand in his cloak pocket. No, not now. There would be plenty of time to kill later. Tom's attention was set again to the task at hand, what he was here in this muggle infested pit for. The Potters. He was here to rid the world of the meddlesome Potters and their infant brat. The one who was prophesized to defeat him, the wizarding world's greatest Dark Lord. Just the thought of a silly notion like that brought a sneer to Tom's face. Pah, a little boy defeating the likes of me? He sneered to himself again and continued his walk. A little boy dressed a devil ran up, a huge grin glowing on his face.

"Hey mister, great costume!" He said excitedly. Tom looked down and grimaced at the boy, letting him see the red eyes, his handsome evil face. The boy's smile disappeared as fear lit up in his eyes. He ran away, toward home and safety. Again Tom clutched his wand. It would be so easy to kill the boy, so simple. Again he let the wand ago. There would be enough deaths later. As he thought of this he turned a corner and his target came into view. The house was brightly lit inside Tom knew three Potters hid, not knowing of the traitorous friend that had deceived them. Tom smiled as he crossed the street. There were no cars to stop him as he simply walked across the street and up to the Potter's pathway. The mailbox was painted with cutesy lettering, spelling out POTTER. Another sneer as Tom continued up the neat stone path to the Potter's front door. Now he could see through their big living room window. There they were, mother, father, and brat, all sitting in the living room, having a grand time. Tom watched as James Potter amused baby Harry with magic from his wand. Tom raised his own wand and cast a simple blasting spell. The door shattered and Tom could hear James shout.

"Lily. It's him. Take Harry and run! I'll hold him off!" Tom laughed at his confidence. James came running into the front hall and Tom saw he had abandoned his wand in the living room. Just what does he expect to hold me off with? James stood in front of Tom, panic in his eyes. Tom raised his wand, ready to kill the young man, but thought better of it. It really was such a shame to kill off a man with such wealth, blood status, and skill as James Potter.

"I'll give you one last chance to live, Mr. Potter. Renounce the light, give me your son, and join my ranks." Tom offered. James raised his lip to sneer.

"I'd rather die." Tom re-raised his wand and obliged the man. Such a pity.

Stepping over the dead body, Tom continued into the home. He could Lily Potter scuttling around upstairs, trying to find a way out. Tom smirked. He had already blocked the floo, apparation, and any other way for the woman to escape. He took his time up the stairs. There was no rush. By the time he had made it to the nursery he could see Lily's idea of protecting her and her son was apparently locking the nursery door and putting what he assumed to be boxes and such in front of it. What a foolish girl. A twitch of his wand and all was blown to pieces. Inside Lily was leaning over a crib, talking to her whimpering child. She whirled around when the door and blockade exploded.

"Move aside girl." Tom hissed. Normally he would have already have killed a filthy mudblood such as herself, but Severus had been so adamant about her living, and he always rewarded his followers. She tightened her grip on the crib until her knuckles were white and shook her he defiantly.

"Not Harry." She demanded. "Don't kill my baby."

"Give me the boy and you may live Lily Potter. You don't have to die."

"Please, not Harry. Take me instead. Not my baby." Tom could have simply pushed her aside with a spell, but he was at his patience's end. The damned brat should have been long dead by now. Lily Potter screamed as the green light filled the room. Now nothing stood between him and the brat. He stalked up to the crib and peered in. Harry Potter was sitting on colorful sheets, staring back at him with tearful eyes.

"Mummy." The baby said quietly. Tom sneered at the baby and raised his wand. Harry began crying his loud sobs echoing through Tom's head. He hated crying children. After all those years he had spent in that awful Muggle orphanage, the cries of all those abandoned children still haunted him. He tightened his grip on his wand and muttered the curse through clenched teeth. That would shut the crying up. But it didn't. Instead Tom collapsed to all fours as a horrific and blinding pain took over and the baby's cries got louder and louder. It was as if the dark wizard's body was being turned inside out, his soul, what was left of it, was being torn forcefully away. Tom was aware that his screams of pain were joining the baby's, but he couldn't stop them. Instead, he mustered what magic he could and apparated away. And there, in the destroyed remains of the cottage, little baby Harry was left alone, fresh cut still bleeding on his head.

Whew, it seems like it took forever to write this chapter. Anyway, this is my first Harry Potter story and I hope you all enjoy it immensely. Please leave any comments or complaints you have by way of the little review button below!

Much Love,

hatinghaters17