February 1983- Lily

Lily staggered through the floo, into Sirius' massive kitchen. He sat at the table, reading the Prophet, an untouched plate of bread and cheese and a swiftly cooling cup of tea in front of him. He had no doubt come across the damning article. Sirius looked furious as he scanned the newspaper but he softened when he saw her.

'Oh, Lily,' Sirius jumped up, and gently guided her to a chair. 'Have a firewhiskey, old girl, you need it.'

Lily sipped the drink and relished the burn as it coursed down her throat.

'Did you know?' Her whisper was jagged from emotion.

'I promise you, Lily, I had no idea,' said Sirius, firmly. 'I would never support James in this sort of thing!'

Lily believed him. For all his womanising, Sirius was always honest.

'Can I stay here, just for a while? I've nowhere else to go and I've got to get away from James for a bit.'

'Of course, Lily, you can stay as long as you like.'

Sirius showed her to a room with lofty ceilings and a large, old wooden bed and dug up an old crib for Jem. He also found some of his old toys for the child to play with and Jem seemed quite satisfied with the situation. Sirius sent up some pork pie and pumpkin juice with his cranky house elf, Kreacher, but Lily had no appetite. At least Jem was happy, she thought, as he gurgled to himself. Soosa was not as pleased. The house was dark and had not been particularly well kept in the last years of Mrs. Black's life. Sirius had only recently moved in and had barely put a dent into cleaning it. Soosa muttered on about the dark and the dust not being good for anyone, but Lily ignored her. A plume of dust rose from the bed as she threw herself on it, exhausted. It took far too much energy to argue. She just wanted to curl up and never speak, or feel again.

In the coming weeks, James attempted to see her and was roughly chastised by Sirius. Lily could hear the shouting from her room.

'How could you, James?' yelled Sirius angrily. 'You loved Lily for so long, and THIS is what you do?'

'You don't understand,' she heard James reply, miserably. 'It was a stupid mistake. I was lost after the war, I just…'

Lily emerged in time to hear his regular excuses.

'A mistake, James?' said Lily coldly. 'A mistake happens once. Anything after that is a choice.'

She turned on her heels and swept out of the room, her head held high.

'Leave now, James, you shouldn't have come,' said Sirius, glaring at him.

James gave her space, but occasionally sent flowers and chocolates for her and toys for Jem. He wrote long letters of apology, begging her to give him another chance. Lily didn't reply; she threw herself into helping Sirius clean Grimmauld Place. She thought she might've stayed there forever; Sirius didn't seem to mind her company. They even took Jem out to Diagon Alley a few times together. She could almost feel normal when the sun was up and Sirius was making her laugh. But in the silence of the night, while she couldn't sleep, she pondered all that she had lost- her first born son, her marriage, her trust in the world. She wondered if she should not have simply left the magical world with Harry when they realised they would have to give him up. Without him, what did she have? A cheating husband? But she also had Jem. It would have been cruel to leave him without a mother, with only James to parent him- James who had put his mistress above his family for the past year. No, as a mother, she would brave this storm for him. So she carried on, an empty smile on her face, and a thin laugh on her lips. Perhaps this was her new normal. She almost got used to it.

A request for an interview from Rita Skeeter changed everything. Lily refused, of course. She didn't need any more publicity than she already had. Rita was not pleased with that response, and she published several articles insinuating that Lily had driven James to infidelity, that she had been abusive towards him, that a muggleborn witch could never be a good wife to a pureblood. She even accused Lily of having an affair herself, with Sirius of all people. The hate mail Lily received was phenomenal. Some simply called her awful names; she could ignore those. Others threatened her and Jem; she took it in stride believing that words of hate couldn't hurt her. She began to feel afraid when a group of angry witches surrounded her and Jem on Diagon Alley one day, shouting at her, questioning Jem's parentage, and even hurling a few hexes at her. She escaped unharmed, but became too fearful to leave the house. Even the confines of Grimmauld Place wasn't safe, and she realised this when she received a cursed letter. Upon picking up the unassuming envelope, it turned into a bright green snake. It hissed and snapped and began making its way to Jem. Lily rushed over and killed the snake, and it turned into dust before her eyes. The threats had become very real. Terrified and completely dejected, she finally reached out to James.

'I am so sorry for what's been going on with the Prophet, Lily,' said James, looking depressed. 'I tried to get Rita to stop, but she threatened to publish more photos of me, and I didn't want you hurt anymore than you already are.'

Lily looked away. The mere reminder of what he had done made her feel ill.

'Lily, please. I promise I'll be a better husband and father to you and Jem, if you only would come home,' pleaded James, grasping her hands. 'I'll do anything. I'll quit my job at the ministry, we can move abroad, wherever you like. Anything to make you trust me again. I can keep you safe.'

The idea of moving to another country suddenly appealed greatly to Lily. She would be able to go outside without receiving pitying glances or hateful stares. She wouldn't be reminded of the son she no longer had. Marlene would be nowhere near them. They could start over.

'Yes,' said Lily, eagerly. 'Let's go away. America, or Australia perhaps.'

James looked surprised, but pleased at her unexpected agreement and left Grimmauld Place to make the arrangements.

Lily thanked Sirius for his hospitality, and felt a jolt of sadness when she realised that she would not see him again for a long time, if ever. He had been good company, and had been remarkably protective over her and Jem.

'If you need anything at all, Lily, remember you can come to me.' said Sirius, looking as sad as she felt.

Lily nodded, and hugged him goodbye. Together, she, Jem and Soosa flooed back to Potter Manor to prepare for the move.

February 1983- James

James was too delighted at getting his wife back to argue against her desire for a hasty migration. He quickly resigned from his post as auror, and made the arrangements to leave the country. Voldemort's war had not touched the United States; it was far away enough for no one to have heard of Lily and James Potter. They could live in anonymity.

'Is this really necessary, James?' said Euphemia disapprovingly, looking at him bundling some clothing into a trunk. 'It's so drastic to move for a silly girl.'

'She's not a silly girl! And yes, mother, if I want to save my relationship with Lily, it is,' replied James, his tone determined. Euphemia and Fleamont had not been pleased to find that Lily had left James, and Potter Manor, with their grandson. James did not expect them to understand why he was leaving the country with her.

Fleamont entered the room. 'You needn't stay with her, son. We can help you get a divorce if you like. Your marriage has served its purpose.'

'What?' James whipped around to face his father. 'What does that mean?'

'Well it was necessary to show how open we were to muggle borns, wasn't it dear?' said Euphemia, her smile sickly sweet. 'Your marriage to Lily brought quite a few pureblood families to the Light side. Now the war is over; you can let that silly childhood fancy die.'

'You don't mean that,' said James feebly. He knew that his parents had approved of his marriage for political reasons, but he hadn't realised that that was the only reason.

'Of course we do!' exclaimed Fleamont. 'We want you to be happy! That's why we got rid of-'

He cut himself off. James stared at him.

'Got rid of what, Father?' said James sharply.

Fleamont and Euphemia exchanged a look.

'We should tell him,' said Fleamont. 'He ought to know.'

Euphemia nodded. Panic engulfed him. What were they talking about?

'You and Lily were so stubborn about Harry,' said Euphemia. 'You wouldn't give him up, we had to do something! We couldn't have a squib in the family!'

'What? What did you do?' James whispered, horrified.

'You and Lily had to understand… it wasn't just about us, the Potter family lineage. It was about his safety,' said Fleamont. 'He never would have been safe in the wizarding world, and you had to see that.'

'We arranged for Bellatrix Lestrange to pay him a little visit,' said Euphemia, as calmly as though she were telling him about a trip to Diagon Alley. 'We knew you and Lily would save him and kill her. And then you'd understand.'

'My son!' gasped James. 'You almost had my child killed!'

'Don't be dramatic,' snapped Fleamont. 'He was never in any real danger.'

'I'll cut you off! I'll tell Lily and we'll never speak to you again!' said James wildly. 'I'll report you to the ministry! You'll go to Azkaban for colluding with a death eater!'

Euphemia smirked. 'If you tell Lily, you'll never see little Jem again. I imagine she'll take him far away into the muggle world. Besides, you've nothing without the Potter estate, dear. And imagine what will happen if everyone finds out Harry is alive. One of those death eaters will surely find him.'

James groaned, knowing that she was right. 'How could you? Harry is your grandson.'

'The house of Potter has never produced a squib, and it never will,' said Fleamont flatly. 'We were not going to begin with your son. Besides, we did you a favour. The child is safe now, and where he belongs.'

His parents stalked out of the room, and James let out an angry roar. He never thought his parents capable of such malice. They were supposed to be good, to be Light. He had convinced himself that it had been Marlene who tipped off Bellatrix; she was spiteful enough. The knowledge that his parents were responsible made him sick. He had given up his son in the most permanent way over an imaginary threat. James punched the wooden paneling in a rage, breaking it. He felt trapped; if he told Lily, it would ruin their reconciliation and she would surely leave him for good. If he cut his parents off, reported them to the authorities, he would certainly be disinherited. He, Lily and Jem would have nothing. He would be a pauper. If he didn't say anything, he would have to live with this dark secret. James leaned against the damaged wall, breathing heavily, his hand bleeding. They were already leaving the country. He needn't speak to his parents again, under the guise of going into hiding, he thought. Lily would never know.

March 1983- Petunia

March 10th 1983

Dear Tuney,

I hope you and Harry are well. This is the last time you'll ever hear from me. James and I have decided to move to the U.S. I'm sure you've seen the terrible things written about us in the Prophet… it's too hard for us to stay here anymore. I wish we could take Harry with us but how would we explain it? Besides, he will always be in danger in the magical world. I miss you so much. Burn this letter when you're done reading it. I love you and Harry, always.

Lily.

Petunia folded up the tear stained letter and placed it into the fire, watching her sister's final message curl into ashes. It was the first time Lily had written since leaving Harry with her; for an instant, Petunia thought her sister had changed her mind when she saw the screech owl fluttering towards her. She felt a mixture of relief and despair upon reading her sister's words. Harry had been with her for three months, and he had become everything to her.

At first, he cried and asked for his mother and father. Petunia would redirect him, distract him with his toys and the garden. After a few weeks, he seemed to have gotten used to his surroundings. He asked for James and Lily less and less; Petunia was both pleased that he was settling in, and saddened that he was forgetting his family. The village's curiosity was aroused, as it always was with any new inhabitant. Petunia simply told them that her sister and brother in law had passed away in a car accident, and that she had adopted her orphaned nephew. It was the most mundane explanation she could think of for her nephew's sudden appearance and it was accepted with murmured condolences from her neighbours. Baked goods appeared on her doorstep as they do when one experiences a death in the family and Petunia was grateful. Caring for a toddler was no easy task, especially when there was no house elf to help!

May 1983- Petunia

The stark white of winter gave way to green buds in the trees, and snow turned into rain as spring came. Petunia and Harry found themselves in a comfortable daily rhythm. They would get up at seven, Petunia would feed him a simple breakfast of toast and eggs, and scarf down what she could before work. She would then drop Harry off at a little daycare, and proceed to work. In the evenings, they would walk home together, enjoying the fresh spring air, and looking at the new plants, and emerging fauna. Harry was particularly fond of squirrels and would gaze at them in quiet fascination. Every night Petunia would read to Harry, and watch a bit of telly while having supper. Life was simple and steady. Petunia didn't expect to hear from the magical world again; shortly after Lily had last written, her subscription to the Prophet ended. The door had slammed shut on the wizarding world.

Abruptly, it opened again one day that spring. A quiet pop in the garden woke Petunia up from her Sunday afternoon nap. The days were getting warmer, and both she and Harry found themselves quite sleepy on afternoons, so a nap was in order. Half asleep, Petunia assumed she was dreaming, until someone knocked softly on her door. Cautiously, she peered through the peep hole. It was Albus Dumbledore. Immediately, Petunia opened the door and welcomed him in.

'Petunia, hello my dear, how are you?' said Dumbledore brightly.

'Professor! This is a surprise… please come in,' said Petunia, confused but pleased to see the wizard.

She put up some water to boil for tea and popped some scones into the oven as Dumbledore made himself comfortable in the small drawing room. Harry came wandering out, rubbing his eyes after his nap.

'Hello, Harry,' said Dumbledore fondly. 'How are you, my boy? Have a lollipop!'

Petunia wasn't sure if Harry recognised the wizard or not, but the lollipop Dumbledore gave him sealed him as Harry's favourite person that day. The child wandered about, sucking on the sweet as Petunia and Dumbledore chatted.

'I know that Lily and James decided that it was best for Harry to grow up in the muggle world, without magic.' Dumbledore munched on a buttery scone. 'But I disagreed. We could have protected him, and I believe that he might have been happy.'

'What about the attack at the Halloween ball?' Petunia was baffled. Her sister had been convinced that Harry's life was at risk in the magical world. 'Lily felt sure that he wasn't safe.'

Dumbledore sighed. 'I believe that the attack was set up by someone who knew the Potters, and knew about Harry's condition. It was far too coincidental. I tried to tell Lily and James, but understandably, their one priority was to protect Harry at all costs.'

'Forgive me, Professor, but, why are you really here? Harry has no magic and no place in your world,' said Petunia, fixing a steely gaze on him. The elderly wizard smiled.

'I'd like to keep an eye on Harry, as he grows up. When he's older, he will be free to make his own decisions regarding the magical world. I would like to be there to guide him.'

Petunia nodded. It was overwhelming, being the sole caretaker for a small child. She often stayed awake at night wondering what would happen to her nephew if something befell her. Knowing that Albus Dumbledore was looking out for Harry made her feel better, even if he had his own, unclear motives.

August 1986- Petunia

Over the next few years, Harry grew into a smart, happy boy and his teachers often complimented Petunia on his manners and knowledge. The woods they lived in provided the perfect playground for a curious, growing child. Dumbledore kept his promise and visited often. Petunia told Harry that the professor was an old family friend, and he and Harry grew quite close. Harry adored the old man, and not just because he got sweets whenever he visited! Petunia and Dumbledore continued to respect the Potters' wishes; Harry was never told about magic.

The August after Harry's sixth birthday saw a summer as hot as the one just before Lily's wedding. There was barely any wind… any breeze that blew was hot and stifling. The scorching heat only added to Petunia's temper one evening. Harry was at that very special age where he deemed absolutely nothing edible except chicken nuggets. Petunia knew it was entirely her fault; chicken nuggets were like drugs for small children. She should never have allowed him to have even a single one. She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration and exhaled loudly. Harry glared mutinously at the carrot sticks in front of him.

'Harry. Dursley.' she ground out, through gritted teeth. 'I am going into the garden so I don't shake you to bits, and when I come back, I want those carrots GONE. Or else there will be NO telly tonight!'

Harry's lip quivered. No telly? For a boy of six, she might as well have executed him on the spot.

Petunia stomped out into the garden and began to furiously weed her dying flower bed. As her hands worked, she began to calm down and saw the humour in the situation: she was waging an epic battle with a six year old over vegetables and he was winning. She laughed to herself and relaxed as a cool gust of air wafted into the garden, breaking the oppressive heat. In the distance, she could hear the low rumble of thunder, signalling the beginning of a summer storm. Rain began to patter down gently, and she inhaled the fresh scent of the wet earth. Revived, Petunia entered the little kitchen wondering if her nephew had eaten even one carrot stick. She came in just in time to see a single piece of carrot hover mid air, then vanish. Harry wore a guilty look; Petunia wore a shocked one.

Harry had his magic back.