CHAPTER 1
December 24, 1981

i.

It was a cold, frosty evening. The sound of bells and voices could be heard in the distance. In the small village of Lavenham, the houses were covered in blankets of snow, with their lights still glowing through the kitchen and dining room windows. Tree lights were barely visible through groups of people, cider and mince pies. In such a small village, there is hardly any room for enemies. Everyone knew everything about everyone else. There were also, the few, who were lucky to create a stronger bond than most. As was the case with Lily and James Potter, who had met William and Alexandra Granger during their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They had grown up together, and when the Grangers realized that they were expecting Hermione, they had hoped she and Harry would get along. The two families had done practically everything together, it only seemed fit they raise their children together as well.

"Alexandra, dear, are you just about ready? I told James we would meet them at the Johnson's house at seven o'clock."

"Yes, sweetheart, I'm coming. Did you already take Hermione over to Lily's house?" she replied as she walked down the wood stairs.

"Yep, we're all set to go."

He held out his hand to his wife, and they walked out the front door together. Little did they know it would be the last time they ever stepped foot in their house…

ii.

"Will! Alexandra! How great of you to come! Come on in, please!" Mrs. Johnson greeted her guests at the door.

The party had been going on for a while now; laughter and music ringing through the air. The Grangers spotted the Potters, and walked over to join them in conversation. As they approached, another companion joined the circle.

"Ah! James! And of course dear Lily, how are you tonight?"

"Remus! Oh, it's so good to see you!" Lily exclaimed as she hugged the newcomer and watched him shake hands with James.

"I'm fine, but how is dear Harry?"

James responded, "He's doing great, a year old now! He's back at the house with Hermione."

As he said this, Lily happened to glance over to their house, and saw the glowing light on the second floor. She smiled at the thought of Hermione and Harry. As she was returning her gaze to the party, she caught a glimpse of a hooded figure entering their house through the front door.

"James!" Lily gasped and grabbed her husband's arm in shock. James followed his wife's gaze, and his face hardened.

"So sorry," James excused them from the conversation.

Both families ran to the Potter's house. On the way out however, they got split up. The Grangers ran to the front door, only to meet their terrible fate the second they crossed the threshold. Two flashes of green light lit the house and in just seconds, they were gone. Lily and James reached the back door of their house, gasping for breath.

"Lily, go protect the children! I'll stay and fight him off!"

"James…"

"Go! Now!"

Without another word, Lily turned and ran upstairs into Harry's bedroom, closing and locking the door behind her. Both Harry and Hermione were crying loudly. Lily held Harry in her arms, and tried to comfort Hermione as well. She heard James scream, followed by a thud. Fear regained its place in Lily's eyes, now spilling tears. Her back was to the door. BOOM! The door burst open; Lily turned around frantically. The last thing she remembered seeing was Harry's face, and then a bright flash of green.

Harry, though too young to understand what was happening, had teary eyes. He watched as the hooded figure approached the crib next to his; as the stranger pointed what looked like a twig to little Hermione's face and shouted something. An explosion sounded and as far as he could tell, Hermione had not been hurt. He stared as the figure stumbled backwards, then turned the twig onto him. However, the exact same thing happened again. The stranger then picked up Hermione, and Harry heard a loud CRACK! as both disappeared before his eyes. He sat in his crib, understanding nothing. Eventually he drifted into a restless sleep.

All was silent.