One Reason to Die, Three Reasons to Live

As Lily is about to perform a charm to make it so she was never born, James makes a deal: if he can find three good reasons for her to have been alive, she won't do it.

This fic will be five chapters: the reason to die, and the three different reasons to live. Some of them will most likely be very short, but hopefully good! It's kinda It's a Wonderful Life-ish, but not really. The second chapter will be based on something that really did happen with me and one of my sister's friends… although it might not have gone as far if she didn't live.

I'll just write my story now…

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One Reason to Die: Petunia

The owls swooped into the Great Hall like every morning, bearing tidings to their owners. It was normal for everyone, except for the red head at the Gryffindor table.

It wasn't unusual for her to be getting letters, but this time as she read it, she turned chalk-white and ran from the table, trembling. Unfortunately, she hadn't left the letter at her place, so none of her friends had any idea what had made her so upset.

When she didn't show up for the first two lessons, they spread out to look. James took the library, Peter the Gryffindor Tower, Arabella, Sirius, Remus and Shandra spreading out over the rest of the castle.

All James found in the library was an open book on Lily's favorite table. Bending over to read, he muttered, "God, no."

The Reversiosis Birthnius Charm

This charm is used to wipe out the entire existence of oneself. The person who casts this spell will never have been born, and all that the person has had influence over will change and go the way it would have gone had they not been involved.

To use this charm…

James didn't read any more. He was flying down the corridors, down the stair rail (it was faster to slide), and out the door onto the grounds.

"Lily!" he called as he pounded around the edge of the lake. He could see her sitting on a rock on the far side. "Lily, wait! Don't!"

She was distracted enough to glance up. That was all the time he needed.

"Don't cast that charm! Nothing could be worth it."

She gave a bitter laugh, and said, "Yes, there is something worth it."

"What?" he asked in a tone that meant, 'What is it that could be worth not being born?'

"It's my fault my parents are dead. They were killed by-by Voldemort, because he was trying to get at me. And Petunia knows it. She hates me, and magic, and will never forgive me now. If I were never born, they would still be alive."

"How can you know that that's true?" James asked in a soft voice. "Voldemort is a mad man. He could still end up having killed your parents- most likely would. He hates muggles, squibs, muggle born, muggle lovers. He hates anything to do with muggles. It won't be worth it to destroy yourself and your memory."

"Give me three good reasons why I should stay," Lily said flatly, "and then I'll think about it. If you can't come up with anything, then you were just wasting your time."

James thought long and hard. Just three names, James, just three names! That's all you need… he came up with one… Adora. Then a second… Kevin. The third name… I can't think of another one yet… but I will. I have to.

Straightening himself up, James stared across the huge expanse of the lake, then up into the darkening sky.

"Talk quick. I want to do this before the rain comes," Lily said, snappishly.

"I'll tell you the three reasons why," James said, "And you have to promise me that you'll stop blaming yourself."

"Agreed," Lily said, knowing he could never come up with three things. What had she ever done that would make her a worthwhile person? Her existence wasn't necessary. The world could do without her.

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I know it's ridiculously short, but the next chapter is coming out soon soon soon! I just have to type it up.

R&R!