Disclaimer: The original stories and characters in the Harry Potter books are not mine. I recognize they belong to J.K. Rowling. I can only hope that she can forgive the use of her marvelous creation for this twist on what might have been.

Summary: What if James and Lily Potter protected their son in such a way that the wizarding world would not even know he was still alive? What would be different? What would remain the same? Read on and find out. . .

Spoilers: Book One so far...

The Phoenix Rises

By TexasJeanette

Chapter Two - Reactions

Dumbledore slowly makes his way towards a small hut on the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A severe looking, tightlipped woman wearing a Scottish style outfit joins him.

"Albus, is it true?"

"What precisely?"

Pursing her lips the woman exhales and tries again, "Is it true that the Potters have been killed?"

Hanging his head, Dumbledore looks at her while still approaching the hut. "Minerva, I am not sure if it is true. Severus believes it to be so, but he was badly injured. I am sending Hagrid to verify the information and bring them back here, whether they are dead or alive."

Grabbing his arm tightly, the woman stops in her tracts. "Albus, are you sure that is wise? He should not be seen by muggles."

"I am very sure, the area is swarming with Aurors who are investigating and cleaning up the area. We need to send someone we trust who is strong enough physically and removed enough from the situation emotionally to ensure the task is done quickly and quietly. I trust Hagrid to do both." Dumbledore continues towards the hut where his long time friend and stoutest supporter resides.

A very large man on a very loud motorbike glides from the sky over Godric's Hollow. He lands in front of the house with the most damage. As he dismounts a battle weary yet very official looking man approaches and explains the Aurors have sealed off the area. The large man produces a piece of rolled parchment. After reading it the Auror nods his head and returns the parchment. He sighs sadly, "All right Hagrid. But don't take too long, the muggles will be here soon."

Hagrid searches the rubble and finds the body of James Potter near what was once the front door. His body is twisted around the debris. His eyes are still open and his mouth is gaping as if in a final scream. Hagrid gently closes the eyes of his friend and turns to continue the search. As he nears the stairs, or what is left of them, he hears someone approaching.

He turns to see Sirius Black, a highly skilled Auror and the Potters' best friend. When Sirius sees James a great sob is torn from the gruff man. He collapses and pulls the shell of his fallen friend into a final embrace. He looks up and his eyes grow wide as he notices Hagrid for the first time. "Lily and Harry?" Sirius rasps.

"Still lookin'," admits Hagrid as he shakes himself to clear his head of the grief they both share.

They carefully climb the tattered staircase and move toward the nursery. "NO!" wails Sirius as he cradles the broken, bloody body of Lily Potter in his arms. As he rocks back and forth on his knees tears flow freely down his face and he weeps in anguish. 'My fault, it's all my fault. How could I have been so stupid? I trusted him. I convinced James to trust him and now he is dead. I killed my best friend and our best hope. Well, he will pay. I will see he pays dearly!' Sirius quiets his internal tirade, and dries his eyes.

As Sirius looks up, Hagrid steps back at the black rage he sees in Sirius' eyes. Sirius turns and sees Harry. The rage vanishes from his features and is replaced with the knowledge of his overwhelming loss. When he turns back, Hagrid gazes deeply into the eyes of the lost man in front of him and sees the rage return. Rage and what appears to be determination and an almost maniacal gleam. Sirius turns away, jumps down the stairs and runs off into the night.

Hagrid doesn't say a word to him as he passes, but his heart fills with pity for the dark man. Hagrid feels overcome himself performing this duty for the Potters, but they had never been truly close. He can only imagine what Sirius was going through.

Hagrid gently lifts the broken body of the small baby boy. Just two weeks ago this same boy was bouncing on his knee and grabbing at Hagrid's fuzzy beard. He remembers fondly those rare occasions he got to baby-sit while the Potters met with Dumbledore. Hagrid tenderly places each parent next to their child and wraps them in a large cloth. He carries them out to the motorbike and asks a nearby Auror to bind them to the bike for him, as he is not allowed to do magic.

The Auror solemnly complies and asks if any have survived. Hagrid sadly shakes his head and flies off. The motorbike noisily rises in the air and turns back towards Hogwarts with its precious cargo and sad news.

The London Times

November 1, 1981

Last night amid the revelry and pranks of Halloween, one neighborhood just outside of London was nearly destroyed. The small community of Godric's Hollow, a quaint old style village with turn of the century cottages surrounding a small park, would appear to be an idyllic place to raise a family. Appearances can be deceiving.

A deadly gas leak is being blamed for the death of 32 people last night. 13 adults and 19 children lost their lives. The fumes of the gas leak overcame most of the victims while some were killed in the resulting explosion. The explosion wiped out 3 homes on the far side of the community.

Local officials say the explosion may have actually saved some lives. The noise of the explosion allowed the other residents time to escape. "Without that explosion," quotes Fire Chief McFarland, "We may have lost all 150 residents of this small community."

Daily Prophet

November 1, 1981

He Who Must Not be Named has disappeared!

Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his apparent defeat, the entire European Wizarding Community is rejoicing today and breathing a collective sigh of relief.

While rising to power, He Who Must Not be Named gathered many followers called Death Eaters. We have all been living in fear that our home would be the next one filled with dead loved ones and covered by the glowing green of the infamous 'Dark Mark.'

These 'Death Eaters' and their self-styled "Lord" were apparently committed to 3 goals.

1. Total control or dominion over the entire wizarding world,
2. Elimination of all wizards and witches directly descended from muggles, and
3. To finally breach the secrets of Death itself and become its master.

Tragically, our freedom came at a very high price. James Potter apparently faced off against He Who Must Not be Named and succeeded in defeating him. Though robbed of his power and his body destroyed it is not certain that He Who Must Not be Named is actually dead, however what little, if anything, is left of him is not exactly alive either. After a thorough search of the area surrounding the incident, the Ministry of Magic has officially declared him gone from our lives!

Unfortunately, the explosive magic that finally defeated this menace cost James Potter his life. It also caused an explosion that destroyed their home and killed his wife, Lily Potter (Evans) and their one-year-old son, Harry.

We here at the Daily Prophet would like to express our deepest condolences and sincerest gratitude to the family and friends of this remarkable young man and his small family.

James Potter will be remembered by all for his gracious final act. The Ministry of Magic announced early this morning that he will be posthumously awarded The Order of Merlin, First Class.

--Raymond Fletcher reporting.