"James… it's time for us to go," said Lily sadly. She and Harry had to use the Portkey in the next 3 minutes before it expired. If a Portkey expired then the object just lost it's magic and became useless. The ministry had come up with this to minimize interception from Death Eaters.
"Okay," said James, holding Harry tighter to him. Lily gave him a sad, knowing look, telling him she understood. "How am I supposed to let him go?"
"I don't know," said Lily emotionally. She could see the heartbreak in James' eyes, she knew how much it was hurting him to let Harry go. But she couldn't back out now: she had sold the house, and the company she was working for had found her and Harry a house in Switzerland.
"Okay, here," said James, handing Harry to Lily. "You will call, won't you? Just so I can talk to him, so he doesn't forget my voice."
"Of course, and you know you can visit anytime," said Lily, meaning it with all her heart as her eyes filled up.
"I know," said James emotionally.
"I'm sorry, I didn't want to hurt you even more," said Lily, the tears falling freely down her cheeks.
"I know," he said, wiping them with his thumb.
"Here, you should take this," said Lily, reaching into her pocket and taking out her engagement ring.
"Lily…I don't want it back."
"Come on don't be silly. Take it," said Lily tearfully.
"No…"
"Look, it's your family's ring."
"I told you, I want it to go to Harry."
"And one day it will, but you'll probably need it before he does," said Lily.
"I guess," sighed James, taking the ring from her sadly.
"I have to go."
"Okay," said James. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and then did the same to Harry.
"This is for the best. We only end up hurting each other. This is less painful for all three of us," said Lily, tears stinging her cheeks. "I don't want to hurt anymore, and I don't want to hurt you."
"It's doesn't hurt less for me. I lose everything."
"I'm sorry."
"I know. You better go," said James sadly.
"Bye James."
"Goodbye Lily."
And with one more tearful look Lily picked up the Portkey and she and Harry disappeared before James' eyes.
James' stood there for ten minutes after they had gone, before he apparated back to the house. He took one look round the house he and Lily had shared for so long and he broke down. His family was gone, they were starting a new life. A new life he wasn't a part of.
And he couldn't help but blame himself.
----------------------------------------
"Prongs, mate, go home!" said Sirius a week later. James had been at work for 6 days straight, since the morning after Lily and Harry had left. He was a mess, he hadn't shaved, and there were dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. He just looked broken.
"Why? I'm needed here," said James, still filing his reports.
"You're no use to anyone right now. You haven't slept in 5 days, you're exhausted."
"I feel fine," insisted James.
"We both know that is not true."
"Physically, I feel fine."
"Come on, mate, just get some sleep, you'll feel better," said Sirius. James was really starting to worry him, if we went out in battle like that he would get himself killed.
"I highly doubt that."
"Look, you need to get sleep. If you don't and there is an attack, you'll get yourself killed."
"I'll be fine."
"What about Harry? Do you want him to grow up without a dad?"
"I doubt he'd notice the difference. I'll be lucky if I get to see him before Christmas," said James bitterly.
"Christmas isn't that far away."
"3 months away. 3 months without seeing my son…" said James incredulously. If he didn't throw himself into his work, he would just wallow.
"Alright. Can't you talk to Lily?"
"You think I haven't tried?"
"What about Moody? Can't you ask him if you can take a leave of absence or something? Or transfer to Switzerland?"
"The Ministry is not going to let anyone transfer," sighed James.
"Then quit!"
"What?"
"You heard me! Quit! You don't need the money!"
"Sirius…"
"No listen to me!" said Sirius, as he banged his fist on James' desk making him pay attention. "You are whining and moaning about not being able to see Lily and Harry! Don't just sit round and do nothing! Find a way to see them! Find a way to make Lily admit she loves you! Find a way to get your wife back! Find a way to be a family!"
Sirius was right. He had to do something. He couldn't just let his family slip through his fingers. He was going to get them back.