The concept of this fic is taken from a hodgepodge of pre-existing concepts before it, just to let you know. So, not everything in this fic is original except a few details (including one I saw on the HPFanFiction reddit a year ago). Note that this is not quite the same Wizarding World that we are familiar with in canon, given the cast of OCs I created.

TW for allusion to past sexual violence pertaining to one of the supporting OCs.

When the sun rose that Halloween morning, Lily Potter nee Evans had no reason to believe that anything out of the ordinary would happen that night. As the day wore on, she was in relatively good spirits.

"Think we can send one of these pictures to your mum?" James had asked as he took pictures of little Harry in the lion costume that Mary had delivered via post. Using the Muggle camera that Lily showed him how to use.

"Yes," Lily beamed as her one-year-old son smiled cheerfully at the camera. "Mum will love them. She'd love to see pictures of her little grandson."

Despite how happy Harry was and how happy she felt, Lily couldn't help but feel despair gnaw every fiber of her being. In another world, this would have been the year she and James take Harry out for Trick-or-Treating. Their son holding their hands as they'd join the other parents and their costumed kids. Harry gleefully pointing out the other costumes people were wearing.

Alas, it was not that world. It was unsafe for them to even leave their home (earlier this year, Albus had to confiscate James' heirloom cloak. James hated being useless to the Order, a sentiment that Lily shared. The two of them take turns sneaking out of their home in Godric's Hallow to try to help their friends on missions while one of them stays with Harry). Lord Voldemort homed in on them all because he deemed their son a threat. Their son who hadn't even learned how to use a wand yet, let alone hold a coherent conversation.

That bloody rotter, Lily had seethed mentally. Only a scoundrel with a fragile ego the size of England itself would go after a baby.

Sirius Black and his wife Eleanora Black nee Lupin would take their son Andrew – who had just turned two – out for Trick-Or-Treating for the night. Sirius promised to come later that night to share half of his son's spoils.

As late afternoon transcended into early evening, Lily had begun her round of evening chores. Smiling as she listened to her son's giggles as James was playing with him. Entertaining the boy with his wand whenever she took a glance.

When she had put all the dishes away with a flick of her wand, she went to the living room. "It's a certain someone's bedtime," she said with a smile.

James gazes at the clock. "Oh, it's that time already?" he asked playfully. A wide grin on his face. "Okay, son. Up to mummy you go."

Lily took her one-year-old son from James' arms. Hoisting him up over her shoulders as she made her way towards the stairs.

"Shining like the sun, smiling, having fun. Feeling like a number one," Lily softly sang as she bounced Harry on her shoulder.

It was only a mere second when she heard the door explode open. At that moment, she stopped bouncing Harry on her shoulder. The blood drains from her skin as the wood from the door splinters.

No, no, no. No!

Lily didn't want to turn. Turning would only confirm the very thing she and James had hoped to avoid. It was like someone was guiding her face as she happened to look over her shoulder.

The intruder was just stepping into the house as James ran to the foyer to see why the door exploded.

"Lily, take Harry and go! It's him!" James shouted. He turned his pale face to her. His brown eyes pleading as he tells her, "Go! Run! I'll hold him off!"

Lily could feel her heart pound in her chest as she ran up the stairs. Trying not to trip herself as she ran into the nursery. The blood pumping in her ears as she moved the dresser, rocking chair, and the bookshelf to block the door with a flick of her wand.

Of course, he'd burst in anyway. Lily only wanted to stall him.

Downstairs, she thought she could hear things fall and clatter. As if someone was thrown against the wall and everything around them cascaded down and around them.

She'd rather much that it was James that turned into a stag and rammed Voldemort against something. Since it might not be….

I got to do something, she thought as she placed Harry in his crib. She and James never talked about what to do in this situation. Clearly, this was a remote occurrence to them. What do to, what to do.

It never took her long, though. She remembered reading from Severus' books in early fifth year about ancient magic rituals. There was one passage about how one could use trace their blood on objects surrounding their loved ones to spare them from death in the event of peril. It seemed like the type of dark magic that Severus was into.

She had to do it now. Whether it made her cringe or not, Harry's life was on the line.

"You will not kill my son," she mutters. Heart pounding as she bites into her finger until she could taste blood. "You will not kill my son," she repeats as she marks the bars of the crib with her blood. Harry's green eyes – so much like her own – gazed curiously at her.

Oh, Harry, she thinks, as she waves her wand over the crib to activate the wards. Her heart breaking. Her little boy didn't understand what was going on. He probably thinks this is some game.

"Harry, be strong," she rasps as she hears light footsteps towards the door. Grasping the bars of the crib as she feels her vision beginning to blur. "Mummy loves you. Daddy loves you."

James was probably dead, but her son didn't need to know that yet. Though part of Lily didn't want to entertain that possibility.

She wipes her eyes as soon as the door is blasted open. Grasping her wand so tightly as Voldemort destroyed the barriers as if they were nothing. Not so much trying to waver as the demon himself regarded her with curious red eyes.

"You do have a choice," he says breezily. As if they were having a discussion over tea. "You can step aside and permit me to accomplish my mission, or you can make this much difficult for yourself and fight me. I'm hoping you take the first choice, but you'll probably take that foolish second option, being the foolish Gryffindor girl you are."

Anger filled coursed through Lily's veins like sweet poison. He wanted her to step aside so he could kill her son?

"I'll gladly take option two," she seethed, raising her wand. Not hesitating to try to cast an impediment jinx. Which he deflects as if it was just air. The blood in her fingertips pounds as she deflects two stunning spells in succession. As he blocks another impediment and stunning spell.

"Expelliam –"

With an idle gesture of his hand, he cuts off her incantation. Her wand flew from her fingers. Lily not getting a chance to pick it up when he shouts, "Stupefy!"

"Now, we got to give some of these sweets to Harry, Andrew," Sirius had said as he took half the candy from his son's bag. "That's too many sweets for a tot your age."

He meets his son's grey eyes as the former glares at him. To which Sirius chuckles. "You still have plenty," he tells him.

"Looks like it's somebody's time for a bath," Eleanora sang as she smiled at their son. He raised his arms as Nora bent down to pick him up. Sirius watches as his wife slightly waddles towards the steps to the second floor. With her son in her arms. "Try not to stay out too long. And make sure that no one is following you."

"That's what Disillusionment Charms are for," he says with a wink before turning the doorknob handle. "I should be back in an hour, Nora."

Nora's concern wasn't unfounded. Concerning the times they were in. Especially since he had undertaken the dangerous task of infiltrating Voldemort's organization.

No, his father. Though Sirius still had a hard time believing it to be true.

When Dumbledore had asked him to infiltrate Voldemort's organization, he hesitated. His basis being not willing to give his blasted family the wrong impression after his estrangement from that mad house. That was until when Nora was captured during a sting operation gone wrong. He heard that after she was captured, she was…no, he couldn't dwell on it. To dwell on it was another violation onto her. To dwell on it would increase the desire to do, as Nora would put it, "something stupid." It was when she was captured when he later made the dangerous decision to infiltrate. Only then, did he find out. Find out that he was a product of a tryst his mother had with the monster. He knew he didn't fit in with the family, and was confused as to why he could speak to snakes for the Blacks were never descended from Salazar Slytherin.

Hence why he was given the Dark Mark right away after he "joined" Voldemort's organization. James theorized that Voldemort probably gave him the Dark Mark as to ensure he didn't have second thoughts on his decision.

He had wanted to tell Prongs about his lineage. To confide in the boy who took him into his parent's home when he ran away from that dung hole. Alas, he didn't. He suspected that Albus was suspicious regarding the situation with the Dark Mark, and didn't want to fuel those suspicions.

Even if the man was trying to creep into his psyche, Sirius couldn't shake the feeling that Voldemort was onto him. That he was suspicious of him since Sirius wouldn't tell him where James and his family were.

"Trust me, Sirius, when I say I have a source inside your little club run by Albus Dumbledore," his father had relayed to him one time over tea. "A source that spends quite a bit of time with your tight circle of friends."

Sirius hated himself for ever suspecting Remus, though Remus' mysterious excursions and his hesitancy before answering questions weren't helping. Then, of course, their friendship wasn't the same after the Shrieking Shack incident involving Snape back in the fifth year.

Snivelly had it coming, Sirius tried to tell himself. He was always sneaking around, trying to get us expelled.

Then, he had pushed away that thought. Feeling sick of himself. As much as he loathed the greasy git, it didn't erase what would have happened to Remus if Snape had died or worse. It didn't erase that Eleanora's anger to him at the time for endangering her baby brother was warranted. It served him right that she and Remus both refused to speak to him for months until he could convince them how much he was sorry for what he did.

Sirius had tried to shake away his thoughts as he apparated to Godric's Hallow. As he emerged from the alleyway, he saw no signs of anything being amiss. The homes were bedecked with their Halloween decorations, and he caught sight of some stragglers wearing Halloween costumes. He detected a few Muggles walking towards somewhere as if something had gotten their attention.

At that moment, that was when he could smell the smoke a couple miles away.

No, Sirius panics as dread fills him. Oh, no, please no, he thinks as he runs towards the house where his best friend and family lived. As he ran, Sirius hoped he was wrong. That this was some other house and some other people who had been hurt, murdered, or worse.

Alas, it was in vain when he saw where the Muggles were beginning to gather. No, he thinks as Sirius loses all feeling in his legs. His fingers loosen the grip on that bag of sweets. No, no, no.

He holds onto the fence for support to avoid collapsing. Take deep breathes, he thinks, take deep breathes. The blood pounded in his ears as he regained the will to stand without falling over. Making sure he's unseen as he enters the cottage from the back.

They lost Gideon and Fabian Prewett. Marlene McKinnon had lost her entire family a few months ago. Merlin forbid that James and his family were now dead as well.

"James! Lily! Harry!" he calls as he enters through the kitchen. "James! Lily!"

Sirius passes through the living room. His heart might as well have torn itself out of his chest as he sees a pair of feet sticking under rubble.

"James!" His blood might have been adrenaline as he tossed the pram over to dig through the other objects on the floor to get to his friend. A moan reached his ear the moment he unearthed James' bruised face. Sirius placed his fingertips to James' neck for any signs of a pulse.

"Sirius?"

He jumps at the sound of his name and the feeling of a hand on his shoulder. Nearly taking his wand out when he sees who it is.

"Emrys," he rasped. Emrys Dumbledore. One of Albus Dumbledore's great great nephews from Aberforth's branch of the tree. Emrys Dumbledore, who lived one street away with his family from where they were standing.

"I was investigating until I saw you walk in." Even as Emrys helps him up, Sirius could not help but wince at the glint of suspicion from the Auror's eyes. "Where were you before you came here?"

Sirius didn't even get a chance to answer when he finally registered the sound of a crying baby from a floor above.

"Get James out of here," Sirius demanded as he scrambles up the stairs. The pulse was prominent in his throat as he burst into the nursery. Nearly tripping on a remnant of a rocking chair. Sirius coughed from the smoke filtering through the room. The edges of the gaps in the roof glowing with what looked like a green flame.

Fucking Peter. When he gets his hands on him….

Harry was standing at the crib. Blood blossomed from a fresh zig-zagged cut as he whimpered. His godson's green eyes gazed at Lily's still form.

Please be alive, Sirius pleaded as he bent down to Lily's body. Please be alive.

James was alive. Even if that was something to be thankful for, he didn't want to imagine the trainwreck James would be if Lily died.

Just as the frightening possibility of Lily being dead entered his mind, it went away the moment he registered her pulse under his fingers.

James Fleamont Potter didn't know how long it took for him to come to, but his head was still throbbing when he opened his eyes.

What a bloody idiot you are, Prongs, he thinks to himself with a groan. Who in their right mind charges at Voldemort without a wand? What happened to having your wand on you at all times?

They were too at ease. Too comfortable with their belief they be safe with one of their friends as Secret Keeper to even remotely come up with some contingency plan. If he was able to get a ahold of Peter when he got over this pulsing headache….

At least Voldemort deemed him worthless of his time without a wand. That it was enough to render him unconscious instead of killing him. Though for the moment, at least. For Voldemort would came back to get rid of him anyway after he was done with Lily and Harry.

Lily! Harry!

The thoughts of his wife and son were enough for him to sit right up. Two pairs of hands placing themselves on his shoulders. "James, careful. You're going to hurt your head more with rash movements."

"At least he's awake, Emrys."

Frank Longbottom. Emrys Dumbledore. James slumped in relief, as he registered the presence of his fellow Aurors, friends, and fellow Order members. However, one other person should have been here, and it bothered James that Sirius wasn't present.

Where's Sirius, he wanted to ask, even if he might have known the answer. Sirius was probably going after Peter, when he should have waited until he was better to have him come along too. If Padfoot ever got to Wormtail if the former was alone….

"Lily? Harry?" he asked, for those were the appropriate questions.

Frank opened his mouth when the door opened. Albus was striding in, Relief edged on his aged features. "Ah, James," he said. "It's good to see you. I feared the worst when Alice's Patronus came into my office," he said. "That Voldemort succeeded until I was informed that you, Lily, and Harry were safe."

"They're…they're alive?" James asked, feeling himself deflate of some of that tension. His wife and son were safe, thank Godric.

"Lily is in the next room," Albus said merrily. "She has yet to come to. Harry is with Neville." At the mention of Harry, did James notice that all merriness was replaced with seriousness. "Now, regarding Harry, there's something we need to talk about."

"Jelly Bellies," Severus Tobias Snape rasps. Clenching his fists as he swallowed heavily. The Gargoyle jumped to gain him entry, and his legs felt like jelly as he ascended the steps.

"You can come right in, Severus," bid Albus.

Severus swallowed. Hesitating for a moment before stepping into the office.

"It seems that the Ballycastle Bats are retaining their place on the top of the league," Dumbledore sighed as he gazed at his copy of the Daily Prophet. "Yet, of course, we can't have things how we want."

Albus had a way of touching on the benign before he reached the serious matter in which he was going to talk about. A way to ease some of the tension mounting in the room.

"The Dark Lord, he's…." Severus began as Albus set down the paper.

"Voldemort came to Godric's Hallow last night with the intent of killing Harry before the boy could ever be old enough to hold himself in a duel," Albus began. "He incapacitated a wandless James before moving onto the nursery."

"And Lily? The boy?" Severus couldn't help but ask.

"It seems that Voldemort had honored your request to spare her," said Albus, "though he seemed to underestimate her. Lily used ancient blood magic to protect Harry, and it seemed he met his downfall. Such protection is said to last years if Harry stays with his mother, and should grow stronger as time passes."

Severus had wanted to deflate in relief. His friend was alive, her husband was alive, their son was alive. It had not been all in vain as he feared.

"Considering the outcome, you could step back," Albus had offered. "Finish out this year before going on your merry way."

Severus swallowed. The offer to not be involved with the Light after this, well, it was a lie to say that it as not tempting. He was more willing to go about his own way, and put this behind him. The Potters were safe. Potter and Lily could hold their own. They didn't need him in the background to ensure their safety. If they knew he'd gone through all this trouble of ensuring their safety, they'd be happier if he wasn't in the background now.

He incapacitated a wandless James before moving onto the nursery.

Severus clenched his fists. The sheer carelessness and arrogance. Anyone with the common sense and humility would know that even while in hiding, one has to have their wand on their person. He would hate to think that Lily was without her wand as well. It was perhaps fortunate for Potter that the Dark Lord has low opinion of those who don't carry their wands to the point of not wanting to deal with them.

Speaking of the Dark Lord, only a fool would believe he died like any man. At this height of the dominance he ascended to, he won't be gone for long. Even if he was not a present threat, the same could not be said for the fanatical of his followers, who'd go above and beyond to try to avenge him.

No, someone needs to stand by the sidelines anyway. For who knows when the boy's father would make another poor decision stemming from his bad judgment and arrogance.

"No," Severus answered. "I will not."

"Why is that, Severus?"

"Simply because the Dark Lord is gone and because they are safe, doesn't mean that I should retract my involvement," he said. "Only a fool would retract their involvement at this stage. Simply because he's gone, the same could not be said for his followers."

Albus nodded, and he could tell that he seemed pleased by his answer. "James and Lily have agreed to go to an undisclosed location until we know for sure that it's safe. We have yet to talk about the manner about them and her son, though I wouldn't be surprised if they'd want to shield her son from whatever fame will become attached to his name."

Severus hoped that the Potters would consider keeping their son away from whatever pomp and circumstance his name will give him, for he shuddered to think how the boy would turn out if he was with that fame swelling his head. However, James bloody Potter didn't need the badge of having survived the Dark Lord's attempt on his life for his arrogance to swell over the years.

The idea of Voldemort not seeing James as worthy of a opponent without his wand came from the Dark!Harry fic Dark as Night, which could be found on FFN (warning that it is not James Potter friendly). I know that it was established that Marlene died along with her family, though I wouldn't put it past Voldemort to want one member of a targeted family spared as a way to punish them for opposing him (again, this idea came from the same aforementioned fic).