Harry Potter and What Should Have Been

What Should Have Been: Philosopher's Stone

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. J.K Rowling owns the world of Harry Potter.

Story Summary: While recovering from the attack on Godric's Hollow, the Potters discuss their future plans with Dumbledore.

A/N: I would like to thank J P McMurphy for taking the time to beta my work and to Time-Turner for improving the dialogue for me. The time and effort is greatly appreciated.

Chapter Two: Aftermath of the Attack

The following morning James and Lily awoke to the sights and smells of the hospital wing of Hogwarts. After their initial panic at awakening in a strange place, they remembered their reason for being there, the attack that had occurred on their home. However before they could think about what had happened last night, the doors to the hospital wing opened to reveal the Headmaster of Hogwarts Albus Dumbledore.

Since Professor Dumbledore had come to visit them so early in the day, they were both apprehensive about the discussion that was to follow. Albus began speaking as he crossed the threshold into the hospital proper. He wasn't the kind of person to keep others waiting, especially if he wanted to get to the bottom of something.

“James, Lily.” He nodded his head at their respective beds. “I have just had a chat with Poppy. From what she told me, you two should be able to leave the hospital wing sometime later today.” the young couple sighed in obvious relief. “Now, I believe that we have much to discuss but before we do, I think that you two should read a couple of newspaper articles that were published this morning.”

“What could be so important that Lily and I, have to read the Daily Prophet before we get to leave?”

“I am afraid that the newspapers concern both Harry and Sirius. Before I explain further, I strongly urge you two to read the papers.”

“Why can't you just tell us what the problem is?” James rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. This was just getting to be beyond ridiculous.

“If he thinks that we should read the papers first, then I think we should.” she raised her hand up towards Professor Dumbledore. “Albus, if you would please hand them over.” The imperative tone in her sentence was impossible to ignore.

He handed the papers over with a resigned sigh. He knew that neither of them would be happy with what they contained.

After taking the papers from Albus, Lily opened the first one. The article declared the following:

Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived?

In the wee hours of today, fifteen month old Harry Potter, the son of James and Lily Potter, somehow destroyed He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

While we do not know the full story, or the details of what exactly happened, it has been reported that little Harry Potter survived the Killing Curse that was used against him.

As this is the first time that someone has ever survived the Killing Curse, people everywhere have dubbed the youngest Potter “The Boy Who Lived”.

On behalf of everyone at the Daily Prophet I would like to thank Harry Potter for vanquishing He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Hopefully, we can recapture the peaceful days before the Dark Lord first came to power. Hold onto your loved ones, we have all survived the darkest time in recent history.

After reading that article, Lily set the paper down and said, “By the looks of things, everyone is going to call our little Harry, `The Boy Who Lived'.”

“Yes it certainly looks that way. However, let us both read the second article before we discuss them.” With that, James picked up the paper and opened it. He read the headline and put it down immediately. He just couldn't believe what he saw. Lily, who had been busy folding the first paper didn't see James' reaction.

“Lily, please tell me it isn't true.” He looked at her pleadingly, begging for confirmation with his eyes.

“What are you talking about?”

“Here, just read it.” With that, James shoved the second Daily Prophet at Lily.

As he shoved it into her hands, Lily said, “Really, James, there is no need for rude behaviour, especially…” However, Lily didn't finish her statement because she had just caught sight of the headline on the second paper:

Sirius Black kills Peter Pettigrew and Thirteen Muggles

After news spread of the downfall of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Sirius Black, Secret Keeper of James and Lily Potter, was cornered in a Muggle village by Peter Pettigrew.

According to Muggle witnesses, whose memories were wiped after their statements were taken, said that little Peter Pettigrew yelled out so that everyone could hear that Sirius Black had betrayed James and Lily to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

By the time Ministry officials arrived on the scene, the only thing that was left of Peter Pettigrew was a finger. Thirteen Muggles were dead and Sirius Black was laughing his head off at the scene.

After taking in the scenario, the Ministry officials quickly led Sirius Black away to what we assume was the Ministry for questioning, or to Azkaban, where he will await his trial.

This is a major tragedy for James Potter…

Lily didn't finish reading the article. She was so frustrated that she crushed it up and threw it across the room.

Seeing what his wife had just done to the newspaper, James turned to face Dumbledore and said, “Albus, would you care to explain to me exactly how Sirius, got into this fine mess?”

“From what I assume, Sirius, must have arrived a few moments after Lily, was able to Portkey to Hogwarts. Upon arriving at your home, Sirius must have seen the damage from the attack. He most likely searched the house to see if you were still inside. Since he couldn't find any bodies in the wreckage of the house, Sirius thought that Peter might know where you three might be. So with that thought, Sirius must have decided to search for Peter. As for the confrontation with Peter, I only know what is in the paper. But, I shall say this I believe that, Sirius was not your Secret Keeper because Lily, informed me of the change to Peter.”

“If Lily told you that, then as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, couldn't you persuade the Ministry to release Sirius?”

“James, while I may have influence at the Ministry, I am afraid that my hands are tied in this matter.” At this, James, wanted to yell and curse, but Albus, raised his hand to James, so that he could finish.

“Even if I could persuade the Ministry and insist that Sirius, was not your Secret Keeper, you are forgetting one little thing. According to the paper, Sirius, has been charged with killing those thirteen Muggles. He has also been accused of the murder of, Peter Pettigrew as well. With the statements of all those Muggles, I am afraid that there isn't much that I can do.”

“Surely there must be something? What can we do to rescue Sirius, from going to Azkaban, Albus?”

“As I said , my hands are tied. I am afraid that Barty Crouch has already sent Sirius, to Azkaban. However, there is one thing that I can do for him. I can use my powers as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and order that, Sirius be given a minimum security cell. They're not patrolled by the dementors that guard Azkaban.”

“What good will that do Sirius? He very well may be spending the rest of his life in that awful place.”

“You know as much about Dementors just as I do. If a person is near Dementors, but given some short respites from their attention, then that person may retain some happiness. By retaining some of their happier memories, they can make their time a little more pleasant. In fact, they might be able to actually leave Azkaban with their sanity intact.”

At hearing this prospect, James, turned to face Albus. He said, “How soon can you have that transfer made up?”

“I have already taken the liberty of writing up that order just a short time ago. Even as I am speaking, I expect that, Sirius should be in his new cell at Azkaban. Now, I believe that we need to discuss and plan what is to happen with you three now that your lives are at even greater risk.”

“Just how are our lives in danger? I mean surely we can't be in that great of danger considering that, Voldemort has just been defeated?”

“James, the reason that you and your family are still in danger is that while, Voldemort may have been vanquished, I am afraid that the Death Eaters and the rest of, Tom's supporters are still at large. Now that they have no leader, it is my guess that the Death Eaters will be seeking revenge, especially after what just happened.”

“So what do you think we should do?” Lily interjected.

“I have a couple of ideas that might suit you three, but I am not sure how well you will agree with them.”

At this, Lily became defensive and said, “Over the years, I have always listened to your wisdom and counsel. However, if you are planning to separate us, then you can get that idea right out of your head. I am not going to allow you to send, Harry to live with my relatives is that clear?”

“I would never dream of separating you from James and Harry, but I must admit that was one of the ideas that I was going to suggest. One idea is quite simple I can have your house in Godric's Hollow repaired, and you can return to live there if you wish. Of course, I will be willing to be your Secret- Keeper. You can also try living in the Muggle world - I don't think that the Death Eaters would ever have a chance of finding you three if you lived in another part of England, where your fame and notoriety will not follow.”

“You have given us a few things to discuss. If you can excuse us for a while, I believe that we need to talk about what would be best for the three of us.”

“Of course, once you have made your decision, please come to my office so that I will know what your plans are. Now, if I may take my leave, I believe that Poppy will be bringing you something to eat.” With that, Albus departed from the hospital wing. James and Lily needed to have their breakfast and make their difficult decision.

After James, Lily and Harry had eaten and showered, they sat down in Poppy's office in order to discuss their options and decide on the best choice for their family.

“Have you given any consideration as to what option we should go with?”

“After taking in everything, I think that it might be best that we live in another part of England. It will give, Harry a chance to have the most normal childhood that we could possibly give him. We could live on the outskirts of town, so that the two of you can have your fun with your brooms. However,” she waved a finger at James, “That doesn't mean that you can spend all day flying with Harry.” At this James pouted, but Lily continued.

“As I remember, before we went into hiding, we prepared a number of houses for Sirius, to use in case anything happened to us. If it's alright with you James, I think it might be best that we live in one of those places.”

“Love, I can see that you have given this a lot of thought and if it makes you happy, then by all means we can live in which ever house you want to. The only thing that I really ask is that we steer clear of the house that we set up in Ottery St. Catchpole.”

“Isn't that where the Weasleys live, James?”

“Yes, the Molly and Arthur have six sons and Molly has just recently given birth to a daughter. Knowing Molly, I wouldn't be surprised if she tells bedtime stories to her daughter about `The Boy Who Lived'. The last thing that I want for, Harry is to let him get to know the Weasley children at a very young age. I would feel more comfortable if, Harry met them when he goes to Hogwarts.”

“James, I generally find your ideas about Molly to be ridiculous, but I think you may be right about her in this case. I do like Molly, I think that we need to consider what is best for Harry. So, I think we should live in that house in Nottingham that we had prepared for Sirius.”

“Can you remember any about that particular house?”

“Well, from what I can remember, the house is roughly like our home in Godric's Hollow. It is a two-story house that contains all the necessary essentials for someone to live comfortably. As for the house itself, there is a small study and library, a potions lab and a small duelling room. So, we can teach, Harry a couple of spells before he goes to Hogwarts. Outside, there is a small area where you can teach him how to ride a broomstick. There is also a small swimming pool as well, for the summer.” Lily smiled wistfully. She really wanted this house.

Lily took a breath as she continued on. “The house has been extensively warded. No one who intends to harm us can breach the wards. As for the specific wards, there is an Anti-Apparition, Anti-Portkey, and if anyone tries to breach the wards the said person will be transported to a Ministry holding cell with the word `invader' on his or her forehead. The main protection, is that the Ministry of Magic won't be able to detect any kind of magic being used.”

“It sounds great to me. Why don't we go see Professor Dumbledore in his office? We need to tell him of our decision.”

“Alright, let's go.” James, Lily and Harry left the hospital wing and headed to Albus' office.

After traversing through the corridors of Hogwarts, James, Lily and Harry were soon standing in front of a very familiar gargoyle. As they approached the gargoyle, it instantly sprung alive so that James and Lily could go up to see Professor Dumbledore.

When he saw the gargoyle spring to life, James just shrugged his shoulders and indicated for, Lily to climb the stairs first. Once they were both on the stairs, they soon came to the door that had a griffin knocker. James, seized the knocker and knocked a few times on the door.

James and Lily then heard a voice speak clearly, “James, Lily, you may enter.” At hearing the invitation, James pushed open the door to Albus' office. The Potter family filed in, in silence.

As James and Lily stepped into his office, Albus looked up from behind his ornate desk. Since he had guests, he quickly waved his wand and two comfortable chairs were placed in front of it. With a gesture of his hand, Albus indicated that James and Lily, should seat themselves in the offered chairs. Once they were both seated, Albus spoke. “I assume you have reached a decision?”

It was Lily who spoke on behalf of the couple. “Albus, James and I have considered your options very carefully, we decided that we are going to live in a different part of England.

“Very well, I assume that you have everything already prepared?”

“Before we went into hiding, we prepared a couple of houses for Sirius to use if something were to happen to the two of us. We shall be living in one of them, and you can rest assured that we shall be perfectly safe there.”

“I have no doubt in my mind that the place is perfectly safe for you three. If I am not overstepping my bounds, can you tell me where you will be living?”

“James and I both know what Harry means to you. It is no secret that you consider Harry as your grandson, and I am sure that Harry will look up to you as a grandfather figure. Besides, do you remember what happened the first time that you held Harry in your arms?”

At this, Albus, chuckled and said, “If my memory serves me, I believe that, Harry puked all over my nice, brand new robes. You tried to clean the mess up but I told you that it wasn't necessary. All newborn babies do that kind of thing. Besides Harry, was going to sleep and I didn't want to disturb him. So, I insisted that you leave the mess alone. From that moment on, I knew that I would come to love Harry as a grandson.”

“Well, that's good because we will be expecting regular visits from you. We also expect to see you every year for Harry's birthday.”

“I wouldn't dream of missing Harry's birthday. If I don't come by, I know what the consequences will be.” he wiggled his eyebrows and grinned. “Now, I suggest that you should be getting to this new place, so that you three can get settled in.”

“Yes, we should be going because the sooner that we are at our new home, the sooner I shall feel more comfortable. Not that Hogwarts isn't my second home, it's just I feel more comfortable with some Muggle contraptions. The address of our new home is 99 Robin Lane, Nottingham.”

“James, Lily, before you depart for your new home, I would like you to give these gifts to Harry when he is old enough to handle them.” Albus handed to, James three parcels, all wrapped neatly in Golden Snitch wrapping paper.

As James, took the parcels from Albus, Albus explained what they were. “The longer parcel is a toy broomstick, which I think, Harry will immensely enjoy when the time comes for him to learn to how to fly. The smaller parcel is a practice Snitch, so that once he has mastered flying, Harry, will be able to catch a Golden Snitch. I expect that when he finally comes to Hogwarts, there will be a Seeker position for him in Gryffindor House. The third gift is a copy of Hogwarts A History, it is a version suitable for a child to read, understand. I am thoroughly convinced that, Harry must have inherited some of Lily's brains. Now, I need to hold him before you leave.” With that, Albus got up from behind his desk and extended his arms for the babe. Lily, stood up and put Harry into this incredible man's arms.

This time while Albus held Harry, he was able to feel the love and pride that he hadn't had felt in a very long time. For most of his life, Albus had had to fight Dark Lords, wizards, and the war that had been fought over the years. Due to the recent fall of Tom, which was mainly due to the little fellow that Albus held in his arms, he could relax a little. Albus swore to himself that he would protect, listen and give advice to this child. Most of all, Albus would make sure that Harry survived the prophecy. So that one day, he would be able to have a family of his own, with some lucky witch who would make him happy. If the universe had anything to do with it, Harry's lucky witch just might be as bright as his mother.

With those thoughts in mind, Albus gently returned Harry to Lily's awaiting arms. As Albus returned Harry to Lily, Harry, for some strange reason, was able to add Golden Snitches to Albus' robes.

Seeing the Snitches that were on Albus' robes, James laughed, and with a wink said, “Albus, it seems to me that, Harry has left yet another one of his famous trademarks all over your robes.”

Albus glanced at his favourite robes. Seeing the pattern on them, he chuckled. “It seems to me that, Harry, has just made me his number one fan and as his number one fan, I am looking forward to seeing his very first game here at Hogwarts.”

“Yes Albus, I am sure that you shall be excited. However, if we can get back to the matter at hand, I think that we had best be going-- we really need to get settled into our new home and I would like to do get there before it gets dark.”

“Yes, I would say that is the best thing to do. James, Lily if you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am willing to give you any kind of assistance that I can.” He bowed slightly.

“Thank you for your kind offer, Albus. We won't hesitate to contact you if we need anything. But right now, it's time for us to go.”

James shrunk down Harry's presents and carefully placed them into his pocket. Once this was done, James removed a clean hanky from his pocket. He quickly pointed his wand at it and muttered `Portus'. He held the handkerchief light, and as soon as it returned to its original colour, James, Lily and Harry grasped the Portkey and vanished from Albus' office.

The moment that James, Lily and Harry vanished Albus gently spoke, “May the powers of the universe watch over you and protect you. May they bring you safely back to us, to Hogwarts.” Once those words were said, Albus returned to the paper work that he needed to complete as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

****

After travelling by Portkey from Dumbledore's office, James, Lily and Harry softly arrived at their new home in Nottingham. From the position where they had just landed, James and Lily both knew that this was going to be the perfect place for them to raise Harry. With that feeling in their hearts, the three entered their new home, to begin the next phase of their lives, as a family.

-->