"Fanfic Frenzy: A Collection of One Shots"

Title :the night we survived

In the quiet village of Godric's Hollow, a golden light spilled from the windows of a small cottage, casting a warm glow against the encroaching darkness of the night. Inside, James and Lily Potter huddled together, their infant son, Harry, nestled in his mother's arms. The air was thick with tension, a stark contrast to the serene picture they painted.

James's eyes flickered to the window for the umpteenth time that evening, his hand resting on the silvery material of his Invisibility Cloak, a family heirloom that had protected Potters for generations. "It's going to be fine, Lily," he murmured, though the tightness in his voice betrayed his anxiety.

Lily nodded, her emerald eyes reflecting the dancing flames of the fireplace. "I know, James. But I can't help worrying. Dumbledore said it would be enough, that the Fidelius Charm and your cloak would keep us safe."

The door creaked, and both adults tensed, but it was only Sirius Black, their chosen Secret Keeper, who stepped inside. "All quiet out there," he said, though his usual grin was absent. "You're invisible to the world, Prongs."

James allowed himself a small smile. "Thanks to you, Padfoot. And this old thing," he said, patting the cloak.

The night wore on, and the cottage remained a silent sanctuary amidst the chaos that was brewing in the wizarding world. Suddenly, a cold wind swept through the room, extinguishing the fire and plunging the room into darkness.

"They're here," Lily whispered, terror seizing her heart.

James sprang to action, throwing the cloak over his family. "Stay under this no matter what," he instructed, his voice a fierce whisper.

The door blasted open, and Lord Voldemort stepped into the room, his red eyes scanning the seemingly empty space. "Come out, come out, James Potter," he hissed.

James, Lily, and Harry remained silent, their breaths shallow under the cloak. Voldemort moved closer, his wand at the ready, but he seemed to look right through them, the cloak's magic holding strong.

"Where are you?" Voldemort sneered, frustration lacing his voice.

James's grip tightened on his wand, prepared to fight if the cloak failed. But Voldemort, after a few more moments of searching, turned on his heel and left, his cloak billowing behind him.

Once the door closed and the silence settled once more, James removed the cloak, his hands shaking. "He's gone," he said, his voice barely audible.

Lily clutched Harry tighter, tears of relief streaming down her face. "How did he find us?" she whispered.

"We'll figure it out," James assured her, "but for now, we're safe."

Sirius re-entered the room, his face pale. "He's gone," he confirmed. "But we need to be more careful."

The three adults gathered together, their bond of friendship and love for Harry creating an unspoken vow. They would protect Harry, no matter what it took.

Years passed, and the Potters remained hidden under the cloak's protection, moving from one safe house to another, always one step ahead of danger. Harry grew up knowing his parents' love and sacrifice, their stories of bravery and resilience his bedtime tales.

One day, as Harry sat with his parents in a rare moment of peace, he looked up at them with his bright green eyes, so like his mother's. "Tell me again about the night you survived," he asked, his young voice filled with wonder.

James exchanged a look with Lily, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well, Harry," he began, "it was a night much like this one, and your mother and I, we were scared. But we had each other, and we had