Change the Future

*Rorys first years*

20th November 1977

"Look, Lily, she's so beautiful," James says, his voice barely above a whisper, smiling down at the newborn cradled gently in Lily's arms. His eyes shimmer with awe and disbelief, as though he still couldn’t quite believe she was real. "Welcome to the world, Rory." He sits beside Lily on the hospital bed, his hand reaching out to softly stroked  Rory’s tiny head.

"She really is," Lily breathes, her gaze locked on her daughter’s delicate features, the little nose, the barely-there eyelashes, the soft pink lips already forming sleepy expressions. “I just hope we've managed to fix things, James. I never want her to grow up how she did last time. I never want her to feel that pain again.” James glances at her, his expression sobering for a moment.

“I think we have,” he says, brushing a thumb over Rory’s cheek. “He has no supporters this time, Lily. We made sure of that. The world’s changed we’ve changed.” Lily nods slowly, but her eyes are still distant.

“I know. It’s just sometimes I still feel the weight of it. Everything she went through. The loneliness, the fear. I want her to have a childhood, James. A real one. Full of laughter and scraped knees and bedtime stories.” James wraps an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

“And she will. I promise you we’ll protect her this time. Not just from him, but from everything.” There’s a long moment where the only sound is Rory’s soft breathing.

“Remus is still being her godfather,” Lily says, finally breaking the silence, looking up at James with resolve in her voice.

“I agree. I loved their relationship, that quiet understanding between them,” James says, smiling faintly. “He always knew just how to talk to her. Not down to her, not around her. Just with her. That was rare.”

“And Marlene for godmother?” Lily asks, gently rocking Rory in her arms as the baby gives a tiny sigh. James considers it, then nods.

“She’s perfect. Fierce, loyal, and so full of life. She’ll teach Rory to stand her ground and how to laugh in the face of fear. It’s what she’ll need.” There’s a brief pause, then Lily leans her head against James’ shoulder, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“She’s going to grow up so loved”

“She already is” James whispers. He looks down at his daughter again, his eyes soft and full of wonder. “I love you so much, Rory,” he murmurs, placing a tender kiss on her head just as she lets out a tiny yawn, her fist curling by her cheek. James laughs softly. “Well, that’s her opinion on all our planning, I suppose”

“She’s had a long day” Lily chuckles, her voice warm and tired. “Born into the world and already the most important person in it” James leans his forehead against Lily’s for a moment, the three of them nestled in the quiet safety of the moment. “Let’s give her a world worthy of her”

Remus meeting baby Rory

"Remus, meet your goddaughter," James says softly, a proud smile spreading across his face as he carefully shifts the tiny bundle in his arms and steps forward.
Remus freezes, his eyes wide with surprise.

“Really?” he breathes, looking between James and Lily in disbelief. Lily nods, her expression full of warmth.

“Really,” she echoes. “There was never any question. It was always going to be you.” Remus’s lips part slightly, but for a moment, no words come. His eyes glisten as he carefully extends his arms, and James places Rory into them with a tenderness that suggests just how precious the baby is. He gazes down at her tiny face, her eyelids fluttering as she dreams.