Idea for an AU...

[sweettalkeress.livejournal.com]

So I was following this rather lively discussion on my latest post and I got to thinking about a possible AU in which Lily had died giving birth to Harry (i.e., in addition to or instead of that whole Merope thing). We all know the situations between Harry's and Voldie's mothers weren't analogous (a fact that seems to have sailed clear over Rowling's head) but what if they were? What if Harry's mother had suffered exactly the same fate as Merope's (with the possible exception of the inbreeding part)- or alternatively, what if Voldemort's mother had died in some other fashion? How do you think the conversation between Harry and Dumbledore would be different if this had been the case? Ideas?

Comments

[oryx_leucoryx]

Lily's death in childbirth might have been interpreted by Tom as a sure sign baby Harry was his potential equal. But who would have died for Harry to allow him to be marked rather than killed? Well, maybe James. If we take the story from Rowling we don't have to assume only mothers are capable of super-magical sacrifices or whatever.

Dumbledore's spin

[nx74defiant.livejournal.com]

Merope's death is no surprise. The poor thing never had a chance. When you look at her family. She was lucky to last as long as she did.

Your mother Harry, on the other hand had everything going for her. She had a good life and husband. But nobly she sacrificed everything so you could live. She courageously faced death to give you a chance.

Re: Dumbledore's spin

[dungeonwriter.livejournal.com]

Agreed entirely.

Heck.... had Merope raised Tom, how well could she have done it? She was destitute, and completely friendless in the world. The wizarding world likely has no welfare, no WIC, nothing to help her get back on her feet. Again, the orphanage sounds horrible, but raising him wasn't a choice.

Had she raised Tom, she'd likely be painted as selfish for not finding him a proper family to raise her, and how Tom grew up in the streets.

Re: Dumbledore's spin

[oryx_leucoryx]

But would Tom have been depicted as wearing what might have been Merope's hand-me-downs?

Re: Dumbledore's spin

[granatapfelrot.livejournal.com]

And would he still have made Harry swoon with his handsomeness, if he did?