Wow, this has been masterfully done. The true meaning of a good AU... change a decision/situation or two but keep the same laws of nature?/plot?/magic? and experience the Butterfly Effect in action.
I wont ever say that any piece of fanfic is better or worse than canon as they are are all stories unto themselves, separate from each other. Aside from that, a great start to what I hope is going to be a great story.
Looking forward to the next chapter.