The Fourth Crimson Sky
A/N: Though I do have definite plans for this fanfiction, I don't have every detail completely set in stone. I'm going to see where the characters take me, because we all know that they have a mind of their own. If you feel like you have an idea or a suggestion, let me know!
Disclaimer: I do not own the world of Harry Potter. The ideas, characters, and events in this fanfiction are based off the magic of J.K. Rowling.
Prologue: At The End
It was late, but still the sky flushed red.
Voldemort scanned the scene of a quaint house in Godric's Hollow, watching as James Potter produced bubbles from his wand, smiling as his young son laughed and reached for them. Though his face was impassive, Voldemort's heart raced in anger. How a young boy could create such anger in the power wizard, he would never speculate on.
A white hand emerged from the depths of a long, black cloak. The wand he held glinted red from the sky, as Voldemort unlocked the door with a flick. The people inside the house froze and Voldemort's lips turned upward in a small, rare smile. They had been so trusting. It had always been James Potter's downfall. He watched as the wife fled upstairs in fear, holding onto his target, though he wasn't worried.
This time, they had nowhere to run.
Voldemort's eyes burned into James's but, for once, the other's showed no fear. Potter had always been defiant and bold, but even the bravest of Gryffindors often failed to keep eye contact with the Dark Lord. Voldemort and James had become quite the acquaintances in the past few years, but no encounter had ever felt as good as this one. The betrayal the other man felt was written on his face and Voldemort knew there would be no wand to stop him this time.
He did not wait, for patience had never been the kindest of sorts. Too many years had he spent wasting, fighting the Order of the Phoenix. Too many hours had he sought after a child, knowing that only one could survive. Too many minutes had he stared at his own reflection through Potter's glasses, knowing that he was not yet immortal.
He raised his wand. "Avada Kedavra!"
In his final moments, James Potter did not see memories of his life flash before his eyes. Instead, he saw what actually mattered. Sirius, his trademark lazy smile still playing at his lips. Remus, the rare twinkle in his eyes that only his friends were accustomed to. Peter, his even voice perfect for getting anyone to trust him.
Harry, his wide eyes looking at his father with the pure happiness only a child could provide.
James was vaguely aware that the sky outside his window produced a bright crimson. He could have thought of blood. He could have thought of the fate right before him. Instead, he remembered something else that burned with the same color. He saw her hair flying as she turned from him angrily. He remembered the silkiness of it underneath his fingers. He recalled the sight of it shielding her face, as she sang their baby boy to sleep.
He shut his eyes, determined to die without a trace of fear on his face. He wanted to be peaceful for whoever found him. With all of his might, he hung onto that last thought. For, as much regret his life could be filled with, loving her was something he would never change.
His last thought, at the end, was of Lily's smile.
A/N: So, I know this was short, but it's just the prologue. Other chapters will be longer. Hope you enjoyed!