Disclaimer: I do not own anything recognisable as JKR's work, I merely experiment in the world that is Harry Potter, and No Copyright Breach is intended.

1. STING IN THE LION'S TAIL

The skies were a harsh blue colour as the rain poured down on the wreckage that was left of the former residence of the Potter family. A night before a fierce battle had took place that would shake the magical world to its core. The battle wasn't significant in times of war, raids had become common but it was the unusually outcome that would be the start of rumours and stories for years to come. A self proclaimed 'Dark Lord' had attacked this particular home, and found opposition in the form of two parents and mere infant twins. The series of events that led to this night was the result of prophecy, or the words of a 'crazy old seer' depending on your opinion of divination. In either case, Lord Voldemort, formerly known to the world as Tom Riddle took it upon himself to eliminate the only thing he saw in his way to achieve his ultimate goal. This of course, was to achieve immortality, but he was stopped at least for the time being by two dark haired twins, Amy & Harry Potter.

The prophecy read, 'The ones with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches...Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...and the Dark Lord will mark them as his equal, but they will have power the Dark Lord knows not...and so the Dark Lord will lose a part of himself forever but while his soul survives he will never truly be gone...'

As to how this was put into motion is where the tale begins, the night Peter Pettigrew died...

"Arise Malfoy, you have done well."

"Thank you, My Lord."

"Ah I see you are done with our 'friend' Bella."

A battered slump of a man was dragged in to the chamber, and tossed unceremoniously to the ground. He took a glance in the dimly lit surroundings and when his eyes landed on the figure of the Dark Lord he smirked.

"I was wondering how long it would take till they had to call the boss for help, thanks for the shock treatment by the way, does it cost extra."

"Mind what you say Peter I'm letting you live as I know you'll see sense soon, after all I have a 'nice' surprise for you. That is unless you give me the exact location of the Potter's."

"Fine you win," shocking several of the hooded figures around him, "The Potter's can be found in their home."

"Crucio!" shouted Voldemort, "You think this is time for jokes Peter, well I did warn you, bring her in Nott."

A reasonably attractive woman was dragged into the room, her dress ripped and dried tears on her face.

"PETER!"

Mumbling came from the direction of Pettigrew catching Voldemort's attention.

"What's that Peter, couldn't quite hear you."

"You Bastard!"

"Now Peter no need for such language, I believe you know our guest, the lovely Miss Bayliss."

"Let her go now Tom!"

"You give me the location and I'll let her go, otherwise... Crucio!"

"I can't!"

"PETER PLEASE!"

"Crucio Maxima!"

"Ok! Ok... I'll tell you."

"Go ahead."

"The Potter's can be found at the Potter's Family Home in Godric's Hollow."

"Thank you Peter... Avada Kedavra."

The body of Hetty Bayliss fell to the floor motionless.

"You killed her... If it's the last thing I do I won't let you hurt my friends, like you've hurt my wife. YOU WON'T!"

Sparks started to fly from where Peter knelt, the doors around them swung closed as magic begin to build around him.

"You can't stop all of us Peter."

"My Lord the doors are locked and the wards are preventing us leaving the room."

"Peter what have you done?"

Peter started to slump to the ground as a shockwave erupted out of his body sending everyone around crashing hard into the walls. Voldemort stopping himself within an inch of the wall. The body of Peter lying still he smirked.

"Almost Peter but not good enough."