Halloween. It was the night that the man once known as Tom Riddle had attempted his greatest victory, only to find temporary defeat due to a mere oversight. Blood magic. The love of a mother. It wasn't something one thought of, often, and certainly hadn't crossed his mind that fated night so many years ago.
Now, though, things were different. Granted he was stuck in a Muggle city of some sort, but Potter was also here. His mistakes could be corrected. Those who dared oppose him would pay.
Although first, he was going to have a bit of fun and send a small message.
Which is why he'd sent Bellatrix out on her specific errand. He had a vision of a family in mind, a redheaded woman and black haired man. An infant son. It was a remake of that night, with victims known well enough within the city to cause a bit of a stir. After all, just because Voldemort loathed all things Muggle, that didn't mean he wasn't aware how useful their media could be when sowing seeds of fear and doubt throughout a group.
So the family was chosen. Bellatrix had, of course, made a sound decision. A fact proven when he offered her the briefest glimpse of a pleased smile, long fingers dancing across the unmoving picture. Red eyes filled with disgust as he glanced at the photo once more.
"Very impressive, Bella..." His voice was little more than a raspy hiss as he turned, cloak billowing behind him, and turned his attention to the residence. The happy family was securely inside, the light from their kitchen shining down onto the street below.
His eyes narrowed, lipless mouth turned upward in another wicked sort of grin. Slowly, he drew his wand from his robes. Held it loosely between his fingers as he issued his simple command.
"Come. Kill them all, Bella. Make it worthy of your Lord."
And with a mild flick of his wrist, the front door to the humble abode blew from its hinges. The redheaded woman from the picture he'd left lying on the street behind him began to scream as he stepped through the door.
Bellatrix would follow, of course. After all, this was meant to be as much fun for her as the message he was sending would be, for him.