On Halloween night in 1981, Lord Voldemort arrived at the Potter family home in Godric's Hollow. After killing James and Lily Potter, he turned his wand on their infant son Harry. When Voldemort cast the Killing Curse at Harry, the spell rebounded due to Lily's sacrificial protection, destroying Voldemort's physical body and leaving him as a weak spirit.
The Dark Lord's attempt to kill baby Harry backfired spectacularly. His soul was ripped from his body, and he became less than a ghost - unable to die due to his Horcruxes, yet unable to live properly. He fled into the forests of Albania, where he would remain in this pitiful state for many years.
This marked the end of Voldemort's first reign of terror, though his influence would continue to shape the wizarding world. The night became legendary, with Harry becoming known as "The Boy Who Lived" - the only person to ever survive the Killing Curse.
Key Takeaways
- The Killing Curse rebounded off baby Harry and destroyed Voldemort's body, reducing him to a spirit
- Lily Potter's sacrifice created a powerful protective charm that saved her son's life
- Voldemort survived as a bodiless entity due to his dark magic experiments
The Fall of the Dark Lord
Lord Voldemort's reign of terror came to an abrupt end on Halloween night 1981, when his killing curse rebounded at Godric's Hollow.
The Potters' Last Stand
James and Lily Potter went into hiding under the Fidelius Charm to protect their infant son. They trusted Peter Pettigrew as their Secret Keeper, not knowing he had already pledged loyalty to Voldemort.
James Potter faced Voldemort first, attempting to buy time for his family to escape. Without his wand, he fell quickly to the Dark Lord's curse.
Lily Potter made the ultimate choice in her final moments. She refused to step aside, standing firmly between Voldemort and her child's crib.
The Fateful Night at Godric's Hollow
Voldemort arrived at Godric's Hollow on October 31, 1981. The betrayal by Pettigrew had given him direct access to the Potter's home.
The Dark Lord moved with deadly purpose through the house. His sole target was the infant mentioned in the prophecy.
After killing James and Lily, he turned his wand on baby Harry. The Avada Kedavra curse - which had never failed him before - was about to change everything.
Voldemort's Unexpected Downfall
When Voldemort cast the killing curse, Lily's sacrifice created an ancient protective charm. This love-based magic caused the curse to rebound.
The backfiring curse ripped Voldemort's soul from his body. His physical form was destroyed, leaving him as less than a spirit.
The Dark Lord, who had terrorized the wizarding world, was reduced to a mere shadow of existence. He fled, weaker than the weakest ghost, forced to hide in dark places for years to come.
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Voldemort's Quest for Immortality
Lord Voldemort used dark magic and powerful artifacts in his obsessive pursuit to live forever. His journey started as a young Tom Riddle and led him to create multiple Horcruxes while seeking the legendary Deathly Hallows.
The Creation of the Horcruxes
Murder damages the soul, and Voldemort used this dark magic to split his soul into pieces. He stored these fragments in objects that held special meaning to him.
You can see his calculated approach in selecting items tied to Hogwarts' founders and his own heritage. His Horcruxes included Slytherin's locket, Hufflepuff's cup, and his own diary from his days as Tom Riddle.
Each Horcrux required him to commit murder, pushing him further into the Dark Arts. The creation of multiple Horcruxes twisted his appearance and damaged his humanity more than any wizard before him.
The Search for the Deathly Hallows
The Elder Wand became a crucial target in Voldemort's quest for power and immortality. He believed this unbeatable wand would make him invincible.
Unlike other wizards who sought different paths to long life, Voldemort's approach was uniquely destructive. He ignored the Resurrection Stone's true power, seeing it only as a tool for domination.
His obsession with the Hallows drove him to hunt down their locations and kill their owners without mercy.
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Tom Riddle's Transformation into Voldemort
Young Tom Riddle discovered the Chamber of Secrets during his time at Hogwarts, marking his first steps toward darkness. His charm and intelligence masked his growing interest in forbidden magic.
The transformation began at Hogwarts where he gathered followers and explored the darkest corners of magic. His handsome features slowly warped as he created more Horcruxes.
The name "Voldemort" became feared throughout the wizarding world as he embraced his new identity. He abandoned his Muggle father's name and fully embraced his connection to Slytherin's bloodline.
Aftermath and Harry Potter's Destiny
The failed killing curse at Godric's Hollow changed the wizarding world forever and set young Harry Potter on a path that would shape his entire life.
The Wizarding World's Response
The magical community burst into celebration after Voldemort's disappearance. Even strict wizarding secrecy rules were forgotten as owls flew openly by day and shooting stars lit up the skies.
Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix knew the peace might be temporary. While others celebrated, they worked to protect "The Boy Who Lived."
The headmaster made the crucial choice to place baby Harry with his aunt and uncle, the Dursleys. A blood protection spell, powered by Lily's sacrifice, would keep him safe at 4 Privet Drive.
The Rise of the Chosen One
You might wonder why Harry's survival meant so much. A prophecy, witnessed by Dumbledore, had marked either Harry or Neville Longbottom as Voldemort's destined opponent.
When Voldemort chose to attack Harry, he unknowingly set Harry's destiny. The scar on Harry's forehead became more than a mark - it created a connection between them.
For 10 years, Harry lived without knowing his true identity. The wizarding world spoke his name in whispers, calling him "The Boy Who Lived" while he slept in a cupboard under the stairs.
Legacies and Legends
The night Voldemort attacked the Potters created ripples through both magical and non-magical communities, sparking tales that would be told for generations.
The Tale of the Muggles and Wizards
Strange events puzzled Muggles in the days after Voldemort's disappearance. Shooting stars lit up the sky in Kent, and owls flew openly during daylight. Wizards celebrated so openly that even non-magical folks noticed something unusual was happening.
The Ministry of Magic worked hard to keep these events hidden from Muggle eyes. Professor McGonagall and other witches and wizards witnessed celebrations across Britain.
Many wizarding families marked October 31st as a day of remembrance. The Death Eaters scattered, with some claiming they were under the Imperius Curse.
Myths Surrounding The Boy Who Lived
You might have heard different versions of what happened that night in Godric's Hollow. Some claimed Harry had extraordinary powers. Others said Lily Potter's protective magic rebounded the killing curse.
Dumbledore knew the truth - Lily's sacrifice created ancient magic that shielded Harry from Voldemort's curse. This protection would continue through Harry's aunt, keeping him safe at Privet Drive.
Rubeus Hagrid spread the real story of Harry's survival at Hogwarts, while magical historians recorded it as the first time anyone survived the killing curse.
