The meeting was secret, no doubt about that. The numerous and overlapping charms and spells cast around the surrounding forest made sure of it.

A man stood silently on one edge of the circle of protection, waiting. He did not have long to wait before the crack of Apparition sounded loudly in the still air. The newcomer spoke first.

"Where is your wand?"

"You first," the waiting man replied grimly.

"Naturally," the newcomer said sanctimoniously. With a deft movement he pulled his wand from his robes and laid it on the ground.

"Now, to business," the newcomer said briskly. "I trust that you have performed the surveillance I requested of you?"

"Of course. I've got the results right here, in a Muggle recording device, but you won't be getting that until I'm far away from here." A small muscle jerked in the newcomer's face as he stared sardonically at the informant.

"You think so, do you?"

"You have no choice in the matter; after all, I'm the one who has a wand out." The newcomer allowed himself a small smile. What a fool, a trusting fool. Does he think that can stop me?

"Why, yes, you do. But it won't make a difference in the end." The informant stepped back, a little nervous now.

"Here, j-just take the things, I'll even discount the price," he stammered quickly.

"No, you will give me the information free of charge, and then I will let you leave safely," countered the newcomer, in command of the situation.

"All right, all right." The informant reached inside his robes and brought several discs out. Walking over quickly, he handed them over and stepped back. He started to Apparate, turning quickly in place.

Nothing happened.

The informant's eyes widened in shock, quickly registering that the newcomer's wand was still on the ground.

"Do you think I'll only carry one wand, fool? All too easy," he hissed menacingly. The informant instantly muttered a spell under his breath.

"Protego Totalum." A shield sprouted around him, the difference being from a normal shield spell was that this one lasted longer, until taken down in fact. The spell which the newcomer had cast hissed off it.

"A sporting chance is better, isn't it? I won't use any Unforgivable Curses on you. Consider it a favor, from a friend. Finite Incantatem." The man watched in horror as his shield charm melted away.

"Expelliarmus!," he frantically shouted. The spell was deflected by a simple flick of his opponents wrist. "Stupefy!" Again deflected.
"Reducto!" Same result.

"Petrificu-" This one, tried nonverbally, was blocked too, and he was thrown backwards.

"Tut, tut, I expected better. Now here's a little something from me. Incendio!" Even though partially blocked, the man's clothes burst into flame. He extinguished them quickly, and looked up at his last sight on earth. His opponent had obviously just finished a nonverbal spell, and flicked his wand.

"Goodbye." A whirling torrent of smoke descended on the man, and he disappeared within it. When it faded, he was gone. The newcomer was now alone in the woods. He surveyed the tapes held in his hand throughout the duel. A chilling laugh resounded through the clearing.

"Wherever you are, I can now find you. The Dark Lord was but one pawn in this game. Now, Harry Potter, prepare to meet your end."