OLD MAGIC

Chapter 38: Voldemort's Downfall

Navigating a dangerous forest at night is stupid but here I am, Harry thought bitterly as he hurried as fast as he dared through the trees that seemed to rise up in front of him suddenly. Wait, you idiot, you're not supposed to know where the unicorn is so slow down and at least pretend to be searching, he scolded himself. Slowing down his frantic rush to a stumbling walk, he deliberately tripped over branches and ran into bushes to make it seem more believable to anyone watching.

And he knew he was being watched … both by his friends and the enemy they came out here to kill. His friends he couldn't sense at all but the enemy … now that thing made his skin crawl. He was certain he could feel that malevolent spirit's cold soulless eyes staring holes in his back.

Sweat from fear and exertion trickled down his back as he tried to hurry but not seemed to hurry. Who knew pretending like this could be so hard. Thankfully the trap site wasn't far from where he'd or he'd be a shaking, wet wretch of nerves by the time he'd gotten to his destination.

He forced himself to halt in his tracks and take a look around. Harry knew where to go but had to get there in a circuitous way. Peering into the darkness, he couldn't really see much of anything. Sighing, he decided to go left a ways before going back to the right.

Harry's nerves would be tested when he learned that something else entirely was stalking him. Slinking along through the brush was a large, dark form that followed the human closely, dark eyes never losing sight of the boy as it got closer and closer to its prey.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~

That's it boy. You are closing in on your destiny and mine, the malevolent spirit in question chortled silently. Just minutes now and I will rise again.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~

At that moment, a ghostly shape swooped low over the forest just above Harry's location and it spotted something alarming. It winged away silently, hurrying back the way it had come. Landing in an old oak tree, it hooted softly. Slipping close from a different part of the tree another small creature halted beside the owl and stared a question.

The owl and the kneazle had a short conversation then both creatures took off in a frantic flurry of wings and paws.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Harry thought he'd gone far enough in the wrong direction so turned back and made a little more speed toward the clearing he was supposed to go. His wand cast only a small amount of light so the boy could be forgiven not seeing the shadow that had been tailing him for some distance now.

The shadow crouched down and prepared to leap onto its quarry but, suddenly, without warning, a white ghost dropped from the sky with a loud hooting cry causing the shadow to halt in startled surprise. Before it could react in any way another dark shadow leaped onto its back.

Instantly there was a loud caterwauling and fighting going on.

Harry gaped in shocked surprise as he saw Hedwig and Wine attack something large and dark that had huge claws and teeth.

"Bloody hell! What is that thing?" He asked aloud.

The enemy cursed silently at the untimely attack from his hiding place behind a huge oak and watched in tense anger, waiting to see if the boy would be smart enough to run away while those other creatures were otherwise engaged. Much to his disgust, Harry continued to just stand there, mouth agape.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Just then, another group of people were invading the forest not far from where Harry stood. All held lighted wands aloft to see their way through the darkness. So far nothing Draco had been able to say or do would halt the idiot boys from their path. Especially Crabbe who seemed bent on finding the unicorn no matter what.

He was at his wits end at what else to do when an ungodly racket filled the air. All of them halted in their tracks. Forming a circle with backs toward each other, their wands pointed outward, the boys stared frantically into the darkness.

"What the hell is that?" Goyle asked, eyes round with fear.

"How should I know?" Crabbe snapped trying to hide his fear with fake bravado.

Nott was clutching his wand tightly. Though this trip had sounded like a great idea at first, he was beginning to realize why going into the woods at night was such a bad one. "We need to get out of here! Whatever it is could attack us next!" He took a few steps backward but no one did the same. "We have got to go!" He begged.

The two bigger boys ignored him and didn't move. Desire for the money gained from a unicorn warred with fear making them indecisive and unwilling to give up their quest.

When the screaming and snarls continued unabated and seemed to be coming closer, Draco used that distraction plus something of his own to galvanize the rest to move.

Having more spell training than the rest, he used a well placed blasting curse to a distant tree and a caterwauling charm to scare the boys.

The sharp crack and boom of the tree falling and the wild ululating ruckus of the charm caused the boys to scream in fear and bolt back the way they had come, much to Draco's relief.

Looking around him quickly, he still couldn't see what all the racket in the distance was. Not wanting to meet whatever it was, Draco picked up his heels and ran after the others.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Deeper in the forest, Harry was relieved when the huge animal had enough of the two smaller foes and took off running into the forest. It had looked something like a black panther though how that was possible, Harry hadn't a clue.

Quickly, he ran forward to check on his familiars but they had disappeared into the brush as silently as they had come. He realized they hadn't wanted him to give away the fact he had defenders nearby which meant the enemy was indeed watching him right that moment.

The altercation must be making everyone nervous and worried by now, Harry thought. Putting on an act of looking worried then indecisive about continuing on, he played the part of a youngster being afraid and wanting to leave but needing to save a unicorn just as strongly. Finally, he pretended making a decision, then headed off again further into the forest. He hoped his acting had seemed believable or all of this would have been for nothing.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~

The boys hadn't been the only ones to hear the altercation. Snape had seen Hedwig fly into the area with some urgency. She landed in a nearby oak and was met by Wine. He watched them seem to communicate before both took off together. Frowning, he wondered if he should follow.

"Something's up ..." Hagrid murmured somewhere near him.

"Yes. Should one of us go see …." Snape began when a godawful noise filled the air. Snape and Hagrid's bodies were nearly in motion to run toward the trouble when Elder Jason's sharp command stayed them.

"Do not! I believe the pair will solve whatever is going on or summon us if needed. We dare not tip our hand to the enemy that is surely somewhere watching nearby," he warned.

Though unhappy, Snape and Hagrid shared a look of reluctant agreement that Jason was right. But it didn't help their feelings of worry especially when the noise seemed to be escalating. However, only moments later, silence fell and nothing more happened.

Still the two remained alert and concerned. They were only a little relieved when the two small defenders reappeared in the same oak some minutes later. Snape could see Hedwig seemed to be favoring one of her wings a bit and Wine was grooming his head a bit more fastidiously than normal. He would have to make a point to check them both over when this mission was done.

"It seems the problem is solved and Harry should be arriving soon," Elder Jason murmured. "Everyone on alert!"

The tension ratcheted up with all eyes staring in the direction Harry should appear. What seemed like hours was only fifteen minutes later when the boy-who-lived finally walked cautiously into the clearing and made for the fake unicorn.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Harry licked his lips as he reached the clearing and saw the dark form of the dead unicorn. Briefly he wondered what the animal's real appearance was under the seeming laid upon it but shook off the thought.

He had to remain focused on the here and now. As he walked nervously and cautiously across the clearing, he could hear his heart nearly thudding out of his chest with fear as he closed the gap between himself and the dead creature knowing full well his enemy was going to attack him at any moment.

The plan was for him to reach the unicorn corpse then leap over it and roll on the ground until he was out of sight in the brush. He was not to come out and be visible at any time. This was to prevent Voldemort from trying to jump into his body when the Dark Lord realized he was surrounded. Though jumping into Harry's body was exactly what the enemy wanted to do there were some very specific and careful steps he needed to perform first before trying it. However, there was the possibility the evil thing had a spell that would allow him to do the deed anyway the moment he had the chance. And it was because of that possibility that his guardians had him jumping out of sight as quick as possible hoping that would surprise and delay the enemy from responding.

Just as Harry stepped close to the blood pool near the unicorn, Voldemort finally made his dramatic appearance. He stepped from the trees and walked with inflated dignity toward the boy.

Harry jolted from that evil voice and unwillingly turned his head toward the being. There was poor Professor Quirrell with his head uncovered and bald, his face expressing cold hatred though the eyes still held a plea for deliverance. He halted in the center of the clearing and turned around. Now Harry was faced with the ugly countenance of Voldemort.

"At last we meet boy!" The evil creature hissed, grinning maliciously.

While Quirrell was turned around so that Voldemort could speak to the boy face to face, so to speak, he was surprised when he caught a glimpse in the trees of hidden others. He couldn't really tell who or what they were but hope suddenly leaped within him. Could they be here to stop the Dark Lord? Oh, I dearly hope so. His heart galloped with excitement and joy. He would soon be free!

Harry was nearly frozen in place but knowing what could happen to him, he spit out a quick answer, "You won't have me you evil thing. Go to hell and stay there!" He turned away and leaped over the unicorn, hitting the ground hard on the other side. He tucked himself into a ball and rolled from view getting seriously scratched up in the process.

Voldemort was shocked by the boy's sudden leap away. Harry's defiance was no surprise but that the boy had realized what was in store for him was. Roaring in anger, he forced Quirrell to turn around and race toward the corpse. But he didn't get far before he was struck by a powerful spell.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Snape felt the air tighten and become hard to breathe when the spell activated. It was truly stunning in its strength. It held Quirrell's body fast in place making it impossible for the evil within from raising a hand to use a wand. This was what they had prayed it would do. Now if only it succeeded in dispersing the enemy. The brilliant red light that lit the clearing was slowly turning a sickly green.

The spell casters were working in concert, their faces showing the strain the spell was taking on them but it didn't compare to what it was doing to its victim. Within the spell nimbus, Quirrell with his evil abductor shuddered violently, the hideous second face reflected pain and fury as it tried to fight back.

Suddenly there was an explosion of light and power as the spell violently dispersed releasing Quirrell. Absolutely furious at the interference of his plans, Voldemort raised his wand and fired a volley of spells into the forest around him.

Though they had hoped this wouldn't happen, the forest dwellers were not unprepared for this eventuality. Using their more ancient magic, they repelled the evil's attack though not without causalities of their own as spells flew everywhere.

Snape joined the battle, firing some of the prepared spells he had designed for just this moment. He kept to the trees as he fought his way toward Harry's last known location. He had to make sure the boy was alright and get him out of danger. It took too many nerve-wracking minutes and a lot of ducking and firing before he finally managed to reach the area behind the dead Bicorne but the boy wasn't there much to his fear and annoyance. Thinking Harry might be trying to get to Hagrid's side or some of the others he knew, he continued on around the clearing, carefully avoiding the Acromantula.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Harry hadn't meant to worry his professor but he quickly realized he should move from this location since Voldemort had seen him go this way. He felt it would be wiser if he moved further away and thought to move closer to his guardians where he could be protected. Unfortunately, the direction he chose was away from the rapidly approaching potion's professor.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Cursing under his breath, Snape ducked another volley of nasty spells that passed through where his head had been moments before. He snapped a few of his special spells at the moving target that was Voldemort. They simply had to defeat that thing here. He could not be allowed to continue his reign of terror.

The battle raged in near silence except for the brilliant splashes of spells going off or the sudden outcry of someone who failed to duck quick enough. Voldemort had taken refuge behind the oak where Harry was supposed to have hidden and, surprisingly remain silent as well. Since the evil spirit was giving as good as he got from that spot, one hoped Harry wasn't anywhere near but Snape didn't think that should be taken for certainty. He realized someone had to rescue Harry before the Dark Lord was able to find him. Choosing himself as that person, he began working his way around the clearing. Running with his head down and using the trees as cover, Snape found getting to Harry nearly impossible as his way was blocked by fighters and flying spells. Frustration, worry, and a feeling of urgency made him do something he had refused to do ever again in his life since his youth.

Looking around quickly to ensure no one was close to see he began muttering something arcane and ancient, soft enough for no one to hear.

Within seconds, where had stood a man now was a huge black bird with an enormous wingspan that looked oddly like a crow only three times larger. Without a sound, it pushed its way through the brush and stepped into the clearing only far enough to be able to launch itself skyward swiftly and silently.

Sharp cries of surprise, spells, and arrows were sent its way but it easily evaded them as it grabbed air and flew high enough to be safe but still able to scan the ground. Heading for the spot where the boy was supposed to be, it was relieved to see Harry wasn't there only Voldemort who aimed a nearly well placed shot at it.

Ducking away, it moved further off searching the forest and clearing with eyes sharper than a normal bird's and ones that could also see in the dark.

As it searched, it noted the battle turned in favor of the forest dwellers. Apparently, the Elder Council had managed to reengage the spell and augment it with volunteers, increasing it's strength. The sky lit with the spell's even brighter and stronger nimbus that nearly blinded all those using it.

Screaming in fury, Voldemort seemed to be withstanding the renewed effort but just barely. It was a race to see which side would give out.

It was more important than ever to find the boy and insure his safety should Voldemort be the victor.

Feeling the urgency intensify, the flying creature increased its efforts until, with a cry of triumph, it dove towards a section of forest, talons extended.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

When the battle began, Harry knew he had to put some distance from where he had rolled into the brush. Scrambling along the ground without standing up was hard going but he didn't dare make a silhouette that evil thing might see. When he thought he was far enough, he began to circle back toward those he knew could protect him. He never thought about going back to the castle, though that might have been the better choice. He needed to see this to its end so kept trying to work his way around but he ran into the same thing Snape had.

As he halted to take his bearings and see what might be the most clearest path, sharp claws suddenly snatched him by the cloaked shoulders and yanked him skyward. He was hard pressed not to cry out in terror as he watched the ground drop away rather abruptly.

He did try to reach for his wand but he was being swung about too much then the battle below caught his attention. The Elders were still attempting to overcome Voldemort with their spell but he was unable to tell who was winning when the flying creature swung him away and beyond the forest. Within moments they were approaching Hagrid's cottage. Here the creature swooped down so quickly Harry's stomach nearly rose to his throat before being released suddenly to fall to the ground. Harry barely had time to brace himself before hitting the wet grass with a teeth jarring thud. Despite the abrupt landing, he managed to roll to his feet and confront his abductor … wand out … spell on his lips.

Said abductor back winged then made a perfect landing a few feet from him then, before its wings even settled around it, the creature morphed into …

"Professor Snape!" Harry was totally gobsmacked.

Shaking himself out then fastidiously straightening his clothes, Snape gave the boy a tiny smirk as he walked toward him. Giving Harry a thorough once over with eyes and hands before stepping back, he let go a breath of relief. "Well, at least you managed to keep from getting hurt."

Harry was still gaping at the man before he realized he was being extremely rude. Shaking his head and shoving his unruly hair back from his face, he eyed the man with confusion and interest.

Tucking his wand away, he said, "That was a brilliant snatch and grab though I wasn't really in that much danger. What are you anyway? I don't recall ever reading about or seeing something like you before."

Snape rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders self-consciously. "An ancient family secret that I must insist you never reveal to anyone and I mean anyone. I would hate to have to use a spell on you to ensure that secret."

Harry shook his head in the negative. With grave sincerity, he stated, "I, Harry Potter, swear upon my magic, I will never reveal what you have shown and told me today." There was a shiver of energy felt by both that clearly said the magic had heard and his promise had been sealed.

Snape blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected the boy to take such a drastic step to make his promise irrevocably binding. "You didn't have to do that ..."

Harry held up his palm to halt further words. "Yes, I did," he said firmly then returned to the previous question Snape had still to answer. "So what are you?"

"Blackfeather … similar to a crow but much bigger, solitary creatures, and extremely rare. I'm afraid I may be the only one in existence, at least in England."

"Must be as I've never heard of such a creature before. And that might be true about England but a search of the internet might find others like yourself. However, that's a subject for another time. It must be amazing to be able to fly like that and change your shape. You once told me I might be able to do something similar."

"Hmm, yes I remember. An Animagus Transfiguration Spell but that's not until your sixth or seventh year. It's very intensive and dangerous training." Snape turned toward the forest and frowned. "You need to stay here. We can't risk Voldemort getting even a chance at taking you over. Wait inside Hagrid's home." He raised a hand to halt the objection he could see in Harry's eyes. "No! You may not come with me. I'm willing to let you stay here rather than making you go back to the castle. Accept that and don't leave here no matter what!" He said sternly.

Harry's shoulder's slumped but he accepted the stricture knowing Snape only had his welfare at heart. "Yes sir, I promise. But you be careful as well."

Snape gave the boy a small smile. "I promise. Now get inside and don't light anything." He waited until Harry had disappeared within the cottage before taking his other form once more and winging his way back to the battle.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Returning to the scene, Snape saw the Elder Council had managed to pin Voldemort again in the nimbus of the spell and were even now pressing their advantage to dissolve the evil spirit. The body holding that spirit was spitting curses of the darkest and foulest kind but the rest of the forest dwellers were doing their best to either bounce them back, avoid, or shield. Now that they had succeeded in wrapping the spell around Voldemort's stolen body, they used it to squeeze the body tighter and tighter like a tube of toothpaste.

From his position high above the scene, Snape suddenly saw a new threat coming from a totally unexpected direction. Though the forest dwellers had Voldemort completely surrounded, this danger was coming in from the air. He whirled to meet the threat head on.

An ugly Banshee, her breasts sagging down an equally saggy body, bobbed as she swooped closer trying to aid her master with some well aimed arrows at the defenders below. Her quiver of arrows were slung behind and between her wings. Before she could do more than shoot off one arrow, he was on her, tearing at her wings with his sharp talons.

She screamed in fury and pain.

Hagrid heard the noise overhead and spared a quick glance. "Seems there was an ambush planned from above. Severus has it well in hand."

"Let's end this before more trouble finds us," Elder Jason growled. With a hand signal, the rest of the council followed his lead and began moving closer to Voldemort keeping their magic pouring into the evil spirit until it glowed like the flame of a candle.

Brighter and brighter Voldemort glowed, his hideous eyes burned red with fury and madness while poor Professor Quirrell's eyes reflected only pain and desperation for all this to end. In the next explosive moment it did. Quirrell's body burst into ash, his spirit crying it's freedom as it vanished into the other world while Voldemort's spirit was shredded until no bit of it was left.

As if to punctuate this dramatic end, a screech and a falling body announced the death of the Banshee. Snape landed heavily, blood dripping from one wing. His form returned to human revealing a torn and bleeding shoulder.

Hagrid was the first to hurry to Snape's side, his mother arriving moments after. The rest of the council had simply collapsed wherever they stood. Too exhausted to stand any longer. Those still able took care of them. Relief and happy chatter filled the air as all realized the war was finally over.

"That was well done, Severus. Now allow us to tend to yer wounds," Hagrid said, gently cutting away the shredded portion of the man's robe.

"Here sit down Severus before you fall down," Agatha urged guiding him to a stump.

Sighing, Snape did as told. But suddenly he moved to raise the sleeve off his right arm and stared in amazed relief. "He's gone. He's truly gone."

Hagrid and Agatha stared at the now pristine arm where the ugly tattoo had been. "Aye, he is truly gone, praise be," Agatha murmured, a warm smile lightening her tired face.

A/N: From the Mythical Creatures Guide: Blackfeather - a very large crow-like creature. It stands approximately three times as tall as an American Crow, and has beady red eyes that seem to look almost human. It is said by many that Blackfeather does not get along well with other living creatures except for ravens, crows, and shadow dragons.

There are some who say Blackfeather is just one bird, but others claim to have seen small groups of these strange birds. Usually found living in dense forested areas, Blackfeather is rarely seen in groups of it's kind. Because of it's solitary tendencies, few are even aware of the existence of such a creature! It is said that when Blackfeather shows itself, bad things are sure to follow.