Harry Potter Codexery

Attack at Godric's Hollow (1981)

The night Harry Potter survived the Killing Curse.

The attack at Godric's Hollow took place on 31 October (Hallowe'en) 1981, which was a Wednesday. The attack happened not even a week after Peter Pettigrew was made the Potters' Secret Keeper. Pettigrew then betrayed the Potters and gave up their location to Lord Voldemort.

Quick Facts

Date
31 October 1981
Location
Godric's Hollow, West Country, England
Cause
Sybill Trelawney's first prophecy
Result
James and Lily Potter murdered; the first downfall of Lord Voldemort

Facts from the source article.

Background

Having been told half of the prophecy by Severus Snape, Voldemort came to believe his mortal enemy to be Harry Potter. He travelled to the Potters' home in Godric's Hollow and murdered James and Lily Potter, who died protecting infant Harry. When he attempted to murder Harry, Lily's loving sacrifice allowed Harry to live and rebounded Voldemort's Killing Curse. The rebounded curse caused a shred of Voldemort's already mutilated soul to be ripped from his destroyed body.

This event marked the end of the First Wizarding War. It also sealed Harry's fate as 'The Boy Who Lived', via a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead, and the fact that he was now the only known survivor of the Killing Curse.

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