The climactic duel between Molly Weasley and Bellatrix Lestrange stands as a pivotal moment in the Harry Potter saga, brilliantly brought to life by Julie Walters and Helena Bonham Carter in the film adaptations. Bellatrix, one of the most infamous villains in the Harry Potter universe, has garnered a certain level of admiration despite her despicable nature. Consequently, her demise needed to be as dramatic as her character, and there were numerous potential candidates who could have delivered the final blow.
This confrontation during the Battle of Hogwarts serves to highlight the stark contrast between Molly’s nurturing maternal instinct and Bellatrix’s fervent madness. Nonetheless, this scene has sparked considerable debate concerning the actual spell Molly used to defeat Bellatrix, raising the question of whether it was indeed the notorious killing curse, Avada Kedavra. Critics of the magical system within the Harry Potter universe point out that many lethal spells other than Avada Kedavra lack clear definitions. Fans have enthusiastically engaged in discussions to hypothesize what spell Molly employed in her decisive moment.
5 Stunning Spell to the Heart
Molly May Have Just Used a Common Spell Very Effectively
The leading theory posits that Molly unleashed a well-known stunning spell, known as “Stupefy,”targeting a vital area of Bellatrix’s body, which ultimately proved lethal. The dramatic exchange in the duel unfolds as follows:
“Bellatrix laughed, the same exhilarated laugh her cousin Sirius had given as he toppled backward through the veil, and suddenly Harry knew what was going to happen before it did. Molly’s curse soared beneath Bellatrix’s outstretched arm and hit her squarely in the chest, directly over her heart. Bellatrix’s gloating smile froze, her eyes seemed to bulge: For the tiniest space of time she knew what had happened, and then she toppled, and the watching crowd roared, and Voldemort screamed.”
This particular targeting may have incapacitated her heart, reminiscent of how Muggle medicine practices could potentially revive someone under similar circumstances. The narrative in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix illustrates that Professor McGonagall was nearly killed by multiple stunning spells, emphasizing that stunning spells can indeed be fatal on occasion.
4 Dark Charm Intensified by Strong Emotions
Molly Had Just Lost One of Her Children & Was Protecting Another
A user on Reddit speculates that Molly could have invoked a dark charm, enhanced by her emotional turmoil of grief and rage at that moment. Fred’s death occurs early in the battle, intensifying Molly’s urgency as she charges into the duel, declaring her intent to confront Bellatrix alone, especially after Bellatrix’s near-fatal attack on Ginny. This moment encapsulates a mother’s fierce love and protective instinct, which could influence the efficacy of her magic.
3 Freezing and/or Disintegrating Charm
The Deathly Hallows Movie Went for Something More Visual
The cinematic portrayal of Bellatrix’s demise is notably different, leaning into a more visually impactful moment. While the book describes Molly simply striking Bellatrix in the chest, the film depicts her freezing Bellatrix before disintegrating her. It is proposed that Molly either employed the hardening spell, Duro, or the freezing spell, Inmobulus, followed by an as-yet-unnamed disintegration spell. Such alterations highlight the film’s preference for dramatic spectacle, while the book hints at a magical attack that may have targeted a vital organ.
2 Dolohov’s “Purple”Curse
Hermione Was Once Almost Killed By a Specialized Curse
The discourse concerning the duel often references that Hermione Granger nearly fell victim to a curse cast by Antonin Dolohov in the Department of Mysteries, resulting in a similar effect where she collapsed and required extensive recovery. This ‘purple’ spell might hold the key to understanding how Molly effectively incapacitated Bellatrix. It suggests that Molly may have utilized a similar curse, albeit under different circumstances, to achieve victory over Bellatrix.
1 Curse That Paralyzes the Heart
There Are Many Other Curses We Don’t Know About with Different Effects
Ultimately, the Harry Potter universe is rich with spells that are not explicitly mentioned in the text, leaving room for speculation regarding what could have transpired during Molly’s spellcasting. Many fans are inclined to conjure inventive theories about the spell’s nature, with suggestions detailing curses that might paralyze the heart, freeze the lungs, or deplete oxygen from the bloodstream.
Notably, the indication that the curse somehow impacted Bellatrix’s heart aligns seamlessly with her abrupt collapse, reinforcing the notion that Molly Weasley is not just knowledgeable about magic but is also capable of wielding it proficiently in battle. The debate around whether J.K. Rowling should have elaborated on the spells remains subjective; nevertheless, this iconic moment continues to resonate with fans.
Source: Reddit, Quora