Harry Potter: The Real Killer Behind Voldemort's Fall

The conclusion of the Harry Potter series has often sparked debate among fans regarding the killing of Voldemort. Did Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, or even Hermione and Ron play the most significant role in Voldemort's defeat? The debate centers on who delivered the final blow and who should be credited with the ultimate demise of the Dark Lord. Let's break down the intricate details.

The Final Battle and the Role of Neville Longbottom

In the climax of the series, Neville Longbottom played a crucial role in the final battle at Hogwarts. It was Neville who managed to destroy the last Horcrux, Nagini, Voldemort's loyal snake, which made the Dark Lord mortal and vulnerable to defeat. This action was significant, as it completed the dismantling of Voldemort's Horcruxes, allowing him to face his final end. While Neville's actions were indeed essential, it must be noted that he did not deliver the final blow.

Voldemort's Rebounding Curse

The killing blow was delivered by Vincent Crabbe, a student at Hogwarts, whose death caused Voldemort's rebounding curse. It was this curse that ultimately led to Voldemort's demise. This solution, however, does not fully address the misconception that Harry Potter was solely responsible for Voldemort's death. The force of Crabbe's spell rebounded, striking Voldemort, and proving fatal.

Voldemort, Harry, and the Duel at Hogwarts

The final duel at Hogwarts between Harry Potter and Voldemort is a crucial sequence in the series. During this battle, neither Harry nor Voldemort aimed to kill the other. Instead, they engaged in a conflict of wands, with Harry using Expelliarmus and Voldemort the deadly Avada Kedavra. This moment highlights Harry's innate reluctance to take a life, even that of the evil Voldemort. Despite Voldemort's ferocity, it was his own rebounding curse that ultimately ended his life, delivered by the force of Crabbe's spell.

The Contribution of Harry Potter and Their Companions

Harry Potter's role in the final battle was pivotal. He was responsible for destroying the majority of Voldemort's Horcruxes, thus setting the stage for their ultimate confrontation. Hermione and Ron also played crucial roles in the series, providing support and assistance throughout the fight against Voldemort. Harry's actions, along with their encounters with the Horcruxes, were the key elements that allowed the wizarding world to recognize Voldemort's return and unite against him.

Hermione, in particular, contributed by researching and uncovering information about the Horcruxes, which guided the protagonists in their quest. Ron, through his bravery and loyalty, consistently stood by Harry, both in battle and in moments of despair. Neville's victory over Nagini, while significant, was the culmination of the efforts of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, who collectively made the wizarding world stronger and more prepared for the final confrontation.

The Final Blow and the Rebounding Curse

It is widely accepted that the final blow that killed Voldemort was delivered by his own rebounding curse during the final duel. This was not the act of a single individual but rather the culmination of the collective efforts of the protagonists. The force of Crabbe's spell, which rebounded off Voldemort, was the deciding factor in the outcome. Thus, while Harry, Neville, Hermione, and Ron all played crucial roles, it was the rebounding curse that ultimately ended Voldemort's life.

Conclusion: The end of the Harry Potter series is a complex story of triumph over adversity. While Neville Longbottom's actions were critical in dismantling the last Horcrux, the ultimate death of Voldemort was a result of a series of events that culminated in a rebounding curse. Harry Potter, along with his friends Hermione and Ron, played essential roles in defeating Voldemort, but it was the collective effort that truly led to his downfall.