How Harry Potter Survived Voldemort’s Second Fatal Curse

The complex plots of the ‘Harry Potter’ series continue to provoke debates and speculations even years after it ended, especially about crucial scenes. In ‘Deathly Hallows’, one such instance is Harry’s survival of Voldemort’s second Killing Curse. Harry’s survival as a baby was first attributed to his mother’s selfless love, but things became more difficult when Voldemort used Harry’s blood to reclaim a body in ‘Goblet of Fire’. This made people wonder why the curse in the Forbidden Forest didn’t work this time.

There are several theories on Harry’s survival. Some claim that he was brought back to life by the Resurrection Stone, while others think that Voldemort used Harry’s blood to become his Horcrux. But when looked closely, both hypotheses fall short. The Resurrection Stone just calls up the ghosts of the dead; it does not bring back life. Horcrux formation, on the other hand, entails murder to separate one’s soul, which Harry never committed. The interaction between Horcruxes and Voldemort’s soul provides the real reason.

Image Courtesy: Harry Potter Wiki – Fandom

The part of Voldemort’s soul that was inside Harry was destroyed by the curse when he cast Avada Kedavra in the forest, not Harry. Ironically, this unintentional bond between them—which began when Voldemort attacked baby Harry—protected Harry on several occasions. Harry’s brief experience in limbo with Dumbledore further strengthened his capacity to return. Harry’s decision to battle Voldemort at King’s Cross represented a decision between life and death.

Narcissa Malfoy’s intervention also played a significant role. Narcissa told Voldemort that Harry had died because she was worried for her son, Draco. Voldemort’s increasing fear of Harry was highlighted by his conceit, dependence on others, and refusal to independently confirm Harry’s health. In the end, Voldemort’s demise was caused by his fear, conceit, and unintentionally creating a Horcrux inside Harry. The combination of magic, sacrifice, and Voldemort’s deadly errors allowed Harry to survive.

–Farheen Ali 

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