Harry Potter: Why Neville Longbottom should have been the one to kill Bellatrix Lestrange

The Harry Potter film series is undoubtedly one of the most beloved franchises of all time. It's the perfect pick for a movie marathon, making it an ideal holiday watch. However, despite the popularity, there are a few things that the movie could have handled differently.

For instance, the death of Bellatrix Lestrange. While Molly Weasley delivering a fatal blow to the ruthless witch in the final moments is undeniably satisfying, the moment belonged to Neville Longbottom. Neville should have been the one to put an end to Bellatrix Lestrange, Sirius Black's estranged cousin.

Bellatrix Lestrange was a ruthless and dangerous witch. She was one of the most devoted followers of Voldemort and a prominent member of the Death Eaters. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, she killed her cousin and Harry's godfather, Sirius Black, during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. Bellatrix Lestrange was killed by Molly Weasley when she threatened to harm Ginny during the Battle of Hogwarts.

However, it would have been more fitting if Harry's classmate Neville Longbottom had killed Bellatrix Lestrange. Why? Bellatrix Lestrange tortured Neville's parents, Frank and Alice Longbottom, using the Cruciatus Curse. Frank and Alice were respected Aurors who fought against Lord Voldemort. Bellatrix used the Cruciatus Curse to drive them to insanity.

Opinion Disclaimer: Contains the author's opinions.

Harry Potter: Neville Longbottom should have killed Bellatrix Lestrange—here's why

Neville Longbottom was a shy kid during his early Hogwarts days (Image Via YouTube/@harrypotter)

Neville Longbottom's journey from an awkward student at Hogwarts to a brave hero is fascinating. His character arc is undoubtedly one of the best in the Harry Potter films. However, Neville Longbottom killing Bellatrix would have brought his character arc full circle. The witch destroyed his family and left his parents permanently incapacitated. While Molly Weasley killing Bellatrix to save her daughter Ginny was fulfilling, Neville had a deeply personal reason to face Bellatrix. It would become a powerful moment of justice.

Neville's early years at Hogwarts were difficult. For instance, he almost lost his life while riding a broomstick. However, slowly Neville adjusted to his life in Hogwarts and was awarded 10 points for standing up for his friends by Professor Albus Dumbledore. His skills significantly improved; for instance, he handled his biggest fear, Professor Snape, in a Boggart lesson. He eventually went on to become a leader in Dumbledore's Army.

Neville Longbottom told Harry Potter that around 14 years earlier, a Death Eater named Bellatrix Lestrange had used the Cruciatus Curse on his parents. She tortured his parents for information, but they never gave in. They were sent to St. Mungo's, the wizard hospital, and even though Neville visited them regularly, they seemed to have forgotten him.

Neville spent his whole life knowing that Bellatrix, her husband Rodolphus, and Barty Crouch Jr. were responsible for the torture and permanent incapacitation of his parents, Frank and Alice. Yet the ruthless witch chose to mock him and his parents during the battle of the Department of Mysteries in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Neville insisted that Harry not hand over the glass prophecy ball.

According to the official Harry Potter page, a Cruciatus Curse is used by followers of the Dark Arts to torture both Muggles and wizards. Even though it's not fatal, it can be devastating.

Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter (Image Via YouTube/@harrypotter)

He bravely faced Lord Voldemort's Dark forces in the finale and escaped a near-death situation. When Lord Voldemort thought Harry Potter was dead, he reached the Hogwarts gate to deliver the news and asked others to join him. Neville stepped up and inspired the defenders to continue the fight.

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