The climactic showdown between Molly Weasley and Bellatrix Lestrange stands out as one of the most memorable sequences in the Harry Potter saga. In the cinematic adaptations, these formidable witches are portrayed by Julie Walters and Helena Bonham Carter, respectively. Bellatrix is undeniably one of the most notorious and reprehensible antagonists in the Harry Potter universe, a character who, despite her malevolence, captivates audiences. Her demise required a dramatic conclusion, with multiple characters capable of delivering it. Conversely, Molly embodies a nurturing maternal figure throughout the series, so witnessing her fierce side during this encounter is particularly gratifying for fans.

The intense duel during the concluding moments of the Battle of Hogwarts serves to juxtapose Molly’s maternal instinct against Bellatrix’s fanatical cruelty. However, this iconic moment has sparked considerable debate regarding the specific spell that Molly casts to defeat Bellatrix, as it does not appear to be the straightforward killing curse, known as Avada Kedavra. The Harry Potter series is not without its inconsistencies, particularly in its magic system, where lethal spells outside of Avada Kedavra lack clear explanations. Nonetheless, devoted fans have engaged in discussions, proposing various theories about the spell that Molly might have used to deliver the fatal blow.

5

Stunning Spell Aimed at Bellatrix’s Heart

Molly Likely Utilized a Common Spell with Deadly Precision

The prevailing theory among fans is that Molly executed the well-known stunning spell, known as stupefy, but with such force and accuracy that it struck Bellatrix in a critical area, resulting in her death. The climactic moment of their 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.”

By striking Bellatrix in this manner, it is conceivable that Molly‘s spell could have halted her heart’s function — perhaps even allowing for the possibility of resuscitation if someone possessed knowledge of Muggle medical practices. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, it is noted that Professor McGonagall was hit in the chest by multiple stunning spells, with the school nurse commenting on her fortunate escape from death. Therefore, it is plausible that the stunning charm can be lethal under specific conditions.

4

Dark Charm Amplified by Overwhelming Emotions

Molly Was Overcome with Grief from Losing One Child While Defending Another

A discussion on Reddit suggests that Molly may have harnessed a dark charm, one that we might have encountered earlier in the series, which gained potency due to her overwhelming emotions of grief and rage during the battle. This notion aligns with her potential use of the stunning charm. Fred meets his tragic end in the first half of the battle, compelling Molly to rush into the duel, insisting that everyone else allow her to confront Bellatrix alone, particularly since Bellatrix had just attempted to kill Ginny. This moment is charged with intense emotions, epitomizing a mother’s love, and it stands to reason that such feelings could amplify the effects of the magic she wielded.

3

Spell to Freeze or Disintegrate Bellatrix

The Deathly Hallows Film Enhanced the Death Scene with Striking Visual Effects

The cinematic portrayal of Bellatrix’s demise was adapted for greater visual impact. In the book, Molly simply strikes her in the chest, causing her to collapse. However, the film depicts Molly seemingly petrifying Bellatrix before obliterating her into dust, a scene that is undeniably visually striking. It has been suggested that Molly employed the hardening spell, Duro, or the freezing spell, Inmobulus, followed by a disintegration spell that remains unnamed. This adaptation makes sense for the film medium; conversely, in the book, she may have utilized a similar spell that incapacitated Bellatrix by freezing a vital organ instead of her entire body.