The Importance of Saving Characters from the Battle of Hogwarts: Severus Snape and Fred Weasley
Choosing just one character to save from the Battle of Hogwarts is no easy task. However, among the many heroes and villains, one figure stands out for his complex journey and profound impact on the Harry Potter series. Severus Snape is the character I would select to save. His character arc is one of the most complex in the series, and his survival would provide a multitude of benefits that go beyond the immediate impact of the battle.
Severus Snape: A Complex Character Arc
Snape is initially portrayed as an antagonist, and his motivations and sacrifices are revealed gradually throughout the series. Even after his death, his true intentions and the depth of his love for Lily Potter are revealed posthumously. His survival would not only lead to a deeper exploration of his character and the extent of his love but also provide an opportunity for redemption and healing among the survivors of the war.
Snape's knowledge of the Dark Arts and his experience in the wizarding world would have been invaluable in rebuilding the society post-war. His understanding of the complexities of magic and the dark arts could have prevented future conflicts and provided a more stable foundation for the wizarding world.
The Character of Fred Weasley
Fred Weasley is another character whose protection would be significant. Fred's untimely death at the Battle of Hogwarts is particularly tragic because it ended his life just as it was about to take off. Harry's friend Fred, the twin of George Weasley, was known for his mischievous spirit and his involvement in the family business, Weasleys Wizards Wheezes, which became increasingly successful. Fred's death was a huge loss, not just to his family, but to the wizarding world as a whole.
The wizarding world lost more than just a wizard when Fred died; it lost a key element of its humorous spirit. Fred was remembered for his ability to bring laughter and joy to those around him, even in the darkest of times, as he is quoted from Rita Skeeter, in 2014.
George Weasley, Fred's brother, struggled to move on after Fred's death. He could no longer produce a Patronus, a symbol of protection and hope, because his happiest memories were all with Fred. This struggle for George represents a deeper issue within the wizarding community—when a family is torn apart, its impact is far-reaching and devastating.
Why Not Others?
While other characters like Dumbledore, Moody, Sirius, Tonks, and Snape also deserve consideration, the duo of Fred and Snape stands out for their unique contributions. Most of these characters, while important, had their lives significantly impacted by the presence of others, such as Dumbledore's long life, or Sirius's and Tonks's struggles without Remus.
Others, like Dobby and Colin Creevey, are worthy choices but the focus is on the characters with more significant plot points and on-going storylines. However, choosing both Fred and Snape would not only provide a rich narrative but also a therapeutic journey for the survivors of the Battle of Hogwarts.
After the war, the wizarding world was in desperate need of laughter and joy. Fred embodied that. His spirit of fun and his creativity in developing magical pranks brought much-needed relief and light to the world. Fred's survival could have meant that the wizarding community, struggling with post-traumatic stress and survivor's guilt, could have had a constant comical reminder of the good times that are possible.
In conclusion, while many characters from the Battle of Hogwarts are worthy of saving, the selection of Severus Snape and Fred Weasley would not only provide deeper character arcs and opportunities for redemption but also bring much-needed joy and healing to a world that desperately needed it.