Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Eucatastrophe in Harry Potter, Part 5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix climaxes in a nearly epic battle in the heart of the Ministry of Magic. After Sirius, cursed by Bellatrix, falls through the mysterious veil, Harry realizes his godfather is dead. He chases after Bellatrix and, for the fifth time, meets Voldemort. Voldemort, infuriated by losing the prophecy, points his wand at Harry and speaks the killing curse. 

Harry doesn't move. He doesn't resist. His mind is blank with shock and grief. Life and death mean little to him. 

Then out of the blue something lands in front of him and deflects the curse. It's one of the statues from the Fountain of Magical Brethren, brought to life by Dumbledore. In a brilliant eucatastrophe, Harry once again survives Voldemort's attempt on his life. 

But the Dark Lord has something else in mind for Harry. Unable to defeat Dumbledore, Voldemort takes possession of Harry. Pain as he had never known embraces Harry. Every inch of him longs to scream, but Voldemort is controlling his voice, taunting Dumbledore, goading the Headmaster to kill Harry and Voldemort together. 

Harry wishes Dumbledore would just go ahead and do it. At least the pain would stop. “And I'll see Sirius again...” With this thought, Harry's heart overflows with love. 

Then Voldemort is gone. Just that quickly. Harry finds himself face down on the floor, unsure of what happened. What could have forced Voldemort to release his hold? Nothing short of a eucatastrophe. 

Dumbledore explains later that Voldemort could not remain inside someone so full of love as Harry is, and when that love surged within the boy, Voldemort had to let go. Harry's love rescues him. And that is the best possible kind of eucatastrophe...the miracle of a love that saves the day.

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