Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 marked the long-awaited conclusion of the Harry Potter series for fans who read the novels as they were coming out. The final book pulled together many of the strings, plot lines and mysteries that had been building for years. While not everyone loved everything about the book, overall it left a satisfying conclusion in many people’s opinion. While the second half of the book may have been action-packed and filled with battles, there were some things about it that missed the mark.
Here are 10 things from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 that haven’t aged well.
SNAPE’S OBSESSION WITH LILY
This final book in the series brought closure and information on Snape as a character. The true reason for his turning away from Voldemort was revealed after his death by the memory Snape gave to Harry. While Lily and Snape might have started off as friends, his love of dark magic and pull to the Death Eaters ruined that. The fact that he wasn’t able to let go of her and spent his whole life pining after her isn’t sweet, but rather disturbing.
THE EPILOGUE
One of the main things that fans didn’t like about the book was the epilogue. While it attempted to give a hopeful and positive conclusion to Harry’s story by giving him a family, readers had a lot of questions. First, the couples in the epilogue seemed too easy and it didn’t feel that realistic to many people. And many fans were confused by why Harry would name his son after Snape as opposed to someone who had been good to him all along, like Sirius or Hagrid.
FRED WEASLEY’S DEATH
Some of the most tragic moments in the entire Harry Potter series happen in the latter half of Deathly Hallows. There are many deaths to contend within the series, but for many fans, Fred’s death was one of the worst. It just didn’t seem right to leave George in the world without his best friend and partner in crime.It’s also tragic to imagine all of the Weasley family having to deal with this loss. Even though, from a story standpoint, it makes sense that not all the Weasleys would make it out alive, this one still stings today.
TONKS AND LUPIN DYING
Here we have yet another death that happens at the Battle of Hogwarts. This death is especially difficult because of what Tonks and Lupin leave behind. Their son Teddy is just a baby when they die. These deaths were definitely a parallel to Harry’s own parents. However, it did seem unnecessary and mostly just like a narrative "coming full circle" moment to have them die. It would have been better if Lupin lived and at least one Marauder survived.
HARRY LYING TO GRIPHOOK
Some of the most valid criticisms of the Harry Potter series has been about how intelligent beings such as goblins and house-elves were depitcted. Many felt that these characters and races had links to problematic racial stereotypes. One thing is for sure, the way these intelligent beings are treated in the wizarding world isn’t good. When Harry lies to Griphook about when he will give him the Gryffindor sword back, it’s not a good look.
DOBBY’S DEATH
Although there have already been many tragic deaths mentioned on this list, one of the worst overall was the death of Dobby. While Dobby might have been an eccentric character, he was definitely beloved and extremely loyal to Harry. Dobby was able to find a better life and get fair treatment, making it really tough to see him die. The impact on Harry was profound. However, this death seems somewhat unnecessary and like it could have been left out.
LEARNING THAT DUMBLEDORE PLANNED A WIZARD UPRISING WITH GRINDELWALD
This book is full of a lot of things about Dumbledore’s past. This is where we learn that Dumbledore was not the purely good wizard he seemed to be. His history with Grindelwald in regards to Muggles was hard to read about. Dumbledore’s past, and learning how good he was at manipulating people, makes it hard to trust any of his actions looking back. One thing is for sure, it was quite the twist.
HARRY USING THE IMPERIUS CURSE
Ever since the Unforgivable Curses are introduced in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, it’s made clear that only dark wizards really ever use them. They are called "Unforgivable" for a reason. So when Harry himself uses the Imperius Curse to break into Gringotts, it’s definitely hard to read about. While it might be justified in a way, there’s definitely an argument to be had about whether it was right or wrong to do .
DUMBLEDORE AND ABERFORTH ACCIDENTALLY KILLING ARIANA
There are so many things about Dumbledore’s past that are hard to swallow. First of all, the way he manipulated Harry all along and basically guided him like a lamb to the slaughter. Second, his history with Grindelwald. But then, there is one other horrible revelation: Aberforth explains how it was a duel between himself and Dumbledore that accidentally lead to Ariana’s death.
THE REDEMPTION STORY OF SEVERUS SNAPE
As hinted at earlier on this list, Snape’s story is given an end and explanation in this last book. The book tries to give Snape a redemption arc to prove that he was actually more good than bad all along. The fact that Harry names his son after him and seems to associate Snape with bravery more than anything else is pretty messed up when you think about it. Snape was a cruel person who treated Harry, Neville, and many of his students abusively. He was also hateful and creepy, and his obsession with Lily wasn’t cute.