The Impact of Hermione's Death on Harry Potter’s Plot

What if Hermione faced her fatal end at Malfoy Manor, killed by Bellatrix Lestrange? This hypothetical twist would dramatically alter the story's emotional trajectory and outcome. Let's explore how this might have affected Harry and Ron, and the broader plot of the series.

Emotional Trauma for Harry and Ron

Ron Weasley's Response to Losing Hermione:

Ron would likely be consumed by grief, possibly to the point of losing his will to continue. His feelings for Hermione had been long buried, and now they surface in a catastrophic manner. The loss of a best friend who had stood by him through thick and thin would crush him. The lingering feelings he harbored for Hermione would be thrown into turmoil, leading to lifelong depression. Ron would likely feel compelled to seek out a way to bring her back, similar to how Harry dealt with Sirius Black.

Harry Potter's Emotional Burden:

Harry, on the other hand, is more introspective and mature. He would bear the guilt of her death, believing that he was responsible for the circumstances that led to her demise. His reaction in 'Order of the Phoenix' during the OT segment where he thinks she might be dead is a stark illustration of this:

"A howl of panic inside his head was preventing him from thinking properly. He had one hand on Hermione’s shoulder which was still warm, yet he did not dare look at her properly." "Don’t let her be dead, don’t let her be dead. It’s my fault if she’s dead..."

Harry's internal monologue reveals his profound guilt and the responsibility he feels, turning his grief into a self-blame spiral.

A Coordinated Approach and Strategic Loss

Escaping Malfoy Manor:

Ron and Harry would still manage to escape, thanks to Dobby the house-elf. However, the absence of Hermione would have a significant impact on their strategic planning. The Horcrux hunt would be less coordinated, with fewer solutions and ideas.

Discovering the Horcrux:

When they reach Bellatrix’s vault, finding a Horcrux would involve a lot less planning and fewer insights if Hermione hadn’t been there. Harry or Ron might eventually realize that riding a dragon is their only way out, but without Hermione's creativity, the solution might be less efficient or sound.

Retaliatory Actions and the Final Battle

The Battle of Hogwarts:

With Hermione’s absence, the battle of Hogwarts would likely involve more casualties. Her presence would have provided a stabilizing influence and her tactical skills would have helped manage the fight more effectively.

Basilisk Fang and the Diadem:

Without the help of Hermione, Ron might not have the nerve to enter the Chamber of Secrets alone to retrieve the basilisk fang. The absence of this crucial item would mean they couldn’t destroy the diadem Horcrux, leaving Voldemort with two intact Horcruxes instead of three.

Unforeseen Consequences:

The loss of a third Horcrux might not seem significant, but it changes the balance of power. By maintaining his immortality with three Horcruxes, instead of two, Voldemort would continue to be a formidable opponent, potentially complicating the final confrontation.

Conclusion: A Tipping Point in the Series

While it might seem like a late addition to the series, the death of Hermione at Malfoy Manor would have a ripple effect, altering the course of events. Her presence provided stability, creativity, and moral support. Her loss would have made the final confrontation more challenging for Harry and his allies, impacting the entire narrative arc of the series in profound ways.