Hermione's Fear of Voldemort's Name: A Deep Dive into Character Development and Plot Holes

Throughout the Harry Potter series, certain plot points and character behaviors have sparked debates among fans, particularly concerning Hermione Granger's fear of saying Voldemort's name.

Why Did Hermione Afraid to Say Voldemort's Name?

In the Harry Potter series, particularly in Order of the Phoenix, we see Hermione's fear of saying Voldemort's name. This fear is not necessarily peculiar to her, but it presents a small plot hole. Hermione is known for her extensive research and preparedness, so why would she not know about the taboos surrounding Voldemort's name? This prompts us to delve into her character development and the context of the wizarding world.

A Learned Fear

Hermione's fear of Voldemort's name can be attributed to her upbringing in the Wizarding world. She did not grow up in this environment, but she quickly assimilated herself into it, learning the fears and dangers associated with the dark lord.

This learning process is evident in her use of wizard slang and phrases such as 'Merlin' to replace God. It also explains why she was afraid to say the name, as it is a calling sign for Death Eaters. Even before the Death Eaters went on a recruiting spree, such as when Crabbe, Goyle, Malfoy, and Nott were recruited, there were always potential Death Eaters listening out for signs of their master's name being spoken. This fear was a necessity for survival in the wizarding world.

Character and Plot Consistency

During the events in Order of the Phoenix, Hermione's fear of saying Voldemort's name is understandable. The plot mentions that saying the name would summon a death squad of Death Eaters. At the time, Hermione was in Harry's position, still relatively new to the dangers of the wizarding world. By the time she taught Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA) lessons, she had grown more experienced and comfortable with the name.

It is worth noting that Hermione's fear of the name is consistent with her character. She is portrayed as observant, cautious, and deeply affected by the threats facing muggleborns. Her fear of Voldemort's name is a reflection of the real dangers she faces and the calls to action she must make. As the series progresses, Hermione's character transforms from a student to a leader, and her fear lessens as she becomes more familiar with the wizarding world and its challenges.

Plot Holes and Character Reactions

Another aspect of Hermione's fear involves her reaction to Ron's continued reluctance to say Voldemort's name. In the series, Hermione reacts with disdain when Ron still fears the name. However, her reaction can be seen as harsh, especially considering Ron's fear is also a product of his upbringing and experience in the wizarding world.

Hermione, having assimilated herself more fully into wizarding culture, understands the significance of the taboo and the dangers it represents. She is likely more aware of the potential for summoning Death Eaters and the risks involved in uttering Voldemort's name.

Harry, on the other hand, has a different perspective. His fear and hatred of Voldemort have been building since the moment he learned the dark lord's identity. For Harry, Voldemort is a direct threat, while for Hermione, the threat is more nuanced, involving the fear of death and the broader impacts on the wizarding community.

In conclusion, Hermione's fear of Voldemort's name is a product of her character's development and the wizarding world's cultural norms. While it presents some plot holes, it aligns with her cautious and observant personality traits. Her eventual use of the name in Order of the Phoenix marks her growing confidence and understanding of the dangers within the wizarding world.