What If Pettigrew Killed Harry in Malfoy Manor?

Delving into the complex landscape of Harry Potter's journey against the dark wizard, one intriguing question arises: what if Peter Pettigrew, better known as Wormtail, had killed Harry in Malfoy Manor? With the life debt Harry owed Peter, and Peter's underlying reluctance to harm his own "nephew," this scenario becomes a compelling exploration of character motivations and the magical laws governing their relationships.

The Life Debt Bond

While Wormtail's loyalty to Voldemort was deeply rooted in fear, he still had a significant emotional connection to Harry. The two had shared a bond through Harry's save of Wormtail from Sirius Black's attack. This bond, though often hidden due to Wormtail's cowardice, would have played a crucial role in preventing him from killing Harry. Indeed, the life debt Harry held towards Wormtail meant that any attempt to harm Harry would have triggered the life debt, forcing Wormtail to face severe magical consequences. This insight adds a layer of intrigue to the story, highlighting the complex interplay between fear and loyalty.

Harry's Adversary: A Safer Option for Voldemort

Harry, while the most anticipated and feared adversary, had a unique and powerful bond with love. Wormtail, on the other hand, feared Harry partly because of this connection, knowing that any attempt to harm Harry would bypass his protective powers. The prophecy speaks of a wizard born to those who have thrice defied Voldemort, born as the seventh month dies, and marked by Voldemort himself. If Wormtail had managed to kill Harry, it raises the question of what the Dark Lord’s plan would have been after adopting Neville Longbottom.

Neville Longbottom: The Unheralded Nemesis

The magical prophecy of who will defeat Voldemort is famously obscure. By pursuing Harry relentlessly, Voldemort set up a scenario where Harry was the foretold savior. However, what if the prophecy had a different meaning that aligned with Neville Longbottom? The argument supports that Voldemort’s attempt to kill Harry as a baby set the prophecy in motion. Instead, if Wormtail had killed Harry, Voldemort would have been fully unprepared for his subsequent defeat by Neville.

Neville’s character development is especially noteworthy. Initially struggling but eventually outshining his peers, Neville's loyalty and bravery during Voldemort's reign are deeply impactful. His actions at Hogwarts, leading a secret resistance movement against the Death Eaters, showcase his true potential. By focusing on Neville, we might further explore his unconventional powers and how he would have marked himself as equal to Voldemort.

The Unforeseen Power

The prophecy mentions that the savior will have "power the Dark Lord knows not." For Harry, this power was closely tied to love. In Neville’s case, his resistance and determination might represent an unexpected form of power. During his first year, Voldemort trained Neville, suggesting that Neville had more than just herbology skills. This training might have bestowed upon Neville dormant power that Voldemort didn’t anticipate, such as advanced magical abilities or uncanny intuition.

A New Triumvirate of Heroes

Assuming Wormtail’s treachery, Harry’s death would leave a void in the ministry and the wizarding world. Hermione, Ron, and Dobby escape with Dobby’s help, only to eventually meet Neville. With Wormtail’s failure in killing Harry, the remaining Horcruxes are destroyed by this unlikely trio of heroes. Neville, with his newfound strength and resolve, leads the resistance against Voldemort, ultimately contributing to the demise of the Dark Lord.

This alternate scenario not only reshapes the narrative of Harry Potter but also elevates Neville Longbottom’s role in the grand story. It invites readers to re-evaluate the power dynamics of the magical world and the unpredictability of outcomes based on seemingly minor choices and events.