8

When Molly Weasley and Bellatrix are dueling during The Battle of Hogwarts, why didn't Arthur Weasley help?

Forgive me, as I don't know where he is during that duel in the books, I can only remember the film where they place him right behind her.

If he was in the vicinity and saw/heard, regardless of whether she could handle herself, surely his natural instinct is to join in and help defend her?

Improve this question
3
  • 11
    Maybe he was sick of her and secretly wanted Bellatrix to win.
    – Obsidia
    Commented May 8, 2017 at 17:26
  • "Right behind someone" is basically the worst possible position for aiding them in a duel, no matter what the weapons are.
    – Arcanist Lupus
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 17:14
  • @Bellatrix How would you know Arthur Weasley was sick of his wife? How would you know he wanted you to win? Did he tell you? ;-)
    – RichS
    Commented Dec 14, 2018 at 5:44

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
11

Arthur was busy doing other things at the time. Just before, he was seen in a different part of the battle:

Arthur and Percy flooring Thicknesse

Also, the duel was pretty short, and Molly really did not need help:

“OUT OF MY WAY!” shouted Mrs. Weasley to the three girls, and with a swipe of her wand she began to duel. Harry watched with terror and elation as Molly Weasley’s wand slashed and twirled, and Bellatrix Lestrange’s smile faltered and became a snarl. Jets of light flew from both wands, the floor around the witches’ feet became hot and cracked; both women were fighting to kill.

If I were him, I would certainly not want to intrude on that, even if I wasn't busy flooring the Minister of Magic with my son.

Improve this answer
3
  • How did Molly kill Bellatrix? Clearly wouldn't have been the killing curse - Molly would never use that. Must have been some other spell which isn't unforgivable.
    – Tim
    Commented May 8, 2017 at 21:19
  • @Tim Check out this answer and its comments
    – CHEESE
    Commented May 8, 2017 at 22:23
  • @Tim Not very well, thank you! :P
    – Obsidia
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 19:55
1

Mrs. Weasley specifically refused all help:

"NO!" Mrs. Weasley cried as a few students ran forward, trying to come to her aid. "Get back! She is mine!"

This occurred pretty early on in her duel with Bellatrix, so Mr. Weasley would probably not have been able to help her prior to her exclamation even if he had wanted to (he himself was coming off a duel with Pius Thicknesse). Once she made this exclamation, Mr. Weasley might not have dared to get involved (especially considering that throughout the books Mrs. Weasley is portrayed as the dominant personality in the relationship).

Improve this answer
5
  • Good find, but this only mentions students trying to help her, which doesn't answer why her husband didn't at least try to help.
    – Rand al'Thor ♦
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 15:55
  • @Randal'Thor Are you asking why he didn't at least try before the exclamation or after the exclamation? (Or both?)
    – Alex
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 15:57
  • 3
    Who wants Bellatrix dead anyway? :P She’s awesome! ;)
    – Obsidia
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 16:14
  • 2
    @Bellatrix Depends which Bellatrix we're referring to.
    – Alex
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 16:41
  • @Randal'Thor In any case, I edited to address both before and after.
    – Alex
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 16:47

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.