Bellatrix Lestrange, the devoted follower of Lord Voldemort, wasn't generally known for fear. However, she did exhibit a distinct unease around Harry Potter. This fear stemmed from a combination of factors:
The Prophecy
Bellatrix, like Voldemort, was aware of the prophecy that foretold the downfall of one of them at the hands of the other. This prophecy, which Voldemort interpreted as referring to Neville Longbottom, was later realized to be about Harry. This realization fueled Voldemort's obsession with Harry, and Bellatrix, as a loyal follower, shared this obsession.
- The Prophecy: "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must live or die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives."
Harry's Connection to Voldemort
Harry, as the only known survivor of Voldemort's Killing Curse, possessed a unique connection to the Dark Lord. This connection manifested in various ways, including:
- The Scar: Harry's scar, a physical manifestation of Voldemort's curse, burned whenever Voldemort was nearby or experiencing strong emotions. This constant reminder of Voldemort's presence, and his own connection to him, instilled a sense of unease in Bellatrix.
- Shared Abilities: Both Harry and Voldemort exhibited extraordinary magical abilities, including the ability to speak Parseltongue and perform powerful magic. This shared power, combined with their connection, made Harry a formidable opponent in Bellatrix's eyes.
- Unpredictability: Harry's ability to perform magic beyond the understanding of even the most skilled wizards, like the Disarming Charm, made him unpredictable and dangerous. Bellatrix, who relied on her own considerable magical skills, found this unpredictability unnerving.
Harry's Power and Potential
Bellatrix witnessed firsthand Harry's extraordinary abilities. He had defeated Voldemort on multiple occasions, demonstrating a power that even Voldemort himself acknowledged.
- The Battle of the Department of Mysteries: Bellatrix was present during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, where Harry's power was clearly evident. He was able to defeat a number of Death Eaters, including Bellatrix's own sister, Narcissa Malfoy.
- The Battle of Hogwarts: During the final battle at Hogwarts, Harry's abilities were on full display as he faced off against Voldemort. He was able to rally his allies and ultimately defeat the Dark Lord.
The Fear of the Unknown
Beyond the specific instances of Harry's power, Bellatrix feared the unknown. She recognized that Harry's connection to Voldemort made him unpredictable and potentially dangerous. His ability to perform magic beyond the understanding of even the most skilled wizards made him a threat that she couldn't fully comprehend or control.
Conclusion
While Bellatrix was a powerful and ruthless witch, her fear of Harry stemmed from a combination of factors: the prophecy, Harry's unique connection to Voldemort, his extraordinary abilities, and the inherent unpredictability of his power. This fear, however, did not prevent her from attempting to harm Harry, but it did make her cautious and wary in his presence.
