Sacrificial protection is an ancient and powerful counter-charm[1] in the Harry Potter book series.
About[]
The protection is endowed when a person willingly gives up their life to save someone they deeply and purely love. The victim has to be given a choice to live first in order for the protection to work. The protective magic will live in the very skin of the one who lives, and will continue to protect them even years later.[2] If the murderer ever tries to touch their intended victim[2], they will feel excruciating pain. Even a Killing Curse will rebound if it strikes the intended victim.[3]
The protectiob will eventually fade away. Dumbledore thought that keeping the intended victim close to the blood relatives of the deceased would ensure the sacrificial protection would stay strong for longer. The relative has to take in the intended victim willingly, who has to consider their house a "home".[4]
History[]
In 1981, Lily Potter willingly gave up her life to save her son, Harry Potter. Seconds later when Voldemort attempted to kill Harry using a Killing Curse, it rebounded and struck him instead. Harry was fine except for the fact he had a lightning-bolt scar. Because of Lily's loving sacrifice, he was protected for sixteen years. Albus Dumbledore sent Harry to live at 4 Privet Drive so he could be close to Lily's sister, Petunia Dursley.[4]
In 1997, Harry's protection ended when he left 4 Privet Drive for good.[5]
Notes and sources[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 17
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 33
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 37
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 4