How was Harry Potter supposed to end

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, has captivated millions of readers around the world with its magical tales and compelling characters. Spanning seven books and eight blockbuster films, the series follows the journey of The Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, as he battles the Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort. But have you ever wondered how the epic fantasy series was originally supposed to end?

J.K. Rowling, the mastermind behind the Wizarding World, had a clear vision of how she wanted the series to conclude right from the beginning. In numerous interviews and public statements, she has shed light on the original plans for the finale of the Harry Potter saga.

First and foremost, Rowling confirmed that she had planned the ending of the series before she even started writing the first book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” The overarching theme of love triumphing over evil was always at the heart of her narrative, and she wanted to ensure that this theme was reflected in the ultimate conclusion of the story.

According to Rowling’s initial outline, the series was supposed to end with a monumental battle between Harry and Voldemort. The showdown was to take place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Harry would ultimately defeat the dark wizard and rid the wizarding world of his terror once and for all. However, Rowling decided to deviate from this original plan as the story and characters evolved throughout the course of the series.

One of the significant changes that altered the intended ending was Rowling’s decision to include the character of Severus Snape. Initially introduced as a cold and enigmatic potions professor, Snape’s true allegiance and complex backstory were not fully revealed until later in the series. Rowling decided to build his character arc around themes of redemption and sacrifice, ultimately leading to one of the most heartwrenching twists in the series.

In her original outline, Snape was not meant to have a change of heart, and his true motivations were never supposed to be fully disclosed to the readers. However, as the story progressed, Rowling felt that Snape’s character deserved a more nuanced redemption arc. His undying love for Harry’s mother, Lily, and his dedication to protecting Harry throughout the years transformed Snape from a mere villain to a tragic hero. This alteration had a significant impact on the climax of the series, as Snape’s role became pivotal in Harry’s ultimate victory over Voldemort.

Another major change Rowling made was influenced by the fate of one of the beloved characters in the series: Ron Weasley. Originally, Rowling planned for Ron to perish in the Battle of Hogwarts, sacrificing himself heroically to save his friends. However, as the story unfolded, she realized the importance and impact of Ron’s character on the narrative. Ron’s loyalty, humor, and unwavering friendship towards Harry added depth to their dynamic and contributed significantly to the series’ themes of love and friendship. Rowling decided to spare Ron’s life, allowing him to continue his journey alongside Harry and Hermione.

Ultimately, the ending of the Harry Potter series saw Harry sacrificing himself to destroy the piece of Voldemort’s soul within him, resulting in his temporary death. However, due to his selfless sacrifice and the love and loyalty of his friends, Harry was able to return to the world of the living and finally defeat the Dark Lord. The battle between light and dark concluded at Hogwarts, with love emerging as the ultimate power that vanquished evil.

While the specifics of Rowling’s original ending changed throughout the course of the series, the overarching ideas and themes remained intact. Love, sacrifice, and the power of friendship were key to bringing the story to its epic conclusion. Rowling’s ability to adapt and grow with her characters demonstrated her tremendous skill as a storyteller and solidified the Harry Potter series as one of the most beloved and enduring franchises in the literary world.