Underrated Protection Moments in the “Harry Potter” Films

There are so many times in the Harry Potter films where protection has been vital. Prominent moments that spring to mind are Lily protecting Harry, Snape protecting Lily (and in turn, protecting Harry), and of course, the fan-favorite moment of Molly Weasley killing Bellatrix Lestrange to protect Ginny. However, there are some moments that aren’t spoken about enough that are just as important. We’re looking at the most underrated moments of protection in the films.

1. James Potter died to protect Lily and Harry.

Everyone talks about how Lily protected Harry — and this was incredibly vital to the plot — but nobody talks about James’s sacrifice. James stood in the way of Voldemort so that Lily could escape, or at least reach Harry in time. James might have been a man of mischief at school, but nothing else seemed to matter to him when his family was involved, as this proved.

2. Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks died for their son, Teddy.

This was an extremely bold move from each of these characters. Lupin and Tonks came to fight in the Battle of Hogwarts, leaving Teddy (who was just a baby) at home. They knew what the consequences of coming to the battle could mean, but they were fighting against evil and fighting for a better world for their son to grow up in.

In the scene where Lupin and Tonks are preparing to fight, there is an incredible close-up of their hands almost touching. It’s such an emotional shot and becomes even more so when we see them on their deathbeds.

When Harry uses the Resurrection Stone toward the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2, Lupin reminds him that Teddy will know what his parents died for. This proves their bravery and their commitment to Teddy, even in death.

3. Professor McGonagall protected her students.

Professor McGonagall is a fan favorite, and it’s not hard to understand why. She has a wicked sense of humor and some hilarious one-liners that we all love her for. But there is a soft side to her too, and this especially comes into play when she has to protect her students.

If you watch closely through all the films, McGonagall is always protecting her students — whether it’s making sure they don’t get transfigured into ferrets or keeping teachers from giving strict punishments to her students. This was no different than when she stepped into the Battle of Hogwarts and fought her hardest to best protect her students. McGonagall even brought statues to life to protect Hogwarts and everyone in it. She has a heart of gold and always shows sheer determination.

There are potentially many more underrated moments of protection throughout the Harry Potter films. If you watch closely, there are probably hundreds of acts of protection between characters. The wizarding and Muggle worlds are definitely in need of more of these selfless acts.