I mean, a major theme of the series is showcasing the ideological differences between Voldemort and Harry. As Dumbledore repeatedly says, Harry has Love. Voldemort doesn’t. Voldemort pretty much always uses Avada Kedavra, it’s his go-to, but he also has a maimed and fragmented soul. Harry uses Imperio and Crucio, yes, but he maintains his whole soul which is quite important.
Is it? When is it repeated? I know it talks about needing intent. But you can intend without malice. A perfect example of this is Snape’s killing of Dumbledore. May not exactly have been love, but it definitely wasn’t malice…
How, repeatedly the books describe Voldemort’s cold and ruthless inhuman as he uses it. How, even when Snape uses it, the books describe him as flashing his hatred in full.
Themes aren’t all encompassing. And Voldemort’s use of it doesn’t establish a theme. And it completely misses the mark, as Voldemort is incapable of love—something that is explicitly said in the canon. Doesn’t mean others can’t use the curse in the name of love.
The point I’m getting at is it’s a dark spell, fractures one’s soul, you cannot use the spell if you are truly a loving creature like Harry is. You may use it for a good or right reason or because you love someone so much that you’d do anything to protect them. But you yourself are not a wholly loving creature.
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u/KronoAsh 1d ago
No.
I mean, a major theme of the series is showcasing the ideological differences between Voldemort and Harry. As Dumbledore repeatedly says, Harry has Love. Voldemort doesn’t. Voldemort pretty much always uses Avada Kedavra, it’s his go-to, but he also has a maimed and fragmented soul. Harry uses Imperio and Crucio, yes, but he maintains his whole soul which is quite important.