Harry Potter: Did Ron Win the Loyalty of Pettigrew's Wand?

In the dynamic world of Harry Potter, wands play a crucial role in determining the destiny of wizards and witches. One of the most prominent scenes showcasing wand loyalty is in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (chapter 23, "Malfoy Manor"), where Ron Weasley demonstrates his remarkable character and skill in securing Pettigrew's wand. Let's delve into the scene and explore how Ron won the loyalty of Pettigrew's wand.

Securing the Wands

The scene unfolds in a tense atmosphere at Malfoy Manor. Wormtail (Peter Pettigrew) makes a sudden entrance, with the door flying open in a dramatic fashion. His voice echoes chillingly:

"Stand back", Wormtail's voice commanded. "Stand away from the door. I am coming in."

The moment is defined by the struggle that ensues between Harry, Ron, and Wormtail. As Ron seizes Wormtail's wand arm, Harry takes action to muffle his voice. This strategic move is a testament to Ron's intuition and quick thinking during high-pressure moments.

Harry slapped a hand to his mouth, muffling his voice. Silently they struggled: Wormtail’s wand emitted sparks as his silver hand closed around Harry's throat.

Lucius Malfoy, from above, calls out, not suspecting the chaos below:

“What is it Wormtail” called Lucius Malfoy from above.

Wormtail's response is a flawless imitation of his own voice:

“Nothing!”, Ron called back in a passable imitation of Wormtail's wheezy voice. “All fine!”

Despite the tension and stress, Ron's ability to imitate Wormtail impressively fools Lucius Malfoy Sr, showcasing his exceptional memory and control under pressure.

Securing the Wand

After the initial struggle, Harry and Ron manage to free themselves. As tensions rise, Harry faces Wormtail:

“You’re going to kill me” Harry choked, attempting to prise off the metal fingers. “After I saved your life You owe me Wormtail!”

Wormtail's silver hand, influenced by his moment of hesitation, begins to move towards his own throat, a sign of the remorse and fear he feels:

“No —”

This sudden movement catches everyone by surprise, including Wormtail himself. Ron, realizing the situation, tugs the wand from Wormtail's other hand:

Ron had released Wormtail and together he and Harry tried to pull the crushing metal fingers from around Wormtail’s throat but it was no use. Pettigrew was turning blue.

Contrary to the idea that a physical duel was required to win the wand's loyalty, it is Ron's quick thinking and actions that enable them to secure the wand:

“Relashio!” said Ron, pointing the wand at the silver hand but nothing happened. Pettigrew dropped to his knees and at the same moment Hermione gave a dreadful scream from overhead. Wormtail's eyes rolled upward in his purple face, he gave a last twitch and was still.

Conclusion of the Wand's Loyalty

Ron's Relashio spell, although ineffective, serves as a definitive act of leadership and heroism. With Pettigrew's death, his wand had no master to answer to. Ron's actions secure the wand's loyalty, a pivotal moment in the story that would prove crucial in the confrontation to come:

“AND I THINK” said Bellatrix’s voice, “WE CAN DISPOSE OF THE MUDBLEED. GREYBACK TAKE HER IF YOU WANT HER.”

Ron bursts into the drawing room, seizing Wormtail's wand with an Expelliarmus spell, successfully disarming Bellatrix and securing the wand's loyalty for himself. This strategic move showcases not only Ron's bravery but also his ability to make quick, decisive actions under intense pressure.

In summary, while Ron did not win Pettigrew's wand through a physical duel, his quick thinking, leadership, and timely actions secured the wand's loyalty. This pivotal moment in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows underscores the importance of character and resourcefulness in the magical world.