Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Vow====== =====Introduction===== A **Vow** in the [[wizarding world]] is a magically binding promise. While various types of promises and oaths may exist, the most powerful and explicitly detailed example in the series is the [[Unbreakable Vow]]. This form of [[magic]] binds a witch or wizard to a promise under the penalty of death, making it one of the most serious and dangerous magical undertakings known. It is not a spell cast with a single incantation but a formal magical ritual. =====The Unbreakable Vow===== The [[Unbreakable Vow]] is a magical contract made between two people, which is sealed and enforced by a third person known as the **Bonder**. It is considered exceptionally grave [[magic]], and breaking it results in the death of the person who made the promise. =====The Ritual===== The performance of an [[Unbreakable Vow]] requires three participants and a specific procedure: - The two individuals making the pact, the **promiser** and the **promisee**, kneel opposite each other and join their right hands. - A third witch or wizard, the **Bonder**, stands over them and places the tip of their [[wand]] upon the participants' clasped hands. - The promisee asks the promiser to agree to one or more terms. - With each term the promiser agrees to, a thin tongue of bright flame issues from the Bonder's [[wand]] and winds itself around the participants' hands. These flames form a chain-like binding, signifying the magical seal of the vow. =====Consequences of Breaking===== The primary and most fearsome feature of the [[Unbreakable Vow]] is its absolute nature. As explained by [[Ron Weasley]], it is a vow that cannot be broken. The magical consequence for failing to uphold the promise is death. This is not a curse inflicted by another person but an inherent part of the [[magic]] of the vow itself. =====Known Instances===== * **[[Severus Snape]]'s Vow to [[Narcissa Malfoy]] (1996):** This is the most significant instance of an [[Unbreakable Vow]] in the series. It takes place at [[Snape's House]] in [[Spinner's End]], with [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] acting as the Bonder. [[Narcissa Malfoy]] implores [[Snape]] to help her son, `[[Draco Malfoy]]`, who has been tasked with a secret mission by [[Lord Voldemort]]. Snape makes three promises: - To watch over [[Draco]] as he attempts to fulfill the [[Dark Lord]]'s wishes. - To protect [[Draco]] from harm to the best of his ability. - To carry out the deed that the [[Dark Lord]] has ordered [[Draco]] to perform—the murder of [[Albus Dumbledore]]—if [[Draco]] should fail. * **[[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]]'s Attempted Vow with [[Ron Weasley]]:** Ron mentions that his twin brothers once tried to get him to make an [[Unbreakable Vow]]. Their father, [[Arthur Weasley]], discovered them and became the angriest Ron had ever seen him. This incident establishes that the vow is known in the wider wizarding community and is considered extremely serious and inappropriate for children to meddle with. =====Significance in the Series===== The [[Unbreakable Vow]] is a critical plot device, particularly in //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince//. Snape's vow to Narcissa provides a magically inescapable reason for his actions, most notably his killing of [[Albus Dumbledore]]. This act is essential to [[Dumbledore]]'s master plan to defeat [[Voldemort]], as it solidifies Snape's position as a trusted [[Death Eater]] while simultaneously being an act of mercy for [[Dumbledore]] himself. The vow adds a profound layer of complexity and sacrifice to Snape's character, as he is magically bound to fulfill his promise, forcing his hand and cementing his role as a tragic hero. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince//, the visual effect of the [[Unbreakable Vow]] includes the tongues of flame searing a glowing, scar-like mark onto the skin of [[Snape]] and Narcissa's arms, a detail not explicitly mentioned in the novel. (film)
