MuggleNet’s Christmas Crossovers: It’s a Wonderful (Wizard) Life
It’s a Wonderful Life is a timeless classic among Christmas flicks. The story is heartwarming, inspiring, and thought-provoking. George Bailey reminds everyone that no matter what your hardship, it really is a gift to be alive and that our lives touch so many others. I think that Harry Potter has taught us similar values, which is why I am so excited to create this crossover of my all-time favorite Christmas movie and the wizarding world.
Harry Potter as George Bailey
It’s no far cry to say that Harry felt similar to George Bailey in his youth. He felt more of a burden than a hero most of the time and often blamed himself for the deaths of Voldemort’s victims. Let’s imagine, then, what would have been different if Harry Potter had truly never been born.
Neville Longbottom would have been Voldemort’s target for the prophecy from the beginning. Assuming that Bellatrix Lestrange still tortured Frank and Alice Longbottom into madness, there would be no one to sacrifice themselves for baby Neville as Lily Potter did for Harry.
Neville Longbottom as Harry Bailey
Neville would have been defenseless in the face of Voldemort and would have died as Harry Bailey did when George wasn’t there to save him from drowning. Harry Bailey and Neville both grew up to become war heroes and save many lives, and all of those lives would have been lost.
Ginny Weasley as Mary Bailey (Hatch)
Ginny Weasley had a crush on Harry from the day they met. Mary Hatch promised George Bailey as a young girl that she would love him till the day she died. Both girls just happen to be the younger sisters of the boys’ childhood friends. These women would have never married their true loves had neither Harry Potter nor George Bailey been born.
Rubeus Hagrid as Uncle Billy
Both Hagrid and Uncle Billy are well known for being a bit out of the ordinary. While George is around, Uncle Billy is just an eccentric and forgetful, but lovable, man. In George’s absence, he is institutionalized. Hagrid was freed from his stint in Azkaban during Chamber of Secrets because of Harry Potter and his friends. Had they not been around to discover the truth, Hagrid could have very well spent the rest of his life in the wizard prison.
Lord Voldemort as Mr. Potter
Just as Mr. Potter took over Bedford Falls in It’s a Wonderful Life, Voldemort would have succeeded in his rise to power in the wizarding world. Of course, as bleak and terrible as Pottersville was, Voldemort’s world would be much, much worse. In all reality, Voldemort’s reign could have ended the wizarding world altogether had it not been for Harry Potter.
Thankfully, in both situations, there was someone looking out for our heroes.
Albus Dumbledore as Clarence
Clarence guides George Bailey through a day in a world without him. Dumbledore guides Harry through his teenage years and encourages him every step of the way that he is making a difference. Without these two guardians, George and Harry would have never seen the value of their own lives and contributions. Clarence and Dumbledore taught them the importance of love and that just a little love can go a long way.
These very different stories teach us many lessons, but most importantly, they teach us that life is a beautiful thing!
Remember that for all we have lost, there is more that we take for granted. Our lives touch the lives of those around us more than we know. Spread some love this season, better yet, all year round!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
For more Christmas fun, check out the rest of our Christmas Crossovers series!