“There have been too many mistakes where Harry Potter is concerned. [...] That Potter lives is due more to my errors than to his triumph.”

Throughout the Harry Potter series, Voldemort has tried repeatedly to destroy Harry Potter, and yet somehow, the most powerful evil wizard of all time has never been able to kill a mere child. Voldemort harbors a deep resentment for Harry for continuing to live despite his best efforts, and at the beginning of The Deathly Hallows, Voldemort publicly announces that there will be no other such mistakes. Harry Potter will die, and it will be at Voldemort’s hand and no one else’s.

“Even You-Know-Who can’t split himself into seven.”

This passing comment from Mad-Eye Moody emphasizes how little the adult wizards know about the reality of Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchange knowing looks, reminding one another of the challenge they must face alone. Three teenagers will be responsible for ensuring that the sacrifices of their friends and family are not in vain, and the secret must be kept to ensure that the plan goes accordingly.

“We’re coming with you. That was decided months ago—years, really.”

When Harry tries to talk Ron and Hermione out of coming with him on his journey to destroy the Horcruxes, Hermione points out that they have never backed down from a challenge before. Throughout the years, when Harry faced a daunting task, his friends were right there by his side, ready to jump into action.