Why Didn’t Voldemort Go to Bellatrix or Snape When He Became Disembodied?

In Harry Potter, the rise and fall of Lord Voldemort are key plot points that drive the narrative. One intriguing question arises when considering Voldemort's fate after he became disembodied. Why didn't he approach Bellatrix Lestrange or Severus Snape for assistance rather than trying to regain a physical form through dark magic?

The State of Existence: A Disembodied Spirit

After his failed attempt to kill young Harry Potter in 1981, Voldemort found himself in a critically weakened state. As a disembodied spirit, Voldemort lacked a physical body and could not communicate or exert control in the same way he did when he was corporeal. The limitations of his new existence made it impossible for him to simply summon his followers or exercise the same level of influence over them.

Connection to Followers

During his time as a disembodied spirit, Voldemort's followers, including Bellatrix Lestrange, were primarily loyal due to their fears and the influence of the Dark Arts. However, Bellatrix was imprisoned in Azkaban, and Severus Snape, while still loyal, was not in a position to assist Voldemort directly in his current state.

Regaining Power and Focus

What Voldemort needed most was a return to power. His focus was on regaining a physical form through dark magic, a quest that required significant willpower and resources. He turned to other operatives and dark wizards to find a solution, such as the creation of Horcruxes to protect parts of his soul. The embodied forms of these dark artifacts would eventually help him return to power, culminating in the climactic events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Voldemort's Willpower

During the climax of Goblet of Fire, Voldemort himself admits that it took every bit of his willpower to stay alive during his initial disembodied state. Without a physical body, his survival was a constant challenge. Voldemort’s hope was that one of the Death Eaters would come to his aid, but this didn’t happen. Bellatrix, who did try to reach him, was intercepted and imprisoned in Azkaban.

Exile and Misunderstandings

During his prolonged exile, Voldemort believed Severus Snape had turned against him. This misunderstanding only cleared up once Snape was able to convince Voldemort of his loyalty. By the time they reconciled, Voldemort had already reestablished his power through the creation of Horcruxes and other means, thus bypassing the need to rely on his followers in their weakened state.

Conclusion

In summary, Voldemort's disembodied state rendered him incapable of direct communication or reliance on his followers in the same way he had when he was more physically and magically potent. His focus was on regaining a physical form and power, which he ultimately achieved through dark magic. The story of the Harry Potter series provides a rich context for understanding how Voldemort navigated his most vulnerable period and how he emerged triumphant, despite the challenges of his disembodied existence.