Harry Potter will always be a highly beloved franchise. The books and movies have been devoured by millions of fans all over, and new generations of fans are continually getting introduced to the world. While Harry Potter is full of many delightful moments and a rich world, there are some things about the series that don’t make a lot of sense or seem outdated these days. While this doesn’t mean the series isn’t great, it is interesting to take a look at some of these issues.

Here are the ten things from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) that haven’t aged very well.

DUMBLEDORE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH GRINDELWALD

This point is one that doesn’t exist solely in this book but also outside of it. While the relationship between these two is hinted at and discussed in the book and movie, J.K. Rowling reveals more about it outside of the series itself. The fact that Grindelwald and Dumbledore were in a romantic relationship is messed up for a few reasons. First, is the fact that Rowling didn’t make the relationship canon. Second, it’s the only LGBT+ representation from the series and it’s steeped in dark magic and tragedy.

HEDWIG’S DEATH

This choice is somewhat controversial although it does make sense. Rowling had Hedwig die as a sort of symbolism to show that the world of Hogwarts and Harry’s youth was over. Deathly Hallows is the darkest of all the books, and Harry is on his own without any adult guidance to defeat Voldemort. While it may make sense as symbolism, having Hedwig die so early on in this book was definitely heart-wrenching for many fans.

THE TRIO BEING TASKED TO DESTROY THE HORCRUXES ALONE

As a fantasy story, Harry Potter follows many typical tropes. Harry is a chosen one character who must defeat a dark, powerful being. While the story follows this trope, it often doesn’t make a lot of sense. The fact that Dumbledore tells Harry that he, Ron, and Hermione —three teenagers⁠—are the only ones who should work to destroy the Horcruxes doesn’t seem realistic. Having one trusted, older adult witch or wizard could have made a huge difference.

DUMBLEDORE KEEPING HIS HISTORY A SECRET FROM HARRY

One of the biggest themes of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is Harry realizing that Dumbledore was not the perfect mentor he once thought he was. He has to face the truth of Dumbledore’s past now that Dumbledore is gone. The fact that Dumbledore never told Harry about his family’s history or his involvement with Grindelwald is deeply troubling. It’s no wonder that Harry felt so betrayed when he finally learned the truth.

HOW GINNY IS MOSTLY DISMISSED

Near the beginning of this book, Harry and Ginny have a discussion at the Burrow. Ginny basically tells Harry that she understands what he has to do, and they semi-break up. While it might not have been the best choice to have Ginny come with them, it’s also unfortunate how she gets relegated to the sidelines. She’s definitely a capable witch who doesn’t get to shine very much in the series.

XENOPHILIUS LOVEGOOD BETRAYING THE TRIO

This is a complicated point because on the one hand, it’s easy to understand why Xenophilius does what he does. As a parent, he clearly loves Luna more than anything and cares the most about saving and protecting her. However, betraying the trio and giving them up to Bellatrix is a horrible thing to do. It’s definitely not something that Luna herself would have condoned.

LUPIN TRYING TO ABANDON TONKS WHILE SHE’S PREGNANT

Lupin is one of the few parental-type figures that Harry can trust in the series. After Sirius’ death, Lupin’s role as someone who knew Harry’s parents is even more important. However, Lupin seems to really lose sight of himself and his values in this book. Instead of dealing with things with Tonks and listening to what she wants, he tries to abandon her while she is pregnant with his child, all because of his own self-pity and hatred. While Harry might react harshly to this, he is largely right to be disappointed with Lupin’s actions.

THE TRIO’S PLAN TO INFILTRATE THE MINISTRY TO GET THE LOCKET

Harry, Ron, and Hermione are left with a huge task to fulfill. Finding and destroying all of Voldermort’s remaining Horcruxes, and Voldemort himself is no small feat. Given that these three are still only 17 years old, it’s no wonder they make some mistakes along the way. When the three of them make their plans to break into the Ministry of Magic, it’s a disaster. While they might not have seen any other choice, going into the Ministry so unprepared was a bad decision.

RON ABANDONING HARRY AND HERMIONE

Ron is definitely someone who struggles throughout the series with jealousy and feeling second best. When the trio gets their hands on the locket Horcrux, it impacts him the most. While this is largely the cause of his departure, it’s still really rough to see happen. Seeing Ron abandon his two friends to their dangerous mission is selfish and disappointing. Luckily, Ron ends up making his way back to them. In many ways, he is the weakest of the trio, but he always figures it out in the end.

DUMBLEDORE’S BELIEF THAT WIZARDS SHOULD RULE

Dumbledore’s past is definitely messed up. Dumbledore might be seen as a champion of good and someone who believes in the worth of Muggle-borns and Muggles, but this wasn’t always so. The fact that he sided with Grindelwald and believed that magic people were better than Muggles is hugely problematic. In many ways, Dumbledore’s past beliefs, and the beliefs of dark wizards like Voldemort, are a metaphor for real-life bigots and dictators. This makes Dumbledore’s past an even pill harder to swallow.