Hermione did not present Bellatrix's wand as a fully functional or trusted tool in Gringotts primarily due to the critical issue of wand allegiance and her profound moral opposition to everything the wand symbolized. While she possessed and even used the wand during her impersonation of Bellatrix, it was far from an ideal magical instrument for her.
The Problem of Wand Allegiance
In the wizarding world, a wand's loyalty is a powerful force. Wands are semi-sentient and forge a bond with their owner. Hermione had not won Bellatrix's wand; she had merely taken it from Malfoy Manor. This lack of a proper conquest meant the wand's allegiance remained with its previous true owner, Bellatrix.
- Lack of Performance: Because the wand had not truly accepted Hermione as its master, it did not work properly for her. It would have resisted her spells, making them weaker, less precise, or even ineffective. Relying on such an unreliable tool, especially during a high-stakes mission like breaking into Gringotts, would have been foolish and dangerous.
Symbolism of Dark Magic and Destruction
Beyond the functional issues, Hermione deeply hated Bellatrix's wand for what it represented.
- Embodiment of Evil: Bellatrix Lestrange was a notorious Death Eater, responsible for immense suffering and countless acts of Dark Magic. Her wand was an extension of her cruel nature, symbolizing death, destruction, and the very darkness Hermione fought against.
- Moral Revulsion: For Hermione, a staunch defender of good and justice, wielding Bellatrix's wand would have been a constant reminder of the evil it had wrought. This personal aversion would have made it incredibly difficult for her to embrace or rely on it, even when disguised as Bellatrix. The psychological burden of using such an object would have been immense.
During the Gringotts break-in, Hermione was under the effects of Polyjuice Potion, impersonating Bellatrix. While having Bellatrix's actual wand might have seemed a convincing prop, the fundamental issues of its disloyalty and her deep-seated revulsion meant she could not wield it effectively or present it as her own true, reliable magical instrument. The need for a fully cooperative wand, such as Harry's temporary use of Hermione's or Ron's, was paramount in such a perilous situation.
