Harry Potter's Growth in a Loving Muggle Family

Imagine a version of Harry Potter where he was not abused by his cruel relatives but instead grew up with loving muggle relatives. Would this change his destiny? In this scenario, the horrors of Godric's Hollow still occur, but the manner in which Harry is shaped by his early experiences differs significantly.

Relatable Everyman vs. Abuse Victim

Harry Potter, as a character, was not primarily defined by his abuse. The challenge lies in the duality he presents: an "everyman" and an "abuse victim." These two roles are difficult to harmonize, especially in terms of his formative experiences and behavior.

The Everyman Protagonist

The "everyman" protagonist is a valuable tool in science fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy. An everyman is relatable because they are like the average person, unfamiliar with the world and circumstances. This means they must adapt and learn as we, the audience, do. In the opening chapters of Sorcerer's Stone, Harry is introduced as this everyday person discovering the magical world alongside the reader.

Relatability and Abuse

For a character to be relatable, their experiences must echo those of the reader. While abuse impacts many people, Harry’s abuse at the Dursleys’ hands in the books was portrayed as cartoonishly cruel. Scenes of Harry being isolated in the cupboard or being shown gifts meant for his cousin Dudley reflect this. Statements about physical abuse, though not explicitly detailed, suggest that Harry experienced more than mere neglect.

The deep-seated abuse Harry allegedly suffered should have left him with lasting emotional scars, like fear, erratic behavior, and self-blame. However, Harry is portrayed as a well-adjusted, motivated, and kind-hearted eleven-year-old. He does not exhibit typical signs of abuse, and his behavior is more in line with a healthy, if orphaned, child. The loneliness and vulnerability he feels can be attributed to his sense of isolation, rather than trauma.

The Lonely Everyman

While Harry’s isolation is a significant factor, it is the central conflict of being pursued by Voldemort that truly shapes his character. His loneliness and vulnerability are driven more by his manifest destiny and the immense pressures surrounding him, rather than any abuse. The antipathy of the Dursleys did affect Harry's strong impulse to seek a new family, primarily through his longing for his parents in Sorcerer's Stone and his desire for a father figure in Prisoner of Azkaban and beyond.

Alternative Scenario

Let’s explore how Harry might grow if he had loving muggle relatives. In this scenario, Harry’s interactions with his family and the world would be vastly different. His initial experiences would be filled with support and guidance, not neglect or cruelty.

Early Validation and Support

As a result of being raised in a loving environment, Harry’s character would be more grounded in emotional security. He would not struggle with the same fears and insecurities as he did with the Dursleys. Instead, he would be a normal, curious, and enthusiastic eleven-year-old child, ready to embrace his new magical world with excitement and wonder.

With a family that loves and supports him, Harry would be more likely to develop healthy relationships and emotional intelligence. He would not view the Dursleys’ treatment as a prediction of his future interactions with the magical world. Instead, he would approach his experiences with the magical community with a sense of optimism and a desire to learn and grow.

Improved Handling of Adversity

The absence of abuse in his upbringing would also impact how Harry deals with adversity. In the canon, Harry’s resilience is partly a result of surviving an attack and a desire to prove himself. However, in this scenario, Harry’s emotional steadiness would come from a place of love and trust. His determination to fight against Voldemort would stem from a deep sense of loyalty and a desire to protect those who have cared for him.

Harry would still face challenges, but his response would be marked by a sense of conviction and strength. He would not be driven by the fear and trauma that the Dursleys’ cruelty instilled in him. Instead, his actions would be guided by a profound sense of justice and a desire to create a better world for everyone.

Conclusion

The crucible of abuse was a defining factor for Harry Potter, but it did not completely shape his character. In a scenario with loving muggle relatives, Harry’s growth would have been more balanced and grounded in emotional security. This would have produced a more relatable, resilient, and fulfilled character, one who could face the challenges of the magical world with a sense of purpose and optimism.