I appreciate and like this article very much. However, I recognize in retrospect that certain aspects of Harry’s journey are, perhaps realistically, determined by factors he did not earn. Voldemort was not the product of a loving marriage, was not raised by relatives who hated but felt some sort of obligation to him. Harry found those meaningful friendships at a school that already had staff members prepared to take a personal interest and mentor him. He inherited his parents’ money.

Harry was a heroic soul. But his journey also offers a sort of Cinderella story of witch fulfillment. His importance, his value, was established by others.

Abuse survivors do have some choice in our life outcomes but it’s easier to develop loving connections when you have powerful mentors dedicated to teaching you how to be a good person, and loving parents who taught you how to love.