Harry is accurately dubbed the “Chosen One” by the Daily Prophet, as it is Harry Potter’s unfortunate responsibility to destroy the evil Lord Voldemort, according to a prophecy made by Professor Trelawney and brought to Lord Voldemort by Severus Snape. Although Harry has never shied away from his destiny, bravely and repeatedly attempting to thwart Voldemort, he is nonetheless frustrated by his inability to have a normal school life. Harry is not a perfect wizard and certainly not the strongest student at Hogwarts. Often, Hermione has to help both Ron and Harry with their class assignments, and neither casts perfect spells. Instead, Harry’s strength lies in his conviction, his loyalty, and his ability to ask for help. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, readers see Harry slowly maturing into a young man, as evidenced by his romantic relationship with Ginny Weasley and his increasingly loyal connection to Dumbledore.

As strong as Harry may be, he still suffers greatly from the unspeakable horrors of his past. Both of his parents were murdered by Voldemort, and those closest to him often feel the fire of his birthright. Consequently, Harry is frightened by the thought of becoming close to anyone or anything else. His loving parents James and Lily, his godfather Sirius Black, and his hero Dumbledore have all died while trying to protect him. Ultimately, Harry realizes he must sacrifice his newfound love for Ginny Weasley to prevent her from ending up like his other loves.