As a child, Harry Potter was my big hero, but today I see it very differently!

As the title character, Harry Potter is an integral part of the franchise of the same name. The story of Harry, Hermione and Ron offers so many other versatile and talented characters that are unfortunately far too often overlooked. I think the story would have ended well without him and that it takes more than courage and tenacity to be a good leader. As a child I probably wouldn’t have agreed with that, but now as an adult I think differently. I’m thinking in particular of two characters that I would rather see as key figures than Harry today.

I was one of those kids who devoured JK Rowling’s books and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next one. After seeing the first Harry Potter film starring Daniel Radcliffe in the cinema, I was blown away – and it wasn’t just because of my strange obsession with Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), whose face later graced the walls of my childhood bedroom.

Rather, it was the story of this shy boy who was destined for greater things, who was allowed to leave a world in which he had experienced much suffering to immerse himself in a different, fantastic reality. A reality where there were magical beings and witches and wizards. Harry was one of the good guys, that was clear to me. I really wanted him to make it!

And he has that too. But not alone. Without his best friends Ron and Hermione (played by Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in the films) he probably wouldn’t have accomplished even half of what he set out to do. Of course, you can hardly expect that from one person. But As I grew up, there were more and more things that bothered me about Harry – and I find myself asking myself more and more: Who do I want as the hero or heroine of the story instead?

Is Harry too self-centered?

Now, twenty years later, when I listen to audio books or watch films on the S-Bahn in a relaxed atmosphere with friends, my former hero seems completely different to me. Of course, this could be because I’ve lost my childish perspective, but even with a little indulgence, Harry isn’t the hero I’d like to have in the story. The Harry I meet today is self-centered, unyielding and vengeful. Most of his successes are based on luck or the help of others – and the gratitude he shows to his followers is quite manageable…

He generally has compassion, but not when it comes to a Slytherin. Not only that, every time something bad happens, he randomly blames someone in the Slytherin house. Even after Harry learns how rude Lucius Malfoy can be or how much Snape has suffered from Harry’s father’s teasing, his perspective doesn’t change: nor does he shy away from the fact that the hatred he receives from Draco and Snape can only be reciprocated with hatred. nor does he doubt the cause of their aversion.

When Hermione campaigns for the rights of house elves in the book, Harry only laughs at her plan or reacts with irritation. And this despite the fact that Dobby was always a loyal friend who helped him out of many difficult situations. Although he sees what a sad existence most house elves have to lead.

And what the hell was he thinking when he defended himself against Draco with an unknown curse that almost resulted in the death of his arch-enemy? It’s almost like he’s having trouble controlling his anger. And almost always everything revolves around him.

An underrated heroine

What I do appreciate Harry for, however, is his friendship with Luna (Evanna Lynch). At least in the film he is never judgmental or negative towards her. He doesn’t pay much attention to the chatter surrounding her and he takes the time it takes to really get to know her. Because there’s a lot to like about her if you look closely.

Luna is loyal, smart and understanding. And as a Ravenclaw, she loves learning new things and seeing the world from different perspectives. She reacts mildly and quickly even to minor pests. She is one of those characters who has a very strong will of her own from an early age and is not afraid to say the wrong thing. She is always 100 percent herself, but her non-conformity in no way leads her to judge others – on the contrary. Luna communicates her thoughts clearly and treats every living being with the same respect and compassion.

The fact that an immortal soul as shy as Helena Ravenclaw confides in her clearly proves that Luna is someone you can trust. Or consider the moment when she talks to Harry about grief and loss after Sirius is murdered at the Ministry of Magic. She tells her personal story at a time when Harry really needs to hear it. And even when she is taken hostage by Bellatrix Lestrange, she does not lose her head and shows nerves of steel. Her courage, intelligence and foresight would make her an excellent heroine!

The (almost) chosen one

The situation is similar to another underestimated and often overlooked figure. Neville Longbottom (played by Matthew Lewis) is a good example of how to approach the world without prejudice despite a tragic past. Of course, he didn’t grow up with an aunt and uncle who constantly bullied him, but his grandmother, at least in the books, is not very tolerant of him and is sometimes a rather unpleasant companion.

His parents, in turn, have been driven mad by Death Eaters and must therefore live in an asylum forever. When he visits them, it would be understandable if Marcel would take revenge on those who did this to them. But it’s almost like he’s smart enough not to give in to that impulse and instead focus on what he can control, which is his life and his future. When it comes to Draco Malfoy’s constant harassment, there is also a comparison with Harry. Because Neville is also a popular target of Draco’s wrath. And yet he does not develop blind hatred.

And what a development he makes in the course of history! From a young, nervous first year who tries to stop Harry Potter from sneaking around Hogwarts, he becomes a hero who destroys one of Lord Voldemort’s most valuable Horcruxes during the Battle of Hogwarts. Let’s also not forget how bravely he acts when he goes straight to Voldemort to tell him where his loyalties lie, even though he thinks Harry is dead.

Of course, Neville is a little forgetful here and there. But to be honest, I’d definitely rather be stupid than have unreflective hatred and impulsive aggression. His way of reflecting on himself and always developing outside his comfort zone makes him a real leader for me.

So if I had the chance to add new heroes to the story, it would probably be Luna and Neville. And as I sit here and think about their adventures together, I become curious. Maybe I’ll get lucky and come across a corresponding fanfiction in the depths of the internet!