Adolescence, autonomy and Harry Potter: the child as decision-maker

Like all babies, Harry Potter was born vulnerable. Like most babies, he was cared for and loved by those closest to him. When Harry was still an infant, however, the most horrible thing imaginable happened. His parents were killed by Voldemort; in turn, the evil wizard turned his murderous wrath on baby Harry. But Harry was too strong for Voldemort. Without realising it, he destroyed Voldemort’s powers and survived with only a jagged scar on his forehead. Harry Potter may have been vulnerable. But he was also capable of directing the history of the entire wizard world.