Interesting Parallels in Harry Potter
Those who know me are aware that I am a “Harry Potter” fan and a “Baahubali” fan. I have read the books and watched the movies several times, have played at least one video game version (briefly though), and written fan fiction on them.
In Harry Potter, there seems to be a parallel between two different generations. J.K. Rowling has created so many interesting plots and parallels in the story. The parallels between characters, places, and events are often interesting and fun to read. That is what I’m going to talk about in this post.
James Potter and Harry Potter
Both of them are popular boys with jet black hair and round glasses, have loyal friends, and would go to great lengths to protect their friends and loved ones, both display quick reflexes and superb leadership abilities. Both of them fall head over heels in love with redheads (Lily Evans and Ginny Weasley, respectively). Harry looks exactly like his father except for the lightning bolt scar on Harry’s forehead. The only difference is that James used to bully weaker students until he matured. He got betrayed (leading to his death), while his son, Harry, is more careful about things and never encouraged bullying (probably the effect of Dudley and Draco bullying Harry). James bullied Severus, while his son, Harry, was bullied by Dudley Dursley and Draco Malfoy.
Sirius Black and Ronald Weasley
Both are extremely loyal friends and always prioritize their loved ones over themselves. They’d rather die protecting their friends than live while their friends suffered. They’re the heart of their friendship circle. The only difference was that Sirius was clever, a bit unstable, arrogant and immature. Ron, on the other hand, was smart in his own right, but never arrogant, and unstable. He had confidence issues and an inferiority complex and was sometimes immature. But he apologized for his mistakes. Sirius bullied Severus and almost caused Severus’ death once! Thankfully, James saved Severus’ life!
Remus Lupin and Hermione Granger
The studious, intelligent, and the more mature member of the group, both Remus and Hermione also deal with being social outcasts. However, what sets them apart is that Remus struggles to stand up for what he believes is right. While James and Sirius bullied Severus, Remus was afraid to stop his friends from doing so because he was afraid James, Sirius, and Peter might no longer be friends with him. Being a werewolf, Remus was already a social outcast. He was afraid to say anything. Hermione, on the other hand, will not hesitate to speak her mind. While Remus struggles to tell his friends off for doing something wrong, Hermione clearly tells them off if they do the same.
Peter Pettigrew and Neville Longbottom
The plump and clumsy boys who were only included in the group because of pity, Peter and Neville were always perceived as ‘weak’. The difference between the two is clear though. Peter Pettigrew is a tag-along, while Neville can stand up to his friends, and for his friends. Neville can defend his friends and doesn’t look for sympathy. Peter was part of the Marauders and bullied Severus Snape. Peter joined the ‘Order of the Phoenix’ with his friends, then changed sides and became a Death Eater, and BETRAYED his friends. James Potter and Lily Potter died, Sirius Black was imprisoned for years for a crime he did not commit, and Remus Lupin went through so much trouble, all because of Peter’s betrayal. Neville, on the other hand, joined the ‘Dumbledore’s Army’, and fought bravely alongside his friends. Neville became part of the Silver Trio (Ginny, Neville, and Luna) and was the leader of the DA during the Golden Trio’s (Harry, Ron, and Hermione) absence from Hogwarts on the mission to defeat Voldemort. Neville’s courage and loyalty were something Peter sorely lacked.
Lily Evans (Potter) and Ginny Weasley (Potter)
Lily was not part of the Marauders (James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter) but later became important to them, just like Ginny and the Golden Trio. Lily and Ginny defend their friends (Severus, in Lily’s case, and Luna and Neville in Ginny’s case) when they aren’t able to stand up for themselves. Although they fell in love with rich men, James and Harry respectively, Lily and Ginny did not marry for shallow reasons like money and fame.
James Potter and Ginny Weasley
Both of them come from prominent pureblood families (Potters and Weasleys respectively). But James Potter is rich, while the Weasleys are poor.
Both were popular sports athletes who had a major crush for years (Lily and Harry, respectively) but their crushes reciprocated their feelings not until many years later. Both were unafraid to speak their mind and hex people.
Lily Evans (Potter) and Harry Potter
Both of them were kind and helpful and never actively sought trouble. Harry has his mother’s green eyes. However, when Petunia tries to make amends like sending Lily a vase, Lily is fine with the vase breaking. She doesn’t acknowledge the effort. But when Dudley makes amends with Harry such as shaking hands with him and declaring that he doesn’t think Harry is a waste of space, Harry acknowledges it.
Petunia Evans (Dursley) and Dudley Dursley
Both of them had a sibling/cousin (Lily and Harry respectively) who was magical and attended Hogwarts and could do amazing things. Petunia and Dudley were muggles and were condemned to the mundane. Jealous of Lily, Petunia loathed Lily and James Potter and even raised Harry Potter in the cupboard under the staircase because he was magical. Being upset that your sibling or cousin or friend is more talented than you is natural, but that does not mean you carry lifelong resentment. Petunia and Vernon abused Harry throughout his childhood. They taught their son, Dudley to do the same. Dudley and his friends would bully Harry throughout their boyhood. Petunia never matured throughout the series, and like Severus, carried a childhood grudge. She vents out her frustration of her sister, Lily, on Lily’s son. Petunia’s son, Dudley, on the other hand, grew up. Dudley understood that he was being a bully to Harry. Dudley apologized and set things right between Harry and himself, something his own parents never could do. However, when Lily tries to make amends with Petunia, all she does is treat Lily and her fiancé (James) rudely. She even encourages her fiancé (Vernon) to do the same. Dudley, on the other hand, does out of his way to make amends for Harry and apologize, such as keeping a cup of tea outside Harry’s room.
Severus Snape and Luna Lovegood
Social outcasts, constantly being bullied (Severus by the Marauders, and Luna by other Hogwarts students), and being the odd one out. Severus resents being bullied and carries a childhood grudge into his adulthood. He becomes a Death Eater, contributes to Lily and James Potters’ deaths, bullies Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville throughout their Hogwarts years, and is an unpleasant character. He vents out his frustration of James Potter on James’ son. Luna, on the other hand, while resenting being bullied, does not carry grudges or hatred. She is fiercely loyal, brave, and strong, and assists Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville in their quest. Luna becomes part of the ‘Dumbledore’s Army’ and the Silver Trio.
Regulus Black and Draco Malfoy
Both were Death Eaters at sixteen and openly supported Lord Voldemort. Both of them learned their lessons the hard way, once they realized the cruelty of the Death Eaters and Voldemort. Both of them rebelled against Voldemort in their own ways. Unfortunately, Regulus Black died, while Draco Malfoy survived the fight.
Tom Marvolo Riddle, Severus Snape, and Harry Potter
“Hogwarts is my home!” Hogwarts is more than just a magical structure for them. Hogwarts is more than just a school. Hogwarts is their first home! Hogwarts is an emotion, an escape from the muggle world. Tom Riddle Junior grew up in a Muggle orphanage. Severus Snape and Harry Potter grew up in abusive households (Snape’s father and the Dursleys respectively).
Deathly Hallows
Antioch Peverell, Cadmus Peverell, and Ignotus Peverell were three brothers. They were the original owners of the three Deathly Hallows given by Death himself, The Elder Wand, The Resurrection Stone, and The Invisibility Cloak, which made the owner the Master of Death.
Antioch and Tom Riddle (Voldemort) were both after power. Antioch was the first to possess the Elder Wand. Ron felt this to be the most important Hallow.
Cadmus and Severus Snape both died for love. Antioch was the first to possess the Resurrection Stone, which can recall loved ones from the grave. Severus Snape was in love with Lily (Harry’s mother) since childhood. Harry felt this to be the most important Hallow.
Ignotus Peverell and Harry Potter both were owners of the Invisibility Cloak. Ignotus was the first to possess the Cloak. Ignotus, and later Harry, greeted Death as an old friend. Ignotus passed it down to his son, who passed it down to his descendants. That’s how Harry Potter inherited the Invisibility Cloak. Hermione felt this to be the most important Hallow.
Harry Potter is an amazing series! It’s interesting, fun to read, and complex yet simple. Thanks for reading!
