I recently rewatched all of the Harry Potter movies, and Harry, not even once, went to therapy. It’s mind-blowing. His parents were murdered in front of him, Sirius Black dead in front him, Cedric Diggory too, the list goes on. This level of death would scramble anybody’s eggs, let alone the Chosen One with the burden of the magical world on his back.
Dumbledore surely could’ve hired a Hogwarts counsellor for his head-scarred little buddy. But, no. Instead, through 18 hours of movies, I watched Harry make his own life harder at every turn. Let’s go and Sectumsempra Malfoy! Let’s go and fight Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest without the Elder Wand! Dumbass.
He could’ve learned some breathing techniques. He could’ve meditated to avoid his impulsive decision making. The proof’s in the pudding. Apparently “talking it out” isn’t an option in the Wizarding World. And this doesn’t even get into his Hero Complex. He is a certifiable only child.
Don’t forget our physical earthly environment. If Harry had gone to a Hogwarts therapist, JK Rowling could’ve written like four fewer books. She would’ve lost a fortune, but she could’ve saved some trees (a lot of trees). We could skip the angsty Goblet of Fire & Half-blood Prince years, and be off to the Deathly Hallows. Easy peasy lemon squeezey. Rowling could sprinkle in the big missed details in the remaining books for good measure.
The next natural question is who would even be qualified to be Harry’s therapist? Who could relate to him? Dumbledore? Severus? Some rando Death Eater? Harry’s sessions would be binge-worthy reality TV.
“So my parents were killed by the most evil wizard ever. Pretty much anyone important in my life ends up dead.”
“Uh, yeah so that’s a lot to unpack.”
I could see something like this in a Rowling rewrite:
"Okay, Harry, let's delve into this 'Sectumsempra' incident," Dr. Wandsworth says, scribbling notes on a parchment scroll. "What led you to think slicing curses were a good idea?"
"Well, you see, Malfoy was being a right git, and I just lost my temper," Harry replies sheepishly, fidgeting with his glasses.
"Ah, yes, the classic 'git-induced rage.' We'll work on some anger management techniques for that," Dr. Wandsworth nods knowingly.
Now, that’s something I would read all the books for. And yeah, to be clear, I haven’t read the books. Deal with it.
That’s an original take 😁👌
"Great post. 1000000000 points for Gryfindor!" -Dumbledore