Harry Potter's Fate: Immortal or Mortal?

In the overwhelmingly rich and intricate narrative of the Harry Potter series, the question of Harry Potter’s eventual fate has long intrigued fans. While the series concludes with Harry’s triumphant defeat of Voldemort, leaving many to speculate about his ultimate destiny, there’s a prevailing theory suggesting that Harry may be immortal. This article delves into the reasoning behind this theory and presents evidence from the wizarding world that challenges it.

Harry's Surprising Survival

After being struck by the Killing Curse, Harry finds himself in a liminal space, where he meets Dumbledore. In this momentary existence, he is given the choice to return to life. Despite the terrifying ordeal, Harry chooses to live, ultimately surviving the battle against Voldemort. The spell backfires, killing Voldemort, and leaving Harry to carry on and fulfill his destiny as the savior of the wizarding world.

Is Harry Immortal?

One of the theories circulating among fans is that Harry is indeed immortal because of the prophecy: “And either must die at the hand of the other.” Some argue that since Voldemort is now dead, no one else can kill Harry. This theory suggests that Harry must die, but if he already lives, it implies he will live forever. However, this interpretation is rife with complexities and may not stand up to scrutiny when examined closely.

The Elder Wand and Final Battle

The climax of the series sees Harry, the true master of the Elder Wand, defeat Voldemort in their final battle. The trio heads back to Dumbledore’s office where, in a symbolic gesture, Harry lays the Elder Wand to rest. The series’ epilogue reveals that for 19 years, Harry’s scar has not caused him pain. This endurance is not a guarantee of immortality but rather a testament to his resilience and the lesser extent of magic in his body due to the accidental embedding of Voldemort's soul fragment.

The Peverell Brothers: Dark Reflections

The comparison between Harry, Voldemort, and Snape with the Peverell brothers, the creators of the Deathly Hallows, adds another layer to the speculation about Harry’s ultimate fate. Like the oldest brother Antioch, who died pursuing power, and Cadmus, who died for his lost love, Snape, Harry is portrayed as a character who, like Ignotus, must greet death like an old friend after having lived a fulfilling life.

Harry's Life After Hogwarts

Throughout the extended universe, including films and supplemental literature, Harry continues to be alive. In the series, Harry is portrayed as still actively participating in the wizarding world, 37 years post-Voldemort's defeat, and he holds a prominent position as the head of the British Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This living presence is a clear indication that he has not succumbed to any form of death. Moreover, the fact that Voldemort killed only a piece of his own soul, which he had accidentally implanted in Harry, further dismantles theories about Harry being immortal. Harry could have chosen to die at that moment but did not.

Conclusion

So, in conclusion, while there is a prevailing theory suggesting Harry Potter is immortal, his survival in the world after Voldemort's defeat, his continued presence in the wizarding world, and the lack of any indication of his death all challenge this theory. Harry indeed lives on, proving that he is the 'boy who lived' rather than the 'boy who died.'