One of the pivotal moments that changed how I viewed morality came from Harry Potter, surprisingly. Through most of the movies I viewed Dumbledore as almost a father-like figure to Harry. He’d put Harry in questionable situations leaving Harry and fans assuming he was always looking out for Harry’s best interest. However, in the last few books and movies it became apparent that the tasks he was putting him through put him in the direct path of danger and ultimately, Harry’s death. At least, that’s what he had anticipated happening.

Harry was a sacrifice for the greater good of the wizarding world. All of Dumbledore’s decisions were based on morality centered around the greater good rather than the individual. Harry trusted him, and knowing all the abuse and betrayal Harry had already endured at the hands of authority figures, Dumbledore still choose to use him for his own purpose instead of keeping him out of danger. Dumbledore’s moral ambiguity became the most apparent when the audience found out he would’ve never helped Snape (who Harry actively distrusted and saw as cruel) protect Harry and his parents unless there was something in it for him. Snape however, loved Harry’s mom Lily unconditionally even though she married and had a baby with his school bully. He risked his life and confronted Dumbledore about his treatment of Harry because he was shocked at the nonchalant attitude Dumbledore had towards using Harry as a sacrifice. While Snape’s love and care towards Harry and his mother wasn’t how people typically view love, he genuinely looked out for Harry’s wellbeing. He just carried pettiness and a cold attitude outwardly even though inwards the love was always there.

No one would label Dumbledore as the villian or say Snape was the perfect role model. Both characters played a crucial role in Harry’s development and understanding of what it means to be a good person. As children, we are naive to the complexity of maintaining a moral compass and have a hard time understanding that people aren’t all good or evil. Character and morality are not black and white. All of us, even the ones society views as the most pure or most evil, wear a shade of gray carrying both dark and light.