Sacrifice Quotes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

He felt beleaguered and blackmailed: Did they think he did not know what they had done for him, didn't they understand that it was for precisely that reason that he wanted to go now, before they had to suffer any more on his behalf? (5.134)

Following the ambushed effort to move Harry from Privet Drive to the Burrow, during which Mad-Eye died and George lost an ear, Harry feels frustrated about the idea that other people must make sacrifices for him, and isn't sure how to deal with it. After all, he's just one person, so why should all these other people risk their lives just for him?

Quote #2

"She's not an idiot, she knows it can't happen, she's not expecting us to – to end up married, or –."

As he said it, a vivid picture formed in Harry's mind of Ginny in a white dress, marrying a tall, faceless, and unpleasant stranger. In one spiraling moment it seemed to hit him: her future was free and unencumbered, whereas his… he could see nothing but Voldemort ahead. (7.52-53)

Here, Harry starts to realize what his decision to pursue Voldemort really means; it could be the end of everything he's ever hoped for or dreamt about.

Quote #3

And tears came before he could stop them, boiling hot then instantly freezing on his face, and what was the point in wiping them off or pretending? He let them fall, his lips pressed hard together, looking down at the thick snow hiding from his eyes the place where the last of Lily and James lay, bones now surely, or dust, not knowing or caring that their living son stood so near, his heart still beating, alive because of their sacrifice and close to wishing, at this moment, that he was sleeping under the snow with them. (16.92)

Harry's reaction at his parents' gravesite is to reflect upon their sacrifice – what was the point, when it just left him alone anyway? Again, we're asked to consider the cruelty of sacrifice; somebody's always hurt, even if they're the one being saved.