Why Did Voldemort Never Use Harry as a Horcrux Intentionally?

In the Harry Potter series, particularly in The Deathly Hallows, the concept of Horcruxes is front and center. A Horcrux is an object in which a dark wizard can hide a piece of their soul to survive their own death. Yet, one of the most pressing questions among Harry Potter fans is why Voldemort never used Harry as a Horcrux intentionally. In this article, we'll explore the reasoning behind Voldemort's choices and the consequences of such actions.

The Concept of Horcruxes

First, let's understand what a Horcrux is. A Horcrux is an ancient dark magic spell that allows a dark wizard to hide a piece of their soul in an object, ensuring that even if the body is destroyed, a part of the soul remains, thereby prolonging the self's life or, in this case, the creators' in Harry Potter. The process is exceptionally dangerous, involving the murder of another living being, and the creation can turn the person who becomes the vessel into a vessel of darkness.

Voldemort's Intentions

Interested in this approach, it seems that Voldemort once considered making Harry a Horcrux. However, this was not through deliberate intention. Instead, the title of Horcrux was inadvertently bestowed upon Harry through an accident. In The Deathly Hallows, it is revealed that Harry absorbed a shard of Voldemort's soul, thus becoming a Horcrux, albeit unintentionally. This fact raises the question of why Voldemort never intentionally attempted to make Harry a Horcrux, despite having the means and the opportunity.

Reasons Against Using Harry as a Horcrux

1. **Waste of Power

Voldemort, being extremely powerful and cunning, understood the immense power and control that Horcruxes provided. By creating a Horcrux, even accidentally, Voldemort wasted a portion of his soul, which diminished his personal power. It is mentioned in the series that having a Horcrux means that a part of the creator's soul is bound to the object, making the creator's remaining soul more vulnerable to attack.

2. **Risk to Horror

Creating a Horcrux involves the betrayal and murder of another living being. Voldemort was meticulous and pragmatic. He sought control and power without unnecessary complications. Utilizing Harry, who was already an effective adversary and enemy, as a Horcrux would not align with the careful planning and the idea of maximum control that defined Voldemort's actions. Moreover, as Harry was not a willing participant, the act would have made Harry more dangerous and unpredictable due to the fragment of Voldemort's own soul residing within him.

3. **Access to Harry

Harry, now a Horcrux, would not be completely under Voldemort's control. This would present a significant challenge, as the fragment of Voldemort's soul within Harry would enable Harry to have moments of insight and awareness that could pose a threat to Voldemort. The potential for Harry to challenge and subvert Voldemort's plans would be amplified by this unexpected connection.

Accidental Horcrux and the Final Battle

Accident or not, the creation of Harry as a Horcrux played a pivotal role in the series. Through this, Harry became more than just a target, he became a vessel of darkness, a fragment of Voldemort's soul that could be used against him. This led to a significant shift in their relationship, turning Harry and Voldemort into souls that were inextricably linked. The discovery of this fact added a sense of tragedy and irony to the events of the final book, as both characters were bound together by something neither wanted.

Conclusion: The Resilience of Harry

While Voldemort could have used Harry as a Horcrux to secure his own survival, he did not do so intentionally due to the high risks and potential benefits that would outweigh the risks. However, it is worth noting that this accidental Horcrux status proved to be critical in the final battle. It not only made Voldemort's ultimate defeat possible but also ensured that the fight was personal and intense, reflecting the deep and complex relationship between the two characters.