According to the Mirror of Erised, Harry’s deepest desire was to be with his parents. Harry’s family should have been a place of security, but instead was a place of abuse and trauma. Even as a young adult, his attachments were shaped by his early childhood experiences. Before Hogwarts, Harry didn’t have anyone he could rely on or confide in. Harry’s yearning for a parent manifests in an affinity for older male role model figures in his life.
The first contact Harry had with anyone from the wizarding world was when Hagrid rescued him from the Dursleys. From Harry’s first interaction with this gentle giant, Hagrid made it clear that he will protect Harry and not let harm come to him in front of him. Hagrid is one of the most patient and sympathetic wizards that guided Harry through the wizarding world. He is kind with an extra soft-spot for animals and children. He is driven by his emotions and values. Harry takes after these traits, but Hagrid’s traits sometimes lead to his downfall. He can at times be too sensitive. He will not be objective or responsible if his emotions get in the way. Harry has a lot of pressure on him as the Boy Who Lived and who is expected to defeat Voldemort.

A mentor of Harry’s who can serve as an example of great success and ambition is the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbeldore. Dumbeledor is in a role of authority. He is in charge of big decisions in the wizarding world, ministry of magic and hogwarts. He has been watching over Harry since his parents were murdered. Dumbledore serves as a distant yet protective mentor. He lets Harry make mistakes and learn from his lessons but will not let grave danger come to him. When Dumbledore dies in the Half-Blood Prince, it feels like the safety net is gone. Dumbeldore is the only Wizard who Voldemort feared. Nothing is left to ensure the safety of Hogwarts nor any non-pure blood. This marks the turning point in the series where nothing and nobody is safe. 

Sirius Black, Harry’s Godfather, is a role model that entered later in Harry’s life. Sirius has a very close relationship with Harry’s father, James Potter and is the closest thing to his parents that Harry has left. Being his godfather, it begs questions of what Harry’s life would be like if Sirius was never framed and kept in azkabar. Was Sirius Harry’s last chance at a loving family. If he was that is sad because he was murdered shortly after coming back to Harrys life. Sirius Black comes from a very hateful and bigoted family which ultimately leads to his downfall. He tried hard to escape the darkness of his family but did not have enough of a support system to get him through. 

In the Half-Blood Prince Harry spends time with Mr. Weasley, Ron’s dad, who serves as another one of his role models. The Weasley family is one of the last pure-blood families but they have good morals. The father of the family, Mr. Weasley loves muggles and is regarded as a blood traitor. Mr. Weasley protects and provides for all seven of his children. The only times Harry interacts with him is when he visits Ron at home. Mr. Weasley is a great father and role model but he is preoccupied with his own children. Regardless, he welcomes Harry into his home even though it means putting himself and family in more danger. His home and presence represents an emotional and physical safe haven.  

Harry’s trauma response causes him to have an avoidant attachment style. Harry is hyper independent and wants to solve all his problems on his own. He does not ask for help and tries to be a hero. Even though he is one of the most famous people in the wizarding world, if he gets into a fight with Ron or Hermione he withdraws and sulks by himself. It is hard for Harry to let his guard down and be vulnerable. In the epilogue of the series Harry is seen with his family and his first born child, Albus Severus Potter. This provides insight into which relationships he values the most, Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. It so happens that these figures are people he was close to when they were violently murdered during the Wizarding Wars. He was still a child when these deaths happened and it really traumatized him. Harry cannot cope with these extreme losses and resorts to putting them on a pedestal to honor their impact.