Leviosa

This paper will explore the heteronormative aspects of both primary and secondary canon, exploring the marginalisation of queer identity within the Potterverse. The paper will queer the canon and discuss some of the influential applications of queer critical theory to the Harry Potter series. It will examine how Harry’s journey through the books might have influenced Rowling’s decision to close the series with the Epilogue, in order to give Harry’s quest for family a resolution. Finally, the essay will consider the extent to which transformative works reclaim the canon to give a voice to queer characters, together with questioning how far transformative works break down (or reinforce) heteronormative and/or homonormative constructs.