Master of Two Worlds for the Series

Thus far in the series, Harry has not truly achieved mastery. He has achieved competence, and several critical skills have been honed by (Dumbledorian) design or by circumstance. He has some indication of the schism between the worlds as he has been separated from his friends by knowledge of the prophecy. Mastery will be realized in the culmination of Harry's adulthood and in fulfillment of the prophecy. Presumably, this understanding and reconciliation of the Wizarding World and the Muggle World will be achieved in the final installment of the series.

In each book, however, Harry receives an explanation from Dumbledore regarding the current adventure that moves his understanding forward.

Trial 1 – The Meaning of the Mirror
(Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)

Harry obtained practical knowledge from the Mirror of Erised - Harry encountered great difficulty in separating from the Mirror - but that mirror reflected not the stuff of life, but the deepest desires of the viewer. Harry also learned that the love of his mother extended beyond the doors of death - she died that he might live.

Harry begins to grasp his identity and the realization that he is different from others. He learns of a protection that his mother gave him and the probability that this protected him not only in the dungeons, but in the original attack when he was a baby. The demystification and self-understanding of Harry Potter begins.

Trial 2 – The Tom Riddle Connection
(Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)

This episode marks Harry's first resurrection from death. Harry attains secret knowledge of the Chamber of Secrets, Voldemorts identity, and knowledge that he is a true Gryffindor, capable of calling forth the sword of Godric Gryffindor by virtue of the ancient Sorting Hat. He has overcome death and is capable of defending the life of the innocent for the sake of a pure love.

Trial 3 – The Saving of Innocents
(Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)

Harry learns his father’s identity by association with his three friends. He learns ultimately of his parents betrayal, yet will not permit the destruction of the traitor - Harry sees in Peter ultimate redemption for Sirius as verifiable TRUTH. Harry also learns secrets of time travel with Hermione his teacher.