I'm not sure I agree that any of the kids are independent thinkers, at least not fully. Possibly Hermione but definitely not Harry. I will try to make a case for this in my LJ tonight - since I have committed to posting some kind of essay or something every day in November!

I don't want to diss your man
Quite all right! It's not a diss if it's all true. But when you describe him like that I do have to stop and ask myself what exactly it is that I like about him, again?