Harry's Intelligence

[theo_kestrel]

No: HPFGUIDX 32568

I apologize if this has already been discussed, as I'm a relative 
newbie to this group and to this point have merely lurked in the 
shadows.

I'm curious to know what people's thoughts are on the subject of 
Harry's intelligence. Harry is often described as being eerily 
similar to his father in many ways, in regards to looks, Quidditch 
skill, and even personality traits. Being the son of his father, who 
was Head Boy in his time, and his mother, the Head Girl, I'm curious 
why his own academic achievements seem to be less than impressive 
when compared to his parents. Is he simply not as intelligent as his 
parents? Is it because of his upbringing, when he had the Dursleys to 
worry about instead of school? Why wouldn't he seek the shelter of 
books like others often do when trying to escape the harshness of 
reality? Do you seem him blossoming academically as he gets older, or 
will the weight of his eventual confrontation with Voldemort further 
put him off his studies-or will he take the opposite tack, and apply 
himself more than he has in the past to arm himself with the 
knowledge necessary for victory?  Some questions to ponder...

-kestrel