His confidence might grow a great deal. Without the Dursleys constantly putting him down, he would start to believe in himself more. He'd be more willing to take risks and show his true abilities.
He may develop a stronger sense of self - worth. Having been treated poorly by the Dursleys, once he's away from them, he realizes he has value. He starts to stand up for himself more and not let others push him around. He also becomes more empathetic towards those who have had a difficult upbringing like him, and might even try to help them.
He could develop a stronger sense of self - preservation. Since he is in an environment where he is not fully accepted, he has to learn to protect himself, both physically from Dudley's bullying and emotionally from the Dursleys' neglect. So he might become more guarded and less trusting at first.
In some fanfictions, Harry could be found by a group of powerful but secretive wizards. They would train him in advanced magic that Hogwarts doesn't teach. This would make him stronger and more independent, and he would no longer have to endure the abuse from the Dursleys.
He might become more independent. Without the support of Gryffindor, he has to rely solely on himself. So he becomes more self - reliant and his decision - making skills improve.
Severus might start off as just fulfilling a sense of duty. He has always been a complex character. But as he saves Harry from the Dursleys, he begins to see Harry in a new light. He realizes that Harry is not just James Potter's son but an individual with his own struggles. This could lead to him becoming more empathetic towards Harry, gradually shedding some of his cold exterior.
Harry may also become more empathetic. Since he has been rejected, he understands the pain of being unwanted. This could lead him to be more understanding towards others who are in difficult situations. He might start to form closer bonds with his friends who support him, and these relationships help him grow into a more caring and mature person.
In the fan fiction, Severus could start to develop a sense of responsibility towards Harry. At first, he may have saved Harry out of a sense of duty to Lily Potter, but as time goes on, he realizes that Harry has his own worth. This could make him more open to forming a bond with Harry, which is a huge change for his character who has been so closed - off for so long. He may also start to question some of his long - held beliefs about the Gryffindors, especially as he sees Harry's courage in the face of his difficult upbringing at the Dursleys.
Harry's character development in such fanfictions is complex. At first, he may be full of self - pity and anger about his paraplegic state. But as the story progresses, he starts to see the value in his new life. He begins to focus on what he can still do, like using his magic in different ways. He also becomes more empathetic towards others who are struggling, as he has gone through his own tough time. Through his experiences, he grows into a more well - rounded and wise character. He may also develop new relationships that help shape him further, like making friends with other disabled wizards who teach him different ways of looking at his situation.
Harry might become more reserved and cautious at first. Growing up with Snape, who is not as openly affectionate as others, would make him more self - reliant. He'd also likely become more skilled in magic quicker, as Snape is a very talented wizard.
The abuse by the Dursleys in these fanfictions is a major factor in Harry's character development. It initially makes him angry and withdrawn. However, as he grows, this anger becomes a fuel for his courage. He becomes more empathetic towards others who have suffered because of his own experiences. Also, his time with the Dursleys makes him value the friendships he forms at Hogwarts even more, as they are a contrast to the loveless environment at the Dursleys'. Overall, the abuse shapes him into a complex and strong - willed character.
His character could also develop in terms of loyalty. At first, he might be rescuing Harry for some self - serving reasons, like to gain favor with Dumbledore or to stop a threat to the wizarding world that he discovers is related to the Dursleys. But as he spends time with Harry, he could develop a genuine loyalty towards the boy, which is a big shift from his previous animosity.