Dumbledore's Challenges

[Brandgwen G.]

No: HPFGUIDX 5702

Jim Flanagan wrote:
>>The adversity of growing up with the Dursleys might be just the
kind of upbringing that Voldemort's chief rival needs to have. Maybe 
Harry must "see" Vernon Dursley in Voldemort in order to kill him. A 
kind and gentle Harry might falter at the last moment.  Living in an 
abusive home might also foster patterns of thought and behavior
(e.g., deviousness and "a certain disregard for rules") that will be
critical for defeating Voldemort. Would Ron, George, Fred, or Percy, 
coming from a warm and loving home, have the "stuff" to overcome 
Voldemort?  I doubt it.

Dave Hardenbrook wrote:
> I'd accept this, except that I think it is a near-miracle that the 
abuse Harry got from the Dursleys didn't make him turn out like V.

I think it's a miracle that he didn't go to Hogwarts, find a very 
small hole and crawl into it for the rest of the semester.  This is a 
kid who's never known kindness in his life (save for Mrs Figg, the 
lady with the cats).  However, he has the courage to go up to a 
complete stranger and her 5 children and ask for directions on how to 
reach a platform no one else can see.

I've heard a theory that the fact he survived those 10 years had 
something to do with his Mother's protection.  I think it equally 
likely that it has something to do with this all being fictional. 
You can't have a good guy without the bad guy and Vernon really does 
fit the bill.

Gwen.