Dumbledore's gleam(long)

[ladjables at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 30751

This is going to be a convoluted, incoherent post.
I'm surprised so many people think Dumbledore's gleam of triumph is a 
sign that he's evil.  I know JKR says there are hints throughout the 
books of things to come, but I don't think she has ever tipped off 
Harry as to who the bad guy is.

Let me explain.  Harry is undoubtedly clever but he's still learning 
how to trust and who to trust.  After the Dursleys you'd think anyone 
who was nasty to you was evil.  But Snape isn't, and Sirius wasn't 
planning to murder him after all.  On the other hand, people who seem 
harmless, interesting or even supportive are often the bad guys-
Quirrel, Tom Riddle and Crouch-as-Moody come to mind.

In each of these situations, the villain usually says, "yep harry, it 
was me, I'm the bad guy".  They never slip up or leave clues for 
Harry.  We don't ever see Crouch forgetting to take his polyjuice 
potion or Quirrel missing his turban, and the turban just seems 
comical.   JKR wouldn't have such a wonderful climax if Harry ever 
figured out the truth in advance, so misdirection is key.

My point (and I do have one) is that someone as brilliant as 
Dumbledore, if he were evil, would never let the mask slip.  He is as 
unfathomable as they come.  How could lesser wizards like Crouch and 
Quirrel hoodwink Harry but not Dumbledore?  Dumbledore had reasons 
for letting Harry see that gleam of triumph that disappears so 
quickly.  It's great that we can ponder its meaning but if Harry saw 
it too, I don't think Dumbledore is evil.  It's not JKR's style to 
let the hero in on the secret.  I know this theory has more holes 
than Swiss cheese, so please point them out to me.
Ladjables