[HPforGrownups] Time Turners and AD's Powers

[djtarb at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 31424

In a message dated Fri, 7 Dec 2001  2:20:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, "raolin.rm" <raolin1 at hotmail.com> writes:

> --- In HPforGrownups at y..., "heathernmoore" <heathernmoore at y...> wrote:
> > This is a theory that deserves further exploration, but at the 
> moment I'm a little skeptical simply because one would think 
> Dumbledore would have time-turned a whole hit squad to the house to 
> be there when LV arrived.
> 
> 
> I don't think that would work.  It seems that the time turner can't 
> change the past.  Since Dumbledore already knew that the Potters 
> *had* died, he couldn't go back in time and prevent it.
> 
> Seems that Rowlings' time travel theory is a bit different from some 
> other sci-fi authors.
> 
> Joshua Dyal
> 

I think it's something else entirely.  To use the time-turner to change history is probably completely forbidden and carries with it an immense and awful penalty.  Dumbledore's speech to H & H about not being seen, and what is at stake, could be as much about the price they could pay *if caught* as about the two lives which will certainly be lost if they don't take action.  I'm not certain that a time-turner is generally available to anyone, including Dumbledore, and so may not have been on hand when the Potters were killed.

Also, we know that Dumbledore is the only wizard that Voldemort fears, but what is this based upon?  Is Dumbledore really powerful enough either at the time the Potters are killed or "today" at Hogwarts to fight Voldemort and win?  I suspect not...otherwise he would have sacrificed himself to confront V.  As it is, he is growing a young wizard who will have the power and bravery to face V again and again until he defeats him or is defeated.  Dumbledore's power now lies in his ability to nurture and protect Harry until he can kill Voldemort.  He is not now (and maybe never was) powerful enough to vanquish him himself.

Diane in Philly