Great or lucky? (was Very good discussion question)

[Barry Hill]

No: HPFGUIDX 32340

Hi,


Saturday, December 29, 2001, 5:29:44 AM, marybear82 wrote:

m> the boy (p652). As a result of surviving that attack, Harry is labeled
m> a great wizard
m> To what extent would you say that Harry is not so much 'great' as
m> lucky?

I'll accept that as written ... haven't got the books to hand. What
sprang to my mind when you mentioned Greatness is that Hermione calls
him a "Great Wizard" in PS/SS (where Harry goes on alone from the
chess board), but then: how's she to know?  I, too, am waiting for
Harry to demonstrate some  powerful magic, on par with other "Great
Wizards" e.g. Dumbledore... 

I think though, that his greatness is in his bravery (although Ron and
Hermione are not lacking in that area, either ... the Sorting Hat
put them all in Gryffindor which is for the brave).

IMHO in PS/SS Harry defeats V by "magic" and not "greatness": touching
V/Quirr. which makes V/Quirr. disintegrate. What an easy way out!!

When I first saw that scene (I hadn't read the books then), I was
expecting a high-noon showdown - perhaps a struggle of minds or magic
(young Harry would have stood a chance against weakened V). 


Regards,

Timerider