THEORY: The Dumbledore Connection

[opaldragonfly at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 30341


Dear MacGyverMagic--Yes, I too think that there are definite 
parallels--all through this book, with all the characters!  For 
example, the threesome of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, with the "almost 
incompetent outsider" Neville parallels James, Remus, Sirius, with 
the "almost incompetent outsider" Peter.  Snape paralleling Draco, 
etc.  
    Interestingly, and I may have posted this earlier, Grindelwald is 
named after a darkly wooded, cavern-filled locale between Germany and 
Switzerland.  Just the place to encounter a Dark Wizard!  I 
definitely agree that Dumbledore has fought the good fight for his 
genration(s) and now Harry will have to rise up to become 
the "champion" for his age.   Perhaps that is another reason 
Dumbledore wanted Harry to grow up "resourceful" and "quick thinking 
and acting," because either a conceited wizard or a "mamby-pamby" 
would not be able to deal effectively with a challenge from a 
powerful Dark Force--He'd faint like Lockhart or cave in like Quirrel.
    Perhaps that's also why Dumbledore is reticent to have 
Harry "grow up" to face this too quickly--he knows what a hardship-
laden and loss-incuring task this is going to be and doesn't wish it 
on anyone!  I keep thinking of his words to Harry at the end of Book 
IV:  
     "'I will say it again,' said Dumbledore. . . .'You have shown 
bravery beyond anything I could have expected of you tonight.  You 
have shown bravery equal to those who died fighting Voldemort at the 
height of his powers.  You have shouldered a grown wizard's burden 
and found yourself equal to it--and you have now given us all we have 
a right to expect'" (699).
      The sadness of Dumbledore acknowledging that childhood is now 
passed from Harry's life mixed with his pride of the young adult 
Harry has become is so evident in his words (I think).  Opal Dragonfly