Dumbledore's OLD CROWD

[bboy_mn]

No: HPFGUIDX 42767

I'm starting a new thread on this subject because my comments aren't
necessarily directly related to anyone's specific posts.

I think we might be asking the wrong question. In a sense, we have
been asking 'who' are the old crowd. Maybe we should be asking 'what'
are the old crowd. 

That's probably a subtle distinction that exists only in my addled mind.

We seem to be trying to decide who is and who isn't a member of 'the
old crowd', but maybe we should first decide what the old crowd is.

By that I mean, are these all of Dumbledore old and personal friends?
Are these specifically all the 'soliders' who fought along side him in
the previous Voldemort war? Are these people part of some long term
social group that Dumbledore is involved in?

My personal take is that he is referring to, gathering together all
the people who worked with him (Dumbledore) during the previous
Voldemort war. These are the most experience and knowledgable people
when it comes to Voldemort, and also, people who have over a period of
many years proven their loyalty and ability.

As far as asking Molly if he can count on her and Aurther, I think
people are reading too much into that. First, the rest of the people
in the room are all young and single, while Molly is older, married,
and has a lot of personal responsibilities being the mother of 7 kids.
Plus Arthur works for the Ministry of Magic, asking him to help given
the conversation that just took place, is asking him to actively work
against his boss and the head of the wizard's government.

I think the subtext of what Dumbledore says is really, 'Molly, I know
I can count on you, but if you feel you need to keep a low profile on
this one, I'll understand'. I think Dumbledore has absolute faith in
the loyalty and support of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, especially when you
consider how close they have become to Harry. The real question is how
overtly or covertly are the Weasley's willing to work with Dumbledore.
 Afterall, Dumbledore is in essences asking Arthur to go back to the
Ministry and rally support AGAINST the Minister of Magic.

Just some thoughts on the subject.

bboy_mn