Duel Harry (WAS: Harry Wasn't Going to *Really* Kill Sirius)

[erisedstraeh2002]

No: HPFGUIDX 42974

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "grey_wolf_c" <greywolf1 at j...> wrote:
 
> I have to point out, Phyllis, that Harry used Expelliarmus because 
> it's the *only* duel spell he knows. He does *not* know how to cast 
> an AK: check what Crouch!Moody tells them in the unforgivables 
> class that they haven't enough power to cast an AK, but that even 
> if they had it would be beside the point because he was *not* going 
> to teach them how to cast it. 

now me:

OK, Grey Wolf, I'll give you that.  But, even if Harry didn't know 
how to throw an AK, he certainly *does* know plenty of other spells 
that would be more damaging to Voldemort than "Expelliarmus" (such 
as "Impedimenta" or "Stupefy").  And, in a life threatening 
situation, with his adrenaline going, who's to say he couldn't pull 
off an AK?  He's able to produce a patronus which is "highly advanced 
magic" that even experienced wizards have trouble with (I know what 
you're going to say - Lupin taught him how to do it, OK, OK, I give 
up...).

Grey Wolf continues his assault on my post <grin>:

> Voldemort is not a stupid evil overlord, but a careful planner: he 
> gives a wand to Harry because Harry's more powerful *without* a 
> wand 

Me again:

Here I *really* disagree with you, based on an interview in which JKR 
said that you can do unfocused magic without a wand, but to do 
focused magic you need a wand.  I just can't see how *unfocused* 
magic can be more powerful than *focused* magic.

Grey Wolf again:

> I do think that Harry *is* going to kill Voldemort. Of course, I'm 
> giving it 50/50 to the possibility that Harry dies in the 
> process 

Me again:

I think Voldemort will be vanquished in Book 7, and I think Harry 
will bring it about, but I'm not convinced that Harry will become a 
murderer in Book 7.  I'm also extremely hopeful that Harry does not 
die in the process, but can accept it if it happens (but please don't 
kill him Jo, please!).

~Phyllis