Snape's logic puzzle/ why solvable barriers?

[blue_and_bronze17]

No: HPFGUIDX 41455


Dicentra writes: 
> I'd like to propose a theory that builds on all that's been said and
> then goes one step further: The spells were breakable by first-year
> students because Dumbledore MEANT for Harry to face Voldemort.

Okay, I see that you worked hard on your theory and I think it is a 
very good one, but I have a thought as to why three first year 
students were able to break through the challenges when no grown 
wizard was supposed to: There were THREE first year students.  Think 
about it: 

1. They get past Fluffy using Hagrid's information and the flute that 
Harry recieved for Christmas (from Hagrid, incidentally).

2.Harry and Ron land in the Devil's Snare.  Hermione has to tell them 
what it is and what she remembered from Herbology about it. Ron and 
Harry tell her to use that info and she does, being (from what I can 
tell) the only one of the three who could reach a wand.

3. The key for the door in the next room is spotted by Harry (who has 
a knack for spotting things that most people don't, by virtue of his 
experience as a Seeker).  He then involves the other two in a plan to 
corner the key enabling him to catch it.

4. The giant chess game was all Ron.  It is even mentioned by Ron 
that neither Harry or Hermione are that good at chess.  Ron is the 
one who directs the pieces, saving Harry and Hermione on a few moves, 
and sees how he has to sacrifice himself to win the game.

5. The potion puzzle is Hermione's thing.  After reading the puzzle, 
Harry has no idea how to beat this challenge, and Hermione even says 
that most powerful wizards would be trapped in that particular 
chamber.  She solves the riddle, which takes Harry to the Mirror of 
Erised.

6. Harry knows how the Mirror works, and is the only one who has the 
means to defeat Voldemort (the fact that Quirrel can't touch Harry 
because of the fact that Voldemort is on the back of Quirrel's head 
works quite well at this point.)

My idea is that the challenges were designed under the impression 
that there would only be one person trying to break through to the 
Stone.  But both times, there were at least two working together 
(Voldemort would obviously help Quirrel because Quirrel is the one 
who can physically take Voldemort to the Stone.)

I do support the theory that Dumbledore wanted Harry to have the 
chance to fight Voldemort.  Harry has every right to prove that he is 
not simply famous because of his mother's protection.  He can show 
that he can fight Voldemort, even though he doesn't want to (but 
that's another subject entirely.

I do want to make sure that I didn't offend anyone, especially 
Dicentra, because I took another route on the "How could three first-
years get to the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone?" question.

blue_and_bronze17