Greetings and Dumbledore Question

[ProfSnapeFan at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 37082

First off, hello to everyone.  I joined a couple weeks ago and have been 
lurking getting the flavor of the group.  I must say it is extremely 
refreshing to "listen" to intelligent discussion about the HP books and 
characters as opposed to other groups I've lurked in for awhile before 
unsubscribing.

Anyway enough of an introduction I suppose, and my apologies if the following 
topic has already been addressed.  One thing has always perplexed me about 
the books, and that is Dumbledore seems to know things that are going to 
happen, and lets Harry face them either alone, or perhaps with Ron & 
Hermione.  I'm thinking right now of the basilisk in the hidden chamber.   
Surely Dumbledore knew it was there, could he have not destroyed it himself?  
 And giving him the invisibility cloak, and telling him about the Mirror of 
erised.  There are other things as well, it just boils down to being 
confusing that Dumbledore can let Harry endure so many life threatening 
occurences with an apparent knowledge of at least part of them.  Do you guys 
think Dumbledore is really the "all-knowing" type, knowing not only what 
Harry will face but also that he will be victorious, perhaps letting him 
build up his power and confidence for an ultimate battle with Voldemort?  Or 
could he really be as surprised as everyone else is when the events happen?

Well what a long first post huh?  <g>

Joy


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