Of identities and truth

[c_voth312]

No: HPFGUIDX 38930

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Robin Walker <rgwalker_27 at y...> wrote:
> 
> Amanda Geist wrote:
> 
> Like many others on the list, I am intrigued by this
> theory, and found myself wondering what it means that
> in COS the trio transform themselves, via Polyjuice
> Potion, to get into the Slytherin common room and
> ferret out the Heir of Slytherin.  They assume others'
> identities, for however short a period.  Admittedly,
> they do this to stop evil, and so their intentions are
> good.  But, taking Amanda's point to heart, they did
> assume other identities.

And then you have Sirius, who spends most of PoA and large chunks of 
GoF in canine form.  This isn't wholly an affectation of the villians.
 
> Now, I know that Amanda's question was limited to
> "people associated with Voldemort."  But what about
> the people trying to stop Voldemort?  Do they have to
> wander away from their true selves in order to match
> him -- to fight fire with fire?  Writ large, does the
> pursuit of evil necessarily involve becoming evil (or
> at least, doing things that evil people might do)? 
> Or, enlarging even that last question: is there good
> or evil in each of us, ready to be used when we
> want/need it?
> 

I think it all comes back to the overall theme that "sin doth lie in 
the intent."  It's not so much the actions themselves, but their 
motivation and their effect that make the difference.

PS--I'm new here, so please forgive any faux pas or toe-treading I 
may exhibit in the next few days/posts.  Look forward to chatting 
with you all!

~Christi