In Defence of Fawkes

[eloiseherisson at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 46306

OK, yes, I know I said I wasn't supposed to be posting, but I need to get 
this off my chest before I can concentrate!

I read another post today, which of course I've now mislaid, which referred 
to Fawkes as a traitor. This is probably very personal, but I really find it 
quite disturbing that one of my favourite historical characters and one of my 
favourite HP characters are maligned in this way.

Yes, Guy Fawkes did commit and act of treason, in the legal sense, of an act 
which is aimed at overthrowing monarch or government and Barb has talked 
about this and of how it might be interpreted.

But it seems to me that above all, Fawkes the phoenix is a symbol of 
fidelity.
Only showing Dumbledore real loyalty brings him to Harry in the Chamber of 
Secrets, as Dumbledore explains.

Whilst Guy Fawkes was a traitor against the state (a state at that point 
identified with its monarch) he too, is a symbol of fidelity. He remained 
faithful to his God and his church to the point of death. Although he did 
eventually give the names of his co-conspirators, it was not until he had 
shown incredible bravery and strength of spirit under prolongued torture 
after which he was not fit to be questioned again for a further six days. 
Specimens of his signature given before and after torture and the eyewitness 
report that he was scarcely able to mount the scaffold bear witness to what 
he endured.

So I'm not worried about Fawkes, or Dumbledore. Yes, I agree that Dumbledore 
may be - probably will be - condemned as a traitor by Fudge and the wizarding 
establishment, but I have no doubts as to his loyalty to the truth and the 
cause of right. Fawkes, I believe will continue to be a symbol of and a 
support to those who are loyal to him.

Eloise
Wondering if Fawkes holds the key to why Dumbledore trusts Snape.