[HPforGrownups] Why did Harry get such a liking of Sirius to start with ?

[Maoso, Carl]

No: HPFGUIDX 74625

Aesha:
>     I posted a similar thing to the list a few weeks ago. I 
> agree with you 100%- I don't understand why Harry felt so 
> close and obligated to Sirius, and in fact, it makes me 
> uncomfortable. I don't understand why Harry would be so 
> instantly attatched to him- I just don't buy that it's that 
> he was his parent's best friend.
> 
> 

I think Rowling really meant for Harry to be closer to Sirius than the other
characters like Molly, Arthur, Albus, and Remus. If we don't base it solely
on the "written" feelings in the book, it becomes somewhat clearer. The
stories about his father and Sirius's friendship (almost like brothers),
though second-hand, are enough to make him feel closer to Sirius,
considering that Harry has no other likable living relatives. And, here in
the Philippines, aside from witnessing a child's Christening, godparents are
also expected to help in rearing the child in matters of faith and morals
(aside from being expected to give gifts on special occasions :-)), and in
fact obliged to adopt the child in case of the death of parents. I'm
guessing that godparents in the Wizarding world have the same role. Sirius
obviously have taken that role eversince after book three.

As to the "instant attachment", I don't buy it as well. I don't think
Rowling intended such "instant" relationship. But I suppose it is plausible,
considering that Harry has no one else. If I put myself in Harry's shoes,
I'll definitely go to my godparents for help rather than my favorite
teacher, or my best friend's parents. It all comes down to the godparent's
role in the Wizarding world, I think.

-- Carl S. Mañoso 
 "I'm not young enough to know everything." [JM Barrie]