Free will and predestination

[phluxist]

No: HPFGUIDX 79234

There has been a lot of very interesting points brought up about how 
the prophecy might be interpreted and/or how it might play out. In 
contrast, there has also been some really exciting chat here about 
predestination vrs free will. As these seem to be strong themes in 
JK's writing, I believe they will grow in discordance as we discover 
new information in the last two books.

(Forgive me if someone has already offered a theory such as this)

The prophecy is real. DD believes it. The MoM obviously puts a lot 
of faith in such matters. Although the concept of fortune-telling 
sometimes may be vague at best, prophecies such as the two that 
Trelawny has *seen* are significant.

In contrast, free will is also a very significant part of the story. 
The DD/Harry interactions have focused a lot of the choices we make, 
and not the past that we inherit.

Regarding the outcome of the prophecy, I believe that in the last 
moment Harry will have to choose between revenge and compassion. He 
will have to choose between killing Voldemort to avenge his parents 
(and the rest of the wizarding community) and forgiving him. Harry 
has already choosen to forgive others in the story, and DD has 
remarked that this will turn out in his best interest.

But... then you ask, what about the prophecy? Someone is supposed to 
die at the hand of the other!

Well, I believe that to be true, just not in the way many people 
expect. I feel that Harry will choose compassion before revenge, and 
in doing so, he will *choose* to have mercy on Voldemort. And as DD 
has said before, there are worse things than death. Voldemort, not 
knowing compassion, mercy, or forgiveness.... not being able to even 
withstand possessing Harry's body becuase it contains so much 
unrequited love, cannot possibly tolerate this act of kindness. 
Voldemort will then kill himself, or at least in some way he will 
die, despite Harry *choosing* to spare him.

In this way, both free will and the prophecy will be fulfilled.

Just a thought,
Phlux