Neville vs. Harry re: the Prophecy

[beezusquimby]

No: HPFGUIDX 72189

First in order to accept that the prophecy is true - we must accept 
that some facts are outside the realm of choice. Choice determines 
who we are, but not everything that happens. 

Thus my theory, Voldemort did not "choose" Harry. The prophecy only 
says that Voldemort would "mark" him as his equal, not that he would 
make him his equal. Voldemort provides the verification of what is 
already true. This because given the place of choice in the books, 
otherwise Voldemort would have had the power to ensure that no one 
could ever defeat him - simply by not battling personally anymore. 
Regardless, of the fact that V did not hear that part - redemption 
must always be at least possible.

There must be some instance of fate and not choice because otherwise 
no prophecy would be possible.

This is not to knock Neville - OOtP makes it quite clear that 
Neville's abilities are only just beginning to show - but if Neville 
is the One it makes no sense to write the series from Harry's 
perspective. 

I lent my book to my nephew (being only 8 he is a little slower of a 
reader than me), but I remember Dumbledore saying something to Harry 
about how he <i>had</i> thought that Neville (because Neville is a 
pureblood) was the one - but the scar made him realize that Harry 
was. That is the twist - the good guys were wrong because they took 
Voldemorts pureblood theories too seriously. They failed to recognize 
what Voldemort surely would have - blood purity says nothing about a 
wizard's power. Much like purebred dogs, it may only make them weaker.

As to the end of the prophecy, I want Harry to live - I feel it is a 
better statement (especially in children's literature) to give love 
the power to vanquish evil without going down too. Harry represents 
in himself the ultimate power of love to save, it would not be 
necessary for him to die - he will have had 18 years of sacrifice to 
earn this victory. However - the idea that Harry dies defeating 
Voldemort holds some sway in light of the theme of the repetition - 
Lily sacrifices herself for Harry, that he can sacrifice himself for 
the world and also in JKR's adamant statements that there will only 
be seven books. If Harry is gone too - there can only be those seven, 
no wiggle room.

Hope this was an acceptable first post - I do look to improve.
k