[HPforGrownups] Re: JKR's Theme (was OoP: The Redemption of Tom Riddle) SPOILERS

[Taryn Kimel]

No: HPFGUIDX 62571

Grey Wolf:
And Harry wasn't necesarily born with Slytherin qualities; Dumbledore's words 
imply that most of those were given to him by Voldemort through the 
failed AK. Parselmouth, for example. And it has been expressed as a 
theory that his flying abilities were also passed onto him by Voldemort 
(who as Tom Riddle might have been a star Quidditch player).

Me:
Dumbledore said powers, not personality traits. As Dumbledore said, Harry has determination, resourcefulness, and a certain disregard for the rules. Qualities that Slytherin prized. Not necessarily bad ones (the first two are certainly good qualities, and the books wouldn't happen if it wasn't for the last one, which can be useful in the correct situation). The Hat also recognizes Harry's thirst to prove himself, which sounds Slytherin to me. But it also recognizes Ravenclaw qualties--"not a bad mind, either." These qualities aren't bad things, and Slytherin qualities shouldn't be automatically marked off as evil. Dumbledore said powers, which explains Parseltongue.

And why can't he just inherit his flying skills from his father, who we KNOW was a star Quidditch player?

--Taryn

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