OOP: Harry, Dudley, and forgiveness

[jenny_ravenclaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 62982

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Ersatz Harry" 
<ersatzharry at y...> wrote:

> No one yet seems to have commented on the emotions driving Harry's 
rescue of Dudley.  Much though Harry would have reason to be glad of 
Dudley's being soul-sucked, he tries to prevent it.  Is this because 
Harry couldn't stand to see *anyone* Kissed, because it is was his 
now-instinctive desire to drive the Dementors away, or because he has 
some yet-undiscussed ability to forgive Dudley for all the torment 
over the years?>  

Harry certainly wouldn't want to stand around and watch someone 
suffer at the hands of the Dementors - that's not his style.  Aside 
from this "saving thing" Harry has, he is also not someone who wishes 
serious harm on others simply because they were mean to him.  That is 
one of the things I adore about Harry.  There have certainly been 
people I've encountered who were truly awful to me or to ones I care 
about, but I'd never wish harm on them.  I just want nothing to do 
with them, which is how I imagine Harry feels.  At some point, Harry 
even mentions that he likes the Dursleys best when they're asleep.  
It's a peaceful image.

Does he forgive Dudley?  I think Harry is aware of the fact that 
Dudley's parents have been quite encouraging in the Be Mean to Harry 
Department.  In SS, Uncle Vernon encourages Dudley to hit Harry with 
his Smeltings stick, which is a terrible thing to teach your son.  
Harry also knows in OoP that Dudley is not so crazy about his parents 
either, as he'd rather spend time with his friends beating up 
neighborhood kids.  Dudley has had a habit of manipulating his 
parents, something he uses to his advantage from SS through OoP.  In 
a strange way, Harry and Dudley have something in common: the Dursley 
home is not their favorite place to be.  There might not be 
forgiveness as much as the beginning of an understanding between them.

--jenny from ravenclaw, who loved when Harry ran after Dudley 
calling "Hey Big D!" ********************************************