[was: Snape as DADA substitute) Dumbledore's awarding of points PS/SS

[Laura]

No: HPFGUIDX 56938

I (Laura) said:

<snip snip snip> Even if Harry, Ron, and Hermione deserved the points 
he gave them in PS/SS, the way Dumbledore handed them out was 
completely *tactless* in my humble opinion.  And I adore Dumbledore, 
so it's hard for me to say so.  The first time I read it, I was so 
excited and happy that Harry and the Gryffindors beat the big, bad 
Slytherins and got to rub it in their faces.  But the more I read and 
the more immersed I became in the HP world, I began to resent that 
move.  Everytime I read that scene, I cringe with the way Dumbledore 
handles it.  Dumbledore is opened-minded, but everyone has their 
faults.
<snip some more stuff>

Cathy responded:
> > >
My thought on this is that Dumbledore really knew the truth about 
Norbert the dragon and Harry & Hermione's efforts to help Hagrid (who 
else could have returned Harry's Invisibility Cloak to his dorm after 
being left on top of the Astronomy tower?).  McGonagall had taken 
away 50 points each when she caught Harry, Hermione, and then Neville 
out at night (while only taking 20 from Draco).  Dumbledore awarding 
Harry, Hermione and Ron 50 points each to Gryffindor for their 
efforts to try and save the Stone was no more out of line than 
McGonagall was in taking them away for being out of bed.  Neville did 
show bravery in trying to keep them from leaving the common room, but 
by awarding him 10 points it also helped to redeem him from the 150 
he helped to loose on that fateful night.  I'm not really sure why 
you would think that the manner he handed them out was completely 
tactless.  In the hospital room, he told Harry that what had happened 
was a complete secret, so of course the entire school knew.  I really 
don't think it was a surprise to the rest of the school (except maybe 
Slytherin) when he handed out the points as he did.
> > >

Now me (Laura) again:
I agree with you, especially about Dumbledore knowing about the 
dragon.  But I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing.  The 
points were justified, but I think the way that Dumbledore handed 
them out was pretty rude.  Think about it- you're a Slytherin, you've 
won the House Cup for 6,7,8 years running (forgive me, I don't 
remember).  Here you are at the leaving feast, your house colors are 
hanging around the Great Hall, and you feel great.  Suddnely 
Dumbledore comes in and says, "ah yes, I have some last minute points 
to hand out." And awards points to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.  In 
fact, he gives them *just* enough to tie with you.  Then he pulls, 
seemingly out of nowhere, an example of Neville standing up to his 
friends and awards him points for it.  You've lost the Cup and the 
green and silver decorations on the walls have suddenly turned red 
and gold.  *I'd* be pretty mad.

I love Neville, and I think it's great that he got points and 
all...and it was a great boost of self-esteem for him.  But I think 
the way that Dumbledore shot down the Slytherins just when they 
thought they had won was pretty tactless.

Just my humble opinion, of course.  But that's my story and I'm 
stickin to it. ;-)

-Laura