Dumbledore's awarding of points PS/SS

[darrin_burnett]

No: HPFGUIDX 56962

Heidi wrote:
> We know from GoF, at least, that it is traditional and expected for 
the hall to be decorated before the students enter for the feast, so 
Slytherin was only doing what was traditional in having or enjoying 
the green bunting - why did those 250ish students - some of them only 
11 - deserve to have this victory taken from them by Dumbledore's 
machinations?(I would call it a deus ex machina if I thought 
Dumbledore was godlike, but I don't)
> 
> It was a slap to the students in the house who'd worked for their 
points, and it taught them that people in power can play games with 
what they've led you to believe you've rightfully earned. 
> 
> Setting aside whether that's true, is it really a fair lesson?
> 
> 

Here is the attitude of the Slytherins, as expressed on page 179 in 
PS (UK version)

Just after Harry, Hermione and Neville lose 150 points over Norbert 
and they are hated by all, except the Slyths.

"Everywhere Harry went, people pointed and didn't trouble to lower 
their voices as they insulted him. Slytherins, on the other hand, 
clapped as he walked past them, whistling and cheering, 'Thanks 
Potter, we owe you one.'"

Hey, the way I look at it, if their main game plan was to rely on 
Potter screwing up -- or engineering it, as the case of Draco ratting 
on them -- then they shouldn't cry too loudly when Potter does 
something that earns points.

And as has been pointed out, had Harry not been actively involved in 
working to keep Voldemort from getting ahold of the device that would 
have brought him back to life, he'd have been able to play Quidditch 
and would have earned points.

Again, Dumbledore was sending the message that it is better to EARN 
points for your own house than to plot ways of making other houses 
lose points. He's also sending the message that Ron and Neville's 
courage, Hermione's cleverness and Harry's honor are worth more than 
Draco's cunning.

Darrin