[HPforGrownups] Re: Harry and Morality

[Kelly Grosskreutz]

No: HPFGUIDX 57337

Barb wrote:
>
> It is also moral to break rules for the purpose of protecting
> someone else.  Harry, Hermione and Ron wanted to protect everyone
> from what would happen if Voldemort got his hands on the
> Philosopher's Stone.  Neville was following the rules, trying to
> keep them in the common room, but his behavior was not moral, IMO.
> It was dangerous nitpicking that could have had disastrous results.
> (I'm still not convinced Dumbledore should have rewarded him for
> this.)

Sorry for snipping a huge part of your post, but I didn't have anything to
add to it, since I more or less agree.  However, you question if Neville
should have received points for trying to stop HHR from breaking the rules
because you believe his behavior was immoral.  Look at it from Neville's
point of view, though.  Their house is already in last place because three
students, including him, were caught out of their quarters after hours.  He
had no knowledge of the Sorcerer's Stone or that someone is out to take it.
He has no idea Voldemort is making a play at resurrecting himself.  All he
knows is that he and they have gotten in trouble before for being out after
hours, and here are HHR, ready to go and do it again.  Now, he likes them
and doesn't want to see them get into trouble.  He also feels guilty about
losing Gryffindor 50 points, and is trying to save his house from losing
tons of points again, because if HHR got caught again, who'd be feeling
guilty?  Neville, for not stopping them when he knew they were going to do
something wrong again.  In his eyes, it is his responsibility to all of the
Gryffindors to attempt to stop HHR from breaking the rules again.
Therefore, from his point of view, his act *is* moral.  It would be
different if he had complete understanding of the situation as HHR do, but
he doesn't.  Dumbledore was correct in giving Neville points, because
Neville did what he believed to be the right thing, and you can be sure it
wasn't easy for him to stand up to his friends.

Kelly Grosskreutz
http://www.idcnet.com/~ivanova