[HPforGrownups] Tom Riddle's Origins and Where Voldemortdid his Killing

[Lissa B]

No: HPFGUIDX 57604

(snipped Kriselda's statements introducing the idea that "last
remaining" can only mean "only remaining")

Kriselda wrote:
> I understand that you're making a distinction between "only", meaning sole,
> and "last" meaning "end of a sequence" here, but because of the word
> "remaining" that distinction, in my opinion, is moot. The qualifier
> "remaining" means that something is "what is left of a given set".  To say
> that something is the "last remaining" of a thing means explicitly that no
> other thing of that kind exists any longer, though other things of that
> kind used to. Essentially, "last remaining" and "only remaining" are
> interchangeable.

Lissa replied:
Hi Kriselda.  I agree that the phrase "last remaining" as commonly used
is interchangeable with the phrase "only remaining".  Certainly
Dumbledore intends Harry to interpret his words to mean "only
remaining".  I don't, however, agree that this meaning is explicit.  I
think it's merely implicit. From a strictly literal and logical sense, I
believe the phrase can legitimately take on other meanings.  Does this
stretch the laws of language beyond all reason?  Absolutely.  Does it
break them?  In my opinion, no.

I can tell from the tone and care of your statements that you wholly
believe what you've argued here.  And I do want to let you know that
your reply made me think long and hard about whether that key phrase
truly is ambiguous.  I still believe that it is.

This is, of course, just my opinion.  And my opinion could be pure
piffle. :)

I wish I had the energy to explicate that whole scene in Ch 18 of CoS
right now. (I believe a close analysis reveals that Dumbledore is
working hard to avoid directly addressing the two primary questions on
Harry's mind.  In my opinion, the "last remaining descendant" phrase is
just a part of several carefully constructed comments designed to lead
Harry to conclude things Dumbledore never actually states.) I'll try to
do so--and give you a more complete response--when I have time later
this week.

Thanks for your input, Kriselda.  It was much appreciated even though
you clearly don't agree with me. :)

Cheers,
Lissa