[HPforGrownups]Sirius quite capable was: Re: Dumbledore, Leader of Men (and Women) (was: Chapter Discussions: Chapter 4)

[nymphadoraotonks at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 84063

In a message dated 11/3/2003 8:45:57 PM Eastern Standard Time, jwcpgh at yahoo.com writes:

> I don't know where you get the idea that Sirius is incapable of 
> working with other people.  Canon doesn't support it-he works just 
> fine with everyone else in the Order except Snape.  Molly's 
> parenting experience isn't relevant-she shouldn't be the one making 
> the decision.  Do the wishes of Harry's parents count for 
> nothing?

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Just because canon has not revealed that Sirius has any experince with children does not mean that it is fact. James and Lily, from what I take from the books, were fairly level headed. Albeit, James and Sirius's bond was formed very young; however, I highly doubt that either James or Lily would have chosen Sirius to be Harry's Godfather were he not completely capable of the job. At the time of Sirius's appointment to the post of Godfather, it would appear that Lily and James knew their lives were in danager. They thrice thwarted Voldy. I would assume, as Harry has managed to do this four times, that it took a period of time for this to happen.

For a long time, there has been a lot of Sirius bashing here and in other forums and discussions of the book. I realise that it may seem as though Sirius may not have been up to the task of caring for Harry given his situation, but I stand firm in the thought that James and Lily would NOT have asked him to be such an important role in Baby Harry's life when the *knew* their time may be short were it not that Sirius was quite capable of the job.

I think people are looking at Sirius from the 'now perspective' versus the 'then'. Sirius had not seen Harry since the night Lily and James died.   He had not seen Harry blossom from a baby to a young man. He was obviously shocked by Harry's likeness to his father, not only in looks, but in all areas. People seem to forget that Sirius, although sometimes his actions imperfect, had been taken from Harry's life when he, too, was still young-- at least in Wizard terms- at that same time, he had also lost his best mate and most trusted friend. So, Sirius returning to see Harry, a vision of young James, may have clouded his judgements a little.

Yet, I have no doubt that Sirius had a great love and affection for Harry that would have been ample grounds for Harry to have had a suitable home. Whenever Harry needed anything after Sirius's escape from Azkaban, Sirius risked life and limb to provide for Harry. Was he rash in his judgements? Sometimes, perhaps, but it was love that drove Sirius to do these things. 

I think, taking a step back from the story and placing Sirius and Harry in a 'real life' situation similar, that it is plain Sirius would have made a wonderful gaurdian for Harry... even if they were more friends than adult child. Let us not forget that Harry has never really had a parental figure- except, I would say Dumbledore. No one has ever shown him the unconditional love at all times as Sirius has. Many children would be lucky for that.

-Tonks, who will always love Sirius and think he is golden