It isn't murder ...

[dcyasser]

No: HPFGUIDX 82179

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Richard" <darkmatter30 at y...> 
wrote:
> Richard here ...
> 
> I'm getting a bit tired of all the talk of murder, round here, at 
> least to the extent that so many seem to have decided that Harry 
must be a murderer if he kills Voldemort.  Well, even if Harry is 
worried about becoming a murderer, I'm not all that concerned that 
he will be one at all.  

<snip>

So, given the range of legal and ethical options for the killing of 
another person, and the fact that Voldemort is still actively 
plotting the demise of Harry, I have a hard time seeing the final 
event ending up as murder if it is Voldemort who is dead, regardless 
of Harry's condition after that event.

> Richard, who is tired of misplaced and misused legal and ethical 
> terminology



Richard
While I agree with your assertation that Harry killing Voldemort 
really wouldn't be murder, and I'm sure someone will explain this 
thoroughly to Harry, we are left with "murder or be murdered" as 
Harry's thoughts via canon. Murder is the term JKR is using, the 
thought of being a murderer is what has has Harry so appalled he 
can't bring himself to discuss it with Ron and Hermione 
"He was not ready to see their expressions when he told them that he 
must be either murderer or victim, there was no other way..."
(US hardcover p.849)

I admit that when I read that, I thought all the same things you 
stated, and I think I yelled them at the book.  But until (or unless)
Harry gets that through his head, he's going to think of it as 
murder, and as it's Harry's story to tell, that's what's going to 
stand. 

(I'm also real suspicious of her planting "there was no other way")

cheers
dc