what makes a hero?

[hermionegallo]

No: HPFGUIDX 80573

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, B Arrowsmith 
<arrowsmithbt at b...> wrote:
 
Kneasy wrote:

For heroism - a big hand for Ron! Having seen what happened to chess 
pieces that were taken, he deliberately sacrifices himself, resigned 
to injury or worse, so that his friends can go on.

By contrast, once Harry encounters Quirrell!Voldy, the whole thing 
runs 
on rails. Harry has no choices; it all has an inevitability. Retreat 
is impossible, he has no means of attack. All he can do is lie, 
prevaricate, hoping some deus ex machina will intervene. A species of 
bravery, maybe. But the action of a hero? I don't think so.

HG:

I would suggest that the word 'hero' can mean a lot of different 
things. Although the modern use of the word is looser, in the 
strictest sense, a hero is someone with outstanding qualities who is 
able defeat terrifying enemies, often WITH supernatural or divine 
help. Like Achilles, Odysseus, Perseus, Jason.

Plenty of heroes must act with their backs to the wall, so to speak, 
but they are still considered heroes. Examples that come to mind 
include the Alamo, Geronimo, various congressional medal of honor 
winners, etc.

Bravery, courage, and fortitude are virtues. 

I would also suggest that Harry's heroic act is the choice to go 
after the stone in the first place. He realizes the danger and acts 
despite seemingly overwhelming odds. 

I will also say categorically that none of this detracts from Ron's 
or Hermione's courage in accompanying him.