Dumbledore's Philosophy (WAS: MAGIC DISHWASHER: Spying Game Philosophy

[gamer5255]

No: HPFGUIDX 81205

<Uber-snip here>
Jen:
> How can Dumbledore buy into this prophecy, a form of 
> predestination, when he clearly states in GOF, "it matters 
> not what someone is born, but what they grow to be!" 


The wording of the prophecy doesn't actually dictate fate. It says 
Harry has the *ability* to vanquish Voldemort, not that he'll do it
('The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as 
the seventh month dies'). He can, but he's not predestined to. So I 
see no contradiction, but maybe a tactical thought in Dumbledore's 
actions - that because Harry by no means is guaranteed to actually 
kill Voldemort, Dumbledore tried to prevent him from doing so before 
he could. If, at 11, Harry knew he could kill Voldemort, he might've 
run off half-cocked to do so. So maybe Dumbledore's holding back the 
secret has more to do with Harry's self-restraint developement than 
any sentimentality. It's a thought, no?

Potter-gamer