Why were the sacrifices different? (was: A moral theory of Magic )

[ffimiles]

No: HPFGUIDX 95293

> Siriusly Snapey Susan:
> I'm sorry, Carol, but I don't get this one at all.  
James "died...to 
> protect his family" and Lily died to protect Harry.  What is the 
> difference?  Why does his not "count"?  
> 
> And I have also never understood how folks derive from canon that 
> Lily must have been wandless.  Maybe she was; maybe she wasn't.  
But 
> how exactly does that play into her sacrifice being different or 
> more important or whatever than James'?  
> 
> I know *DD* stresses that Lily died to save Harry and that *that* 
> kind of sacrifice leaves a mark....  But frankly I've never 
> understood why it wasn't his PARENTS' sacrifice which BOTH left 
that 
> mark.  Why wasn't James' sacrifice as "worthy" as Lily's?
> 
> I do think it's likely that Lily added some kind of charm or 
> protection to Harry, in case Voldy should attack him, but did she 
> KNOW in advance that she had to die?  If it was all inevitable that 
> she had to die for Harry, then why bother to hide at all?  Or am I 
> putting too much emphasis on "inevitable"?  
> 
> Anyway, this whole Godric's Hollow scene drives me batty because 
> there are so many unknowns!  Who was there, who knew, who saw, how 
> did the news get out, what did Lily do, ....  I hope JKR is writing 
> away, because I need to know these things!  ;-)
> 
> Siriusly Snapey Susan

Perhpas she did know that Harry was in danger (which raises the next 
question - did she know about the prophesy?  I don't remember DD 
saying who knew, except himself (I'm assuming Trelawney doesn't 
remember, as she didn't remember her prediction to Harry in POA).

Anyway, if Lily did know, then even if something is 
probably 'inevitable', people do do their best to try and ensure it 
doesn't happen - they couldn't just lie down and wait for LV to come 
for them, even though they knew he would, so they put in place the 
fidalius charm - and I agree that Lily did probably put some sort of 
charm on Harry because she is known for her excellent charmwork - and 
so, if the time came, she would be ready to sacrifice herself for 
Harry, if that's what it would take to ensure that her love for him 
became a protection/

James did die protecting his familhy - but so did lots of other 
wizards and, as DD said, the protection Lily gave Harry was extremely 
old magic.  Even LV hadn't thought of it, which suggests that it 
doesn't occur in most situations where a wizard/witch is killed 
defending their family, and that is what sets James' and Lily's own 
sacrifices apart - a specific charm.

Just a thought,
Ffi