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

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 95312

"ffimiles" wrote:
> > 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.
 
Kneasy: 
> Something tells me that DD isn't telling the whole story about this 
> event.  He says that Lily protected Harry using 'Old Magic', magic 
> so old that even Voldy  admits that he had forgotten about it.
> 
> So where would Lily learn magic like that?
> Only from one person - Dumbledore.
> 
> Once again DD seems to know what's going to happen and how to 
> counter it or use it to advance his 'plan'.
> 
> I've theorised often that DD knew and accepted *in advance* of 
> Godrics Hollow that James and Lily *had* to die for Harry to become 
> Voldy's!Bane. The Prophecy can be interpreted so that it foretells 
> their deaths. Whether that is an accurate reading is arguable, but 
> the fact remains: No death, no protection. No protection, there is 
> no person to "become his equal." Voldy kills him then or later and 
> gets ever closer to the winning line.

Siriusly Snapey Susan:
Thanks, Kneasy, Ffi & Max, for answering the questions I raised.  
Your comments all help it to make more sense.  STILL, I'm just a wee 
little annoyed that James' death gets such short shrift!  So Lily 
*thought* [or was instructed, per Kneasy's comments] to apply the 
ancient magic that would save Harry.  That's true sacrifice!  STILL, 
James chose to die saving Lily & Harry, as well.  Just because he 
didn't apply the ancient magic which ended up saving Harry, he still 
sacrificed himself for the hope of saving their lives.  Seems he--and 
all those other wizards who did likewise for their families--should 
get a little more "credit".  

Oh, how I hate to dredge up the idea of sexism here, but it reads to 
me kind of like the stereotypes "Men are used to sacrificing 
themselves in war" and "A mother's love is supreme" are being 
evaluated to say that one is greater than the other.  Y'all know I 
love JKR and these books, but this is how the emphasis on these two 
deaths feels *to me*.  Maybe JKR will reveal things about Godric's 
Hollow which will clear this all up for me in 6 or 7, but for now I 
dislike that Lily's sacrifice is painted as so much greater than 
James'.  [Please be gentle if you disagree; this is an emotional 
reaction on my part, not a rational argument of anything.]

Siriusly Snapey Susan