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

[mad_maxime]

No: HPFGUIDX 95386

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "arrowsmithbt"
<arrowsmithbt at b...>  Kneasy wrote:
> As for the 'charm' - it doesn't appear to have been planned or
> intended. In the graveyard scene Voldy says the protection was
> placed "unwittingly" so the idea that Lily was in the back room
> casting spells to protect Harry while James faced Voldy doesn't hold
> water. In which case Lily died not knowing that Harry was protected
> and not knowing that Harry would survive. So just what did she think
> she was doing? Hiding?

Max responds:

I have to disagree. If the only proof that Lily didn't actively
conjure the spell is that Voldemort says so, it is no proof at all,
imo. I have no problem believing that Voldemort would either
misrepresent the situation to get more gloating power, or not have a
clear understanding of what actually happened in the first place (he
is ignorant about these types of matters, after all - there is
probably much he doesn't understand).

The evidence that she did actively conjure or place the protective
spell is more solid, imo. First of all, she didn't try to run when
James was holding Voldemort off (she wouldn't be stupid enough to
think they could just hide). And more importantly, if all one needs to
do to conjure this very powerful, ancient counter-charm is to
sacrifice oneself for a loved one, than Harry would *definitely* not
be the first person ever to survive the AK curse.

I hold that there is much more to learn about this ancient magic and
Lily's possible role in it.

Max