Adults "failing" Harry (was: Themes in OotP)

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 120152


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "delwynmarch" 
<delwynmarch at y...> wrote:
> 
<SNIP>

 Del replies:
> I disagree. DD did not *choose* to take on those responsibilities.


Absolutely true and absolutely irrelevant.  Once Dumbledore took it 
upon himself to make these profound decisions, the responsibility for 
their outcome adhered to him.  Whether he wanted to make these 
decisions or not is of no consequence whatsoever with regard to the 
blame that he bears.


 If
> anyone let the balls drop, it was James and Sirius, when they came 
up
> with the alternate Secret-Keeper plan *without consulting or even
> informing DD*. Then James and Lily got killed, and Sirius (Harry's
> *only* legal alternate guardian) got sent to Azkaban. DD had to deal
> quickly with the messy aftermath of a situation he was in no way
> responsible for.

Once again, absolutely irrelevant.  Dumbledore made the decisions, 
Dumbledore must bear the blame for the consequences.  That may not be 
perfectly fair, it may not be perfectly reasonable, but it is utterly 
true and utterly necessary.  No one can take it upon themselves to 
make such profound decisions about another person's life without 
bearing the responsibility for the outcome of their decisions.  


> 
> Moreover, DD cannot trust anybody, because the events of Godric's
> Hollow showed clearly that he can be fooled and anybody can be a 
traitor.
> 
> Del

Once again, irrelevant to the blame that Dumbledore bears.  Those who 
bear the onus of command *cannot* avoid taking responsibility for 
what happens as a result of their decisions.  Dumbledore faces up to 
that in OOTP, and he has my respect for it.  He has a lot more facing 
up to do, however.