The Second Voldemort War, Stage II

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 90946

Neri:" LV has something that no general in history (even history of 
magic) ever had: A direct channel to the mind of his key opponent. 
And this key opponent seems (for LV at least) to be very young and 
fragile, a most tempting target. So I think this war is going to get 
*very* personal, almost a duel between LV and Harry, and it will be 
literally a battle of minds."

True, and I didn't consider it.  There are analogies to this 
situation in terms of intelligence – highly placed moles, for 
example – but not to LV's ability to attack Harry through their link.

It's still true that preserving Harry is an absolute necessity, so 
protecting his mind is a major part of that.  Dumbledore is likely to 
have more success in teaching Harry Occlumency; Harry made progress 
even under Snape.  Now Harry is under less stress, under a better 
teacher, so we have to hope it works.

Your question about the Dursleys exposes a weakness in Harry's 
defense: was it wise to send him home not knowing Occulmency?  He 
absolutely was, as you say, touched at the Dursleys, so there's every 
reason to believe it could happen again.  It probably will.  Will 
this be the occasion a Dursley discovers unknown talent? My money's 
on Petunia.

Neri:" Can Harry access and use LV's powers through the scar channel? 
(a favorite pet theory of mine, see #89999)"

In most ways Harry already does access LV's powers; he got many of 
them from LV when he was attacked.  You could say your hypothesis has 
been true all along.

Neri:" Can Harry steal information from LV's mind, and how would he 
know if 
it is genuine or a ruse?"

It's a risk not worth taking, IMO, for Harry's sake.  OTOH, the 
information would be useful in two ways: first, it would be useful if 
information could be developed to corroborate it; and second, even 
knowing what kind of disinformation LV was trying to put out could be 
useful.  Would Harry fall for it if LV tried another Sirius ruse, 
showing him Ron or Hermione being tortured?  It would be difficult 
for Harry not to, even after falling for it once.  Therefore 
protecting them is another strategic necessity, just as protecting 
the President's family is.  If Harry's closest friends were destroyed 
or tortured,  an emotionally stricken Harry would be even more 
vulnerable to LV's psychic attacks.  That's why I believe that kind 
of attack is still likely (sheer hatred and evil is another reason).

Your points have extra significance because keeping LV on the run 
won't keep him from launching attacks along the scar channel.  It may 
be one of the few weapons he has left.

Clearly you're thinking in strategic terms as well. Thanks for the 
reply.

Jim Ferer