The Mirror and the Heart

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 105352

SSSusan:
>> I really think it was all a set-up by DD, but for a different 
purpose than you're putting forth.  I think DD knew he was going 
to use the mirror as the final protection for the Stone, and I 
believe those 7 tasks were set up as *sort of* a protection but also 
as a testing ground for Harry--to test his character, his 
determination, and his talents & abilities.  Showing the mirror to 
Harry early allowed him to explain it to Harry; then he could test 
his mettle, to see just what Harry was made of when the stone was on 
the line.

BTW, I don't think Harry's deepest desire was to get out of there 
at that moment.  I don't think he was focusing on that *yet*.  I 
think his deepest desire was truly to STOP Q!V, and THIS is 
precisely what DD was testing in Harry. WOULD his deepest desire be 
to split, or would it be (as DD suspected & hoped) to stop Q!V and 
protect the  stone?
 
Jen: 
> That seems a little dicey on Dumbledore's part, though. If 
> there was a slip-up of any kind, he could lose the one and only 
> person who can stop Voldemort from world domination, or UK 
> domination at any rate ;). 
> 
> I'm not convinced this was all a set-up by DD, including Harry 
> finding the mirror in the first place. I think Harry found the 
> mirror because he has a penchant for wandering around Hogwarts 
> (just > like Snape--they do have something in common!) and 
> Dumbledore just didn't stop him when he found it. In fact, DD 
> didn't intercede until Harry started to show signs of 'wasting 
> away' in front of it.

SSSusan:
I guess I see it as DD keeping a close enough eye on things (from 
his mysterious, behind-the-scenes-SOMEHOW-seeing-everything 
position) that he [or his designate--McG? Snape?] would have stepped 
in if Harry got into too much trouble.  Maybe that's making DD out 
to be too omnipresent, but I like the story. :-)

Ah, I'm probably wrong, but it's still fun.

Siriusly Snapey Susan