The Mirror and the Heart

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 105359

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.

 <snip><<<
 
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 ;).
> ><snip>
 
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. :-)
> <snip>
 
Neri:
> I tend to side with Jen on this. Here is what DD had to say about 
> it in OotP (Ch. 37):
> -------------------------------------------------
>     'And then . . . well, you will remember the events of your 
> first year at Hogwarts quite as clearly as I do. You rose 
> magnificently to the challenge that faced you and sooner — much 
> sooner — than I had anticipated, you found yourself face to face 
> with Voldemort. 
> ------------------------------------------------
> 
> So unless you believe DD liesoutright, he didn't plan for Harry's 
> confrontation with Voldy in SS/PS. Could he plan the only 
> mirror/stone part without knowing about LV? I guess he could, if 
> he thought Quirrell is trying to get the stone for himself, but 
> personally I don't think so.
 

SSSusan:
Aw, shucks.  Two of my favorite posters don't like my theory.  It's 
no wonder I don't do much theorizing. ;-)

Actually, Neri, I had considered that speech of DD's.  I think DD 
may have known something was up w/ QUIRRELL wanting to get the stone 
(for himself or for Voldy), but NOT that Voldy was attached, right 
there, to his head.  I think that part *did* surprise him.  But I 
think it's possible that he knew Quirrell was after the stone.

As an aside, is it possible that Snape shared his suspicions of 
Quirrell with DD, or do you think Severus kept that to himself?  If 
the latter, why is that?

Siriusly Snapey Susan