...HRH friendship - SS/PS the obstacle course was meant for HRH

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 105784

SSSusan:
> I think that DD didn't realize Voldy himself was so near and 
didn't 
> count on the events unfolding on the one night when he was away 
from 
> Hogwarts.  But I also think he counted **very heavily** on his 
final 
> protection--the Mirror--because it was set up such that one whose 
> motives weren't pure, one who wanted to use the SS for selfish 
> purposes, would NEVER be able to get it because the mirror 
wouldn't 
> allow it.  It was brilliant!  And should Harry just *happen* to 
get 
> there, DD knew Harry'd become familiarized with the mirror and, if 
> his motives were pure [as they were, which I believe thrilled DD 
to 
> learn], then he WOULD be able to get it.  

Jen: OK Susan, I'm getting more and more convinced that you're right 
about this issue ;). I wasn't convinved Sat., but you and Vivian put 
forth some very compelling evidence. 

I have just one teeny, tiny problem with it though: If Dumbledore 
did believe Harry would try to go down the trapdoor, and DD helped 
him prepare for it, I see a glaring inconsistency in the 
characterization of Dumbledore.

Dumbledore can prepare Harry for a possibly life-threatening 
situation, but he can't look at him in OOTP? He can send him off to 
fight trolls and murderous chess pieces, but keeps Harry in the dark 
throughout much of OOTP, for his *safety*? 

Which is it Dumbledore, are you a hands-off "people learn by 
experience" kind of guy, or a dispassionate micromanager?

I don't know. It's one of those areas where you can really tell the 
difference in JKR's writing-style from PS to OOTP. I suppose it's 
just a plot thing, Harry is maturing so the POV is maturing, but 
that doesn't satisfy me. 

The only way I can resolve this for myself is to believe Dumbledore 
expected to be nearby to help Harry, if he got in over his head. But 
it still bothers me :).

Disgruntled!Jen