[HPforGrownups] Re: James gave his life, why no protection from him?

[Iggy McSnurd]

No: HPFGUIDX 106559

> Becki's thought;
>
> Perhaps it goes to the saying that there is no stronger love than a
> mother has for her child.

Iggy here:

I dunno... I've always had a problem with that statement... especially since
becoming a father.  Love a father shows may come across differently than
that a mother shows, but I don't feel that it's any less than a mothers by
so much as a single mote.  Society teaches us that fathers are supposed to
show love in the "paternal" form, and mothers show it in the "maernal" form.
The paternal form of love is often expressed in providing for, caring for,
and protecting.  The maternal form is often depicted as nurturing, feeding,
and soothing.  While they may take separate paths, I do not see how a
mother's love is greater than a father's.  (And yes, some may argue that it
is because a baby resides within its mother's body for nine months... but
that is a matter of biology, and not emotion.  There are many instances in
the animal kingdom where a baby is abandoned to fend on its own by the
mother without a second thought... and other instances where the father is
the one that cares for the eggs and the infants... penguins and seahorses
come most readily to mind there.)

>
> James was definatly defending his family but perhaps, in his heart,
> he had additional thoughts, trying to defeat LV, as well as trying
> to protect his family.  Perhaps the very thought in Lily's mind at
> the exact time she died was ONLY to protect Harry, so at that very
> minute, she transfered that protection.
>
> Becki (a Mom who would die for her children in a heartbeat).
>

Iggy here:

I dunno... If I was in James's shoes in the same situation, the only thought
on my mind would be in protecting my family, my child in particular... but
yes, beating Voldemort would be an aspect, but that's the how, not the what.

Although, if we get down to it, BOTH could have given Harry his protection.
Lilly sacrificed herself with the thought of protecting Harry with her life
and wanting him to live a long and safe life.  James sacrificed himself to
protect his son with the knowledge that he'd have to defeat Voldemort to do
it.

Lilly's sacrifice was powerful, and longer lasting... Not only aiding him in
resisting the AK, but in helping to protect him until he could help to
protect himself.  (Which runs right through up until the end of GoF... since
from the end of GoF, and the beginning of OOtP, Harry has learned a LOT
about how to protect and defend himself, even against LV.)  Lilly died
wanting to protect Harry and wanting him to live a long life.

James's sacrrifice was just as powerful, but much more immediate and intense
because it was a short lived one.  His sacrifice was the other half of
helping Harry resist the AK, but the entire power that allowed the AK to
rebound back on LV.  James died wanting to protect Harry, and defeat LV to
do so.

To me, not only is this viable, (and recognizing of a father's love for his
child as well...) but it would also explain why Harry has only been told
about his mother's protection.... because it's the only one that has come
into play since that first, fateful night.  His father's protection has
faded LONG before he comes under danger from LV again.


Just my two centaur's worth.

Iggy McSnurd