James Is Dead And That's Why Snape (and others!) Can't Get Over It

[LadySawall at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 101157

In a message dated 06/13/2004 9:54:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Alla writes:
> I am not even asking Snape to "get over it". I am asking him to 
realise that "Harry is not James"
Well, Snape isn't the only one with that problem.  Sirius also couldn't stop 
seeing James in Harry.  I suspect that was an intentional parallel that JKR 
drew, to show us that it isn't just Snape's fixation--the boy is *eerily* like 
his father, so much so that anybody who felt strongly about James can't help 
but feel strongly about Harry as well.

For that matter, is it just a strong parental instinct and his friendship 
with Ron that causes the Weasleys to effortlessly absorb Harry into their clan, 
or are they reacting to the James in him?  What about DD's immediately taking 
to him, personally guiding and seeming to favor him--is he also remembering 
James?  Does Lucius Malfoy hate Harry on sight solely because he is a rival to 
Draco, or is he somewhat projecting his James-hate as well?

Bloodlines, halfblood, pureblood, 'Mudblood,' the numerous uncanny family 
resemblances, the inherited Life Debt, "bone of the father, unknowingly 
given"--ties of blood are extraordinarily important in JKR's universe.

Though he is very much his own man in personality and outlook, in a certain 
sense, Harry *is* James.  He carries the weight of all James' unfinished 
business.  He benefits from James' friendships and good deeds.  He also pays for 
James' sins and suffers at the hands of his enemies, all because James never got 
the chance to put those matters to rest.  All the expectations that people had 
of James, they transfer to Harry, and it isn't right, or just, or even 
particularly logical--but that's how it is.

Harry may never be free of the legacy of James Potter until he accepts that 
he has to put paid to all the things that James left hanging, and does so, for 
good or ill.

Jo Ann


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