Dumbledores lack of surprise

[peliroja1118]

No: HPFGUIDX 93958

Inge wrote:

<<So - until Harry tells him that Lily died to protect him, Dumbledore 
had no idea how Harry survived. He couldn't have known either -  since 
he was not at Godrics Hollow that night. What made me wonder is how quickly Dumbledore is to give Harry the answer about the 'Love Protection' Lily gave him. Wouldn't someone like Dumbledore more likely have said: "Ooooh - 
so THAT is why - THAT's how you came out of that attack alive!" But no  - he doesn't even stop to think before he tells Harry that this is the reason he survived - even though Dumbledore him self didn't know till then (according to his answer to McGonagall earlier) and probably has been wondering what on earth really happened that night at Godrics Hollow. Maybe he knew all along and just lied to Minerva.... ?>>

Sue responded:

<<DD had 11 years to stew on the reason by the time Harry asked.  He must have suspected from the beginning but he couldn't be sure.  I don't think he lied to McGonagall, I think it is more likely he gave the almost 12 year old Harry the simplest answer he could and that the real answer of Harry's survival in GH is way more complex than just his mother's sacrifice.>>

Actually, I think DD would have known from the beginning. In book 5 (US p. 836), DD explains to Harry that "I am speaking of course, of the fact that your mother died trying to save you. She gave you a lingering protection he never expected, a protection that flows in your veins to this day. I put my trust, therefore, in your mother's blood. I delivered you to her sister, her only remaining relative." So, DD knew from the night LV disappeared that Lilly was what saved Harry, since he made his decision that night with her sacrifice in 
mind. 

-peliroja