Choosing sides

[arrowsmithbt]

No: HPFGUIDX 118726


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "anna_ktrn" <katarina.anna at g...> wrote:
> 
> Whyever not? What sets Harry apart from other Muggle-borns who manage just 
> fine? I see no indication anywhere that a rotten childhood in the Muggle 
> world is a prerequisite to love Hogwarts. 
> 

Kneasy:
Loving Hogwarts is not what it's about so far as Harry is concerned.
He's a one off, whether he likes it or not. He's special. He's Weapon!Harry.
Coping with Voldy and his friends is what Harry has to learn to deal
with.

> 
> Not all of Hogwarts's Muggle-born students are as socially awkward, as 
> Hermione used to be. She switched worlds because she got the letter, and 
> realized that she is a witch. What more reasons do any of the Muggle-borns 
> have?
>

Kneasy:
Quite a lot, I'd imagine.
Put yourself in the place of one of the parents of these children.
Out of the blue you're informed that your darling offspring has been
accepted for a totally unknown school that you know nothing about,
cannot visit, requires textbooks covering subjects  that folk used
to be burned at the stake for studying, offers no known qualification
and with no career structure at the end of it.
To the average Muggle, what is so wonderful about being a witch or 
a wizard? Why should they even believe that they actually exist?
If you received a letter from the Head Dolally of Piglump School of
Sourcery and Spells  would you happily pack your child's suitcase and
send them off rejoicing?
I doubt it. 
We accept it of course, but we've been let into the secret. We don't
see  a problem.
But how many parents would take chances like that where their 
children are concerned?

  
> Indeed, I've always thought that Snape set the pattern for their mutual 
> antagonism that very first day. But I don't quite see how that pertains to 
> your argument. Everybody is shaped by experiences and will ineract with 
> others accordingly. That does not eliminate the ability to chose. 
> 

Kneasy:
Indeed not. But again that wasn't my point, the ability to choose is 
largely inbuilt into almost everyone.
It's how and why we make the choices we do that is of interest.
A fair proportion of posters maintain that Harry has made his choices
because he is innately good and anti-evil. My contention is that though
this may indeed be true, it is not the rationale behind his choices so far.
He stands where he is because (largely) of where the people he likes
or dislikes stand.

As you say, he is not analytical. 
But from now on more analysis will be needed from Harry; gut reactions
will not be enough; gut reactions resulted in the death of Sirius.
He needs to consider the possible consequences of his actions from now
on. It's gonna get very fraught out there.