Dumbledore the General.

[David & Laura]

No: HPFGUIDX 124220


David: snipping to last paragraphs.
 
> Eggplant:
> Dumbledore's record in these matters just can not compare with 
> Harry's and Harry is only 15.
> 
> Tonks:
> The only thing Harry has going for him is his ability to ask for
> and accept help. On his own the only time that he was able to 
> fight LV was the possession scene. And this only because of the 
> Love that was in Harry.  This Love which is in Harry's very blood
> is what saves him from total possession by LV. And that probably
> came from Lily. 


David: 

Tonks, I have to disagree on this last point. I would argue that 
Harry didn't even fight LV in the possession scene in the OOTP. His 
natural defense or power just took over.

There are two instances where I think Harry did surprisingly and 
successfully fight LV, both in the GOF graveyard scene. 

1.When LV attempted to force him to say 'no' with the Imperius 
curse. Harry resisted the curse, shocking the DE's. It was probably 
the first time someone threw off an LV imperio.

2. When their wands joined, Harry was able to force the curse 
junction back into LV's wand with the force of his will alone.

I don't know what Harry's power is (force of will, strength of mind, 
sickeningly sweet love), but he has definitely bested LV with it a 
couple of times. 

(I threw the sickeningly sweet love bit in just to get the blood 
pressure of a few members up...just kidding y'all).

Egg, I have to disagree that DD stinks as a general, and Harry would 
be better.

We really don't know who was winning the first war. We know the MOM 
and Order had killed or captured many of LV's followers. The books 
really don't give many facts to draw a conclusion.

As to present day, I would argue things have gone fairly well. Harry 
is alive. The WW is alerted to LV's presence. A number of DE's have 
been captured or exposed. We can debate how vital DD's role to these 
successes. But my observation as to the best military leaders is not 
just how well they plan, but also how well they react to the 
inevitable surprises. Thus, so far I give DD good marks. I really 
don't see anyone else leading the good guys against LV.

Having said that, I have a bad feeling DD's going to sacrifice 
himself for Harry or the cause. His sacrifice will somehow 
strenghten Harry even further. I just like the old coot so much, I 
hate to see him go.

David