[HPforGrownups] Olive Branch (was Re: Dumbledore the Counselor )

[Charme]

No: HPFGUIDX 124465


From: "lupinlore"


<snip>

Nevertheless, I think it's time for all of us to admit that none of us
are going to change our positions.  For those of us who see blatant
child abuse in the case of Harry and the Dursleys, and who feel that
Dumbledore must be held accountable for that, no argument or quotation
will budge us.  It's just that simple.  We aren't going to back down
because we feel it's too important and the case is far too clear, and
furthermore has been verified by JKR herself.

For those who see it another way, even though I am frankly mystified
to the point of disbelief at how you come by your opinions, I suspect
the same is true.  Nothing we say or quote will budge you.

<snip>

Charme:

What an unusually worded "olive branch."  :)   I rather get the sense I'm 
being asked to close my eyes and grab the branch, only to find that I've got 
the thorny end of a rose instead. Before outright flaming Howlers come in 
response to my post, let me say this and be very clear: I am not emotionally 
invested in either side of the argument one way or the other. I'm more 
intrigued by what "weight" I should give the abuse factor when interpreting 
the books for my own edification and enjoyment.

This "furthermore has been verified by JKR herself" in relation to your 
perception that DD must be held accountable for it is not exactly canon or 
JKR interview material, is it?  The Dateline quote appears only to have 
mentioned a reference to the abuse received from the Dursleys indirectly by 
Dudley with your proper interpretation that Harry has been included in the 
"abuse," albeit in a different form. What's stiking though is this is the 
only quote I see used where she actually includes the word "abuse" in 
conjunction with Harry and/or Dudley in an interview setting. Has anyone 
seen it in another interview anywhere else? I find that compelling simply 
because when JKR appears to want to have fans "get the message," she repeats 
certain concepts over and over in seperate interviews and via her website to 
reinforce it. Add the other quote I've seen in this thread where DD admits 
what he had to do and why in placing Harry at the Durselys at the end of 
OoP, and I think you've got most of what's going to be said on the subject.

I rather get the impression that those on the abuse and accountability issue 
want to "see some punishment" (I'm using Filch's words from CoS - it just 
seemed to fit) of DD about what Harry's gone through. Given what she's said 
about DD in the past, I don't believe that's going to happen (and maybe 
already did in a different fashion in OoP,) so maybe some fanfict will 
satisfy your need for justice after it's all over.

Charme

Charme