So why NOT go mad? Was why should he listen, etc.

[Amanda Geist]

No: HPFGUIDX 123055


David delurked to observe:
> 
> Imagine OOTP if Harry had not defied Umbridge and the MOM. Imagine 
> if Harry had not acted on his visions and charged in to 
> save 'Sirius'.
> 
> V'mort's plans would proceed unheeded. He could build his army and 
> lay out the chess board in secret, thereby greatly improving his 
> chance of victory and control.

But central to Voldemort's plans was obtaining the prophecy. If Harry 
had not acted on his visions, Voldemort would have continued 
manipulating whatever he could, in scenarios internal to Harry and 
otherwise, to get Harry to the MoM to take down the prophecy.

And hardly unheeded: canon evidence is strong in hinting that they 
have at least one spy in Voldemort's ranks and a pretty good clue to 
what's going on.

> Yet again though, Harry's actions dealt him a serious shot to the 
> gut.
> 
> We can debate all the fine points and woulda/shoulda's, but the 
> reality is now V'mort's exposed. The WW will be arming against him.
> 
> The actions are now justified. If everyone had followed the 
> rules, .....?

It might have taken longer, I'll give you that. And several DEs were 
caught. But I don't think your black/white conclusions are quite so 
cut and dried.

Interesting thought: if anyone but Voldemort or Harry took down the 
prophecy, they would go mad. Well, *none* of these devoted DEs are 
willing to do this for their master? Surely one of them could take it 
down, go mad, and another could then safely carry it to Voldemort? 
Why such solicitousness on his part for his followers' sanity?

~Amanda