pondering the killing of Dumbledore

[Karen Barker]

No: HPFGUIDX 134821

I haven't been able to read every post as it's just been impossible 
although I have skimmed as many as possible and I haven't seem the  
points I'm going to make mentioned, but if they have been I 
apologise.

Regarding the view that Dumbledore wanted Snape to kill him, I think 
it was more a case of "if the worst comes to the worst and there's 
nothing else for it then you will have to kill me".

He said something very similar to Harry (UK Ed. p 515 Chpt 25 "The 
Seer Overheard"):
"I take you with me on one condition: that you obey any command I 
might give you at once, and without question"..."If I tell you to 
leave me, and save yourself, you will do as I tell you?"

I know this is not exactly the same as giving permission to actually 
kill him, but Snape is a grown man who has undoutedly killed before 
whereas Harry is an underage innocent (of heinous acts) boy.

I think Dumbledore was as good as dead when they arrived back at 
Hogwarts.  His speach is described as mumbling several times and is 
littered with groans and the closing of his eyes, he also slumps 
down the wall.  His remark to Malfoy (p551 Chpt 27 "The lightening 
Struck Tower") "Well I certainly did have a drink...and I came 
back...after a fashion", I take to mean that it was the 'coming 
back' that is "after a fashion".  He's there, but not really or not 
for long.  

I think that he is desperate for Snape to carry out the coup de 
grace so as to spare Harry.  Harry poured the poison down 
Dumbledore's throat.  If he had to live the rest of his life in the 
knowledge that he killed Dumbledore, however much it was following 
Dumbledore's orders or for the greater good, it would break Harry.  
This way he has no certainly that his actions would have killed 
Dumbledore.  As far as he is concerned Snape did it.

Opionions?!

Karen