DD's dilemma (was: Hogwarts Teachers - Lockhart)

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 126295


Hickengruendler:
> > But here you assume, that Dumbledore knew when exactly Voldemort 
> > would return. But Dumbledore didn't know....

Lupinlore: 
> Actually, no, I don't assume that.  I just think his reasoning of
> letting Harry suffer is morally unjustified.  It amounts to stopping
> his ears, closing his eyes, and constantly muttering "Voldemort 
> might be coming," to himself to drown out the sound of a child 
> crying in a closet....

Hickengruendler:
> > I do agree with you that Dumbledore should have, if not 
> > threatened the Dursleys, than at least *reminded* them, that he 
> > has an eye on Harry and expects that they treat him at least 
> > civilly.

Lupinlore:
> Without an answer to this, at best DD looks mealy mouthed in OOTP.  
> At worst he comes off as manipulative and cold-hearted. 


SSSusan:
This is where this particular discussion topic always seems to come 
to an end, Lupinlore.  You are firm in your view that it is NEVER 
alright to turn a blind eye to abuse.  But I have never seen a 
response which really addresses the dilemma many of us think DD 
faced:  that if he threatened the Dursleys, they could just wash 
their hands of Harry, say, "Fine!  We don't want the brat anyway."  
At which point they could turn him out, send him to an orphanage, 
call in the Muggle authorities, or what have you.  

I don't see it as so black and white as *either* DD is turning a 
blind eye to abuse *or* DD is keeping the Dursleys in line with 
threats.  To me it's a fine line DD was walking, and he knew it.  

DD NEEDED the blood protection for Harry if he assumed that Voldy 
would, indeed, attempt to rise again.  Who knew when that would be??  
And it could potentially be a ONE-SHOT deal:  Voldy's back, he 
attacks, Harry's gone.  Boom -- end of chance to eliminate Voldy! 
There's no room for DD to say, "Oh, well, sorry about that, folks.  I 
thought we'd have a little advance notice that Voldy was back and I 
could move Harry to safety then."  No, the only place the blood 
protection was available was with the Dursleys, and so DD (and Harry) 
needed them.  Hence, if DD pushed them too hard, he risked their 
balking & kicking Harry out.

Siriusly Snapey Susan