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

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 126305


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "cubfanbudwoman" 
<susiequsie23 at s...> wrote:
<SNIP> 
> 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.  
> 

Well, if I was convinced that DD indeed experienced such a dilemma, 
I would be inclined to agree.  That is if we could be definitively 
shown that he REALLY believed Harry would die if he intervened -- 
and I'm afraid that "he might die someday because Voldemort might 
return" isn't nearly good enough, I mean "he WOULD die because THIS 
group would do THESE things that I could not prevent for THESE 
reasons," -- then I would be inclined to be rather sympathetic to 
Albus' situation.

However, I am not at all convinced that Albus experienced such a 
dilemma.  Absent more evidence about his thoughts and actions during 
those ten years, I think it is perfectly plausible to think he 
approached this as a way to keep his essential weapon locked up 
safely -- and if it gets banged up a little in the process, well 
that's not anything to worry about.  In other words, in the great 
battle between what's good and what's right, Albus just closed his 
eyes, stuck gum in his ears, and took the easy way out.

Also, like Alla, I'm not all that convinced that the Dursleys would 
have kicked Harry out.  They were threatened twice in OOTP and did 
no such thing.

But, once again, all of that is to say we need a much more complete 
(and hopefully careful and well-thought out) discussion of these 
issues.  If it turns out that Albus underwent a great deal of 
tension and turmoil over this situation, and that he had perfectly 
good evidence that Harry was in immediate danger that he could not 
have shielded him from even at Hogwarts, then he's off the hook.  
But I have to admit, it ain't looking good for him at the moment.


Lupinlore