Defeat vs Vanquish (was Re:Is Harry a Murderer / Killer)

[rebecca]

No: HPFGUIDX 151523

<snipped prior post to address this point >

> Carol, who thinks that Harry acquired the power of possession from LV
> at Godric's Hollow and that his defeat of Voldemort will somehow
> involve that power

Rebecca:

Well, let's look at the word "defeat".  According to the prophecy, Harry has
to "vanquish" his Dark Smarmy-ness. Vanquish is a very interesting word,
since it can not only mean defeat in a contest or battle, it can also mean
in an emotional sense to "overcome" or "subdue."  This definition is
particularly poignant to me, because as DD tells Harry several times, Harry
doesn't realize how very special he is given all that he has been through.
Love saved him once (in OoP) and perhaps it will do so again, along with
inspiring those around him, namely Ron and Hermoine (perhaps others in the
Order, too) to help find the Horcruxes.  3 heads are better than 1, maybe :)

I've read several debates here and elsewhere specifically about the
consideration that Harry would be a murderer should he kill Lord Voldemort.
One can theorize logically that Harry might not have to kill him to
"vanquish" him.

rebecca