Wrong-headed compassion (was Re: Harry Draco and bathroom)

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 162746

Lupinlore wrote:
> <snip> On the other hand, there IS a situation where one can, I
think, argue
> pretty strongly that wrong-headed compassion messed up everything,
> and that is the situation with Wormtail in PoA.  If Harry had kept
> his trap shut, Wormtail's death would have neatly foreclosed the
> route of Voldy's return, Sirius and Dumbledore would both still be
> alive, and even the child-abusing Snapey-poo would still be safely
> ensconced in his reprehensible practices.
> 
> Lupinlore, thinking that if Harry should feel guilty for anything,
> THAT is what he should worry about.

Carol responds:

Since you want JKR to be consistent in depicting the moral values she
preaches through Dumbledore, the advocate of mercy, trust, and second
chances, I would think you'd approve of Harry's action, which in some
ways foreshadows Dumbledore's mercy to Draco on the tower. (I approve
of it, but them, I approve of mercy and deplore revenge, whether it's
Harry, Draco, Voldemort, Snape, or Hermione who's taking it.)

However, aside from Wormtail's escape being essential to the
storyline, Harry's action prevents Sirius Black and Remus Lupin (whom
I'm surprised that you never talk about, given your screenname) from
becoming murderers and going to Azkaban (back to Azkaban, in Black's
case) or having their souls sucked out, the WW penalty for murder.
Also, if Wormtail hadn't restored Voldemort, Barty Crouch Jr. might
have done so, and if neither had done so, the situation would never be
resolved. Harry can't fight and defeat Vapormort. (Now, granted,
Dumbledore could have started the Horcrux hunt a bit earlier, but then
the plot would be spoiled).

Carol, who weally, weally woves Snapey-poo (joking, but I don't
consider him a child abuser and I'd consider it a courtesy to other
posters if you didn't take your view of him for granted)