Real child abuse

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 145873

Lupinlore: "This is illustrated in many ways, but consider one of the more
controversial passages in canon -- the final scene with DD in OOTP.
While Harry is waiting in DD's office, one of the former headmasters
engages him in a benign conversation and says "Dumbledore thinks very
highly of you, as I'm sure you know. Oh yes, holds you in great
esteem! " He doesn't say "Dumbledore speaks well of your
accomplishments," or "Dumbledore thinks you have done very well indeed
here at Hogwarts" or "Dumbledore often praises your deeds" or
even "Dumbledore thinks you are a wonderful example," but "Dumbledore
thinks very highly of YOU. Yes, holds YOU in great esteem." That is
it is not Harry's accomplishments that primarily impress Dumbledore,
or Harry's achievements, or his adherence to a particular set of moral
laws, it is who Harry is that DD finds important."

This seems a manifestly odd interpretation of this passage. Harry's
accomplishments are part of Harry; it is his character *and* his
accomplishments that cause Dumbledore to hold Harry in high esteem.
Don't Harry's accomplishments flow in large part from who Harry is,
meaning his character, courage, and resourcefulness? I didn't pack the
gear to do what Harry did at that age. If Harry has earned distinction
above more ordinary people like, for example, me, that is not unjust.

It is not Harry's birth, family, or wealth that Dumbledore admires,
it's Harry himself. And why should he not? Dumbledore believes Harry
has earned this esteem. I agree.  JKR seems to believe that courage
and loyalty earn merit, and she's right. And, it pleases me that the
former headmasters don't speak like bureaucrats. 

Jim Ferer