Why didn't Dumbledore bring backup? (Harry doesn't count)

[Rebecca Scalf]

No: HPFGUIDX 149299

Michael wrote:
>
> Going to a secluded cave to retrieve/destroy one of
Voldemort's
> horcruxes seems to be a pretty dangerous task, even
for Dumbledore.
> Why didn't he consider bringing another OP member
along? (maybe
> Snape?) Even if this person could not fit on the
boat, it would have
> been the safe thing to do. Why wasn't Harry
surprised or concerned
> that he would be acting as Dumbledore's backup?



witherwing:

Dumbledore is making up for his *Old Man's Mistake*
from the end of OoP. Taking Harry with him to the cave
was not only essential in his lessons on how to defeat
Voldemort, but a practical way , an essential way, for
Dumbledore to prove to Harry that he is no longer
going to shelter him from the truth of what he is up
against. Of course Harry is honored to take it on, and
was feeling ready to take a first step in playing *The
Chosen One.* 

What follows is an unforgettable scene. I still get
the shivers thinking about Harry, elevated to trusted
companion, finding himself force-feeding that green
liquid to a pleading Dumbledore...