MCGonagall and the stone/ Second Task points

[hickengruendler]

No: HPFGUIDX 152027

 
> Kim:
> It may have been very stupid but from my point of view, things 
routinely don't work out like they should in Harry's life.  Even when 
he's asked to leave it to the adults he can't.  Reference Professor 
McGonnegal when the trio told her that they believed someone was 
going to steal the Sorcerer's Stone, and Professor Lockheart when he 
bragged that he could stop the basilisk.  So far in his experience at 
Hogwarts the adults have royally messed things up and only Harry and 
his friends saved the day (not the mention the world).   

Hickengruendler:

McGonagall did not mess up regarding the stone. What she told Harry, 
that the stone was safe, was the truth. Quirrell would never have 
been able to get it out of the mirror. It was only Harry's arrival, 
as well meant as it was, that gave Quirrell and Voldemort a chance to 
get the stone. If Harry had done nothing, nothing would have happened 
either. (Not that I blame Harry in this case. From his point of view 
his actions were totally justified. But the same is true for 
McGonagall as well).

Of course Lockhart messed up big time, but I never understood, why 
Harry and Ron went to him with this information anyway, instead of 
choosing one of the other teachers. Also, Lockhart is not Dumbledore. 
I surely hope Harry makes a difference between trusting Lockhart and 
trusting Dumbledore, and doesn't throw them in the same pot, just 
because both happen to be adults. The idea that Dumbledore would have 
willingly let any of those hostages (three of them being his 
students!) die, is ridiculous, and Harry should have enough commen 
sense to realize this. Both Ron (in book 4) and Hermione (in book 5) 
confronted Harry with his short-sightedness in this situation, and I 
agree with them.