Would DD Kill? Other Ways to Destroy a Man.

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 157720

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Tonks" <tonks_op at ...> wrote:
>
> Before HBP some here criticized DD for only playing a defensive 
> game. When he had the chance to kill LV he didn't. Now we see the 
> reason why. The horcruxes.  LV can not be killed until the horcruxes 
> are destroyed.  So here is a question. If the horcruxes had been 
> destroyed before the MoM battle would DD have killed LV?  I know 
> people will say, no, because it is Harry's job.  But put that 
> aside.  Would DD actually take someone's life?  I think he would not.
> 
> At one point DD tells LV that "we both know that there are other 
> ways to destroy a man, Tom".    Would DD use one of those methods 
> himself?
> 
> I get the sense that the "other methods" are worse than murder. Like 
> the Dementor's kiss for example. Does anyone wonder why LV hasn't 
> attempted to use one of these "other methods" on Harry?  What are 
> these "other methods" that both DD and LV know about?
> 
> Thoughts??
> 
> Tonks_op

Carol responds:
Interesting question, Tonks, even though it's hypothetical. I agree
with you that Dumbledore wouldn't kill (wonder what those spells were
that he *did* cast, especially the one that sounded like a gong when
it hit Voldemort's shield? Apparently it could have done some damage,
and LV knew he was in danger). I, for one, don't think that DD would
use Dark Magic in any form, certainly not Unforgiveable Curses. 

There's also the Prophecy, which he seems to discount, but I think he
does believe in it now that Voldemort has marked Harry as his equal. I
think that DD knew, even without the Horcruxes, that Harry, not he, is
the Chosen One and that only Harry can destroy Voldemort (or kill him,
if it comes to that). I think that Harry will possess him and send him
beyond the Veil, not a power that DD possesses.

Carol, apologizing for using "possess" in two different senses in the
same sentence