Speculation: Blood Protection and 12 Grimmauld Place

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 158582

An interesting thought came to me while reading the 
current thread on Harry and the Dursleys, as well as the,
threads on Dumbledore's choices and responsibilities.

It's common knowledge that a certain number of us in 
fandom have speculated a battle at Privet Drive in the 
next and final book. The extension of that is, Harry will
then take the Dursleys into his protective custody. Which
mean the very likely comedic circumstance of the Dursleys
taking up residence at 12 Grimmauld Place.

But if that happens, Harry will still call home, the 
place where his mother's blood dwells. The Dursleys dwell
at Grimmauld Place and that is the place Harry now calls
home. 

The rub; Dumbledore said that the protection would end
when Harry turned 17, that is, became an adult in the
wizard world. But why? Is it because as an adult Harry
is no longer under anyone's protection; he must fend for
himself? Is it because it is assumed that once Harry 
turns 17, he will leave the Dursleys, and make a home 
of his own; that they will go their separate ways? Was 
the spell originally cast with that provision? Is that
just how the spell happens to work?

I speculate that some residual protection could carry 
over to Grimmauld Place if the Dursleys come to live 
there, and that protection could somehow become 
significant to the story. Perhaps in turning the table,
and offerring the Dursleys sanctuary, Harry has somehow
renewed the spell.

The only problem I have with this, is that it seems like
a plot sidetrack, as do so many suggested plot lines for
the next book. Do we really have enough time in only one
remaining book for an attack on Privet Drive, an attack
on Grimmauld Place, a likely attack on Hogwarts, and to 
somehow pull everyone together at the Ministry so that 
we can bring the Veil back into the story for the final
battle?

To the side topic of whether Harry will return to 12
Grimmauld Place or not. I don't think he has a choice.
He has to have a base of operation, and he needs a place
where he can operate independantly without Molly's 
interference. Also, assume the Order doesn't fall apart
from not having Dumbledore to guide them, they will need
a place to meet. 

Yes, they can meet other places, but for what purpose? 
Everyone in the Order took their assignments from 
Dumbledore based on a plan known only to Dumbledore. 
Without those assignments and without Dumbledore's plan, 
does the Order really have any purpose any more? I think,
though it might take time, Harry's needs and his central 
task will give the Order their new purpose. Without really
meaning to, and perhaps without officially taking the 
position, Harry will become the de facto leader of the 
Order.

So, yes, Harry will definitely return to Grimmauld Place. 


Enquiring minds want to know.

Steve/bboyminn