Quidditch as a metaphor for the series

[va32h]

No: HPFGUIDX 174688

Inspired by Carol's suggestion of "really wanting to discuss the 
symbolism of Harry as 'Seeker'" 

Before DH came out, I had discussed with a few people the idea that 
Quidditch was a metaphor for the series, and now that we have Deathly 
Hallows to reference, I'm even more convinced. 

Harry and Voldemort are both captains and Seekers for their respective 
teams. The Snitch can be a variety of things - victory, Death, even the 
loyalties of Severus Snape (who is literally a Snitch). 

Only the Seekers can end the game - but the Seeker doesn't necessarily 
win the game (Harry's team kept scoring, and was winning the game even 
after Harry had "left the field" in DH). 

A good Seeker (like Harry) is able to stay focused despite the 
distractions caused by all the other players. He has to look over the 
entire field and spot the one small, easily overlooked thing that is 
the key to the whole game. A good Seeker must also be a team player, 
because sometimes it isn't enough to win one game - as we learn in PoA, 
tournaments are won by a yearlong racking up of points. Harry won the 
cup for Gryffindor that year by waiting until the right moment to go 
for the Snitch - the time when his team was up by a certain number of 
points. 

A selfish Seeker (like Voldemort) lunges for the snitch at the first 
opportunity, without regard to how his actions affect the game or the 
tournament. 

I don't necessarily think that every position on the team is 
represented by a particular character - however Ron is definitely 
Harry's Keeper.  His lack of confidence occasionally allows the 
opposing team to score some points, but in the end, he always pulls 
through with the big saves (obvious reference being leaving the tent, 
coming back to pull Harry out of the pond). 

Hermione is a Chaser - heck, she's probably the entire offensive side 
for Harry's team. Although I'm sure there are other characters that can 
take on the role of Chaser at various points in the series. 

The role of Beaters has changed hands many times of course, has Harry's 
various protectors have died one after the other. I think Neville 
stepped up as a Beater in DH, though. 

I would say that Voldemort's team consists primarily of his horcruxes. 
That's what he's relying on to keep him in the game. 

Although Bella was the Keeper of one of his horcruxes - and she was 
the "last line of defense" so to speak, as Voldemort came totally 
unglued at her demise. 

I'm pretty sure that this isn't what Carol was talking about in regards 
to Harry being a Seeker, but I happened to love reading about the 
various Quidditch games (one of the few, I know) so it was a fun topic 
for me. 

va32h (who would have loved to hear Lee Jordan commentate the Battle of 
Hogwarts)