Slow Hermione?

[krista7]

No: HPFGUIDX 174761

Steve writes:


> Harry askes "Why did you have to make it so diffult?"
> 
> and Dumbledore response -
> 
> "I am afraid I counted on Miss Granger to slow you up,
> Harry."
> 
> Dumbledore continues to explain that he did not want
> Harry to discover the nature and existence of the
> Hallows until just the right time, so Harry's 
> 'hot head' would not overrule his 'good heart'.
> 
> I don't understand how Hermione was suppose to 
> slow them down. 

IMO, this section is confusing because Harry
asks a direct question and the ever-elusive
Dumbledore starts to answer it, then deftly
changes the topic. So, to break it down:

Harry asks why the quest was so dificult--
why he couldn't know from the start everything.

AD admits it was difficult. ("I am afraid..." is
how you either edge into bad news, or confess
something in general.) He then goes on to say
*how* it was difficult, rather than truly answering
Harry's question of *why* it was difficult. AD says, in
re: how the quest was difficult, that it was made
a logic puzzle for which Harry would require Hermione. 

As for Harry's actual question, *why* the quest 
was so difficult, I think AD suggests this in-between-
the-lines, although he does not answer the question openly.
(Typical Dumbledore!) He wanted Harry not to rush to answers or
conclusions--he wanted Harry "slowed" down. Presumably,
if he's to be slowed down by the logial/conscientious
Hermione, AD therefore fears the opposite of these
qualities within Harry, his emotions and temper, will
get the better of him if they aren't guided by some kind
of deliberative process. The entire process of the quest
was therefore meant to challenge Harry's mind and heart to
mature to a point where Harry would be able to take the steps 
necessary to finish off Voldemort successfully.

Krista