Another angle on Hermione's parents

[dreadr]

No: HPFGUIDX 175133

I don't agree with those of you who think that Hermione was being 
insensitive when she modified her parent's memories.

The book never discusses what happens if a "muggle-born" should not 
choose to go to Hogwarts.  Obviously, the Ministry would not want a 
wizard child to be out in the muggle world even sans wand without 
supervision.  Are they really allowed to choose.  I know in COS that 
Justin Finch-Fletchley states that he was down for Eton and chose 
Hogwarts, but are they really given much of a choice?  

Also, one gets the obvious idea that once you enter the wizard world, 
there really is very little going back.  I don't think the MOM would 
want a fully qualified wizard living in the muggle world.  The 
temptations would be too great.

I think Hermione's actions were always out of love.  Her parent were 
not comfortable in the wizard world, so Hermione tried to protect 
them from the uglier side of it.  I think that is far more 
compassionate than telling them and saying "oh, by the way you cannot 
protect me".
By doing it the way she did, she not only ensured their safety but
also protected them from the bitterness of grief it things did not go 
well.  I don't think she really believed that she would come back.

debbie