Of Sorting and Snape

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 175462

lizzyben:
> Within the context of the novel, yeah, LV's soul probably can't be 
> helped, but within the context of that scene alone, it's just two 
> people refusing to help a child stuffed under a chair. And when I 
> think about how this series relentlessly dehumanizes "the other", 
> seems to ultimately accept the oppression of other beings (elves, 
> etc.), seems to accept cutting off qualities that are unacceptable, 
> that creature starts to seem like a symbol for a lot more things. 
> Probably I'm just reading too much into it. 

Jen: I wondered why Dumbledore discouraged Harry's natural empathy to 
pain and suffering there, one of his greatest strengths according to 
Dumbledore. My preliminary answer while reading was they couldn't do 
anything because of their location, somewhere between the physical 
world and behind the Veil, and a greater presence would have to offer 
the healing if it was to happen.  Still, why not have Harry walk 
over and try?  He was repulsed but that never stops him from acting. 

Now I'm musing whether DD didn't want to encourage empathy for the 
live LV at that point, knowing Harry would choose to go back and face 
him in the flesh and empathy might cost Harry his life.  That doesn't 
really fit with how Harry's heart saves him from LV, how his love 
protects him.  Plus there's the whole Elder wand thing (grr, not 
happy about the conclusion coming down to the Elder wand). So, I'm 
not sure what to think!  Confusing.

Jen