[HPforGrownups] Bathroom scene again WAS: Re:Weasley Family Dynamics/To t...

[MadameSSnape at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 164993

 
In a message dated 2/14/2007 9:52:47 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
dumbledore11214 at yahoo.com writes:

I am  sorry and no offense to you as well, but you keep calling it 
unathorised  dueling. I call it self defense and I do not remember 
where in canon it  says that student is forbidden to defend himself 
from Unforgivable  curse.


-------------------------------------
Here's the thing, though - no one saw or heard Draco's attempt at an  
Unforgiveable - I don't think even Myrtle witnessed it (and can ghosts testify,  
anyway?).  Based on what was observable to those who came on the scene, the  
conclusion to be drawn would amount to "unauthorized dueling" (which technically  
is what it was - one attacks, the other counters, regardless of the spells  
used).  No, it wasn't a formal duel, with the bows and salutes and all  that rot 
- but it was a duel nonetheless.  Draco attacked, Harry  countered - with 
deadly force, regardless of the existence of other, viable  options.  That's what 
would have been apparent to anyone coming on the  scene, if they were kindly 
disposed toward Harry.
 
Put yourself into the story - you are Professor X (or whatever letter you  
like).  You are peacefully patrolling the corridors, thinking about a  nightcap 
or the quiz you're giving the third years tomorrow, chasing snogging  students 
out of crannies, when suddenly the most godawful racket erupts - it's  coming 
from the second floor girls' loo.  You race over there, and find  Myrtle 
shrieking hysterically, the room a shambles, and Harry Potter standing  over a 
bleeding body.  Quickly - judging ONLY by what you see, what  happened?
 
As was pointed out, Draco's Crucio was never completed - so would not even  
register on his wand.  Short of a full-fledged criminal investigation, with  
Veritaserum, Legilimency (wonder why all Aurors aren't trained in that - useful  
skill, I'd think, yeah?) and/or Penseive examination, there's no way to prove 
 Harry's not lying about it to try to justify his own infraction.  WE know  
he isn't, but we have the outside omniscience of the Unseen Narrator.  THEY  
don't.  And the Ministry isn't fond of Master Potter just now.
 
Does Draco deserve to be punished?  Certainly - he was dueling as  well, and 
in fact initiated the duel.  Does he deserve to die from  it?  Sorry, no - and 
had it NOT been Snape on the scene, he would  have.  He's been punished - by 
Harry.  Now Harry has to take his  medicine.
 
Sherrie
 
 


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