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

[eviljunglechicken]

No: HPFGUIDX 165012

eviljunglechicken previously:
> So, somehow it is easier to whip out a curse while he is slipping
> which he has never attempted (but one that the readers are told he
> wants to try) rather than one of the ones he practiced and taught
> to other students. Sorry, but I don't follow that reasoning.
>
> It seems like going with what you are familiar with and are
> experienced with would be what would come to mind, especially in a
> defensive mode.  I'd use something I knew would protect me.

Sherry Gomes wrote:
> Actually, Harry was about to be tortured.  In extreme moments, a
> person who knew they were in serious imminent danger of being
> tortured might reach for a nearby gun rather than trying to defend
> himself with his fists!  A person could  panic and do weird things
> he might not do in another situation.  I am amazed at how it seems
> to be that Harry is so bad for trying to defend himself from
> torture, but Draco is an innocent victim.


eviljunglechicken:
As I used the word protect (defend or guard from attack, injury...)
in regards to Harry, I don't see how I am arguing that Draco is an
innocent victim.  It is Draco from whom Harry is trying to protect
himself.

As for the analogy of reaching for a gun instead of using fists... Yes, I agree someone might reach for a gun instead of using fists.  If I reached for a gun a significant part of that action would be my belief fists would likely be an ineffective defense (this is not the case with many of the spells with which Harry has expertise... they can defend him), and I would expect it to shoot bullets into my attacker, doing serious damage.

Do you believe then that Harry knows what the curse will do?  A curse
(or gun he's been toting in your comparison) he has been hoping to use on someone.

In the Flight of the Prince, Snape blocks many of Harry's curses.
This is a great example of being in defensive mode.

Is it understandable for Harry to want to not only defend himself but
to be on the offensive as well?  I think it is.  There is bad history
between the two boys.  My point is Harry wanted more than just to
defend himself and I think Harry knows that too.

eviljunglechicken