The sword and the hat (Re: LV's bigger plan )

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 166341

> Quick_Silver:
> This is amazing...I was just thinking of this question and it comes 
> up today. When I read CoS I always got the impression that the sword 
> had always been in the hat...for the better part of 1000 years since 
> Godric. Unless I'm mistaken, and on this I probably am, the sword is 
> only mentioned in the Headmasters office after the events of CoS 
> (after Harry pulls it out) and it's never mentioned as being there in 
> any of the flashbacks to Dumbledore's or Dippet's days. This is why 
> I've always been confused by talk of the sword being a horcrux...I 
> just thought that it wasn't around when Voldemort was in horcrux 
> making mode. 

Jen: I thought the sword was left in the hat by Godric too,
waiting to be pulled out by a true Gryffindor in a time of need.
This idea is symmetrical with Slytherin sealing the COS until his
heir appeared.  The two actions symbolize the Founders
themselves: Slytherin is interested in blood heir opening the COS
and Gryffindor wants only a truly brave student on a quest to 
find the sword. Dumbledore said the castle is a 'stronghold
of ancient magic' when he told Harry why Voldemort wanted to
stay and teach.  Fawkes brought the hat, but only when Harry put the
hat on his head and asked for help did the sword fall out.

Dumbledore was saying two separate things to Harry in Hagrid's hat
before he left.  He mentioned he would never truly have left the  
school as long as those loyal remained and explained that 
comment later, telling Harry his loyalty had called Fawkes to 
the COS.

The second sentence is not about Dumbledore, but about the castle
itself, saying 'help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask
for it.'  Dumbledore won't be at Hogwarts forever, this help is something
before his time and will be there long after.  

Jen R.