Uncle Tom?

[Adesa]

No: HPFGUIDX 166959

Steve/bboyminn:

FireFly speculated that it might explain how or why
Tom Riddle's curse backfired, but does it? Why would
a person not be able to curse their relatives? 

Adesa:

I'm sure wizards *can* curse their relatives; Sirius and Bellatrix 
were cousins, after all.

Steve/bboyminn:

It is a fair speculation since the similarities between
Harry and Tom have been mentioned, but, once again,
what plot purpose does it serve? Is Voldemort going to
go, 'Oh so your my nephew, well then, never mind'? I
don't think so. Is Harry going to go, 'Oh so your my
Uncle, well then never mind, take over the world'? I
don't think so. 

Adesa:

I'm not sure where the idea would take the plot (if anywhere), but I 
could see JKR using the relationship to drive home her point that 
it's not who you were born to --what family you've come from-- but 
your own decisions and abilities that matter. Seems to be a favorite 
theme.

Beyond that, I haven't a clue why Harry and Voldemort would be 
related. I just can't shake the feeling, given the number of comments 
throughout the series about their similarities, that *something* is 
there.

Adesa in Virginia