[HPforGrownups] Re: Blowing his cover

[Lee Kaiwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 181424

Steve blessed us with this gem On 10/02/2008 02:49:

 > I think there is something metaphorical, as well as literal,
 > about the "Expelliarmus' charm. ... it does
 > carry a certain amount of symbolism with regards to Harry's
 > selflessness.

 > Just a thought.

And a nice thought it is, too.

However, I'm not sure it's consonant with Harry's past actions. He's got 
a track record with respect to all three of the UCs, having used 
successfully the Cruciatus and the Imperius and attempted the AK. Harry 
has demonstrated plenty of selfishness in the past at a time when 
Expelliarmus was already becoming his signature spell.

One might, perhaps, argue that his death experience changed Harry, but 
we just don't see enough of Post-Death!Harry to make that more than a 
theoretical conjecture.

So was Harry's use of Expelliarmus against LV evidence of 
New-and-Improved!Harry, or simply Same-Old!Harry falling back on habit? 
I tend to lean toward the latter.

Carol blessed us with this gem On 10/02/2008 02:49:

 > I suppose that the only reason Harry didn't earn one for the Crucio
 > against Bellatrix is that the DEs were casting Unforgiveables all over
 > the place, or had been moments before, and it was impossible for the
 > MoM to know who cast it.

True, the UCs were flying all around, however it is possible to replay 
(what's the name of the spell that does it?) a wand's previous spells, 
so a proper investigation should have discovered it easily.

 > So, in essence, Harry got away with what should have been crimes

I agree, and I don't think "It's war" can justify what is otherwise 
unjustifiable, whatever one thinks of the MoM.

 > I would like to think that Harry renounced them, along with
 > a desire for vengeance, even before he lost the soul bit

As I mentioned above, it's a nice thought, but we just don't see enough 
of Post-Death!Harry to know this for a fact, aside from his particular 
feelings about Snape. I hope it's true, but I'm not convinced.

CJ