Harry's instincts (was Re: CHAPDISC: DH 22, The Deathly Hallows)

[Carol]

No: HPFGUIDX 183216

Carol earlier:
> 
> <Snip answers 1-11>
> > I think that Lupin is saying that Harry was right in this specific
instance, and that he has often been right before. Still, there's at
least one instance, the ill-fated attempt to rescue Sirius Black (who
would not have been in any danger had Harry not tried to "save" him)
that Lupin can't ignore. *Nearly* always and always are not the same.
> 
> hp_fan_2008:
> 
> Actually, I think that as long as Kreacher belonged to Sirius, Harry
had no chance of getting the locket - so, in fact, Harry's instinct
was correct (although for the  wrong reason).

Carol responds:
I'm sorry. I don't see the connection. I was saying that Lupin's
statement that Harry's instincts are nearly always right means (IMO)
two things: first, that Harry was right that Lupin should not go with
them (and so, of course, he's forgiven Harry's seeming rudeness in
making that statement), and, second, that Harry's instinct, though
ususally right, has failed him at least once in his rash attempt to
rescue his godfather from the MoM (when, in fact, SB was safe at home
in 12 GP). Nothing to do with Kreacher (except as Kreacher was a tool
for the Malfoys and LV) or with the locket.
> 
> Carol:
> <snip>
> > And, ironically, Harry's instinct or impulse to say the name
"Voldemort," which occurs shortly after he hears this bit of advice,
nearly results in disaster.
> 
> hp_fan_2008:
> 
> And in Harry figuring out where to find the next Horcrux (again, his
instinct.) This seems to be a recurring theme - Harry makes the right
decision for the wrong reason.

Carol responds:
It felt to me like a cheap plot device or trick. JKR needed the
Snatchers to get HRH to the Malfoys so that Harry could find out where
the cup Horcrux was hidden, so he suddenly defies Ron (and the taboo)
by saying "Voldemort." I suppose he's just been humoring him all this
time, not really believing in the taboo, but I don't like it. BTW, he
also makes the *wrong* decision for the *right* reason, as in the
attempted rescue of his godfather, and what seems to be the wrong
decision for the wrong reason in going to Godric's Hollow. Except for
seeing the name Ignotus Peverell on the gravestone, a piece of the
Hallows puzzle, the only benefit obtained by that trip was Voldemort's
finding of the photograph that Harry dropped.

If we're going to apply a theme or motif here, I'd say that it's
unintended consequences. Harry certainly doesn't intend to bring the
Snatchers; the Snatchers don't intend to have their prisoners escape,
armed with new knowledge and stolen wands, not to mention two
additional escapees; Bellatrix doesn't intend to reveal her master's
secret; Wormtail doesn't intend to betray himself to his death with a
small impulse toward pity or mercy. With the exception of Dobby's
death, the consequences of Harry's saying Voldemort work out to
Harry's advantage. Also, evil (the kidnapping, etc.) results in good
(knowledge of the Horcrux) and good results in evil (Aberforth's
sending Dobby, though it also has good consequences, results in
Dobby's death).

hp_fan_2008:
 See also Harry saving Wormtail's life, his use of the Sectumsempra
curse on Malfoy (resulting in him hiding the Potions book at the right
place) and his decision to watch Snape's memories.

Carol responds:
I'd say that Harry saved Wormtail for the right reason (so that Lupin
and Black wouldn't become murderers, and he should not have used the
Sectumsempra Curse on a person for any reason without knowing what it
was (ask someone who knows Latin; use a Latin dictionary; test it on a
pillow--anything but using a curse labeled "for enemies" without
knowing its effects!) As for his decision to watch Snape's memories, I
suppose that was done for the wrong reason, but that's true of his GoF
and OoP Pensieve excursions as well. Also, I see no benefit to hiding
the Potions book except the coincidence of using the tiara to mark it
(too bad Harry didn't see, as half of us did, that the thing was
probably the Ravenclaw Horcrux!)

Again, I think that unintended consequences is more applicable that
"right thing for the wrong reason." And, of course, Harry's uncanny
good luck is also in play.

Carol, thinking that we could add Crabbe's Fiendfyre to the list (evil
intent with good consequences or right thing for the wrong reason, as
you prefer)