Forgiveness

[SteveE]

No: HPFGUIDX 188669

I was thinking of how important a theme forgiveness was in the HP universe and was hoping for some feedback.  Harry's forgiveness of Snape I know has been widely discussed, but that's only one example. IMO Harry also came to forgive Kreacher to a large degree for his betrayal of Sirius.  I'm not sure if Kreacher's change of attitude toward HRH could be considered forgiveness or rather simply gratitude for being given RAB's locket and their kindness to him, etc. 

Some other examples IMO of forgiveness included the Weasley's forgiveness of Percy; Harry and Hermione's forgiveness of Ron for leaving; Ginny's understanding and forgiveness of Harry for breaking up w/ her to protect her, and Harry's forgiveness of Dumbledore. 

I wonder to what extent Harry in time came to forgive Draco and the other Slytherins who tormented him in school. In the epilogue it appeared they at least had some degree of respect for each other.
And I would believe that Molly would have certainly forgiven HRH for not confiding in her and the OotP once the facts of their "mission" to destroy Horcruxes and find the Deathly Hallows came to light.

I wonder if Marietta or cho ever came to forgive Hermione for her jinx on Marietta. I don't remember anyone else w/ a possible motive to consider what Hermione did as something to be forgiven, other than perhaps Marietta's family and closest friends, some of whom very well may have considered what was done to her as just in spite of their biased attitude and relationship w/ her.  I wonder if other members of the DA in later years came to forgive Marietta?

There must be many other examples of forgiveness as a recurring theme in the 7 novels. I don't have time to list others now, unfortunately.
I really do believe however that it's one of the most important themes in the novels.

Steve, who also wonders if LV had shown remorse, and had given himself up and apologized for all his evil whether or not he would ever have been forgiven by anyone?