[HPforGrownups] Why Harry would not use Elder Wand? WAS: Re: Wand allegiance.

[sydney_freud]

No: HPFGUIDX 187356

> Carol:
> I'm just
curious. What do those of you on this list who think that the Elder Wand is
extraordinarily powerful (IOW, unlike DD, you believe the
> legend)
but has no personality (other than choosing the winner in a fight) think about
the effect of the Elder Wand on Dumbledore's abilities?
> Would he
>have been the great wizard he was without it? Could he have cast >those powerful
>spells against Voldemort without it?
 

Dumbledore
himself admitted his own weaknesses at times and, while he was clearly not
dominated by a selfish thirst for power and immortality beyond consideration for
others, he probably did find some relief in knowing that he had the Elder
Wand. This is especially true because he knew Voldermort's powers and skill grew
with time and that he would have to confront him on several occasions. I see it
as a sort of insurance he signed up for, guaranteeing his survival long enough
to leave followers and enough knowledge that these followers would know how to
fight off evil. He would probably have been a great wizard without the wand just
as well, but just like Ron believing he had drunk Felix Felicis before the
Quidditch match, Dumbledore must have felt somewhat more able due to the wand...
sort of a placebo.   
 
The person
still masters the instrument, but I think the author's intention is to personify
the wands a bit to the point where they borrow something from their masters.
It's only Voldermort who does not believe in these "old magic" tricks - he uses
Malfoy's and then the Elder Wand, just like he undermines the power of love,
sacrifice and remorse. And we know this ignorance turns against him. Not
necessarily to the extent of developing its own personality, the wand moulds
itself after the user, doesn't it say so in the book?        

sydney_freud