DH reread CH 20

[Carol]

No: HPFGUIDX 186777

bboyminn wrote:
>> <snip>
> Harry doesn't fear the name; he fears the very real consequences.
> <snip>
>But, as I've already said, it would be foolish in the extreme to speak the name knowing that very real consequences are now attached to it.
> 
> Dumbledore's statement is as true as ever, but the circumstances have changed.

Carol responds:

I agree that the circumstances have changed and that it's no longer a superstition but a foolish (not to say dangerous) act with very real consequences. Harry knows these consequences because Ron has explained to him why they were almost caught by DEs in Tottenham Court Road.

And yet, despite Ron's protests, Harry quite deliberately says Voldemort's name as if it were still superstitious nonsense not to do so.

"Come on, Hermione. Why are you so determined not to admit it? Vol--"

"HARRY, NO!"

"--demort's after the Elder Wand!"

"The name's Taboo!" Ron bellowed, leaping to his feet as a loud crack sounded outside the tent. "I told you, Harry, I told you, we can't say it anymore--we've got to put the protection back around us quickly--it's how they find--" (DH Am. ed. 444-45).

But it's too late. Despite Ron's warnings and his attempt to stop Harry, he says the name, anyway, and brings near-disaster on them all. Only his incredible luck and the loyalty of Dobby saves them. Naturally, good comes out of evil and actions have unanticipated consequences--Bellatrix gives away the location of the cup Horcrux and sets the last act of the play in motion.

But, still, Harry knew better. He not only didn't fear the name, even in changed circumstances; he evidently didn't fear the consequences. He still thinks of Ron as superstitiously wanting him to say You Know Who, and he pays the price. Or, rather, Hermione, who is tortured, and, ultimately, Dobby, who is murdered, pay the price.

Too bad Harry didn't think to just call him Riddle.

Carol, wondering why Voldemort didn't figure out how easy it would be to track the Order members by making the name Taboo during VW1