[HPforGrownups] Dumbledore's role in Trio becoming friends WAS: Re: CHAPTER

[Bart Lidofsky]

No: HPFGUIDX 188445

Alla:
> I will be the last person to disagree with manipulative theory, but I will ask simply out of curiosity, how do you think Dumbledore did it?
>   

Bart:
    I'm going to say how I think he COULD have done it. First of all, he 
had been keeping track of Harry (via Figgy at least), and knew his 
personality. He also knew that he would be a sucker for a loving family, 
like, say, the Weasleys (making sure he befriended Hagrid was a 
no-brainer; consider that Hagrid got away with several things that 
should have gotten him in legal trouble, all to impress Harry). Making 
sure that Harry ran into the Weasleys at the right time wouldn't take 
too much manipulation on his part. I don't think that Molly knew DD 
wanted Ron to meet Harry, but Arthur could have been in on it.

    As for Hermione, note that she got a LOT of knowledge of the WW in 
advance of attending Hogwarts. Almost as if she had a magical mentor. 
Probably not direct. Probably not even someone directly tied with 
Hogwarts. But Harry was certainly manipulated into wanting to be in 
Gryffindor (I can see DD saying, "By the way, Hagrid, wouldn't it be 
something if Harry ended up in our old House?" which would be 
sufficient). And Minnie the Cat always seemed to know more than she was 
letting on.

    Note that Hermione started out making friendly overtures. Once 
again, I don't think she was told, "Make friends with Harry and Ron!"; 
certainly, I don't think she would have kept it a secret. But I do think 
she received encouragement; note that she did make an effort to befriend 
them at first, and how upset she was when she was rebuffed (which did 
lead to them becoming friends). The troll was convenient; if it didn't 
happen one way, it would have happned another.
  
    There was a movie involving con artists a few years back (I won't 
give the name to avoid spoilers). It involved a complex plot. The key 
thing to remember when the plot was revealed was that it was not a 
meticulous plan with incredible coincidences moving it along; the 
plotter simply had the skills to see the opportunities and take them, 
modifying the plan continually as opportunities presented themselves. I 
see a similar form of manipulation taking place here.

    Bart