A response to 'the keeper of keys' PS/SS Ch 4.

[bboyminn]

No: HPFGUIDX 187857

---  "Alorkin" <Alorkin at ...> wrote:
...
> 
> 6. Harry's invitation letter says that Hogwarts expects his owl no later than July 31. Do you think it was possible for Harry to refuse the invitation if he so desired?
>  
> Although there are some very good fanfics on that theme, I do not believe Dumbledore would allow Harry to decline.  He has already set events into motion to lure Voldemort to Hogwarts.  (The stone has been kept safe for over six hundred years.  Why would it suddenly be in danger just when Harry was scheduled to come to Hoggy's?  Co-inky-dink?  I think not.)  If Harry refuses to attend, his `grand plan', would be scuttled.
> 
> 
> 7. Please feel free to add your own question.
> 	
> Why was Hagrid sent to collect Harry, instead of someone who actually knew what they were doing?  Aren't there contact specialists?  Hermione said Professor McGonagall came to her house personally.
> 
> 
> Alorkin
>

bboyminn:

Hope you don't mind if I comment on some of your comments.

As to number 6; I never thought of it from that perspective. I
assumed the question was, are Harry and other people allowed to
refuse the invitation in general. I thought of it from the
perspective, is it allowed. 

But, you bring up a Huge point, what if Harry had declined,
what would happen to Dumbledore's plan? What would Dumbledore
do? 

Very interesting and insightful point. I'm not sure I really
know the answer, and I'm usually pretty good at making this
stuff up. I think I do agree that Dumbledore and others would
go to great length to convince Harry that Hogwarts was the
best choice. But, I'm really not sure how far they would be
prepared to take it. Would Dumbledore go so far as to 
kidnap Harry? 

Again, a very interesting point.

As to why Hagrid was chosen to bring Harry his letter, I think
this one is easier. Hagrid knew Harry's parents, and Hagrid
has a very special connection to Harry, being that he guarded
Harry during the magical mysterious missing 24 hours, then 
delivered Harry to Dumbledore at the Dursleys. 

I think there were a limited number of people who knew the
details of where Harry was and what he was doing there. Notice
that most of Harry's brief encounters with magical people
occur outside Privet Drive. 

So, since Hagrid has a directly involved part from the very 
beginning, I think he was the logical choice to come and get 
Harry. Plus, I think Dumbledore would have thought it was a
great laugh to send a giant to fetch Harry. 

Anyway, excellent thought on the scenario of Harry refusing
his invitation to Hogwarts and Dumbledore potential reaction.

What if the Dursley's were religious nut who had endoctrinated
Harry, and he refused on religious ground? 

A very interesting alternate universe.

Steve/bboyminn