Harry's alleged debt to Dumbledore and Snape WAS: Re: Chapter Discussion

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 190795

 
> Alla:
> 
> I have to admit that the idea that Harry owes personal debt to *Dumbledore* of all people and Snape too shocked me so that I want to make a separate post out of it. Below is the list of possible reasons Why Harry may owe personal debt to Dumbledore and of course it is a bit sarcastic, but it is at the same time not really, it is just so very unbelievable to me because I can only list the wrongs Dumbledore did to Harry and nothing that Dumbledore did FOR Harry at all.


<snip>

> But Harry owing anything to *Dumbledore*? I think if Dumbledore would have stood in front of Harry on his knees for eternity he would have never paid the debt for life of pain and abuse he subjected Harry to and for death he wanted him to die.

Pippin:

I've snipped most of your points since I've discussed them in the past. I think you're already aware of my views <g> If not I'll happily elaborate ::groans from remaining listies::

 Regardless of your opinion, which of course I respect even though I disagree with it, Harry  in canon does not think that Dumbledore wanted him to die. King's Cross leaves no doubt that Harry believes Dumbledore is (or would be, if you think it is all in Harry's head) radiant with satisfaction that Harry is alive. 

Dumbledore wanted Harry to *think* he had to die, that he had been raised like a pig for slaughter,  so that Harry could use the magic of willing sacrifice to protect his friends. That is what Dumbledore did FOR Harry, nothing much if you think Harry getting his heart's desire is not important.  It  entailed a lot of pain for Harry, and Dumbledore acknowledged that. But Dumbledore had never told him that it wouldn't. 

Harry's heart's desire was not to be a mighty wizard and see all his enemies groveling at his feet. Nor was it to live a life on the run or under guard while other people waged the battle to protect him. 

Harry's desire was to be just as he was and surrounded by people who loved him. And it was Dumbledore who saw that, and was willing to teach Harry what he needed to know to achieve it. 

Maybe debt is not the right word -- it is not that Harry was doing something to make himself quits with Dumbledore and Snape. I think he felt that, as horribly flawed as they were,  they were respectively the best and the bravest men he ever knew, so it was not just a public duty but a personal privilege to honor them. Noblesse oblige.

Pippin