The Elder wand -- Book vs movie

[Geoff]

No: HPFGUIDX 192197

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "kathy" <kat7555 at ...> wrote:

kat7555:
> Harry has also never sought to be the most powerful person in the world. When he looked into the Mirror of Erised he saw the family he never had not his becoming a powerful wizard. This allowed him to handle the Sorcerer's stone and keep it out of Voldemort's hands. I've always believed that Dumbledore understood Voldemort more than he did Harry because both of them had been power hungry in their youth and Harry was nothing like them.

Geoff:
A couple of thoughts to follow your comment...

When Harry talked to Dumbledore about the Mirror of Erised, Dumbledore's 
summary of the Mirror's powers was:
'"It shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire 
of out hearts..."'
(PS "The Mirror of Erised" p.157 UK edition)

Harry wanted to see and know his family - a wish could not be fulfilled but 
which the Mirror recognised.

However, at this point, Harry did not know anything about the Philosopher's 
Stone. It was only in the following chapter when Harry realises that Flamel is 
mentioned on Dumbledore's Frog Card. After Hermione rushes off to get one 
of her inevitable books she explains to a slightly gormless Harry and Ron 
what power the Stone holds.

The Stone was able to grant immortality but that does NOT automatically 
make its user the most powerful person in the world so even if Harry sought 
that (which he didn't) it would not be relevant in this situation.