An errant question (HP-related):

[aruan]

Has anyone theorized about the possibility of viable alternatives to Harry's staying with the Dursleys after his parents were killed by Voldemort? Sirius was as good as in Azkaban by the time Harry's custody became an issue, and given Remus' condition and his myriad difficulties because of it, there really was no feasible way he could've provided a home for Harry. Asking anyone else would've put them in much too much jeopardy for a lifetime. Dumbledore, I suppose, would've been an alternative, but right now, I don't want him anywhere near Harry again, much less as his primary caregiver. So, theories?

Comments

[lilysaid.livejournal.com]

I guess maybe his parents, since they were active members of the OoTP, could have left him to the Order, expecting them to make arrangements for or share responsibility for Harry's upbringing.

[gjstruthseeker.livejournal.com]

Hm, hadn't considered that. But while of course everyone in the order would've been more than competent wizards, how many of them were/are as gifted (as Voldemort's active hunting of the Potters would indicate) that they would be up to facing a direct threat from him should he return before Harry starts at Hogwarts? The Dursleys were Muggles, but there was the blood-binding spell.

And yes, they could've asked, but taking care of a child is one thing - taking care of the most wanted individual in the entire wizarding world is something bigger than I think anyone could be asked (and most, willing, no matter how loyal of friends they were to the Potters) to undertake.

Just bandying thoughts about here. Thanks for your response.

[lilysaid.livejournal.com]

taking care of the most wanted individual in the entire wizarding world is something bigger than I think anyone could be asked (and most, willing, no matter how loyal of friends they were to the Potters) to undertake.

That's exactly why I thought it might have been easier for them to ask a group of powerful wizards as opposed to just one friends; to share the burden. That being said, now I'm intrigued. What exactly are you thinking they could have done with him?

[gjstruthseeker.livejournal.com]

Now that you mention it, I suppose it would be logical to ask someone with the wherewithal who wouldn't necessarily be your first choice to take care of your child in your abscence should circumstances necessitate it.

Hm.

How many people knew about the prophecy? Not the night Harry died, because that was only Dumbledore, whoever overheard Trelawney, and Voldemort, but afterward - the Potters might have asked someone, but would Dumbledore's mentioning of the prophecy have had an influence on any previously existing agreements? Pretty powerful stuff, that. And I don't put it past Dumbledore to have used it as leverage to allow him to do what he thought would be best, not what necessarily would've been best. Because all of this is mostly stemming from my belief (or is that righteous indignation on Harry's behalf?) that what Dumbledore did wasn't the best, that in no universe could there not have been some alternative to the abuse/neglect Harry lived with for ten years at the hands of the Dursleys.

[gjstruthseeker.livejournal.com]

Err, and by Harry died, I mean Harry's parents. *thwaps head* Sorry, been reading speculation all day. Warping the mind a little.

[gjstruthseeker.livejournal.com]

Addendum from walkingshadow: They did ask someone - Sirius, whose freedom wasn't jeopardized until after their death. So far as they knew, the contingency plan was in place.

[nothinggold.livejournal.com]

You know, that's interesting. Does Harry have a godmother? Don't most parents choose two people as godparents?

Since Sirius couldn't take Harry, did Dumbledore decide what happened next because he was head of the Order? Is that why he was the one to make the decision? It seems like I should know that but I never really thought about it. I just accepted it. Hmm.

[gjstruthseeker.livejournal.com]

According to J.K. Rowling, though I can't quote you the source, Sirius was not married, and the whole affair was so rushed because they went into hiding shortly after Harry was born that there was no designated godmother.

I would assume yes. Besides being the most powerful wizard, given that the only person the Potters gave express say to in the fate of their child stood to be put away in Azkaban for the rest of his life for betraying them, I'd say Dumbledore would be the natural choice for that responsibility to pass to.

And so much of these books is thinking twice where you would've accepted it at face value, eh? In any event, I've come up with no better alternative than Dumbledore's solution, but I'm refusing to believe that'a anything but a personal shortcoming on my behalf. What happened to Harry could not have been the only way.

[tallories.livejournal.com]

I am highly amused by the fact that I have no idea what you just said. Hee!

[gjstruthseeker.livejournal.com]

You've never read the Harry Potter books?! You're missing out on something good. Get thee to a Barnes & Noble! What fandom that spawns an icon like mine isn't worth at least a look?