To Fight the Coming Darkness

I find myself thoroughly enjoying the unwinnable argument betwixt Harry and Albus. Very rarely do I get to see a tale wherein someone has realized that neither of them are right or wrong in their opinions (which is precisely what they are). Bravo.

Very nice. This is the first rational explanation I have ever seen offered for Dumbledore's actions. Well done!

Thanks.  I hate those one sided arguments where Harry (usually) completely dominates Dumbledore.

I think you did a very good job with the argument between Harry and Dumbledore. Though I think Harry missed a telling point: If I had stayed put, "sir", or taken time to try to contact someone, Susan would probably now be dead or hidden away somewhere being tortured by DEs. I took the only available course of action to save lives." While responding in anger and attacking Dumbledore's poor decision-making may have worked well, it left Dumbledore's and Snapes estimation that Harry acted irresponsibly intact. But neither has offered a viable alternative. Perhaps sometimes the only good choice is the irresponsible one.

Yeah, sometimes arguments just go that way.  No one wins or makes all the perfect points.~Jim

Yeah, I alsways said Dumbles needed a brain transplant. Harry, unfortunately, had more valid points than Dumbles did. Having said that, DUmbles' points had a validity which may have over-ridden some of Harry's, if Dumbles hadn't missed Harry's point. What good is a Wzarding saviour who can't do what's expected of hime because all he knows is suffering and hate? That's what Dumbles' machinations have caused, now Dumbles reaps the benefits. Will he ever work that out?

I like those arguments where no one is completely right.  It adds a sense of realism to things.~Jim

hmmm, i'll give you that one about neither Dumbledore nore Harry was right in thier argument. but in my opinion Harry was a bit more right in his arguments. just my honest opinion. by the way, great fic you have here. third time reading it. ;) lol

Well, you have to give Harry and edge, but Dumbledore did have a few points in there.~Jim

"How do you expect me to control my anger when you surround me with Malfoy, Snape and the Dursleys? Is there a reason why Gryffindor always has so many classes with Slytherin? Every potion class, I had to focus on whether the Slytherins were going to sabotage my work, try and block out the 'teacher's' taunts and worry about whether my work would be graded poorly or simply vanished and not graded at all! Last year, I even got to have private lessons with Snape directly attacking my mind! What contest in hell did I win to get that? What a great argument, and soo true

One of my favorite speeches form the story.~Jim

The discussion between the Headmaster and Harry was a powerful scene. It is not often that an unresolved dissagreement is written between the two, even in fan ficiton, or perhaps especially then. The ponderings of Snape, and the possible rationalizations for the Defense Professors was something of which I had not thought, and is entirely plausible. This was another very good chapter!

Thank you for the compliments.  Sorry it took a while for the reply.  As I strive for realism, I know that very few things in the real world are resolved in a single sitting.~Jim

Nice confrontation between Harry and Dumbledore. Good chapter.

Nice touch at the end having Harry send the note to Neville.

Good work. Thank you for sharing it.

Tom A.

Thanks.  Glad you enjoyed it.~Jim

One of the better Harry/Dumbledore confrontations that I've read. You give both of them good and bad points to defend. Realistic.

The note to Neville was choice.

I like realistic conversations - the kind where no on is ever completely right or wrong.~Jim

Just curious but shouldn't 'breakroom' be 'restroom'?

Not really.  Snape went to the restroom.  Dumbledore and Harry went to the breakroom. ~Jim

How much Mrs. Scour's powder did yer need ter clean yer keys after that revoltin', no, make that amazing portrial of Snape? And yes, Albus has seen better nights than this one.

Not so much powder.  Poor Albus.  He's old and he's got problems. ~Jim