Second Chances

     I think that the importance of second chances comes up often and is an important theme in this book.  We see it in a couple of places and affects a couple of the major characters in this book.  It affects Snape, Dumbledore, and even Draco Malfoy a little later in the book.  Earlier in the series, in the Goblet of Fire, some of the characters speak of Dumbledore and his unusual belief in second chances.

     One glaring example of second chances in this book is Snape.  In his case, Dumbledore gave him a second chance as he believed that Snape, although a former Death Eater, changed.  He became one of the heroes in this book which is interesting because most of us grew to dislike him throughout the books.  Later in this book, we learn that he totally changed and centered his life around protecting Harry after Lord Voldemort killed Harry's mom Lily.  This character change showed us a lot about how Dumbledore is right and that some people do deserve second chances.  It also showed how wise Dumbledore is because Snape was invaluable to Dumbledore throughout the books as a spy against Lord Voldemort and the protector of Harry.  It is interesting how JK Rowling painted Snape as a villain and was hated by Harry throughout the series.

     Later in the book, there is a scene where Harry took what he learned from Dumbledore and put it into action.  When Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Hermione, Ron, and Harry were in the Room of Requirement together, Crabbe or Goyle released Fiendfyre (sorry, I don't remember which).  When this happened, Hermione and Ron were able to escape, but Malfoy was not so lucky.  Despite everything that Malfoy had done to Harry throughout the books, Harry gave him a second chance and saved him.  I think that this really showed the type of character that Harry is and how Dumledore had an amazing influence on the decisions that Harry made.  Would you have saved Malfoy? (NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

     And finally we have Dumbledore.  There is the book The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore written by Rita Skeetter that tests Harry's faith in Albus Dumbledore.  A big question that is brought up at this point in the book is the question of if Harry will give Dumbledore a second chance and try to follow through on what he planned for him.  Harry had to trust Dumbledore and the fact that he knew what he was doing and believe that Dumbledore was able to change from his youth.  Would you have been able to if you were Harry?

(By the way have you guys noticed how quickly Harry seems to forgive people? Example: Ron)

Past and Present

          I've  noticed that there is a lot of talk about Dummbledore's past and what kind of person he truly was.  My question is: does it matter what someones past is or who they are in the present?  Dumbledore is supposed to have some dark past filled with secrets and lies.  Even if that is what he was, think about  who he became.  Dumbledore was a wise and brilliant man.  It doesn't matter if someone was a bad person back in the day.  If they are now someone who can tell you wrong from right and control themselves that is who you are supposed to judge.

          Take Robert Downey Jr. for example.  He used to be a raging addict and now he has been clean for a number of years.  It's easy to do bad things in your life and it's also easy  to do good things in your life.  The part that is difficult is redeeming yourself after you've done bad things.  In order to judge someone, no one should look at who the person was in the past.  The person must be judged now that they are a brand new person.

          Snape was always considered a bad character in the Harry Potter book series, and then you learn about his past.  This does contradict my earlier statements and I realize that.  If you look at someone and think they are a bad person their past should also be checked out.  To be fair, I have to say that past can trump present.  Snape had every right to be resenful of Harry.  His father was a jerk to him and stole his one true love on top of that.  So all in all, it can be ufair to judge someone based on theirpast but if that past has hardships, I believe second chances are due.