Podcast Question of the Week – Episode 155

Should Harry be following his head, his heart, or Hermione?

Back in Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore tried – and failed – to get Harry to learn Occlumency from Snape. His failings are brought up again here, at the end up the chapter, via Hermione. She reminds Harry that Dumbledore wanted him to close his mind and shut Voldemort out. Hermione in this moment is following what she believes is Dumbledore’s plan – to shut out Voldemort, find the Horcruxes, destroy Voldemort. Harry is also in this moment following what he believes is Dumbledore’s plan – by any means possible, destroy Lord Voldemort by learning about Tom Riddle and finding and destroying the Horcruxes. While we know that these “Horcrux visions” do help in the end, we also know that Voldemort has taken advantage of this connection in the past (RIP Sirius). Do Hermione’s intentions still seem like the best course of action? Does Occlumency still seem like a skill Harry should hone? If Dumbledore were alive, would he still advocate for it?

Let us know what you think in the comments below or by sending us an Audioboom!