The idea of redemption

[Andi]

I think you are on to something here. The difference might be that people love Harry. I can't think of anyone that shows love for Snape. He loves Lily, but doesn't get the response he needs.

[[deleted user]]

I think Draco had a chance to go either way throughout the series. I think in HBP he was forced to become a Deatheater to make up for his father's mistake in letting the Prophecy be destroyed. In DH the entire Malfoy family (especially Narcissa) was starting to express a desire to cut ties with Voldemort, but fear of his wrath kept them bound.

People not only loved Harry, but he loved them back-- which was something Voldemort was not capable of.

[Rachel]

redemption--and forgiveness--is a huge part of this book. even though snape is a horrible person to harry and all of his friends, he is still loyal to his love for lily. draco, and the entire malfoy family, are pretty much responsible for saving harry's life. again, you still don't like them at the end, but you can see a shimmer of goodness in them. even voldemort is given the option to redeem himself...

[Ashley]

Your right Polly. When people read books, they need to look past the plot, characters, etc. and see what kind of messages or lessons could be in between the lines.

[Meghan]

Absolutely. This isn't just about waving a wand and making an effect. You have to see what the wand is made of and how the spell began.

[Jaime]

In the spirit of this conversation... in the end of Book 7, Harry dies for everyone in the castle who are then protected from all of Voldemort's curses because he loves them. Is it just me or did Harry just become Jesus? Does he redeem/forgive everyone for all of their mistakes? What does this mean for the characters in the future? Lily's death only lasted until Harry was 18, how long with Harry's death last for his friends?

[Linnea]

I think we see all the carchters given the chance for redemption, but they don't all choose it. I think that one of the interesting things that can be seen, is that redemption is not easy. Snape's redemption costs him a great deal of pain.

We are told as well, after creating Horcruxes, that in order to stich your soul back together, you must feel remorse for what you have done. Which is a very interesting thing when you think about the Christian idea of salvation.