What Dreams May Come Question

[moon_dancing]

I have a question that I'm curious as to how others think concerning an answer. I have my own ideas, but I haven't came to a conclusive answer yet.

I'm working on finally, yet again the last chapter. I'm attempting at being particular with how I conclude certain plots/ideas in the story, keeping in mind that I may, more than likely, write one, if not two, sequels (basically, my versions of books six and seven).

With that in mind - and I suppose this question is relative basing it on the personality of my James - I've been contemplating exactly how Voldemort would react, and thus affect the war and his concentration on Harry, to James being alive after all.

More to the point, in your opinion, considering that Voldemort (remember that wdmc is pre-DH) never heard the prophecy in its entirety, do you think that he would concentrate on James just as much as he does on Harry? After all, Harry is no longer the only survivor of the killing curse (although Voldemort does not know the specifics on how James survived). Do you think Voldemort's vainness would make James a prime target as well? Or would James be on the top of his wanted list simply for being Harry's father and having survived Voldemort numerous times?

I'm pretty settled in the notion that since James survived him (and in wdmc, was a strong opponent during the first war), he'll obviously be a main target. Plus, he is Harry's father and therefore close to Harry.

Basically - I'm thinking in terms of the prophecy and how Voldemort, directly, would look at James and consider him.

Curious as to other's opinions on this matter, which may or may not affect the direction I go in writing.

Thank you, to anyone who replies. *hugs n cookies*

Comments

[afterthree.livejournal.com]

I don't think Voldemort would consider James a threat as part of the prophecy -- the beginning (which is what he heard) contains very specific "*BORN* to those who have thrice defied... blah blah blah".

(And I just considered that James surviving might negate the prophecy, actually... because now James has thwarted Voldemort *four* times instead of three... I guess it depends on how literal you take it.)

I do think Voldemort would still be right pissed off, though, and James would be right up there at the top of the list. I'm not sure he would consider James as a specific prophecy-related threat, though, just a general threat. Like Dumbledore.

[moon-dancing.livejournal.com]

Chelle, you are awesomely awesome. I feel better knowing at least one other person (and a great author at that) has thoughts going the same direction I was thinking.

I've been considering the possible change in the prophecy, as well. Good catch. *grins*

Thank you VERY much for your opinion. I much appreciate it.

[afterthree.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :)

I have been considering the Prophecy *very carefully* lately, because I'm working on the framework for a AU universe wherein Voldemort choses Neville instead of Harry, and trying to map out the course of the world if he had. I just really believe that the prophecy could have meant EITHER Harry or Neville, and that Voldemort's choice of who was the larger threat was the deciding factor, so if Voldemort had of chosen Neville... what might have happened then? What course would the future have taken? Who would have lived and who would have died? How different would the outcome have been, and who would it have been most different for? (Certainly the Marauders would have had a different set of futures... and potentially Snape too...)

I admit I haven't had the opportunity to check out this fic of yours yet, but it's on my list! I am a secret AU fangirl.

[moon-dancing.livejournal.com]

You know what, I'll be honest. Until I started writing this fic, I really didn't pay attention to AU. Once I had -what I thought because I didn't read AU's- idea and started writing, I opened up the doors and I LOVE AU's. When they're well-written (of course) they're great stories. One of my favorites, that finally turned me over, is the Unbroken Universe by Robin. Sirius remained the secret keeper and was captured by Voldemort. The war never stopped and Harry was never marked. It's quite interesting.

I like your idea, too. I've seen some people attempt this thought, but nothing thorough that made the story plausible. I wish you luck and, honestly, can't wait to read it!

Ah, don't worry about reading mine. *laughs* I've heard there are quite a few similar to it out there. I've never read one, I fear that I'd steal an idea without realizing it. But if you ever do, I do hope that you enjoy it. =)

[satirise.livejournal.com]

I agree with afterthree, I think that James wouldn't be Voldemort's number one target - that'd still be Harry. I'd say that Voldemort would be very interested in how James survived though (death being what he fears most, and how he wants to be immortal, etc.)

I tend to sway to Dumbledore's thinking on the prophecy. I'm not a huge believer in fortune telling, I think we're more masters of our own destiny than pawns in the bigger game. I don't have HP with me to check the wording of the prophecy (little bro has finally decided that watching the movies isn't enough to get the storyline. He's probably realised that it'll be 2009 before he finds out how it all ends), but I think Voldemort heard enough of the prophecy to make a choice. As Dumbledore says, he picked Harry, the half blood, not the pure blood. He didn't have to pick Harry, he didn't have to set out to kill him when he did either - he didn't have to do anything. So I think that Voldemort remained the 'master of his destiny' because he made choices, he didn't blindly follow a path. In DH, Harry relives Voldemort's memories of the night James and Lily died. The prophecy motivated his actions but Voldemort was there on a purpose, he felt he was doing the righteous thing, etc. etc.

Did any of that make any sense at all? :/

[moon-dancing.livejournal.com]

*grins* That made total sense. *loves* I've always felt the same way about destiny myself, anyway, so I've had the same feeling on the prophecy. I think my greatest concern was with my characterization of Voldemort's reaction and how that would affect plotlines.

You did bring up a point I hadn't thought of, though. *beams* Voldemort's probable obsession with how James survived. I think I was focusing too much on his reaction - as to everyone else's - of "Omg! Harry's not the only one to survive AK!". I didn't think beyond that, and thanks to you, now I will. *grins*

*loves* *shares Skittles*

[satirise.livejournal.com]

That's a relief. *laughs* Glad I didn't come across as an all-rambling idiot. I think what I was trying to say was that a prophecy is a prophecy, nothing more and nothing less. They are for the future - we still have to make our decisions (which could either negate the prophecy or see it come true). Basically, they aren't set in stone and a million different things could happen between the casting of the prophecy and the foreseen events. And I just continue to ramble and carry on, don't I? *shakes head* :)

Ah. Glad I could help. :D I'm dreaming up attempted kidnap plans and ransom notes ... oh no ... *bashes head on table*

Speaking of lollies, I bought a bag of sherbert lemons the other day. Dumbledore is on to a good thing, lemme tell you. :)