Fast Moving Killas discussion

Final Discussion for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone! As always, please add at least one discussion question and one response.

Here is my question:

Had Harry and friends minded their own business and didn't pursue Professor Quirrell into the trapdoor, would anything significant have changed? When Harry finally reached the last defense, Quirrell was still struggling to figure out how to retrieve the stone. Dumbledore would still arrive at the castle in a hurry, already suspecting someone trying to steal the stone. Is it possible that Dumbledore can stop Quirrell (and Voldemort) from getting the stone without Harry being present?

If anything, Harry Potter made it easier for Voldemort to get the stone by solving Dumbledore's mirror trick. Just like in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Nazis would still end up opening the ark even if Indiana Jones wasn't present in the movie. Quirrell will still solve the trials but get stuck at Dumbledore's puzzle and the Nazis would eventually find the ark with further excavations.

Wow what an ending, to both the story and our own adventures through these discussion posts. I feel that this final chapter really laid out some important themes and messages that may not have been caught on a first read through. Here’s a few questions I have that will hopefully provide a deeper look into the author’s motivations behind the story.

While solving the puzzles to reach the philosophers stone what strengths do Harry, Ron, and hermoine contribute? Why was Harry able to see the stone through the mirror but not Quirrel? What does this reveal about Harry’s character? Also what did Harry mean by “I’m gonna have a lot of fun with Dudley this summer…”?

Wow! A stunning end to a stunning novel. I’m fond of the creative obstacles the trio of hero’s faced on their way to the Stone, I remember thinking the chess scene from the movie was badass when I was a kid, like how the pieces are alive and stuff.

A question I have after reading these chapters:
How might the stone be used in the future books? What sort of applications might it have in the right (or wrong) hands?

In response to joes question of why Harry could see the stone through the mirror but prof. quirell couldn’t:

This is because dumbledore set up the mirror with a sneaky and clever paradox: only those who don’t seek the stone are able to use the mirror and take it. In classic dumbledore fashion, this was a wise move, as he’s relying on the moral paradox of “those that should be in power don’t seek it, and those that seek power don’t deserve it”. I think this little nugget of wisdom certainly has applications in today’s world!

In response to Ryans question regarding the philosopher stones future:

Dumbledore mentions that after having a conversation with his dear friend Nicolas Flamel, they reached a verdict and decided that the stone must be destroyed to prevent Voldemort (or another evil wizard) from getting his hands on it.
In the hands of someone pure of heart, the stone may be used for recreational purposes and its powers won't be abused. In the wrong hands however, the stone will grant the user immortality and perpetual wealth.

My response is to Tony’s question:

Nothing ever happens

What types of quills where the students given for exams

In response to Ryan’s question I think the stone could be use to help the good or bad people with buying anything they wanted and it could make people immortal so they could keep protecting or destroying the world forever.