Philosopher's (Sorcerer's) Stone

One of the key moments of each book is the “Dumbledore Denouement” – the final conversation, after the story’s climax, in which Dumbledore and Harry have a little chat about what happened.  

Here’s a little assignment for Day 5 of Sorcerer’s Stone Week.  With the knowledge of Dumbledore’s backstory in mind, go back and re-read the few pages of chapter 17 of Sorcerer’s Stone which comprise this final conversation with Harry after the battle over the stone.  

What strikes you about this conversation now?  How do you read it differently than when you first read it?  What new meanings do Dumbledore’s words take on, if any?  What was Rowling really trying to accomplish with Dumbledore in these pages?  Maybe a better question: What was Dumbledore really trying to accomplish with Harry in these few pages?

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