Dumbledore’s Strategic Choices: Why Remus and Tonks Couldn’t Secretly Guard Harry

Albus Dumbledore's strategic choices in the Harry Potter series often involve complex decisions that affect the characters' lives and the overall plot. One such strategic choice revolves around the secrecy and protection of young Harry. Exploring why Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks couldn't secretly guard Harry and why Sirius Black never hated his own cousin, Andromeda Tonks, helps us understand the intricacies of Dumbledore's plans and the challenges faced in the magical world.

The Challenges of Secrecy with the Dursleys

Dumbledore’s primary goal was to maintain Harry’s secrecy and protect him from potential threats. This involved creating a scenario where Harry’s famous status was hidden from the wizarding community, allowing him to grow as a humble and modest individual. While Dumbledore could manipulate the Dursleys to take Harry in, he could not force Andromeda and Ted Tonks to leave their lives and take care of a child they did not care for.

Remus Lupin, despite his willingness to care for Harry, could not do so freely due to financial and safety considerations. Remus needed a stipend to live comfortably, and the appearance of someone like him living in the Dursleys' neighborhood would raise suspicions and potentially put Harry in danger. A man in worn-out clothing and underfed would likely be seen as a threat, such as a thief or drug dealer, rather than a protector.

The Role of the Tonks and the Order of the Phoenix

Are the Tonkses members of the Order of the Phoenix? And if they were not, could they afford to not work? Do they have the time to care for a child without their young daughter? These questions highlight the complexities of the Tonkses’ roles.

Remus Lupin might have been willing to spend some time with Harry, but not without financial compensation. Additionally, the idea that magical guardians could create a trail to hide Harry’s location and make him essentially invisible to potential threats complicates Dumbledore's plan further. If the Tonkses were to act as guardians, they would face significant challenges in maintaining this secrecy within the wizarding community.

It is crucial to understand that if Harry had grown up as a wizard rather than a Muggle, the wizarding world's endless praise might have corrupted him, influencing his worldview and decisions in ways that could have changed the series' outcome. If Harry had used his fame to create powerful alliances, he might have missed out on forming the Golden Trio and probably would not have started the Defense Against the Dark Arts (DA). Thus, his journey of humility and modesty became a crucial part of his growth and power against Voldemort.

The Challenges of Wizardly Life in the Muggle World

Living incognito as a wizard in the Muggle world presents significant challenges. Without prior exposure to this lifestyle, it would be even more difficult to blend in. The Squib, Mundungus Fletcher, had already been assigned to watch over Harry and could alert the Order to any potential risks. The ability to Apparate further enhanced the Order's ability to respond quickly, often arriving within minutes of a threat.

In conclusion, Dumbledore's strategic choices, involving the secrecy of Harry's life and the involvement of various Order members, highlight the complexity of the wizarding world. Each character's role and contribution to Harry’s protection and growth underscore the depth of Dumbledore’s plans and the multifaceted challenges faced in both the wizarding and Muggle worlds.