With Dobby's help in the sixth year, a thoughtful and suspicious Harry uncovers Dumbledore's plan to save the magical world by offering Harry up as a sacrifice. And with more time to think, a resolute Harry decides that, even though there may be no hope for his life, there are better ways to die than by becoming a torture toy for the amusement of Voldemort and Bellatrix.

In the first three books, JKR's Dumbledore is a kindly and wise old man. But as the books continue, the conniving and manipulative puppet master is uncovered. What's more, both he and his pet pit bull Snape are masters of mind magic. Whatever Harry thinks, hopes or plans, both Dumbledore and Snape know . . . and can manipulate.

Many fan-fics begin by exaggerating the abuse inflicted on Harry by the Dursleys, often with horrifying results. But I've found myself wondering what Harry would *really* be like if he'd had been treated just as the books described: not physically or sexually abused, but despised, isolated, malnourished, and shown neither love nor respect.