In Chapter 33 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, the following scene takes place where Albus Dumbledore tells Severus Snape in not so many words that he has been raising Harry Potter as a weapon to be killed at the appropriate time.
"We have protected him because it has been essential to teach him, to raise him, to let him try his strength," said Dumbledore, his eyes still tight shut. "Meanwhile, the connection between them grows ever stronger, a parasitic growth: Sometimes I have thought he suspects it himself. If I know him, he will have arranged matters so that when he sets out to meet his death, it will truly mean the end of Voldemort."
Dumbledore opened his eyes. Snape looked horrified.
"You have kept him alive so that he can die at the right moment?... You have used me… I have spied for you and lied for you, put myself in mortal danger for you. Everything was supposed to keep Lily Potter's son safe. Now you tell me you have been raising him like a pig for slaughter…"
We learn later that Harry had to die to truly defeat Voldemort, but at the time this scene makes Dumbledore seem very cold. Let us go back through the series, all seven books, and look at the bigger picture.
1) Philosopher's/ Sorcerer's Stone
Harry goes to the 3rd floor forbidden corridor to protect the stone. It is said that Dumbledore has left the school. Knowing the stone was there and needed protecting, would a wise man like Dumbledore really leave, not knowing what was taking place. This seems highly unlikely... almost as though Dumbledore wanted to see what Harry was made of by having him do the obstacles to get to the stone. Would a chess set, flying keys, a potion riddle, and a troll really stop a fully grown wizard (or Voldemort) from getting to the stone. This tested Harry's knowledge.
2. Chamber of Secrets
You mean to tell me that once the chamber has been opened Dumbledore has no suspicions that whomever opened it is going to attempt to lure (target) the only Parselmouth in the school. This also seems highly unlikely. Also why did none of the other Professors attempt to rescue Ginny Weasley, instead sending the worst possible help down there (Lockhart)? This tested Harry's bravery.
3. Prisoner of Azkaban
Dumbledore was actually less sneaky about this one as he knew and even "hinted" at the use of Hermione's time-turner to rescue Sirius Black. I think overall this one is most about how much Harry wishes for a family. By going back it time Harry must allow Peter Pettigrew to escape and free Sirius. This tested Harry's daring.
4. Goblet of Fire
So the Tri-wizard Tourney comes to Hogwarts and Dumbeldore has no idea his trusted friend from the Auror Corps. is being impersonated? If someone in my life was under the influence of a potion like Polyjuice, I am positive I would know. By the way this sounds, Dumbledore was unable to tell anything, even the smallest detail of Mad-Eye Moody, was off. Suspicious if you ask me. This tested Harry physically.
5. Order of the Phoenix
Here Dumbledore is once more not as sneaky because he is not there when it all goes down. I blame much of this one on Umbridge, but a lot falls on Dumbledore as well. Like why he did not just tell Harry "Voldemort can plant false crap in your head, my boy, so don't go running off." or "The Department of Mysteries in the Ministry of Magic has a prophecy Voldy wants about you, but we can't let him get to it." This tested Harry's mental stability.
6. Half-Blood Prince
In this installment, Harry believes more thoroughly than before that Draco Malfoy is a Death Eater. Dumbledore knowing (from spy, Snape) that Draco has taken the mark and really is out to kill him does nothing. He once again tells Harry only a bit of the bigger picture continuing to leave Harry in the dark. He also at one point forces Harry to poison him and although Harry suspects there is more going on with the curse on Dumbledore's hand, he does not know the extent and that the Headmaster is already dying. This tested Harry's instincts.
7. Deathly Hallows
In the end we really see how much Dumbledore has manipulated those around him. Harry and Snape more than anyone else. Yes, he got Harry to the point to where he could defeat Voldemort, but at what cost? When would it be enough? This is when the above scene comes into play. Harry learned that not ALL Slytherins are evil and that everything he thought he knew was no longer as black and white as he wanted to believe. This tested Harry's true beliefs.
So, was Severus Snape correct in saying that Dumbledore was raising Harry as a weapon to defeat Voldemort? Knowing all this, is Dumbledore really the grandfatherly old man trying to do good or a manipulative mastermind playing chess with a lot of pawns? Throughout the series, Harry was tested on his knowledge, bravery, daring, physical strength, mental stability, instincts, and true beliefs. Did Dumbledore allow Harry to go through everything he went through just to prove he was strong enough to face Voldemort?
You decide!
