Play dirty

I’ve got a theory which in fact make this tasks brilliant if you know context of all HP books. Foremost, we know that Dumbledore understood, quite well, that the only person who would try to take the stone was Voldemort. Thus, I believe that task was designed specially for him. Later in the books, we learn that one of the biggest flows of Voldemort’s power is his disregard to insufficient types of magic (like house elves magic, or magic produced by under aged wizard). And what he despises most of all is anything connected with muggle world, such as simple logic for example. Just remember the scene in Half-Blood Prince, when hunting the locket horcrux in the cave, Harry purposed to Dumbledore to simply “acio locket”. Headmaster actually stopped and sad that it was a great idea, and he should try it. So, being so powerful dark wizard Voldemort counts only some really impressive and sophisticated magic, being so arrogant that he won’t even think of an easy way. Now back to tasks. Let’s assume that they can be resolved only the way it’s magically intended (like Voldemort potion in HP6 that you can only drink). This way, Voldemort had indeed: 1. Not to fight Fluffy, but to use music to get him to sleep. 2. Not to fight the Devil's Snare, but to relax and let them drown you. 3. Had to get flying key by literally flying broomstick)) 4. Had to pass chessboard by playing the game of chess, and not by some sophisticated magic. 5. Had to use “muggle logic” to find the right potion, and not use his “outstanding” potion making skills. 6. And finally the mirror that was just impossible task for him without Harry appearing (freaking Dumbledore)) (The only task which doesn’t follow this pattern is Troll, though I think it exists only because of Quirrel character) Now you HP fans realizing that this tasks is basically addressing to the Voldemort the worst quality - his arrogance and idea of superiority above everyone and everything else. Though for 1st years who really try hard, those tasks are quite manageable. To conclude. Voldemort never appreciated nor really understood such things like love, friendship, sacrifice, kids tails or logic, and all this eventually influenced in his downfall. Same story with those tasks, which in the whole picture seem to me like a brilliant idea from J.K.))) What do you think about this?)

Reason why we see Narcissa Malfoy as more of a protective mother than an evil character in the Harry Potter series: We don’t see Narcissa doing plenty of nasty things to be honest: Narcissa was a product of her up bringing. She likely supported her husband’s and family’s pureblood supermacy and persecution of mudbloods and Muggles, so she was no angel. But in reality, the first time we see Narcissa actually doing something, she’s defying Voldemort’s orders to get help for her son. She begs Severus Snape to aid him. So the first thing we see Narcissa do is actually go behind Voldemort’s back and try to work out a way to save her son. That immediately shows us her priorities. She cares about her family first. I don’t think she was ever into Death Eater ideology as much as Lucius and Bellatrix were. She probably did it because it was expected of her, and because her whole family was in it. But ultimately, when it all comes down to it, Narcissa’s defining trait was putting her son first. She is ultimately most defined by her love for Draco.