Two plus two is Starborn

[Dina]

Carrying on the conspiracy theory of Uriel somehow creating the scenario for Malcolm and Maggie getting in love, I would propose that he also created the chance for Harry to meet Michael and, by extension, other Knights. While I agree with all of you that Malcolm is a significant part of what made Harry a "good starborn" I do not want to overlook Michael's influence. In my opinion, Malcolm shaped Harry because he was with him in his first years. And then, after Harry proved to have the potential to be a force for good, Michael was on his path. I imagine that is what people say "God put him in his path" and it could be true in this case.

[Tinfoil hat]

Uriel can't mess with free will..  He can perhaps bring two people to the dance floor, but he cannot make them dance with one another..

True you cant force people to dance but you can treak the circumstances of the meeting to make them receptive to the idea. The sun setting at just the right angle, the wind blowing gently enough to make you notice something that you may overlook on any other day.
Im not saying a plant in the way that Uriel forced Malcolm and Margie Sr to fall for each other. Just make sure they meet on the right day , at the right time to fall for each other.

[Mira]

I imagine that is what people say "God put him in his path" and it could be true in this case.

I agree with Dina on this, however the free will ice gets very thin at this point..  However if the Boss give the orders, I imagine Uriel is then free to tweak the conditions conducive to the desired outcome.  Uriel sort of said how that worked back in Changes when he told Harry he could heal his back, but he wasn't allowed to.  Uriel could very well have made a gust of wind blow just as Kincaid shot his rifle, just enough to blow the bullet off course enough that yeah, it hit Harry's heart but it wasn't instantly fatal.

[peterwiggin94]

Even if Uriel doesn't interfere with Malcom and Margaret getting together, he could still do a lot of things to help cause a "good starborn". Harry describes Malcolm and Harry being fairly isolated while traveling the countryside. Uriel could protect and shelter them from most threats to ensure that Harry's most formative years are spent with Malcolm. I'd be surprised if Uriel didn't help out with Harry's gift in Christmas Eve. He could have helped supply the memories.

[g33k]

True you cant force people to dance but you can treak the circumstances of the meeting to make them receptive to the idea. The sun setting at just the right angle, the wind blowing gently enough to make you notice something that you may overlook on any other day.
Im not saying a plant in the way that Uriel forced Malcolm and Margie Sr to fall for each other. Just make sure they meet on the right day , at the right time to fall for each other.

Also I think Uriel has a "see into the heart" ability.  He knew when Margaret, on the run, might be receptive to the kindness of a good man.

Remember Ebenezer's testimony about Malcolm -- the best man he ever knew.
Imagine what it would be like for someone escaping a shark like Raith to Soulgaze someone like that...

[Mira]

Also I think Uriel has a "see into the heart" ability.  He knew when Margaret, on the run, might be receptive to the kindness of a good man.

Remember Ebenezer's testimony about Malcolm -- the best man he ever knew.
Imagine what it would be like for someone escaping a shark like Raith to Soulgaze someone like that...

Also meeting Malcolm changed Margaret's whole outlook. We have Chauncy's testimony on that one, he told Harry that they were waiting to receive his mother, and then something changed and she was lost to them.. Who or what was that? Malcolm.

[g33k]

Also meeting Malcolm changed Margaret's whole outlook. We have Chauncy's testimony on that one, he told Harry that they were waiting to receive his mother, and then something changed and she was lost to them.. Who or what was that? Malcolm. 

I think very likely Malcolm was -- in her whole life, amongst scores or hundreds of Soulgazes -- the very first time Margaret gazed upon a genuinely good, kindly, loving soul.

I think that "restored her faith in humanity" -- possibly restored her faith in Creation itself.