what did we learn from this?

[Andrea Bonfanti]

No: HPFGUIDX 3750

I don't agree with Penny and Kelley's understanding that Arabella and 
Mrs Figg are the same person. I believe that JKR was just 
acknowledging that the reader had spotted something important there.

Kelley wrote:
> I thought she meant to save the editions that had 'ancestor', 
because 
> they might be worth something someday, but that 'descendent' is the 
> correct term.  Doesn't sound like there was any confirmation that 
> Vold is the only person related to Slyth running around.

That's what I undestood, too. She meant that the editions that 
had 'ancestor' would be valuable in the future as collector's items. 
I believe she has noticed the mistake (I don't believe in 
the 'deliberate' error).

As for the number of students, to me, it had always been hard to 
believe that Harry's Griffindor class had only 8 students. I mean, 
they have some lessons by themselves (with no other house), and JKR 
sometimes wrote that Harry sat at the back of the room. With only 7 
other students, that would be hardly a difference. On the other hand, 
her only mentioning 8 Griffindors is downright strange.

I was as surprised as anyone else to know that James was a Chaser. I 
guess I just means that we should not make hasty connections (Harry 
is a Seeker, therefore James was a Seeker). That may also be true 
about MWPP's house, although I believe that her "naturally" leads us 
to conclude that they were Griffindors.

I was pleased with her answer concerning Dumbledore's and 
McGonagall's ages. It does make sense and it explains Hagrid's being 
over 60 as well. And, finally, we got to know something before Harry 
did!
I'm looking forward to these next chats!

Andrea (fairly new member, just setting herself free from quarantine, 
I mean, lurking period!)