[HPforGrownups] Re: Secrets (Long)

[Peg Kerr]

No: HPFGUIDX 1003



Blaise wrote:

>
> An image that I'd like to add here is that of the Mirror of Erised,
> which, in a way, reveals a person's secrets to themselves.

Good insight.  I do think that this is a part of education--self-discovery
as well as discovery about the world around you.  Significant that
self-discovery starts in the very first book.

>  I like that there are people on Our Team who are unpleasant.

That is actually a pretty sophisticated approach on Rowling's part--and I'm
speaking as a writer here.  It is FASCINATING to have a hero (and I presume
Snape at least has the opportunity to be a hero) who is also has an utterly
nasty personality.  Apparently Rowling based Snape on one of her own
teachers, whom she loathed.

>
> Does this mean you think Rita Skeeter is working for Voldemort?  I
> have wondered about this.

No, I didn't mean to suggest that--I was just speaking in a bit too sweeping
of a manner by lumping Rita in with the Other Team.  I think Rita's loyalty
is only to herself--to her rush to the "scoop."

Yet, it is true that those who are only out for themselves can be
manipulated by those who act out of nefarious purposes.

Peg