something fun to talk about

[catherine at cator-manor.demon.co.uk]

No: HPFGUIDX 16093

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Magda Grantwich <mgrantwich at y...> wrote:
> > What is the funniest scene or 
> > line/lines in any of the HP books, in your opinion?  
> 
> The entire section in GoF when the Weasleys take Harry to the World
> Cup game from the time they "arrive" in the fireplace to leaving the
> Dursleys.
> 
> 
> > I found the Ton-Tongue Toffee scene hilarious enough to re read 
> > several times the first time I sat down with GoF, but my mom 
> > thought it was mean and  didn't like it much.  
> 
> I agree with your mom.  I was quite surprised at that part because 
it
> really shows George and Fred in a most unfavourable light and makes
> Dudley a sympathetic character.  It really jarred on me and
> contributes to the feeling I have that GoF would have benefited from
> one more rigorous edit by JKR.
> 
I didn't find Fred and George unsympathetic at all.  They are fond of 
Harry, and know exactly how Dudley has treated him - he is a bully, a 
coward, and truly a nasty piece of work, which is why they waited for 
someone "deserving" to test it on.  I know, there is a fine line 
between gentle, friendly teasing/practical joking and the more 
sinister maliciousness which becomes bullying. IMO, Fred and George, 
get close, but never ever cross that line.

Catherine