[HPforGrownups] Let's Get Back to Harry!

[Morag Traynor]

No: HPFGUIDX 17612

Jenny wrote:
>
>I've been reading through the postings this week, and noticed that
>people aren't discussing Harry as much as I'd like.
Hear, hear!
>People wrote a lot last week about Harry's strengths and talents, but
>I was wondering about his weaknesses as well.  What are they?  What
>are the things about Harry that could really end up hurting him?

I think keeping his feelings locked up *could* be considered a weakness.  He 
is certainly impulsive, and not all of his impulses have been good - the 
second trip to Hogwarts, the flying car...He could be reckless under 
emotional pressure...but, really, I think he is a very admirable character.  
He never initiates a a fight or a quarrel, though he will react if someone 
else does.  But he puts up with a lot stoically as well - the Dursleys, 
Snape, Malfoy only really get to him if they mention his parents.  The only 
thing in his dealings with other people that I could criticise is failing to 
respond to Neville's loneliness just before the second Hogsmeade trip.
>
>I also have speculations about some of the magic Harry will be using
>in his coming years at Hogwarts.  I'm sure (once again) that this has
>been discussed before, but I believe he'll learn how to be an animagus
>like his father did.

I think JKR said he wouldn't - I hope I'm wrong about that - an animagus POV 
would be fun!

What else might he be learning (and not from
>classes).  So far, much of his magical "aids" were given to him as
>gifts - the invisibility cloak the Marauders' Map, etc.  Will Harry
>learn how to do something quite complicated on his own?

I think he will - and there's the Patronus.  That was quite an achievement.
>
>I've also heard rumors that Harry might get expelled from Hogwarts
>(and obviously earn his way back in).  Can anyone see that actually
>happening?  What would that be like?

I can't see it.  Dumbledore allows quite a bit of latitude - the only 
expulsion we know of - Hagrid's - was before D's time.  If he were 
temporarily expelled, he'd be separated from Ron and Hermione, and he'd have 
to stay at the Dursleys, which would be dull for us.  I think Harry's done a 
lot of growing up in GoF, and isn't likely to be expelled for doing 
something stupid.  I think there's still plenty of potential in Hogwarts as 
a setting.  Perhaps he may get a bit more freedom in the holidays, and allow 
us to see a bit more of the wizarding world with him.
>
>Okay - I can't think of anything else just yet.  Any thoughts?

I think the problem with Harry as a topic is to do with the POV.  His 
thoughts and feelings are known, so there is less room for elaborate 
theories and stimulating differences of opinion!  But I'd love it if anyone 
can come up with either! :)
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