Handicapping the Next Big Battle

[dtklein_2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 31766

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "pippin_999" <foxmoth at q...> wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at y..., "cindysphynx" <cindysphynx at h...> 
> wrote:
> An excellent summary and may I add a couple of additions to the 
> forces for good:
> 
> Hagrid -- impetuous, but unquestionably loyal to Dumbeldore 
> and Harry, plus has immense strength and size which make up 
> for his lack of magical prowess. His relationship to Norbert may 
> also prove important later on.
> 
> The House Elves: They are employed by old wizarding families: 
> probably all the  prominent DE's have them. Can you imagine the 
> havoc they could cause if they rebelled? They may turn out to be 
> the Achilles' heel of the Dark Side, much like the Ewoks in RotJ.
> 
> The boa constrictor in Book One: last seen heading for Brazil, but 
> bound to turn up again, IMO.
> 
> Pippin

I agree that the house elves -should- play an important role in the 
last three books. I can easily see them as a powerful ally to 
the "good" forces: (I dont have the specific books for references 
available but) they were described as having their own powerful magic 
(Dobby warned Lucius Malfoy off at the end of CoS and broke through 
Snape's magic to get the gillyweed in his office on GoF,) have a 
great deal of secrets about their "masters" (Dobby still has trouble 
talking badly of the Malfoys in GoF but would be fully aware of the 
family secrets, Winky both knew of the Crouch secrets and was 
described as binding Barty to her at the World Cup without a wand,) 
and several main "good" characters have expressed interest in their 
liberation/welfare (Hermione and SPEW, Mr. Weasley at the World 
Cup.)  I dont think Dumbledore having Winky present for the 
interrogation of Moody/Barty was accidental, nor was his sending 
Madam Poppy to her (although it was a convenient way of getting her 
out of the room for Sirus to show himself to Snape) and ultimately 
take her to Dobby to care for after the shock of the interrogation. 

I also think that the two spies, Wormtail and Snape, could play role 
reversal and possibly switch sides again. It seems likely to me that 
Snape turned based on his feeling of debt to James for stopping the 
prank that almost had him killed while both were in school; however, 
showing the Dark Mark to Fudge at the end of GoF is inconsistent with 
the idea that he is considering changing sides again since it seemed 
completely new information that the Dark Mark even existed and siding 
with the "Harry is demented, Voldemort isnt back" more seems to serve 
Voldemort than trying to convince Fudge that Voldemort is indeed 
back. Wormtail could also be important for either camp. I seriously 
doubt Voldemort trusts him in the slightest, and if Peter does turn 
sides it seems to me he would likely die in the decision as Sirius 
said he should have done in PoA rather than give up the secret of 
where James and Lily were hiding. Both characters seem important to 
the "good" side winning, how crucial obviously we won't know til book 
seven.

David