[HPforGrownups] Chapter 27 Padfoot Returns

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 10567

Hi --

Before this topic dies away ....

Carole Estes wrote:

> Hermione: She shows a lot of maturity in this chapter.  First in how she
> limits Ron's boasting, second in her reaction to Snape's taunts, and third in
> the cave, she seems much more at ease, self-assured when expressing an
> opinion.  This contrasts to Ron who seems to be wanting to impress Sirius with
> his ideas.

I agree -- I thought Hermione showed alot of poise & maturity in this chapter.
She handles the taunts of both Snape & the Slytherins with dignity & wit.

> Ron:  He is being the most typically adolescent of the trio.  He exaggerates
> his role in the second task, he's jealous about Hermione and Krum, and he just
> seems to try too hard in the conversations with Sirius in the cave.  He seems
> to be discounting Hermione's statements so that his own seem more intelligent
> and perceptive.

That was my feeling too: that Ron was trying too hard and beating down
Hermione's opinions & observations to try & build up his own.  I can't remember
-- is this before or after Moody tells Hermione she'd make a good auror too?

> He shows that he thinks enough of these kids that he can explain what the
> Voldemort years were like.  He trusts them and they trust him.

I liked this bit about Sirius for that reason.  He wasn't treating them like
"kids," but as equals.  He listens carefully to all their thoughts.

> 2. What do you think of Ron in this chapter.  Was he coming across as trying
> too hard to impress everyone, between the other students with his tall tale
> about battling the merpeople and trying to discount Hermione's observations
> during the cave discussions.

As I noted above, I think so.  I think he needs to just notch it down a little
bit.  He's too competitive with Hermione IMO (and ... no.... I'm not about to
digress into a shipping argument.  I'll resist that temptation).

> 3. What about Hermione.  Is she showing more maturity than typical of her age?

Yes, but she always has (IMO).  I, like Marvin, think she's "way cool."  :--)

Penny