The "first" chapter summary PoA 1-2

[Kristin]

No: HPFGUIDX 17992

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Andrew Preston <ajpresto at y...> wrote:
> HP PoA 1-2 

> Questions:
> 
> 1)	Shouldn't most wizards be more self-disciplined than to let 
somebody get under them and then blow them up?

I think that a full blown wizard would have more self-discipline in 
that respect. However we have to remember that Harry is a 13 year old 
boy who doesn't always have control over his emotions. When Marge 
insults his parents he loses it and what control he has over his 
magic. Emotions are a powerful thing that can cause people to do 
things they wouldn't normally do.  


> 2)How do they get Marge off the ceiling?
> 3)What does Marge think? Will the Dursleys ever learn? (They do   
better in Book 4, but will they ever do more than tolerate Harry?)

The Ministry agents puncture Marge and then perform some memory
charms so that she doesn't remember about being blown up. 

As for the Dursleys I'm not sure that they will ever do more than 
tolorate Harry. IMO they put up with him because Dumbledore has made 
it where they have to. I'm thinking that there are charms placed on 
the house and the Dursley's themselves may have charms placed around 
them so that they can't leave Harry. (this was discussed last week I 
think)


> 4)What did Harry think he was doing, running out into the street?  
>   He can't apparate


Again this goes back to strong emotions. He's just blown up his "aunt"
Marge and he's finally had it with the rest of the Dursleys. Harry 
just wants out. He's not really thinking at this point he's reacting.
Later when he's walked a few blocks and calmed down does he realize 
what he's done. Then he begins to worry about being put in Azkaban 
for illeagal use of magic, where he's going to go, and how is he 
going to get to London.

Thanks Andrew for the great summary. 

Cheers,

     Kristin

 p.s. Is everyone else's posts taking a long time too load today or 
is it just me?