Lupin's Patronus, Self-deprecating?

[Amy Z]

No: HPFGUIDX 28870

Cindy wrote:  <nice analysis snipped>

> Can anyone recall another instance in which 
> Lupin disparages his own magical skills?  
> 
> I've looked quickly, but I haven't found anything concrete.  The 
best 
> opportunity for Lupin to make a self-deprecating comment is when he 
> is discussing his resignation with Harry.  Harry tells Lupin he's 
the 
> best DADA teacher they've had and begs Lupin not to resign.  Lupin 
> shakes his head and says nothing.  He doesn't say "Oh, I'm not that 
> great," or some such.  I still haven't totally made up my mind 
about 
> this, and I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.

I don't see this as a case of being self-deprecating.  My thought is 
that he shakes his head because he doesn't trust his voice.  He must 
be terribly sad and disappointed--and possibly very worried about his 
future--at leaving Hogwarts, and to then have a student he's really 
come to care about come and say "Don't go!" . . . maybe he's afraid 
he'll cry if he tries to respond.  I know I cry at the drop of a hat 
(that poor hat!), so I'm not a good example, but I would definitely 
be unable to speak at such a moment.

Here is an example of RL's self- . . . well, I'd say self-loathing 
more than self-deprecation:  when he tells the Trio about his 
deceiving Dumbledore as a student and says, "And I haven't changed."  
It even says he sounds disgusted with himself, doesn't it?  I'm 
bookless at the moment so can't check.  He is not disparaging his 
magical ability, but this shows a tendency to be quite self-critical.

In any case, IMO we don't need other examples of self-deprecating 
comments in order to interpret "I don't pretend to be an expert at 
fighting dementors, quite the contrary" as one.

Amy Z
who might throw herself off the Astronomy Tower if she blew a chance 
to work at Hogwarts for the rest of her life