Filch, Squibs and Kwikspell (also Boggarts)

[dfrankiswork at netscape.net]

No: HPFGUIDX 27495

Amy wrote:

> Kelly wrote:
> 
> > According to the testimonials & blurb, KwikSpell is marketed to 
> people
> > who can *do* magic but not well (think Neville).  I still say Squibs
> > canNOT do magic.
> 
> Then why is Filch, a self-described Squib, interested in a Kwikspell 
> course?
> 
I think there is an issue here.  It seems abundantly clear most of the time that either you are a wizard, or you are not.  If you are, then McGonagall's quill puts your name down for Hogwarts, else it doesn't.  (I assume this is confidential until age 11 is reached, else Neville's relatives needn't have worried.)  You can see Dementors and Boggarts (which are *not* in FB, Luke - interesting question why - see message 20607) the Knight Bus etc. and you have the opportunity to fail your OWLs or even get expelled.

It's hard to see what is meant by a Squib except someone who isn't a wizard.

The only possible exceptions I can think of are JKR's reference to someone coming to magic late in life, and the possibility that some ghosts may have been Muggles when alive.

OTOH Filch is able to use Mrs Skowers' all-purpose magical mess remover and has his connection to Mrs Norris.  What do Hermione's parents see, or fail to see, in Diagon Alley?  Could Muggles use Mrs Skowers'?

So either the Kwikspell course is designed for incompetent wizards (as previously discussed, there is little evidence that Neville is a bad wizard - he just didn't show his magic for a long time.), or any Muggle can use it.  Their advertising is clearly aimed at the former.

I think the likely way out is to assume some form of deceit is involved.  Either Filch deceives himself, or Kwikspell are misleading him.

David, wondering if it's a sign of a crusty old listie to refer to his own old mesages


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