In defense of the Working Class/Pecking Order

[macloudt at yahoo.co.uk]

No: HPFGUIDX 26702

> Cindy (wondering why Filch would want to be dead last in the 
pecking 
> order than take his chances in the Muggle world)

Good point about Filch.  What *is* he doing in the wizarding world, 
especially at Hogwarts?  It seems to me that he is desparately hoping 
to learn some wizarding skills.  In GoF he is taking the learn-at-
home course (LOONs help me out please!), and his mere presence in 
Hogwarts makes me think his one determination in life is to gain even 
the merest of wizarding skills.

My thinking is that Filch is deeply embarrassed about his Squib 
status.  We don't know about his background; who knows, perhaps he 
comes from a great wizard family, and he is the outcast.  But darned 
if he'll admit defeat by taking his chances in the Muggle world.

So his horrendous attitude towards students could rest on 2 points:  
jealousy of the students' magical abilities, and possibly *fear* of 
the students' abilities.  By having his reputation precede him he 
knows he needn't worry about a student hexing him, and having no way 
to retaliate.

One question, though:  is *Mrs. Norris* magical in any way?

Mary Ann :)