[HPforGrownups] Latin in Harry Potter--Arabella Figg

[Richelle Votaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 42618

> Eloise:
>
> OK. I have two problems:
>
> One. Why does *everything* have to be derived from Latin? There are lots
of
> wizards whose names don't have Latin derivations.

Because it's really cool. :)  And I've nothing better to do at the moment.
And I'm just determined that JKR is not pulling anything else over on my
watch so blatantly obvious as "Lupin" being a werewolf.  So I'm going to
suspect everything until I find otherwise.

> Two. Dumbledore places Harry with the dreadful Dursleys because they are
his
> *only living relatives* and it is apparently necessary for his protection
> that he lives with blood relatives.

Dumbledore doesn't say they're Harry's only living relatives.  He says
"they're the only family he has now."

> If Arabella is really a Potter, why, in heaven's name, doesn't he have her
> look after Harry herself (disguising herself as a muggle if necessary, as
she
> has done anyway) instead of having her supervise from afar?

Ah, you've invited me to launch into yet another theory.  Too kind. :)  I'm
on the "magic of family protection" theory that the Dudley's are Harry's
best protection because they're the *closest* living realtions he has.
Also, it's on his mother's side.  That may have something to do with it. I
just find it really hard to believe that *every* Potter has been wiped out.
I doubt Mrs. Figg would be a very close relative, not his grandmother or
anything, but something like a great aunt would be a relative but not very
close in blood relations.  Not near as close as that horrid Aunt Petunia.

Another thing this would explain though, is why Arabella Figg would
virtually leave the WW behind to live as a muggle.  Just to watch after "the
boy who lived."  I admit he's rather famous and it would be an honor, but
still, living as a muggle seems almost a disgrace!  But if he's her great
nephew or something I'd see why.  I expect to have my theory verified or
debunked in book 5. :)

Well, I've actually got to go to work today (school starts--for teachers
anyway) so I'd best shut up and go.

Richelle