[HPforGrownups] Re: Death in Book 5

[Grace Saalsaa]

No: HPFGUIDX 48592

Richelle writes:

Although I see how Hedwig could be considered a fan of Harry, as well as a
death that would be difficult to write, I just don't see JKR killing Hedwig.
First of all, though Hedwig is a pet, he's also servicable.  He has jobs to
do,
generally hangs out in the owlery, not with Harry in the dorms, etc.  Of
course
he visits from time to time, but Harry also goes to the owlery as well.  I
could see Harry getting another pet that would be kept it the dorms with
him.
But what, I wonder?  Can't see Harry with a toad or a cat.  But as someone
already said, if Hagrid were to die, what happens to Fang?  He is rather
fond
of Harry, so he'd be a natural choice.  And I could see Dumbledore asking
Harry
to care for Fang for several reasons.  One, something to remember Hagrid by.
Two, something to keep him busy and feel like he's *doing* something for
Hagrid.  Three, Fang would need someone he knew to look after him, dogs
mourn
too, and I think Dumbledore would understand that and want even the dog to
not
be depressed.

Me:

My thought was that the second "pet" Harry gets is a big black dog named
Snuffles. Makes good sense to me that although Dumbledore has sent Black to
be with Lupin "for awhile," there may be a more immediate need for Black to
be right there with Harry now that LV has a body back, and the war is about
to be stepped up.

Harry may not have that protection from his mother anymore, and it makes
good sense to put a very clever wizard closer to Harry.  Obviously, being in
Hogwarts under Dumbldore's watchful eye hasn't helped Harry that much.
Voldemort, with Pettigrew and Crouch Jr.'s help was able to kidnap Harry
right out from under Dumbledore's nose.

And, since Pettigrew has knowledge of the Marauder's Map and the secret
passages, Black being right there with Harry as his faithful dog would be a
clever more.  I would think the added protection of Black's constant
companionship, his skill and magical knowledge - plus the benefit to Harry
of having Black right there as a  father figure - would be a great
protection and comfort to Harry.  He would get to know his godfather better
and learn that the adults in his world at Hogwarts are far better than what
he has learned about adults from the Dursleys.

 Then too, Crookshanks and Black have an understanding.  Black is able to
get Crookshanks to do his bidding, and one of those tasks that Crookshanks
could carry out is keeping an eye open for a certain rat or sending
messages.

With Snuffles right there, he and Dumbledore can consult each other. There
would also be the added spice,  for good reading, of the animosity between
Black and Snape.  Yes, I'd like to see Harry's new pet be Snuffles.

Grace