Lupin Transformation Theory (LONG)

[oz_widgeon]

No: HPFGUIDX 32624

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., 
Just a few days ago (though you wouldn't believe it based on the 
posts I had to wade through to find it again), Elizabeth wrote a 
great theory about Lupin that cindysphynx (crafty thing that she is! 
even if she's in the wrong Neville camp, but that's another story), 
even though she like the theory, poked a big hole in.  Now I 
personally really, really liked Elizabeth's theory, so I've done some 
research and think I can back her up.

> Elizabeth Dalton wrote:
> 
> > It's another common "plot hole" that we love to hate: why doesn't 
> Lupin transform until the moon breaks through the clouds? > <snip> 
The consensus of my non-HP-reading fantasy/horror experts 
>was that perhaps Lupin wouldn't transform if he didn't see the 
>moon/get exposed to rays of  moonlight, but that the urge to go look 
>at the moon when it is full would be  irresistable, due to his 
>curse. The potion lets him just succumb to this urge,  look out the 
>window, then take a nap as a wolf with a sane human mind. Chaining  
>him up in a windowless dungeon might work, too, but being denied 
>moonlight at the full moon (especially repeatedly) might drive him 
>insane. 

Good theory!  Well thought out and plausible.  I like it!

"cindysphynx" <cindysphynx at h...> wrote:

> Hmmm.  I like this theory in theory, but I do have one problem.  In 
> PoA, we're told that the Shrieking Shack has boarded-up windows.  I 
> would assume these windows were boarded up when Lupin used it to 
> transform; otherwise the residents would know it was haunted not by 
> ghosts but by a werewolf, and Lupin-wolf could have broken out.  So 
> if the windows are boarded up, that means that whenever he has not 
> had his potion, he transforms even if he doesn't look at the moon 
>or isn't touched by its light.  It also means that he doesn't go 
>insane if he is prevented from seeing the full moon by being in the  
>Shrieking Shack, no?

Now, I can see why we might think that no light could come through, 
boarded up windows, BUT unless they were SEALED (have you ever seen 
a 'haunted house' with 'sealed' windows?), there's no way they 
could completely keep the moonlight out.  We have light blocking 
shades and curtains in our bedroom, but the light from the street 
STILL makes it way in! (ARGH!) Okay, now, evidence to back this all 
up.  BTW, I'm very sick and on medicine, so forgive me if this isn't 
the most coherent thing you've ever read.  I do have a point, but the 
meds seem to muddle it all up. :)

PoA Chapter 17 Cat, Rat and Dog:

'...The light was fading fast now.  By the time they reached open 
ground darkness was settling like a spell around them...' (pg332-333 
PoA US Version)-Aside from the fact that this passage really appeals 
to me, it shows that it is indeed dark before they go into the tunnel.

'And then the tunnel began to rise; moments later it twisted, and 
Crookshanks had gone.  Instead, Harry could see a dim patch of light 
through a small opening...[description of the room] The windows were 
all boarded up....
The room was deserted, but a door to their right stood open, leading 
to a shadowy hallway...' (pg 337 US)

Okay, so the windows are boarded up, but there is still a dim bit of 
light to see around.  As there is no mention of candles burning, and 
I doubt Sirius would take the time to light some anyway, this is most 
likely moonlight (though indirect as the clouds are covering the 
moon) that has slipped through the boards.  It seems that Lupin does 
indeed have to be touched by moonlight to transform, and it is 
possible that this little bit of moonlight that slips through the 
cracks could work when he's in the Shreiking Shack (perhaps he can 
even see it through the cracks, though no one can really see in-we 
also know that people avoid it, so they wouldn't be lookign in 
anyway).  When he first come is to confront Black and Pettigrew, the 
moon is covered by clouds, so he wouldn't transform in this light, or 
perhaps, knowing he has serious work to do, he studiously avoids the 
light, even though the werewolf in him might be drawn to it.  
Further evidence that the moonlight has to TOUCH him:

Chapter 20  The Dementor's Kiss:

'A cloud shifted.  There were suddenly dim shadows on the ground.  
Their party was bathed in moonlight....' [Lupin transforms] (PoA 380 
US)

Lupin is walking across the ground just fine, even though the moon is 
up, until the clouds shift and the moonlight touches him.

Chapter 21 Hermione's Secret:

[Harry and Hermione have gone back in time 3 hours, have rescued 
Buckbeak and are waiting in the forest] 
'She [Hermione] looked nervously over her shoulder into the depths of 
the forest.  The sun was setting now...
The moved around the edge of the forest, darkness falling thickly 
around them....' (Poa 403 US)

[Harry and Hermione wach as Ron, Black, Scabbers and their earlier 
selves disappear into the Whomping Willow.  Dumbledore, Fudge and Mc?
Nair go to the castle]
'"Here comes Lupin!" said Harry as they saw another figure sprinting 
down teh stone steps and haring toward the Willow.  Harry looked up 
at the sky.  Clouds were obscurign the moon completely.' (PoA 404 US)

[Harry and Hermione watch as everyone emerges from the Whomping 
Willow and walk toward the castle]
'The moon slid out from behind the clouds.  They saw the tiny figures 
across the ground stop.  Then they saw movement-
"There goes Lupin," said Hermione.  "He's transforming-"' (PoA 408 US)

Now, from all this, we can clearly see that Lupin was outside when 
the moon was up, but didn't transform because the moon was hidden 
behind clouds.  It is only when the clouds shift and he is touched by 
moonlight that he transforms.  I think the whole idea about the lure 
of the moon is bang on, and though he must be touched by moonlight, 
the need to see it would be really strong, thus this is what 
ultimately causes him to transform.

We need to start a group to suport the 'transforms only in direct 
moonlight' theory.  Tabouli, can I call on your service one more 
time?  We need a name.  Just please be sure to include L.I.D.S. 
somewhere in it (Lupin Is Dead Sexy).

Cheers! 
Slon (back to the sofa, feeling miserable, and eating Jello as it's 
the only thing I can hold down)