Musing About Mundungus (WAS Acronyms, Christianty, Chang, )

[cindysphynx]

No: HPFGUIDX 34305

Tabouli wrote:

> 
> Mundungus Fletcher is mentioned at the end of GoF as one of 
the "old 
> crowd" that presumably will be helping Dumbledore fight Voldemort.  
> Several people have pointed out hints that Mundungus is not to be 
> trusted:  his name itself (Mundungus means trash or something), and 
> the fact that Percy Weasley believes he put in a false claim for 
tent 
> damage at the QWC. 
> 
> I found another strike against Mundungus. Towards the beginning of 
> CoS, Arthur Weasley complains about a hard night at work: "Nine 
raids! 
> Nine! And old Mundungus Fletcher tried to put a hex on me when I 
had 
> my my back turned."  Hmmm, and Dumbledore considers this guy an 
ally?
> 

I have a hunch that I know who Mundungus will turn out to be.  Rita 
Skeeter is based on the worst stereotypes of journalists.  Misquoting 
people.  Ruining reputations.  Printing private information.  Fudge 
is the stereotypical politician. Waffling.  Possibly untrustworthy.

Based on that, Mundungus ought to be the stereotypical lawyer.  
Filing frivolous claims.  Sneaky.  Dishonest.  

What I can't figure out, though, is why the wizarding world would 
suddenly have lawyers.  Heaven knows, the wizarding world could 
certainly use a few decent defense lawyers, and a few competent 
prosecutors wouldn't go amiss.  But we are poised for a war with 
Voldemort, and I don't understand why Dumbledore's team would 
suddenly need legal counsel.  Maybe certain characters are going to 
do some hard time in OoP in Azkaban for their transgressions 
(Dumbledore, Hagrid), but I don't see why they would get lawyers when 
no one else has.

What else could Mundungus be but a lawyer?  Any thoughts?

Cindy