The Nimbus, Neville's memory, Dursley protection

[saintbacchus]

No: HPFGUIDX 37173

Jenett writes:
<<
I'd prefer to assume that there *is* an ethical and
aboveboard reason behind the gift, rather than
assuming that any large gift has to short someone
else or be unethical. I've simply been trying to
point out ways or reasons that might be true.
>>

I don't think we're going to get anywhere on the
subject of school property; clearly, we've had
totally different experiences that have led to
totally different opinions on what is or is not
fair use of school funds.

So, instead of arguing that point further, I'm going
to reiterate for the third time my original
conclusion: If McGonagall used her own money, good.
If McGonagall used school money, bad. I never said
there was no possible way the gift could be ethical.


Uncmark writes:
<<
I believe Neville's absentmindedness might be caused
by a strong memory charm placed to help him deal with
the trauma of seeing his parents tortured (or
possibly himself) Neville was probably between ages
1-3 and such spells probably affected a young wizard.
>>

I'm a fan of the theory that Neville's memory charm
(uh, assuming there is one, of course) was placed on
him by someone who didn't want him to spill some
beans. I like it because it's sinister and it implies
that the someone was either a DE with a conscience or
a Longbottom - someone who would want Neville quiet
but not dead, in other words.


Debbie writes:
<<
I tend to think that the entirety of Harry's
protection resides in the Dursleys themselves, and
that the letter from Dumbledore told them in no
uncertain terms, and on pain of consequences that the
Dursleys would have thought horrific, that they were
not to leave Harry under any circumstances except
with Mrs. Figg (and I bet her house is Unplottable). I
can't imagine any other reason on earth the Dursleys
would have been willing to take an eleven-year-old
Harry to Dudley's party rather than just leave him at
home.
>>

Maybe I'm just squishy and sentimental, but I tend to
think that the letter told them that Harry would die
if they left him. For all their neglect, I don't think
the Dursleys want to see Harry dead, and certainly not
by their own actions (yeah, they're still human, and
nobody wants the blood of a child on their hands).
Besides, threats don't seem like Dumbledore's style,
especially with people he thinks are benign.

Which is a good enough explanation for the party, but
it's also possible that they think the house *will*
get blown up. Petunia knows a little bit about magic,
and you know what they say about a little knowledge.
She's awfully skittish.... Maybe she has reason to be?

--Anna