Peeves' function in the story

[Melody]

No: HPFGUIDX 44972

Gail B wrote (with slight rearranging on my part):

>>>>He's <Peeves'> a big headache, to students and faculty alike...but
for some reason I think Dumbledore is intentionally keeping him
around.<<<
>>> The noticeable differences that I see between Peeves and other
ghosts are that 1) Peeves has some color to him while the other ghosts
are  transparent/translucent and 2) Peeves can manipulate items while
other it seems that other ghosts can not (Nearly Headless Nick has to
ask Peeves to smash the cabinet to cause the distraction in CoS...NHN
couldn't do it himself)<<<

Me:
Now if we combine those thoughts, maybe Dumbledore is keeping Peeves
around for more than comic relief.  Peeves is able to run freely
around the place and cause havoc.  He can knock things over and
disturb the scene for bad AND good.  Ghosts are mere messengers, but
Peeves is a defense.  Granted, he only obeys Dumbledore out of respect
and Bloody Baron out of fear, but he can be tamed.  Peeves did tell
Dumbledore about Black in the castle.  He seems to be a truthful
poltergeist when he forced.

Since poltergeists generally scare away people, maybe Peeves help
frighten away intruders who think a live person is making all the
racket.  How many times have The Three been delayed because of Peeves?
 Seems he can foil many plans.

Of course, JKR could just being using Peeves as a wonderful vehicle
for her wicked sense of humor.  I adore the suits of armour singing
Christmas carols with foul words inserted by Peeves.  And also the
Potter Rotter musical number with dance routine.  Perfectly priceless
and laugh-out-loud-in-a-public-place-so-that-everyone-stares-at-you-
but-you-don't-notice-or-care funny.

Peeves seems to be that mischievous twinkle in everyone's eye, but you
are right.  There seems to be more there.

Melody