CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Chapter Seven, The Ministry of Magic

[annemehr]

No: HPFGUIDX 86824


> > 4. The security guard waves a golden rod over Harry's body.  What
> > is its function? 
> > 
> 
> bboy_mn:
> I see this as the equivalent of passing through the metal detectors at
> the airport.
<snip>
> At to it functional use, I think it is amoung other things a metal
> detector which prevents dangerous wizards from bringing muggle weapons
> into the Ministry. It could also sniff our poisons, Dark Potions, and
> other dangerous and unauthorized items.

Annemehr:
A metal detector, eh?  That gives me a thought...

I had just assumed that the instrument was a "magic detector," just so
no-one could smuggle anything dangerously magical into the ministry. 
So, you get your wand weighed and identified and then you're searched
for anything else magical.  Among other things, this would prevent you
from smuggling in a spare wand you could use to do mischief and then
abandon since it could never be traced back to you.  In other words,
this is just an expansion on the second function Steve proposed.

Now on to muggle weapons -- I think Steve may be on to something here.
 I think the MoM would be most concerned with guns.  Guns are
described as "a kind of metal wand that Muggles use to kill each
other," quoted from the Daily Prophet article Harry read on the Knight
Bus in PoA.  As much as wizardkind looks down on muggles, I'll bet
they're actually quite scared of these "muggle wands" that can kill
suddenly and at a distance.

The only question would be could this device detect both types of
things?  Because I think it would almost have to be there to detect
hidden magical devices, but I'd really like it to detect guns too.


> > 10. Why must Kingsley and Mr. Weasley pretend they don't know one 
> > another?  Yes, it's to keep the Order a secret, but would it be
> > so out of place for the two to be friends?  
> > 
> 
> bboy_mn:
> They don't pretent to not know one another, they pretent to be nothing
> more than co-workers. Like all co-workers, they would be on friendly
> terms but not necessarily friends. Also, keep in mind that Kingsley is
> in the premier postion in Law Enforcement; <snip> Mr. Weasley on the
other hand, is the lowest of the low with
> regard to his preceived job status.<snip>
> 
> Also, Mr. Weasley's status at the Ministry is pretty shake. He has
> generally made it know that he is a strong supporter of Dumbledore's
> and that he has faith in what Harry says. That makes him a suspect,
> and someone who's actions would be closely watched. So, it wouldn't be
> good for anyone at the Minstry to seem too friendly or sympathetic
> toward Arthur because that would likely draw close scrutiny to them.

Annemehr:

I agree that Mr. Weasley might have to be especially careful as he is
apparently not very well esteemed by the "powers that be" in the
ministry (although he does seem to be respected among many of his
colleagues).  I think, though, that all the Order members who work at
the Ministry are taking special care not to *begin* socializing with
each other if they hadn't already been.  During OoP, the Order is
working *against* Fudge and also *inside* the MoM doing guard duty at
night.  If any one of them were to be caught, any recent change in
habits, including new friends, would be very closely scrutinised.

Annemehr