[HPforGrownups] Chapter Discussions: Chapter 8, The Hearing

[rayheuer3 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 87469

In Oryomai's fine summary she states:

"Fudge is suspicious of her because they have no record of any other wizards 
in that area.  She admits she’s a Squib.  The Wizengamot seems skeptical about 
whether or not Squibs can see Dementors; Mrs. Figg is indignant.  When she 
first begins to describe them, it does not sound as if she has ever seen one in 
real life.  Madam Bones is not very patient.  When Mrs. Figg describes how 
they made her feel, the Wizengamot knows that she actually saw them."

A quibble from Ray:
  <i>seeing</i> may not be the correct term.  If we accept that non-wizards 
(including Squibs) cannot see Dementors, and Mrs. Figgs description seems to 
bear this out, then her testimony establishes that she was in the presence of a 
Dementor, not that she necessarily saw one.  Dudley also felt the Dementor's 
presence, and while some have theorized that Dudley is a wizard/squib, there is 
nothing in the canon to support this (yet).

Now to the questions:

<b>1.  Was it really pure luck that Dumbledore happened to arrive at the 
Ministry early enough to make the trial, or was he notified by someone?</b>

Dumbledore didn't get where he was by being easily outwitted.  He probably 
anticipated Fudge pulling exactly this kind of stunt, and showed up at "Open of 
Business".  However, there were the "two witches in the back row" who waved - 
either of both may have tipped off Dumbledore.

<b>3.  Is there only one dungeon used for trials?  Are all trials for adults 
held there?  Does that make the scheduling of such trials hard since there is 
only one governing body?  Would it be better for justice if the Wizengamot was 
split into smaller groups?</b>

There's probably only the one chamber for the Wizengamot.  It is implied that 
at most (meetings? trials? teas?) only a few wizards show up.  The entire 
Wizengamot being present is noted as an infrequent occurance.  There are probably 
other rooms where less formal fact-findings take place.

<b>4.  Does this scene support EvilGit!Percy?  He does not even acknowledge 
that Harry is in the room, or that he knows Harry.  Or does this support 
SpyfortheOrder!Percy?</b>

Yes.  IMHO, it just supports my "Bumbling Dunderhead - The Next Generation" 
theory.

<b>5.  Is Percy’s attendance at the trial a part of Evil!Fudge’s plot to 
further separate Percy from his family and friends?</b>

Something very strange is happening here... Percy is being given authority 
far beyond what his status as an employee with virtualkly no seniority would 
justify.  One wild theory would be that the Weasley name carries a lot of weight 
at the Ministry, but <i>Arthur</i> Weasley is held in low regard, especially 
by the faction that supports Fudge and opposes Dumbledore.

<b>6.  Was it entirely legal for Professor Lupin to teach Harry the Patronus 
Charm?  In the Ministry’s eyes, I mean. </b>

I suspect it's more a matter of timing.  All of the OWL students were 
required to perform the spell, so one can interpret for this that the Charm *is* part 
of the normal curriculum.

<b>10.  Will this make Harry an anarchist of sorts?  Like on Buffy when Buffy 
said, “They’re in England.  They can’t tell which way my back is facing.”  
Will Harry turn his back on the Fudge-run Ministry?</b>

I am of the opinion that Fudge's days as MoM are numbered.  Exactly who would 
replace him is an interesting question.  I'm hoping for Lockhart  :-)

I may have an extended answer to question 9 at a later time.  The answer I am 
mentally formulating will take some research.

  --  Ray


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