Chapter Discussions: Chapter 8, The Hearing

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 87881

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "allies426" <AllieS426 at a...> wrote:
> I've been following this thread, and I don't have a strong feeling 
> one way or the other (sorry, I'll pay particular attention on the 
> next re-read :)  ) - but for the believers, any ideas why a squib 
> *would* be able to see Dementors?  There's nothing at all magical 
> about them, as far as we know; they're basically Muggles born into a 
> wizarding family.  If Muggles can't see them, why would Squibs?  
> 
> Allie


Squibs are not *quite* Muggles born into wizarding families. They may
have very weak or virtually nonexistent magical powers, but they're
able to see Hogwarts (which is hidden by a spell so that Muggles can't
see it), so there's no reason why they can't see Dementors as well.
They also (presumably) know about the wizarding world and have some
contact with it because of their families. Filch is trying to learn
magic, and maybe there's some hope that he can actually do so. JKR has
promised us that someone will discover the ability to perform magic
late in life--presumably a squib--but I have a feeling that it will be
Mrs. Figg, not Filch.

I also see no reason not to believe Mrs. Figg, who is a member of the
Order and one of Harry's protectors--a good person, if rather batty,
with no reason to lie. I have a feeling that she's like a much older
Neville--underestimated all her life, but with more courage and power
than she's been credited with. I have no doubt whatever that Mrs. Figg
can see the Dementors (which I wouldn't be able to describe, either.
In fact, I'd be prostrate with terror!).

Carol