Clues in GoF (WAS: Clues in CoS)

[Margaret Thomas]

No: HPFGUIDX 52966


Was *SO* excited to see the Clues in CoS thread -- had
latched onto that JKR comment about its "clue
richness" to the remaining books, so quickly went back
and re-read CoS to do some sleuthing.  

During the group discussion over the past few days, I
thought to return to GoF for the same purpose.  A
number of characters who first appear in CoS return in
GoF -- Tom Riddle (we get the whole Riddle murder
story, plus Voldemort returns to his family's house at
the start), Moaning Myrtle, Dobby...Which made me
think some of the clues JKR wove into CoS may
resurface in GoF.  At the very least, I was looking
for clues :)

Am not through the entire book yet -- tonight's
reading will pick up right after Crouch!Moody rescues
InvisibilityCloak!Harry from being discovered on the
trick stair.  Only time will tell whether what I've
noticed are *clues* -- but they are little tidbits I
didn't recall from previous readings.


1) Dobby is happy / willing to keep Dumbledore's
secrets.  Of what I've noticed in GoF this time
around, this "innocuous" comment slipped into Dobby's
dialogue doesn't seem so innocuous.  He says this
during the chapter where Hermione takes Harry & Ron to
the kitchens, having discovered Dobby and Winky are on
Hogwarts' payroll.  As readers, we're re-introduced to
the conditions under which a typical House Elf works
for his / her Master -- one of which is keeping their
secrets.  This concept has particular signficance
within GoF to the Winky / Crouch relationship.  

However, at the time Dobby makes this comment, Harry's
asking him how he likes working for Dumbledore vs. the
Malfoys.  Dobby describes his wages / time-off
situation at Hogwarts, and that Dumbledore has even
said it's alright to call him a "barmy old codger" (or
something to that effect).  Overall, Dobby seems very
pleased with the work arrangement and says he is
*happy* to keep Dumbledore's secrets. (Clue?)  Harry
then asks Dobby further questions about work
conditions with his former Master (Lucius).  Out of
habit / social-conditioning, Dobby starts banging his
head against the table.  

What other Malfoy secrets does Dobby know (beyond the
Chamber beneath the floor)?  Under what circumstances
would Dobby be likely to share these secrets?  Dobby
has already wielded House Elf magic against Lucius in
order to protect Harry.  Dobby's in a position to come
to Harry's rescue / defense in future books -- either
by magic or with secrets.


2) Olive Hornby is at the Ministry of Magic!  Myrtle
says so during the Prefects' Bathroom scene when
Harry's figuring out the 2nd Task.  Perhaps not a
clue, but we may see the object of Myrtle's torment in
a future book.


3) While Harry's foot is stuck in the trick stair,
Crouch!Moody says to Snape (and I don't have the exact
quote with me), "After all, you have Harry Potter's
best interests at heart."  Hmmm...What does
Crouch!Moody know at this point about Snape's true
loyalties?  Or is JKR giving *us* a clue about Snape? 
I plan to re-read this section (was getting late --
this is right where I'd left off last night) because
that dialogue between Snape and Crouch!Moody was very
interesting.


So there you are.  I hadn't seen any of these
discussed here before, and would be interested in
other people's take on them!  At this point, we're
near the 100-day-countdown to OotP -- I'm hungry for
any clues I can get! :)


- M.

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