OOP:McGonagall's cookies (not really a spoiler - I don't think)

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 67513

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "tcyhunt" <tcyhunt at e...> wrote:
> Is it just me, or is there something to the fact that the tin of 
> ginger newts is mentioned several times?  ...edited...  Anyone have
> any ideas?
> 
> Tcy

bboy_mn:

Well, none of us can say for sure, but I think this was McGonagall way
of showing some unofficial solidarity with Harry.

----OoP UK HB Pg 223----
"Well?" said Professor McGonagall, rounding on him, "Is this true?"

"Is what true?" Harry asked, rather more aggressively that he had
intended. "Professor?" he added, in an attempt to sound more polite.

"Is it true you shouted at Professer Umbridge?"

"Yes," said Harry.

"You called her a liar?"

"Yes."

"You told her He Who Must Not Be Named is back?"

"Yes."

... "Have a biscuit, Potter." ... "And sit down."

...edited...

Her tone of voice was not at all what he was used to; it was not
brisk, crisp and stern; it was low and anxious and somehow much more
human than usual.

---end quote---

I think it was McGonagall subtle way of showing approval for what
Harry did; something she dearly longed to do herself, but at the
sametime she understood that it was just as unwise for Harry to rile
Umbridge as it would be for her.

So, I don't think there were any magic potion or anything sinister
involved, just handing out a treat for a job well done.

The British do have a lot of different ginger cookies, although I
don't recall seeing anything resembling the American ginger snap, and
the Scottish are known for their cookies but it's usually shortbread
cookies in a tin. In the USA, we more often get a nearly identical
Danish shortbread cookie in a tin.

Can anyone confirm whether a Ginger Newt is a real cookie? I searched
the term on the Internet and all I found was a girl named Ginger Newt.

Just a thought.

bboy_mn