OOP: Bartender Ideas (WAS Re: OoP Spoilers - Hints left hanging)

[karenlyall666]

No: HPFGUIDX 68423

 Alex Cukier wrote-

> GoF - CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR - RITA SKEETER'S SCOOP
> "An excellent point", said Professor Dumbledore. "My own brother, 
> Aberforth was prosecuted for practising inappropriate charms on a 
> goat. It was all over the papers, but did Aberforth hide? No, he 
> did not! He held his head high and went about his business as
> usual. Of course, I'm not entirely sure he can read, so that may
> not have been bravery..."
>  
> Probably, Aberforth's business is managing a bar, and that is not 
> something that Albus is proud of... Of course, he joined the first 
> Order of the Phoenix, probably being a spy - he has "professional" 
> relationship with some of the worst of wizardry kind at Hog's Head!
> 
Now Me:-

I agree that even from the first read of OOP I believed Aberforth 
Dumbledore to be the Barman at the Hog's Head, however - 

I don't read the above quote as Alex seems to (forgive me Alex if 
I've totally got the wrong end of the wand).  From what I can gather 
Alex reads this in a disdainful tone of voice, Dumbledore not being 
very anamoured (sp?) with his brother.  

I always read it in a proud 'musing' kinda voice.  Albus may not 
agree with the 'innapropriate Charms' practiced by his brother, but I 
believe he was proud of the way Aberforth handled himself.  I also 
see nothing that suggests he is at all disaproving of his brothers 
chosen profession (if he is indeed the barman).

Dumbledore is probably well aware of (and quite pleased about) the 
wealth of information 'the barman' could provide about goings on in 
the 'shadier side' of the Wizarding World.  He does like to be kept 
informed after all...

And I do think the 'inability to read' inference is rather funny, and 
makes me giggle every time, especially since it always leaves me 
wondering what those charms did...

Just a thought, be kind, and don't send too many Howlers my way

karenlyall666