OoP: Defending Hagrid

[Mark]

No: HPFGUIDX 68672

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "jenny_ravenclaw" 
<meboriqua at a...> wrote:
> However, Hagrid needs to .. listen to people when they warn him 
> to tone things down.  He was told point-blank about Umbr. and her 
> observation warpath and he completely ignored it.  Harry and his 
> friends know what they are talking about.  Hagrid should have 
> respected the Trio enough to heed their warnings.  

Do you think he could have appeased UMbridge?  Do you think it would 
have mattered?   He was a "half-breed" and was a target from the 
beginning.  Just being "invisible" (Hagrid blending into the wall?  
What - who's that blind?) would not have made a difference.

> 
> I also hated when he asked H. nd H. to watch Grawp for him.  
> That was unfair - because it meant he was not only willing to 
allow 
> them to get in trouble, but he was willing to put them in danger, 
as 
> his many injuries from Grawp prove.  Bringing Grawp (who was 
> reluctant) back to Hogwarts was his choice and should remain his 
> responsibility only.  Why can't he just be the adult for once?

Maybe a point in the story is there's somethinngs that are more 
important than just "staying out of trouble" and danger.  How many 
of Umbridge's rules did the students break routinely?  Harry and the 
Trio?  They did it all by themselves for good purposes all - even 
Harry's troubled mind about his Father was a good purpose - for a 
tortured 15 year old boy!

Friendship is a good purpose.

Hagrid is a sign of friendship.  A different type of friend than the 
others, but still a loyal friend.  Have  you never had a friend who 
constantly gets into trouble, and you too?   Yes, he's a bit 
irresponsible, but he has a big heart.   This Potterverse needs 
characters with big hearts.

Were you in Hagrid's shoes and you had made this big mistake (and 
you knew "they" were coming for you), what would you do?  Turn to 
your friends and hope for the best.   

Something that Harry doesn't always do, come to think of it.

Mark