More on Hagrid, his changing role

[darrin_burnett]

No: HPFGUIDX 70078

I really believed Hagrid would be the one to die in OoP. 

Hagrid reminds me very much of my freshman speech professor. He 
always had a joke, was great at boosting self-esteem, and could talk 
to you for hours about sports, relationships (he encouraged me to hit 
on certain co-eds) and other stuff.

In other words, perfect for an 18-year-old making a major transition 
in life.

As I got older, I saw the professor's jokes never really changed and 
his act became more tiresome and his co-ed suggestions never panned 
out.

I see Harry reacting much the same way. Hagrid was the perfect guy to 
go get Harry and introduce him to the Wizard World. He is larger-than-
life, right out of a fairy tale, and big and bold enough to give the 
Dursleys a little payback for 10 years of mistreatment.

But, Hagrid seems more of a liability almost, someone who is always 
got a wacky scheme going on for Harry to have to listen to or deal 
with. 

In GoF, Hagrid was able to cheer Harry up. He told Harry that he did 
as well as his dad could have done and Harry smile for the first time 
in days.

In OoP, Hagrid couldn't cut through Harry's grief. He said the wrong 
thing. Harry is older, and isn't the same kid who was wowed by the 
giant man.

I still don't see Hagrid making it through the series alive. When he 
goes, so will the last of Harry's innocence.

So maybe JKR wasn't ready to kill that entirely yet.

Darrin