Random Comments: Madame Maxime/ Krum and Karkaroff

[Laura]

No: HPFGUIDX 60990

Just a few comments that I'd like to make before OOP comes out: 

I want to know what the deal is with Karkaroff and Krum.  Just WHY 
does Karkaroff favor him so much?  I really don't think he just 
happens to like the kid.  I have a feeling it goes deeper than that.  
And I've love to know what it is.

Also, right now I'm doing my rereads (Don't worry, I'm right on 
schedule- 6 more chapters to go in GoF) and I noticed this really for 
the first time:  In the chapter "The Third Task," as Harry is eating 
dinner the night of the third task, he notices Madame Maxime, sitting 
at the staff table.  This is just after the incident with the 
Pensieve.  Right before Harry entered Dumbledore's office, he 
overheard a conversation between Dumbledore, Fudge, and Moody about 
what might have happened to Mr. Crouch, and Fudge suggests Madame 
Maxime because she is half giant.  At this dinner, Harry notices:

> > >
Bagman looked quite cheerful, but Cornelius Fudge, who was sitting 
next to Madame Maxime, looked stern and was not talking.  Madame 
Maxime was concentrating on her plate, and Harry thought her eyes 
looked red.
> > >

No idea why it seems important, but I guess the conclusion to jump to 
is that Fudge questioned her about the incident and she was upset 
about it...Boring, I know.  I guess it's just one of those things 
that jumped out at me that will turn out to be completely meaningless.

So, just a recap before OOP:

My big prediction:  Snape was at the Potter's on the night they were 
killed.
My big hope:  We will find out more about Neville and his parents.
My big question:  Why does Karkaroff like Krum so much?

-Laura