OoP: Defending Hagrid

[jenny_ravenclaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 63424

Damn, you, Joywitch!  I was just about to log off and go to bed, and I 
see this!

Joywitch, Supreme Curmudgeon, writes:
> There are certain misguided people here who have called Hagrid names  
such as "moron" and "idiot."   Some of these people can be excused  
because they are still grieving over Sirius Black.  (Great filk,  
Marina, BTW.)  Others of these people are simply wrong, wrong, wrong  
and they know it.>

They *know* they're wrong, do they?  Oh, I'll show you who's wrong!

Joywitch again explains: 
> Several people have expressed the opinion that Hagrid is an "idiot" 
> because he likes large, scary, dangerous monsters.  I want to point 
> out here that every single one of Hagrid's large, scary monsters has 
> not only wound up doing nothing more than scare and threaten but not 
> actually injure anyone, but has actually provided useful information 
> or services to our heroes.>

and gives examples and then concludes with:
 
> So, in each book, Hagrid's monsters serve a purpose, and do far less 
> damage than a number of the evil humans in the story.>
 
> --Joywitch, who can feel Jenny breathing fire>

ROAR!  
Just kidding.  Here's what I will say:
First, Hagrid knows his stuff.  I won't deny that and never have.  He 
does have a gift when it comes to dealing with creatures who really 
are dangerous, and Grubbley-Plank compliments him quite professionally 
to the evil troll that is Umbridge.  He also did not deserve in any 
way to be treated so despicably by the despicable Umbridge.  I also do 
not wish for him to be one of the characters who dies, as that would 
devastate my dear Harry. 

However, Hagrid needs to freakin' listen to people when they warn him 
to tone things down.  He was told point-blank about Umbridge 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.  I was irritated to 
no end when he brushed them off (but then, anyone who brushes off 
Harry irritates me).  Hasn't he been in enough trouble throughout the 
last four years that he should want to avoid it now?

I also hated when he asked Harry and Hermione 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?

Joywitch, he's all yours!

--jenny from ravenclaw, who won't be able to smear Hagrid again until 
tomorrow afternoon - damn! *****************