OoP: Defending Hagrid

[joywitch_m_curmudgeon]

No: HPFGUIDX 63679

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "jenny_ravenclaw" 
<meboriqua at a...> wrote:

> Joywitch, Supreme Curmudgeon, writes:
> > There are certain misguided people here who have called Hagrid
> > names  
> > such as "moron" and "idiot." . . . . 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. . . . 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.>


> 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. 

Do I detect a little softening of your feelings about Hagrid in your 
hard little heart, Jenny?


> 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).  

Yes, but Harry et al are students, and children.  Is it that 
surprising that Hagrid would ignore their advice.  How come you don't 
get upset when McGonagall ignores what the students are saying?

> Hasn't he been in enough trouble throughout the 
> last four years that he should want to avoid it now?

Hagrid's been in trouble for 50 years.  He's used to it.

> 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.  

Well, as it turns out, Grawp didn't hurt anyone but Hagrid, now did 
he?

> Why can't he just be the adult for once?

That's one of the things I love about Hagrid -- that he refuses to be 
an adult.  Life is more fun when you refuse to grow up. (within 
limits)

Although, I'll give you this, Jenny -- he could use some education 
courses.  But isn't that Dumbledore's responsibility.  I mean, there 
are a lot of bad teachers at Hogwarts, to be honest.  At least 
Hagrid's a better teacher than Trewlawney, or Binns, or Quirrel, or 
Lockhart.
> 
> Joywitch, he's all yours!

Sigh.  I wish it were true.  I love the big, hairy, dopey, childish 
ones.

--Joywitch