[HPforGrownups] OoP: Questions, Ideas and my own Prophecy

[rayheuer3 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 64258

buffyeton at yahoo.com writes:

> Fourth: Why does McGonagall never call Harry "Harry"? She always 
> calls him Potter.

British custom.  To use the name "Harold Potter" as an example (yes, I'm 
assuming), and assuming that this person is an adult and has no titles (Sir 
Harold, Lord Potter, Dr. Potter),

A casual acquaintance would call him "Mr. Potter"
A friend or business associate would call him "Potter"
A friend of long standing would call him "Harry" (or more likely one of those 
hideous British nicknames like "Squidgy" or "Binky").

When dealing with a child, one can be a little more familiar, but there would 
still be a bit of formality, so "Harold" would be more likely than "Harry".

At any rate, this was the custom decades ago.  I welcome correction by the 
Brits on the list as to current custom.

  --  Ray


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