[HPforGrownups] Money Issues

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No: HPFGUIDX 58936

Greatlit2003 said:
Why did Sirius have so much money in his vault that he can afford to 
buy the Firebolt for Harry? Somewhere is PoA, Harry thinks that 
buying that broom will essentially empty his vault, so he refrains 
from purchasing it. Sirius has not worked for 12 years. Like James 
Potter, did he too come from a rich family? 

Nic says:
It could of been that Harry was exaggerating the thought to himself, and if 
you look at it from his point of view, it would be cleaning it out considering 
he needed the money for another 4 years at least AND he has a fine broom 
already.  Yes I think a Firebolt is very expensive, but not that expensive as Harry 
suggests, remember that Harry didn't know the price and that it said on the 
tag that the price can be discussed inside.  

No one said that James and Lily came from rich families, they made their own 
money from their jobs (is yet to be soon what their jobs were) and of course, 
Sirius had a job too before he got arrested.  Whilst he is on the run, he 
doesnt need his money that he made so why not spoil your God son?  We all know 
that Sirius and James were powerful wizards and that they were smart so they both 
would of got a decent job.

What I do not understand is HOW Sirius got to his vault and HOW he just 
strolled into a store to get one.  I think there was an answer for this but I don't 
remember.  He may of got someone to do it for him but he has no allies what 
so ever, especially before Harry found out he was innocent.

Greatlit2003 also said:
Why does Percy have brand-new dress robes for the Yule Ball? Because 
he is earning money? Why can't he buy stuff for his siblings?

Nic says:
Well, because he has a job.  A good one at that.  He is making a living of 
himself.  He has to save up like any other person to get a house etc.  You dont 
see Bill or Charlie sending their earnings over to their siblings because they 
need it themselves. I don't ive my money to my brothers?!  I know you might 
think that Percy is selfish (and he is really) but it shouldnt be expected of 
him to pay out for everyone else.  Look at it this way, Mrs Weasley no longer 
has to buy anything for Percy, so thats 3 of her kids she no longer has to pay 
for.  I think thats how it is with all families.

GreatLit2003 said:
Are Lupin's clothes and suitcase tattered because he rips them apart 
each month, or because he cannot afford to buy new things since he 
cannot find employment?

Nic says:
If Lupin has access to his clothes and suitcase while he is a wolf I don't 
think they would just be tattered, they would be destroyed.  They are tattered 
because he can't afford anything.  That is what is strongly hinted when he is 
being describe, and remember when Malfoy walked in and he gave a look of 
disdain towards the sleeping Lupin (on the train) because he obviously wasn't well 
off.

GreatLit2003:
Why doesn't Mrs. Weasley work outside of the home? No offense meant to 
homemakers, but since she is a witch, and we saw in GoF how easy it was for her to 
prepare dinner and clean up, she probably doesn't do much around the house. 
Just waves her wand, and the dishes are cleaned and dinner is set for two. The 
kids are all away from home 10 months out of the year.

Nic says:
She knits clothes, she does the shopping, she does the garden, but still this 
could all be done even if you work.  Maybe she doesnt want to, maybe she is 
not able to, maybe she already makes money in the home, maybe Arthur wishes her 
not to.  Remember that the wizarding world are stuck in 19th century.  The 
woman always stays at home while the man goes out to work for the family.  
Although I strongly expect that Lily had a job!  There could be a number of 
reasons, or there could be no reasons.  Maybe JK just wanted to give an image of her 
as a loving model Mother - The mother that Harry never had.  But ultimitely, I 
do not have an answer, only speculations.

Loadsa love
Nic xx





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