[HPforGrownups] Re: Dumbledore's Successor

[yellows at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 58979

In a message dated 5/30/2003 4:43:31 AM Eastern Standard Time, MarEphraim writes:

<< however it strikes me that should Dd die McGonigall would probably get the job. Consider that in CoS while in the penseive Harry finds that Dd is the Transfiguration, a 
position that McG currently holds. Also in CoS, when Dd is suspended McG takes over. In fact, throughout the series, whenever Dd is out of the picture (away, etc.) it is McG who is in charge. Now this could be simply because she is DHM, but ISTM that she is the only choice should Dd join the choir invisible.
<<As to the 'rite of passage' that Harry would have to adjust to the new HM, who could be evil, etc., etc., consider how McG would run things if she were truly in charge. Would she be as indulgent towards Harry's 'rule bending'? I think not! The only rule I recall her ever being in favour of bending was getting permission for Harry to be on the Quidditch team. 
<<Nope, if Dd dies (please no!), my knutts are on McGonagall.>>

I think you may be right that McGonagall is next in line for the position. This makes sense. 

But I hold firm that she is a good guy. And while she may not allow as much rule bending as Dumbledore has allowed Harry in the past, she would not cause much trouble for him either. I can see her turning a blind eye to his misbehavings, etc., remembering that Dumbledore would have allowed it, and remembering that Harry *has* managed to save the day a number of times already.  :)

But because I am unwilling to believe that his successor will be another good guy, that brings to mind something more along the lines of Prince Hamlet's return to Elisnore after his father's death. Hamlet gets back to find that his uncle has taken the throne right out from under him. I think it is possible McGonagall will find herself in a similar situation, should Dumbledore pass away. 

Perhaps Malfoy will take the position, claiming an interest in his son's education. Or even Snape, as was mentioned eariler by Tyler Hewitt, could get the job. Snape's promotion would make the uneasiness about his true loyalty even more severe (pun intended). And the appointment of someone other than McGonagall, who may be officially next in line, would create an interesting conflict for her as well.

Brief Chronicles