Theory on the DADA-post's jinx

[catherinemckiernan]

No: HPFGUIDX 85331

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Jen Reese" <stevejjen at e...>
wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Florentine Maier" 
> <florentinemaier at h...> wrote:
> > I presume that it's not just a rumor but that the post is
actually 
> jinxed.
> > 
> > I think the jinx could go something like that: "Everybody who
takes
> > the job of DADA-teacher will come to grief because of his/her 
> greatest
> > weakness within a year."
> > 
> > Cases in point:
> > Quirrell: Weak will
> > Lockhard: Vanity
> > Lupin: Being a werewolf
> > Moody: Paranoia
> > Umbridge: Imperiousness
> 
> 
> 
> Jen R.: Hmmm...I think this is very good! Don't know if you're the 
> first to theorize it, but I've personally never heard it before.
>

Me:  
I have vague memories of this, but am not sure where! It's a good
theory, except that Lupin's weakness is not being a werewolf, but the
desire for social acceptance and for people to think well of him.
Hence his not telling Dumbledore that the Marauders were animagi
because he explicitly says that he doesn?t want Dd to think he
betrayed his trust. Hence also, I fear, his not telling Snape strongly
enough to restart the occlumency lessons in OotP. Oops, more angst for
Remus. 

Fortunately this supports the jinx argument!

> This theory would tie in nicely with why Dumbledore doesn't want 
> Snape as DADA--there would be a real reason (other than the 
> addiction theory which has never satisfied me) of why DD fears
Snape 
> would turn to the Dark Arts again if he's the DADA teacher. 

Me again: Jen's comment seems fair. HOwever I also wonder whether
rumour of the jinx could make Snape himself want the post _more_? He
could see it as an opportunity to overcome his weaknesses and prove
his worth once and for all, not least to himself.

Catherine McK