[HPforGrownups] CHAPTER DISCUSSION: CH 2, "A Peck of Owls" (slightly modified repost)

[manawydan]

No: HPFGUIDX 82879

Donna wrote:
> Does anyone else find it interesting that the only two squibs we've
> met may both have part Kneazles as pets?  I say "may" because Mrs.
> Norris is not confirmed as a Kneazle but, like Kneazy's posted, I
> think she is. Perhaps squibs are encouraged to form a relationship
> with them because if the part Kneazle takes a liking to them and
> agrees to be their pet, a squib is offered some protection from Dark
> Wizards? To quote from Fantastic Beasts: "The Kneazle has an uncanny
> ability to detect unsavory or suspicious characters..."  A squib

I can't help feeling that the jury's still out on Mrs Norris, Argus Filch is
high on my list of unsavoury characters!

> Probably things he's overheard on the playgrounds: that he's dumb,
> he's a spoilt mama's "ickle Duddums."  The deep inner voice that
> tells him he's feared as a bully but not respected, that he's never
> developed the social skills to get along with people. He's never had
> any real friends, and his parents are the only two people who will
> ever think well of him.

Yes, and add to that the  fact that Dudley has now got to an age where his
dignity and autonomy are becoming very important to him. Maybe being
pilloried for being fat was another source of shame to him. He's trying hard
to overcome all of this by using his fists to force others to show him
respect, but as Harry proves very quickly, it's all too easy to cow him with
the threat of being "shown up" as a mummy's boy.

Actually, Dudley probably isn't _that_ fond of his parents either, deep
down. Very easy for any self-respecting Dementor to reduce him to a jelly...

Cheers

Ffred

O Benryn wleth hyd Luch Reon
Cymru yn unfryd gerhyd Wrion
Gwret dy Cymry yghymeiri