COS clues

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 83014

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "mom31" <mom31 at r...> wrote:
> 
> And why is she <Molly> still using Lockhart's books?  That doesn't 
make sense, so it has to mean something.
> 

Jen:

Do you mean, "why is Molly still reading Lockhart's books after he 
was willing to leave Ginny to die" or "why is she reading them 
because he's a fraud"?

If it's the latter, we're *told* <g> the information in the books is 
real. In COS, Lockhart says: "There was work involved. I had to track 
these people down. Ask them exactly how they managed to do what they 
did." (US, chap. 16, p.298). So Molly could consult them as an 
accurate resource (if what he said is true).

If it's the latter, all I can think is Molly doesn't know about 
Lockhart's bit in the Chamber. The Weasley's left Dumbledore's office 
before DD questions Lockhart at the end of COS. The only way Molly 
would know Lockhart intended to leave Ginny to die and memory-charm 
the boys is if Ron told her.

I could definitely see Ron being disgusted if Molly pulled out a 
Lockhart book later, and use the opportunity to tell her what a 
coward and phony Lockhart is.  But I could also see him witholding 
the information so Molly wouldn't be even more worried about her 
brood. 

I can't believe Molly would even *own*, let alone consult, a set of 
Lockhart books if she knew the whole story!  Interesting.