Harry & Lupin

[Richard]

No: HPFGUIDX 81155

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "greatlit2003" <hieya at h...> 
wrote:
> I think that it was significant that Sirius's last gift to Harry 
> was a joint gift from him and Lupin (I don't count the mirror as 
> a gift because Harry didn't use it and didn't even know about it). 
> Why would JKR make them give the gift together to Harry? Lupin 
> could have simply given him a box of chocolates or something. To 
> me, it symbolizes that Harry is moving from Sirius to Lupin. Lupin 
> has never given a gift to Harry, though there was no reason for him 
> not to. Back then, I think that JKR did not want to emphasize 
> Harry's relationship with Lupin too much because that would 
> conflict with his relationship with Sirius. Perhaps Harry will
> find a better father figure in Lupin, one who is not burdened with 
> insecurities and depression like poor Sirius was. Lupin and Harry 
> also have more in common. They've grown up as outsiders, and are 
> thoughtful and sensitive. In fact, I am surprised that Harry has 
> a father and godfather who were so unlike him.
> 
> greatlit2003


Most of the time, the simplest explanations are the best, a la 
Occam's Razor.  In this case, the reason the gift was joint may be as 
simple as the facts that Sirius can't leave 12 Grimmauld Place, and 
Lupin is impoverished.  Since Lupin would know that Harry was both 
interested in DADA and good at it, having taught him, and Sirius 
would know this also, thanks to Lupin, conversations with Harry, the 
Tri-Wizard Tournament, the DA, etc., it would be very logical for 
them to both conclude that Harry would appreciate such a gift, and 
that they would do best to go together on it.  Further, as these were 
the two surviving "good guy" Marauders, and thus very good friends, 
it doesn't seem strange at all ....

.... but then JKR does like to throw the occasional kink in the plot 
line, doesn't she ...

Richard, who thinks friends in restricted circumstances are not at 
all surprising when they choose to cooperate.