Lockhart/McGonagall/Teachers

[Iggy McSnurd]

No: HPFGUIDX 81521

Geoff wrote:
> I'm not sure I agree. I think he was potentially one of the most
> sinister.... The fact that he had amassed all the material for his
> books fraudulently and was then also prepared to destroy Harry and
> Ron's memories and allow Ginny to die to keep the matter under wraps
> still raises the hairs on the back of my neck. Nooo. Me no like
> Professor Lockhart.
>

I think, when you boil it down, we have some of the teachers fitting into,
or breaking, certain stereotypes.

1:  Lockhart -  The good looking, charming, bon vivant who shows the world a
charismatic side of himself.  Strives to appear as though he's an earnest
mentor to Harry, and a potential friend to everyone else.  Inside, he's
actually a conniving schemer only out to further his own ends and promote
himself no matter who he uses to do it.  "Parasites of hide within the most
innocent and appealing of shapes to better lure in their host."  (IMHO, the
only reasons LV didn't try to recruit him are because he was probably still
in school at the time of LV's reign of terror, and LV would also get too
darn sick of his high annoyance factor.)

2:  Snapes - Evil looking, dark, brooding, and ill tempered.  He requires
strict discipline, but shows favoritism to those of his own House.  Probably
enjoys the fear he inspires in many of the students, and uses it as a way to
avenge a little of the wounded pride he suffered when he was in school.  Is
most often likely to target the popular or famous students.  However, he
appears to have a strong sense of duty, and is the fallen angel back on the
path of redemption.  "Behold, for the prodigal son once lost to us has
returned."

3:  Quirrell - Possessed of an inner evil all his own, but not ambitious or
strong enough to pursue his goals.  Deceptive and cunning, he is
nevertheless, weak and susceptible to the will of those stronger and more
cruel than himself.  His aptitude with Trolls indicates a willingness and
ability to manipulate underlings who are stronger than he in body, but weak
in mind.  "Even the puppet may seem to dance and have a life of its own, if
one cannot see the master of its strings."

4:  Hagrid - Big, bumbling, gruff in a good natured way, slow to rile, but
violently protective of his loved ones.  He appears, at first glance, to be
stupid, but he bears a knowledge, experience, and wisdom of his own that is
only hampered by his overly earnest personality.  Loyal, kind, and loving,
he has overcome his heritage through the kind understanding of those who
take the time to understand and befriend him.  "Don't judge a book by its
cover."  (A simple statement for an essentially simple person.)

5:  Trelawny - Secluded and alone in her life, yearning for friends but
unable to make the first move.  Tries to live up to the reputation of her
famous ancestor, yet tries too hard.  Fashioning the image of mystique
around herself that she believes others expect, yet she ultimately does it
to cover for her own insecurities.  Truly gifted in the sight, but blinded
by the trappings of the seer.  "Patience, my child.  Be yourself, flow
freely within yourself, and your gifts will come to you."

6:  Umbridge - Like the poisonous toad she resembles, Umbridge adheres only
to her ambition and belief that the ends justify the means in making sure
the law is upheld.  Her fear of "non-humans" or "half-breeds" may very well
stem not from some traumatic event in her past, but because they are outside
of her jurisdiction and, therefore, her control.  She works hard to place
harsher and harsher restrictions upon those around her in an effort to
obtain power.  She is the flip-side to Voldemort on the same black coin.
While he spreads chaos, she works to impose order to its dangerous
conclusion.  "Order is as the falling snow.  The right amount and you have a
vision of beauty.  Too much, and it becomes a glacier that crushes all else
under itself."


Hrm... I think I had better stop here... I used to be a Psychology major in
college and the analyst in me is beginning to type this for me.  *grin*


As an odd side note, my second e-mail was sent through, but not my first...
which included my introduction.  Well, we shall wait and see what happens.


Iggy McSnurd,
the Prankster


"Laugh, and the whole world laughs with you.  Sneeze, and it's goodbye
Seattle!"
  - C.D. Bayles  in "Roxanne"