Agnes (was Re: Snape's mother)

[aaoconnor2002]

No: HPFGUIDX 90360

Berit wrote:
<snip>
> Quote: "Two beds along was a woman whose entire 
> head was covered in fur; Harry remembered something 
> similar happening to Hermione during their second 
> year, although fortunately the damage, in her case, 
> had not been permanent. ...
> 'Here you are, Agnes,' said the Healer brightly to the 
> furry-faced woman, handing her a small pile of Christmas 
> presents. 'See, not forgotten, are you? And your son's 
> sent an owl to say he's visiting tonight, so that's nice, 
> isn't it?'
> Agnes gave several loud barks." (OoP p. 452 UK Ed).
>
> I can't help being suspicious when Rowling reveals small details 
> about new, seemingly insignificant characters.

Now me (Audrey):

One thing about this passage puzzles me.  The healer hands Agnes a 
pile of presents but *tells* her that her son sent an owl and will be 
visiting.  Now either Agnes can't read or the owl was addressed to 
the staff and not to Agnes.  If the former is the case then I really 
don't have anywhere to go with this post, but assume, for 
discussion's sake, the latter is correct.  

Why would someone write to the hospital where their mother is a 
patient and inform the staff that they will be visiting later?  
Perhaps this son needs some special assistance on arrival.  Perhaps 
this son can't enter a magical building without help.  Perhaps this 
son is a squib.  

Now who do we know who is a squib, has access to owls, has an 
affinity for furry creatures that might or might not be what they 
seem to be, and spends most of his time far enough from London that 
he can't visit regularly? Agnes - Argus, not much of a stretch to my 
imagination.

Thoughts? Comments?

Audrey (who wondered while writing this what you call the non-magical 
offspring of a mixed, Muggle/Magic couple?  Would they be Muggles or 
Squibs?)