Mimble Wimble (longer)

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 90385

Sue wrote: 
> <snip> I really would be disappointed it ANY person on Privet 
> drive or related to the Dursleys in any way showed up with magic 
> powers.  It has always struck me as curious that Hagrid attacked 
> Dudley.  I think it could be one of two possibilities.  Because 
> Hagrid is not a fully trained wizard, Dudley, as a child, was easier 
> to hex.  Maybe even muggles are harder to hex as they get older. Or 
> (and I tend to think this is more likely) Hagrid is aware of EXACTLY 
> how awful Dudley has been to Harry because Dumbledore has watched 
> Harry "more closely" than Harry ever knew.  Perhaps DD shared some of 
> the lowlights of Dudley's behavior with Hagrid before he went to get 
> Harry.

I think your second suggestion is closer to the mark, though probably
Hagrid's not being a fully trained wizard (and using a broken wand
hidden in an umbrella) is the reason the spell caused only a pig's
tail to appear rather than transforming Dudley into a pig. But I think
also that punishing the son punishes the parents (they'd be more upset
by Dudley's pig's tail than one of their own). Also Dudley's being so
fat probably suggested the idea of a pig to Hagrid's mind, and maybe
the temptation was too great to resist. :-)

Carol