CHAP. DISCUSSION: CHAP 11 The Sorting Hat's New Song

[kiricat2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 90812


Chap. 11 – The Sorting Hat's New Song

Harry and Co. arrive at the Castle.  Harry keeps looking for evidence 
of Hagrid's return, but the cabin sits in darkness.  Hagrid is also 
not at the teachers' table in the Great Hall. Bit a new professor is 
soon noticed by Harry, Ron and Hermione.  It is Dolores Umbridge.

The first years enter and the Sorting Hat sings a song that is much 
different than its past efforts. The song alludes to the original 
unity of the four houses.  But, then it sings of the growing strife 
among the Founders that led to the departure of Salazar Slytherin.  
That marked the end of unity among the houses.  The Hat expresses 
some doubt about whether splitting the students into the houses is 
necessarily a good idea.  It finishes by warning of dangers outside 
Hogwarts and advising that all must untie inside the school or it 
will crumble from within.

Hermione wonders if the Hat has ever given warnings like this 
before.  Nearly Headless Nick says that indeed it has, although 
later, in response to Ron's question, he says he doesn't know where 
or how the Hat gets its information.

Dumbledore introduces Professors Grubby-Plank and Umbridge.  Much to 
everyone's surprise, Umbridge interrupts Dumbledore to give a 
speech.  She does not hold her audience's attention for very long. 
Perhaps that was a mistake, as she lets everyone know exactly what 
her agenda is – "Progress for progress' sake must be discouraged,"  
and  "pruning where we find practices that ought to be prohibited." 
Only Hermione "hears" Umbridge's message.

On the way to Gryffindor Tower, Harry is again the subject of 
pointing, whispering and staring.  But what really gets to him is 
when Seamus tells him that his mother didn't want Seamus to return to 
school because she believed the nasty comments printed in The Daily 
Prophet about Dumbledore and Harry.  Harry reacts angrily, but gets 
support from Ron, who is not above making prefect threats to Seamus. 
Neville also supports Harry in a reasoned, straight-forward manner. 
Harry goes to bed, wondering how much grief he'll have to take from 
his fellow students as the school year progresses.

Questions:
1.	How *does* the Hat get its information?  Is it unbiased or is 
it a Headmaster mouthpiece?

2.	Would there be greater unity within Hogwarts of the tradition 
of sorting students into houses was abolished?

3.	What does the Hat do with a pureblood child who is brave, 
cunning and intelligent?  Is this child a Hufflepuff?

4.	Throughout the series the Hat has used one or two key words 
to illustrate the main trait of all the houses, except Hufflepuff.  
They have been described as loyal, just, patient and hard-working.  
In OoP, Hufflepuffs don't receive a single adjective. They are 
simply "the rest." Is JKR short-changing the Huffs, or will they end 
up being the glue that holds Hogwarts together?

5.	Snape's presence in the Great Hall is not mentioned. Is Harry 
not paying attention to his least favorite teacher because Hagrid's 
continued absence and Umbridge's unexpected appearance are more 
worrisome?

6.	Some of the teachers are clearly annoyed, perturbed or 
irritated at Umbridge.  What do you suppose Snape's reaction was, 
whether it reflected in his expression or not?

7.	Was Harry naïve to think that he would not be the target of 
gossip and suspicion?

8.	Was there anything Harry could have said to Seamus to ease 
his discomfort without making an already tense situation worse?


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Marianne, who's stars are at least semi-aligned