CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Chapter 12, "Professor Umbridge"

[annemehr]

No: HPFGUIDX 91191

 
> QUESTIONS:
> 
> 1) In COS when many students avoided Harry because he was the 
> presumed Heir of Slytherin, Harry turned to Ron and Hermione for 
> support and encouragement. In OOTP when the same situation arises, 
> Harry is pushing everyone away including his best friends. Is this a 
> temporary crack in the relationship of the Trio, or is it the 
> beginning of a more permanent break in the relationships?

Annemehr:
I have to wonder about an option C: Voldemort's talent for spreading
discord and enmity that Dumbledore warned about.  IMO we see it all
over this book.  I just wonder if we'll find that JKR will objectify
it as some sort of dark magic that Voldemort is doing, or if it's
really just the fact that, when faced with a dangerous and evil
situation, segments of society will naturally begin to work at cross
purposes which creates discord that spreads and grows.

If it turns out to be Voldemort magic, it's hard to imagine what he
could be doing to affect all of Britain, but on the other hand, he
could just concentrate on the MoM, the Daily Prophet, and Hogwarts and
Hogsmeade.  Oh, and Diagon Alley maybe.  The fact that there could be
such magic is hinted at by the Befuddlement Draught Harry reads about
-- hey, maybe they're putting it in the water supply?  ;-)

In any case, I don't think there will ever be a permanent breakdown of
the Trio, but that's just a feeling, really.


> 5) Snape singles out Harry once again in Potions, making much of 
> Harry's mistake. It crossed my mind that Snape, while bullying 
> Harry, might also be trying to make certain Harry knows how to make 
> this particular potion. Any thoughts?

Annemehr:
Because Snape does this pretty much all year as far as I can recall, I
don't think it's about that particular potion.  However, I think you
have a really good point.  If Harry figures he's going to get a zero
for anything less than a perfect potion sample, it would be in his
stubborn nature to try and make a potion Snape couldn't pull that
trick with.  Snape may be trying to ensure that Harry works harder
than he would if he just thought he could content himself with
"getting by."  Snape may also be trying to get Harry to learn enough
to get that Outstanding potions OWL because he knows he needs to
continue the class.
 

> 
> 7) Why does McGonagall warn Harry that misbehavior is Umbridge's 
> class will cost more than a few detentions? What does she think he 
> will lose?

I'm not sure if she's thinking anything in particular, but I'm
reminded of that nasty smile Umbridge is wearing as she watches Harry
finish a very successful DADA OWL complete with corporeal patronus. 
I'm betting Harry gets a nasty shock when he receives his OWL results
because Umbridge has already set some plan in motion.  Even if
Dumbledore gets it all cleared up, for the sake of the story there'll
have to be some consequences; I wonder what they could be?


Thanks, Jen, I've had some interesting new thoughts, especially about
Snape!

Annemehr