Predictions on the something small

[hannahwonder at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 88354

rtb333 said:
I know that it was discussed earlier on, but I was wonder if anyone 

had any insights into what the Small thing in COS that will be big in 

Book 6 is.  (snip of spy/hand of glory bit) 


and now my thoughts (Hannah):

I think if there is any thing from CoS (or the first three books in general) 
that will become very important in later books, it is definitely the fact that 
Harry is a Parselmouth. I remember when the second book came out and, upon 
reading it, feeling that this was going to be a /big deal/ for him. Certainly 
the students' reaction after the Dueling Club incident with Justin F-F (sorry, 
I'm away from my books at the moment) and even Dumbledore's explanation make it 
seem like an unusual and important trait. 

But Harry has yet to use it, in his meetings with Voldemort, or in everyday 
life. This strikes me as very odd. It's something that could possibly be very 
useful for him; certainly something that makes him unique that I expected would 
get more focus.

I see three possible reasons for JKR to leave Parseltongue out of Harry's 
life for the last 3 books (and I'd love to hear any more ideas if they're out 
there):

1. Making Harry a Parselmouth was a minor decision in JKR's opinion, done 
early in the series merely to create a plot twist and which gained overblown 
importance in my 12 year old mind. (I admit, I'm hoping this one isn't it.) 

2. JKR left Harry's being a Parselmouth out of the next three books because 
she felt Harry would also try to ignore it. He might not consider it a gift, or 
something possibly useful to him, because it came from his connection with 
Voldemort. The negative situation around which he received the ability to be a 
Parselmouth could block him from considering all its possible uses.

3. JKR has left out the Parselmouth hoping all her readers will forget so she 
can bring it back for a final battle against Voldemort in which Harry somehow 
saves the Wizarding World by speaking to a snake!

I do feel that reason 2 could be a little bit excessive, or reading too much 
into it. And reason 3 seems like it has only as much clout as any other final 
battle theory. So, unfortunately, I recognize that reason 1 is probably the 
most likely. <g> But who knows? 

Hannah