Stalagmite vs. Stalactite?

[delwynmarch]

No: HPFGUIDX 106949


> > -------------------------------------------------------------------
> > 'I never know,' Harry called to Hagrid over the noise of the 
> > cart, 'what's the difference between a stalagmite and stalactite?'
> > [PS, 58. UK]
> > -------------------------------------------------------------------


Valky commented :

> Maybe the significance is not in the question but the answer.
> Hagrid says "Stalagmites got an 'm' in it"

and then went off in wondering whether a word starting with an "m"
might become important later on.

Del sighs, shakes her head and replies :

Valky, Valky, Valky... You were so close ! You did notice that what
was important was Hagrid's answer, but you completely misunderstood why.

What Hagrid reveals in his answer is that he speaks French !

For you see, that's exactly how I've been taught to recognise
stalagmite from stalactite :

Les stalagMites Montent (climb)
Les stalacTites Tombent (fall)

Now why is it important that Hagrid secretly speaks French ? I can
think of a few ideas...

Del
ps : in case anyone has any doubt : I'm joking :-) But the method for
distinguishing between stalagmite and stalactite in French is genuine.