Sirius and Confusing and Befuddlement Draughts

[jenjar2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 93291

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "potioncat" <willsonkmom at m...> 
wrote:
>  
> > HunterGreen wrote:
> > I completely agree. Personally, I can see definite clues pointing 
> at 
> > a poisoning storyline, but I don't see the need for it. > 
> 
> > Potioncat wrote:
> I agree, what is the need in the plot for Sirius to be poisoned?  I 
> think it will have to be tied to another episode in book 6 or 7 for 
> it to make sense. 
> 
> But I have a different take on it.  I also think he had very good 
> reasons to be depressed without being poisoned  which is why none 
of the characters ever questioned his behavior or suspected 
poisoning. I think having someone slip him confusing draughts would 
deepen the story. If he hadn't had a reason for being so emotionally 
unstable and no one was picking it up, it would seem like a cheap 
trick.


Jenjar:

Potioncat I agree with you.  I think all the *valid* reasons for 
Sirius' reckless behavior are a red herring to lead us away from the 
fact that he may have been poisoned.  Several posters have pointed 
out the differences between POA Sirius, GOF Sirius, and OoP Sirius. 
POA Sirius and OoP Sirius seem more alike. JKR kind of set up a 
question for us - what is the real Sirius like?  As others have said, 
POA Sirius was recovering from time in Azkaban and probably not his 
most healthy, normal self.  In GOF he was his best self.  In OoP he 
was more reckless, self absorbed and unwise.  Many have argued that 
this is his true nature coming out and a reflection of the 
circumstances he was living in but I believe Sirius was a better man 
than that.  I believe he was being poisoned with a confusing and 
befuddlement draught and that if this had not been the case he would 
have displayed the kind of courage, wisdom and responsibility 
Dumbledore thought he was capable of.  Another possible red herring 
is that we've now seen more weakness in Dumbledore's judgement of 
character and capability so it's easier to believe he was wrong about 
Sirius--but what if he wasn't?