[HPforGrownups] Ginny's animagus

[Laura Ingalls Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 93794

vmonte:
> I think Ginny Weasley is going to become an Animagus.
> Just a feeling.

Hrm . . . Ginny Weasley the Animagus.  Also, (as some have theorized) 
the Prefect and the Quidditch Captain.  Already she's a talented Seeker 
(but conveniently prefers the Chaser position), a prankster to rival 
the Twins, a smooth and accomplished liar, *and* a very "powerful" 
witch.

Is anyone else uncomfortable with all of this? *cough* Mary Sue. *cough*

Sue:
>   <<Has to be a cat.  She is affiliated with cats constantly in the
>   books.  She sits like a cat, hisses like a cat, curls up like a cat.
> The only thing we haven't heard is if she ever purrs.>>

You know, this ties into something I've never understood.  JKR *hates* 
cats.  Or, at least, she *says* she does.  For example, a Comic Relief 
chat in March 2001:

Q: What or who would you send into Room 101**?

A: Cats - I don't like them, and certain journalists.

However, throughout the books, cats are shown in a v. positive light -- 
sympathetic/good/etc. characters are or have cats all the time.  In 
general, JKR portrays cats as intelligent, sensitive to magic, and the 
natural companions of witches and wizards.  As you've pointed out, 
Ginny is often described in terms of her catlike qualities, and I'm 
fairly sure JKR likes her.  The only "bad cat" example I can think of 
is Mrs. Norris, actually.

Can anyone explain this?  If JKR dislikes cats as much as she dislikes 
journalist, how come they don't get the Rita Skeeter treatment?

Laura

** Room 101 is a 1984 reference of which I have only a v. vague 
understanding, having never read the book.  It is, I think, sort of 
like a boggart -- you go in and you see your greatest fear -- which was 
used by the government as a torture for prisoners.