CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Chapter 26: Seen and Unforeseen

[KathyK]

No: HPFGUIDX 112936

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, sunnylove0 at a... wrote:

> Discussion Questions:

> 2)  Why is Harry's interview so convincing, when Dumbledore's 
speeches are not?<

KathyK:

All the WW got before the _Quibbler_ interview was an incomplete 
second hand account from Dumbleodre.  With Harry's interview, the 
public is getting a more in-depth, personal description of Lord 
Voldemort's return.   I think people were more open to the 
possibility LV was back than they were before the Azkaban break 
out.  After all, Sirius escaped from prison two years before this.  
Why had it taken so long for him to rally the Death Eaters?  Maybe 
it's not Black who is the problem, maybe Dumbledore and the Potter 
boy are right:  Voldemort is back.  So I believe it's a combination 
of the first-hand account and the DE's escape.

> 4) Why does Harry continue to neglect Occlumency?  Would he do 
better if he had a teacher other than Snape?  Or is his wish to see 
the corridor overriding his better judgement?<

KathyK:

Harry (Or LV's) wish to see what's behind the door is causing the 
failure of his Occlumency lessons, IMO.  While I think Snape 
teaching Harry was not the wisest choice given their mutual dislike 
for one another, I don't think Harry would ever learn Occlumency no 
matter how hard he tried or how good Snape's teaching methods might 
be because he wanted that door open.  Even if Snape continued the 
Occlumency lessons after Harry's dip into the Pensieve, I don't see 
Harry mastering it.  I can't believe I'm saying it's not Snape's 
fault! ;-) 

> 5) Why is Snape so upset when Harry breaks into his memories?   
Does he expect Harry to taunt him, like James?<

KathyK: 

I have to agree with Caius that Harry was more worried that Snape 
was angry rather than Snape actually being very angry.   
 
> 6) Is Trelawney's incompetence the only reason Umbridge wants her 
thrown out of the castle?  Given what we know now, what might have 
happened if Umbridge had succeeded?<

KathyK:

I don't think Trelawney's incompetence is the only reason.  It's the 
*excuse* but the reason is, Umbridge is looking to make somebody 
squirm.  The pleasure she took in firing her and in forcing her to 
leave the castle was great.  Especially given the recent success of 
Harry's interview.  Umbridge needed to do something to again feel as 
if she had control of Hogwarts.  Banning discussion and possession 
of said article was not enough to satisfy her.  She needed to do 
something *big* to show she's in charge.