CHAPTER DISCUSSIONS: Chapter Thirty-Eight - The Second War Begins

[bleckybecs]

No: HPFGUIDX 124648


Discussion Questions for OotP Chapter 38 - The Second War Begins

1 - This denouement has some extravagance - the idea of a partner 
for Grawp, the departure of Umbridge, the attack on the Hogwarts 
express, the encounter with the Dursleys at the station. Did any of 
these events bother you, or pose questions for you, make you think 
of related incidents or have ethical concerns?

The idea of a partner for Grawp is immensely scary. Double the 
destruction. The creatures living in the forest are already 
displeased by the introduction of Grawp. Another one would really 
stop them coming on side with the good guys. All the trust Hagrid 
has built up with them over the years, out the window in one easy 
(or not so easy as the case may be!) step.

Umbridge - thank goodness! But now she's unleashed on the rest of 
the world. Doesn't really bear thinking about. Her and Rita would 
make a dreadful team. Although we really did get to see another side 
to MM thanks to her didn't we (encouraging Peeves!)?

I agree with Hickengruendler that I can't get enough of people 
hexing Draco and the encounter with the Dursleys gave me hope for 
Harry over the summer. 


1 - Luna doesn't appear on the Hogwarts Express.

Oh no no no no
 that's just not fair. Apparently my attention wasn't 
up to much by that point because I hadn't noticed. But thanks to 
you, it will bug me now!

4 - The dementors are now under Voldemort's control.

I would have said that was pretty awful, but I think it will force 
some DA members into attempting a patronus under the conditions it 
is intended for. Could be interesting to see whether or not they can 
do it. I certainly hope that they can, or else we may have found 
some contenders in the `who will be lost in book 6' ratings.

6 - Is there a downside to the Prophet being 180 degrees from it's 
previous position regarding Harry's mental state and the presence of 
Lord Voldemort?

Yes. More people than before will be aware of how untrustworthy it 
is that it can change it's mind that fast. Clearly not everyone as 
it is blaming the stories of the previous year on MoM 
(understandably), but many people will be forced to re-consider it's 
reliability. If it is now telling the truth, that's not clever or 
helpful. Of those who don't now mistrust it, a lot will distrust the 
MoM as a result. An atmosphere of mistrust is not healthy, but I 
guess that may help people stay on guard against LV's underhand 
tactics.

Becky