OotP Chapter Discussion: 36, Only One He Ever Feared

[bethg2 at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 122297



> Elisabeth wrote:
> 
> --I find it interesting that it is Lupin who is with Harry at 
> Sirius' death/crossing/disappearance/whatever.  Why did Rowling 
> choose Lupin rather than any other adult in Harry's world?


Beth:
Why Lupin?  Because Remus is the only one left after Sirius falls who 
is focused on _Harry_ rather than catching the DEs. Tonks was out by 
then, and Moody is injured. Even if she had left them active, Tonks, 
Moody, and Kingsley are aurors, with no particular attachment to 
Harry.The aurors' first priority is to catch the bad guys and protect 
the ministry. They are not there for just Harry's sake. 

There are not many other adults in Harry's world that would have been 
focused on his welfare in that situation. Molly doesn't seem to do 
field work, and I doubt anyone would be sending Arthur into battle 
just yet.  Minerva would have focused on the children's safety, but 
she was "unavailable" as well. Hagrid was on the run and would only 
have physical force to offer in battle anyhow. 

>From a narrative viewpoint putting Lupin with Harry at that moment 
lets the reader see his reaction to Sirius's death and sets the stage 
for Remus taking responsibility for Harry now.