What was Hagrid doing

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 132208

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "rolshan2000"
<rolshan2000 at y...> wrote:
> Am rereading all the books in preparation for HBP. One seemingly 
> unexplained occurrence is Hagrid's presence in Knockturn Alley in
COS  (when Harry ends up there by mistake after using Floo powder from
the  Weasleys).  I do not for a moment believe in ESE Hagrid, but it
is  clearly indicated in the book that his explanation of looking for
slug  repellent appears false.  
> 

Pippin:
An explanation is implied when Ron starts puking giant slugs near
Hagrid's prize pumpkins. He really was shopping for slug repellent
MO. Hagrid behaves a  bit like a strait-laced  politician admitting a
fling in a Vegas casino -- his reasons were honest, just not
respectable.


 I think Hagrid's presence in Knockturn Alley was meant to  show why 
the wizards tolerate the place despite the efforts of 
people like Arthur to restrict the sale of things that are sold
there, like poisons. More important, it shows us that a shamefaced
admission may look like a lie.


Pippin