OOTP observations

[Sherry Gomes]

No: HPFGUIDX 132572

Hi,

As so many are doing, I've been reading the entire series again, preparing
for the release of HBP.  Here are some things I've observed, new thoughts
and reactions of mine.

First  of all, what was with Molly at Grimauld place?  She was so hateful to
Sirius.  I've always liked Molly, but this time, I'm disgusted with her.
She was downright cruel to Sirius, and she even insulted him in front of
Harry.  That's really bad form.  Was she that jealous of the bond between
Harry and Sirius?

Sirius.  I know we debate this regularly on the list, but reading OOTP
immediately after reading GOF and POA before that, I am convinced something
not quite right was happening with Sirius during OOTP.  His actions in GOF
are what you'd expect a caring godfather/guardian to do.  He's caring,
supportive, concerned for Harry's safety.  He's so wonderful in Dumbledore's
office after the third task!  How can that same person be the Sirius who is
so different in the next book?  I know we've discussed the possibility that
Sirius is being drugged or poisoned in some way, especially after Harry
reads those lines about a plant being used to cause confusion, irritability
and the rest.  sorry, only audio books at hand, so I'm not able to quote
chapter and exact phrasing.  I just can't believe such a drastic change in
Sirius.  I think there has to be something more to it.  JKR has said that
there are still things about Sirius to be discovered.  Will we learn that
Kreacher or someone else was poisoning him?  I've long believed there must
be a spy in the order, so perhaps that person?

Snape's worst memory.  My only comment about this--because I think we've
beaten this subject to death--is that Snape must have overheard the
Marauders discussing werewolves!  The conversation is in his memory, and he
is close to them.  How else could Harry hear it?  i wonder if this will shed
any light in future on the so-called prank?  Did Snape indeed *know* that
Remus was a werewolf, after this scene, and did he go looking for him to
prove it?  Hmmm.

In the battle at the ministry.  There's been some talk about the curse Bella
threw at Sirius.  Some have said it couldn't be the killing curse, because
it was described as a red light.  However, I just read that part, and 
the curse that sends Sirius through the veil is not described by a color.
All that the narrative says is,  "A second jet of light hit Sirius..."  Are
we meant to assume it was a green light, a stunner that caused him to fall
through the veil or perhaps some other spell that we will discover in the
future.  Perhaps to do with the spy?

Thoughts anyone?

Sherry