JO, Why was Mrs Figg was a Non-Event?

[kempermentor]

No: HPFGUIDX 132628

> > > aussie:
> > > The biggest disappointment from the books so far was Mrs Figg. 
We
> > > would have been more disappointed than her parents to find out
> > > Harry's babysitter with the cats was only a squib.
> >
> > Kemper:
> > Mrs. Figg is fascinating. She recognized a Dementor attack...
> > She testifies at the trial and is looked down upon because
> > of her lack of magic... And she, too, knows she doesn't wield the
> > power of anyone in the wizarding world... But it is Mrs. Figg who
> > is the first defense against those who would ever go after Harry.
>
> Amiable Dorsai:
> She's also an illustration of the limitations on Dumbledore.


> John K:
...edit...

> "We have no record of any witch or wizard living in Little Whinging
other than Harry Potter," said Madam Bones at once. "That situation
has always been closely monitored, given... given past events."
(OP8)

> This statement is LOADED.
> -What was Madam Bones about to say before using 'past events' 
instead?

Kemper now:
I thought 'past events' referred to the Halloween that LV came to 
kill Harry.  I think Madam Bones statement is loaded because it 
implies that only witches and wizards are worth considering which 
then implies that those not witches or wizards are not worth 
considering.  Not that I think Madam Bones is outwardly prejudice, 
but I wonder how thrilled she would be if her child married a Squib 
or Muggle.  Not that she wouldn't go to the wedding, but maybe she 
would be... disappointed.  I also think Madam Bones is open to change 
should someone say 'hey, your words may be considered a bit of a 
slight to Squibs and these are the reasons why.' 

Back to John K:
...edit...
> -It makes total sense now, but why did Dumbledore feel a need to
position a guard in Harry's neighborhood that the Ministry couldn't
track (why Mrs. Figg HAD to be a squib) FIFTEEN YEARS AGO? Was his
relatinoship with the Ministry always suspsect? Did he worry it might
become so?

Kemper now:
I think Dumbledore realized the Ministry's, a reflection of British 
Magical societys, veiw on Squibs, and he exploited their veiw to his 
advantage.  Very strategic.

Back to John again:
> -Why wasn't Mrs. Figg in Moody's picture of the Order? We know from
GF she was part of the 'old crowd.' Was she some sort of spy, using
her Squibness and people's ignorance and prejudice to her advantage?

Kemper now:
I think that's exactly what she was doing.  Again, another reason why 
she is so hella bad ass.

> I absolutely loved what Mrs. Figg did for the plotline in OP, and 
I'm fascinated in what her story might be. And her line, "Don't put it
away, idiot boy! What if there are more of them around? Oh, I'm
going to /kill/ Mundungus Fletcher!" is one of the classics of the
series.

Kemper agrees!