ELKINS AVENGED

[Smythe, Boyd T {FLNA}]

No: HPFGUIDX 130881

Neri, you have successfully driven me from retirement with your fantastic
TBAY and theory. Makes me long for the old days when beautiful boats cruised
the harbor by the dozens. Congratulations on your lovely new vessel! A few
thoughts:

* Extra points for explaining a goodly number of otherwise inexplicable plot
points. Like many, I've been bothered by JKR's inclusion of the Longbottom
subplot, complete with a number of unique characters and locations. Far too
much detail for something so seemingly innocuous...unless it has all been to
set up something similarly bangy to ELKINS AVENGED.
* I never liked the other memory charm theories--too messy, poor fit with
the themes, IMHO. This one, however, seems much tighter. Though I'm not sure
it is necessary to give Neville *any* memory issues of his own, given his
familial propensity for highbrow oddity. He seems more the byproduct of a
well-intentioned, but overly 1900's-era British pureblood household. And
he's just not that smart at some things. But, as you say, the rest appears
to float on its own.
* Are you sure neither Gran nor Strout are in on the action? Perhaps Fudge
is exercising some Ministerial powers to gain their cooperation, no?
Although Gran may simply be quite detached, Strout innocently overlooking
the Devil's Snare seems a bit unreasonable.
* What of Lockhart? Not my favorite character, but Jo has spent quite a few
pages building him. Might that still have future value to your theory?
Perhaps during his ward wanderings he witnessed something that will be the
clue to unraveling the riddle of the forgetfulness potion? Perhaps he'll try
something sneaky, be caught, and inadvertently divulge that key clue.
* If we don't find out via Lockhart, does that mean we'll be visiting
Neville's room before the school year begins, to see all those wrappers?
Could be fun, but what other purpose could it serve? Usually Jo knits a few
useful bits together before she takes us somewhere new.
* This theory assumes that Fudge already knows that LV is a genuine threat,
yet cares more for his career than for both the Longbottoms and the
protection of the WW. But perhaps he has simply been in denial, proverbially
sticking his head in the sand when it comes to LV. And perhaps when it
becomes clear in HBP that LV has returned in full force, Fudge will be the
one to finally see the light and make things right by the Longbottoms.
Doesn't feel any better, but he is a cipher, that Cornelius.

I do hope you're right with this one--it would be a most satisfactory
wrap-up to the Longbottom subplot. No obvious holes yet, so enjoy the high
seas while you can!

--boyd
Drawn out to comment on a memory theory?!? Must be losing my touch. Nice
job, Neri. :)