Couple of questions after CoS reread

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 125491


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "kkersey_austin" <kkersey at s...> 
wrote:
> 
> 
> > Valky:
> > A big clue to DD having been a protective prescence is Colin's 
> > petrification. He was saved by his camera. In the Entrance Hall. 
> > After the Quidditch match. 
> > 
> > An assumption Colin was actually taking photographs at this time 
> > doesn't add up. Colin undoubtedly already has plenty of pictures 
of 
> > the Entrance Hall, and besides he just went to Quidditch, surely 
he 
> > used all his film on that.

Karen:
> It is interesting that Dumbledore just happens upon the scene so
> quickly, though.
 

Geoff:
I think  assumptions are being made here which are not necessarily 
borne out or supported in canon.

'"What happened?" Madam Pomfrey whispered to Dumbledore, bending over 
the statue on the bed.

"Another attack," said Dumbledore. "Minerva found him on the stairs."

"There was a bunch of grapes next to him," said Professor 
McGonagall. "We think he was trying to sneak up here to visit Potter."

Harry's stomach gave a horrible lurch. Slowly and carefully, he 
raised himself a few inches so he could look at the statue on the 
bed. A ray of moonlight lay across its staring face. 

It was Colin Creevey. His eyes were wide and his hands were stuck up 
in front of him, holding his camera.

"Petrified?" whispered Madam Pomfrey.

"Yes," said Professor McGonagall. "But I shudder to think... If Albus 
hadn't been on the way downstairs for hot chocolate, who knows what 
might have..."'

(COS "The Rogue Bludger" p.135 UK edition)

(1) What evidence is there to suggest that Colin was found 
immediately after the attack? He might have been there some time...

(2) Which set of stairs was Colin on? Were these leading to the 
entrance hall?

(3) Dumbledore states quite clearly that /Professor McGonagall/ found 
Colin.

(4) So, what do we read into Professor McGonagall's comment about 
Dumbledore being on his way downstairs and what else does she think 
might have taken place if he hadn't?