Umbridge, detention, scars, and plotlines, oh my!

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 125635


Well, as we await HBP, here is yet another thing to ponder:  Will the
adults ever learn the truth of Umbridge's detentions?  If so, what
will their reactions be?

Now, by introducing such an emotionally charged theme I think JKR has
set herself the burden to carry it through.  In other words, if she
just drops it and we don't see some exploration of this issue, if only
a couple of paragraphs, I think she will have failed very badly as a
writer.  

Of course, I also think she will have failed very badly as a writer if
she does not give some exploration of DD's thoughts and actions during
the 10 years Harry was at the Dursleys.  So, put these comments in
that context.

Harry does have permanent scars from Umbridge's detentions.  That may
or may not mean anything, however.  Sometimes extraneous details are
just extraneous details and not set-ups for later plot developments.


Lupinlore


P.S.  Sadly, I don't think we will hear anything about this again.  I
just don't think JKR, for all her talents in some areas, is a good
enough writer in terms of human psychology and emotions to close this
kind of theme off convincingly.  I think she pretty much knows her own
weaknesses, and will avoid this kind of thing like the plague.  Or,
alternatively, she doesn't think it needs to be closed off, which is
very sad indeed.