Re: CHAPDISC3: HBP 3, WILL AND WON’T

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 142586

RavenclawBookworm [henceforth RB]:
> Q1:  Does this signal a change in attitude toward Harry?  Is this a 
> grassroots change or a campaign started by the Ministry?

SSSusan:
You know, I'm really anxious to hear others' thoughts on this.  My 
*gut* reaction is that it's a change on *both* levels.  We know that 
Fudge has *admitted* that Voldy is back, and we know that Scrimgeour 
is anxious to get Harry on board with the Ministry, so I think that 
does speak to a change at the Ministry level.  

I guess the reason I suspect there's also a change at the grassroots 
level is what happens to Harry on the Hogwarts Express and in the 
Gryffindor common room -- all the attention paid to him everywhere he 
goes, with whisperings about "the Chosen One" (iirc), with girls like 
Romilda Vane falling all over themselves to be near him.  Instead of 
the rumblings & grumblings type of attention he got in CoS and after 
Cedric's death, *this* time it has a feel of true 
celebrity  "worship."  It feels respectful, in other words.  And I 
*do* think that likely came from things said at these students' 
homes, which would indicate a grassroots-level change.

RB:
> Q6:  We later see the inferi that Voldemort left in the cave.  In 
> what way do you think the DEs might *currently* be using inferi?

SSSusan:
Ugh.  I'm not sure I want to know! :shudders:  But then again... in a 
sick-curious kind of way... I do wonder what things they're capable 
of doing.  I mean, are they capable of scoping out a scene; can their 
eyes be "useful" in that kind of way?  Can they actually strangle 
someone or something that *physical*?


R/B:
> Q7:  Is Harry's pessimism justified?  Do you think he has reason to 
> believe that Dumbledore will not do as he says he will? 

SSSusan:
Heck, I think he's just good and tired of being disappointed by now.


RB:
> Dumbledore politely avoids a confrontation with Vernon by expecting
> manners: "...let us assume that you have invited me warmly into your
> house." ...The Headmaster forces the Dursleys to sit down by moving 
> the sofa then conjures glasses and mead for everyone. When the 
> Dursleys try to ignore them, the glasses keep bumping them in the 
> head. For the next two and a half pages, Dumbledore speaks directly 
> to Harry and completely ignores the Dursleys. 
>
> Q8:  What do you think of Dumbledore's behavior here? 

SSSusan:
Heh heh.  I know some posters believe DD was out of line, but not 
me.  I squealed with delight as this scene progressed.  And one 
reason I did so is that DD *was* polite.  Yes, he made the 
couch "seat" the Dursleys against their will; yes, he made the 
glasses smack 'em in the head; but by and large he was calm and 
courteous, he used proper manners, he did not scream and shout when 
many people would have (as, for instance, Vernon started to do & 
typically does).  I thought he treated the Dursleys *exactly* as they 
deserved to be treated... not to mention treating Harry to the 
attention he needed and deserved in that moment as well.


RB:
> Q10:  Do you think *anything* will bring Harry back to the house?  
> Do you think pleasant memories could ever change the atmosphere of 
> the house?

SSSusan:
One thing could take him back, for sure:  the search for horcruxes.  
But I can't imagine the house ever having pleasant memories for 
anyone who knew and loved Sirius.  Huh.  Having said that, maybe 
Snape wouldn't mind the place?


> Ravenclaw Bookworm
> <with fresh coffee and a plate of fresh brownies for SSSusan and 
> Petra>

SSSusan:
Yum!  Thanks.

Siriusly Snapey Susan