Was it Slughorn? (was: The potion maker)

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 141609

> >>Betsy hp:
> > The fact that Harry was able to recognize Slughorn's weaknesses
> > (and I think Harry *does* realize that he's benefitting from his
> > fame and possible his mother) but still not classify him as evil
> > is the first step in Harry realizing the worth in Slytherin.

> >>Jen: 
> Hang on, I'm having another one of those Harry-is-acting-like-a-
> Slytherin moments :). Is that what you meant here, about Harry 
> benefitting from his fame and his connections?
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
I was talking more about Slughorn's treatment of Harry overall.  I 
think Harry did recognize, straight from the beginning, that 
Slughorn was interested in him mainly for his fame (and possibly 
because of Lily).  I think Harry felt he might get away with his 
bezoar trick (as you mentioned in the part I snipped) because he's a 
favorite of Slughorn's already.  I don't think the same trick would 
have worked for Ron, IOW.

Though I *do* agree that Harry is getting in touch with his inner-
Slytherin in HBP.  He connects so deeply with young!Snape, manages 
(with a bit of help from Felix) to manipulate Slughorn, and starts 
to actually understand Draco.

The manipulation of Slughorn was especially interesting, I think, 
when compared with Hermione's utter failure in the "Draco's Detour" 
chapter, and with Tom Riddle's success in getting the horcrux 
information.

> >>Betsy Hp:
> > Of course, I could be wildly wrong and Slughorn will actually 
> > provide some crucial information (he was, after all, Snape's head
> > of house).  And it could turn out that it's *very* neccessary for
> > Harry to find out what potion was in the cave and therefore seek
> > out its brewer.  However, JKR rarely travels back over familiar 
> > ground, IIRC, so I suspect she's going to move on.

> >>Jen: 
> I hope not! Not so much about Slughorn, your thoughts on why he 
> was included for thematic reasons rings true. However, I can't let 
> go of learning what happened to Dumbledore while drinking the 
> potion, and suspect Slughorn is the only one who could tell Harry 
> that information...
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
Or Snape could. <eg>  JKR *did* leave us hanging with Dumbledore's 
one-sided conversation didn't she.  So maybe she will give us 
further information on that.  We shall see.

I snipped it, but I like your theory on Dumbledore's boggart.  
Anything where he either causes harm to his students, or somehow 
can't protect them rings true to me.

Betsy Hp