The Train Scene GoF/ Hero vs Anti-Hero/Draco, Ginny, & Tom, oh my!

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 162499


> > Pippin:
> > Right. Two adult wizards were stalking three teenagers  and 
> attacked  them from behind because they, the adults, felt 
threatened. 
> 
> Alla:
> 
> Huh? Who was stalking three teenagers? Draco and Co came to them.

Pippin:

"Thought we'd see what those three were up to," said Fred matter-
of-factly, stepping on Goyle and into the compartment. He had
his wand out and so did George, who was careful to tread on
Malfoy as he followed Fred inside. --GoF ch 37

 Fred and George were following Draco and Co, not
the reverse.

> Alla:
> 
> Just to make one moment clear - I do not pretend anything here, this 
> how I honestly see this scene.
> 
> And not necessarily the immediate attempt to do them in of course - 
> but the threat that is coming this second, tomorrow or in a month.

Pippin:
But Ron and Hermione, not to mention the Twins,  are generally 
dismissive of threats from Draco himself, both before and after this 
scene. If they are attacking not Draco but the looming shadow of 
Voldemort, which they see in a few schoolchildren, that's paranoia, 
and I don't think our heroes are paranoid. 

 I agree that they saw red, but it seems much more consistent with
canon to me to suppose that their anger was provoked by Draco's 
insults, which admittedly they were in no mood to ignore, not by 
their fear of Voldemort.

Well, I suppose we will just have to agree to disagree on that.

I don't think the Gryffs acted as JKR would ideally like people to
act if they're being bothered by bullies, and I think the abuse
of the unconscious kids shows that. Fred and George in 
particular have a lot to learn. They have the power of adults
but they still act like irresponsible teens, and sure enough it
comes back to bite them in HBP.

I'm not as troubled by the  Trio's actions as Betsy seems to be, 
because I think overall the WW is a bit, er, Wild West and brawling,
though frowned on by the authorities, is a pretty normal occurence
even among adults. 

Consider the altercation in CoS. Can you imagine the reaction
in RL if  a cabinet minister and a prominent zillionaire  started 
mixing it up at a celebrity booksigning in the middle of London? 
In the WW, the crowd stampedes, Molly is scandalized and the 
poor Grangers are shaking with terror, but despite Lockhart's
best efforts, it doesn't seem to be news.

Pippin