CHAPDISC: HBP7, The Slug Club

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 145774

 AnitaKH wrote:    
>   Questions:
>    
>   1.                  This is the beginning of what will be a year-
long obsession with Draco for Harry.  In hindsight, what does this 
reveal about Harry's powers of discernment?

Potioncat:
Harry knows Draco is up to something, and he's right. Although he 
tells responsible individuals who do not find collaborating evidence, 
he is right about Draco. I hate to say this, but it almost reminds me 
of Snape and Harry.

>    
>   2.                  The Aurors in the scene are men we have never 
seen before.  Is this done to highlight the changes at the Ministry 
of Magic, or is there some more sinister reason?

Potioncat:
The men reminded me of the movie "Men in Black," or of the general 
stereotype of the G-man. I think it was JKR's way of showing how the 
mood is changing in the WW.                  
>    
>   3.                    Compare this train scene with the early 
train scene in OOP.  How do his feelings toward Neville and Luna 
compare in the two scenes?  What does this scene do for our 
understanding of the Harry in HBP?

Potioncat:
He seems to have grown up and learned what's important. Of course, 
this time there wasn't some girl to impress.
>    

> 
>  
>   5.                  Neville mentions that his wand may have been 
the last Ollivander sold before he vanished.  Do you think this is 
one of those throwaway lines that will be significant later?  How?    
>    
>   6.                  What is the composition of Neville's wand, 
and will it be important?

Potioncat:
We've expected so much of wands. It's hard to say. What's the chance 
that LV was looking for a special wand and Ollivander sold it to 
Neville? We learned a lot more about Unicorn hair in this book. I 
wonder how unicorn hair wands will play out?
>    
>   7.                  Luna comes up with yet another – er – quirky 
creature.  What are the chances that Luna's wacky creatures will be 
proven real?  And if so, which ones?

Potioncat:
With all the fantastic beasts that do exist in the WW, it's funny 
that some people would believe in non-existant ones. 
>    
>   8.                  As we learn about each student's connections 
during Slughorn's luncheon party, whose story, if any, do you suppose 
will prove to be important in book 7?

Potioncat:
Well, it's just now dawned on me that Blaise's mother may have killed 
6 men. The book doesn't say that of course....I really should go read 
that section before commenting.
>    
>   9.                  The luncheon scene with Slughorn highlights 
the personality traits that we glimpsed in "Horace Slughorn."    Did 
this scene cement your opinion of Slughorn, did it change your first 
impression from the earlier chapter, or did your opinion undergo a 
transformation later, say, after seeing the full horcrux memory?

Potioncat:
It showed what a dirt bag he is, and it made him look worse than DD 
had. DD does seem to see the best in a person. I was a little 
surprised that he would have had to ask about Theodore's father. It 
was in the Prophet that Nott was in the battle and Slughorn knew him 
from the school days....(Do I have that part correct?) Was he being 
sneaky by asking about Nott, or was JKR using Blaise to tell us that 
Slughorn didn't accept family members of DEs?
>    

>    
>   11.              I find the end of this chapter difficult to 
read, wishing at an emotional level that Harry would use more 
caution. Harry's impulsiveness has gotten him into scrapes before, 
and he once again takes a chance and loses.  How do you think this 
tendency will play out?  (Curiosity killed the cat or caution makes 
cowards of us all?)

Potioncat:
It's the vice of the Gryffindor virtue of courage and it got Sirius 
killed. I think Harry will tame it during book 7.
>    
Very nice review and thoughtful questions.