Special treatment - yes or no

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 146046

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "sistermagpie" <belviso at a...> wrote:
>
> > bboyminn:
> > 
> > Even though you have somewhat established it in other posts,
> > I think this is the flaw in your assumption. The game was
> > not over; Slytherin has NOT won. The game isn't over until 
> > the final buzzer sounds, and  the final buzzer hadn't sounded
> > yet. School was still in session, points could still be awared
> > for good behavior and taken for bad behavior. 
> 
> Magpie:
> 
> Yes, the game wasn't *truly* won because Dumbledore gave out more 
> points.  I agree.  But the house is decorated in Slytherin colors to 
> make it LOOK like it was over and they won so that they'd have more 
> egg on their face.  The *assumption* is the whole point of the bait 
> and switch.  ...edited...
> 

bboyminn:

I confess I didn't pay enough attention to that aspect of your post.
In a small sense, I was replying to the thread in general rather than
to you in specific detail.

In response to your specific allegation, that Dumbledore intentionally
 planned this method of awarding points to rub in the humiliation of
Slytherin, I think you are taking too narrow a view (and I also admit
to overstating your position somewhat).

If we assume that Dumbledore has nothing to do or to worry about
besides awarding House points then you might be right. But, he has a
school to run. Dark and dangerous goings on have just occurred. People
are/were in the hospital. Harry nearly died. Voldemort was in the
castle. Quirrel IS dead. The Stone was nearly lost. End of year Exams
are upon them. There are reports to be filled out. Questions to be
answered. Arrangements to be made. I'm sure the Board of Governors and
the Ministry were a little curious about how a teacher managed to die
on school grounds, especially when it happened in a chamber that was
very heavily protected. Certainly in the view of the very busy and
harassed Dumbledore worrying about House colors at the Leaving Feast
can wait. 

Yes, I'm sure Dumbledore enjoyed building suspense, and allowing
Neville's points to be granted last, so it appeared as if Neville's
point secured the victory. But I see the House Colors flying as more a
matter of practicality and convenience than malicious intent or
ill-will. Dumbledore is a busy man, and the House Cup, while it is
important to the students, hardly holds the fate of the world in the
balance, and certainly pales compared to everything else that had
happened recently in the castle. So, I really think for Dumbledore, it
was just a matter of administrative convenience.

Further, at that point in time, the additional points had not been
awarded, and barring those last minute points, Slytherin was in the
lead, and was the logical and likely winner, so their colors flew.
Simple as that. But when the year actually ended and the final tally
was in, Gryffindor had actually won, so the House Colors were changed.
That's just the way it was. I don't see any conspircy or malicious
intent; just simple priorities and administrative conveniences. 


> Steve:
> > Was Slytherin VERY disappointed? They certainly were, and 
> > justifiably so. But did you, or they, really expect to live
> > their lives without disappointment? 
> 
> Magpie:
> 
> Err...this is coming way out of left field for me. Of course
> they should expect to live their lives with disappointment--
> and will throughout the series.  ...
> ... I have not only never suggested that Slytherin should get
> the cup back, I have said more than once that I consider 
> Gryffindor the winner. I already agree that everyone needs to
> learn to live with disappointment and would hardly 
> argue otherwise.  

bboyminn: 

Again, my foot is firmly in my mouth from making general statements
that very much appear to be specific statements. I wasn't accusing
you, it just seem like a nice way to phrase it at the time. So, forget
about the 'you' and 'they', we all agree that disapointment is part of
life. We should also note that Slytherin seem to have gotten over it
nicely. Indeed we are making a bigger issue of it than they are.

On an unrelated note; from off-line correspondence, I have become
aware that the statement in my previous post of 'THAT'S LIFE, get over
it' could be taken in more ways than intended. That comment was
directed at Slytherins and at my 'game' analogy. Sometime victory
really is snatched from the jaws of defeat. Sometimes, in the last
minute, there is a turn over or a rally in the game, and sure victory
become a sudden lose. There is dissapointment and let down, and then
life moves on. (notice the lack of 'you' and 'they' in that statement;
not taking any chances this time)

Most important of all, that 'get over it' comment WAS NOT directed at
this group or its members. I want to make that clear. This has been an
enjoyable discussion. 

Again, just trying to establish some perspective; though, apparently,
not doing a very good job of it.

Steve/bboyminn