Q

[Renee]

No: HPFGUIDX 147367

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "dumbledore11214"
<dumbledore11214 at y...> wrote:

Alla:  
> I understand the potential Significance of Regulus storyline, what I 
> AM trying to figure out if there is any significance to Regulus 
> storyline because he is Sirius brother  and to Aberworth storyline 
> BECAUSE he is Albus brother( and if my assumption that he is alive 
> is correct)

Renee:

As far as I remember, JKR confirmed that Aberforth was the barman at
the Hogshead, so yes, I think he's alive. His significance? Maybe he's
been his brother's confidante all the time, and as such the only one
who knows exactly why Albus trusted Snape. 

As for Regulus, I lean towards the Regulus = Stubby Boardman (or
Regulus has been posing as Stubby Boardman) theory, in which case
we've had a hint concerning him as early as PoA. This only works if
Regulus and Sirius look sufficiently alike for Doris Purkiss, source
of the Quibbler article, to confuse them twelve years after her
rendez-vous with "Stubby". Making them brothers would explain the
likeness. It would also give JKR an opportunity to bring Regulus up in
a natural way - Harry seeing Regulus on the tapestry, Slughorn talking
about the Black brothers, etc.   

So the explanation is different in either case. I don't think there's
a special significance to the fact that two dead father figures both
turn out to have a brother. That is, I can't think of one.           

Alla:
> 
> There is also that small matter that this is Harry's story and so 
> their storylines could be only support based, IMO. But then in this 
> context, I do wonder if Aberworth and Regulus are supposed to give 
> Harry adult support, why Albus and Sirius were killed. I mean they 
> were killed to CUT OFF Harry's adult support, right?
> 
> That is why I am not sure if Regulus and Aberworh would be given that 
> much support to Harry. Am I making any sense?

Renee:
Yes - at least, I believe I get your meaning. But Albus and Sirius
were more than just adult support: they were beloved father figures,
guides and protectors. They had to go because Harry, soon an adult
himself according to wizarding law, has to follow his own course in
the last book, not because he can't have any adult support at all. 

Aberforth and Regulus (if the latter is, indeed, alive) won't be in
Book 7 to take the place of their brothers. If they're going to be of
use, it will probably be because they have important information. 

Renee