Troll Question

[Constance Vigilance]

No: HPFGUIDX 154471

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Laura Lynn Walsh <lwalsh at ...> 
wrote:
>
> Since this is about Book 1, it has probably been discussed
> before, but I have a question about the troll.  If Quirrell's
> contribution to guarding the Stone was to bring in the troll,
> then Dumbledore at least would have been aware of that.
> Knowing that Quirrell had done so, how could he have not
> informed Snape and the rest of the teachers that Quirrell
> probably let the troll in at Halloween?  How could Quirrell
> act so afraid of the troll in front of McGonagall and Snape
> in the dining hall and in the bathroom scene?  Wouldn't
> that automatically compromise his believability?
> Laura
> -- 
> Laura Lynn Walsh    lwalsh at ...
> http://llwcontemplations.blogspot.com
>

Ah, Quirrel. My favorite character. Really!

The answer is simple. Quirrell has established himself as trying to 
better himself in his craft. He went on a sabbatical for that 
purpose, remember? Since he was obviously afraid of the first troll, 
one can assume he did some off-line practice and learned how to 
manage trolls. In fact, he was so successful at his self-improvement 
studies that he became an expert at trolls, and as such, it was 
logical for that to have been his contribution to the stone 
protection. At least, that is how he would have presented it.

Since my dear Q-man has been brought up again, let me be the first 
to point out that I have not a shred of doubt that Quirrell will 
return in the final book. (Read SS again - Voldy LEFT HIM FOR dead - 
it specifically does not say he IS dead) Remember the Man With Two 
Faces? That is a representation of Janus, the God of beginnings and 
endings. Ahem. That's ENDINGS.

Anyway, there is your answer on how Quirrell could appear to be 
afraid of a troll and then legitimately be an expert with them some 
months later.

~ CV