CHAPDISC: HBP11, Hermione's Helping Hand

[Ceridwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 149034

Potioncat:
> McClaggan allowed her to add some tension for each of the trio. The 
> biggest problem is that he was like a rabbit pulled out of a hat. 
Where 
> did he come from? Someone who wanted to play Quidditch this badly 
would 
> have appeared on Harry's radar a long time ago.

Ceridwen:
Now I'm wondering if McLaggen is there to show how many people 
absolutely want to be in with Harry Potter?  McLaggen is unique to the 
rest of them in the story, because while they're all ready to fall all 
over Harry or offer themselves in some sort of lust sacrifice, McLaggen 
wants to best him.  McLaggen wants to be seen as Harry's right-hand 
man, and the only place he can do that is on the Quidditch pitch.  Ron 
and Hermione have his ear and both his arms all the rest of the time, 
and Ron still has his confidence issues with the Keeper position.  
Perfect fit for McLaggen if he can get it.

And, when he does, temporarily, become the Gryffindor Keeper, he makes 
a mess of everything.  He tries to get in good with Harry by constantly 
wanting to talk Quidditch plays, even when Harry is obviously doing 
other things, and he pulls his imagined rank (second-in-command) during 
a game, resulting in Harry being hospitalized and a few other foul-
ups.  He isn't a team player, so he's bad for the team.  He wants the 
reflected glory of somehow being Harry's lieutenant.

And, this way, he is an OTT representation of the switch in the WW's 
viewpoint about Harry since the beginning of OotP.

Maybe.

Ceridwen.