McLaggen under Imperio? WAS: Re: CHAPDISC: HBP11, Hermione's Helping Hand

[Ceridwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 149047

Amanda:
> Does this bring to mind the imperious 
> curse? Out of the blue comes this other
> student who has never been mentioned 
> before, forcing himself to be at Harry's
> side, trying to be on "Harry's team" and
> being his <snip> "right-hand man"?<snip>
>    
> Amanda ~ Remembering that JKR doesn't just
> `throw' something into the storyline.

Ceridwen:
No, I think McClaggen (sp?) is more of a plot device, as others have 
said.  He serves the purpose of more than one - a jealousy conflict 
for Ron, a leadership conflict for Harry, and IMO, an OTT fan of HP, 
the sort that wants to become his hero in a way.  He wants to 'best' 
Harry in one way, step into his shoes and prove that he's as good 
as 'The Chosen One', but he also wants to show that he is the 'right-
hand man', a chosen of the Chosen One.  Maybe he'll get girls that 
way?  And, dating Hermione, one of Harry's two best friends, also 
makes me think there's a bit of identification with TCO there, too.

If he is Imperio'd, though, I would wonder why.  Just to trip Harry 
up?  Or to create a stumbling block so Harry won't be chasing Draco 
around as much?  Who would have done it?  What would you suggest?

And, too, could McClaggen become disillusioned with Harry in book 7 
and turn coat?  I never took psychology, but for anyone who has, 
would someone who has identified with/latched onto a 'star', turn 
against his idol?  The Incredibles and (not Hinkley, who was it who 
shot Lennon?) aside?

Ceridwen.