CHAP DISC: HBP 13, The Secret Riddle

[zgirnius]

No: HPFGUIDX 150174

> Jen R
> Questions:

> 2. Where do you think Dumbledore was over the weekend of Katie's 
> attack and why did Draco plan the attack when Dumbledore was away?

zgirnius:
I don't think Draco knew Dumbledore was away. I assume Dumbledore was 
off looking for Horcruxes.

> 4. Phineas continues to play a role in HBP which is more active 
than 
> the other portraits in Dumbledore's office. Presumably he overhears 
> all the vital information Dumbledore shares with Harry during the 
> course of their lessons and he is also able to visit the Black 
> house. Do you see JKR giving Phineas a more important role in Book 
7?

zgirnius:
I think it is possible he will play some role in Book 7, yes. He does 
have a portrait in both Hogwarts and 12 GP, which might be handy. And 
there is the comment he made when Harry was arguing with Dumbledofre 
about Snape in a previous chapter. But I think it is also somewhat 
natural for Phineas to speak up around Harry because they know each 
other a little-they had that conversation at 12 GP in OotP. So maybe 
that is all there is to it.

> 8. Why do you think Dumbledore drew attention to the fact that 
Harry was 'possibly [ ] feeling sorry for Lord Voldemort?' 

zgirnius:
I think he feels this is important. Because it is Harry's 
feelings/love that will in some way allow him to triumph.

> 9. After learning Merope died rather than live for her son, Harry 
> expressed anger that she made a poor choice compared to Lily, 
> who 'didn't have a choice'. Dumbledore corrected him gently, saying 
> Lily *did* have a choice. Why do you think Harry didn't believe 
> Lily had a choice when he heard the memory in POA of Voldemort 
> telling her to 'step aside'?

zgirnius:
First, he might not believe Voldemort would let her live. Or, he 
might not consider it a real choice, stepping aside would be a choice 
Harry, with his saving people thing, would not consider.

> 10. Dumbledore seems to have an ongoing battle with young boys not 
> using the proper etiquette of referring to teachers as 'Professor' 
> or 'Sir'.  What did you think about the way Riddle talks to 
> Dumbledore compared to how Harry talks to Snape, erm, Professor 
> Snape?

zgirnius:
Riddle is a quick learner, he sees he's not pleasing Dumbledore, and 
adapts. We see him sound very smooth, polite, and correct in the 
later memory with Slughorn. (Not that it works with DUmbledore, but I 
am sure it is not for lack of slightly older Tom trying to behave 
very nicely indeed where Dumbledore can see him). Harry does not make 
an effort to please Snape. He's much more honest about his feelings.


Thanks, Jen R. for your fine summary and discussion questions!