CHAPDISC: HBP24, Sectumsempra

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 161239

Carol:
> 4. Harry undergoes a number of temptations in this chapter, among
> them to try out Sectumsempra on McLaggen and to use Felix Felicis
> either to strengthen his chances with Ginny or to help him get
> into the Room of Requirement so he can find out what Draco is up
> to. What do these temptations reveal about Harry and about his
> ability to deal with temptation in general? Might they foreshadow
> a more serious temptation in Book 7?

Jen: Dumbledore points out to Harry in the Horcrux chapter that 
while he has a 'privileged insight' into Voldemort's life, something 
a DE would kill for, he has never been seduced by the Dark Arts or 
tempted to become a follower of Voldemort.  Then in this chapter, 
Snape tells Harry that Sectumsempra is Dark Magic.  It's clear Snape 
as the HBP *was* seduced by Dark Magic, was tempted and did join 
Voldemort.  

There's that parallel between them, both being tempted by Dark Magic 
(especially when angry), but Harry's protection and choices have led 
him down a very different path.  I've wondered if Voldemort might 
offer up Snape to Harry as the ultimate temptation--will Harry 
succumb to his hatred?  No way!  But that might be a possibility for 
how temptation could play out. I'm pretty certain Voldemort's next 
move against Harry will be psychological just as he put Dumbledore 
in an impossible situation in HBP by recruiting Draco.

 
> 5. What was your initial reaction to Draco crying in the "bathroom"
> (restroom) and to Moaning Myrtle comforting him? Did that reaction
> change on a second reading after you understood what Draco was
> trying to do? Why or why not? 

Jen: I was moved by not only his tears but his general appearance 
and the fact that his only confidante is a ghost.  That was 
indicative that if he ever did have true friends, he can't talk to 
them now. I doubt he's ever had real friendship.  My reaction hasn't 
changed, that moment was crucial for Harry to see Draco's humanity.


> 6.  Were you shocked that Harry would try out Sectumsempra under
> these circumstances, especially given the label "For Enemies"? Why
> or why not? What other options, if any, did he have in response to
> Draco's attempted Crucio?

Jen: I agree with what KJ said, that the scene is mostly for plot 
purposes. :) Trying to view it inside the story, by the end of HBP 
there's a pattern of Harry attempting Dark Magic when backed in a 
corner or angry. Don't know if this is becoming his natural response 
because he doubts his own abilities or ??

> 7. Why did Snape and only Snape show up when Myrtle cried bloody
> murder? Could anyone else have saved Draco, or does Snape alone
> know the countercurse? What does the songlike or chantlike nature
> of the countercurse suggest to you about it or about Snape? 

Jen: The countercurse is a symbol of Snape's repentance, attempting 
to undo the damage he's done.

 
> 8. Why do you think JKR included the reference to dittany in the
> scene rather than merely having Snape take Draco up to the
> hospital wing to be examined by Madam Pomfrey? What does it tell
> us about Snape and/or Draco? 

Jen:  I thought he was trying to reassure Draco the physical damage 
wasn't life theatening or permanent. And probably Harry as well.

I can't add much more to what others have said on the other 
questions.  Thank you, Carol!  Your questions and answers by others 
helped me consider some of the scenes in a new way.

Jen R.