CHAPDISC: HBP24, Sectumsempra

[Eddie]

No: HPFGUIDX 161253

> Carol:
> 
> 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? 

Eddie:
I think Snape showed up because he was keeping a close eye on Draco. 
I think only Snape could have saved Draco, because only Snape would
have instantly (emphasis on "instantly") recognized Sectumsempra.  The
songlike countercurse showed a highly unusual softer side of Snape. 
He was gentle and, if I may go out on a limb without starting any new
wild speculations, "loving" towards Draco.  Have we ever seen Snape in
this light?  Ever?


> Carol:
> 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? 

Eddie:
I think it's a continuation of my previous point: a new view of Snape
that's attentive, healing, caring, etc.


> Carol:
> 14. [...] (And what's up with that "hard, blazing look"?)

Eddie:
Compare how different this look of Ginny's is from her ORIGINAL
reaction to seeing Harry: all aflutter, tongue-tied, little-girly. 
Ginny has come of age in a way that is impossible for Harry to resist,
despite his qualms about Ron's potential reaction.


Eddie