CHAPDISC: HBP 23, Horcruxes (Qs: 2,4,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16)

[Hagrid]

No: HPFGUIDX 160183

> 2. Do you think there is any significance in the Astronomy Tower 
> being the Bloody Baron's favourite haunt (pun intended) when it is 
> also later the scene of Dumbledore's death?
Aussie:
Definately! The Bloody Baron's relationship to Slytherin or anyone 
else has been kept secret for a long time. To see an ancestral link 
to LV would bring the Hogwart Ghosts into the upcoming battle, too.

> 
> 4. However insignificant the distinction, is the difference in the 
> description of Slughorn's wagging finger between the two versions 
> perhaps a clue to something?
Aussie:
Were the pinapple pieces laced with something? That would explain 
the knowing looks going on between the students and Tom. Maybe Uncle 
Horace was the victim of one of his own potions, allowing him to 
talk more freely.

> 
> 6. Why would Uncle Horace become excited when describing 
Horcruxes? 
Aussie:
He is still a Slytherin. It is extremely Dark Magic

>
> 7. Was Tom Riddle initially listening to information he already 
> possessed, or did he have no knowledge of Horcruxes at all prior 
> to this conversation?
Aussie:
Tom had already killed his father and grandparents by this scene, 
and framed his uncle for it. He may have been encoraged to do that 
by the Dark Wizard of that era, Grindlewald, just as Draco was 
directed later by LV. Tom may have heard of Horcruxes mentioned, and 
knew what it was for, but I don't think he would have gone to the 
trouble of pineapple, etc, if he knew as much as Slughorn.

> 
> 8. What compelled Horace to continue answering Tom's questions 
> when he was clearly described as being uneasy about the subject, 
> was it more than just a natural conversation in other words?
Aussie:
A bit of 2 earlier questions. Pineapple laced with potion, and 
Slughorn (being a Slytherin) enjoys power from Dark Magic.

> 
> 9. Without going too deeply into the nature of Horcruxes, as that 
> aspect has been discussed almost ad nauseam, do you think 
> Voldemort actually has or had seven soul pieces, six of which are 
> or were Horcruxes?
Aussie:
Without going too deep?-Yes: 7 is LV's goal for immortality. 
Although, Harry would still make a better Horcrux than Frank.

> 
> 10. How had Dumbledore acquired his knowledge of Horcruxes and why 
> was it such thorough knowledge?
Aussie:
That may be how he defeated the Dark Wizard, Grindlewald in 
1945 .... about the time Tom was leaving Hogwarts. That would also 
explain why Dumbledore made that a forbidden topic at that time.

> 
> 11. Did Lord Voldemort treat the Diary Horcrux carelessly as 
> Dumbledore suggests or is there more to its destruction than 
> initially met the eye?
Aussie:
LV didn't have the chance to get back into Hogwarts, nor the 
Chamber, since making that Diary - It was Malfoy who was careless 
with it.

> 
> 12. Would you agree that there are four Horcruxes to find, and if 
> not why not?
Aussie:
Agreed. The locket was taken by RAB, but not destroyed (MHO)

> 
> 14. Do you agree with Dumbledore that Nagini is a Horcrux and if 
> so did he conclude this when consulting his machine in OotP or 
> from some other source?
Aussie:
If Horcruxes can be transfered from one vessel to another, then 
living creatures can house Horcruxes too. Given Harry's dream 
experience attacking Arthur from the snake's view point, that would 
support the idea.

>
> 15. At this advanced stage of the series do you think that the 
> summary of the remaining Horcruxes is correct or think that 
> Dumbledore is wrong, as he himself professes to be on occasion?
Aussie:
HBP is drawing all the strings of plots together ready for a grand 
finalle. This type of summary is helpful to move towards that goal 
and not make the Harry Potter series into a soap opera.

> 
> 16. Do you agree that Lord Voldemort is unaware when a Horcrux is 
> destroyed and if so, and given that he knows of the loss of the 
> Diary Horcrux, do you think he would create another?
Aussie:
Agree that he is unaware of Horcrux's destruction. I doubt he can 
make an 8th to replace one of the 7.