CHAPDISC: HBP 29, The Phoenix Lament

[quick_silver71]

No: HPFGUIDX 164249

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "justcarol67" <justcarol67 at ...> 
wrote:
>
> In her chapter summary for "The Phoenix Lament," dungrollin asked:
> 
> > 11. <snip> What story about Malfoy and Snape should Harry be able 
to 
> > piece together from the information he has?
> 
> Carol responds:
<snip>
> Early on, he sees Draco threatening Borgin and learns that he has 
some
> connection with Fenrir Greyback (whose identity and character Harry
> later discovers), that he appears to have the Dark Mark (though
> neither Harry nor the reader can be sure), that he wanted something
> held for him and something repaired, and that the Dark Lord has 
given
> him a "job."

Quick_Silver:
Excellent summary of what Harry does and doesn't know. Just a quick 
thought about something that you mention above...specifically whether 
or not Draco has the Dark Mark. In any of the other books I would 
have been...less then trusting...of Harry making a judgment like 
that. However because HBP is the 2nd last book and because JK has 
specifically said that HBP and DH are like two halves of one book I 
feel that I can't just dismiss it out of hand. And it's not just 
Harry's judgment on Draco having the Dark Mark but every one of his 
little assumptions in HBP...I tend to give them more thought that I 
would if they were in an earlier book. I kind of view it as Harry 
approaching the end of his hero's journey and I'd hope that as he 
nears the end he'll start to get at least a few things right. 

Does anyone else feel this way?

<snip> 
> It seems to me that Harry is missing a few clues, notably Snape's
> concern for Draco, whom he is clearly trying to protect both from
> murder and the act of murder, and Draco's refusal to cooperate with
> him by telling him exactly what he's up to. 
<snip>

Quick_Silver:
I can't remember for sure but I believe it was you that proposed that 
Snape was trying to contain the damage Draco was causing with his 
amateur methods during the Christmas party chat. I'd add that to the 
list of what Harry doesn't know was well (partly because I have this 
wild theory about how it reflects a difference in Snape's and Harry's 
approach to dealing with Draco/the Dark side in general).

Quick_Silver (having enjoyed reading this excellent post)