Hagrid and Draco

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 166177

Looking at the interaction between Hagrid and
Draco where the Hippogriff is introduced to the
class, a few thoughts occurred to me while I was
looking at our two protagonists.

Firstly, I look on Hagrid as having enthusiasm,
expertise but sadly lacking in experience. Let
me draw some real world parallels. I believe
that Hogwarts is modelled on the typically
English public boarding school but these still
have a lot in common with the state sector, in
which I taught for 32 years.

Until a few years ago, anyone with a University
degree could teach in a school without further
teaching qualifications. This, as I know from
first-hand experience could land you with a
highly-qualified teacher who was a complete
dunderhead in the classroom. If you did not have
a degree, it was compulsory for you to have
a teaching qualification. Today, a person holding
a degree will take a Post-Graduate Certificate of
Education (PGCE).

Now, what is the situation in the Wizarding world?
Hagrid has no qualifications; we know he was e
xpelled. Yet Dumbledore appointed him as a
teacher. Was there no system whereby he ran
names past a central authority for clearance?
Or did he bring Hagrid in almost without
advising anyone?

There is evidence that there is some control over
what he can and cannot do as Headmaster. We
know that he personally can be censured or
removed by the governors
.

`"The appointment – or suspension – of the
Headmaster is a matter for the governors, Fudge,"
said Mr. Malfoy smoothly.'
(COS "Cornelius Fudge" p.194 UK edition)

We also know that the Ministry can interfere in
the running of the school


`MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM
DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED
FIRST EVER HIGH INQUISITOR
.


In a surprise move last night, the Ministry of
Magic passed new legislation giving itself an
unprecedented level of control at Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry'
(OOTP "The Hogwarts High Inquisitor" p, 274 UK
edition)

`BY ORDER OF THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC

Dolores Jane Umbridge (High Inquisitor) has replaced
Albus Dumbledore as Head of Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry.'
(OOTP "Snape's Worst Memory" p.550 UK edition)

So, first, it is very interesting and perhaps highly
questionable that Hagrid is even in post because of
his background.

Hagrid is enthusiastic and has expertise. That we
know. He was always very keen to tell individuals and
classes about the various creatures to which they were
introduced and, as has been observed in this discussion,
he has the expertise to look after the handling and
welfare of these different beasts.

However, where he comes unstuck is in the area of
experience. He is not a trained teacher. He is quite good
with individuals or small groups of students, like the Trio,
but the organisation and handling of larger groups is way
off. Likeable as he is, Hagrid is a bit of a blunderer and
often possesses the tact and grace of an African elephant!
He does not appear to think ahead of his actions and
consider consequences. Examples away from the class
include such things as telling a stranger how to subdue
Fluffy when the dog is being used to protect the approaches
to the Philosopher's Stone or planning to secrete a
full-grown dragon around the place after he has reared
it. And he is totally inexperienced in dealing with a class
in an outdoor situation. When I was involved in games,
if I was out on the playing field, I would constantly be
scanning the class, especially the "smart alec" pupils
to see what they might be up to on the edge of the
group.

Which brings us to Draco. I think there are a number of
factors to be considered about him on that day. At the
outset, I do not believe that he intended harm to Buckbeak;
that was just a spin-off to events. Initially, his expressed
attitude was contempt for Hagrid who isn't a pureblood
for starters.

`"God, this place is going to the dogs," said Malfoy loudly.
"That oaf teaching classes, my father'll have a fit when I
tell him –"'
(POA "Talons and Tea Leaves" p.87 UK edition)

Then, when Harry goes into the paddock, jealousy and
irritation begins to surface as Harry makes friends with
the Hippogriff.

`He (Harry) patted the beak several times and the
Hippogriff closed his eyes lazily, as though enjoying it.
The class all broke into applause, all except for Malfoy,
Crabbe and Goyle, who were looking deeply disappointed.'
(ibid. p.89)

After Harry's flight, the remaining students go into the
paddock and approach the animals but, of course, Draco
allows himself to think that it is easy because Harry
succeeded and thus heignores Hagrid's warning about
insulting them.

Up to this point, Draco has merely been driven by a desire
to verbally belittle Hagrid and Harry and perhaps prove
himself better than the latter. Getting rid of Buckbeak
only becomes an issue in the aftermath of the injury.
And that is Draco's own fault.

Although I have said that Hagrid is disorganised and
inexperienced, I agree with him and other contributors to
these threads that he is right to introduce the classes to
these Magical creatures. It is the way in which he does it
which is open to question. It is paramount that the idea is
knocked into the thickest – or most patronising – head
present that they can be dangerous if wrongly handled.
When you get a teacher who is not schooled in the art of
handling classes coming into collision with an arrogant,
selfish student who thinks that he knows best, the stage
is set for trouble.