Hagrid the animal abuser/The uses of beasts in fables

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 166203


> 
> Betsy Hp:
> But students don't always like their teachers, or the subject matter 
> for that matter.  Hagrid is unable to handle anyone without his level 
> of enthusiasm, and he's unable to *give* his students reason to 
> become enthusiastic.  It's unrealistic to think *all* of his students 
> would become enthralled with CoMC, but it's sad that instead *all* of 
> his students are turned off of that particular subject.
> 
Pippin:
CoMC is an elective. Since Hagrid is evidently still teaching, I think it's
safe to say that not *all* his students have been turned off. I also think
that none of the Trio would have taken NEWT level CoMC even if 
Professor Grubbly-Plank had been teaching it. They really do need
the room in their schedules for studying. 


> > >>Betsy Hp:
> > > I *am* taking a hard line, I agree.
> 
> > >>Phoenixgod2000
> > Death to Hagrid but all the breaks in the world for Draco :)
> > <snip>

Pippin:
I have to go with Phoenixgod this time. Hagrid's actions don't
deserve the A word, IMO, at least where the animals are concerned.
You could make a case that he abused his *power* -- but that
would just mean he wasn't setting a great example as a teacher,
period. Nothing to do with the beasts. 

IIRC, no creatures have suffered any damage while in his care 
except for the Skrewts. There was nothing Hagrid could have 
done to prevent that -- if they hadn't eaten each other, they'd 
have starved.

 It was a failed experiment, obviously. But clearly the wizarding 
world doesn't think experimental breeding (with the proper 
permissions) is wrong, or there wouldn't *be* proper permissions.

Taking Norbert to hatch was ill-advised, but what was the
alternative? Do you think Quirrell (or whoever was under that
hood) was going to find the egg a good home if Hagrid
had turned it down? 

Also, I think it's a mistake to say that Hagrid hasn't changed
his attitude at all. Azkaban changed him -- In PoA he says
he's afraid to break the law and he proves it by not
hiding Buckbeak in the forest the way he hid Aragog. In
HBP he recognizes that it would be too dangerous for
the Trio to help him nurse Aragog. He also recognizes
that Professor Grubbly-Plank is a better teacher than he
is, (though the Trio loyally and falsely deny it) so clearly
he does realize there's room for improvement.

Pippin