CHAPDISC: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Ch. 19: The Silver Doe

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 182699

 Deb wrote: 
> Questions
>  
> 1.  Phineas Nigellus learns critical information about Harry's 
> location, which Hermione carelessly provides while the beaded bag 
is 
> open.  Has Phineas really been hanging out in that cramped bag all 
> this time?  Why is he willing to do this?

Potioncat:
I hadn't thought about it before. But it looks like he did spend a 
good deal of time waiting around. Can't think the purse was any more 
boring than the empty bedroom at 12 GP.

I suppose he did it because Headmaster Snape asked him to.
>  
> 2.  What did you think initially of the appearance of the silver 
> doe?  Did you perceive clues (either on initial reading or 
rereading) 
> pointing to the identity of the doe?  Was it intended, in your 
view, 
> as misdirection?  Was it effective?  Does it seem odd that Harry 
did 
> not attempt to identify the doe?

Potioncat:
I knew at once! I had been expecting a DD-Patronus (bumble-bee or 
phoenix) or dreading a Lily-Patronus (unicorn). I identified the doe 
as a Lily-Patronus as soon as I saw it.

This was the brightest moment in the book (well, almost). More than 
anything I wanted to e-mail my fellow Snape supporters to share the 
excitemnt and joy. I anticipated Snape's loyalties being revealed, a 
reunion of sorts between Harry and Snape and a happy ending for Harry 
and Severus. (not together, mind you.)

Boy was I let down. (But it could have been so much worse.)

I don't think it was mis-direction. JKR had told us Snape's Patronus 
was important. I would guess most of us recognised it. My son didn't 
have a clue who it could be from. So if JKR wanted to drop a hint 
without fully revealing, I think she did a good job of it.

No, I'm not surprised Harry didn't make any attempts at identifying 
the doe. He's always been lacking in that sort of activity. Besides, 
life became very busy after this.

Thanks, Deb, for a great summary and questions. I hope to get to the 
other questions later.