CHAPDISC: DH25, Shell Cottage

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 184042

>
> Pippin:
> > It's the same with the goblins. Though we don't meet them, Bill
> knows goblins that he likes and respects, and cannot help thinking
of as his friends. Griphook is obviously not interested in that kind
of relationship with humans.
>
> Alla:
>
> But where do you get likes and respects part?

Pippin:
>From Bill's own words:
"I know goblins," said Bill. "I've worked for Gringotts ever since I
left Hogwarts. As far as there can be friendship between wizards and
goblins, I have goblin friends--or at least goblins that I know well
and like." -- DH ch 25.

Obviously those goblins can't be like Griphook, who openly dislikes
wizards and does not seek the friendship or society of humans.


Alla:

See I don't know, there is that qualifier "as far as there can be 
friendship between goblins and wizards". I discovered some time ago 
as I am sure mentioned here before that many americans put a bit 
different meaning to the word friend that I do for example. It seems 
to me that any acquaintance here is called a friend IMO. I use the 
word friends very very sparingly, the word is way too precious for 
me, you know?



It seems to me here that Bill is more talking about having 
acquaintances among goblins other than friends, or at least friends 
in the meaning that I put to this word.


BUT having said that I will agree that as far as those goblins are 
willing to even be acquaintances with humans they are different from 
Griphook. But are they really?

Are you sure that as soon as they will decide that some object that 
Bill possesses belong to the Goblins, they will not double cross him 
right away? I am not. After all, Griphook was also civil to Harry 
till the sword was involved.

JMO,

Alla