PoA CH 1-3 post DH look

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 181356

It was nearly midnight, and he was lying on his stomach in bed, the
blankets drawn right over his head like a tent, a flashlight in one 
hand
and a large leather-bound book (A History of Magic by Bathilda 
Bagshot)
propped open against the pillow. Harry moved the tip of his
eagle-feather quill down the page, frowning as he looked for 
something
that would help him write his essay, "Witch Burning in the Fourteenth
Century Was Completely Pointless discuss."
 The quill paused at the top of a likely-looking paragraph. Harry 
Pushed
his round glasses up the bridge of his nose, moved his flashlight 
closer
to the book, and read:
 Non-magic people (more commonly known as Muggles) were particularly
afraid of magic in medieval times, but not very good at recognizing 
it.
On the rare occasion that they did catch a real witch or wizard, 
burning
had no effect whatsoever. The witch or wizard would perform a basic
Flame Freezing Charm and then pretend to shriek with pain while 
enjoying
a gentle, tickling sensation. Indeed, Wendelin the Weird enjoyed 
being
burned so much that she allowed herself to be caught no less than
forty seven times in various disguises." -  PoA, p.7, brit. ed, 
paperback

Alla:
So, did they or did they not enjoy being burned? I seem to remember 
vigorous debates in the past and some posters claiming that it is a 
lie, I mean lie in the text book and the witches were really burned, 
etc. I honestly do not remember anything in the later canon showing 
that it was a lie. Any help?
Oh, and hi Batilda dear.

"
the public is warned that Black is armed and extremely dangerous. 
A special hotline had been set up, and any sighting of Black should 
be reported immediately" – p.18

Alla:
Oy Lanval I hope you are reading this. Does not look to me that 
muggles were allowed or expected to kill Sirius on site, tee hee, 
only to report about him.

"Hedwig," he said gloomily, "you're going to have to clear off for a 
week. Go with Errol, Ron'll look after you. I'll write him a note, 
explaining. And don't look at me like that" – Hedwig's large amber 
eyes were reproachful, "it's not my fault. It's the only way I'll be 
allowed to visit  Hogsmeade with Ron and Hermione" – p.22

Alla:
I had asked this before, I am sure, but just how smart owls in 
general and Hedwig in particularly are? He is not asking her to 
deliver any letters, no? I mean granted he is telling her to go some 
place anyways, but it seems like she totally picks on Harry's mood.
Poor Hedwig.

"But not Sirius Black. I `eard he thought `e'd be second in command 
once You know –`Oo `ad taken over" – p.34

Alla:
I am just wondering about this part. I mean, I get it that what 
happened to Sirius was very well known. I mean, well known in the 
wrong way, since what was known as we all know was a lie, but I 
still wonder how did this particular rumor developed? Who would 
start spreading the rumors that Sirius wanted to be second in 
command? Pettigrew himself would spread the rumor? But he is not in 
particular position to do so, no?

"Hagrid the Hogwarts gamekeeper had spent two months there only last 
year. Harry wouldn't soon forget the look of terror on Hagrid's face 
when he had been told where he was going and Hagrid was one of the 
bravest people Harry knew" – p.35

Alla:
I have similar question, I guess. I am sure there are many nasty 
rumors about Azkaban, if Hagrid knows that it is so horrible and has 
a look of pure terror on him, but how does he and everybody else 
knows that Azkaban is so horrible if nobody escaped from there 
before Sirius? Or did people escape from there?  Or is it general 
mistrust of the dementors?

"Hedwig! Harry gasped. The snowy owl clicked her beak and fluttered 
down on Harry's arm.
"Very smart owl you've got there," chuckled Tom> "Arrived about five 
minutes after you did. If there's anything you need, Mr. Potter, 
don't hesitate to ask" – p.40

Alla:
Yeah Hedwig seems to be very smart. Do you think other owls are just 
as smart?