Filch (was Re: Squib!!!

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 180963

 
> Beatrice Responds:> 
> I always thought that Filch's position at Hogwarts was a bit like 
> Hagrid's in a way.
snip

Potioncat:
But Hagrid has a meaningful role at Hogwarts. He really does perform 
as gamekeeper. He knows how to take care of interesting magical 
creatures. He may not be the best "teacher" of the subject, but he 
knows the subject.

Whatever reason for Filch's being at Hogwarts, he is not given a 
meaningful job. In terms of the plot, yes the character plays a role, 
but I mean Filch's job at Hogwart's is meaningless. 

Let me quickly say, I don't think cleaning is meaningless---I think 
having Filch do the cleaning is down right cruel when the same job 
could be done quicker and easier by magic. By the way, do we see him 
cleaning in the later books? I recall he's in charge of inspecting 
students, and of enforcing rules.

 
>Beatrice: 
..., but they can't clean the entrance hall in the middle of the 
> day without being visable to all.  Perhaps, Filch in a way is also 
> someone who can generally oversee the houseelves and act as a go 
> between if you will between the elves and the rest of the staff.


Potioncat:
While we never see the House-Elves working at Hogwarts, I'm not so 
sure it's a rule they can't be seen. Kreacher and Hokey(?) are 
visible as they serve their masters. And I'm sure a quick elfish 
version of Evanesco would only take a moment.


Potioncat,...'can be done quicker and easier by magic'. Why is 
the "Ballad of John Henry" suddenly playing in my head?