[HPforGrownups] HBP post DH look chapter 3

[Philip]

No: HPFGUIDX 184312

Alla says: 
<SNIP>
So anyways, I am just wondering now what was the purpose of this 
chapter again?
<SNIP>

Philip says:

I think it is mostly for our and Harry's benefit to show Dumbledore
manipulating a situation to try to increase the connection and loyalty of
Harry at a time when it was ebbing away. At this point Harry has been angry
at Dumbledore for the previous year. In addition, on a literary side, it
provides a sense of comedy which the rest of the book would otherwise miss.
If anything meeting Slughorn and the Dursley's are one of the most direct
bits of manipulation (which Dumbledore is famed for) that we get to see.

I suspect also that Rowling enjoyed writing some retaliation upon the
Dursley's.

- Philip


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