CHAPTER DISCUSSION: PS/SS 14, Norbert The Norwegian Ridgeback

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 188567



> Questions:
> 
> 1. Did the way Harry trusted Quirrell and doubted Snape give you an idea of what to look for in following books?

Potioncat:
It left me with the idea that you don't always know who to trust as you read the books--but Crouch!Moody got right past me.

> 
> 2. "We wondered who Dumbledore had trusted 
 apart from you" Hermione flatterin Hagrid. Is this the only time Hermione uses flattery?

Potioncat:
I'm sure it's not, but I can't think of a good example. It seems she's worked Hagrid this way a couple of times.


> 
> 3. "Dragon breeding was outlawed by the Warlocks' Convention of 1709
" RON said > that !?!! He also knows his Broomsticks. What other topics could Ron beat Hermione at in a trivia night?

Potioncat:
I don't think it's surprising that Ron knew that date--with a cool older brother who works with dragons and all. Other areas?--Wizarding folklore, for one.

> 
> 4. Only four of the teachers were members of the Order of the Phoenix. If JKR re-wrote this, would Moody, Lupin or other trusted people have been called in?
Who and why?

Potioncat:
She did call upon Moody, Lupin and Tonks for duty at Hogwarts. I think the Heads were quite capable so I don't see why she would need to re-write. Besides, if the real Moody and perhaps Shacklebolt were there, we might not have a story.


> 
> 5. Norbert was the star of this chapter. We witnessed the birth and habits of a young Dragon. But after that, he almost never got a mention. So why have Norbert there at all? Your opinion please.

Potioncat:
Yeah, how come? I really expected to see him (her?) again. JKR does that a lot, actually--spend time on a situation or character and then is done. Yet, along with the motto "Never tickle a sleeping dragon" we do get to see different dragons in the series.

She also uses this episode to mirror the Marauder-Snape dynamic. We have the Trio fooling around after hours with a dangerous creature with a staff member's knowledge while Draco tries to catch them at it. 

> 
6. How did Hagrid's attitude towards Norbert develop Hagrid's character for you?
 
Potioncat:
It exposed both his tenderness and his lack of judgment. Although as someone else has pointed out, these creatures he's attracted to don't carry the same risks to him that they do for the others.  

 
> 
> 7. If you knew your plans for Norbert were leaked to Malfoy, how would you have avoided trouble?

Potioncat:
Sleeping potion.

Thanks! Good questions.