CHAPTER DISCUSSION: PS/SS 15, The Forbidden Forest

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 188603

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CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone/ Philosopher's Stone, Chapter Fifteen, The Forbidden Forest

Harry and Hermione have to face an irate McGonagall and a surprised Neville. McGonagall thinks the episode was intended as a trick on Draco and that Neville was caught up in it as well. The three Gryffindors lose 50 points each. Things become worse as fellow Gryffindors see the change in house status and even Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs are angry at the upset. It seems everyone wanted the 7-year reign of Slytherin to end.

Quirrell is looking worse and Harry thinks he overhears a conversation between Quirrell and Snape. Although the Trio are concerned about the Stone's safety, Harry insists they should leave things alone.

McGonagall sends a note to the students to meet Filch at 11 PM. Draco is particularly upset at having to go into the Forbidden Forest. They will be helping Hagrid investigate a unicorn's death. 

Harry and Draco witness a hooded figure drinking unicorn blood. Draco screams and runs away. The figure looks up at Harry, then comes toward him. Harry cannot move for fear and experiences a piercing pain in his head. At that moment a centaur appears and chases the figure away. 

Firenze encourages Harry to ride on his back, so that they can return to Hagrid, because the forest is not safe for Harry Potter. He asks Harry a question that allows Harry to understand the creature is Voldemort. The other centaurs are upset that Firenze became involved.

Back in the common room the Trio discuss the events, and determine that Harry is safe while Dumbledore is there. Ron continues to insist that they should not say "Voldemort." When he goes to bed, Harry finds his Invisibility Cloak and a note that says, "Just in case."

Questions:

1) McGonagall is very angry. Is her anger justified? Do you think she recalls a similar situation between James and Severus?

2) How much time passes after Harry and Hermione are caught before the detention in the forest is served? Why the delay?

3) What do you think of Hagrid's attitude about the punishment?

4) What do you think of this punishment? How does it compare to the punishment Headmaster Snape will give in DH?

5) Who is the cloaked figure drinking unicorn blood? Is it Quirrell!Mort or only Voldemort?

6) Firenze seems to know who the cloaked figure is. Do you think Dumbledore knows that Voldemort is in the forest? Does Dumbledore know Voldemort is in the castle?

7) Gryffindor House was very angry with Harry, Hermione and Neville for losing so many points. Just a bit of speculation in your opinion--what was Slytherin House's response to Draco's losing 50 points?

8) Why did Dumbledore return the Invisibility Cloak to Harry? Did the events in the forest play a part?

9) What questions do you have?

--Potioncat

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Next Chapter Discussion, Chapter 16, Through the Trapdoor, on December 17, 2009.

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