CHAPTER DISCUSSION PS/SS 11, QUIDDITCH

[excessivelyperky]

No: HPFGUIDX 188422

1. Per the narrative, "Hermione had become a bit more relaxed about breaking rules since Harry and Ron had saved her from the mountain troll, and she was much nicer for it" [US hardback, p. 181]. Please discuss the notion of being more relaxed about rule-breaking translating into being a nicer person, either in general terms or re: Hermione specifically.

--Actually, questions 1 and 2 are quite likely related--Hermione may well be aware that books are not supposed to be taken outside the library (where they are more easily damaged--remember, these are eleven year old children we're talking about), but chooses not to mention it in order to be a good sport. 

2. Is Harry correct that Snape made up the rule about no books outside school on the spot? Or do you believe it truly was a Hogwarts rule? Is this yet another example of Snape picking on Harry unfairly, or is it yet another example of the trio assuming negative things about Snape unfairly?

--Could be a bit of both. Given that Snape himself could not afford new textbooks as a student, he may value the library books quite a bit more highly than people who can afford to buy their own schoolbooks new. Notice that even Ron doesn't have to use hand-me-downs. It may well exasperate him that the kids are treating library books, which may be the only good resource for kids in Snape's economic stratum, in such a careless manner. And it reinforces, in his mind, that Harry Potter is just like his father and is, no doubt, pampered the way his father had been. Of course the Trio are going to assume negative things about him. Snape and Filch between them manage most of the discipline of the school (though McGonagall is often even harsher, she's not considered negative by the author). My question is why Snape never went to Madam Pomfrey with the bad leg, and went to Filch for help instead. That always seemed rather odd. 

3. When Harry & Ron express their belief that Snape had tried to get past the three-headed dog to whatever it was guarding, Hermione says, "No – he wouldn't. I know he's not very nice, but he wouldn't try and steal something Dumbledore was keeping safe." Ron snaps back, "Honestly, Hermione, you think all teachers are saints or something. I'm with Harry, I wouldn't put anything past Snape" [p. 183]. 

(snip) Do Harry, Ron and/or Hermione ever change their basic opinion as expressed here at any point before the final reveal on Severus Snape?

--Hermione does. She apparently gave up on Snape in the end, judging by her conduct in DH. Harry may change his mind about Snape, but it occurs rather too late to do Snape any good. In the Epilogue, Ron still sneers at Slytherin, Hermione is silent, and Harry has to whisper anything good about the Unknown Severus to his son (who apparently has no idea who 'Severus' could be, so Snape, in my opinion, is likely a nonperson by now in the WW). 

4. Okay, harken back. The FIRST time you read this, did you have any inkling that the broomstick jinx *wasn't* Snape's doing, or that it *was* Quirrell's?

--Not a clue! 

Jean Lamb
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excessiveperky at LJ
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