chapter discussions, SS/PS, chapter 5, Diagon Alley

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 187905



Rick wrote:
<snip>
> In the lull before the final battle and after the final battle JKR makes a point of writing about how everyone was mixed sitting in the great hall, among the houses and the generations, brought together in the greater cause.
> 
> Rick
>
Carol responds:
Which works as an indication of House unity only if we believe that the Slytherins followed Slughorn into the battle. Otherwise, it's still us (Gryffindor and its allises) against them (Slytherin). For all we know, the humiliated and neutralized Malfoys may be the only Slytherins present. Crabbe, of course, is dead (and bad); the injured Goyle is not mentioned, nor are any Slytherin students who may have joined in the battle. (Yes, Harry is focused on his friends and on getting away from the hubbub, but, still, JKR might have noted at least Blaise Zabini or some other Slytherin that Harry knows by sight sitting with, say, Ernie Macmillan.

Carol, who wants to believe that Phineas Nigellus was referring to Slytherin students as well as to Slughorn and the unfortunately dead Snape when he said that "Slytherin played its part" but finds the evidence inadequate