CHAPTER DISCUSSION PS/SS 6, The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

[norbertsmummy]

No: HPFGUIDX 187946


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> 1. ... if the Dursleys had refused to take Harry to Kings Cross? Was there a Plan B available? 
> 3. Suppose Harry had not overheard this conversation? What then? Was there a Plan B here as well?

AUSSIE:
Plan B was always, "If yer got a problem, jes send me yer owl" according to Hagrid.

1. (Cont) ... Being a special case, would it have made more sense to arrange to take Harry directly to Hogwarts?

AUSSIE:
DD at one point explains that if Harry didn't stay with the Dursleys, he would never have the chance to grow up normal. He would always be "special". 
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> 2. It seems strange that Harry should just happen to overhear Molly mentioning Muggles ... Could this be ... manipulating Harry ... on his way ... towards Gryffindor?

AUSSIE:
Harry and the Weasleys were habitually late. I didn't mind that, of the hundreds of students boarding Hogwarts Express, a large family chatting amongst themselves were overheard.
The manipulating was only to steer Harry away from Slytherin. He would have been happy with Hufflepuff.
 

> 6. What do you think prompted Draco's visit to the compartment? ... a friendly contact with Harry? ... If he did want to strike up a relationship, what effect do you consider Harry's rejection had? What long term implications did there seem to be at this point in time? 

AUSSIE:
Lucius acted the same way with the Minister of Magic. "I can help you" trap. 
Draco had the chance to prove to Crabb and Goyle how irresistible his invitations were. For Harry to say no was like Goyle saying, "Draco, You fail! P-H-A-Y-L !"

Another new experience for Harry was being able to buy treats / gifts for friends. The Chocolate Frog card gave clues to Nicholas Flamel ... and to Gridelwalt (never to get a mention again until Book 7)

Aussie