[HPforGrownups] re: Platform 9 3/4 / Hufflepuff / Joining LV / Potters in hiding

[Rick H. Kennerly]

No: HPFGUIDX 187990

Catlady (Rita Prince wrote:
> Geoff discussed PS/SS Chapter 6 in <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/message/187943>:
>
> << Being a special case, would it have made more sense to arrange to take Harry directly to Hogwarts? >>
>
> I don't think any student goes to Hogwarts without travelling on the Hogwarts Express, not even a student who lives in Hogsmeade. Especially the new first years have to go on those boats. We never find out if the leaving seventh years leave on those boats. That could be a little awkward, with people leaving school after fifth year (or sixth) year missing that boat return trip and its unknown magical effects.
>  
 
Well, if traditional graduations are any measure, the 7th years would 
have left at the end of the last term.  Whether they use the boats or 
the horseless carriages is unknown. 

Of course, it's important for the 1st years to arrive by boat, a water 
passage.  You have to understand JKR's classical education to get the 
full import of the boat ritual: new life, passage through the birth 
canal, being reborn in a full immersion baptism, having your soul 
ferried by Chiron across the river Styx.  Harry doesn't really become an 
adult until his boat passage with DD in the cave; where DD becomes as 
weak as a baby and HP passing his first test of adulthood, does what has 
to be done.  Interestingly, Draco seems to have preceded HP into 
adulthood, taking the dark mark, foregoing the games and friendships of 
Hogwarts life, to do what he thinks has to be done. 

I think it's odd that we don't witness any graduation ceremonies at 
Hogwarts, again a symbolic passage from one state to another. 

-- 

Rick Kennerly
Virginia Beach, VA
www.mouseherder.com 
<http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1213141578&ref=name>



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