CHAPTER DISCUSSION: PS/SS 4, The Keeper of the Keys

[Augusta]

No: HPFGUIDX 187848

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "dumbledore11214" <dumbledore11214 at ...> wrote:
>
> 1. "Suppose the mystery is why You-Know-Who never tried to get "em on his side before... probably knew they were too close ter Dumbledore ter want anythin' ter do with dark side" -p.55. Is this quote a case of Hagrid not being well informed or a case of JKR have not deciding that Voldemort tried to recruit Lily and James just yet?

Augusta:
I think JKR had it all planned. As we learn later, Hagrid has a hard time keeping secrets. My guess is that Dumbledore told Hagrid only what he needed to know for whatever task he'd been assigned. I seriously doubt he knew everything.


> 
> 2. As the way to convince Harry that he is truly a wizard, Hagrid reminds him about the things that had been happening around him when he is angry or upset.  We know that what Dursleys did upset Harry a great deal. Why haven't his accidental magic kicked in and harmed the Dursleys at least a little bit?

Augusta:
Harry has been fed a line of bull by the Dursley's -- his only family -- since he was a year old. At his age, he probably believed deep down that they really *were* being generous to take him in and feed him, even if it did qualify as child abuse. Note that all of the examples of accidental magic affected either Harry (launching him to safety, regrowing his hair), inanimate objects (the shrinking sweater), or people outside of the immediate family (Aunt Marge). On some level, he probably still harbored hope that they'd eventually love him and treat him well (a common belief for those who are mentally/emotionally abused) and unconsciously held his magic back from attacking them. 

> 
> 3. In the beginning of this chapter Hagrid introduces himself as Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. At the end of the chapter he tells Harry that Dumbledore let him stay in Hogwarts as **gamekeeper**.  Is it a typo? Is it supposed to be **gatekeeper**?
> If it is not a typo, could somebody explain to me how *keeper of the keys and grounds* is the same thing as *gamekeeper*? Thanks.

Augusta: 
I think others have answered this adequately.

 
> 4. In this chapter Hagrid tells Harry "real" version of his parents' death and Harry's encounter with Voldemort. In light of DH we of course know that this version at best can be called incomplete. Do you think that this "reader's digest" version that Hagrid delivers is what the majority of WW population knew about that night? Do you think this version is delivered only for Harry's benefit and Hagrid (and maybe some other people, I am not talking here about Dumbledore) knew at least some more details?

Augusta:
See my response to question #1.

> 
> 5. Do you believe Hagrid when he acts angry about Dursleys not telling Harry what was in that letter?

Augusta:
Yes.

> 
> 6. Harry's invitation letter says that Hogwarts expects his owl no later than July 31. Do you think it was possible for Harry to refuse the invitation if he so desired?

Augusta:
Yes, but, if he had, I think Dumbledore would've come in person to try to change his mind.

> 
> 7. Please feel free to add your own question.

Augusta:
The addresses on the letters kept changing with Harry's location, implying that "someone" was keeping tabs on the situation. Do you think Hagrid really got away with using magic, especially with giving Dudley his tail?