A response to 'the keeper of keys' PS/SS Ch 4.

[Alorkin]

No: HPFGUIDX 187850

Questions: 

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?

It could go either way, actually.  Supposition seems to be a large part of the WW's form of `intelligence gathering'. 


 
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?
 
IMO, Dumbledore bound Harry's power during that missing day.  Another possibility is that Harry has grown up fearing his uncle's wrath, and knowing that his uncle will gladly harm him, either on his own, or at his aunt's behest.  Had Harry actually harmed one of the Dursleys, Vernon would have beaten him nearly to death, if not killed him outright. 
 
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.
 
The keeper of keys and grounds(Seneschal) is responsible for the security of the house (castle), proper stocking of consumables, and proper maintenance of the building itself.  Any gatekeeper would answer to him.  He also maintains the grounds, around the place, and part of that duty would be gamekeeper, as the animals living on Hogwarts grounds need care too, so he actually has several vital jobs at Hoggy's.  When Hagrid was expelled, he was 13.  Dumbledore may have given him the job of gamekeeper (or more likely `assistant' gamekeeper) as a beginning assignment.  As a result, Hagrid is absolutely devoted to Dumbledore. (See:  Stockholm syndrome.  Although not precisely the same thing, it is a close parallel.) 

Remember, before year three, Professor Kettleburn was the CoMC teacher.   It's entirely possible that there have been other people in charge of various areas I and around the castle. 

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?
 
Hagrid knows only what Dumbledore tells him.  And Dumbledore plays very close to the vest.  He delights in knowing everything, and demands full disclosure from his minions, but only tells others what he wants them to know.   The myth surrounding Harry is `well known', but who told them in the first place?  What idiot came up with the name `The Boy Who lived'?  Harry is the only survivor of that night, and nobody ever asked him a thing.  I would surmise that Dumbledore spread the rumour as to how Harry survived, in order to prepare the sheeple for when it came time for Harry to return from exile.  Tactically, his thinking is sound.  If only *his* version of events is disseminated, people will believe that Harry is a demigod, which not only places Harry on the pedestal, but Dumbledore as well.  Look at Ginny.  She's grown up with the Harry potter myth.  As a result, she became a rabid fan-girl.  

5. Do you believe Hagrid when he acts angry about Dursleys not telling Harry what was in that letter?
 
Actually, yes.  Hagrid is angry that they never told Harry, not that he was in Durzkaban in the first place.  He grew up in the wizarding world, and so, likely cannot understand why anyone would want to keep Harry from it. 

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?
 
Although there are some very good fanfics on that theme, I do not believe Dumbledore would allow Harry to decline.  He has already set events into motion to lure Voldemort to Hogwarts.  (The stone has been kept safe for over six hundred years.  Why would it suddenly be in danger just when Harry was scheduled to come to Hoggy's?  Co-inky-dink?  I think not.)  If Harry refuses to attend, his `grand plan', would be scuttled.


7. Please feel free to add your own question.
	
Why was Hagrid sent to collect Harry, instead of someone who actually knew what they were doing?  Aren't there contact specialists?  Hermione said Professor McGonagall came to her house personally.


Alorkin