CHAPTER DISCUSSION: COS 14, Cornelius Fudge

[Joey Smiley]

No: HPFGUIDX 189172

> > 1.	I am pretty sure JKR was going for comic effect with the Mandrakes, but when I was rereading this chapter I found myself strangely disturbed by imagining young wizards and witches cutting the parts of the beings that seem so humanlike in their behavior. What part of the Mandrakes is being used in the potion? Are they going to be really and most sincerely dead before or during the process?

Joey:

Even during my first read, I was disturbed to know that the mandrakes would have to be killed to make the potion. IIRC, I think the potion was made by stewing them. :-(

> > 2.	"Travels with Trolls" is one of the items Harry finds on his bed after the villain who stole the diary went through his trunk. What was the reason for Lockhart to assign it as one of the books for class, what did you think he was hoping students will learn from that book? 

Joey:

I really don't think he hoped that the students would learn anything out of any of his books.

> > 3.	What was your first impression of Cornelius Fudge?

Joey:

Spineless politician. I was annoyed when he said that he had to do "something" regarding the incidents.

> > 4.	 I know it will come as no surprise to anybody but I found myself if not sympathizing with Lucius Malfoy (his tone showed to me that he had little if any concerns about the plight of Muggleborns), but at least definitely cheering him on and hoping in vain that somebody in the later books had guts to act decisively and throw Dumbledore out of school for good. Did you think that Board of Governors provided effective checks and balances to Dumbledore's powers?

Joey:

The Board of Governors who unanimously sided with Lucius Malfoy to throw out DD and then unanimously invited DD back? No.

> > 6.	 What did you think about Hermione being a victim? Was it a clue for you that  the monster target Muggleborns? Was Hermione rash in her actions and put herself at risk? Did readers worry how Ron and Harry would manage without her? Why do we think Rowling wanted them to manage without her?

Joey:

Yeah, Hermione's Petrification did give an increased sense of seriousness as she was one of the Trio. Now you mention it, what Hermione does seem rash indeed. After PS/SS, I think Rowling meant to have one book with Harry and Ron while another (PoA) with Harry and Hermione in the climax. It was interesting to see what Harry and Ron did without Hermione.

> > 7.	Who did you think stole the diary from Harry? Was Ginny among the suspects?

Joey:

I remember suspecting Percy for a few moments - as he was shown to acting strangely throughout the book.

Thanks for the interesting questions!