CHAPTER DISCUSSION Chamber of Secrets Ch. 4, At Flourish and Blotts

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 188781

Nikkalmati:
<SNIP of the summary>

1. This chapter appears to be just a transition between Harry's time at the
Dursleys and Hogwarts, but it is in fact a vital chapter in terms of characters,
the wizarding world, and the overall plot. How many places, characters,
practices, and things of interest are we introduced to in this chapter?

Alla:

Well, I would say the whole chapter devoted to places of interest, Knockturn Alley and Diagon Alley being the major ones, but we also see of course Borgin's store and we  meet dear Gilderoy, and we see the infamous Hand of Glory (remembers discussions fondly). 

And you know, this chapter also made me think about our discussions about Ginny, I dunno, while Ron's comment that Ginny usually never shuts up is probably not enough foreshadowing for me to introduce Ginny of OOP and the following books, her standing up to Malfoys, I thought was enough a plenty. Sorry, but standing up to one of the most powerful dark wizarding family in WW is not IMO the act of girl who is shy by all means.

Sorry for an aside, but this reread actually made me much happier about Ginny, I forgot how forceful she sounds in this chapter and made me believe more that yes, it was meant all along to show that Ginny just acts shy, timid, around Harry. IMO of course.



2. Do you believe Hagrid was looking for Flesh Eating Slug Repellant in
Knockturn Alley?

Alla:

Sure, before DH I would not even given it a second thought, now I would still say yes, but with the disclaimer that he could have been here watching Harry on Dumbledore's command.

3. What could have happened to Harry, if Hagrid had not happened by at that
time?

Alla:

You mean whether that witch was a serious threat? No clue, if she was one of DE, then I would say yes sure.



6. Is Harry right that his goblin gold would not be useful in the Muggle world?


Alla:

No, I do not think so, if Grangers were exchanging muggle currency, I think it could be exchanged the other way too.


7. Hagrid says at the end of the chapter that the Malfoys are rotten to the
core, the whole family, "bad blood, that's what it is". This is the first time
we hear about blood in the WW. What does Hagrid mean? Does he think evil
character can be inherited? Is this a common opinion in the WW? How does it
fit in with other uses of blood in the series?


Alla:

Yes, my answer is unequivocal yes, I think according to the books evil character could be inherited, it does not have to be so however. I think according to the books person can change its inheritance so to speak, but to a certain degree (Sirius choosing Gryffindor contrary to what parents wanted and I would guess Hat granting him his ways, but him also remaining a Black in many other ways).

JMO of course and thanks for the great questions.

Alla