The House System was Re: Chapter Discussion: Goblet of Fire Ch. 4: Back

[sigurd at eclipse.net]

No: HPFGUIDX 191498

Dear Geoff

You Say "I was one of those who, when Book 7 appeared, expressed a dislike of the Epilogue. It merely underlined a few events but left a lot of unresolved questions, including the glance between the two men. Why include it? How do we square the disillusioned and frightened Draco of the final battle with the apparently reinstated guy out in public with his family and able to acknowledge Harry. Why are the two not just ignoring one another? Fanfic has offered a number of suggestions over the years since the book appeared, often including action by Harry to rehabilitate his erstwhile rival. A few hints from the author might not go unwelcomed."

Here I must say I stand in violent agreement with you. Certainly all of the issues you say COULD have formed the basis for a crack in the adamantine rivalry between the houses. Certainly Harry's saving of Draco from the burning room and Draco's sometimes hesitant actions towards Harry when he has him in his grasp, and certainly Narcissa's behaviour towards Harry in the end could hint-- no-- I will definitely say that they DO hint or at least beg the question of some sort of humanity creeping into the relationship. After all she KNOWS she is betraying Voldemort- AGAIN and putting her own life in danger.  A tantalizing possibility indeed. But we have none of that and all we have is supposition, and I like you was extremely dissatisfied with the epilogue.

I must state that I am a purist (being a historian) and in this case fanfic be damned. It, to a historian is pretty much as anathema as "What-If" History-- what if Rome did not fall, what if Lincoln was not assassinated-- all of these are interesting truffles but unsatisfying. The fact remains that Rowling produced the canon and as I said her words her ideas can be the only source that is authoritative and, as insufficient and unsatisfying, or -- unappealing-- as they may be remain the only standard of "truth" that we can resort to.

Now, to turn around and talk out of the other side of my mouth-- I could from history cite many, Many, MANY examples of great rapproachmonts through history and it would be entirely logical to assume that Harry, reflecting on Narcissa's actions (perhaps in later years in the early youth of his own children)  might see some connection between her and Lilly, AND it would be essentially in line with Rowling thesis of the center point importance of motherly love.  Indeed, one could imagine a whole Romeo-and Juliet story between the Potter and the Malfoys some thirty years later etc. (Complete with happy or tragic ending- your choice). However- that's all counter-factual and hence, extremely problematic when we are trying to get close to the book itself. I find the work as given has more than enough meat to chew on for quite a while.

Indeed, one might through the actions of the archetypical heroes (Draco and Harry) see a rehabilitation or change in both houses, such that neither Slytherin NOR Gryffindor are the same after the events of the seven books.

But again-- that's another book, and it looks like we're not going to get one-- and at this point, I rather hope we don't. I would be too afraid that the result would be a hodgepodge of fanfic wishes rather than a straight story as pronounced by Rowling herself, who as the author of the canon can be the only true "puppeteer".

Otto