CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 14: Snape's grudge

[willsonteam]

No: HPFGUIDX 190066





1. Was it fair that Sir Cadogan was sacked when all he did was to allow entry to
someone who had the passwords? Isn't that what passwords are for?
Potioncat:
The Dormitory passwords remind me so much of computer passwords—do they really protect anything? The portraits won't let a Gryffindor student into his common room just because he doesn't know the password, but they will allow a stranger in. OK, the Fat Lady won't, but then she won't let a student in either.

2. Were Harry and Ron extremely foolish and selfish not to reveal the hidden
passageway to Hogwart's staff, especially to Dumbledore?
Potioncat:
Yep. Lupin is even worse not to tell DD.

3. Although Hagrid appears to be talking only of Hermione when he tells the boys
he would have expected that they would value friendship above broomsticks, (the
new Firebolt is what has interested them) is he also subtly suggesting that they
thought more of the Firebolt than of their friendship with him too – in that
they have forgotten the threat to Buckbeak?
Potioncat:
Hagrid seems sincere when he says he knows the boys have been too busy practicing to help him. I think he didn't even realize how it sounded. 

4. Even if he is not, what do you think of the boys' attitude to a good friend
when that friend`s need is forgotten or pushed out of mind by a mere new
possession?
Potioncat:
Given their age, and that Hagrid is an adult, I'd say it's typical.

5. What do you think of Harry's action in visiting Hogsmeade with Black on the
loose? Do you think that Harry reflects on the consequences of his actions of
that day?
Potioncat:
It was very foolish and again very typical of the teenaged-brain. Just like his father, isn't he?

6. Do you think Snape makes the remarks about Harry's father to goad him into
losing his cool and admitting where he has been?
Potioncat:
I think Harry has always reminded Snape of James. This year Black is in the news and on the minds of the Hogwarts staff; Lupin is on staff. I think Snape is in constant flashback about his years at Hogwarts. Now Harry has done something very dangerous and very like James and Snape just vents. There's a slight possibility that he's trying to Legilimens Harry, but I don't think so. 


7. Both Snape and Lupin tell Harry he is selfish in going to Hogsmeade when
everyone else is putting themselves out to ensure his safety. Why does Harry
resent hearing this from Snape but feels chastened when he hears it from Lupin?
Potioncat: 
Horrible isn't it? All Snape has ever wanted is the best for Harry and looks what it gets him---resentment and cheek. OK, I know that's not exactly true. Lupin and Snape had the same message, but delivered it in different ways. Lupin's comments had more of an impact.

Thanks, Jeanine, for interesting questions and summary.