[HPforGrownups] Chapter Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban Ch 21: Hermione's secret

[Liz Clark]

No: HPFGUIDX 190966


1. At the beginning of Fudge and Snape's conversation, we see Snape trying 
hard to get Harry in trouble, with detention and expulsion as his 
punishment. We all know he does this constantly, but, why? After knowing the 
ending of the series, and knowing that he is Harry's protector, why do you 
think he tries so hard to have him punished?

Liz:
I think that has to do with how much Harry looks like James and appears, to 
Snape, to be treated like James as well. I think Snape also knows that Fudge 
cannot or will not expell him, so he can sound off about expulsion ect while 
knowing Harry will still be there next term.

2. Snape was a Death Eater from the beginning and would have probably known 
who's who in the clique. Do you think he knows that Sirius is innocent?

Liz:
I doubt it, Karkaroff said that they rarely knew who each other were. 
Although, I do feel, given Snape's feelings to Lily, that he wouldn't care 
if Sirius was a DE or not. Sirius was the reason Lily was dead and Snape 
wanted him punished, probably killed for his actions.

3. It wasn't mentioned how the Dementors were called into Hogwarts. We 
assume they came on their own. Macnair came to fetch the Dementors. And 
Fudge (and other ministry officials) seems to have a degree of hold on them 
and can even give them orders. Fudge isn't even afraid of being in the same 
room as them.
Dementors have shown they have free will but do you think they have brains?

Liz:
I think they have to have brains, as they do appear to follow instuctions. 
But on a basic level, such as being like a dog, commands can be followed but 
reasoning with them is pointless.

4. Hermione and Harry were in the infirmary but after flipping the time 
turner, why did they end up at the entrance hall? Being a time turner, it 
should only be able to turn back time and not change your location.

Liz:
I didn't get that, in the movie that seemed to have been 'fixed' as they 
stayed in the hospital wing. The only thing I can think of is that the time 
turner is linked to who is wearing it, so it draws that person to their 
previous location when used so to prevent risks of being in multiple 
locations.

5. On a similar note, do you think the time-turner can go forward in time?

Liz:
Now thats a can of worms! Probably, but going forward in time is far more 
complicated than going back.

6. Hermione said she was given the time turner so she could get to all her 
classes, and that Mcgonagall had to write to different people in order to 
get her permission. So do you think that schools or Hogwarts in particular 
have been giving out time turners to their outstanding students for ages?

Liz:
I think they have, yes. Any student that achieve 12 OWLs would need one.

7. Dumbledore is in his usual calm state even though Buckbeak is about to be 
executed. Do you think he has knowledge of past and future events? Do you 
think that he knew Buckbeak would be saved?

Liz:
I have always suspected that Dumbledore has something like the Marauders Map 
and was aware of Harry and Hermione's duplicates. However, he is the 
Headmaster and becoming emotional when there is no point would be 
detrimental to his position and standing.

8. We know that past!Harry and Hermione heard the thudding of an axe and 
Hagrid's howling after they left his Hut. But could it be that what they 
heard was really the events of this chapter: Macnair throwing the ax at the 
fence and Hagrid crying with joy because of Buckbeaks apparent escape?

Liz:
Yes. I believe this anyway, I think JKR wrote this book with liniar time, ie 
it only runs once.

9. Harry and Hermione talk about what could've driven the dementors away. 
And Harry confesses that he thinks it might've been his Dad. What were your 
first thoughts in reading this chapter so long ago?

Liz:
I was confused. It couldn't be his dad, so who or what was it. My mind 
snapped to Snape for a while or Dumbledore.

10. On a side note, it really amazes me how "important" doors and windows 
can be opened by a simple alohamora. Was this deliberate?

Liz:
I think the plot needed certain doors and windows to open easily. Although 
if you are referring to Hagrid's cabin, at that time, no student was 
supposed to be out in the grounds at that time and Hagrid was so trusting of 
people anyway, that I doubt he even locked it! And broom cupboards wouldn't 
be locked either!