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

[nikkalmati]

No: HPFGUIDX 191007



> Questions:
> 
> 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?

Nikkalmatti

I agree with others that he is just blowing off steam here.  It is not within Fudge's powere to expell Harry and I don't think Snape ever tries to get him expelled.  He does think Harry deserves detention. :) Just think of all those detentions James served.  Besides, if Harry keeps running around, it makes Snape's job of protecting him that much harder.  
> 
Nikkalmati


> 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?
> 
Nikkalmati

Not at all.  Snape was a junior DE at the time and although he may have tried to find out who was the spy, he did not have access either to the inner circle and LV or to James and friends.  If he had known, he would have told DD in order to save Lily.

Nikkalmati

> 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?
> 
Nikkalmati

They have some kind of instinct, but it is not clear how one would communicate with them or get them to agree to obey.  

Nikkalmati

> 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.
> 

Nikkalmati

As others have said, you end up whereever you were three hours ago.

Nikkalmati


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

No I don't think they can because the future does not exist.

Nikkalmati


> 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?
> 
Nikkalmati

I doubt that Hermione was the first.  I imagine a professor has to sponsor you and give the Ministry a good reason, but others must have been allowed them in the past.  BTW do you think Hermione's TT was destroyed in the Battle at the Ministry or is it sitting in Menerva's desk drawer?

Nikkalmati


> 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?
> 

Nikkalmati

I don't think so.  He seemed relieved that Buckbeak was gone.  I just think he tries to approach everything calmly.

Nikkalmati


> 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?
> 
Nikkalmati

Yes, the whole thing only happened once and they were there at the same time.

Nikkalmati


> 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?

Nikkalmati

Call me silly, but I believed it was James somehow.

Nikkalmati

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

I am not sure it is quite that easy.  Certainly, few students could do it - just because they learn only what they are taught in class.  Hermione is the exception.  She learns on her own whatever might be useful.  She also is above average in talent so things that are easy for her would not be easy for everyone.

Nikkalmati