Chapter Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban Ch 18: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Pron

[willsonteam]

No: HPFGUIDX 190432

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> 
> Questions
> 1. Lupin says the Marauders' map never lies, could this be a support for the
> argument that the map does not have dark magic in it? Do you agree or disagree
> with it?

Potioncat:
Whoa, what a good question! As a group, we've had such a difficult time deciding what is Dark Magic and what isn't that my final answer is---darned if I know. But I'd say you have a really good point there.

> 
> 2. Did you believed Lupin and Black (if you remember of course) when you were
> reading the book for the first time that Peter was in the room?

Potioncat:
Heck, I even believed them this time. I'm reading the books just ahead of our discussion questions--and it's really changed my perceptions. The ingrained Sirius/Severus rivalry isn't as much of a filter now that I'm not discussing it daily. (Current thread of such description not withstanding)
> 
> 3. snip
> ...Snape had no business whatsoever of going to the Shack and nobody actually > forced him to go there. However as the very same reader, I am still racking my brain what the hell was Sirius thinking would have happened to Remus if he were to bite Snape, or if Snape would simply uncover his secret. So what was he thinking? Was he thinking anything?

Potioncat:
With my new-found neutrality I can say about both boys--as boys they were--What the hell were you thinking!!! It's just fortunate that James had a moment of maturity and actually realized that both boys were in danger. I could also add that I think Black has ADHD and my son thinks Snape has Aspergers--so take that with a grain of salt too. Either one can affect judgment where relationships are concerned.
> 
> 4. When Lupin was telling his interpretation of the Prank, were you curious
> whether "�" after him saying that Snape was jealous of James' Quidditch talent
> meant that there was more to the story?

Potioncat:
I still don't know where that came from, unless Lupin just didn't want to go into more accurate detail.
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> 5. Were you shocked to see Snape appear in the room?
Potioncat: I must have been. This group of chapters (is there a name for a collection of chapters?) is just full of surprises.
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> 6. To what extent Snape's belief Lupin was involved in the Prank was rational?
Potioncat:
>From everything I recall in canon, it seems Lupin never participates in bullying, but never interferes. So it might seem reasonable to Snape that Lupin knew about the plan to send Snape there. I don't think Snape or Black ever fully understood that the consequences to Lupin would have been devastating.

Thanks for a great discussion! I haven't read other responses and I have to borrow time on the computer, so I'm hoping I can really participate in this one.
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> 7.