[HPforGrownups] Re: Chapter Discussion: Goblet of Fire Ch. 4: Back to the Burrow

[June Ewing]

No: HPFGUIDX 191438

> QUESTIONS
>
> 1. The Dursleys are horrified by the Weasleys' unorthodox arrival
via the Floo network. Shouldn't they be relieved that the neighbors
won't notice any wizards in robes arriving or leaving?

June:
Where it is true that the neighbors did not see them, it is possible
that the Dursleys, being muggles, just saw their fireplace blown to
bits and did not think about the possibility of Mr. Weasley fixing
it with magic and were distraught by the damage they had caused. I
am sure their hope would have been for the Weasleys to show up at
the door dressed "normal".

> 2. Arthur admits that Muggle fireplaces should not "strictly
speaking" be connected to the Floo network, but that a friend fixed
it for him. What does this tell us about Arthur? Do you think his
disregard for the rules is justified in this instance?

June:
I think that it was a one off because he was picking up a wizard
from a muggle house. It may have been the easiest way to pick up
Harry, as his car is still roaming around the forbidden forest lol.

> 3. Harry claims not to care when the Dursleys fail to bid him
goodbye. Do you believe this? Do you think Arthur believes him?

June:
I do not believe that Harry did not care and I doubt Arthur did
either. It is natural to want your family to accept you, no matter
how awful the family is.

> 4. This chapter showcases JKR's sense of comedic timing and knack
for slapstick, with Dudley choking, Petunia getting hysterical,
Vernon using the china figurines for target practice, and Arthur
attempting to provide reassurance -- with an outstretched wand. How
does this compare to other comedic scenes in the series?

June:
I am not sure I understand fully your question.

> 5. Dudley appears to be in danger of suffocation from the
ton-tongue toffee. How do you feel about this -- does Dudley engage
your sympathies? Why or why not? Was it fair for Fred to use sweets
to bait a starving boy who's terrified of wizards?

June:
I do think Fred went too far on that one. It was funny of course
for the storyline and I understand Fred's way of thinking because
Dudley was a bully, but that was going too far.

> 6. What do you think happened after Harry left?

June:
The Dursleys probably spent a little time cursing the wizarding
world, lol.