Chapter Discussion: Goblet of Fire Ch 3: The Invitation

[annemehr]

No: HPFGUIDX 191375



--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "pippin_999" <foxmoth at ...> wrote:
 
> QUESTIONS:
> 
> 1. Sugar-free treats seem an odd gift for someone complaining about diet food. What was Hermione thinking?

Annemehr:

I don't know.  Sugar-free treats are not actually healthy.  I agree with the dentist parents theory like everyone else.  I think JKR just put it in to have Hermione be exasperating again, for a joke.


> 
> 2. We learn that it took Errol  five days to recover from delivering the Weasley's care package to Harry. Is it fair for the Weasleys to overwork their owl, even though he's evidently willing?

Annemehr:

As long as he's willing, sure, for the most part.  Lots of people don't *want* to retire; maybe Errol's the same way.  For all we know, maybe Errol *took* five days but didn't really need 'em all. ;)

> 
> 3. The Weasleys' attempts to show consideration for the Dursleys backfire, arguably causing more offense than if they hadn't bothered. Are there other instances in canon where naive attempts to show consideration aren't appreciated?

Annemehr:

Um... what about when Hagrid tried to talk to Mme Maxime at the Yule Ball about being giants?  I think he was trying to do something nice -- sharing experiences and having things in common.  He didn't anticipate she'd be sensitive about it with *him*.

> 
> 4. Harry doesn't actually want Sirius to come out of hiding. What do you think Harry would have done if Vernon  had called his bluff?

Annemehr:

I think it comes down to Harry not being able to afford to let the Dursleys think that Sirius is an empty threat, or Harry's life at Privet Drive would go miserable again.  If Vernon had called Harry's bluff, I think Harry would have stayed put.  In the event the Weasleys respected Vernon's decision (as if), I think Harry's best bet would have been to write to Sirius anyway, so Sirius could send Vernon a letter.  Even though it would have been too late for the World Cup, it would have put Vernon on notice that there really was a godfather looking out for Harry.  

And just to make sure Vernon paid attention, there could have been some highly unpleasant and frightening little magical object enclosed to get the point across.  Nothing *really* dangerous, you understand, but Vernon and Petunia needn't have known that. ;)


Annemehr