Chapter Discussion: Chapter Fourteen, Goblet of Fire: The Unforgivable Curses

[bboyminn]

No: HPFGUIDX 192213

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "annemehr" <annemehr at ...> wrote:
>
> 
> > Geoff:
>  
> > I think that the interaction in Gryffindor was much more multi-
> > layered than the perhaps two-level situation you see. Perhaps 
> > this is a gender thing for I see it a lot in male groups.
> >
> 
> Annemehr:
> 
> Perhaps it is a gender thing.  I am very much an introvert (like, presumably, Harry), but I still talk to my acquaintances when we are thrown together, even when my closer friends are there too.  Harry really only seems to speak when spoken to!
> 
> But if the dynamic feels normal to you, I suppose I'll take your word for it. :)
>

Steve:

This is a very interesting Sub-Discussion. When I think back on school, there were many people I was friendly with, but 'friendly with' is not the same as friends. I was friendly with everyone, but friends with very very few. 

Circumstances throw you together with other people, in school, at work, in daily life. You are compelled by social structure to get along with these people. 

Let's look at it from this perspective. During the time in question, or even the full span of Harry's years at Hogwarts, what do you suppose Harry would say if asked "Is Neville your friend?" I think he would say "Yes, I like Neville". But that is not a ringing endorsement. I think his responses is different and softer than if asked if he likes Ron or Hermione. 

I also think it is valid to point out, that Harry is not exactly the life of the party. He is not the person that stands in the middle of the room and draws attention to himself. I think partly by nature and partly by conditioning, Harry is the guy standing on the side watching others be the life of the party. 

Yes, Harry is frequently at the center of the action, but virtually never at the center of the party, and when he is, it is not comfortably so. 

Harry keeps his head down. When he does act, it tends to be covertly. He is skulking about in the middle of night, not prancing around in broad daylight. 

Harry is not seeking attention nor is he seeking out friendship. Ron and Hermione just sort of fall in his lap. He does not seek them out with the intent of making friends. They find him and become friends.

I think living at the Dursley's has conditioned Harry to keep his head down and not draw attention to himself. But it has also conditioned a degree of defiance in him, that we also see later when he is at Hogwarts. 

I think Harry does consider Neville a friend, and someone who deserves that friendship. But, Neville is not Harry's best friend or confidant. That would be Ron and Hermione who are friend on a whole different level. 

So, this is a multi-leveled thing, circles within circles, layers upon layer. It is not as simple as friend or not friend. I think Harry develops a bond with Neville from the beginning, a bond that only strengthens in his time at Hogwarts, and in my view, continues to strengthen as the years go on. But, it is never going to be at the level of the friendship with Ron or Hermione. 

I think it is a complex issue. 

Steve/bboyminn