Agree about the Twins and Harry's impression of James. - Edit 1
Before modification by StormCrow at 02/08/2010 02:53:25 PM
I cannot remember this. What were you thinking of?
I do suspect Rowling painted herself into a corner by creating a much too powerful plot device. The Marauder's Map is so fantastically useful and would solve so many problems, she is left with less liberty of plotting, perhaps.
It is reminiscent of some of the creative work of the twins, though.
The only times that I can think of where the Marauders Map showed names that shouldn't have been or misconstrued things, there was a reason behind it. 1st would be Peter Pettigrew, in later chapters here. 2nd would be Barty Crouch in Goblet of Fire (despite being disguised as Moody). 3rd were Crabbe and Goyle in HBP, showing up, but being disguised as little girls.
I always thought the Twins were more similar to the old guard of wizards that went through Hogwarts and more willing to push the envelope. We don't see anyone else doing much by way of inventing and experimenting on 1st years / themselves! Harry, Ron and Hermoine are not far behind, but not with inventing / trying new things, just breaking the rules.
Harry's impression of James is a touching piece for me too. Its impressive to me that he has an open enough mind to go back and forth from his initial "my dad was the best ever" impression. Especially in a few chapters when he finds out about some of the stuff he did to Snape (reacting with loyalty to his father) and in Order of the Phoenix with the Pensieve when actually seeing James bully Snape. Brings home the impact of being raised by the Dursleys and the void not having his parents with him left, as he initially clings to the James the Hero impression.