Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
Camilla Send a noteboard - 05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM
Dumbledore is not infallible, but it really is a little out of character for him not to have thought to search the shack. Even if he did not know Sirius knew about it. He did know the story of Sirius tricking Snape into following Lupin there, so it should not have been too much of a leap. Could Dumbledore have suspected Sirus' innocence? Then again, that would be a little strange. I'd imagine he'd have spoken up about it.
Dumbledore is irresponsible through all of the first four books, honestly. He lets Harry and other students get into mortal danger rather a lot, and only rarely do we get the feeling he's really in control of the situation. Only after Voldemort's return is confirmed does he start looking out properly.
I have a feeling he avoids shielding them too much because he knows Harry must learn a lot in order to have any chance against Voldemort, who Dumbledore knows will return. I always had a feeling he was following things closely ready to intervene if it got too far. But then again, there is no way he would have the time if things got out of hand (and he doesn't intervene when Lupin becomes a werewolf, for example). I suppose I may have to conclude that that is just wishful thinking on my part.
Snape is thoroughly deranged. It is delightful. He really has snapped. Compared to the earlier books it is a little out of character, but I think that is because we have only seen him in conflict with children (where he is the one in power, indisputably), and disagreeing with Dumbledore, where he must submit. This is Snape faced with old enemies from school, people who are on a more or less level playing field, but who had a higher status than him then -- and he has clearly looked forward to enjoying the reversal in status (he is professor, Sirius is prisoner on the run). When this is taken away, or at least not accepted as readily as he would have liked…. I suppose it is also compounded by his having looked forward to saving Harry, thereby getting "revenge" on James, and here too his ideal set-up is thwarted. It is rather well written.
See my post - the Lily factor is what makes for the acting deranged instead of cool ruthless sarcasm. The other factors contribute, but she is the key.
Oh, yes. I agree entirely. As I said in my reply to your post. It is obvious when you mention it. And it brings more loveliness to the scene. It really is one of my absolute favourite ones.
Hermione's reaction to attacking a teacher is very in character. She has been on a bit of a rule-breaking high, I think, but this seems to take her down a little.
Attacking a teacher is indeed a rather different category from their usual rulebreaking, though.
Yes. There is a sense of "oh, shit. Did we got too far this time?"
Harry… God, I wish Harry would stop shouting. And I know it is a bit early to get fed up with that particular part of his personality (and I know I said I liked it in the beginning of this book), but seriously. I am never having children if they could grow up to become teenagers with issues.
Yeah. It's amazing how he is all raging teenager one moment, and then has to be the mature adult authority figure when Sirius and Remus get carried away and want to kill Peter. Especially since he was going to kill Sirius himself in the previous chapter (I was really wondering how he intended to do that, incidentally).
Perhaps turn him into a tea pot and break him?
On that topic, the things we learn later on about Avada Kedavra and Horcruxes make it clear how important Harry's intervention here is, and how important it is that Sirius and Remus don't become murderers.
Yes. That was what I was getting at in my post on killing. It is an early insight into one of her major themes.
Peter is predictably an unpleasant lump of unpleasantness. But of course that only serves to highlight how wonderfully cool both Lupin and Sirius are (sorry, if I can't go all fangirl at these scenes, when can I?). Lupin silences him with a look, Sirius' contempt is overpowering. I would like to have known what made Sirius think Lupin (rather than Peter) was the spy. I know I am terribly influenced by the Shoebox Project when it gets to this, but it always did seem odd.
But yes. They are both lovely. "Then you should have died" and "What is to be gained" is also very good, I love heroes with integrity and a history. And I suppose it is emblematic of the good vs evil. Good guys don't ask what's in it for them. And as Sirius replies "only innocent lives"… Definite good guy. It is a very clear distinction. Lupin's "Goodbye, Peter" is also very good. Very menacing.
I can't agree about Lupin and Sirius, actually. Harry has to stop them from doing stupid things, and as I remember mentioning elsewhere (one of the previous discussions, I'm fairly sure, though I'm not sure how it could've been relevant to those...), I really rather doubt Sirius' claim that he'd have died for Peter just like that.
You don't think Sirius and Lupin have integrity? Or that they aren't good guys? I don't see en inherent opposition between either and doing stupid things. In fact, Rowling's heroes seem to thrive on doing stupid.
I wouldn't stake my life on their willingness to sacrifice themselves for Peter, but I wouldn't rule it out, either. It would be like Harry sacrificing his life for Neville (at this point in the books) -- I could see it happen.
I also like how Sirius bumps Snape's head against the roof. I said I like my heroes with integrity and history, but I also like when they occasionally get petty and childish because of that history. People who are too perfect are never really interesting.
Hehe. True, that.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
structured procrastinator
The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
28/07/2010 12:00:14 PM
- 2758 Views
Chapters 1-3. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:01:10 PM
- 939 Views
Characters.
28/07/2010 12:03:36 PM
- 1590 Views
Aunt Marge
28/07/2010 01:13:34 PM
- 1500 Views
She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
28/07/2010 01:40:37 PM
- 1842 Views
Re: She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
28/07/2010 02:15:24 PM
- 1664 Views
Stan Shunpike.
28/07/2010 02:01:46 PM
- 1648 Views
Re: Stan Shunpike.
28/07/2010 02:19:41 PM
- 1553 Views
True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
28/07/2010 02:46:38 PM
- 1522 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM
- 1750 Views
I think, maybe, it's comparing with other wizarding schools in the world.
08/08/2010 11:35:31 AM
- 1635 Views
Colin Creevey is working class.
28/07/2010 06:32:45 PM
- 1538 Views
Correct me if I'm wrong
28/07/2010 06:38:20 PM
- 1491 Views
Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM
- 883 Views
First impressions on the news of Sirius Black's escape. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:05:26 PM
- 883 Views
Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 01:21:32 PM
- 1634 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 01:44:50 PM
- 1626 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 02:22:17 PM
- 1404 Views
Writing style.
28/07/2010 12:07:24 PM
- 1650 Views
It is a better book.
28/07/2010 02:00:54 PM
- 1504 Views
Its much more mature writing style I think
28/07/2010 02:09:33 PM
- 1715 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think
28/07/2010 02:23:03 PM
- 1636 Views
Foreshadowings, details that turn out to be important, etc. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:08:07 PM
- 819 Views
That is very well done in this book, I thought.
28/07/2010 02:08:21 PM
- 1467 Views
Dont foget the most important foreshadowing!
28/07/2010 02:15:35 PM
- 1426 Views
Chapters 4-6. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:11:45 PM
- 799 Views
Characters.
29/07/2010 10:23:28 AM
- 1479 Views
LupinLupinLupinLupinLupinLupin!
29/07/2010 11:48:55 AM
- 1588 Views
Hmmm I'm wondering...is Lupin one of your fav characters? *NM*
29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM
- 775 Views
Could be, could be.
29/07/2010 02:37:41 PM
- 1472 Views
Well it was subtle so I don't think many people will catch it *NM*
29/07/2010 02:41:38 PM
- 780 Views
Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
30/07/2010 01:48:06 PM
- 1469 Views
Re: Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
08/08/2010 11:05:02 AM
- 1357 Views
Writing style.
29/07/2010 10:26:07 AM
- 1513 Views
"Plotting" might be a more interesting discussion point
29/07/2010 11:57:20 AM
- 1549 Views
Introduction of the Dementors. *NM*
29/07/2010 10:26:59 AM
- 789 Views
They are Rowling's most terrifying creation
29/07/2010 12:00:34 PM
- 1452 Views
Without his knowledge or consent of course *NM*
29/07/2010 02:31:47 PM
- 757 Views
Yes
29/07/2010 02:34:01 PM
- 1576 Views
I thinking something thats a little off topic
29/07/2010 02:40:36 PM
- 1420 Views
Re: I thinking something thats a little off topic
29/07/2010 02:42:09 PM
- 1409 Views
Ooo I didn't think of that! I like you. We can be friends
29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM
- 1407 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts."
04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM
- 1397 Views
I don't know the answer, but a good place to look would be... (book 4 spoilers)
05/08/2010 12:33:20 AM
- 1430 Views
Chapters 7-9. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:11:59 PM
- 924 Views
Characters.
30/07/2010 02:07:20 PM
- 1377 Views
Re: Characters.
30/07/2010 02:50:07 PM
- 1321 Views
Lupin vs. Snape
30/07/2010 06:10:07 PM
- 1405 Views
Re: Lupin vs. Snape
30/07/2010 06:12:06 PM
- 1488 Views
Other things you want to comment on. *NM*
30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM
- 795 Views
30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM
- 1407 Views
Good spell and great scene with the Bogart.
30/07/2010 06:19:16 PM
- 1438 Views
Chapters 10-12. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM
- 706 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
02/08/2010 12:50:56 PM
- 659 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
02/08/2010 01:36:49 PM
- 1635 Views
I caught that too.
02/08/2010 02:50:03 PM
- 1314 Views
Re: I caught that too.
02/08/2010 02:53:48 PM
- 1444 Views
I suspect....
03/08/2010 03:17:32 PM
- 1584 Views
Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM*
02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM
- 787 Views
The Marauder's Map seems to be able to do more on this first view than later on...
02/08/2010 01:23:19 PM
- 1528 Views
Re: The Marauder's Map seems to be able to do more on this first view than later on...
02/08/2010 01:40:47 PM
- 1451 Views
I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
02/08/2010 02:44:13 PM
- 1443 Views
Re: I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
02/08/2010 02:46:38 PM
- 1596 Views
It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:47:55 PM
- 1356 Views
Re: It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:57:55 PM
- 1505 Views
No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:28:11 PM
- 1455 Views
Re: No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:31:14 PM
- 1368 Views
Agree about the Twins and my take on Harry's impression of James.
02/08/2010 02:50:11 PM
- 1421 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,...
02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM
- 1363 Views
Chapters 13-15. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:12:57 PM
- 786 Views
Characters.
03/08/2010 05:25:47 PM
- 1412 Views
Re: Characters.
03/08/2010 05:29:32 PM
- 1517 Views
OK. I don't like how one-sided the Slytherins are.
08/08/2010 02:30:22 PM
- 1507 Views
Agreed.
08/08/2010 02:37:18 PM
- 1432 Views
Re: Agreed.
08/08/2010 02:45:30 PM
- 1424 Views
There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
08/08/2010 03:08:51 PM
- 1424 Views
Re: There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
08/08/2010 03:12:23 PM
- 1432 Views
But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
08/08/2010 03:06:53 PM
- 1617 Views
Re: But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
08/08/2010 03:10:28 PM
- 1441 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM
- 758 Views
Crookshanks.
08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM
- 1436 Views
I knew I saw this somewhere.
09/08/2010 08:16:01 PM
- 1350 Views
Re: I knew I saw this somewhere.
09/08/2010 09:01:18 PM
- 1500 Views
Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
11/08/2010 04:20:18 PM
- 1513 Views
Re: Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
11/08/2010 04:21:37 PM
- 1335 Views
Thanks, thought I was loosing it... well, maybe I am, but I can still read.
11/08/2010 04:26:31 PM
- 1582 Views
The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. *NM*
03/08/2010 05:26:37 PM
- 786 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss.
03/08/2010 05:36:35 PM
- 1504 Views
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match.
03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM
- 1361 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM
- 803 Views
Characters.
04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM
- 1472 Views
Plotting and writing.
04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM
- 1341 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
04/08/2010 04:19:15 PM
- 899 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
04/08/2010 05:19:45 PM
- 1368 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
08/08/2010 03:09:23 PM
- 1520 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
08/08/2010 03:11:43 PM
- 1467 Views
Chapters 19-20. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:27 PM
- 762 Views
Characters.
05/08/2010 02:40:22 PM
- 1249 Views
Re: Characters.
05/08/2010 02:45:53 PM
- 1718 Views
See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:04:24 PM
- 1793 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM
- 1525 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:54:31 PM
- 1901 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 05:01:52 PM
- 1717 Views
Something I've only just realized about Snape... (massive book six and seven spoilers)
05/08/2010 02:53:15 PM
- 1518 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
05/08/2010 02:40:42 PM
- 652 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
05/08/2010 02:48:02 PM
- 1597 Views
I think it's a good thing she explains her clues.
05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM
- 1457 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM
- 718 Views
killing
05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM
- 1342 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM
- 735 Views
Plotting and writing.
06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM
- 1266 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM*
06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM
- 816 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM
- 772 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM
- 723 Views
How good a book is this - compared to the rest of the series, and compared to YA books in general? *NM*
28/07/2010 01:19:06 PM
- 782 Views
More of a question, really
01/08/2010 10:40:23 PM
- 1401 Views
I think this is situational and a sad commentary on his home life.
02/08/2010 03:01:49 PM
- 1240 Views
Well, but the question still remains
02/08/2010 03:04:01 PM
- 1356 Views
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this.
04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM
- 1471 Views
I had totally forgotten about that choir and the Ray Bradbury reference.
05/08/2010 12:37:09 AM
- 1307 Views
Okay, so possibly a Shakespeare reference also used by Bradbury. Whatever. *NM*
05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM
- 706 Views
Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
09/08/2010 06:46:26 PM
- 1323 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
09/08/2010 07:16:37 PM
- 1537 Views
Suggestions for the re-read.
28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM
- 1524 Views
I knew I was gonna forget something.
28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM
- 1506 Views
Perhaps
29/07/2010 09:29:53 AM
- 1422 Views
I considered that, but it seemed overly non-trusting, and nobody has posted in them yet? *NM*
29/07/2010 10:12:23 AM
- 619 Views
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead>
29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM
- 1509 Views
I think a little break might be a good idea. Give people a chance to catch up.
02/08/2010 11:46:13 PM
- 1448 Views
Re: I think a little break might be a good idea. Give people a chance to catch up.
02/08/2010 11:59:20 PM
- 1415 Views
I think I should make clear, just in case, that I don't mean immediately.
03/08/2010 05:11:26 PM
- 1365 Views
Yes
03/08/2010 05:13:10 PM
- 1382 Views