PoA Section Six: In Which Harry Gets a Firebolt

PoA Section Six: In Which Harry Gets a Firebolt


Chapter 11 - The Firebolt

After discovering the truth about Sirius Black's relationship with his parents, Harry, angry and frustrated that he never knew, goes to confront Hagrid about the revelation. However, he finds out instead that the Ministry of Magic intends to put Buckbeak on trial for the attack on Malfoy, so he, Ron, and Hermione promise to help Hagrid with his defense. On Christmas Day, Harry receives a new broomstick, the Firebolt, from an unknown person but it is taken from him under Hermione's and Professor's McGonagall's suspicions that the giver is Sirius Black.

Chapter 12 - The Patronus

The holidays are over, and Harry begins anti-dementor lessons with Professor Lupin. He learns about the Dementor's Kiss, the Dementors' worst weapon, and that it is the punishment faced by Sirius Black. He also begins to practice the Patronus Charm, a highly-advanced spell that will defend him from the Dementors' effects, but is unable to perform it correctly as he secretly wishes to hear his mother's voice. Harry also hears his father's voice for the first time, prompting Professor Lupin to admit that he and James Potter were friends at Hogwarts, and that he knew Sirius Black. The Firebolt is finally returned to Harry, but the celebration is marred by Ron's discovery that Scabbers is apparently dead--at the hands of Crookshanks.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think the process of putting a creature like Buckbeak "on trial" is fair in the first place?

2. As Professor Lupin asked Harry, do you think anyone deserves the punishment of the Dementor's Kiss?

3. What are your theories on how Hermione's been getting to all her classes?

1. Do you think the process of putting a creature like Buckbeak "on trial" is fair in the first place?

-I don't think so...Hagrid instructed his students on how to ride Buckbeak in the proper way but Draco Malfoy didn't followed it which caused him damages and also, Draco Malfoy made the mistake at first because of his naughtiness....





2. As Professor Lupin asked Harry, do you think anyone deserves the punishment of the Dementor's Kiss?

-Yes...I think so...


3. What are your theories on how Hermione's been getting to all her classes?

-My thoughts is that Hermione is using something that could get here somewhere she wants to in just a short period of time but I wonder what is that something.....

@mitchie: Why do you think someone would deserve that punishment?

honestly,I still didn't know but that's what I feel....

It seems to be a grisly punishment for anyone to undergo. Do you think the Kiss would be worse than a typical death sentence like hanging, etc.?

yes....I think so because of not only killing is performed but taking out of someone's soul unlike others,its just like a typical killing..

1. Do you think the process of putting a creature like Buckbeak "on trial" is fair in the first place?

No, because it was a known fact that hippogriff attacks when it is offended.

2. As Professor Lupin asked Harry, do you think anyone deserves the punishment of the Dementor's Kiss?

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth? Hmm... if you're the victim, it's tempting to say yes but agreeing to it is similar to agreeing on death sentence. But who are we to say that someone deserves it or not, right? I believe only God has the right to take away life (or soul in the case of Dementor's Kiss).

3. What are your theories on how Hermione's been getting to all her classes?

I first thought of it as some sort of a recorder to record the lectures and a hologram of herself so people could see her in class (too sci-fi?) but if she is actually present in both classes at the same time then it would be some time altering device.

1. Do you think the process of putting a creature like Buckbeak "on trial" is fair in the first place?
I think there is a similar procedure to determine whether an animal is liable or not, though I think a full blown trial would have gone too far. I think a panel of experts, like a hippogriff expert, and some other people would have been enough to determine the Buckbeak's liability. Anyway, he's an animal regardless of intention, and he deserves a chance.

2. As Professor Lupin asked Harry, do you think anyone deserves the punishment of the Dementor's Kiss?
I would like to say no one, since I don't believe that the death penalty would do anything to curb crime but just alleviate a little the pain and give some form of justice to the victim. But, given the circumstances in the wizarding world, there might be a few criminally insane people without conscience or guilt and who do not even show remorse that might be eligible to have the kiss. I believe there is hope for everyone in the real world, even criminals, and they deserve a chance to reform their lives, but maybe give the kiss to the criminals without real souls and who don't even acknowledge their crimes.

3. What are your theories on how Hermione's been getting to all her classes?
A theory I have before was that she magically produces clones of herself, then sends them to classes, and she fuses with them at the end of the day to get the knowledge the clone learns from them. Just like Naruto.

Just a quick reply about the Dementor's Kiss as a form of punishment. . .

The thing is, I don't actually think it's the worst possible punishment. To not feel anything, to be an empty shell, that's not the most awful punishment. For some, it could even be a way out of the dreary existence they lead. I still think being in the company of a Dementor on a regular basis in Azkaban is the worst deal ever. Imagine being reminded of your worst deeds, the most horrible things in your past. . . your mistakes. . . now that's genius when it comes to punishment. To be reminded on a per minute basis the reason why you are put in that position to begin with is one punishment that not only makes sense but is also quite frightening.