Potter Meme - Day 9

[therealsnape]

Day 1 How did you get into Harry Potter
Day 2 Favourite book Day 3 Least favorite book
Day 4 Favorite female character
Day 5 Favorite male character.
Day 6 Least favorite female character
Day 7 Least favorite male character
Day 8 Thoughts on fanfic


Day 9 Favorite Hogwarts Professor.

One of the things I love about this meme is the different interpretations one gets to see. pale_moonlite said that her reason for not nominating Remus Lupin is the way he deals with Harry's trip to Hogwarts. "Your parents gave their lives to keep you alive, Harry. A poor way to repay them -- gambling their sacrifice for a bag of magic tricks," is what Remus tells him, and Pale argues that it's not on to use a student's personal life in such a matter. It's fascinating to see all these different ideas; I'd never really thought about Pomona, either, till kellychambliss nominated her. Makes me want to read the whole series again, but now with all of your insights.

Now, about that scene, I've always read it as a reaction that was spot-on, and McGonagall's way of dealing with the problem was a missed opportunity. She forbids Harry to go to Hogsmeade on the administrative ground of 'no signed permission', and the whole scene shows that she's very glad to avoid the real subject.

As a result, Harry feels that it's all about injustice and pernickety rule-keeping, and breaking the rules seems a fun thing to do. But the whole point behind the measure is personal: it's because he is Harry, son of James and Lily, that he shouldn't go out.

Lupin doesn't give Harry a detention; he even hands him back the Marauder's Map, silently showing that it's not just about rule-keeping here. And then, with a few words, he ensures that Harry truly feels ashamed of what he did. In a way that will make him think twice on doing it again.

I also like the way he plans his lessons, his exam, and the way he deals with Harry in the "My father was a bully" situation. So, analytically speaking, Remus gets the Teacher of the Year award.

Only, personally, the teacher I'd love to have had myself (apart from Tetley's RL McG) is McGonagall. She's strict and demanding, but she also has a sense of humour. She would be interesting on her subject. She goes to no end of trouble for students who are worth it. And I love the way she stands up for them all.


Day 10 Dead character you want to bring back most.
Day 11 House you would be in.
Day 12 Hogwarts subject you would most like to take.
Day 13 Spell you wish you could work without a wand.
Day 14 Thoughts on fanart (+ A favorite fanart).
Day 15 Favorite movie.
Day 16 Least favorite movie.
Day 17 Books vs. films.
Day 18 A part of the books/movies that makes you cry.
Day 19 Favorite 'ship(s).
Day 20 Your favorite villain.
Day 21 Favorite location.
Day 22 Thoughts on wizard rock.
Day 23 Character you think you are most like.
Day 24 Horcruxes vs. Hallows?
Day 25 Something you wish JKR had written about more.
Day 26 Marauders vs. Snape.
Day 27 The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or The Elder Wand.
Day 28 The Next Generation.
Day 29 How have you participated in the fandom over the years?
Day 30 In general, the effects of Harry Potter on your life.