But isn't this story of Montague consistent with what we've seen about Hogwarts?
Snape is nearly killed by the Marauders. Both sides admit this conclusion. The only thing we know about the outcome of that was that Snape was made to keep quiet. The fact that shortly afterward, the Marauders felt free to publically target Snape shows that the staff of Hogwarts could not give a damn what happened to a poor, half-blood Slytherin.
Fred and George Weasley shut a fellow student up in a cabinet and leave him there to die. When he comes out, the damage is bad enough that no one knows if it will be permanent. They are not punished for that, but instead are targeted for creating general mischief. When Montague's parents are glimsped striding up to the school, this is treated as though it were a rare, embarassing moment for Umbridge (i.e., a plus for our side!)
Marietta's scarred face--obviously caused by another student--prompts no investigation or punishment by the authorities, including Umbridge. (Even though Cho is well aware who caused it and could have tattled about it.)
Katie Bell is nearly killed by a cursed necklace. It could easily be investigated (Harry mentions seeing the necklace at B&B's, which means any auror could go ask to see the records on who bought it.) Moreover, both Snape and Dumbledore know that Draco is probably behind it. They do nothing, and presumably, Katie's parents don't ask that anything be done.
Ron is nearly killed by Draco's poisoning scheme. Molly and Arthur show up, but presumably don't ask that any investigation take place (or, more likely, Dumbledore assures them that he's on top of it).
Harry almost kills Draco in a fight. Narcissa not only doesn't show up, only Snape and McGonagall seem to find that incident worthy of note. Dumbledore never mentions it, and Snape ends up looking like a bastard for punishing Harry.
The last time it seemed to matter if the students at Hogwarts were endangered was when Lucius Malfoy was on the Board of Governors. Once he was forced off, students were free to duel, fight dragons, get kidnapped by mermen, steal hippogriffs, and poison each other.
Bah. It's impossible to even pin JKR down her educational philosophy, because it's really based on What Kids Like. Dumbledore represents a step forward from the Bad Old Ways (racism, specism, and corporal punishment as Filch mourns the horsewhip and shackles). Yet, he is a bulwark against the Bad One Ways of parental interest and involvement in their kids' welfare, or the government's interest in educational standards.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-05-17 12:38 am (UTC)Snape is nearly killed by the Marauders. Both sides admit this conclusion. The only thing we know about the outcome of that was that Snape was made to keep quiet. The fact that shortly afterward, the Marauders felt free to publically target Snape shows that the staff of Hogwarts could not give a damn what happened to a poor, half-blood Slytherin.
Fred and George Weasley shut a fellow student up in a cabinet and leave him there to die. When he comes out, the damage is bad enough that no one knows if it will be permanent. They are not punished for that, but instead are targeted for creating general mischief. When Montague's parents are glimsped striding up to the school, this is treated as though it were a rare, embarassing moment for Umbridge (i.e., a plus for our side!)
Marietta's scarred face--obviously caused by another student--prompts no investigation or punishment by the authorities, including Umbridge. (Even though Cho is well aware who caused it and could have tattled about it.)
Katie Bell is nearly killed by a cursed necklace. It could easily be investigated (Harry mentions seeing the necklace at B&B's, which means any auror could go ask to see the records on who bought it.) Moreover, both Snape and Dumbledore know that Draco is probably behind it. They do nothing, and presumably, Katie's parents don't ask that anything be done.
Ron is nearly killed by Draco's poisoning scheme. Molly and Arthur show up, but presumably don't ask that any investigation take place (or, more likely, Dumbledore assures them that he's on top of it).
Harry almost kills Draco in a fight. Narcissa not only doesn't show up, only Snape and McGonagall seem to find that incident worthy of note. Dumbledore never mentions it, and Snape ends up looking like a bastard for punishing Harry.
The last time it seemed to matter if the students at Hogwarts were endangered was when Lucius Malfoy was on the Board of Governors. Once he was forced off, students were free to duel, fight dragons, get kidnapped by mermen, steal hippogriffs, and poison each other.
Bah. It's impossible to even pin JKR down her educational philosophy, because it's really based on What Kids Like. Dumbledore represents a step forward from the Bad Old Ways (racism, specism, and corporal punishment as Filch mourns the horsewhip and shackles). Yet, he is a bulwark against the Bad One Ways of parental interest and involvement in their kids' welfare, or the government's interest in educational standards.