I'm always lurking in this journal. You often have such interesting discussions going on here.
I had to choose Hermione over Umbridge because, as a well-read Muggle, Hermione would have known that Centaurs were noted in Greek mythology as hellraisers and rapists, with the exceptional noble Centaur thrown in when the race rampaged itself to extinction. I don't think Hermione intended serious harm to Umbridge, but she could not have claimed ignorance about the possibility. Luring a woman into the hands of a murderous and lustful gang is unconscionable to me, no matter what the motivation. And, as I noted in the comments following prettyveela's poll, Hermione again demonstrated her arrogance towards non-human magical creatures in assuming she knows best and the creatures would follow her.
I also felt Dumbledore's secrecy about the Prophecy was ultimately to blame for Sirius' death. That secrecy may have impacted the actions of many characters, including Sirius, who might have sobered up if he knew what Harry was facing. More importantly, not knowing the Prophecy arguably led to Harry's blowing off Occlumency lessons and to his generalized hostility and insensitivity towards those who were trying to help him. Had Harry known about the Prophecy earlier, he might have been more mindful of how much responsibility he carried and how much danger he faced. Or maybe not... little in the sixth book demonstrates subsequent mindfulness in Harry. Still, I have to go with Dumbledore as the big mistake-maker in this scenario.
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Date: 2006-11-16 07:48 pm (UTC)I had to choose Hermione over Umbridge because, as a well-read Muggle, Hermione would have known that Centaurs were noted in Greek mythology as hellraisers and rapists, with the exceptional noble Centaur thrown in when the race rampaged itself to extinction. I don't think Hermione intended serious harm to Umbridge, but she could not have claimed ignorance about the possibility. Luring a woman into the hands of a murderous and lustful gang is unconscionable to me, no matter what the motivation. And, as I noted in the comments following
I also felt Dumbledore's secrecy about the Prophecy was ultimately to blame for Sirius' death. That secrecy may have impacted the actions of many characters, including Sirius, who might have sobered up if he knew what Harry was facing. More importantly, not knowing the Prophecy arguably led to Harry's blowing off Occlumency lessons and to his generalized hostility and insensitivity towards those who were trying to help him. Had Harry known about the Prophecy earlier, he might have been more mindful of how much responsibility he carried and how much danger he faced. Or maybe not... little in the sixth book demonstrates subsequent mindfulness in Harry. Still, I have to go with Dumbledore as the big mistake-maker in this scenario.