skeptical_lurker comments on Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality discussion thread, part 19, chapter 88-89 - Less Wrong

12 Post author: Vaniver 30 June 2013 01:22AM

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Comment author: skeptical_lurker 30 June 2013 03:03:15PM *  10 points [-]

He threw the troll's head over the wall, so its well away from anyone who could breathe in the gases, and a simple bubble-head charm should solve the problem. Given that the alternative was being eaten, he won't be punished for it (also, the most important thing is keeping partial transfiguration secret - other students would be told that Dumbledore killed the troll).

The twins were going to try to rescue Hermione anyway.

The twins will probably agree to keep the patronus secret.

While Harry and the twins did break a rule which was said to result in expulsion, they did almost save Hermione, which is more that the staff did. Expelling them would lose even more face then failing to follow through on a threat of expulsion would. Maybe McGonnigal will admit that when it comes to military matters, her students know more then she does. Maybe in future emergencies the 7th year generals will be able to countermand the orders of professors.

[EDIT: formatting]

Comment author: fractalman 01 July 2013 10:13:34PM *  3 points [-]

Trolls already use continuous transformation on themselves; to find a needle in a haystack with a magnent, you first have to suspect there is a needle. Harry's partial transfiguration attempt(did that happen or...?) is probably more like a needle in a haystack of troll-magic. The only people who I think could spot it without knowing what they're looking for...already know about partial transfiguration.

Edit: and then Dumbledore finite's the acid to prevent transfig. sickness. any chance of anyone else figuring it out by looking at the magic involved will be looking for a needle without a magnent.

Comment author: skeptical_lurker 02 July 2013 06:11:04PM 2 points [-]

You would suspect that something strange happened (worthy of an autopsy) if a first year killed a troll... unless of course he just snapped his fingers :)

Comment author: Fhyve 01 July 2013 12:03:14AM 2 points [-]

There is no way Harry would get expelled. He is at Hogwarts for his protection - to be close to Dumbledore - not so that he can go to school.

Comment author: skeptical_lurker 01 July 2013 01:40:36AM 2 points [-]

Indeed! But they would also want his non-expulsion to be plausible without revealing how important he is, nor do they want Fred and George to be expelled. I think McGonnigal is going to have to lose face here.

Comment author: Skeeve 01 July 2013 02:38:35AM 6 points [-]

I think that in the aftermath of Hermione's death, Harry's breaking the rules and leaving the Great Hall is barely even going to be a blip on the radar. I'd be surprised if McGonagall even brings it up. It seems too callous for her.

Comment author: ChristianKl 01 July 2013 08:25:46AM 1 point [-]

McGonnigal doesn't have the power to expulse students by her own decision anyway. That decision has to be made by Dumbledore.

Comment author: loserthree 30 June 2013 05:04:37PM *  2 points [-]

-Downvoted for poor formatting.-

-Please use carriage returns to separate your thoughts.-

Edit: Thanks! (Upvoted for responding.)