get by with a little help

[aruan]

I'm doing a project for a university class regarding canon-based speculation about the Harry Potter books, whether the source is Web authors or LJers or fiction writers. It's a very anything goes free-for-all of the best and weirdest fandom's come up with. I'm looking for any special/eclectic resources and also have a few canon-based questions, as it's admittedly been a few months since I re-read the books.

- Any sites devoted to theories - conspiracy, speculation, or otherwise - relating to canon as set forth within the books. Everyone knows about Knight2King, but I'm sure there are heaps more out there. It doesn't matter how outlandish the proposition, I'd just love some off-the-beaten-path sources.

- Any sites that take an in-depth look at the books for whatever purpose, whether character development, hints for possible future events, to check facts (i.e. the population of Hogwarts, the ages of the Weasley siblings) etc.

- Any sites with archived interviews with J.K. Rowling, as I'm willing to consider what she says about the books and events as good as the words within them.

Canon Questions:

- I seem to be operating under the impression that Snape resents Dumbledore. Is this canon or simply something I pulled out of the clear blue (or perhaps fic, as we all know those lines sometimes blur)? If so, have we been given any sort of justification for it? (Or is it just the same as James, that he resents owing his life to someone other than himself?)

- And speaking of Snape, do we have any canon for why Dumbledore hasn't appointed him to his coveted Defense post? Has Snape applied for it every year he's been at Hogwarts? In my head, it shouldn't be any issue of trust, as Snape would be above any sort of suspicion as far as loyalties to be working at Hogwarts, no? (thanks amberdiceless)

- Do we know if the Order of the Phoenix is a rogue vigilante group (essentially) or if they were sanctioned by the Ministry?

- Do we have any instances of Dumbledore lying to anyone, or does he simply leave questions unanswered or only partially reveal the truth (as he deems revelant with regard to whom he's speaking and the situation, of course)?

- Did Sirius not get a trial? All signs point to yes, but he had to have been convicted of a crime to be sent to prison for it (or am I just being too technical)? And for that matter, was killing Peter the only reason he was locked up? In the Shack, he says he wants to commit the murder he was locked away for, which seems to disregard the twelve Muggles who died. (thanks meinnim)

- In CoS, Hagrid was briefly sent to Azkaban. Was it under suspicion of harboring whatever was attacking the students? Or because the Ministry again suspected he was the one to open the Chamber, as he was accused and expelled for early in his Hogwarts career as a student?

Resources I've gathered so far...

MuggleNet
Willow's Harry Potter Character Guides
The Harry Potter Automatic News Aggregator
The Leaky Cauldron
The Hogwarts Galleries
The Harry Potter Lexicon
J.K. Rowling.com
Hogwarts World
The Daily Snitch

I'm fairly new to HP fandom and don't have very many people of that persuasion on my f'list, so any crossposting and/or links back here would be much appreciated, as, of course, is any advice and suggestions of anything mentioned here or that you think I may have missed. Sources used will be appropriately credited, as well as any contributors, should they wish to be. Thanks in advance!

Comments

[dawnie-faith.livejournal.com]

-I seem to be operating under the impression that Snape resents Dumbledore. Is this canon or simply something I pulled out of the clear blue (or perhaps fic, as we all know those lines sometimes blur)? If so, have we been given any sort of justification for it? (Or is it just the same as James, that he resents owing his life to someone other than himself?)

I don't think it's ever stated that he resents Dumbledore. I think from his behaviour/reactions, he may resent things Dumbledore does/asks him to do, but I don't think he resents the man himself. Since Snape isn't a character who shows what he's feeling to those around him (at least, not that Harry - our narrative POV - can discern), I hesitate to say he's grateful or considers himself indebted to Dumbledore, but no matter his demeanor, he remains loyal to Dumbledore and his (Dumbledore's) cause, so I can't see him (Snape) resenting him (Dumbledore - stupid pronouns! *g*)

- Do we have any instances of Dumbledore lying to anyone, or does he simply leave questions unanswered or only partially reveal the truth (as he deems revelant with regard to whom he's speaking and the situation, of course)?

He lies to Harry by not telling him about the Prophecy until the end of the third book. That may be considered a lie of omission, but I seem to recall at least one instance where he denies having any idea what Voldemort's intentions are (in regards to the Department of Mysteries) in book five, and possibly even in the earlier books when Harry asks him why Voldemort is even after him/cares about him so much in the first place.

I'm pretty bad at picking out exact excerpts, but if no one else can find'em, please let me know and I'll certainly give it a try. :)

- In CoS, Hagrid was briefly sent to Azkaban. Was it under suspicion of harboring whatever was attacking the students? Or because the Ministry again suspected he was the one to open the Chamber, as he was accused and expelled for early in his Hogwarts career as a student?

I would think that both of those options would apply. I mean, whatever was attacking the students was presumably from the Chamber, and so since he was (wrongfully) expelled for opening it the first time...

Of course, I'm dead certain there's a reference for this... and here! I actually found it! Page 193:

"Bad business, Hagrid," said Fudge, in rather clipped tones. "Very bad business. Had to come. Four attacks on Muggle-borns. Things've gone far enough. Ministry's got to act."
"I never," said Hagrid, looking imploringly at Dumbledore, "you know I never, Professor Dumbledore, sir..."
"I want it understood, Cornelius, that Hagrid has my full confidence," said Dumbledore, frowning at Fudge.
"Look, Albus," said Fudge, uncomfortably. "Hagrid's record's against him. Ministry's got to do something - the school governors have been in touch."