Favorite Lupin Moment?
I decided to go with the scene that might not be an obvious choice but that speaks volumes about Lupin and his character. It is not particularly fun but it is an important scene and I love it as much as any other scene with Lupin in it.
It takes place in Chapter Sixteen of Half-Blood Prince - 'A Very Frosty Christmas'.
Lupin's manner is quiet, mild and ironic for the most part. It's here that he famously says that “It comes down to whether or not you trust Dumbledore's judgement. I do; therefore, I trust Severus.” in answer to Harry's suspicions and accusations.
However, he grows grave and bitter when he explains what he'd been doing for the Order of the Phoenix: “I've been living among my fellows, my equals,” said Lupin. “Werewolves,” he added, at Harry's look of incomprehension. “Nearly all of them are on Voldemort's side. Dumbledore wanted a spy and here I was... ready-made.”
It is also here that he reveals for the first time the circumstances under which he became a werewolf: “It was Greyback who bit me. … My father had offended him. I did not know, for a very long time, the identity of the werewolf who had attacked me; I even felt pity for him, thinking that he had had no control, knowing by then how it felt to transform.”
Lupin tells Harry that he hasn't been successful in his mission of talking them into joining Dumbledore but it is shortly followed by a funny exchange that cracks me up every time:
“I cannot pretend that my particular brand of reasoned argument is making much headway against Greyback's insistence that we werewolves deserve blood, that we ought to revenge ourselves on normal people.”
“But you are normal!” said Harry fiercely. “You've just got a – a problem – ”
Lupin burst out laughing.
“Sometimes you remind me a lot of James. He called it my 'furry little problem' in company. Many people were under the impression that I owned a badly behaved rabbit.”
And also the part where Harry is trying to find out if Lupin has ever heard of someone called the Half-Blood Prince and Lupin replies: "Is this a title you're thinking of adopting? I should have thought being the 'Chosen One' would be enough." Oooh, it makes me smile)) He is such a delightful character!
And also the part where Harry is trying to find out if Lupin has ever heard of someone called the Half-Blood Prince and Lupin replies: "Is this a title you're thinking of adopting? I should have thought being the 'Chosen One' would be enough." Oooh, it makes me smile)) He is such a delightful character!
'my 'furry little problem'' - I love that line, it's so light hearted and shows just how close the Marauders were and how little they let Lupin's condition impact their friendship. I also love Lupin's civilized response about Snape - the way he puts his faith in Dumbledore, and in Dumbledore's judge of character, which Harry just never quite managed.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Lupin knows what it's like to be judged and shunned and is therefore more tolerant and sympathetic. However, Harry is still young in the books. I think he has learned to be more tolerant as he grew older)) He did name his son in Snape's honour!
DeleteLupin's got a great sense of humor and knows how to defuse intense conversation with it. I always enjoyed his quick wit, especially when it was coupled with his kindness.
ReplyDeleteYeah, he perfectly combines mild manner, kind heart, strong character and a great sense of humour))
DeleteThere's so much great characterization all in that one scene. Great choice!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wish we could see what the Order was doing behind the scenes and what it was like for Lupin living with the werewolves. Even though he hates his curse he's willing to use what he is for the cause.
The beginning of the scene is fairly bleak but it has humor as well. I love that we get that glimpse of James and his similarity to Harry. I <3 the Marauders.
Yeah, I'd love to read secret plans/notes/reports left by the members of the Order... it would be so great!
DeleteThat was a very good scene in general on getting more from Lupin. I loved getting a little more insight into his character. I thought it was great that he points out how Dumbledore trusts Snape so they ought to as well. Funny also that he's a tad bitter about being a ready-made spy and that's the same thing Snape was.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I love it so much - we get to see more of Lupin! You're so right. I haven't even drawn the parallel between Lupin and Snape as being reluctant by ready-made spies to serve the Order and Dumbledore. He was a cunning old man and yet he is one of my all-time favourite characters.
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