DUMBLEDORE CHPTS 8 - 10

Dumbledore does not have any appearance in these chapters however he is mentioned when Professor Mcgonagall states she would have to get his permission to allow Harry to participate in Quidditch since first years normally are not allowed to partake in the games. In chapter eight Rowling introduces the different classes Harry and his friends are taking. I like how Professor Mcgonagall is as a character she is a straight by the book type person who has a zero tolerance policy. She does not have to be mean to earn the respect of the students or get them to listen. On the other hand I dislike Professor Snape at this point in the book. It seems he has a personal issue with Harry and he hasn't been in Hogwarts long enough to get in any trouble or earn the title of a troublemaker. It's clearly obvious he picks on Harry most likely because of his reputation which he did nothing to build. In Harry's eyes his reputation preceeds him. He doesnt realize his importance as of yet and does lack confidence in himself. Snape knows Harry knows nothing about magic coming from a muggle family and for him to 'call ' Harry out like that in class to embarass him I thought was unprofessional on his behalf. I took his actions when he did this to Harry in a sense to humble someone who didnt need humbling. If Harry paraded around the school like "yea thats me Harry Potter" then that would be different but Harry at this point is looking for acceptance. As well i looked at it as a way for Snape to show the students he is just a mere man like yourselves no better no worse since all the students looked at Harry as a 'superior being' almost. In chapter nine Rowling begins to focus more on Harry's personal battle with himself. Although he has a peer (Malfoy) he is beginning to despise Harry's biggest challenge his confidence in himself. When the students are in the field preparing for their flying lessons Malfoy once again tries to out shine the students. After Neville hurts himself and him and Madam Hooch walk off Malfoy takes the remembrall and hops on his broom thinking Harry or anyone else would have the skill to keep up with him. However to even Harry's own surprise he is a natural and really good at flying. I like how Rowling final allows Harry to see or feel as though he belongs. She does this even more when Professor Mcgonagall sees Harry flying and immediately takes him with her to see Wood even though Harry thinks he is in trouble and about to be expelled. Being the only first year to participate in Quidditch is definitely a big accomplishment especially when you dont feel you belong. As well it definitely is a way to pick or get back at Malfoy without doing anything negative to harm him. I believe with that event occuring and then Professor getting Harry a Nimbus Two Thousand he definitely is gaining the confidence he needs to survive life at Hogwarts. It is obvious when Malfoy agains tries to find a way to get Harry expelled by setting up a midnight duel that he never intended to attend. He is clearly jealous and intimidated by Harry. Through his struggle of realizing Malfoy set him up Harry and his friends discover why Dumbledore didn't want them to go on the third floor in the forbidden corridor. They discovered the trapped door was being guarded by a dog. I as a reader became just as curious as Harry and Ron to know what might be under the door as well. I think Rowling does a good job setting up the scenes that take place before the discover which in the end makes you only wonder what Dumbledore and the staff are hiding under the door. In chapter ten Harry and Ron battle the Mountain troll which I believe only continues to mold and build Harry as a character to discover his destiny or purpose. At this point, I believe he is beginning to feel the acceptance he always wanted to feel.