#8: Defense Against the Dark Arts Lessons-OBSOLETE

I'm thinking now that perhaps I should have switched #8 and #9 in order of importance but no matter, the list must continue.

Several important things contribute to this issue in the book: the first is that in the explanation of his actions to Bellatrix and Narcissa, Snape states that Dumbledore would not give him the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor for fear that this post might foment a dark sentiment in Snape, believed by Dumbledore to have been relinquished; thus when he gets the appointment in HBP, it is a big deal. The crux of his lesson plan that JKR mentions is the ability to cast spells without saying them aloud, thus rendering one's opponent ignorant of the spell headed for them. "those who progress to using magic without shouting incantations gain an element of surprise in their spell-casting," (Snape, HBP, p. 179). Throughout HBP, Snape berates Harry for his inability to attain this ability which later is of crucial importance when trying to battle with Snape after Dumbledore's death. (This is also of supreme importance in what very well might end up being the movie's biggest blunder, discussed later in the list). The movie does not implement a single DADA lesson, nor does it explain nonverbal spells at all; the movie merely has Malfoy and Harry battling proficiently without saying a word in Myrtle's (no appearance for her either, or any of the ghosts for that matter) bathroom until Harry casts sectumsempera.

Perhaps I am alone, but I was of the opinion that it was very big deal that Snape, a former Death Eater, was teaching DADA at Hogwarts. Additionally, of equal importance was the instruction of nonverbal spells in the NEWT year of DADA. The movie gives these facts limited coverage and opens itself yet again to mistakes resulting from omission of crucial details.

That's all for today, but keep reading for #s 7, 6, & 5 tomorrow.