Want to discuss it?

One of the things that struck me was in the fight, Neville's wand got broken and we found out that it was his dad's. I wonder if perhaps it was not a good match for him. Perhaps his grandmother will take him to Ollivander's to get one of his own.

All I can say is

Sirius -- :wah:

I am so disappointed in that! I felt very angry at her chosing him. I could understand it in a way after Dumbledore explained it, but she could have gone a different route.

I have just spent the last 1 hour crying as I finished it and dwelt on it.

I really enjoyed seeing Neville grow so much! ~WOW~

Glad to see Fudge brought to his knees in the end, and very interesting about Lily's sister and the knowledge that she does indeed have about Harry's world.

The prophesy..... :eek: I always thought it would come down to something like that.

~ But ~

Sirius -- :wah:

I'll edit later with more comments, I just can't get over that yet!

I had already heard that someone was going to die in this book so I was better prepared than last time when cedric died I didn't cry nearly as much....

BUT!!!! I was kinda mad at Harry for never opening the gift Sirius gave him! if he had opened the mirror then he would have easily been able to contact Sirius instead of taking Kreachers word for it that Sirius wasn't in the house! I was really upset about that, how could he just forget about Sirius handing him the package? Seemed a little thoughtless to me, what must poor Sirius thought when Harry never used it to contact him? It must have made him very sad!
Did this bother anyone else or am I just nitpicky? ;)


Storm

Oh and Scarlet I had wondered that myself, it was such a big deal to find the perfect wand for Harry in the beginning, would it really be the perfect wand for Neville if he just used his dad's?
Maybe in the next book we can see neville follow the pattern started in this book and become a much better wizard. I was happy to see the plot focus more on Ginny to this time, she got so much more personality! she is not just the little sister in this book!

Oh and I was sitting on the couch laughing and cheering when fred and george had the confrontation with Umbridge! When they just flew right of the school, it was brilliant!

Now I can't wait till the next book now to see if the kids go shopping in Diagon alley and get to see their shop! LOL! Also, I wonder if mrs. weasley will be angry with Harry after all the money he gave them? I would think if she were she might have mentioned it at the train station in London.....

Storm

I can't believe how much I disliked that awful Miss Umbridge! I thought it was funny how all of the other teachers used passive resistance to make her stint as headmistress harder.

I've always had a soft spot for Neville, so it was nice to see him develop his wizarding skills. Wasn't it sad when he met Luna and said, "I'm nobody."?

Luna--what an interesting character. She likes Harry, no?

Fred & George--I think they seem to be doing quite well at thier shop (dragonskin coats) do you think they will get thier degree from Hogwarts?

How can Percy make up his behavior to his dad? His mom will forgive him because she is soft-hearted, but he was truly horrible to his father.

Dumbledore--soo cool to finally see why he was the wizard Voldemort feared. His actions were always so behind the scenes in the other books.

I want to read it again, but can't since DH is reading the book now!

Now, how long do we have to wait for 6 lol!

-Jennifer :)

I can't believe how angry I got when I reached about the middle of the book. I wanted to just put it down because I was so ticked off! LOL But of course I couldn't...

Miss Umbridge was just horrible! I kept thinking she was going to have something to do with Voldemort. She was making me SOOO mad with how she was siding with Slitherin. I did laugh SO hard at the chapter when everyone was making her life difficult, that was too funny!

And Mr. Fudge was such an idiot! Talk about clueless! I wonder what Percy was thinking when he discovered Lord Voltemort really was back. She never said anything else about him after they tried to arrest Dumbledore.

When I heard that someone had died I thought for sure it was going to be one of the main charaters. (Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, or Hagrid). I was sad to see it was Sirius, but surprised it wasn't one of the more promenent characters.

I also heard there was going to be a bit more of the teen hormone thing going on. The news kept bringing up Ron and Hermione--but nothing really happened there did it...

Cho kind of came across as being one of those psycho girls that doesn't know what they want LOL. I hope it doesn't take another couple years for the next book to come out!!

ok on the love front then....:)

in book four it seemed like Ron maybe liked Hermione..... but then in this book he was just as possesive over Ginny so maybe it wasn't a jealous thing with hermione and Viktor but just protective?

And bunnymama mentioned Luna liking Harry, I was thinking she liked Ron! lol

I think Harry and Hermione might end up together at some point because I noticed when he was thinking about how wacky Cho was acting he thought about how easy it was to talk to Hermione.

Oh umbridge was a nightmare! I was so angry too! I was really upset where she was making him right lines with the pen that cut his hand! I was like GO TELL SOMEONE HARRY!!!!

ok I am reading over this entire thread, boy do I need to get a **** life! LOL :)
I will not post about harry potter anymore, I will not post about harry potter anymore... ;)


Storm

Originally posted by Storm
And bunnymama mentioned Luna liking Harry, I was thinking she liked Ron! lol

I think Harry and Hermione might end up together at some point because I noticed when he was thinking about how wacky Cho was acting he thought about how easy it was to talk to Hermione.

Oh umbridge was a nightmare! I was so angry too! I was really upset where she was making him right lines with the pen that cut his hand! I was like GO TELL SOMEONE HARRY!!!!

ok I am reading over this entire thread, boy do I need to get a **** life! LOL :)
I will not post about harry potter anymore, I will not post about harry potter anymore... ;)


Storm

Me too! I totally thought Luna was liking Ron...they kept saying how she would just stare at him.

Cho is old news.

I agree on Harry and Hermoine....both muggle born and with the talent between those 2--could you imagine their kids!!??

and I am also banking on maybe a Ginny-Neville pairing up. Anyone else?

I got into this one so much..I cried so hard at the end....but these books have a way of really drawing you in and making you care about the characters, KWIM?? Maybe they have a charm on them? ;)

Umbridge, Percy, Fudge--I have no respect for any of them! Man did they tork my hide!

and WOWZERS Dumbledore! Whew--was that some magic at the end! I truly thought though that there might be something of Neville trying to attach that old wench that tortured his parents.

I am really anxious to see how the D.A group develops more too under Harry's instruction! He did wonderful with them.

I knew someone would die, but I never figured she would cause Harry more heartache and make him lose his Godfather, his "parental figure" that he was growing to love and be happy with. And Harry feels responsible! It broke my heart at the end when he tried to reach him through the mirror, and then talked to Nick about if Sirius would come back as a ghost.

Book 6 needs to be soon, I cannot stop OBSESSING!!

Ok, I got psyched out by Mr. Wheasley getting bit by the snake. I was sure he was the one who was getting knocked off.

I think killing off Sirius was almost necessary so that Harry is still really on his own kwim?

Luna has some great potential ... a little off beat but I like that in a teenaged girl.

I also liked Ron getting some reccognition... I was getting worried about him always being in the shadows.

I think that Neville will really grow in Book 6. Between a new wand, the succes in the fight, the bonds with the other DA's, and his continued success in herbology, he's got it going on. But I'm not sure how much a new wand is going to help him in Snapes class. yk?

I'm glad they got the Cho thing over with. He had such a crush on her last time. IMO he really isn't ready for a relationship... just too much going on in his life. I think Ginny is the perfect character to being doing the teen relationship aspect of the story. lol with Ron as a big bro that just makes me lol

Ron and Hermione will end up together. :) At one point, Harry told Hermione that she looked nice, or did something really well and she said "you're almost as bad as Ron." and Harry said "what??" and she sais "oh! Never mind." And they are bickering all the time (reminded me of those romantic comedies)...

I think Luna liked Ron.

I know think Cho is officially out of the picture and that Harry and Ginny will eventually get their acts together...especially now that she is over her hero-worship and can actually talk to him. Did any of you notice how sometimes she was willing to say things to him the others were not? She called him out a couple of times...Also, at the end, when Ron is telling her to pick someone better than Michael, he looks at Harry. I *do* think the whole ron-as-older-brother things would be funny, but I also think he condones that relationship possibility. Even is Ginny was being serious about liking Dean now, that fits, too. She's only 14--do we really expect her to fall in love forever at that age?? :)

I was sad that Sirious died, but I can see why he did.

Did anyone else notice that Harry seemed particularly angry in this book? The whole way through he was grouchy and snappy and at times very difficult to be friends with. I think him having to learn to control his emotions --especially his anger--will be a big part of his growing up (as it is with us all, right??) kind of a luke skywalker thing. It was his heart (his love for Sirious) that saved him from Voldemort this time.

I liked how Dumbledore admitted that he made some mistakes and talked it all through with Harry. When that tear slid down his cheek, I was so sad for him!!

I LOVE Neville Longbottom. He's getting to be one of my favorite characters! He's awesome. I do think a new wand might make a difference, but remember that Ron used his older brother's wand and it worked okay for him (until it broke--lol!!!)...so maybe the wand won't make as big of a difference??? I love that he's so good at herbology and that the knowledge of his parents' tormenter's escape caused him to push himself to work hard at defense against the dark arts...
And wasn't he brave during all the fighting at the end???

Okay, my book of a post is done. :)

Jeni

My respect for Snape really grew...and I hoping for them to eventually be able to work together...I think in a way, he made Draco a prefect to keep an eye on him. Harry and Herminone...NEVER :D Definitely Ron...I would love to see Ginny get with Harry, but I am not too concerned with Harry's love life. I was so excited to see Aunt Petunia understand what is going on...I think she is a squib too. And the book really set up the history for the next book. I am hoping for a lot more action next time. Hopefully Harry learned a lot, and matured from these experiences. Neville is gonna be great! And I want to find how Dumbledore is related to Harry! I wasn't too sad that Sirius died, cause he wasn't the greatest influence on Harry anyway...but sad for Harry. I liked it...but I too can not wait for the next... :uk:

Okay, I am SO glad there are other crazy-fast readers out there, lol! I logged on this morning to TALK about this! Ds is holed up in his room right now reading it, lol. He's asked me questions, like "is the rumor that someone dies true??" and I won't tell him! lol!

Def. Ron and Hermione! I don't think there's any chance of she and Harry at all. The sexual tension between them (R and H) was so strong through the whole book!

I also liked the development of Ginny's character. I'm in favor of she and Harry also getting hooked up, though I think it will be longer than it takes Ron and Hermione to get together. R and H seem just on the verge of it.. like one good argument, some close proximity, and BAM! But Harry is sort of a mess, and wow his anger issues! Ginny seems to have that easy sense of bravery like he does, which is why I favor them. Sort of like Harry's parents are described. I think that Harry will become sort of a third wheel in the next book if R and H get together. It will cause more introspection, more figuring out of himself and who he is... and probably some teasers w/Ginny, but not completely "together," yk?

And yay Neville!! Wow, I loved how he's developed! Love his strength. LOVED that he could have just as easily been the fulfillment of that prophecy! Really gives us some new light on him.

Was reaaallly disappointed in Dumbledore. He was just stupid in making those mistakes. Made him so much less God-like.

I think the best part of the book was the DA. The book was just too dang long. IMO it didn't add anything to the story line. 500+ pages building up to what you know is the inevitable (battling w/Voldemort). Just didn't seem necessary. Only a few characters were really built in that time, like Neville, Ginny, Harry's new anger though it wasn't explored enough IMO, and the rest just seemed to throw in as many new characters as possible. Probably to set up for book #6.

I thought Luna fancies Ron..

I'm also having a hard time how a bunch of students could take on the Death Eaters. But I feel the same about all Harry's confrontations w/Voldemort... it's just awfully far-fetched. Especially this time, w/all his unresolved and uncontrolled ager (Harry's) I thought it would be more obvious what a hinderance that was to him.

Oh, I remembered something else I wanted to talk about...Snape at school with Remus, Sirius, James & Lily. It was really disturbing for Harry (and for me) to see how mean his dad & his friends were when picking on Snape. It gives a reason for Snapes incredible dislike of Harry & Sirius, but on the other hand, Snape is an adult and is not relating to Harry as an adult should. It's not Harry's fault how his dad treated Snape.

Ginny is much more interesting now that she is not so timid around Harry. Should be fun to see if she will have more to do in the next books. I suppose so, since she is also on the Quidditch team now. I was kind of glad that there wasn't so much Quidditch in this book, but am glad that Ron was able to win the cup!

I thought RON was going to be the one who died! When they were fighting the death eaters, and Ron & Ginny caught up with Harry & Neville, Ron was soooo out of it and had blood coming out of his mouth--I didn't want to read anymore because I thought he was going to be breathing his last.

Now that Sirius is gone, who will be Harry's guardian? Dumbledore, Lupin, or does it go back to the Dursleys?

I guess everyone thinks Luna and Ron had more chemistry than Luna and Harry LOL!

This is fun! I don't usually get to talk about the Harry Potter books with anyone but my husband!

--Jennifer

Originally posted by hadalamb
And yay Neville!! Wow, I loved how he's developed! Love his strength. LOVED that he could have just as easily been the fulfillment of that prophecy! Really gives us some new light on him.

I'm also having a hard time how a bunch of students could take on the Death Eaters. But I feel the same about all Harry's confrontations w/Voldemort... it's just awfully far-fetched. Especially this time, w/all his unresolved and uncontrolled ager (Harry's) I thought it would be more obvious what a hinderance that was to him.

I don't think that Neville could have *really* been the one in the prophecy though.

Actually, I think it IS Harry and was never meant to be Neville in the prophecy.

Voldemort only heard the first of the prophecy, that the boy would be born....etc etc

He did not hear the part that said there would be a transfer of powers and the boy would be marked.

When Voldemort attacked Harry as a baby, he was out to kill him. He was not trying to mark him with a scar. That scar and the power transfer only happened BECAUSE Harry was the one in the prophecy. Otherwise, he would have died from the curse.

and as for the kids attacking the death eaters, I think it was only because Harry worked with them so much....it was only minor spells anyway, the stupify and the petrificatoin one.....they didn't really "beat" them so much as really be on their toes and have some spells they could use and took thier shots.

ahh... Jessica, have to disagree w/you about the prophecy. ;) I loved it *b/c* it had to do w/Voldemort's free choice, not just the old "fate" stuff. It could have been Neville just as easily, as could it have been a third person (anyone else dying to know if that third choice was someone we know??? must've been, right?) For whatever reason, Voldemort was sure it was Harry, and tried to kill him, not realizing V had to "mark" the child of prophecy. If V would have been able to control himself, he could have kept the prophecy from ever being fulfilled. Of course he didn't know that at the time, but I do think it's not an important point, since he was so full of hate he would not have been able to resist trying to kill H even if he had known. IMO. ;)

Ya, it was only minor spells, which is why I never "got it" that they could fend them off like that. Obviously it was more likely w/Harry, b/c he had that prophecy they couldn't break. But why didn't the death eaters just kill the other ones?? Surely V's death eaters wouldn't be duped by a bunch of Hogwart's students... ?? These are the same ppl who killed many of their parents.

Originally posted by hadalamb
ahh... Jessica, have to disagree w/you about the prophecy. ;) I loved it *b/c* it had to do w/Voldemort's free choice, not just the old "fate" stuff. It could have been Neville just as easily, as could it have been a third person (anyone else dying to know if that third choice was someone we know??? must've been, right?) For whatever reason, Voldemort was sure it was Harry, and tried to kill him, not realizing V had to "mark" the child of prophecy.

Ya, it was only minor spells, which is why I never "got it" that they could fend them off like that. Obviously it was more likely w/Harry, b/c he had that prophecy they couldn't break. But why didn't the death eaters just kill the other ones?? Surely V's death eaters wouldn't be duped by a bunch of Hogwart's students... ?? These are the same ppl who killed many of their parents.

I disagree with your disagreement! roflol It did not say that V "had" to mark the child of the prophecy, but that he *will* mark him as his equal

And if the kid in the prophecy was not *supposed* to be Harry, then the Avada Kedavra would have killed him instead of just giving him the scar, cause it did hit him?? *I* don't think Dumbledore is saying V chose Harry to be the one in the prophecy, but that he chose to come after Harry first, and with what happened during that meeting shows that Harry was the child mentioned in the prophecy...which is why Dumbledore says when Harry questions him "there is no doubt it was you"
I think the whole point was that there was another child born at the same time that the prophecy could have applied to, but V came after Harry first, and Harry showed to be the child by what happened when V tried to kill him, thus fulfilling the words of the prophecy. V did not know that Harry had powers that he would not himself know of.(relating to the love protection gained from his mother who died to protect him)

I am really excited to see how Neville will continue to develop, and I see a battle for him in the future where he himself will use the Avada Kedavra curse on Bellatrix Lestrange, and he will have the power to do it as he will really "mean it" and really "want to cause the death" in retribution for his parents.

as for the kids and simple curses and death eaters, I think the real reason why they were able to fight back is because the death eaters were concentrating so hard on getting to the propcehy first so they would be the one to give it to V and be in his good graces!

Also wanted to add, that IF there was a possibility that JK Rowling was going to go in the other direction,and say it was someone else that should have been in the prophecy, she would not have had done this:


"Then--it might not be me?" Said Harry.

"I am afraid, " said Dumbledore slowly, looking as though every word cost him a great effort, "that there is no doubt that it IS you."

she would have left it a little more up in the air so that it could be addressed at a later date.

you said something about the possibility of a third person. I just reread that passage and I don't see anything about a third person. Dumbledore says there were only two boys it could be--Neville and Harry.
Or were you just speaking hypothetically?
Or did I miss something??

Thanks!
Jeni

and one last thing to add really quick!

I don't think there is a chance for Ron and Hermoine.

Did you read that there will be more major deaths coming up?

Hermoine is "rumored" to be one of them in the 6th book, and killed by someone surprising! that is why I think they are bringing in Luna and showing her attraction to Ron.

Originally posted by JeniLyn
you said something about the possibility of a third person. I just reread that passage and I don't see anything about a third person. Dumbledore says there were only two boys it could be--Neville and Harry.
Or were you just speaking hypothetically?
Or did I miss something??

Thanks!
Jeni

hmm... I really thought it said that about 3 possibilities... I think if ds falls asleep soon enough (lol) I'll go steal the book from him and re-read those parts... what Jessica said too about the prophecy stuff. It *was* after 11:00 pm last night when I finished it... and I *did* read a different 300+ page novel the night before I started HP. :rolleyes: Holy cow, that's about 1200 pages in 2 days!! Now why can't I read my textbooks that quickly.

And OMGosh, so help me, if Hermione dies I will boycott the serious!! :eek:

I do think Luna has a crush on Ron, but I think no way will it be fulfilled. It will go easily enough.:D

Oh, and Jessica, that quote didn't do a thing to rally me to your side, lol. Of course it *is* Harry now that V marked him... which makes sense that D would have said that... *now* it really is Harry, no question about it. But it didn't *have* to be Harry originally. You think Neville's parents didn't love him that much too? That his mom wouldn't have died for him, which would have also brought him power to be saved?

Where did you hear these rumors Jessica?

Was anyone disappointed by something in (or not in) the book?

I was really hoping that there would be some way to help Neville's parents.

I was surprised that she portrayed James Potter as being mean to Snape. I know there was no love lost between them but it seems like many of the people who knew him thought he was a great guy and that showed him as something else. I wonder if Snape kept the memory from Harry because it was out of character for James to act that way??

I'm thinking that Snape did have a crush on Lily....

I was disappointed how Percy acted, although it seemed very in character for him.

I wish we had heard more about some of the characters we were already introduced to... e.g. the older Weasley boys. Unless Luna plays a bigger part in subsequent books I think her part could have been "played" by kids already introduced to us... e.g. Colin Creevy.

Originally posted by hadalamb

And OMGosh, so help me, if Hermione dies I will boycott the serious!! :eek:

Oh, and Jessica, that quote didn't do a thing to rally me to your side, lol. Of course it *is* Harry now that V marked him... which makes sense that D would have said that... *now* it really is Harry, no question about it. But it didn't *have* to be Harry originally. You think Neville's parents didn't love him that much too? That his mom wouldn't have died for him, which would have also brought him power to be saved?

Where did you hear these rumors Jessica?

Actually, the reason I said that in the quote is because if it wasn't supposed to be harry, he would have died with the curse instead of just being marked....it wasn't V just deciding to mark him, he was trying to kill him, but he had those powers inside of him that make it to where V couldn't kill him.

Yes, I think that Neville's parents probably loved him, but he did not have the same powers inside of him that Harry does. And do we know if Neville's parents defeated V 3 times as is said in the prophecy?

The rumors I read on another board discussing the book, and I thought it was relating to an interview given regarding the upcoming books?? I will have to see if I can find it! I really hope it is not true, cause I love Hermoine. But I do know the quote about major characters dying soon came straight from JK's mouth (just not sure on the Hermoine thing) I also heard that they are only going to make 1 more movie...and I will be so mad if that is the case!

I was really disappointed in the James treating Snape poorly thing too....and I am really hoping there comes a time when Snape and Potter bond....KWIM?? I think it is there, just under the surface!

I think Luna was playing a role in this one cause she helped in so many things that no one else in their crowd could...the invisible horses, the veil in the arch way....etc etc.

Originally posted by jessica_momof5
Yes, I think that Neville's parents probably loved him, but he did not have the same powers inside of him that Harry does. And do we know if Neville's parents defeated V 3 times as is said in the prophecy?


We *are* told that Nevilles parents defeated V three times...that is why the (?) was on the prophecy and *I think* that Harry's name was simply added to it later when the whole "attack/scar" thing happened. It proved that it was Harry.

Was anyone upset that Harry didn't open the mirror earlier? :(

>>I think Luna was playing a role in this one cause she helped in so many things that no one else in their crowd could...the invisible horses, the veil in the arch way....etc etc.<<

See I think some of the lesser known characters could have fufilled this role... for instance, perhaps one reason that Colin looked up to Harry in his first year could have been that he had lost someone near and dear to him too?

>>Was anyone upset that Harry didn't open the mirror earlier? <<

For some reason I assumed the knife was what Sirius gave Harry until the end of the book.

Originally posted by mum-at-home
We *are* told that Nevilles parents defeated V three times...that is why the (?) was on the prophecy and *I think* that Harry's name was simply added to it later when the whole "attack/scar" thing happened. It proved that it was Harry.


Yes, exactly. We were told both Neville and Harry's parents had defeated Voldemort 3 times.

The prophecy says:

the one with the POWER to vanquish the dark Lord [doesn't say he *will*]

born to those who have thrice defeated him

born as the 7th month dies

the Dark Lord WILL MARK him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not

Ah!! Found my proof for ya Jessica. ;) top of page 842, Dumbledore says:

".."it may not have meant you at all. Sibyll's prophecy could have been applied to two wizard boys......." [okay, no idea where I got the "3" options, I was wrong there!]

D says "no doubt it is you Harry" and H says but you said it could've been Neville too...

D says "You are forgetting the next part of the prophecy, the final identifying feature of the boy who could vanquish V... V himself would 'mark him as his equal.' And so he did Harry. HE CHOSE YOU, not Neville. HE GAVE YOU the scar......"

Then D explains that he chose H b/c he thought he presented more of a danger to him. He didn't choose the pureblood, but a half-blood like himself. "He saw himself in you."

So it was all about CHOICE, not so much fate. And when Harry asks why he didn't just wait and see if H or Neville looked like the bigger threat, D said b/c V missed the last part of the prophecy. And V had no idea that he risked transferring power to the one who he attacked. He probably attacked as a baby thinking it would be an easy kill. <shudder>

Originally posted by jessica_momof5

When Voldemort attacked Harry as a baby, he was out to kill him. He was not trying to mark him with a scar. That scar and the power transfer only happened BECAUSE Harry was the one in the prophecy. Otherwise, he would have died from the curse.

I think that the only reason that Harry didn't die when Voldemorte attacked him was because Lily had already died protecting him, thus sealing Harry in her protection spell "of the oldest magic". Neville's parents didn't die protecting him, so the old magic was not done on him. Voldemorte could kill Neville, but not Harry.

Now, who else thinks that Tom Riddle is Lily's father? : D

Another interesting point is that Voldemorte seems to be trying to turn Harry into himself. Riddle was an orphan and Harry is an orphan. Both have been raised by horrible muggles.

I think that Rowling is such a great writer that until nook seven comes out I'm not going to say if something was good or bad. I really think so highly of her writing that I think all the hanging threads will be tied up (such as the issue of Harry's father dying *after* Lily).

I need to read these books over again. I won't be reading them at such a breakneck speed! I was so in the thick of the book that I didn't notice "Barney" coming on after "Cailou". You know a writer is good if she can get you to not notice that music! LOL!

I have seen around that in the movies Gary Oldman will be playing Sirius. I'm gonna need to bring smelling salts to the movie theater ; )

Originally posted by hadalamb

Ah!! Found my proof for ya Jessica. ;) top of page 842, Dumbledore says:

".."it may not have meant you at all. Sibyll's prophecy could have been applied to two wizard boys......." [okay, no idea where I got the "3" options, I was wrong there!]

D says "no doubt it is you Harry" and H says but you said it could've been Neville too...

D says "You are forgetting the next part of the prophecy, the final identifying feature of the boy who could vanquish V... V himself would 'mark him as his equal.' And so he did Harry. HE CHOSE YOU, not Neville. HE GAVE YOU the scar......"



Yeah, well, you say potato, I say potato(ok--that doesn't come out just right in writing does it?)

My point is still that yes, it COULD have been Neville, before anything happened, it could have applied to either boy.... but as soon as V attacked Harry and scarred him instead of killing him, it was shown that it was Harry and not Neville and thus the prophecy was shown to apply to Harry and not Neville.

He didn't CHOSE to give him a scar or a mark, he was trying to kill him, not scar him.

Originally posted by jessica_momof5
Yeah, well, you say potato, I say potato(ok--that doesn't come out just right in writing does it?)

My point is still that yes, it COULD have been Neville, before anything happened, it could have applied to either boy.... but as soon as V attacked Harry and scarred him instead of killing him, it was shown that it was Harry and not Neville and thus the prophecy was shown to apply to Harry and not Neville.

He didn't CHOSE to give him a scar or a mark, he was trying to kill him, not scar him.

Yes, I agree w/this! I just meant that it COULD have been either boy. It *wasn't* etched in stone until V attacked Harry. He could have just as easily have attacked Neville, and that would have left a mark as well.

I agree that he didn't CHOOSE to scar him, V had no clue that would happen since he missed the second part of the prophecy. But he DID *choose* him. KWIM?

Now, the missing link here, is why did V only think of Harry as a possibility? Why didn't he think of Neville? There must have been some additional factors that we haven't been privy to yet. Since V himself was the one who finally killed Lily and James, and he let his Death Eaters deal w/Neville's parents... and they didn't even kill them. What were the circumstances that made V hell-bent on the Potters? Had Tom Riddle loved Lily as well?? I agree w/whoever said Snapes did! Maybe James was just a jerk in general, though at least on the right side. Maybe it was Lily who was the "good" one. After all, D never said it was his parent's love that saved him, it was his mother's, correct?

Elizabeth I totally agree w/the whole V and H having such similar backgrounds. In fact, I'll bet H will become quite tempted at the prospect in the future, and that V could very well present himself to Harry as a father figure. after all, look at the anger Harry had all throughout this book. And now he lost his only positive parental figure, and he may blame Dumbledore for that... Harry won't succomb in the end of course. ;) But maybe he will be the undoing of one of the deaths of his friends or something?? I don't think it will be so cut and dry next time. Especially now that we see James Potter was such a jerk in school. I can see Harry justifying a lot of things to be tempted to the dark side (lol).

Now, the missing link here, is why did V only think of Harry as a possibility? Why didn't he think of Neville? There must have been some additional factors that we haven't been privy to yet. Since V himself was the one who finally killed Lily and James, and he let his Death Eaters deal w/Neville's parents... and they didn't even kill them. What were the circumstances that made V hell-bent on the Potters? Had Tom Riddle loved Lily as well?? I agree w/whoever said Snapes did! Maybe James was just a jerk in general, though at least on the right side. Maybe it was Lily who was the "good" one. After all, D never said it was his parent's love that saved him, it was his mother's, correct?

I think V didn't get a chance to get to Neville. Probably Neville's parents had already been driven insane, as the deatheaters didn't do too much after V was "destroyed". Perhaps he just went to the potter's house first, was destroyed and never got to Neville at his Grandma's?

Tom Riddle was not at school when Lily and James were.

I think Sirius and Lupin both tried to make it clear to Harry that James *wasn't* a jerk--at least not as he grew older and outgrew his tendency to show off. Too many people think too highly of James for me to believe that that one scene is indicative of his normal adult behavior.

I want to read more responses, then I'll add more to mine :)

edited to add more:

These are things I've read that I don't agree with or don't understand.

Sirius gave Harry the knife in a previous book and I think he explains that he's giving him something to use to contact him if he needs to--I can't find that part.

What make people think Snape fancied Lily? It's wormtail who write her initials on his OWL paper.

Petunia can't be a squib, b/c her and Lily's parents were not wizards. Lily was the only wizard in her family, and squibs come from wizarding families. This is also why I don't think Riddle is Lily's father.

I just don't think V is actually related at all to Harry, but we'll see when the next two books come out! ;)

One more thing-- Someone mentioned that Snape made Draco prefect to keep an eye on him, but it's Dumbledore who names the prefects, not the head's of houses--I thought his choosing of Draco very odd, but perhaps it's for the same reason mentioned above???

Jeni

Originally posted by JeniLyn
I think V didn't get a chance to get to Neville. Probably Neville's parents had already been driven insane, as the deatheaters didn't do too much after V was "destroyed". Perhaps he just went to the potter's house first, was destroyed and never got to Neville at his Grandma's?

Tom Riddle was not at school when Lily and James were.

I think Sirius and Lupin both tried to make it clear to Harry that James *wasn't* a jerk--at least not as he grew older and outgrew his tendency to show off. Too many people think too highly of James for me to believe that that one scene is indicative of his normal adult behavior.

I want to read more responses, then I'll add more to mine :)

Jeni

But certainly Voldemort knew Lily?

I think that the episode w/James was nothing more than what Sirius said it was, James being a (somewhat typical) teenage jerk. I don't think it meant he was an idiot, but it did take away the saint-like belief we all (and Harry) had of him. Maybe he (James) really struggled w/that, yk? I don't think he was bad, but maybe wasn't that pure good that we always thought...

I was saying RIDDLE didn't go to school with them, so how could he be in love with her??
We know that as he gets more evil, there is *no* love in him; that's why Harry was able to beat him so easily at the end of the book--it's Harry's *love* of sirius that cast V out of him.

I think the james being mean episode is very realistic. If we have good parents, we all realise at some point that they're not perfect and it's hard to realise that--I know it was for me!! So this seems to be a necessary thing for Harry. He needs to start seeing that Snape has his reasons for being angry (other than Sirius trying to get him killed as was revealed in Prisoner of Azkaban)...

One question--Why is Harry so mad at Snape at the end? He keeps saying it's his fault and he won't forgive him. Because he stopped teaching Harry? I don't understand this b/c Snape got Harry's clue and checked to see if Sirius was okay--and he even searched for Harry and his friends!

Jeni

Originally posted by JeniLyn
One question--Why is Harry so mad at Snape at the end? He keeps saying it's his fault and he won't forgive him. Because he stopped teaching Harry? I don't understand this b/c Snape got Harry's clue and checked to see if Sirius was okay--and he even searched for Harry and his friends!

All of this is IMHO -

I think it's Harry's pain and youth talking. Yes, Snape should have kept teaching him. Harry should not have looked in the Pensive, though. It's worse than reading a diary, IMO.

Another thing that I love about these books is that as Harry ages he deals with more and more of real life. For me fifteen really was the time I began to realize how biased the media is. It's also the age that you start realizing that your heros are human. I think we are going to start seeing the Wizarding World in a very different light as Harry ages. It won't be the perfect world he's though it was.

Originally posted by ESMcKeeman
I think we are going to start seeing the Wizarding World in a very different light as Harry ages. It won't be the perfect world he's though it was.

This is a better way of saying what I meant. I do think the pendulum will swing though. That Harry will see it all as "unfair" b/c he'll feel like he was lied to etc. Isn't that how 15 yo's respond when they learn that life isn't as black and white as they once thought? They sort of say "to heck w/you all then."

I didn't say I thought V loved lily, but I wonder about the possibility. Insert the word "lust" or "covet" for love then. Love doesn't always have to be pure in my book, to be able to use the term. I dunno... we haven't been presented w/a new look at Lily yet, so I'm just saying she may indeed be the saint she's been made out to be (she was defending Snape completely, though there was mention of trying not to smile at one point I believe).

ITA about how awful it was that Harry did that... WAY worse than a diary reading. I felt that sort of killed all hope of he and Snape bonding. It seemed possible before Harry chose to do that. I think Snape will always keep us guessing... i think H will always question Snape's loyalty, though I personally don't distrust him.

Originally posted by JeniLyn
I think Sirius and Lupin both tried to make it clear to Harry that James *wasn't* a jerk--at least not as he grew older and outgrew his tendency to show off. Too many people think too highly of James for me to believe that that one scene is indicative of his normal adult behavior.


These are things I've read that I don't agree with or don't understand.

Sirius gave Harry the knife in a previous book and I think he explains that he's giving him something to use to contact him if he needs to--I can't find that part.


Jeni

I agree on the James thing. I don't think he was a jerk all the time....he was only 15 during that vision! I think Harry was so mad because he never thought Snape had real reason to hate his dad....and frankly, Harry has a lot of emotions to deal with in this book....again, all a part of being 15! LOL I keep seeing so much mention about the surprise of Harry's anger in this book...but consider what is going on in his life! Voldemort is back, school is harder, he is kept out of the loop, he feels as if he is abandoned by Dumbledore...his whole world is tipping upside down...and he is 15!! that is so much to deal with and NOT be angry.

I thought that Sirius gave the knife to him in this book for x-mas?? The part you are referring to about the item used for contacting him is (if I remember correctly) after they are at the house when Weasley was attacked with the snake bite....they leave, and Sirius gives him something wrapped up and says "use this if you ever need to contact me"

I just wanted to see if anyone else thinks that the books are starting to veer towards a more adult tone/audience? I think that the emotions and relationships of the characters, but especially Harry are getting more complex.

For example, in 5, Dudley and Harry have an actual conversation. Granted, they are arguing, but they are arguing as real 14 year olds might. In the other books, Dudley is just there as a big thoughtless jerk who likes to beat up Harry.

I wonder if this is because JK Rowling is growing as a writer, or if she is growing her books with Harry?

How does this work as kids read the series? Will younger readers, say 9-10 years understand what is going on in the later books?

Agree, disagree?

--Jennifer :)

I thought that Sirius gave the knife to him in this book for x-mas?? The part you are referring to about the item used for contacting him is (if I remember correctly) after they are at the house when Weasley was attacked with the snake bite....they leave, and Sirius gives him something wrapped up and says "use this if you ever need to contact me"

Sirius and Lupin gave Harry a set of books to use for DA for Christmas in this book; the knife was from another book, I'm pretty sure, I just can't remember if it's 3 or 4. :) Anyone else remember? Am I right or wrong?

You're right about the mirror; Sirius gave it to him when they were dealing with Mr. Weasley. Harry also vowed NOT to use it b/c he didn't want to be the one to "lure" Sirius out of the house. Is this perhaps why he didn't use it before?? He was so determined NOT to use it that he forgot he even had it?

How does this work as kids read the series? Will younger readers, say 9-10 years understand what is going on in the later books?

I'm not completely sure how it will affect kids. I think the books are "growing" with Harry, but I still think kids will love them. I know there are a lot of books I read as a child, that I've reread as an adult and I think "whoa! I missed a *lot* in there!!" Perhaps these books will be the same?? The kids will still love them; then when the reread them when they're older they'll realise how much more cool stuff there is below the surface.

JMHO,
Jeni

Well, everybody seems to have enjoyed the book overall. You all brought up some very interesting points. There are a few others I thought about.
#1-in the 1st book, Ron looked through the Mirror of Erised and "saw" himself as prefect AND on the quidditch team(I believe as team captain but this was a start..:) AND as headboy. Well, he seems to be on his way of carrying out those wishes, huh?
#2-Someone mentioned Harry being very angry in this book. Has anyone thought that maybe this connection with V has "carried over" V's emotions and general feeling as well? Harry can "feel" like V feels-angry most of the time? And maybe that's why he is sooo quick to lose his temper with everyone?
#3-That Umbridge b#tch, using the spell on Harry to make him tell her the truth???? I was soooooooo mad, I wanted to reach in the book and grab her by her big fat neck and break it!!!
It's OK for someone who works for the ministry to use those forbidden spells, is it?
#4-I am sooooo glad to finally see the deatheaters identities come out in the open. Do you think Malfoy will be just as arrogant next year knowing the whole school knows his (and Crabbe and Goyle's)fathers are followers of V? Yah, who am I kidding???
#5-I thought the fact that Snape DIDNT reveal to Harry just how mean his father could be at times shows great character qualities that we might not have seen or fully understood before. He could have easily viciously shown Harry his father's "bad"side. But he chose not to. Snape is definately one of the hardest characters to grasp!!

Well, I just finished it. I seem to be a much slower reader than some of you :)

I was surprised at the lack of "violence" in Sirius' death. I thought there would be something more chaotic or full of fanfare, rather than him just falling through the veil.

Harry's temper bothered me throughout the book. I understand why he has some anger, but the way he was expressing it really seemed uncharacteristic. He almost seemed........mean. I'm wondering if that is how JK Rowling has been feeling about the pressure to write the last books? She's angry, so incorporated that into Harry?

I really saw NO romantic anything throughout this book. I really thought that someone would "hook up."

Loved seeing more of the history with Snape and the (young) Potters (Lily and James). Gives us more insight.

I wish Harry didn't have to go back to the Dursleys, but understand now why he has to.

Hated Umbridge.

So, the next book, they'll be 16. Any ideas on what happens? Or when it MIGHT be out?

(I didn't want to miss anything important! LOL)

A few questions:

#1 What will happen with the forbidden forest now that the centaurs are *on guard* against humans because of Firenze leaving them to teach for Dumbledore?

#2 What is going to become of Grawp, step-brother to Hagrid?

#3 Is Harry going to keep that 2-way mirror for future use?

#4 Neville was subjected to the cruiacious curse...do you think he'll become an auror out of pure spite to the death eaters/V?

#5 Will Ron and Hermione have longer lasting effects from their *wounds* than the ending of the book implies? (brain and the purple light)

#6 What is that *thing* that Harry has that V doesn't, and also resides in that room in the Dept of Mysteries?

#7 What will happen to Kreacher? Is he free to leave the Black's since he's already served the Dark Lord/V and Sirius is dead? And since Sirius is dead, will Kreacher be able to divulge *secrets* he learned while the order of the phoenix was residing/based there?

#8 What will happen to the order? Will they still use Black's house even though he's dead?

#9 Now that it's known the Umbridge is employed by the Ministry of Magic, but has served, even indirectly...aka not necessarily under the command of V....will she keep her job? Was she under that curse where she'd have to do V's bidding? ???

#10 Will Professor McGonagall recover completely?

#11 Will the next book go more into depth in the relationship of Dumbledore and Harry? (D cried at the end :sniff: )

#12 I wonder if Voldemorte is related somehow to Harry....

#13 I'm absolutely ECSTATIC that Fred and George went out on their own....and there seems to be no family feud because of it.

#14 This brings us to Percy...will he apologize to his family after being so mean, cruel and heartless?

#15 There was no mention of Charlie, was there? The brother working with the dragons in Romania, other than that he was a member of the order in a foreign country. Hmmm???

#16 I'm tired of Dumbledore thinking Harry should blindly obey his every order. A wee bit more explanation should be given in the future, I think, to prevent things like those that have happened in all 5 books so far, yk?

#17 It was definitely interesting to see all those *purebloods* that were on Sirius' family tree all intertwined with other wizarding families. VERY interesting.

I've got loads more questions (not that I expect answers until book 6, lol) and points to make, but that's a start!

Some of my thoughts/answers...

Originally posted by Stacy
#3 Is Harry going to keep that 2-way mirror for future use?
The mirror broke when he threw it in his trunk. I don't know if it can be repaired though.

#6 What is that *thing* that Harry has that V doesn't, and also resides in that room in the Dept of Mysteries?
A heart / love

#11 Will the next book go more into depth in the relationship of Dumbledore and Harry? (D cried at the end :sniff: )
I hope so- and I am VERY glad that I was wrong about the possibility of Dumbledore being the one who died during this book!

I also had some questions about Hermione...

Why was she at Sirius' house/headquarters during the summer? Why not at her own home? And certainly she would have been safer at home since her parents are muggles? Did it give a reason? If so, I missed it.

Why don't we have any info at all about her parents, other than the fact that they are muggles? I'm curious how and why she was asked to Hogwarts, and her initial reaction, her parents reactions etc.

I think that Harry, as Sirius' godson, would inherit the family property etc etc. Somehow Tonks needs to be brought in to the story, people who are shapeshifters...Rowling seems to do things for a definite purpose. Umbridge...ughhh. She makes me sick. Way too full of herself/

First of all, I don't think it said WHY Hermione was at the Black house during the summer; but she spends a lot of the summer with Ron's family based on the other books.

About her parents: The only thing I can remember is that they are dentists. I remember they didn't want to adjust Hermione's teeth (remember they used to be a bit "buck"?) and that when a spell made her teeth grow, she had madam pomfrey make them smaller than they were to begin with. I've always thought that part was funny!

Also, from the little bits given here and there, I believe her parents are a bit bewildered by her new world, but they are excited for her, too.

I agree, Mary, it would be neat to get more information about them (what WAS their response to the invite to hogwarts???)

:)

Jeni

Ps--OT, but interesting: I'm on bedrest. My parent's live 10 hours away and haven't been able to travel out to visit and they feel awful about it. Last week my dad came home from work with a bunch of things and asked my mom to mail them to me one by one. I have them all now (I think)...he bought 4 stuffed animals (hedwig, mrs norris, scabbers, and fluffy), and 2 mugs (one with Harry and one (really cool!!) that's black with the griffindor lion on it. :) Isn't that neat of my dad to realize that I LOVE these books?? He was going to buy me the book for the "finale", but my mom told him my dh had gotten me a gc for it in MARCH! lol!! :)

I am such a Harry Potter freak! But this thread is so long! Where to start!? I read slowly.


The mirror was definitely sad. I think it just goes to show that Sirius' death was not just one person's nor incidences fault. There were so many contributing factors. Which leads me to think that it just really was his time to go. :( And Jo said that she killed him off in a quick way because she wanted to show children that death happens fast. One minute the person you love is there and the next they are gone.

What will happen with Percy?

And Dumbledore...wow! :hello: Meow! As if I wasn't already in love with his wisdom.

I cried forever about the black quill. That is just wrong!

Lovewise: Definitely Ron and Hermione with Harry and Ginny. Maybe Neville and Luna. 'Nuff said. But I wonder if Harry will be afraid of a relationship since he knows his future is so shaky.

I do think it was love that saved Harry (on numerous occassions) but then someone on another forum pointed out that it was also the willingness to die for the cause. Voldy is afraid of death. And when Harry, instead of getting scared, was willing to die and his heart swelled with love for Sirius, Voldy could do nothing but leave.

I felt really bad for Snape. Especially knowing he came from an abusive household. But if you re-read the passage from his memory, you will see that although Jame's did start the wrongdoing, Snape certainly was not innocent for continuing it. On several occassions he aims his wand at James; even while his back is turned!

Snape should have let this go. It was not Harry who did this. But I also wonder if perhaps he had some feelings for Lily. I know he called her the dirty word, but could it be that was his way of showing his feelings? You know, how boys hit girls whom they like. Nor did Snape ever tell Harry how the occlumency lessons were so very important. Leading to why Harry has so much anger for Snape.

James' being the jerk when he was 15 relates to how Harry has been a jerk while he was 15 too. Maybe?

I think Dumbledore's "mistake" shows how Dumbledore really loves Harry and thinks of him as his child. Remember how he said he had checked in on Harry more times than he could ever know?

Regarding the length of the book, Jo said she was quite surprised at it's length too but that there were so many important clues for the future books that needed to go in. She didn't want to write a short book and have people say "hey there was no information that was going to happen". It just depends on how good we are at reading the clues she has left us.

I watched her webcast from the Royal Albert Hall where she read to 4,500 lucky school children and gave an interview. I would warn people not to watch this if you don't want any spoilers. Though she does not say it blatantly and I don't think the school children could pick up on it. I think I have caught on to too much. That is where I got the above information.

I love Gary Oldman. He is beautiful, sexy, one of the best actors....But I still stand by that Viggo Mortensen for Sirius and Ewan McGregor for Lupin. And Anthony Hopkins for Moody.

Oh and it was James who wrote "L.E." on his O.W.L. scratch paper.

I remember Jo saying that she was writing the books just to write them and that they weren't necessarily children's books. But that they were certainly marketed that way. She says they will just keep getting deeper and darker and not to let a child under 9 or 10 read them.

I think the Mirror of Erised (or desire see how it is spelled backwards?) was written to that the characters are going after that which they really want. A very good lesson for ALL of us.

How many other word plays have you found? I didn't find many, but they were pointed out to me.

What IS going to happen to Umbridge? She best not be let back into the MoM!

Draco I think w.... nevermind, I don't want to spoil it.

You're right, James is the one who wrote L.E. on his papers...I didn't read that paragraph carefully when I was double checking things!

Also--I don't think Umbridge ever *left* the MoM. She was at hogwarts as *part* of the MoM. Did they kick her out after all that happened at hogwarts???

I totally can not remember what the black quill was?? It made you cry and I can't remember it! Argh.

Now to answer some of Stacy's questions...

#1 What will happen with the forbidden forest now that the centaurs are *on guard* against humans because of Firenze leaving them to teach for Dumbledore?

I've been wondering about this, too. I hope that when Dumbledore went in to rescue Umbridge that he was able to do something to begin reparations???

#3 Is Harry going to keep that 2-way mirror for future use?

I agree with Margaret. It's broken. Also, to be used he'd have to get Sirius's half.

#4 Neville was subjected to the cruiacious curse...do you think he'll become an auror out of pure spite to the death eaters/V?

I don't know. But I thought it was especially cruel to use the curse on him that was used against his parents. That made me so angry!!!!!

#6 What is that *thing* that Harry has that V doesn't, and also resides in that room in the Dept of Mysteries?

Again, with Margaret. It's his love. I'm not that it actually RESIDED in the DoM, but it was, in a sense prophesied there.

#7 What will happen to Kreacher? Is he free to leave the Black's since he's already served the Dark Lord/V and Sirius is dead? And since Sirius is dead, will Kreacher be able to divulge *secrets* he learned while the order of the phoenix was residing/based there?

Another thing I've wondered about--CREEPY possibilities here. Does anyone remember anything that would stop him from revealing things now??

#9 Now that it's known the Umbridge is employed by the Ministry of Magic, but has served, even indirectly...aka not necessarily under the command of V....will she keep her job? Was she under that curse where she'd have to do V's bidding? ???

I don't think she was under the curse. I think she was following Fudge's ridiculous leading. Although she obviously has a soft spot for Slytherin house and pure-bloods. I think she's really really bad, perhaps evil--but I'm not convinced she's actually with Voldemort--yet.

#10 Will Professor McGonagall recover completely?

It's just her leg, right? She looked back to normal otherwise. Also--Snape seems genuinely glad to see her back (at least at first ;) ) and that makes me like him more.

#14 This brings us to Percy...will he apologize to his family after being so mean, cruel and heartless

I never particularly LIKED Percy, but he sank to a new low in this book. I was so mad at him. I hope he does apologize. I think his family (at least his parents) will be happy to forgive him.

#16 I'm tired of Dumbledore thinking Harry should blindly obey his every order. A wee bit more explanation should be given in the future, I think, to prevent things like those that have happened in all 5 books so far, yk?

I agree. Perhaps it's a bit like a parental relationship. Dumbledore needs to see, that at 15--or 16--Harry is old enough to handle more information than he may have been before. And his close enough to adulthood to actually deserve to be told more.

#17 It was definitely interesting to see all those *purebloods* that were on Sirius' family tree all intertwined with other wizarding families. VERY interesting.

It was interesting, but Sirius's reasons make complete sense. In order to remain PUREbloods, they have to intermarry.

wow what a long post.

I love this thread. :)

Jeni

Originally posted by JeniLyn
Also--I don't think Umbridge ever *left* the MoM. She was at hogwarts as *part* of the MoM. Did they kick her out after all that happened at hogwarts???

I totally can not remember what the black quill was?? It made you cry and I can't remember it! Argh.

I don't know. But I thought it was especially cruel to use the curse on him that was used against his parents. That made me so angry!!!!!

Jeni

The black quill was the quill that as he wrote the words Umbridge made him do for his detention made the word engraved into his skin......

I think Umbridge *might* be kicked out of MoM for what she has done, maybe that is what they were referring to?

I think that them using the curse on Neville is only going to help him grow stronger! And I truly believe that he will not only use that curse on the woman who did it to his parents, but I think eventually you will see him have the power to use the AK curse (death curse) on her as well!

I honestly don't think that it is ONLY love that Harry has that Voldemort does not. Because the prophesy was not in that room that was locked...the mysteries of magic room. I think there is something else that is in there that Harry possesses that V does not and that thing may be what ends up killing V.

So has anyone else wondered if Mrs Dursley is actually a witch? A witch that refused her powers? I am starting to see something coming out of that relationship.

And who now will be Harry's parental figure since Sirius is dead? Will it be Lupin since he was the other one of the group? Surely someone has to continue to tell Harry of his parents? Do you think Snape and Harry will become closer in books to come? (i do!!)

I thought something was funny about Petunia Dursley knowing so much about the wizarding world, too. Perhaps she was/is a witch that decided it was too *freaky* and so decided to live as a muggle? Or maybe she's just a sore loser (lol) and she wasn't accepted into Hogwarts and she's become very, er, rotten about the wizarding world? I think she had/has powers but for some reason doesn't have them or won't use them.

Hmmm............


Originally posted by jessica_momof5
So has anyone else wondered if Mrs Dursley is actually a witch? A witch that refused her powers? I am starting to see something coming out of that relationship.

I just finished it, after getting it in the mail on Thursday.

There are so many things I wanted to comment on, but everyone has already said what I wanted to say. ;)

The only thing I didn't like about the book was the difference in Harry's attitude. He just seemed to have changed so much, like he isn't Harry anymore. I understand very well why this is though. ;)

Luna liked Ron.

I hope Viktor is brought back in the next book.



And now a request from all you HP lovers:

Can you link me to some good sites where I can read up on the "rumors" as to what is going to happen?

The only thing I hate about reading these books is that I know it's going to be forever before the next comes out. :(

Originally posted by JeniLyn

I think the james being mean episode is very realistic. If we have good parents, we all realise at some point that they're not perfect and it's hard to realise that--I know it was for me!! So this seems to be a necessary thing for Harry. He needs to start seeing that Snape has his reasons for being angry (other than Sirius trying to get him killed as was revealed in Prisoner of Azkaban)...

Jeni


The memory was Snape's soo James being mean to him couldhave been different than Snape remembered--you know--we all rmember things differently than say our sibs do. Was just thining sure James may have beenmean to Snape but I sure would like to see it from Lily's perspective or someone else's memory too.

Loved the book--where is #6????? LOL!

Here are the Harry's sites I go to:

For daily information try the Leaky Cauldron
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/

For a family-friendly yet grown up forum for discussing too much Harry Potter. Try HP Galleries but let me warn you that it could spoil future books so be careful about what you choose to read. I have read things that I don't want to necessarily know because now I can go back and read past books and have huges clues about what might happen in upcoming ones. And the server is down now. You can still get to the main page, but the actual forums are down.
http://www.hpgalleries.co.uk/forum/index.php

Enjoy!