Aberforth! Why didn't I think of that? I knew that I should know who the blue eye is, but I couldn't arrive at Aberforth.
I was going to theorize that his Patronus was the doe, but he identifies it as a goat.
And now I'm going to do that really annoying thing where my liveblogging entries get short because I want to see what happens next. (Plus I'm getting sleepy (I've had maybe 5 hours sleep in the past 24 hours, and I just ate potatoes) so I want to finish before I fall asleep.)
Showing posts with label harry potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label harry potter. Show all posts
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Chapter 27: The Final Hiding Place
It did NOT occur to me that Harry's mental connection to Voldemort would help him find the Horcruxes! I guess that's why JKR weakened it in Book 6. Everyone predicted they would go to Hogwarts on a Horcrux hunt so that's no surprise there, but the consensus seemed to be that that would satisfy our need for Hogwarts fun. Which it surely won't. But I don't find myself missing Hogwarts as much as I thought I would.
My inner child wants to add a quote from Hermione from the last chapter:
"She tastes disgusting, worse than Gurdyroots! OK, Ron, come here so I can do you..."
My inner child wants to add a quote from Hermione from the last chapter:
"She tastes disgusting, worse than Gurdyroots! OK, Ron, come here so I can do you..."
Chapter 26: Gringotts
Well, that explains Ron and Hermione's clothes on the cover. I always thought they were just a wee bit fussier than appropriate, but I figured that was an artistic decision. I should learn to trust that these people know what they're doing!
And also the dragon WASN'T Norbert! (Who is now Norberta.) (Unless, through some bizarre coincidence, it was.)
And also the dragon WASN'T Norbert! (Who is now Norberta.) (Unless, through some bizarre coincidence, it was.)
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Chapter 25: Shell Cottage
I call a Dean & Luna ship, and renew my assertion that it's a goblin holding the sword on the cover, not an elf.
I also wonder why there was no attempt whatsoever to explain to Griphook "Dude, you can have thw sword, just not right away." Like they didn't even think about trying. You'd think the thought would have at least crossed their minds.
I'm going to take a Python break now and start reading again in a hour.
I also wonder why there was no attempt whatsoever to explain to Griphook "Dude, you can have thw sword, just not right away." Like they didn't even think about trying. You'd think the thought would have at least crossed their minds.
I'm going to take a Python break now and start reading again in a hour.
Chapter 24: The Wandmaker
I guessed just two paragraphs before the trio did that Dumbledore had the Elder Wand.
If Bill and Fleur's house is under Fidelius, how did everyone manage to apparate there? Even if the others knew, what about Dobby?
This mirror thing is intriguing, I hope we get a full explanation.
What if the house elf on the cover is really a goblin?
Since Dobby has proven that he can apparate anyone anywhere, are they going to get out of tight spots from now on by calling Kreacher and having him apparate them out?
If Bill and Fleur's house is under Fidelius, how did everyone manage to apparate there? Even if the others knew, what about Dobby?
This mirror thing is intriguing, I hope we get a full explanation.
What if the house elf on the cover is really a goblin?
Since Dobby has proven that he can apparate anyone anywhere, are they going to get out of tight spots from now on by calling Kreacher and having him apparate them out?
Chapter 23: Malfoy Manor
When I saw the title of this chapter, I guessed that was where the vault on the cover was located. But it isn't.
Okay, so did Wormtail just die by his own silver hand? That makes two deaths in this chapter - two completely unexpected deaths (Wormtail I expected but under different circumstances) and both by silver. Awful as it sounds, I found myself laughing giddily with joy at the sheer unexpectedness of these deaths. Not at the deaths themselves, but at the joy of having JKR throw something completely unexpected at me.
Okay, so did Wormtail just die by his own silver hand? That makes two deaths in this chapter - two completely unexpected deaths (Wormtail I expected but under different circumstances) and both by silver. Awful as it sounds, I found myself laughing giddily with joy at the sheer unexpectedness of these deaths. Not at the deaths themselves, but at the joy of having JKR throw something completely unexpected at me.
Chapter 22: The Deathly Hallows
So THAT'S who Peverell is! I knew we'd seen that name before!
The radio program is a clever device for getting caught up, and the Taboo is a clever way of making Harry's habit of saying the word Voldemort into an actual plot point! I wonder if the Taboo existed last time around?
The emotional arc of this chapter was good - we went from high to low quite smoothly.
I keep forgetting that the characters don't know they're in a book with a definite timeline, and wondering why they don't feel more rushed. Then I realize that they think they have the rest of their lives to destroy the Horcruxes.
I see about 250 pages left, 3 Horcruxes to destroy, and one Deathly Hallow to find (and learn how to use). I wonder if this means I'm going to be page-turning for the rest of the book?
The radio program is a clever device for getting caught up, and the Taboo is a clever way of making Harry's habit of saying the word Voldemort into an actual plot point! I wonder if the Taboo existed last time around?
The emotional arc of this chapter was good - we went from high to low quite smoothly.
I keep forgetting that the characters don't know they're in a book with a definite timeline, and wondering why they don't feel more rushed. Then I realize that they think they have the rest of their lives to destroy the Horcruxes.
I see about 250 pages left, 3 Horcruxes to destroy, and one Deathly Hallow to find (and learn how to use). I wonder if this means I'm going to be page-turning for the rest of the book?
Chapter 21: The Tale of the Three Brothers
So assuming Harry's cloak is The Cloak, and the wand in Ollivander's window is The Wand, what is The Stone?
Chapter 20: Xenophilius Lovegood
At the end of this chapter I went "OH!" I had completely forgotten that we still have to find out what Deathly Hallows are!
The Lovegoods' house is nothing like how I pictured it, but it is very similar to the home of my Rowena Ravenclaw Mary Sue. Since both the Lovegoods we've met are both Ravenclaws, I might take advantage of that if I feel inspired to write fic.
Also, either in this chapter or the last one, JKR said that someone was "on the point of" doing something. That is such a gallic construction! Is it in common use in Britain? Here, if I tried to use it in one of my translations, I'd be toldnot to on the basis that it's a gallicism!
The Lovegoods' house is nothing like how I pictured it, but it is very similar to the home of my Rowena Ravenclaw Mary Sue. Since both the Lovegoods we've met are both Ravenclaws, I might take advantage of that if I feel inspired to write fic.
Also, either in this chapter or the last one, JKR said that someone was "on the point of" doing something. That is such a gallic construction! Is it in common use in Britain? Here, if I tried to use it in one of my translations, I'd be toldnot to on the basis that it's a gallicism!
Chapter 19: The Silver Doe
Dear JKR:
You'd better explain:
a) where this doe came from
b) how the sword got there
c) what that glowy light thing that helped Ron is
d) the nature and composition of the little wand Harry now has. (I seem to recall that Umbridge had a small wand? And, my inner child would like to add, Fudge was described as having small feet?)
However, the story seemes to be raising back up from the pit of despair, which is a good thing. But I'm still knocking on wood because I don't want to jinx anyone.
You'd better explain:
a) where this doe came from
b) how the sword got there
c) what that glowy light thing that helped Ron is
d) the nature and composition of the little wand Harry now has. (I seem to recall that Umbridge had a small wand? And, my inner child would like to add, Fudge was described as having small feet?)
However, the story seemes to be raising back up from the pit of despair, which is a good thing. But I'm still knocking on wood because I don't want to jinx anyone.
Chapter 18: The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore
This is an odd chapter. On one hand, it has a bunch of background information and comes close to addressing some of our questions. On the other hand, it was all written by Rita Skeeter so we can't trust any of it.
It would be very tight writing if Grindlewald ended up being key to defeating Voldemort. I don't think anyone anticipated that - Grindy was always presented as ancient history, far in the past. It would be like if Hitler were key to defeating Bin Laden.
Oops, I mentioned Hitler. Does that mean I lose?
It would be very tight writing if Grindlewald ended up being key to defeating Voldemort. I don't think anyone anticipated that - Grindy was always presented as ancient history, far in the past. It would be like if Hitler were key to defeating Bin Laden.
Oops, I mentioned Hitler. Does that mean I lose?
Chapter 17: Bathilda's Secret
Wow, I didn't expect them to be in such a rough spot at this point. They're halfway through the book with no horcruxes destroyed, no further leads on any horcruxes, and now Harry is without a wand!
I can see a couple of places where this might be going. One is that it will take them to Ollivander's with the Ravenclaw's Wand theory. Another is that the fact that Harry no longer has Voldemort's brother wand will come into play. (Although it would have to be a pretty hardcore coincidence for Harry to end up with a wand that's the brother of whatever wand he finds himself facing next. But remember how the contents of Lucius's wand were mentioned at the beginning? That must be important.)
I'd say that it can only be uphill from here, but JKR could totally make it do downhill even more, so I don't want to jinx anyone.
I can see a couple of places where this might be going. One is that it will take them to Ollivander's with the Ravenclaw's Wand theory. Another is that the fact that Harry no longer has Voldemort's brother wand will come into play. (Although it would have to be a pretty hardcore coincidence for Harry to end up with a wand that's the brother of whatever wand he finds himself facing next. But remember how the contents of Lucius's wand were mentioned at the beginning? That must be important.)
I'd say that it can only be uphill from here, but JKR could totally make it do downhill even more, so I don't want to jinx anyone.
Chapter 16: Godric's Hollow
Not much happens here. I would have expected more in a chapter with such an important title.
I have a vague sense that Harry and Hermione are doing something stupid, but I also have a vague sense that the Potters' gravestone is fake, because of the weird inscription in it.
We'll see, won't we?
I have a vague sense that Harry and Hermione are doing something stupid, but I also have a vague sense that the Potters' gravestone is fake, because of the weird inscription in it.
We'll see, won't we?
Chapter 15: The Goblin's Revenge
Clever way of lettings us know what's going on back at Hogwarts! I'm glad to see the other half of the hex doing something helpful too. I also jst realized that by having Snape in charge of Hogwarts, JKR is alleviating our sadness at not getting to go back to Hogwarts. It's not a fun place any more, so who cares if we can't go back? Well done JKR!
Also, this development with Ron is unexpected.
I find myself nodding off now (I didn't get a proper night's sleep last night) so I'm going to have a wee little nap break before I go further.
Also, this development with Ron is unexpected.
I find myself nodding off now (I didn't get a proper night's sleep last night) so I'm going to have a wee little nap break before I go further.
Chapter 14: The Thief
First of all, I should have said this a few chapters ago, but gold star for JKR on the Gregorovitch callback. I also like seeing the tent from the Quidditch World Cup again - I originally took this to be just a whimiscal detail so I like seeing that JKR is way ahead of me.
Interesting that the trio have slept in the same room several times without any sexual tension. I do like how JKR keeps the shipping subdued, especially when more important things are going on. I think that's something I'll keep in mind if I ever write fiction myself - if the scene isn't about the romance, it's better to just quietly take it as a given.
The apparating situation isn't clear here. Are all three of them apparating? Harry isn't licenced, is he? Did Hermione side-along both Ron and Hermione to the Quidditch World Cup site? I thought you could only side-along one at a time.
Langling note: at one point, the word "fantasise" was used with that spelling. I am aware of the use of S instead of Z in British, but that's the first time I've ever seen it in that particular word. It looks funny to me.
PS: Going back to Remus's angst a while back, hasn't it already been established that being a werewolf isn't hereditary?
Interesting that the trio have slept in the same room several times without any sexual tension. I do like how JKR keeps the shipping subdued, especially when more important things are going on. I think that's something I'll keep in mind if I ever write fiction myself - if the scene isn't about the romance, it's better to just quietly take it as a given.
The apparating situation isn't clear here. Are all three of them apparating? Harry isn't licenced, is he? Did Hermione side-along both Ron and Hermione to the Quidditch World Cup site? I thought you could only side-along one at a time.
Langling note: at one point, the word "fantasise" was used with that spelling. I am aware of the use of S instead of Z in British, but that's the first time I've ever seen it in that particular word. It looks funny to me.
PS: Going back to Remus's angst a while back, hasn't it already been established that being a werewolf isn't hereditary?
Chapter 13: The Muggle-Born Registration Commission
I hadn't expected this many new characters. I guess there are obviously people in the wizarding world whom Harry hasn't met yet, but I wasn't expecting to have to deal with new names at this point, even though they don't have to be fully fleshed-out characters.
Gryffindors make shitty stealth agents, don't they? One thing I am happy about though is that the trio do seem to be working at a reasonable skill level so far. I was worried that Harry would find himself with Deus Ex Machina Superpowers to complete this task. I guess maybe I should trust JKR better.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a cliffhanger to attend to.
Gryffindors make shitty stealth agents, don't they? One thing I am happy about though is that the trio do seem to be working at a reasonable skill level so far. I was worried that Harry would find himself with Deus Ex Machina Superpowers to complete this task. I guess maybe I should trust JKR better.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a cliffhanger to attend to.
Interlude
OMG, I JUST noticed that there's a houself on the cover of DH, behind Harry, holding the Sword of Gryffindor!
Chapter 12: Magic is Might
Phineas Nigellus Black? I thought his name was just Phineas Nigellus? Why weren't we introduced to him by his full name before?
The Ministry is not a comfy place to be. Which I think is the point.
I think perhaps Kreacher is going to double-cross them. He's being too nice.
Thought: maybe Ginny had one last big snog with Harry because we're never going to see her again?
The Ministry is not a comfy place to be. Which I think is the point.
I think perhaps Kreacher is going to double-cross them. He's being too nice.
Thought: maybe Ginny had one last big snog with Harry because we're never going to see her again?
Chapter 11: The Bribe
"Perhaps just one more, Master Harry, for luck?"
First of all, my inner child would like to snicker at the fact that a few chapters back, Ron couldn't get his wand out.
Speaking of, I wonder if this book on charming witches has anything to do with anything?
So...Remus. Again eerily close to Fernwithy's Shades.
Then there's the fact that Voldemort:Muggleborns::Hitler:Jews, but we knew that already.
Then we got to see Kreacher be increasingly helpful, and an Umbridge callback, which is good. She wouldn't have been nearly as useful as a one-off.
But why is the chapter called The Bribe?
First of all, my inner child would like to snicker at the fact that a few chapters back, Ron couldn't get his wand out.
Speaking of, I wonder if this book on charming witches has anything to do with anything?
So...Remus. Again eerily close to Fernwithy's Shades.
Then there's the fact that Voldemort:Muggleborns::Hitler:Jews, but we knew that already.
Then we got to see Kreacher be increasingly helpful, and an Umbridge callback, which is good. She wouldn't have been nearly as useful as a one-off.
But why is the chapter called The Bribe?
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