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?
Saturday, July 21, 2007
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?
Chapter 10: Kreacher's Tale
Well, everyone in the whole world was right about RAB, and the Kreacher theory had been widely advanced in fandom. This was a well-written chapter though. I knew the story, it wasn't suspenseful at all, but I was still on the edge of my seat reading it. You don't usually notice this ("OMG, I'm turning pages to find out what happens next!") but it is quite impressive that it held my interest while merely confirming what I'd already figured out for myself.
Bonus points to Hermione for trying to accio the locket :)
Bonus points to Hermione for trying to accio the locket :)
Chapter 9: A Place To Hide
Why are they so confident that Mad-Eye's security spells will hold even if he's dead?
So the big blond Death Eater is name Rowle. So...what? Why is this the first time we've been told his name? (Rowling?) And what's the dust monster thing?
I rather like this device of forcing the trio to be on the run. It seems more natural than deliberately setting out on a quest (even though they did originally intend to deliberately set out on a quest)
So the big blond Death Eater is name Rowle. So...what? Why is this the first time we've been told his name? (Rowling?) And what's the dust monster thing?
I rather like this device of forcing the trio to be on the run. It seems more natural than deliberately setting out on a quest (even though they did originally intend to deliberately set out on a quest)
Chapter 8: The Wedding
Okay, so we've got Viktor in England, we've got a potential Grindlewald connection, we've got more of a reason to go to Godric's Hollow, lots of good stuff lined up. Looks like my Scrimgeour theory is kaput, but that's okay.
For some reason, neither I nor any of the fanfics I read pictures Mr. Lovegood as more eccentric than Luna, although that does make perfect sense upon reflection. Interesting that his name comes from the same root as Xenophile and he has a Grindelwald symbol, although I'm still inclined to think of this as a red herring.
Theory: Ariana Dumbledore grew up to be Mrs. Figg. After all, what's the likelihood of a third squib? (Fourth, if you count the Weasley cousin who's an accountant)
And, of course, the whole Godric's Hollow thing tees up the possibility of a blood tie of some sort between Harry and Dumbledore, although I'd prefer if there isn't.
For some reason, neither I nor any of the fanfics I read pictures Mr. Lovegood as more eccentric than Luna, although that does make perfect sense upon reflection. Interesting that his name comes from the same root as Xenophile and he has a Grindelwald symbol, although I'm still inclined to think of this as a red herring.
Theory: Ariana Dumbledore grew up to be Mrs. Figg. After all, what's the likelihood of a third squib? (Fourth, if you count the Weasley cousin who's an accountant)
And, of course, the whole Godric's Hollow thing tees up the possibility of a blood tie of some sort between Harry and Dumbledore, although I'd prefer if there isn't.
Chapter 7: The Will of Albus Dumbledore
I seem to be reading really slowly today for some reason.
Well, Scrimgeour has served the purpose of James Bond's Q and has doubtless unknowingly given the trio everything they'll need for their quest. I do wonder why the Putter-Outer is suddenly called a Deluminator now?
Current theory: Scrimgeour is Voldy's Ministry insider, either willingly or through Imperius. Perhaps this is why Remus and Tonks need to leave suddenly?
I don't know what's up with the H/G stuff though. I don't care that much about shipping in the first place anyway.
I feel like I should be theorizing more, but I'm quite happy at this point to read on and see what happens.
Well, Scrimgeour has served the purpose of James Bond's Q and has doubtless unknowingly given the trio everything they'll need for their quest. I do wonder why the Putter-Outer is suddenly called a Deluminator now?
Current theory: Scrimgeour is Voldy's Ministry insider, either willingly or through Imperius. Perhaps this is why Remus and Tonks need to leave suddenly?
I don't know what's up with the H/G stuff though. I don't care that much about shipping in the first place anyway.
I feel like I should be theorizing more, but I'm quite happy at this point to read on and see what happens.
Chapter 6: The Ghoul in Pyjamas
Wow, a lot of information here, I don't know if I remember all of it.
Hermione using Accio to get the Horcrux books was clever - I've said before that Harry should have used Accio to solve ALL the Triwizard tasks, so it always amuses me to see it used in new and unexpected ways.
Also, the way Hermione got her parents out of the way, and the titular ghoul in the pyjamas. I can't decide whether these will come up later or whether they're just plot devices. It is good to see the ghoul actually being used though, I didn't expect that.
I feel like I should have more to say here but I don't ATM.
Hermione using Accio to get the Horcrux books was clever - I've said before that Harry should have used Accio to solve ALL the Triwizard tasks, so it always amuses me to see it used in new and unexpected ways.
Also, the way Hermione got her parents out of the way, and the titular ghoul in the pyjamas. I can't decide whether these will come up later or whether they're just plot devices. It is good to see the ghoul actually being used though, I didn't expect that.
I feel like I should have more to say here but I don't ATM.
Chapter 5: Fallen Warrior
Well, we've lost Hedwig (unless she's going to make a surprise reappearance at a crucial moment - I've always felt she hadn't been fully used yet) and Mad-Eye. That's two deaths, which I think is the confirmed number for this book?
And Fred and George are no longer identical, just moments after they made us laugh by saying they're identical. Ouch, JKR!
The best I can do to explain Harry's wand's behaviour at this point is the Dumbledore = Fawkes theory.
Oh, and Tonks's parents call her Dora! Gold star for Fernwithy!
And Fred and George are no longer identical, just moments after they made us laugh by saying they're identical. Ouch, JKR!
The best I can do to explain Harry's wand's behaviour at this point is the Dumbledore = Fawkes theory.
Oh, and Tonks's parents call her Dora! Gold star for Fernwithy!
Chapter 4: The Seven Potters
Well. That was a dizzying action scene! I doubt I caught even half of what happened on the first read-through. That's the problem with good action scenes - you read them frantically and then you miss stuff.
"Fred and George turned to each other and said 'Wow - we're identical!'" That made me LOL.
So we're going to meet Tonks's parents! I hope this doesn't joss Fernwithy's universe.
Fanfic called the idea of multiple people Polyjuiced as Harry - I thought seven Potters referred to relatives of Harry's
"Fred and George turned to each other and said 'Wow - we're identical!'" That made me LOL.
So we're going to meet Tonks's parents! I hope this doesn't joss Fernwithy's universe.
Fanfic called the idea of multiple people Polyjuiced as Harry - I thought seven Potters referred to relatives of Harry's
Chapter 3: The Dursleys Departing
Dude! Dudley is developing a mind of his own! And since the Dursleys are going into wizarding protection, we'll doubtlessget to find out more about Petunia later on.
Surely the change of plans to which Hestia refers is Voldemort's doing, so I expect to see a skirmish shortly.
I wish it had been clearer in the first chapter whether the either or both of the two possible departure dates the Death Eaters were talking about was before or after Harry's 17th birthday. Edit: turns out it was, I was just reading too fast.
Surely the change of plans to which Hestia refers is Voldemort's doing, so I expect to see a skirmish shortly.
I wish it had been clearer in the first chapter whether the either or both of the two possible departure dates the Death Eaters were talking about was before or after Harry's 17th birthday. Edit: turns out it was, I was just reading too fast.
Chapter 2: In Memoriam
Well, I (and the majority of fandom, I'd guess) never guessed Dumbledore's family background. Fanon seemed to generally have him as an orphan and I was blindly accepting that.
The cause of Ariana Dumbledore's death and the fragment of mirror are surely important later on.
Wild theory of the moment: Sirius took his mirror behind the veil with him, and is now sharing it with Dumbledore and anyone else who might want to talk to Harry.
Callback: Dumbledore mentioned several times in previous books that he has ways of moving around/making himself invisible that other peope do not. Surely this will come into play.
Also, POS: Dumbledore is flying to London when he suddenly "realizes" that she should have stayed at Hogwarts. Why does he realize this?
The cause of Ariana Dumbledore's death and the fragment of mirror are surely important later on.
Wild theory of the moment: Sirius took his mirror behind the veil with him, and is now sharing it with Dumbledore and anyone else who might want to talk to Harry.
Callback: Dumbledore mentioned several times in previous books that he has ways of moving around/making himself invisible that other peope do not. Surely this will come into play.
Also, POS: Dumbledore is flying to London when he suddenly "realizes" that she should have stayed at Hogwarts. Why does he realize this?
Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Ascending
Oooh! Death Eaters!
So a new name is introduced almost right away: Yaxley. Is he the big blond death eater? Is he one of those two people who were present at Dumbledore's assassination and whom Dumbledore addressed by first name?
Also, we meet the Muggle Studies prof. You know, despite all my rereads and looking for clues, I NEVER realized that the Muggle Studies prof was the only one whose name we didn't know!
My first thought is why is Voldemort trying to kill Harry now, right at the beginning of the book? Then I realized Voldemort doesn't know he's at the very beginning of a book. That would be particularly evil of Voldy, wouldn't it, to ruin the whole carefully ingrained structure of a Harry Potter book?
Wishful thinking: Voldy makes an attempt on Harry's life on Saturday as scheduled. Harry and the Order manage to kill Voldy during this attempt. Then we have a nice happy fun whimsical year at Hogwarts.
So a new name is introduced almost right away: Yaxley. Is he the big blond death eater? Is he one of those two people who were present at Dumbledore's assassination and whom Dumbledore addressed by first name?
Also, we meet the Muggle Studies prof. You know, despite all my rereads and looking for clues, I NEVER realized that the Muggle Studies prof was the only one whose name we didn't know!
My first thought is why is Voldemort trying to kill Harry now, right at the beginning of the book? Then I realized Voldemort doesn't know he's at the very beginning of a book. That would be particularly evil of Voldy, wouldn't it, to ruin the whole carefully ingrained structure of a Harry Potter book?
Wishful thinking: Voldy makes an attempt on Harry's life on Saturday as scheduled. Harry and the Order manage to kill Voldy during this attempt. Then we have a nice happy fun whimsical year at Hogwarts.
End of Harry Potter spoilers
There are no Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows spoilers below this post. Everything below here was written before I started the book.
Friday, July 20, 2007
What I want to happen tomorrow
Regardless of what happens to Harry, regardless of who lives and who dies, even regardless of whether Hogwarts reopens (and the prospect of it not reopening is what was most upsetting to me in HBP, because I want to go back to Hogwarts and if Harry doesn't I won't get to either!)...
Tomorrow I want to be completely gobsmacked. I want to be knocked off my feet by plot twists neither I nor anyone else anticipated. I want to find myself shouting "Go JKR!" when something mentioned in passing books ago suddenly becomes key. I want to find myself laughing hysterically - Eddie Izzard-calibre, disturb-the-neighbours laughs - at least twice, and chuckling quietly to myself dozens of times as the whimsy of the wizarding world is mentioned in passing. I want to be literally on the edge of my seat for the last hundred pages or so, frantically reading and turning pages as fast as I can to find out what happens next, my noble attempts at liveblogging turning to crap because I'm in too much suspense to pause between chapters. Then, as I finish the last page, even though I'm saying goodbye to Harry forever, I want to be able to collapse back on my bed, making a sound only mi cielito has ever heard me hear, from the sheer satisfaction of a well-executed and emotionally satisfying story. I want to be unable to tear myself away from Sugarquill for the rest of the weekend (and maybe even try to sneak on at work next week) because I just have so much to say. I want to be eagerly craving a full reread so I can see all the clues in retrospect. I want for my daydreams to once again put me in the wizarding world, as Rowena Ravenclaw or Harry's Mary Sue or some other random character we haven't met yet. I want to be inspired to write fanfiction, even though it will end up being complete crap that will never see the light of day. I want to go to bed hoping my dreams will take me back to Hogwarts.
I don't want to cry, but if I do cry I want it to be worth the tears. I don't want to have to go to wine or comedy to recover from my tears, I want the emotional process to be self-sustaining. When I head back to work, I want to be at peace, even if I'm full-to-bursting with spoilers and theories and fanfiction.
You've done it before, Ms. Rowling. Do it again, please, just one last time.
Tomorrow I want to be completely gobsmacked. I want to be knocked off my feet by plot twists neither I nor anyone else anticipated. I want to find myself shouting "Go JKR!" when something mentioned in passing books ago suddenly becomes key. I want to find myself laughing hysterically - Eddie Izzard-calibre, disturb-the-neighbours laughs - at least twice, and chuckling quietly to myself dozens of times as the whimsy of the wizarding world is mentioned in passing. I want to be literally on the edge of my seat for the last hundred pages or so, frantically reading and turning pages as fast as I can to find out what happens next, my noble attempts at liveblogging turning to crap because I'm in too much suspense to pause between chapters. Then, as I finish the last page, even though I'm saying goodbye to Harry forever, I want to be able to collapse back on my bed, making a sound only mi cielito has ever heard me hear, from the sheer satisfaction of a well-executed and emotionally satisfying story. I want to be unable to tear myself away from Sugarquill for the rest of the weekend (and maybe even try to sneak on at work next week) because I just have so much to say. I want to be eagerly craving a full reread so I can see all the clues in retrospect. I want for my daydreams to once again put me in the wizarding world, as Rowena Ravenclaw or Harry's Mary Sue or some other random character we haven't met yet. I want to be inspired to write fanfiction, even though it will end up being complete crap that will never see the light of day. I want to go to bed hoping my dreams will take me back to Hogwarts.
I don't want to cry, but if I do cry I want it to be worth the tears. I don't want to have to go to wine or comedy to recover from my tears, I want the emotional process to be self-sustaining. When I head back to work, I want to be at peace, even if I'm full-to-bursting with spoilers and theories and fanfiction.
You've done it before, Ms. Rowling. Do it again, please, just one last time.
Clever JKR!
Dumbledore talking about Merope Gaunt: "Of course, it is possible that her unrequited love and the attendant despair sapped her of her powers."
WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO TONKS!!!
WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO TONKS!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)