Review
of
I’m beginning these notes on July 2, 2003. I have now read the book twice – actually
more than two times, if you count going back and re-reading certain areas. It is very obvious that Harry is very angry
in this book. He is now 15-years-old
and feels that he can take care of himself, and wishes to do so. However, the people around him still want to
protect him, and do not provide the information that Harry wants. This is very frustrating for him and causes
him to behave in a manner that isn’t too responsible. One can maintain, however, that Professor Dumbledore does not act
too responsibly. It is very much as J.
K. Rowling had stated at the end of The Goblet of Fire; a choice
must be made between what is right and what is easy. Harry doesn’t necessarily make some good
choices, but neither does Professor Dumbledore.
This book, when compared to the other Harry Potter books, does become much darker, and we begin to know Harry more as a person, then just a boy. He has every right to be angry after everything that he has gone through. The details are magnificent, and it has been, thus far, very difficult to find any errors. J. K. Rowling has definitely dotted her I’s and crossed her T’s in this fifth book. I do like the fact that we go to other places, and get to see many more talents of not only Harry and his friends, but others as well. This was quite exciting, and I cannot wait to see it on the big screen one day. I like the fact that, although Harry is angry, he does not become a whiner about everything. Instead he does something about it, which is typical of him. However, his recklessness has consequences, and he can barely stand the cost of them.
Overall a very good book, one that of course leaves me with
bated breath for the next installment.
How many more days until book 6?
The rest of what I have here is information from my
notes. They are mainly questions,
thoughts, and other information. Of
course, they contain **Spoilers** so if you have not read the book, do not continue from
here.
Just to let you know, I have not read anyone
else’s thoughts or theories, but I have spoken with people to figure out what
they think.
Harry Potter – he is very obviously angry and
frustrated during this book. So is,
however, Voldemort. Is it possible that
his anger is associated with Voldemort’s?
Because he is becoming older he wants more freedom to take care of
things himself. This is perhaps why he
doesn’t take on his occlumency classes as he should have. He felt that perhaps he could handle what
was happening to him. He is tired of
being protected, and I think that the death of Cedric has made him grow up even
more quickly. In his meeting with
Professor McGonagall, he wishes to become an auror. She promises to help him become one, if it’s the last thing she
does.
Severus Snape – a.k.a. Snivellus. We learn a lot more about him in this
book. It seems he came from a broken
home. When seeing him during his OWLs
he writes much more on his tests than others do. He obviously felt that school was very important. Perhaps this was how he dealt with his home
life, and why he expects such high standards.
He was, unfortunately, made fun of and picked on at school, making life
even rougher. He can be compared to the
young teenage boys in the US who have no one to look up to and are very easy
targets for the gangs to recruit. No
wonder he became a deatheater. I’m sure
that Voldemort saw this weakness, and Snape’s powers, and took advantage of
him. I’m sure that, also, Dumbledore
saw this and took advantage of it, and brought him back over. Snape has taught at Hogwarts for 14 years,
right after James and Lily’s deaths.
What connection does he have with this?
It is my opinion that he is using his occlumency powers to dig into the
minds of the other deatheaters to find out what is happening in Voldemort’s
world. He does state, when Harry
accuses him, that it is his job to know what the deatheaters are doing. He is a very good actor, obviously, as he
doesn’t show a bit of surprise when Harry shouts at him in Umbridge’s office
regarding Padfoot.
Luna Lovegood – meaning of name is Moon, with
love and good, so I must assume that she is meant for good. But for whom? Is she meant for Harry, or is she just there to help out, as she
did. She’s a very funny character, and
is very obviously different than others, just like Harry. She doesn’t have to blink her eyes like
‘normal humans.’ Is she normal? Is she meant to become a threat to the
possibility of Harry and Ginny becoming an item? Could she possibly be meant for Neville?
Hermione Granger – she became a bit rebellious,
and allowed more to happen around her than usual. Not such a stuffed shirt in this book. Of course, she’s still extremely brilliant.
Neville Longbottom – he comes unto his own a bit
in this book. We meet his grandmother
and parents, and his grandmother is very disparaging of him. This may be why, perhaps, he isn’t very good
with things, as he is always criticized.
Cornelius Fudge – Look closely at this
figure. He does not seem to do much to
help defend against the ‘Dark Lord’ (as he calls Lord Voldemort), unless
absolutely forced to. Remember J. K.
Rowling’s fancy for placing colors along with what the person is. Cornelius Fudge is often found to be wearing
a green bowler hat. It is very obvious,
to me, that he is a Slytherin, and that he hopes to bring the Dark Lord back to
power.
Lucius Malfoy – He has somehow managed to
wrangle his way into Cornelius Fudge’s graces.
Is he bribing him? It is also
mentioned that Lucius speaks highly of Professor Snape? Why is this? He must know that Snape has, supposedly, become a traitor to Lord
Voldemort.
Delores Umbridge – This person made me so angry
that if she were for real I very well could have strangled her. I do believe, of course, that she is a
Slytherin, and that she had been placed there, obviously, by Cornerlius Fudge
at the behest of Lord Voldemort.
Ninfadora Tonks – an auror and metamorphmargis
Remus Lupin – he seems to be the stabilizer of
the order. He keeps things calm and
collected. We learn that he was a
prefect at Hogwarts, and quite the bookworm.
Sir Nick – he mentions that the only way someone
becomes a ghost is if someone is afraid of death. One must wonder, then, if this is what will happen to Lord
Voldemort. Death is the one thing he is
afraid of most. Perhaps they would have
to use the veil to get rid of him.
Percy is now assistant to the Minister of Magic, and has become so ambitious that he now considers his work more important than his family. In fact, he tells his father that he is actually embarrassed by his family. Due to this, the family no longer has any contact with him, nor he with them.
The twins, Fred and George, are now 17 years old, and considered adults. They can now perform magic outside of school, and they can apparate.
Ginny Weasley – it was nice to see her come out
of her shell. She is obviously very
brave, and doesn’t allow anything to be shoved at her. She does seem to have some common sense,
which would be a good thing if her and Harry get along.
Ron Weasley – He gets some notice in this book
from those around him, which is nice for a change. He deserves it. He
doesn’t want Ginny involved with anyone, and it kind of cute to see him play
the big brother role.
The
Noble and Most Ancient House of Black
“Toujours Pur”
(Always Pure)
Sirius is the last of the Blacks. His mother was always very proud to be a dark family. Anyone who was not of this belief was basically disowned/banned by the family, which happened to Sirius.
Sirius’ mother, who died ten years before, is in a portrait,
and calls him a blood traitor. It’s
very possible that, although he helps the good side, he is a Slytherin. Although he fell into the veil, and Harry
doesn’t want to believe it, he is dead, as Dumbledore states that he is.
Sirius had a brother named Regulus. He became a deatheater and was killed around
15 years before (around Harry’s birth).
Sirius had an uncle, Alphard, who gave him some gold. He was later banned from the Black family.
His great-great-grandfather, Phineaus Nigellus, was a former
Hogwarts headmaster.
A cousin of his mother’s named Araminta Meliflua wanted to
legalize muggle hunting.
Narcissa, Sirius’ aunt/cousin(?), was married to Lucius
Malfoy, and later gave birth to Draco Malfoy.
He had an Aunt Elladora who began the tradition of beheading
the house elves.
Bellatrix Lestrange, another aunt or cousin of Sirius’,
married Rolophus. Rodolphus has a
brother named Rabastan. They were all
deatheaters and ended up in Azkaban.
Bellatrix’s sister, Andromeda, married a muggle named Ted
Tonks. They later had Nyphadora Tonks,
(who goes by just Tonks), who is a matamorphmagus. Andromeda was banned by Sirius’ mom for marrying a muggle, and
Tonks was banned as well.
Arthur Weasley is a second cousin to Sirius.
Molly Weasley is a cousin-by-marriage to Sirius.
Petunia Dursely – How is she aware of what
Azkaban and dementors are? When she
lets this information slip, she ‘clapped her hand over her mouth as though she
had let slip a disgusting swear word. . . she looked quite appalled with
herself. She glanced at Uncle Vernon is
fearful apology, then lowered her hand slightly . . .’ (pg 31 US ed) Is it possible that she truly is a
witch? Although she states that she
heard her sister and James speaking of these things, how is it that she was so
afraid when Harry states that Voldemort is returned? Could it be possible that part of the agreement that Professor
Dumbledore has with her is that if she continues to care for Harry (as he must
stay with someone of his sister’s blood), that he will not let slip that she is
actually a witch. Of course, if Vernon
found out something like this, he would not feel too kindly towards Petunia.
When Petunia receives the howler, she tells Harry to go up
to his room and not to leave the house.
How did she know that it was so important that he stay in the
house?
A difference between Petunia and Lily: Pentunia has pale eyes, unlike her sister’s
green eyes. Remember, again, J. K.
Rowling’s reference to colors and the person – could green eyes mean the Lily
was a Slytherin?
Where are Petunia’s parents? It is never mentioned if they are no longer alive or where they
are. Only information on Mr. Dursley’s
family is ever provided.
When the Dementors attack Dudley does he ever actually see
them? Remember, muggles can NOT see
dementors. If he sees them, then
this means that he has magical abilities.
Arabella Figg is a squib and part of the Order.
Mr. Tribbles - The name of the cat who was watching over to
ensure that Mundungus Fletcher was doing his job.
Members:
|
Albus Dumbledore Minerva McGonagall Sirius Black (dead) Remus Lupin Molly WeasleyArthur WeasleyAlastor Moody Tonks Arabella Figg Kingsley Shacklebolt |
Dedalus Diggle Emmeline Vance Sturgis Podmore Hestia Jones Mundungus Fletcher Bill Weasley Charlie Weasley Severus Snape Elphias Doge Rebeus Hagrid |
|
Marlene McKinnon (dead) |
Frank & Alice Longbottom (in St. Mungus) |
|
Benjy Fenwick (dead) |
Edgar Bones (dead) |
|
Caradoc Dearborn (vanished) |
Gideon & Fabian Prewett (dead) |
|
Aberforth Dumbledore |
Dorcas Meadowes (dead) |
|
James & Lily Potter (dead) |
Wormtail (became a traitor) |
Is it possible that a new order has been
started? Becoming fed up with not
receiving proper DADA lessons, Hermione decides that Harry should give private
lessons to those who’d like to learn proper DADA spells. Could these members be the beginnings of a
new order? Possible.
DUMBLEDORE’S
ARMY (D.A.) MEMBERS:
|
Zacharias Smith Neville Longbottome Hermione Granger Anthony Goldstein Fred Weasely George Weasely Angelina Johnson Padma Patil Seamus Finnigan Cho Chang |
Dean Thomas Ginny Weasley Ron Weasely Michael Corner Ernie McMillan The Creevey brothers Luna Lovegood Justin Filch-Fletchley Terry Boot Alicia Spinnet Marietta the Sneak |
QUESTIONS:
How did he get the knife? A Christmas present, but don’t recall it in the other books (Prisoner of Azkaban).
How did he get the map back? Don’t recall it ever being returned to him,
although it’s possible that Moody (the real one) did return it.
When the Order members first arrive at 4 Privet Drive, why
do they stare at Harry like that?
Some new players have been placed on the Gryffindor
Quidditch team:
Ginny Weasley as seeker to replace Harry after he is banned
Andrew Kirke – beater to replace Fred Weasley after he is banned
Jack Sloper – beater to replace George Weasley after he is
banned
Angelina Johnson is now captain, and a bit stressed
Ron Weasley – Keeper, and ‘the king’
A new cool spell:
Disillusionment – causes the item/person to morph into the background. Rather like the Predator.
The Veil – what is this object that is kept in the
Department of Mysteries? Can this be
used as a type of death penalty? Using
the adavra kadavra curse is illegal. Is
it something that, if someone dies, it is worse than death? Do their souls become stuck here forever,
never able to become free?
The Order is aware of many of Voldemort’s activities, more
than he realizes. There must be a spy,
or Professor Snape is using his occlumency powers to invade the minds of the
deatheaters. This is why he said that
it was his job to know what was happening with the deatheaters when Harry
accuses him.
I’m a bit concerned about Mundungus. He brought those cauldrons to Sirius’ house
a few days after he got them. Where
were they? Why did it take him so long
to get them? What is he up to? He could be a weak link.
In this book, we get more of an understanding as to what it
means to be a secret keeper. We must
assume, then, that Godric’s Hollow was very much like Sirius’s house. It must not be seen by the muggle world
unless one can be shown it, or allowed to know where it is, by the secret
keeper.
A very funny quote:
“What are Fred and I, next door neighbors?”
Wondering about the Thestrals. They can be found in the book
“Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them” under winged horses. They are described as black. Possessed of
the power of invisibility, and considered unlucky by many wizards. This book does not state that they can only
be seen after having witnessed a death, but Order of the Phoenix does. Of course there are questions as to why
Harry hadn’t seen them earlier. The
person must have witnessed a death (of someone they care about or are family, I
assume), and the death must have sunk in before they can see the Thestrals. Of course, the question is then why didn’t
he see them all along if he had witnessed his mother die? The answer I would give would be that a
one-year-old would not be able to understand the death that he witnessed, and
it would never have sunk in. Harry
cared for Cedric as a friend, so his death meant something to him, (unlike
Quirrell’s), so, hence, he can now see the Thestrals.
“The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches . . . Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies . . . and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lords know not . . .and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives . . . The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies . . .” (pg841 US ed)
The prophecy is considered a weapon. The question I have is why? If Lord Voldemort ever got hold of the prophecy would he be able to cancel it? How would the prophecy be used as a weapon? Professor Dumbledore mentions that the knowledge of how to destroy Harry was contained in the prophecy. He wouldn’t have found out anything that he really didn’t already know, except to confirm that either Harry or he would have to die, that one of them must kill the other. The prophecy does mention that Harry has power that the Dark Lord knows not. This could be the protection from his mother, or it could be the fact that Harry has empathy for others, which Voldemort does not have.
The centaur, Firenze, becomes the new divination
teacher. He makes a prediction in his
first class with the students, stating, while pointing to a red star in the
sky, “In the past decade, the indications have been that Wizard-kind is living
through nothing more than a brief calm between two wars. Mars, bringer of battle, shines brightly
above us, suggesting that the fight must break out again soon.” (pg 603 US ed)
I must assume, then, that the next book is going to be
mainly about the war. All the
characters have been lined up with the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore’s Army,
and the Ministry, who’ve finally come round.
Voldemort, also, has all of his figures lined up. Although many are in Azkaban, they can
easily break out because he has control of the Dementors. I do wonder, however, if he will also get
the giants on his side. There aren’t
very many, but it is possible.
There is a lot of work for them to do, as is stated. The work hasn’t even really started yet.