[Steph]

Well, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one, Stacy & Steph. I was beginning to feel like a goodie-goodie. I KNOW the characters are older, and I KNOW someone might say those things (or worse) in those situations, but nobody reading these books would have noticed their absence. I can't imagine anyone saying, "Wow, those books are great, but she REALLY should have had those characters cussing. That would have made the book SO much better." LOL

I have some questions. Keep in mind that I've read/listened to every book at least three times (except this last one).

Have we ever heard of Aberforth before? I don't recall him. Did the author ever hint at his description as the bartender in past books?

What do you think those bullies did to Ariana that made Dumbledore's dad kill 'em?

Was the thing crying in the corner when Harry & Dumbledore spoke at the end supposed to be the part of Voldemort's soul dying?

And Stacy, about the epilogue . . . I didn't find it sappy, but that's only because I always want authors to tell us what happens to the characters in the future. I was a bit surprised that she didn't mention what they were all doing. Was Harry an auror, or what? Do they not NEED aurors since Voldemort's gone?

I'm almost wishing there had been a summation paragraph about everyone, like they do in movies sometimes, kwim? Something just stated matter of factly, rather then in a narrative. But, I think she just wanted to write that final chapter where everyone was just happy and there was no danger lurking.

Okay, enough for now . . . love to hear what you think about the questions I've asked.__________________

Cassie - I've read all the books numerous times and I didn't remember Aberforth but my 9 yo daughter says Dumbledore has mentioned him in a couple of books before. She was surprised that he was the bartender but knew that he existed.

The bullies - well, my first thought was rape, too, but I think she was too young. I think they just tortured her. At least it makes me feel better to think that.

The baby-like thing in the corner has been bothering me, too, but I was reading so fast at that point that I'm just not sure what it was. I've already started rereading it so maybe I'll figure it out at the end. I'm not sure about it being Voldemort's soul - could be, but it just feels weird to me.

And maybe I'm in the minority, but I loved the epilogue!!!!! I didn't really care about their careers, although it was so cool to hear about Neville and to know that Percy had stayed within the fold and was at Hogwarts - oh, and that Hagrid was still at Hogwarts!!! - but honestly, I liked the way she wrapped it all up! And I liked the way that there's a bit of a way for her to ever go back to it and fill in the gaps for us if she wants to!