If you have finished Harry Potter . . .

[sam ellis]

I don't have a clue what you are all talking about but I just wanna say

this hidden text thing is sooooooooooo way cool . How do you think of these things Cassie ?

[KellieMize]

Thanks for pointing me here Cassie! About Aberforth....

I've always suspected that it was the bartender of the Hogs Head because they mentioned how Aberforth got in trouble for charming goats and then whenever anyone went into the Hogs Head JK would write something about how the place smelled like goats or how the bartender seemed familiar.

I hated the epilogue. But I just read that she wrote it back when she was writing book 1, so I think part of it is that her writing style has improved so much since then. It seemed like bad fanfic to me.

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

Wow, HOW have I read/listened to all these books SO many times, and completely missed Aberforth? Apparently I'm always just along for the ride - never really trying to "figure things out."

I'm going to have to pay more attention the next go round.

By the way, now that we're on page two, I think it's safe to use black text again, don't y'all think? If anyone has gotten this far, they shouldn't be surprised by a spoiler or two!

[hyperstarre]

i wasn't a fan of the epilogue, either.
it was kind of cheesy. and i felt like it wasn't complete...
like...i wanted to know what happened to some of the other people. like luna, for example.

it kind of reminded me of that scene after the credits in the last pirates.

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

I agree, Caroline. Like I said earlier, I wish she would have done a short summarizing paragraph about every main character or couple in the book. Just like they do at the end of movies based on true stories.

[estir_bune]

Originally Posted by 1gr8muggle

I agree, Caroline. Like I said earlier, I wish she would have done a short summarizing paragraph about every main character or couple in the book. Just like they do at the end of movies based on true stories.

OOOOOOOOOOOO that would have been awesome!! Since Snape was a "head master" think he would have made "portrait status"?

[Steph]

Since Snape was a "head master" think he would have made "portrait status"?

My daughter thought the same thing!!!!! Our guess is that yes, he's got a portrait!

[hyperstarre]

Originally Posted by 1gr8muggle

I agree, Caroline. Like I said earlier, I wish she would have done a short summarizing paragraph about every main character or couple in the book. Just like they do at the end of movies based on true stories.

that's what i thought it should've been after i read the epilogue!

OOOOOOOOOOOO that would have been awesome!! Since Snape was a "head master" think he would have made "portrait status"?

i wondered the same thing! that came into my mind when harry walked into the headmaster's office after the whole ordeal was over, but then i guess that probably would've been too soon. then again, it *is* the magical world, so who knows. lol.

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

Okay, I'm listening to it now . . . and I have a quick question.

I know that Dumbledore told Snape to reveal the "7 Harry Potters" plan. I know that Dumbledore planned for Harry to know he'd have to die. How did Dumbledore know that Harry wouldn't die during the journey from the Dursley house to the Tonks house? Then it would have all ended.

Just a thought. I'm not really one to overly dissect things, but it seems weird. I mean, how did Dumbledore know it would last long enough for Harry to get to that final showdown?

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

Okay, some favorite phrases, now that I'm listening to the audio book . . . I'll be adding to this, I'm sure . . .

"I knew Ginny was lying about that tattoo." (Ron, when they were all naked Harry Potters.)
"I'm just pulling your wand."
"How in the name of Merlin's pants . . . "

[Steph]

Oh, Cassie, I didn't even think through Dumbledore's plans. I've have to give that some thought. Or ask my daughter - she remembers everything. LOL!

And I swear - everytime you say something is your favorite, it's exactly what I was gonna say! Great minds think alike! Emily and I have been quoting the tattoo line and Merlin's pants for days now!!!!!

[estir_bune]

I love the "pulling your wand" quote!

As for the plan... ever since the begining I have always thought of Dumbledore as kind of all seeing, all knowing KWIM? I think it was book three that he sparked this idea in me with the "time turner" when they were trying to save Buckbeak... I can't remember what he said, but he said it as if he knew the out come ahead of time. That's why when Snape killed Dumbledore I was completely surprised, because I thought he'd have sensed something like that - turns out he did know!

Hope you can understand my ramblings...

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

You know, unlike many I suppose, I never thought Snape was the bad guy. When I read book 6, I even read that line "Severus, please" by Dumbledore (when Snape was standing over him in his final moments) as a plea to put him out of his misery rather than one to spare his life.

Wow, those were two of the most poorly worded sentences . . . ever.

[estir_bune]

Originally Posted by 1gr8muggle

You know, unlike many I suppose, I never thought Snape was the bad guy. When I read book 6, I even read that line "Severus, please" by Dumbledore (when Snape was standing over him in his final moments) as a plea to put him out of his misery rather than one to spare his life.

Wow, those were two of the most poorly worded sentences . . . ever.

mine were worse!

What do you think of Ginny & Harry? I am not sure I liked them together... I did, although, like Ron & Hermione! Maybe there just wasn't enough exploration of Ginny's character for me to really like her...

[Miss Kris]

I finished this morning at 1:33 a.m. Then I couldn't fall asleep for awhile.
I've been reading it out loud to my DH and waited for him to fall asleep to finish the last 4 chapters or so. I kind of wanted to be just me when I finished it. Weird I know.
I hate to say it, but I had a hard time getting into this one. Then, I was swept up from the moment at Gringotts on. She has this great ability to make you think you might know kind of what's going to happen and then BAM! you really have no idea
I LOVED that Ron, Hermonie, and Neville got to destroy a Horcux and that Neville was able to pull the sword out of the hat. And how cool was Neville's grandma!
I loved the line from McGonagall when she tells Harry that her and the other teachers know a bit of good magic And that she rallied the teachers, students, and even Hogwarts itself to fight. She is one cool witch.
I cried when Harry had the resurrection stone and was met with all of those wonderful people. It was heartbreaking, sweet, and perfect.
I think the hideous baby thing was indeed Voldemort. It's referenced quite a few times how a soul is "rent" after committing murder, not to mention how mutilated it would become after making the Horcux(s). And since he was still connected to Harry, that's all his soul was, it couldn't be totally gone yet.
Not until Harry returned and finished it for good.
Did anyone else feel so incredibly sad for Snape? He was helping everyone who thought him to be a traitor and coward. I love the idea that he has a portrait

[estir_bune]

Originally Posted by Miss Kris

Did anyone else feel so incredibly sad for Snape? He was helping everyone who thought him to be a traitor and coward. I love the idea that he has a portrait

I felt sad for him too... every time he looked at Harry he saw the man he was jealous of (James) and the woman he so deeply loved (Lily) must have been pure torture for him.
Still in the end he still did what was right...

[FlowerGirl]

Originally Posted by estir_bune

mine were worse!

What do you think of Ginny & Harry? I am not sure I liked them together... I did, although, like Ron & Hermione! Maybe there just wasn't enough exploration of Ginny's character for me to really like her...

I think I am one of the only other people I know of who also did not like their relationship. Ginny always bugged me for some reason.

[Steph]

I really thought that Book 7 would involve Ginny more - but she really was kept as a secondary (or even tertiary) character throughout.

[estir_bune]

Personally, I always felt that Harry needed someone who was stronger in character and personality than Ginny. She seemed almost mouse-ish and I always envisioned Harry with someone who would challenge him mentally... KWIM?

[hyperstarre]

Originally Posted by Steph

I really thought that Book 7 would involve Ginny more - but she really was kept as a secondary (or even tertiary) character throughout.

i thought so, too!

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

LOL . . . you ladies crack me up. I can honestly say I never thought nor cared about Harry's love life. On that aspect of the story . . . whatever. I was just as happy with him telling them all to beat feet.

[readstoomuch]

OK girls,
First of all, I am intrigued ... the white text 'thing' is so COOL!
Secondly, am I the only person on the planet who has not read the Harry Potter books? Maybe so, but I have ridden the Harry POtter steam locomotive in Scotland!
And, I am with Sam ... how does Cassie come up with these things like the white text!!!!!
So there !!!!!
(I think that maybe I shall embark upon the HP journey after all of your white text chatter!)

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

I come up with these things by reading blogs that like to talk about shows I watch. I don't come up with anything original, ladies.

[HeidiKnight]

I finished it today - we were on vacation when our copies arrived in the mailbox. I ordered 2 copies so we wouldn't fight over who read it first, but DH barely started his so I guess I could have just gotten one. But I'm not complaining, it was worth it!

[Kathie]

Oh someone to talk to about the book! Great idea Cassie. I have listened to the leaky cauldron "pottercast" now that I am done, but some things still are not clear for me. I do the exact opposite--I listened to the book first (at work!) and now am actually reading it (ok, I was reading along as well each night!) As to the swearing, I had a lot of problems with that as well. In no way am I a goodie two shoes, and although I try not to swear, there are times it has come out of my mouth. However, I am not writing what is supposed to be a children's book. I am tired of defending the series to those that are against the whole wizard stuff--come on, it is FICTION people, but I have no reply or defense to the darkness and the language in what I have to keep reminding myself is a children's series. Granted it is more for young teens, who watch worse than that on tv, but still. Although originally I liked the idea of a book to read to the grandkids and enjoy myself, I have long since given up on the idea of reading it aloud to them for a long time--and by then they won't want me to, they will want to read it on their own. Ok, rereading it sounds like I don't approve of the series, and that is sooo not the case. LOL I had preordered each one, and really would have enjoyed going to one of the parties for this last one if there had been one nearby. LOL

It does seem that we have heard of Dumbledore's brother before, but not as the bartender, or more than just a mention in passing. Hagrid must have known, don't you think? He was always so friendly with the bartender. LOL

LOVED that Harry wasn't the one to destry the horcruzes, it really was endearing to show he needed help from the others. Really was glad to see Neville come into his own and for his grandmother to be proud of him. Loved Luna--and the glimpse into her bedroom brought tears to my eyes--that she thought so much more of them than they realized. How sad was that? DOBBY!! Sob, sob. It broke me up more for him to die than Fred! Sad, I know, but I really did expect one of the twins to go, but for the house elf to save Harry and die doing so. Sigh. ;-) The tribute to Severus was wonderful, and to learn how much Severus had loved Lily, and for how long was a missing piece that made it all fit so well. Have to agree tho, expected Harry to be at Hogwarts--but then he would only be good as the defense against the dark arts teacher, and do they need that anymore? McGonagle (spell?) has to be the headmistress... yep, lots of questions left.

Sorry this is so long--can you tell I need someone to talk it over with??!

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

Oh, Kathie . . . I forgot about Luna's bedroom. That was sweet. Another thing . . . I kept thinking that Dumbledore's childhood friend (Elphias?) was going to turn out to be on the "wrong side." She shot that theory down. That's what I get for trying to predict. I think I was suspicious because he was the only person not in the Order that knew Harry was at the wedding.

Anyway, glad to have you join the discussion, Kathie!

[Kathie]

Originally Posted by 1gr8muggle

Okay, I'm listening to it now . . . and I have a quick question.

I know that Dumbledore told Snape to reveal the "7 Harry Potters" plan. I know that Dumbledore planned for Harry to know he'd have to die. How did Dumbledore know that Harry wouldn't die during the journey from the Dursley house to the Tonks house? Then it would have all ended.

Just a thought. I'm not really one to overly dissect things, but it seems weird. I mean, how did Dumbledore know it would last long enough for Harry to get to that final showdown?

Didn't Dumbledore also have Snape give the suggestion--or just tell Snape directly, that Harry would be with the strongest magical wizard of the Order? And therefore they would go after all the other Harry's before the Harry with Hagrid, who was not to be magical at all?

But as far as Dumbledore knowing the future, the part of knowing Ron so well that Ron would need a way back to Harry & Hermoine after he left them--that keeps me shaking my head in amazement--to have known them so well that he left Ron the means to find them.

The humor seems to come through more for me in the audio--just love Jim Dale's portrayal of it! The tatoo cracked me up. (And bugged the crap out of my DH that I was laughing as he hadn't started yet!)

[Kathie]

OH!! Almost forgot! I loved that Dumbledore wasn't perfect all of his life--that he had pursued the means to bring his parents back--kind of parellels with Harry's life in that aspect, hadn't thought of that before now--but that he had temptations made him all the better in my estimation!

(Talk about awful sentences! LOL)

[luv2cre8]

[QUOTE=estir_bune;40065]Did I skip over who became headmaster after Snape? I always thought McGonagall should be in line... There is mention of Professor Longbottom but who is headmaster? Time to re read! [/QUOTE]

I don't think they said, but I agree with Prof. McGonagall. She was terrific at the end. That's one of the things that I loved best. How everyone rallied around the cause even though they might die trying, i.e. Neville Longbottom (and his grandma)!

I too was confused about the baby in the corner, but like many of you kept reading because I couldn't wait to get to the end.

I was actually surprised that someone closer to Harry didn't die. Thought of Hagrid, Mr. Weasley, Ron, Hermione or even Harry himself, There was so much pre-release speculation.

Wondering what will become of the Malfoys? Also thought it was kind of cool how Harry's cousin (Dursley?, sorry I'm too lazy to get my book) went back to shake Harry's hand before they left.

Loved the book! Love happy endings!

ETA: Somehow I got on the wrong thread, but it's still HP so I'm staying here (My wand was broken and hasn't worked properly ever since)! I couldn't care less about Harry and Ginny! Really never felt the connection between them. Oh well. Felt the best relationship was between Harry and Dumbledore and was thrilled that Harry went through his doubts and then came around to trusting and believing in Dumbledore at the end.

[quilter422]

fabulous thread... another big HP fan here. can't wait to read it with my boys when they're old enough.

i read an interview of Rowling - she said there will be publication of an "encyclopedia" sometime in the future, but not to hold your breath as it won't be out - or even begun to be written - anytime soon. apparently she has extensive histories of each of the characters that were developed early (and continually) and will use the encyclopedia to cover some of that ground, as well as other things, like who the new headmaster was. implied that mcgonagall was getting a bit too old, and that it would be someone else. stated that "dean thomas has a fascinating backstory." and that harry occasionally guest-lectures at hogwarts - defense against the dark arts, of course.

she also addressed parents dying, particularly remus and tonks - said that in real war, the true tragedy is children growing up alone. wanted to bring some attention to that issue, apparently.

i did guess RAB correctly, and that snape was, if not a "good" person, at least on the right side. didn't guess about harry being the horcrux, though, or about so many other of the details.

love the use of white text. we use it for bingo on another site, along with a bunch of other horribly tricky little stunts.