Harry Potter Book 7 *SPOILERS*

[Laura]

Harry visiting his parents' grave got to me too; very sad. I lost my mom near Christmastime and the scene reminded me of it.

 

[annakris1973]

Sign me up for another loyal reader with Post-Potter Depression. I finished the book yesterday morning, and I have been dwelling on it ever since. I hope that is normal for you all too, otherwise, I think I am becoming a little too obsessive. My thoughts:

I wish we had more closure from Petunia. Snape's memories were helpful, but I was hoping beyond reason, that she was just an untalented witch and that she had been hiding her dirty little secret from Vernon all these years...after all how is it HUMANLY possible to keep a house that spotless?

I'm not really suprised that Moody died, she had to make an impact from the beginning, and a highly experienced Auror getting killed in the 4th chaper certainly started the roller coaster off well. I was pleased to see Hagrid there with Sirius' motorcycle. Touching that Harry left Privet Drive the same way he was originally brought there.

Where can I get an evening bag like Hermione's? That girl thought of everything!

I am glad that Kreacher was redeemed. It taught us that even though people do horrible things or seem bad, when treated with kindness, love, and compassion, they can change. I LOVED how he organized the Hogwarts elves, and went crying into battle "For my Master, Regulus". It was something that Dobby would have done.

The scene when Harry dug Dobby's grave was heart-wrenching. You could really understand his heartache and frustration. Yet another person had died saving his life. Quite a burden to bear. Ron putting his socks on him sent me over the edge.

The scene at Godric's Hollow in the cemetary was touching. I wish he would have had more time to explore his old home though, maybe found something of his parents.

Snape! Where to start!?! I always thought he was good, but I thought that it was because he and Dumbledore had made the Unbreakable Vow or something. I always felt that the night Dumbledore died, Snape and Dumbledore used Occlumancy to comunicate, and that Dumbledore knew he was dying and wanted Snape to kill him to keep his cover....I was close, but not quite. I knew from book 6 that Snape loved Lilly, and that was part of the reason he hated James...but Oh MY! the depths that he loved her!! I didn't get the part of him asking Harry to look at him while he died, being so that he could see Lilly's eyes as the last thing he saw, until I read it here!! I was telling my MIL about it (she's a non HP person) and I just broke down in tears!!!

I wish Harry had had at least one other big scene with Ginny. At least to tell her he loved her or something. When he walked past her on the way to the forest, I was screaming...."tell her!!! tell her!!!!"

When Harry stood on the edge of the forest, and used the stone to call his mom and dad, Lupin and Sirius, I just BAWLED!!!! and then he asked such a child-like question... "Will it hurt?" I lost it! Poor Harry, who pretty much never had a childhood, and was forced to be "grown-up" all too soon. It just killed me for that innocence to show at such a vunerable time. And then to ask them to "stay close to me" Oh! The presence of mind for Dumbledore to give Harry what he needed most at such an awful time....Brilliant!

Loved the battle scene at Hogwarts, LOVED that Neville stood up to Voldy, and killed Nagini. Loved that different people killed each Horcrux, and that Harry didn't actually kill Voldemort, that he in essence killed himself.

Colin Creevy dying got to me...I kept seeing him as a little boy, but he was only a year younger than Harry, so he was 16. I HATE that Lupin and Tonks just died without explanation. The least she could have done was let Lupin kill Greyback and have retribution!

It left me wondering many things....Did Harry, Ron, and Hermione go back to Hogwarts and finish their 7th year? You know Hermione would have. I wonder what career choices they made? I don't know if they would still want to be Aurors after all they went through. Are they living in the Wizarding world or among the Muggles? I loved the epilogue, of course, I am a sucker for a happy ending!

 

[JenM]

I just remembered something else that got me. How at the very end, after everything Harry had been through, he couldn't wait to get back to his 4-poster bed in their dormitory. Such a simple wish. ((sniff))

He was finally home! I actually kind of liked that it went straight to 19 years later after that...even though it didn't say what had happened to everybody, when the last line was that his scar hadn't hurt again and all had been well, you could just see them all rebuilding Hogwarts and finishing school together, getting married and having their new families. It was everything they fought for.

I also love when they're clearing out the school and getting ready for battle, Filch is still in hysterics over students being out of bed. It was great!

 

[MyGoofy26]

I'm not really suprised that Moody died, she had to make an impact from the beginning, and a highly experienced Auror getting killed in the 4th chaper certainly started the roller coaster off well.

I think the contrast between him and Hedwig really set the tone for the book. Here you have Moody, who's survived so much already and didn't make it through the first "battle" of the book and then Hedwig, a completely innocent creature . . .really set the tone that everyone is vulnerable. Nobody's safe. Don't get too comfortable because you never know who will be next.

Where can I get an evening bag like Hermione's? That girl thought of everything!

I don't know, sometimes when I clean out my purse I think I could give her a run for her money

 

[Ciao Mickey]

I'm enjoying reading all of the comments.

I'm sad.

And I felt rushed to read and finish the book.

Normally, I would savor every word in a new HP novel. But, between avoiding all televisions, radio, newspapers and even the internet, not to mention family members/friends who can't wait to blab about the ending, I felt I had to read it ASAP.

I loved the book.

Does anyone else think she's planning to write another series based on the next generation of Potters and Weasleys? I think that's why she included the Epilogue and that line "The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well..."



Can someone answer a question?

Where exactly were the naked HP and Dumbledore?

And where is Dumbledore and the people in the pictures? How are they able to stay and communicate with everyone at Hogswort after they die? How come James and Lillian can't do the same? Or anyone else for that matter? That has always confused me.

I didn't care for Mrs. Weasley's potty mouth either. I thought it was unnecessary and out of character for her.

I just wanted to add if Mrs. Weasley gave a good "Bloody Hell" now that would have been funny and more in character.

 

[Maleficent13]

I believe nakkie Harry and DD are in Harry's head...at the end, DD tells Harry he has a choice...he can "board a train" (die), or go back (live).

I won't venture a guess on the portraits...even though she's explained it I don't really get it either on a grand scale. It's not really *them* though. Just a faint impression of them, I think.

I changed my mind on second reading; Mrs. Weasley's scene is my second favorite. Neville pulling the sword out of the Sorting Hat is now my favorite.

 

[nsyncraider17]

I haven't read any of this thread, but I just finished the book, and WOW. I thought it dragged a little bit in the beginning, but for the last 200 pages or so it was amazing.

My predictions all along had been that Snape was good, and Harry was a Horcrux but wouldn't have to die. I was really starting to doubt Snape during the book, but I was pretty excited that I was actually right. And I was so happy that Harry and Ginny ended up together, although that epilogue was about the cheesiest thing I've ever read. I really wish there would have been a better conclusion after the last chapter, with Harry and Ginny getting back together and whatnot. I also thought there would be more emphasis placed on the relationship between Harry and Teddy Lupin, since it mirrored the relationship between Sirius and Harry.

In general, though, I'm thrilled that everything turned out pretty much exactly how I wanted it to. I'm just sad that it's really over.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I've started re-reading and I'm wondering who was giving Snape information. After he killed Dumbledore, he was obviously out of The Order, but in the scene in Malfoy's dining room where they are talking about when Harry is going to be moved, Snape knows the day and tells Voldemort he got it from "the source we discussed." - So who is the source?

 

[U2_rocks!]

I've started re-reading and I'm wondering who was giving Snape information. After he killed Dumbledore, he was obviously out of The Order, but in the scene in Malfoy's dining room where they are talking about when Harry is going to be moved, Snape knows the day and tells Voldemort he got it from "the source we discussed." - So who is the source?

Dumbledore? Snape was now Headmaster, and he was following the plan that he and D had hatched while D was still alive, so they were probably still in touch via D's portrait in Snape's office. D would have gotten info on the Order's plans from various members of the order (maybe via Phineas?) and passed them onto Snape. Just a guess - I don't remember if this issue was actually dealt with in the book - I read it so fast, I've forgotten or missed a lot of little things! I do plan to re-read soon.

 

[Twingle]

I LOVED this book and I loved the whole series and I loved the movies! I freaking love Harry Potter! I was so happy with the book that I...um....did something I swore I'd never do. I got a tattoo today! I am still in shock that I did this! So for you HP fans, here's a picture of what I now have permanently stuck on my shin.

!WOW! Love it - but gotta ask, how long did that take?!? There are ALOT of different colors!

You are a very devoted fan.

 

[moviegirl11]

Portraits are different from photographs. Portraits seem to capture a sort of reflection of who a person was. I expect Dumbledore might've actually taken the time to make sure his own portrait was up to date during the time between his hand injury and his inevitable death so that it could be even more useful to Snape.

As for why Lily and James cant do that - they didnt have potraits. I think that kind of magic was probably reserved for very important (and wealthy) people. It also seemed to be tradition for all of the Hogwarts headmasters to have one.

Regular pictures might move but they cant really interact much with their viewers.

 

[moviegirl11]

I've started re-reading and I'm wondering who was giving Snape information. After he killed Dumbledore, he was obviously out of The Order, but in the scene in Malfoy's dining room where they are talking about when Harry is going to be moved, Snape knows the day and tells Voldemort he got it from "the source we discussed." - So who is the source?

I'm assuming it was Mundungus. Snape put the idea to use polyjuice potion to make six new Harry's into Dung's head so its likely thats where he got the info on the correct date of Harry's extraction. A confundus charm would've been enough to make Dung forget all about it afterwards.

 

[Caboosey]

I cried so much when Dobby died - great big snotty ugly crying. Harry digging the grave, Ron giving the socks - I was a mess.

I feel like the other deaths were sort of rushed through - Oh, and then Fred died, and Lupin and Tonks, and Colin Creevy - but the Dobby funeral was torture!

 

[ZephyrHawk]

In regard to the US cover, it's clearly intended to be the climax in the Great Hall. Voldemort has just lost the Elder wand to the Expelliarmus spell and Harry is reaching to catch it. Above them the sky can be seen because the Great Hall ceiling is bewitched to look like the sky...and it's at the very break of dawn. However, there is one problem. Harry's not holding a wand...and he would have been holding Draco's still at that point.

In the epilogue, the kid's wonder what everyone is staring at on the train platform and Ron says "Me, of course, I'm a famous wizard" or something like that...like the kid's don't know about Harry...like he didn't go on to be anything very exciting....I mean, maybe Harry became "normal" and he just took over the Muggle Artifacts office for Mr. Weasley or something?

I took this to mean that Harry and Ginny had raised their kids out of the spotlight, never making much of their heroic past. In this way, they were hoping that the kids would grow up humble and kind like Harry did, and not in a world where "everyone knows their name". I would also assume that JK would try to raise her kids the same way.

Can someone answer a question?

Where exactly were the naked HP and Dumbledore?

Err....Kings Cross? No really, they were in between worlds...a waystation between life and death. I originally thought they might be "behind the veil" and that Harry would come out in the Department of Mysteries, but that was apparently not the case.

And where is Dumbledore and the people in the pictures? How are they able to stay and communicate with everyone at Hogswort after they die? How come James and Lillian can't do the same? Or anyone else for that matter? That has always confused me.

Well, all moving pictures contain an impression of those who are depicted therein, but it's only a shadow. The pictures in the headmaster's office are a little different. They've been bewitched to ensure that they aid the current headmaster, so one might assume they contain a bit more of the person's essence (and therefore more memories, knowledge, and abilities) than your average painting. I have to say, I was kind of disappointed not to see Snape in a picture at the end. The office did not close itself to him as it did to Umbridge, and the paintings did aid him. Clearly, he was a valid headmaster for Hogwarts, and we deserved a final, respectful confrontation between Harry and his supposed nemesis.

I didn't care for Mrs. Weasley's potty mouth either. I thought it was unnecessary and out of character for her.

I'm really surprised so many people felt this way. I thought it was totally in character. Mrs. Weasley is a very dominant woman. She rules her Burrow with an iron fist. She plays the role of the quiet, homely wife, but she's no wilting flower. She was a Gryffindor. She joined the Order, like her two brave but unfortunate brothers before her. She doesn't like swearing because it's unseemly, but she's just seen her son die and her family ripped apart. And some evil woman is tossing death curses at her little girl. I think, at that point, she wouldn't give a rat's behind for propriety.

I've started re-reading and I'm wondering who was giving Snape information. After he killed Dumbledore, he was obviously out of The Order, but in the scene in Malfoy's dining room where they are talking about when Harry is going to be moved, Snape knows the day and tells Voldemort he got it from "the source we discussed." - So who is the source?

Hmmm...good question. My guess? We see him later in a pub talking to Mundungus whom, we all know, is a moron. It would be easy for Snape to lure him there with a promise of money and then Legimens the plans from his mind.

Okay...don't know if I have a favorite scene just yet, but my favorite line wavers between Mrs. Weasley's now infamous, and accurrate, characterization of Bellatrix and the Weasley twins' cry of "We're identical!" after changing into Harrys.

 

[Kycha]

I agree with the PP's about Petunia. I really thought we would learn more about her past and her feelings toward Harry. And Dumbledore's message to her in OotP, "Remember my last!" Referring to his last message to her, I assume. Was that the letter that was left with Harry on the Dursley's doorstep? Or was there more correspondence between Petunia and Dumbledore?

Another thing that has bothered me. I heard that JK Rowling told the filmmakers not to cut Kreacher from the OotP film because he would be important in book/film 7. Yet Mundungus Fletcher was completely cut out of OotP and it seems to me his role was as important as Kreacher's in both OotP and DH.

 

[DisneyFan06]

I finished the book at 1:32 in the morning. I really liked the ending. It was a really happy ending. Friends were telling me that it would all be a dream, but then I thought to myself that would be a huge disappointment and the fans would really be upset. I am happy that it wasn't a dream.

JKR, in my opinion, did a great job writing the last book. It was very confusing, but interesting at the same time. However, I do think this final movie will have to be rated "R." But I really don't mind that at all - it's all for the language, unless they cut it.

My favorite line of the entire book is when Ginny was fighting Bellatrix. Ms. Weasley said something like - "Back off my daughter, you *****!" I died laughing. I had tears when Harry was walking to the forest and his mother and father was with him as ghosts. I guess I get to emotionally.

All in all, it was great. I will talk more about this later.

 

[holycow]

I just had to add my .02.

Loved it!

So sad when Hedwig/Dobby/ Fred, Remus, Tonks died but the chapter that got me was with Snape...I knew he loved Lily...but the depth there just was a surprise for me. Wow!

I thought it was kind of cheesy how they found the Griffindor sword in the frozen pond...all of a sudden it just shows up...but after reading the chapter then it hit me! Snape! and he of course would have made it difficult!

I thought the locket was a little to much like Lord of the Rings wearing it around their necks and how it altered the wearer but that's ok.

Oh, I thought for sure that Hagrid was going to die!!!! First the motorbike...then the spiders (what in the heck happened there? spiders carry him off and then he is tied to a tree????) I figured maybe Voldie would have used him in some way if Harry hadn't of showed up.

Anyway a great read!!! Loved it!

 

[Maleficent13]

Oh...and I would have liked to know how James went from being "an arrogant toerag" in his 5th year at Hogwarts to Lily's husband not long after that. I think that would be interesting.

 

[phisigprincess]

So I finished it last night and was completely thrilled with it. I was exhausted when it was all over! I cried for the majority of the end of the book. DH asked me if I thought I'd make it to the end or if I'd have to put it down until I stopped crying.

Dobby's death was the worst for me!!!! I actually cried when he got his sock in book 2 also, so there has always been something I've loved about that little guy. His headstone was killing me!!!

How perfect was Hermoine kissing Ron after his declaration about wanting to save the house elves?? That couldn't have been set up better.

All in all I thought it was fantastic, and though I didn't want it to happen, a great way to close the series.

 

[december]

There are so many books she could write if she decides to. I'd love to read a book on the story of James and his buddies, Snape and Lily when they were young, through that infamous day with Voldemort. I'd also love a book on the 7th year about what happened at school while the 3 were on the run. And of course the story of the kids at school, but I'd hate for evil to come back and Harry to have to fight again after all those years of peace. And face it, who wants to read a book about how happy and sunny the kids' 7 yrs of school are?