...and frankly, you've never been more...
ETA to add timing comments - Bought the book at 2:25 pm Central Daylight time July 16 at Wal-Mart, for 15.78 plus tax. Total was 17.04, I began reading pretty soon after getting in the truck, and finished between 6:30 and 6:40. So, likely the reading time was around 4 hours and ten minutes.
Interesting meeting with the Prime Minister at the beginning.
Love Cissy. She still might be all Pure-Blood supremist, but she has a heart. *ships Narcissa/Severus*
Corresponding, eh? Is that what they're calling sending someone a Howler after fourteen years? And nice to see that we haven't all been wrong about people apparating others. It can still be done.
Slughorn is a cool Slytherin. That is all. He appreciated Harry's mother. And Lily was good at Potions.
Tonks? More on her later.
All I have to say is that if you follow by_the_lake, expect Arthur to actually discover how airplanes fly next week or sometime. And I suspect my Luna will gladly embrace Commentation next year. Loser's Lurgy, indeed!
Cormac McLaggen is an idiot. A pompous idiot who only thinks he knows Quidditch. Ron never would have tried to instruct the Beaters in the middle of a match. Honestly, that was so stupid. But at least we got an opinion on Luna's commentary out of Ron. Can we say HMS Keeper's Commentator? Cause that's what Ron/Luna is to me now. Buhbye Red Moon! And I loved the interaction between them when Ron complimented Luna on her commentary in person. And he actually seemed genuinely interested in the Gurdyroot. It's really excellent for warding off Gulping Plimpies, you know. Hee!
I will not be the first to say that I was disappointed in Hermione's behavior in this, but at the same time, I can see where she's coming from. She's used to not failing, to being perfect and getting what she wants. But when she doesn't, she copes the only way she thinks she can, and that causes a change. However, I was really relieved to see her being infallible and all that at the end. The entire Trio...well, actually everyone seemed more human at the end.
The whole H/G debacle really didn't bother me. But part of why I think it didn't bother me is because it really didn't get much screen time, or last very long. I mean, yeah she made him happy, but they were only together for two fracking weeks. Hardly long enough to constitute a real relationship, IMO, and she also admitted to something else that I think spells doom there. She says "I knew this would happen in the end. I knew you wouldn't be happy unless you were hunting Voldemort. Maybe that's why I like you so much." So she still sees him as a hero, even if she has gotten to where she can speak to him and all that. Which doesn't demean her in any way.
The Ron/Hermione interaction...well, I must say, if Hermione has to act like that to get anywhere with him, it shouldn't be happening. There were some admittedly cute moments here, that were perfectly in character for both of them. Hermione helps him with his homework, and he tells her he loves her. She does blush a bit, but not the full-blown red I would have thought someone who likes the person saying those words would. She's a girl, and girls blush. And it's so like Ron to just say something like that when she does that. I mean, he always (and excuse me here) kisses her arse when it comes to her helping him with their work. The hard part for him is getting her to do it. Once he does that, he's really complimentary of her and such. Or anytime she gets them out of a bind. So, he does appreciate her, just still not enough for me to like them as an actual canon ship. But if it happens, I won't complain as long as both of them act as I think they should. :P
And the Remus/Tonks, Bill/Fleur stuff? I loved it. Tonks is so in love with Remus (I figure Snape was teasing her because her Patronus is a wolf, and so obviously Remus, y'know?) and she DOESN'T CARE that he's a werewolf. Just like Fleur is "good-looking enough for the both of us, I theenk." and still wants to marry Bill even though he'll be at least partly-Lycanthropic now.
From the moment it was mentioned that someone else had overheard the prophecy, I had always suspected it to be Snape. I mean, come on! Dumbledore would want to keep him close if only for that, y'know?
And to close this set of ramblings for now, I will list some of my favorite moments.
The Reason That Harry Earns Detention On The First Day of Classes for the Second Year Running
"You don't have to call me 'sir,' Professor."
I'm sorry, but that is such a classic Smart-Arse!Harry answer.
The Hermione Sings Harry's Praise Incident.
"Oh, come on, Harry. It's not Quidditch that's popular, it's you! You've never been more interestingm and frankly, you've never been more fanciable." (Extra points to that line because Ron gagged when she said it. *snerk*)
"Everyone knows you've been telling the truth now, don't they? The whole Wizarding world has had to admit that you were right about Voldemort being back and that you really have fought him twice in the last two years and escaped both times. And now they're calling you 'the Chosen One' -- well, come on, can't you see why people are fascinated by you?"
"And you've been through all that persecution from the Ministry when they were trying to make out you were unstable and a liar. You can still see the marks on the back of your hand where that evil woman made you write with your own blood, but you stuck to your story anyway. . . ."
"And it doesn't hurt that you've grown about a foot over the summer, either."
She ignores Ron through the entire thing, isn't that lovely? Hehehe.
The Professor McGonagall Reveals to Neville that his Grandmother Augusta is nowhere near Perfect Incident
"I'm sorry, Longbottom, but I cannot let you into my N.E.W.T. class. I see that you have an 'Exceeds Expectations' in Charms, however -- why not try for a N.E.W.T. in Charms?"
"My grandmother thinks Charms is a soft option," mumbled Neville.
"Take Charms," said Professor McGonagall, "and I shall drop Augusta a line reminding her that just because she failed her Charms O.W.L., the subject is not necessarily worthless." Smiling slightly at the look of delighted incredulity on Neville's face, Professor McGonagall tapped a blank schedule with the tip of her wand and handed it, now carrying details of his classes, to Neville.
Am I the only one totally pleased that Neville's grandmother not only has a cool name, but that she doesn't seem so daunting anymore? By the way, in case you missed it, Neville's new wand is Cherry with Unicorn hair in it. Cool, no?
The Hermione Finds Out About Harry's High Praise Incident
Although I'm not going to type it out entirely, I thought the first Potions class was great. Really. Hermione's reaction upon hearing what Harry had told Slughorn was brilliant!
"Did you really tell him I'm the best in the year? Oh, Harry!" And note that she says this with a radiant expression.
JK sure did start describing Hermione with some sweet adjectives, didn't she?
In Which the Trio Has Never Been So Refreshing to See, or Ron and Hermione Declare Their Unwavering Loyalty and Intent to Go With Harry No Matter Where He Heads.
"We'll be there, Harry," said Ron.
"What?"
"At your aunt and uncle's house," said Ron. "And then we'll go with you wherever you're going."
"No --" said Harry quickly; he had not counted on this, he had meant them to understand that he was undertaking this most dangerous journey alone.
"You said to us once before," said Hermione quietly, "that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time, had'nt we?"
"We're with you whatever happens," said Ron. "But mate, you're going to have to come around to my mum and dad's house before we do anything else, even Godric's Hollow."
"Why?"
"Bill and Fleur's wedding, remember?"
Harry looked at him, startled; the idea that anything as normal as a wedding could still exist seemed incredible and yet wonderful.
"Yeah, we shouldn't miss that," he said finally.
His hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux, but in spite of everything, in spite of the dark and twisting path he saw stretching ahead for himself, in spite of the final meeting with Voldemort he knew must come, whether in a month, in a year, or in ten, he felt his heart lift at th thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with Ron and Hermione.
And thus is the end of our sixth book, which is my third overall favorite thusfar, following the two-year-old Phoenix (second favorite) and the six-year-old Prisoner (tops). It was a good ride, and I'll probably be found quoting some of the more interesting parts of it in the coming minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and likely even years. Typing this entry has helped me organize some of my thoughts and feelings about this book, because a little while ago I was confused. Just ask blazefury, with whom I had the last semi-serious conversation. (All conversations with photosinensis are between two t00bs and are thus incapable of being completely serious.) Speaking of which, love how the Prime Minister said it like it was actually Serious. That's one thing I won't be forgetting soon.
This entry is entirely open to spoilery comments, as anyone who hasn't read the book should absolutely NOT click the cut unless they are finished with the book. Especially with the amount of quotes I typed near the end, to preserve just a few of my favorites. I'll likely quote the entirety of the Keeper's Commentator evidence conversation later.
And someone should keep Ron away from blunt axes and teaspoons. ^^
And, anyone got suggestions for alternate scenes or missing scenes? I mean, I'd like to write some, as well as the old faithful canon shiplettes that got started at FAP in SCUSA. Just depends on what people want to see written, lol.
Interesting meeting with the Prime Minister at the beginning.
Love Cissy. She still might be all Pure-Blood supremist, but she has a heart. *ships Narcissa/Severus*
Corresponding, eh? Is that what they're calling sending someone a Howler after fourteen years? And nice to see that we haven't all been wrong about people apparating others. It can still be done.
Slughorn is a cool Slytherin. That is all. He appreciated Harry's mother. And Lily was good at Potions.
Tonks? More on her later.
All I have to say is that if you follow by_the_lake, expect Arthur to actually discover how airplanes fly next week or sometime. And I suspect my Luna will gladly embrace Commentation next year. Loser's Lurgy, indeed!
Cormac McLaggen is an idiot. A pompous idiot who only thinks he knows Quidditch. Ron never would have tried to instruct the Beaters in the middle of a match. Honestly, that was so stupid. But at least we got an opinion on Luna's commentary out of Ron. Can we say HMS Keeper's Commentator? Cause that's what Ron/Luna is to me now. Buhbye Red Moon! And I loved the interaction between them when Ron complimented Luna on her commentary in person. And he actually seemed genuinely interested in the Gurdyroot. It's really excellent for warding off Gulping Plimpies, you know. Hee!
I will not be the first to say that I was disappointed in Hermione's behavior in this, but at the same time, I can see where she's coming from. She's used to not failing, to being perfect and getting what she wants. But when she doesn't, she copes the only way she thinks she can, and that causes a change. However, I was really relieved to see her being infallible and all that at the end. The entire Trio...well, actually everyone seemed more human at the end.
The whole H/G debacle really didn't bother me. But part of why I think it didn't bother me is because it really didn't get much screen time, or last very long. I mean, yeah she made him happy, but they were only together for two fracking weeks. Hardly long enough to constitute a real relationship, IMO, and she also admitted to something else that I think spells doom there. She says "I knew this would happen in the end. I knew you wouldn't be happy unless you were hunting Voldemort. Maybe that's why I like you so much." So she still sees him as a hero, even if she has gotten to where she can speak to him and all that. Which doesn't demean her in any way.
The Ron/Hermione interaction...well, I must say, if Hermione has to act like that to get anywhere with him, it shouldn't be happening. There were some admittedly cute moments here, that were perfectly in character for both of them. Hermione helps him with his homework, and he tells her he loves her. She does blush a bit, but not the full-blown red I would have thought someone who likes the person saying those words would. She's a girl, and girls blush. And it's so like Ron to just say something like that when she does that. I mean, he always (and excuse me here) kisses her arse when it comes to her helping him with their work. The hard part for him is getting her to do it. Once he does that, he's really complimentary of her and such. Or anytime she gets them out of a bind. So, he does appreciate her, just still not enough for me to like them as an actual canon ship. But if it happens, I won't complain as long as both of them act as I think they should. :P
And the Remus/Tonks, Bill/Fleur stuff? I loved it. Tonks is so in love with Remus (I figure Snape was teasing her because her Patronus is a wolf, and so obviously Remus, y'know?) and she DOESN'T CARE that he's a werewolf. Just like Fleur is "good-looking enough for the both of us, I theenk." and still wants to marry Bill even though he'll be at least partly-Lycanthropic now.
From the moment it was mentioned that someone else had overheard the prophecy, I had always suspected it to be Snape. I mean, come on! Dumbledore would want to keep him close if only for that, y'know?
And to close this set of ramblings for now, I will list some of my favorite moments.
The Reason That Harry Earns Detention On The First Day of Classes for the Second Year Running
"You don't have to call me 'sir,' Professor."
I'm sorry, but that is such a classic Smart-Arse!Harry answer.
The Hermione Sings Harry's Praise Incident.
"Oh, come on, Harry. It's not Quidditch that's popular, it's you! You've never been more interestingm and frankly, you've never been more fanciable." (Extra points to that line because Ron gagged when she said it. *snerk*)
"Everyone knows you've been telling the truth now, don't they? The whole Wizarding world has had to admit that you were right about Voldemort being back and that you really have fought him twice in the last two years and escaped both times. And now they're calling you 'the Chosen One' -- well, come on, can't you see why people are fascinated by you?"
"And you've been through all that persecution from the Ministry when they were trying to make out you were unstable and a liar. You can still see the marks on the back of your hand where that evil woman made you write with your own blood, but you stuck to your story anyway. . . ."
"And it doesn't hurt that you've grown about a foot over the summer, either."
She ignores Ron through the entire thing, isn't that lovely? Hehehe.
The Professor McGonagall Reveals to Neville that his Grandmother Augusta is nowhere near Perfect Incident
"I'm sorry, Longbottom, but I cannot let you into my N.E.W.T. class. I see that you have an 'Exceeds Expectations' in Charms, however -- why not try for a N.E.W.T. in Charms?"
"My grandmother thinks Charms is a soft option," mumbled Neville.
"Take Charms," said Professor McGonagall, "and I shall drop Augusta a line reminding her that just because she failed her Charms O.W.L., the subject is not necessarily worthless." Smiling slightly at the look of delighted incredulity on Neville's face, Professor McGonagall tapped a blank schedule with the tip of her wand and handed it, now carrying details of his classes, to Neville.
Am I the only one totally pleased that Neville's grandmother not only has a cool name, but that she doesn't seem so daunting anymore? By the way, in case you missed it, Neville's new wand is Cherry with Unicorn hair in it. Cool, no?
The Hermione Finds Out About Harry's High Praise Incident
Although I'm not going to type it out entirely, I thought the first Potions class was great. Really. Hermione's reaction upon hearing what Harry had told Slughorn was brilliant!
"Did you really tell him I'm the best in the year? Oh, Harry!" And note that she says this with a radiant expression.
JK sure did start describing Hermione with some sweet adjectives, didn't she?
In Which the Trio Has Never Been So Refreshing to See, or Ron and Hermione Declare Their Unwavering Loyalty and Intent to Go With Harry No Matter Where He Heads.
"We'll be there, Harry," said Ron.
"What?"
"At your aunt and uncle's house," said Ron. "And then we'll go with you wherever you're going."
"No --" said Harry quickly; he had not counted on this, he had meant them to understand that he was undertaking this most dangerous journey alone.
"You said to us once before," said Hermione quietly, "that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time, had'nt we?"
"We're with you whatever happens," said Ron. "But mate, you're going to have to come around to my mum and dad's house before we do anything else, even Godric's Hollow."
"Why?"
"Bill and Fleur's wedding, remember?"
Harry looked at him, startled; the idea that anything as normal as a wedding could still exist seemed incredible and yet wonderful.
"Yeah, we shouldn't miss that," he said finally.
His hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux, but in spite of everything, in spite of the dark and twisting path he saw stretching ahead for himself, in spite of the final meeting with Voldemort he knew must come, whether in a month, in a year, or in ten, he felt his heart lift at th thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with Ron and Hermione.
And thus is the end of our sixth book, which is my third overall favorite thusfar, following the two-year-old Phoenix (second favorite) and the six-year-old Prisoner (tops). It was a good ride, and I'll probably be found quoting some of the more interesting parts of it in the coming minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and likely even years. Typing this entry has helped me organize some of my thoughts and feelings about this book, because a little while ago I was confused. Just ask blazefury, with whom I had the last semi-serious conversation. (All conversations with photosinensis are between two t00bs and are thus incapable of being completely serious.) Speaking of which, love how the Prime Minister said it like it was actually Serious. That's one thing I won't be forgetting soon.
This entry is entirely open to spoilery comments, as anyone who hasn't read the book should absolutely NOT click the cut unless they are finished with the book. Especially with the amount of quotes I typed near the end, to preserve just a few of my favorites. I'll likely quote the entirety of the Keeper's Commentator evidence conversation later.
And someone should keep Ron away from blunt axes and teaspoons. ^^
And, anyone got suggestions for alternate scenes or missing scenes? I mean, I'd like to write some, as well as the old faithful canon shiplettes that got started at FAP in SCUSA. Just depends on what people want to see written, lol.