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Post by Fate on Jul 24, 2007 19:20:43 GMT -5
This is a thread for those who have finished the last Harry Potter book. Warning Spoilers ahead!
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Post by Indagatrix on Jul 24, 2007 19:37:59 GMT -5
 I've posted some of my thoughts over at TEG but would be happy to throw my 2 cents in here as well.... so what did you think? |
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Post by Fate on Jul 24, 2007 19:41:31 GMT -5
All I can says is wow. I really enjoyed this book. I was really afraid that it would not be as good as I was hoping. It did not disappoint.
I'm so glad it was a happy ending.
I really enjoyed the Epilogue. Who would have guessed until the end that Harry would have a son named after Dumbledore and Snape. I did guess that Dumbledore was asking Snape to kill him in the Half-Blood Prince.
And Mrs. Weasly screaming Bitch. Wow. That was a good stroke.
What I really think was missing was the justice that was dealt out to Rita Skeeter and Deloros Umbridge. At least a few words about them in Askaban being kissed by dementors.
I do have one question. How did the Sword get back in the Sorting Hat? Didn't Griphook the goblin run off with it?
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Post by Quintare on Jul 24, 2007 22:46:37 GMT -5
Apparently wands aren't the only thing that choose their owners. Way back the minister used the swords habit of presenting itself to worthy Gryffindors as an excuse not to give it to Harry.
I'd also liked to have seen some event where James Potter came to realise what a awful prat he'd been, some sign of remorse or growing up or something.
I wonder if she'll revisit this world, Rowlings I mean. Epilogue notwithstanding, she didn't really end the story with the kind of finality that she suggested she would. I think I'll be surprised if she doesn't succumb to the pressure to produce some new material in the next 5 years.
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Post by Aeron Serabien on Jul 25, 2007 10:19:38 GMT -5
I feel like the worlds largest party pooper.
But is there any chance this thread could move to the alliance area of the forum? I check posts here using the search of "30 most recent posts" so these posts show up. It's very hard to not catch a word or two as I skim by.
I can't be the only one.......
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Post by Quintare on Jul 25, 2007 11:46:25 GMT -5
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Post by Indagatrix on Jul 25, 2007 17:13:12 GMT -5
I feel like the worlds largest party pooper. But is there any chance this thread could move to the alliance area of the forum? I check posts here using the search of "30 most recent posts" so these posts show up. It's very hard to not catch a word or two as I skim by. I can't be the only one....... hmmm... it's really not an alliance only thing - let me see what I can work out though... |
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Post by Fate on Jul 25, 2007 17:33:25 GMT -5
How do you handle all the spoilers on the tv threads?
Aeron I'm willing to stop the thread here until you finish the book. I ahve posted over at the Teg thread but have to say I don't check over there regularly.
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Post by Aeron Serabien on Jul 26, 2007 10:10:08 GMT -5
How do you handle all the spoilers on the tv threads? Those don't bother me because I don't care about TV shows as much as the books. The experience is shorter (1 hour) vs. a book (5-10 hours.) In general, I find books a really immersing experience. So during that 1-2 week period I'm reading a book, I'm pondering and turning things over in my brain. Kinda half living in that world. Spoilers just absolutely throw me out of that. With TV I don't experience that immersion, so it doesn't bother me as much if a spoiler comes in. Aeron I'm willing to stop the thread here until you finish the book. I ahve posted over at the Teg thread but have to say I don't check over there regularly. I'm over halfway through, so it won't be too much longer for me, but perhaps Laurelin might want to read it first too? |
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Post by Aeron Serabien on Jul 26, 2007 10:11:37 GMT -5
hmmm... it's really not an alliance only thing - let me see what I can work out though... Maybe we need a spoiler only board that's password is "spoiler"? |
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Post by laurelin on Jul 28, 2007 10:07:08 GMT -5
I'm over halfway through, so it won't be too much longer for me, but perhaps Laurelin might want to read it first too? You see, I didn't even open this thread until I finished. Seeing as how I just finished last night, here I be! I really enjoyed the book. Especially the first half. I'm not all that keen on hunky-dory endings, but it worked. I even got to do a little happy dance while chanting, "I knew it, I knew it. I knew Snape was a good guy." You have no idea how many people thought I was nuts for defending him (okay, I have no life). I am however HORRIBLY upset about Dobby. I think that was the only thing in the book that surprised me...I never saw that coming. And Mrs. Weasly screaming Bitch. Wow. That was a good stroke. Yes, this had me grinning ear to ear. Absolutely perfect! |
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Post by Aeron Serabien on Jul 29, 2007 20:51:08 GMT -5
OK. I'm done.
Spoiler away!
The book had too many "perfect" little strokes of luck. Like, if Harry hadn't said "voldemort" he wouldn't have been captured and wouldn't have defeated draco and wouldn't have mastered the wand. Too convenient.
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Post by Indagatrix on Jul 29, 2007 21:19:37 GMT -5
The book had too many "perfect" little strokes of luck. Like, if Harry hadn't said "voldemort" he wouldn't have been captured and wouldn't have defeated draco and wouldn't have mastered the wand. Too convenient. lol -- uh -- too convenient -- not like it's a kids book or anything like that.  Ok so my favorite part -- When Ron knocks Draco on his ass least favorite part -- Tonks and Lupin ending up dead with no explanation -- that sucked... |
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Post by laurelin on Jul 29, 2007 22:07:33 GMT -5
least favorite part -- Tonks and Lupin ending up dead with no explanation -- that sucked... Ooooooh....that really pissed me off. Were they stomped by giants? Die after a long, drawn-out duel? Taken by surprise? I was (and still am) very upset that there wasn't even a paragraph or two about that. I still think I would have liked the book more (I am not saying I don't like it, 'cause I do) if there hadn't have been so much hype. Now, if only Kelkhil would start reading the series again (he stopped on book 3 after he found out how many books were left to be written...figured he'd wait til it was complete) so I can stop feeling like I'm going to explode with not telling him about the book. |
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Post by Fate on Jul 30, 2007 12:03:04 GMT -5
Now, if only Kelkhil would start reading the series again (he stopped on book 3 after he found out how many books were left to be written...figured he'd wait til it was complete) so I can stop feeling like I'm going to explode with not telling him about the book. Luckily my wife finished. Now I can tell he I told you so that Dumbledore was pleading with Snape to kill him. I was totally disappointed with the Deadly Hallows thing. Was it really necessary? It could have just been called the Elder Wand and then there would have been more room for Lupin/Tonks. Not sure why they had to be killed off and with very little detail. Did think she did a good job on Dobby's death. And if Harry had the stone why didn't he bring Dumbledore back and ask him questions? Would have loved to see Umbridge and Skeeter getting some much deserved justice.... Also why didn't Dumbledores brother do more? My wife really liked when Hermione was hitting Ron after he came back. Anyone else think that Harry's son James' middle name might be Sirius? Wonder what Lily's middle name was? Not really sure Snape deserved to have a child named for him since I'm not really sure he was a really good guy. Hate is what drove him on.... Another thing. you would think with the importance of a wand to a wizard that they would have at least 1 backup. I would have 3 or 4. A gunfighter would never have just one gun. Glad Aeron finished. Had a lot bottled up. |
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Post by Quintare on Jul 30, 2007 13:34:19 GMT -5
Ah well, to be philosophical about it, I suppose we could consider what a wonderful boon all the loose ends are to the fan fiction community out there.
I'm sure it won't be long till someone writes a story in which Tonks and Lupin met there end as a direct result of Harry meeting with Severus for some illicit yaoi action under the beleaguered battlements of Hogwarts.
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thea
In Ascalon
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Post by thea on Jul 30, 2007 14:00:18 GMT -5
I enjoyed it, especially seeing Mrs. Weasley take care of Bellatrix. But I have to say I'm glad that Harry survived. After all he's done in each book, it would be a shame to off him. And, as far as analyzing does go, I think there is now an open door for a next series of stories involving the offspring. It might make good reading to see the children of Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione and Draco have adventures. |
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Post by Indagatrix on Jul 30, 2007 17:24:33 GMT -5
Oh no no no no -- exact opposite -- Snape was completely motivated by love -- that's the over whelming theme throughout the series (which is to be expected of a series initially written by a mother raising her kiddos after a divorce by herself). In the end Love conquers over Evil -- As I said on the TEG forum -- Snape was cruel to be kind -- even though Harry was part James -- he had many features of Lily and that's what Snape wanted to protect and have carry on to future generations.
If nothing else Snape is your classic tragic hero
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Post by Fate on Jul 30, 2007 18:38:07 GMT -5
Oh no no no no -- exact opposite -- Snape was completely motivated by love -- that's the over whelming theme throughout the series (which is to be expected of a series initially written by a mother raising her kiddos after a divorce by herself). In the end Love conquers over Evil -- As I said on the TEG forum -- Snape was cruel to be kind -- even though Harry was part James -- he had many features of Lily and that's what Snape wanted to protect and have carry on to future generations. If nothing else Snape is your classic tragic hero I have to disagree. I think his hate of Voldemort for killing Lily is what drove him on. After all if her really was doing it for the love of Lily and protecting her son why would he lead Harry to what he thought was his death? Snape was not a good guy. He was more than willing to do evil to everyone until Lily was in danger. Maybe her goodness made him want to be good but he was not good himself. |
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Post by Indagatrix on Jul 30, 2007 19:08:17 GMT -5
When did Snape lead Harry to a potential death? (Harry did that well enough on his own) |
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thea
In Ascalon
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Post by thea on Jul 31, 2007 5:04:22 GMT -5
But Snape was good, he showed genuine concern for Dumbledore when his hand became infected from wearing the ring and was extremely upset that it was too far gone to help him.
I believe that he was good, but he was always dark inside to some degree, that was unaviodable after following Voldemort. And he stayed loyal to Dumbledore, even when he was asked to do something as horrible as killing Dumbledore at his request. His love and devotion to the good side was as great as the good guys, just not so obvious.
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Post by laurelin on Jul 31, 2007 7:16:11 GMT -5
Hrmmmmm.....Snape....... I think (yes, that happens sometimes) that Snape was driven by his hate of Voldemort and his love for Lily. Yes, he loved Lily, but I don't see this as a healthy love, but more of a possessive love. His loyalty to Dumbledore (I think) had more to do with the fact that Dumbledore was his protector, and was the one allowing him to protect Harry. Throughout the series I always believed that Snape was doing exactly what Dumbledore wanted, but I think his reasons might have been a wee bit skewed. He was a good guy, but not so much because he wanted to be good, but because being "good" helped him get what he wanted (protection/possession of something of Lily's). By the end, I think he embraced his "goodness"...Why else would he say to Harry, "Look...at...me." Argh. I'll stop now before this turns into an essay...  |
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Post by Fate on Jul 31, 2007 11:47:24 GMT -5
When did Snape lead Harry to a potential death? (Harry did that well enough on his own) By giving Harry the pensives (sp?) when he was dieing. Once he did that he knew Harry would willingly go to his death. Yes I think Laurelin is correct. Snape was mad at Dumbledore for almost ruining it before everything was set for Harry to be able to kill Voldemort. I felt sorry for Snape but not too sorry. He did things that were unforgiveable (I'm guessing here because he was a death eater he had to do some very bad things but we never really know what all). Sort of parallels Darth Vader in a way had done too many bad things to really be forgiven.(of course as a christian I beleive he will be forgiven if he really wants that is to say if he was a real person. Boy am I thinking too much on this?) I think that when Snape died he was again being selfish. He wanted to see the parts fo Lily in Harry before he died. |
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Post by Quintare on Jul 31, 2007 12:53:43 GMT -5
I think Laurelin got closest to my opinion. I think that Snape was motivated by love- a sick obsessive and unhealthy love- but still love. There would have been no hate for Voldemort if there were no love for Lily, and giving Harry that last memory was more about staying true to his image of Lily as brave and noble rather than any concern for either Harry or Voldemort. Snape's last act was just as selfless and noble and foolish and wonderful as Lily's was, allowing Harry to pursue his destiny.
I STILL think it would have been way cooler if Harry had thrown his invisibility cloak over Snape, hiding him from Death until a healer could be found to save his life. The whole Hallows thing would have meant a lot more that way.
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Post by laurelin on Jul 31, 2007 13:42:49 GMT -5
I'm going way out on a limb here....and I'm sure I'll get flamed for it, but...
I think Harry should have died. Actually died. The "there's no coming back" died. In my opinion, by bringing him back it lessens the sacrifice. Yes, I understand that Harry thought that that was what he was walking into, and by that act he did offer up the ultimate sacrifice. From a reader's point of view (okay, this particular reader) the sacrifice was not as important the moment he found out that his death wasn't permanent. I know, I know...I'm one of those weird people who like endings like that. To illustrate, I will be extremely upset if, in the Wheel of Time, Rand is still alive at the end of the series. I guess I just dislike "loopholes."
Let the flaming begin!
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Post by Fate on Jul 31, 2007 13:45:10 GMT -5
I think you guys have way to much faith in Snape.  I, for one am glad he survived. I love happy endings. There are enough sad endings in real life. |
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Post by Quintare on Jul 31, 2007 15:47:05 GMT -5
I agree Fate, however if Rand survives I'm gonna kill the bloody bastard myself.
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Post by Indagatrix on Jul 31, 2007 19:30:49 GMT -5
nope -- no flame from me -- I think Harry should of died ...but I'm all about the tragic hero role in literature (hello - Snape!!!) oh and on the Snape topic -- he had to be good -- why? b/c as I heard it -- that's the only character J.K. had an actor in mind for... |
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Post by TheUncleanOne on Jul 31, 2007 21:33:33 GMT -5
So does Harry = Aslan? Bloody Brits and their if I willingly die, I don't don't die magics.... hmmm.... shouldn't Harry's mom be alive some where by that logic?
Also, King David sent Bathsheba's husband off to war to die so he could marry her; Snape seemed to have a similar logic with Lilly... so good people can make horrible decisions about the opposite sex and still have hope of redemption...
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Post by laurelin on Aug 1, 2007 8:04:04 GMT -5
Also, King David sent Bathsheba's husband off to war to die so he could marry her; Snape seemed to have a similar logic with Lilly... so good people can make horrible decisions about the opposite sex and still have hope of redemption... I have one thing to say to that: MEN! ;D |
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I've posted some of my thoughts over at TEG but would be happy to throw my 2 cents in here as well.... so what did you think?
