oh Harry
"Tell me one last thing," said Harry. "Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?"
"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?"
There's tons of stuff I could write about right now, but - like so many others - I spent my weekend with Harry Potter. And oh, it was so emotional. And wonderful. God bless J.K. Rowling for creating something that stirs so many people's imaginations (of *all* ages) and something that is just, well, purely good and fun and creative.
It's hard to believe the story I started reading seven years ago is finally finished. I really just want someone to *talk* about it all with, but so far no one else in my office has finished the damn book! (arrrgh)
But if *you've* stuck with Harry throughout it all - and are definitely finished with the last book -
Some thoughts as of right now:
* Snape - is his story heartbreaking, or what? To me, it is maybe the most emotional and devastating subplot of the whole thing. I had suspected that he was in love with Lily all along going into the book, and that would explain his conflicted feelings for Harry. And the fact that he and Dumbledore were close all along too, and that anyone doubted it? The kicker for me was that Snape's patronus was the same as Lily's, and it was he who led Harry to Gryffindor's sword...agggh.
* Luna Lovegood is just plain cool. And has a great name. She might be my favorite more minor character.
* I think Fred Weasley's death was the most upsetting one of all. And I'm kinda pissed Rowling didn't make mention of going on to say that George continued their magical jokes shop/business in his memory...but I like to think that he did.
* I like that Dumbledore wasn't this completely perfect man or idol or whatever to Harry, and everyone else. I liked that he made mistakes, erred in his morals and judgment - in his youth ("for the Greater Good") and later, in pursuing the Deathly Hallows. And I loved that he admitted this all to Harry in person, when he wanted only to hear the truth from Dumbledore even though he thought it'd be impossible, after death. That scene between them that happened in between the horrible action was absolutely perfect. And I love those last lines (at the beginning of this entry. No, I don't feel that gave anything away, and I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone).
* Rowling knew that people would be debating "Does Harry live or die?" and that would be at the forefront of everyone's mind as they read this book, and the way she handled that issue - by making Harry realize that he *must* die, then *dying*, and by being brave enough to realize he must do so, ultimately freeing him from death to return again, was absolutely genius. Her credibility as a writer is maintained (the reader, and Harry, both are forced to accept that such a fate is possible and necessary) and yet, as I had insisted to some of the naysayers in my office, "but she CAN'T kill Harry Potter!" - he lives. :) (No way in hell could she do that to millions of children - and, I suppose, adults too.) He *is* "The Boy Who Lived," after all. It wouldn't make sense for him to just die.
* That being said - the epilogue was kind of unnecessary and a little too, I don't know, feel-good-y. Not that I'm against that sort of thing, but...come on. I do like that Neville Longbottom ended up a professor at Hogwarts, though. And very, very much, that Harry named one of his sons "Albus Severus" - for both Dumbledore and Snape.
On a completely unrelated note, the-girl-who-has-never-dyed-her-hair has permanently, well...lightened it. It's not that drastic, but it's noticeable. I may gradually continue the process, but we'll see how impulsive I feel...
Lassstly, I'm still not done tweaking what is going to be my more permanent (I think?) website/blogthing. Once it's done - or at least, more presentable - I'll post the link here. Furthermore - I don't think I'll leave this thing completely behind. I love the friends-only/screening option, so maybe I'll use this for more juicy stuff? - and I love reading what my friends on here write, too, of course. :)