I hope you're not bored of Harry Potter yet!
Here's the review I promised. Better late than never, right? :P
It's extremely long. You've been warned! I've added some quotes and links to fan art for good measure. But yeah, only read this if you've got the time. Don't bother otherwise. LOL
As previously stated, I really loved the seventh book. I think JKR has written a wonderful last installment to the series, and the ending was nothing short of amazing. I thought the action was very fast-paced. So much was happening so fast. If my mind went wandering for a second, I’d miss something (hence why I decided to read it a second time). I am not at all complaining about the pace. Quite the contrary, I thought it was necessary to create thrill for the readers. It was also a bit of a challenge to read, in the sense that it came off looking like one big riddle. Which was great fun, if I may say so myself.
THE PLOT
I bloody loved the horcrux hunt. More specifically, I loved how they snatched the locket from Umbridge and everything that that locket represented: bringing out the worst in someone. That was a very interesting theme that led to a pretty dramatic exit *cough*Ron*cough*. Also, the acquiring of the cup at Gringotts was entirely too awesome. That chapter defined the magical world, from having Hermione impersonate Bellatrix, to Harry casting his first Imperius Curse, to the gold multiplying in the vault, to the dragon…GENIUS! Even later on with the diadem, and saving Draco and Goyle. If that wasn’t hardcore, I don’t know what is!
And then the Deathly Hallows themselves, which made the book all the more interesting. I quite enjoyed the story of the three Peverell brothers. I don’t know why, for some reason, it reminded me of Chaucer’s Pardoner’s Tale. Come to think of it, it really isn’t the same. Geez, I should get my literature straight! Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that it was a fun morale to include and each of the artifacts (the wand, the stone and the cloak) all produced different effects on Harry. I loved seeing James, Lily, Sirius and Lupin by his side as he was about to meet with Voldemort. That was a heartfelt moment.
“'You’ll stay with me?'
'Until the very end,' said James.
'They won’t be able to see you?' asked Harry.
'We are part of you,' said Sirius. 'Invisible to anyone else.'
Harry looked at his mother.
'Stay close to me,' he said quietly.” (The Forest Again, p.561)
I can’t think of any other way to sum it up. I’m still thinking it over as I write. Essentially, I thought it was very clever and an excellent conclusion to the series. I’ve seen a lot of people complain about how predictable the novel was. The thing is, no matter what JKR would’ve decided to do, it would’ve been predictable! If you read fanfiction or have done some speculation of your own, you’re bound to come across something. Besides, there were six books prior to this one. The clues are all there! So, predictable or not, this book was terrific. It had the right amount of everything.
THE TRIO
You know what? I really liked Harry! No, I loved him. And those who know me know that I've always voiced my general dislike for the character, which then became indifference, and now love. Lame, huh? See, as interesting as his stories were, I always thought he made things too personal. I should've realized a long time ago that it was, in fact, personal. Perhaps what caused this change of heart is because he was so selfless. He was the most consistent character in the series. Flawed (that temper, yo!), but still very much the same as ever: good-hearted.
Hermione has always amazed me as a character. I know that if it weren't for her, Harry wouldn't have gotten this far in his quest, at least not so quickly. Don't get me wrong, I think Harry is very bright, but Hermione often reflects on and researches things Harry would normally ignore. What I'm trying to say is that I love Hermione. I love her quick-thinking ability. I was left astounded at that trick she pulled at Mr Lovegood's house. I hurt so badly hearing her go through the Cruciatus curse. It killed me. JKR couldn't have created a better female lead.
Oh, Ron. Sometimes I think he's the main reason I love the series so much. In Deathly Hallows, my love for him skyrocketed, if that's even possible. JKR has always been very delicate in her portrayal of the youngest Weasley boy, his personality often reflecting his insecurities. I think this book really showcases how much he's grown as a character. I think we can all agree that he has matured, and yet he's still intimidated by Viktor Krum or Harry's position in the trio. It's obvious he's done a lot of effort. He showed more sympathy, more courage and more of himself in this book than ever before and I'm just sooo so proud of him!
Their friendship is so solid. I can’t ever imagine it falling apart. They’ve been through thick and thin, and it was only right to attribute so much importance to the trio in this last book. I think this is what JKR was aiming for, touching on loyalty and love and remorse… all of which have to do with friendship. Their bond is untouchable and it is together that they defeated the Dark Lord, whether one would like to acknowledge that or not.
“‘He knew what he was doing when he gave me the Deluminator, didn’t he? He -- well,’ Ron’s ears turned bright red and he became engrossed in a tuft of grass at his feet, which he prodded with his toe, ‘he must’ve known I’d run out on you.’
‘No,’ Harry corrected him. ‘He must’ve known you’d always want to come back.’” (Xenophilius Lovegood, p.317)
GOOD VS EVIL (DUMBLEDORE AND VOLDEMORT)
Correct me if I’m wrong, but is Dumbledore not more present when he’s dead than when he’s alive? Because that’s definitely the impression I get! Anyway, it was quite refreshing to read up on Dumbledore’s history as we did for Voldemort in HBP. It’s always good to have some back-story to support a plot line. In this case, I was a little like Harry, never knowing what to think. My gut always told me that Dumbledore was good and his past would not change that. So when Doge told Harry to “Let nothing tarnish [his] memories of Albus Dumbledore!” (The Wedding, p.127), I knew. The King’s Cross chapter took me by surprise, but it couldn’t have been more perfect.
How vulnerable was Voldemort? I really thought he was weak and unintelligent. Sure, he was scary, but I did not think he was powerful at all, especially seeing at how easily Harry was able to outwit him. If anything, most of the trio’s misfortune didn’t really involve the Dark Lord. He’s good at casting illegal spells, but he’s not exactly the brightest. How did he never pick up that Harry was seeing through his mind? I really thought he would, after some time. But yeah, in the end, he knew and understood nothing. Not about Harry being a horcrux, not about the magic behind the Elder Wand, nada! I guess a lot of it has to do with how much he feared Dumbledore. And since most of what Harry knows is from the former headmaster himself, it makes sense that Voldy would be in the dark about it all. But wow. Classic! That last scene was mind-blowing!
“‘And his knowledge remained woefully incomplete, Harry! That which Voldemort does not value, he takes no trouble to comprehend. Of house-elves and children’s tales, of love, loyalty, and innocence, Voldemort knows and understands nothing. Nothing . That they all have a power beyond his own, a power beyond the reach of any magic, is a truth he has never grasped.’” (King’s Cross, p.568)
SEVERUS SNAPE (AND LILY EVANS)
Ah, Snape! The complexity that is his character. Well, no shock there ;) My prediction about Snape being one of the good guys turned out to be true. But gosh, I was floored at how awesome he turned out to be! I didn’t suspect the doe to be his patronus when it should’ve been obvious to me. That thought never even crossed my mind until the very end. I’m curious though, has there ever been a mention in the previous books about Lily’s patronus? Harry seemed to know about it, but I don’t remember reading it anywhere.
Anyway, I’ve always been under the impression that Snape had a bit of a crush on Lily (and who wouldn’t? She’s the sweetest!). I just never expected it to be love, let alone love so grand that he’d change sides. The pleading scene with Dumbledore was so intense that I couldn’t help but shed a few tears for the bloke. Not to mention all those scenes retelling his friendship with Lily. Damn, was I heartbroken or what! He loved her so much. Perhaps too much. And he made a commitment that no ordinary person, imho, would ever be able to make. And he stuck by it. Every last bit of it. Although he’s always appeared to be a jerk (especially to Harry), his devotion to protecting Lily’s child is like no other. That was some sacrifice, let me tell you. And having him die like that, at the bite of Nagini… well it was hard to take. I was overwhelmed, both with compassion and sadness. As far as I’m concerned, there’d be no Harry Potter if there were no Snape. I’m just really happy how it all unfolded. It was a beautiful story.
“'I have spied for you and lied for you, put myself in mortal danger for you. Everything was supposed to be to keep Lily Potter’s son safe. Now you tell me you have been raising him like a pig for slaughter -'
'But this is touching, Severus,' said Dumbledore seriously. 'Have you grown to care for the boy, after all?'
“For him?“ shouted Snape. 'Expecto Patronum!'
From the tip of his wand burst the silver doe. She landed on the office floor, bounded once across the office, and soared out of the window. Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears.
'After all this time?'
'Always,' said Snape.” (The Prince’s Tale, p.551)
NOT-SO-MAJOR CHARACTERS
Kreacher was simply too adorable! I love how he made Sirius look like a bad guy. That was cute. Dumbledore has always said that an elf’s attitude is usually inflicted by his owner and Sirius was never nice to the poor thing. So yeah, I thought it was sweet how he dramatically changed into the happiest servant. Very much like Dobby, I thought. And he was generally a fun character to read.
“'Call ‘im off, call ‘im off, ‘e should be locked up!' screamed Mundungus, cowering as Kreacher raised the heavy-bottomed pan again.
'Kreacher, no!' shouted Harry.
Kreacher’s thin arms trembled with the weight of the pan, still held aloft.
'Perhaps just one more, Master Harry, for luck?'
Ron laughed.” (The Bribe, p.182)
Now, Regulus? He took me by surpriiiiiise! Like most of you, I connected R.A.B. to him. That much was obvious. But he turned to be someone so contrary to what we were led to believe previously. I mean, we all thought Sirius was the only good person in the Black family. But geez, I really really like him now. Too bad we know so little about him, just that he had a good heart. Oh, well.
Aberforth! Man, I wish this guy was around longer. I saw so much of Dumbledore in him. Just different. I loved his hostility towards the Death Eaters. Well played, dude!
Then there’s Neville. I don’t really know where to begin with Neville. ‘Amazing’ doesn’t even cover it. Like Ron, Neville’s grown quite a lot since the first book. He’s shown bravery since book five, but I loved how he took charge this time around. He led a new Dumbledore’s Army. He had so much faith in Harry that he did all in his power to help. It is so true to his character. I always knew he had the potential to show his true Gryffindor colours. And hey, did he not kill the snake? Neville, baby, you are my hero!
And then Dudley! And Narcissa! And Percy! And a million others, really...
DEATHS
I’ll keep this short. I was obviously pained by all the deaths in this book. I think I got most emotional at Dobby’s death, possibly because of the aftermath: Harry digging up the grave himself (that fucking broke me). It was just really sad. I was also in tears when Fred died. The twins mean so much to me, so that was rough. And then, of course, Snape.
EPILOGUE
Ahaha, I know everyone's going berserk over those last few pages! Ok, so the truth is, I had no problem with was written in the epilogue (especially with the newly released info). It was cute and corny and whatever. It’s a happy ending, so what gives?!!! My only issue is that I honestly HATE epilogues, generally-speaking. I personally think they spoil an otherwise good ending. And for a series as amazing as Harry Potter, this book could’ve done without it. But hey, whatever. I’m not complaining :P Oh and, has anyone figured out why JKR chose nineteen years? As opposed to something like… oh, I don’t know… TWENTY? lol
“'Don’t forget to give Neville our love!' Ginny told James as she hugged him.
'Mum! I can’t give a professor love!'
'But you know Neville--'
James rolled his eyes.
'Outside, yeah, but at school he’s Professor Longbottom, isn’t he? I can’t walk into Herbology and give him love….'” (Nineteen Years Later, p.606)
RON AND HERMIONE
I really struggle to put my feelings for this couple into words, at least words that would make some sense. It’s so obvious JKR loved R/Hr because the unfolding of that relationship throughout the entire series, and particularly in DH, couldn’t have been any more perfect! See, it took seven years to make it happen, so naturally their get-together would be handled with such care. The thing is, as I read the book, it felt as though they were already together, just not quite. I used to joke about how I wanted JKR to write an entire chapter on R/Hr, because that would be the right thing to do (ahaha, right!), but I knew that wasn’t realistic. This is, after all, Harry’s story.
But moments? There were PLENTY! And those moments spoke louder than any of their scenes before! The fact alone that Ron read a book about girls, because he was genuinely interested in winning Hermione’s heart and how that has changed his attitude. Was that not awesome? And the jealousy bit at the wedding, with Viktor. And Harry (as Barny Weasley) stating that they were “sort-of” together. Are those not cute moments? But here’s the thing, those are nothing compared to what we witness later on. Ron shows kindness and is always quick to come to Hermione’s comfort, many times pulling her into a hug. Not because this is some competition, but because he truly likes her. When he put up that bed for her in Grimmauld Place, I thought that was particularly sweet, especially coming from Ron, who is very often not sweet. The suggestion that they may have slept holding hands… Are you kidding? This wasn’t just cute, it was really touching.
Another striking event in the R/Hr relationship was when Ron, under the locket’s influence, voiced his anger and stormed out of the tent, leaving Hermione in tears for days and days. Perhaps even more striking was his return (which came as no shock to me, mind you!). It was so in-character that Hermione would punch the crap out of him when she saw him again. And it wasn’t only because she was angry at what he’d done, but also because his absence really affected her. Is it not obvious already? They are constantly thinking and worrying about one another.
What did it for me though is the episode at Malfoy Manor. It was fucking painful hearing Hermione go through the Cruciatus curse, but even more so hearing Ron yelling her name the number of times he did. It was hard for me, and it must’ve been hell for him, because he loves her. He's completely mad about her. I know I’d be doing the same thing if someone I loved that much were going through something as ruthless as the Cruciatus curse. I cried during that scene. It hurt so badly, but this solidified my ship.
And then everything after that… I don’t know. I’m too consumed by how awesome JKR is to think clearly anymore. The kiss was simply great! I think, for Harry to have witnessed it, it was nicely done. I suspect it wasn’t even their first, but that’s for fanfic writers to explore ;) But yeah, it was quite endearing seeing Hermione so happy and proud of Ron. It was as though she couldn’t help it anymore and just dived in. It worked well for their characters. I think anything else would’ve been a total screw-up.
“Hermione put the vanquished Horcrux into the beaded bag, then climbed back into her bed and settled down without another word.
Ron passed Harry the new wand. 'About the best you could hope four, I think,' murmured Harry.
'Yeah,' said Ron. 'Could’ve been worse. Remember those birds she set on me?'
'I still haven’t ruled it out,” came Hermione’s muffled voice from beneath her blankets, but Harry saw Ron smiling slightly as he pulled his maroon pajamas out of his rucksack.” (The Silver Doe, p.314)
Basically, I can’t tell you how much I love this couple, especially right now. I’m so pleased with how this book was written and I’m not sad that the series has ended. It ended well, and that’s good enough for me. I could talk a lot more about it, but I think that’ll do for today. Don’t hesitate to ask me anything though. I’m still very hyped about it all and I doubt it’s going to fade anytime soon.
Eeep. That was long.
Finally, the HP books in my order of preference: DH, GoF, OotP, PoA, PS, CoS and HBP. I break the mold, don’t I? ;)
So what’s yours?
It's extremely long. You've been warned! I've added some quotes and links to fan art for good measure. But yeah, only read this if you've got the time. Don't bother otherwise. LOL
As previously stated, I really loved the seventh book. I think JKR has written a wonderful last installment to the series, and the ending was nothing short of amazing. I thought the action was very fast-paced. So much was happening so fast. If my mind went wandering for a second, I’d miss something (hence why I decided to read it a second time). I am not at all complaining about the pace. Quite the contrary, I thought it was necessary to create thrill for the readers. It was also a bit of a challenge to read, in the sense that it came off looking like one big riddle. Which was great fun, if I may say so myself.
THE PLOT
I bloody loved the horcrux hunt. More specifically, I loved how they snatched the locket from Umbridge and everything that that locket represented: bringing out the worst in someone. That was a very interesting theme that led to a pretty dramatic exit *cough*Ron*cough*. Also, the acquiring of the cup at Gringotts was entirely too awesome. That chapter defined the magical world, from having Hermione impersonate Bellatrix, to Harry casting his first Imperius Curse, to the gold multiplying in the vault, to the dragon…GENIUS! Even later on with the diadem, and saving Draco and Goyle. If that wasn’t hardcore, I don’t know what is!
And then the Deathly Hallows themselves, which made the book all the more interesting. I quite enjoyed the story of the three Peverell brothers. I don’t know why, for some reason, it reminded me of Chaucer’s Pardoner’s Tale. Come to think of it, it really isn’t the same. Geez, I should get my literature straight! Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that it was a fun morale to include and each of the artifacts (the wand, the stone and the cloak) all produced different effects on Harry. I loved seeing James, Lily, Sirius and Lupin by his side as he was about to meet with Voldemort. That was a heartfelt moment.
“'You’ll stay with me?'
'Until the very end,' said James.
'They won’t be able to see you?' asked Harry.
'We are part of you,' said Sirius. 'Invisible to anyone else.'
Harry looked at his mother.
'Stay close to me,' he said quietly.” (The Forest Again, p.561)
I can’t think of any other way to sum it up. I’m still thinking it over as I write. Essentially, I thought it was very clever and an excellent conclusion to the series. I’ve seen a lot of people complain about how predictable the novel was. The thing is, no matter what JKR would’ve decided to do, it would’ve been predictable! If you read fanfiction or have done some speculation of your own, you’re bound to come across something. Besides, there were six books prior to this one. The clues are all there! So, predictable or not, this book was terrific. It had the right amount of everything.
THE TRIO
You know what? I really liked Harry! No, I loved him. And those who know me know that I've always voiced my general dislike for the character, which then became indifference, and now love. Lame, huh? See, as interesting as his stories were, I always thought he made things too personal. I should've realized a long time ago that it was, in fact, personal. Perhaps what caused this change of heart is because he was so selfless. He was the most consistent character in the series. Flawed (that temper, yo!), but still very much the same as ever: good-hearted.
Hermione has always amazed me as a character. I know that if it weren't for her, Harry wouldn't have gotten this far in his quest, at least not so quickly. Don't get me wrong, I think Harry is very bright, but Hermione often reflects on and researches things Harry would normally ignore. What I'm trying to say is that I love Hermione. I love her quick-thinking ability. I was left astounded at that trick she pulled at Mr Lovegood's house. I hurt so badly hearing her go through the Cruciatus curse. It killed me. JKR couldn't have created a better female lead.
Oh, Ron. Sometimes I think he's the main reason I love the series so much. In Deathly Hallows, my love for him skyrocketed, if that's even possible. JKR has always been very delicate in her portrayal of the youngest Weasley boy, his personality often reflecting his insecurities. I think this book really showcases how much he's grown as a character. I think we can all agree that he has matured, and yet he's still intimidated by Viktor Krum or Harry's position in the trio. It's obvious he's done a lot of effort. He showed more sympathy, more courage and more of himself in this book than ever before and I'm just sooo so proud of him!
Their friendship is so solid. I can’t ever imagine it falling apart. They’ve been through thick and thin, and it was only right to attribute so much importance to the trio in this last book. I think this is what JKR was aiming for, touching on loyalty and love and remorse… all of which have to do with friendship. Their bond is untouchable and it is together that they defeated the Dark Lord, whether one would like to acknowledge that or not.
“‘He knew what he was doing when he gave me the Deluminator, didn’t he? He -- well,’ Ron’s ears turned bright red and he became engrossed in a tuft of grass at his feet, which he prodded with his toe, ‘he must’ve known I’d run out on you.’
‘No,’ Harry corrected him. ‘He must’ve known you’d always want to come back.’” (Xenophilius Lovegood, p.317)
GOOD VS EVIL (DUMBLEDORE AND VOLDEMORT)
Correct me if I’m wrong, but is Dumbledore not more present when he’s dead than when he’s alive? Because that’s definitely the impression I get! Anyway, it was quite refreshing to read up on Dumbledore’s history as we did for Voldemort in HBP. It’s always good to have some back-story to support a plot line. In this case, I was a little like Harry, never knowing what to think. My gut always told me that Dumbledore was good and his past would not change that. So when Doge told Harry to “Let nothing tarnish [his] memories of Albus Dumbledore!” (The Wedding, p.127), I knew. The King’s Cross chapter took me by surprise, but it couldn’t have been more perfect.
How vulnerable was Voldemort? I really thought he was weak and unintelligent. Sure, he was scary, but I did not think he was powerful at all, especially seeing at how easily Harry was able to outwit him. If anything, most of the trio’s misfortune didn’t really involve the Dark Lord. He’s good at casting illegal spells, but he’s not exactly the brightest. How did he never pick up that Harry was seeing through his mind? I really thought he would, after some time. But yeah, in the end, he knew and understood nothing. Not about Harry being a horcrux, not about the magic behind the Elder Wand, nada! I guess a lot of it has to do with how much he feared Dumbledore. And since most of what Harry knows is from the former headmaster himself, it makes sense that Voldy would be in the dark about it all. But wow. Classic! That last scene was mind-blowing!
“‘And his knowledge remained woefully incomplete, Harry! That which Voldemort does not value, he takes no trouble to comprehend. Of house-elves and children’s tales, of love, loyalty, and innocence, Voldemort knows and understands nothing. Nothing . That they all have a power beyond his own, a power beyond the reach of any magic, is a truth he has never grasped.’” (King’s Cross, p.568)
SEVERUS SNAPE (AND LILY EVANS)
Ah, Snape! The complexity that is his character. Well, no shock there ;) My prediction about Snape being one of the good guys turned out to be true. But gosh, I was floored at how awesome he turned out to be! I didn’t suspect the doe to be his patronus when it should’ve been obvious to me. That thought never even crossed my mind until the very end. I’m curious though, has there ever been a mention in the previous books about Lily’s patronus? Harry seemed to know about it, but I don’t remember reading it anywhere.
Anyway, I’ve always been under the impression that Snape had a bit of a crush on Lily (and who wouldn’t? She’s the sweetest!). I just never expected it to be love, let alone love so grand that he’d change sides. The pleading scene with Dumbledore was so intense that I couldn’t help but shed a few tears for the bloke. Not to mention all those scenes retelling his friendship with Lily. Damn, was I heartbroken or what! He loved her so much. Perhaps too much. And he made a commitment that no ordinary person, imho, would ever be able to make. And he stuck by it. Every last bit of it. Although he’s always appeared to be a jerk (especially to Harry), his devotion to protecting Lily’s child is like no other. That was some sacrifice, let me tell you. And having him die like that, at the bite of Nagini… well it was hard to take. I was overwhelmed, both with compassion and sadness. As far as I’m concerned, there’d be no Harry Potter if there were no Snape. I’m just really happy how it all unfolded. It was a beautiful story.
“'I have spied for you and lied for you, put myself in mortal danger for you. Everything was supposed to be to keep Lily Potter’s son safe. Now you tell me you have been raising him like a pig for slaughter -'
'But this is touching, Severus,' said Dumbledore seriously. 'Have you grown to care for the boy, after all?'
“For him?“ shouted Snape. 'Expecto Patronum!'
From the tip of his wand burst the silver doe. She landed on the office floor, bounded once across the office, and soared out of the window. Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears.
'After all this time?'
'Always,' said Snape.” (The Prince’s Tale, p.551)
NOT-SO-MAJOR CHARACTERS
Kreacher was simply too adorable! I love how he made Sirius look like a bad guy. That was cute. Dumbledore has always said that an elf’s attitude is usually inflicted by his owner and Sirius was never nice to the poor thing. So yeah, I thought it was sweet how he dramatically changed into the happiest servant. Very much like Dobby, I thought. And he was generally a fun character to read.
“'Call ‘im off, call ‘im off, ‘e should be locked up!' screamed Mundungus, cowering as Kreacher raised the heavy-bottomed pan again.
'Kreacher, no!' shouted Harry.
Kreacher’s thin arms trembled with the weight of the pan, still held aloft.
'Perhaps just one more, Master Harry, for luck?'
Ron laughed.” (The Bribe, p.182)
Now, Regulus? He took me by surpriiiiiise! Like most of you, I connected R.A.B. to him. That much was obvious. But he turned to be someone so contrary to what we were led to believe previously. I mean, we all thought Sirius was the only good person in the Black family. But geez, I really really like him now. Too bad we know so little about him, just that he had a good heart. Oh, well.
Aberforth! Man, I wish this guy was around longer. I saw so much of Dumbledore in him. Just different. I loved his hostility towards the Death Eaters. Well played, dude!
Then there’s Neville. I don’t really know where to begin with Neville. ‘Amazing’ doesn’t even cover it. Like Ron, Neville’s grown quite a lot since the first book. He’s shown bravery since book five, but I loved how he took charge this time around. He led a new Dumbledore’s Army. He had so much faith in Harry that he did all in his power to help. It is so true to his character. I always knew he had the potential to show his true Gryffindor colours. And hey, did he not kill the snake? Neville, baby, you are my hero!
And then Dudley! And Narcissa! And Percy! And a million others, really...
DEATHS
I’ll keep this short. I was obviously pained by all the deaths in this book. I think I got most emotional at Dobby’s death, possibly because of the aftermath: Harry digging up the grave himself (that fucking broke me). It was just really sad. I was also in tears when Fred died. The twins mean so much to me, so that was rough. And then, of course, Snape.
EPILOGUE
Ahaha, I know everyone's going berserk over those last few pages! Ok, so the truth is, I had no problem with was written in the epilogue (especially with the newly released info). It was cute and corny and whatever. It’s a happy ending, so what gives?!!! My only issue is that I honestly HATE epilogues, generally-speaking. I personally think they spoil an otherwise good ending. And for a series as amazing as Harry Potter, this book could’ve done without it. But hey, whatever. I’m not complaining :P Oh and, has anyone figured out why JKR chose nineteen years? As opposed to something like… oh, I don’t know… TWENTY? lol
“'Don’t forget to give Neville our love!' Ginny told James as she hugged him.
'Mum! I can’t give a professor love!'
'But you know Neville--'
James rolled his eyes.
'Outside, yeah, but at school he’s Professor Longbottom, isn’t he? I can’t walk into Herbology and give him love….'” (Nineteen Years Later, p.606)
RON AND HERMIONE
I really struggle to put my feelings for this couple into words, at least words that would make some sense. It’s so obvious JKR loved R/Hr because the unfolding of that relationship throughout the entire series, and particularly in DH, couldn’t have been any more perfect! See, it took seven years to make it happen, so naturally their get-together would be handled with such care. The thing is, as I read the book, it felt as though they were already together, just not quite. I used to joke about how I wanted JKR to write an entire chapter on R/Hr, because that would be the right thing to do (ahaha, right!), but I knew that wasn’t realistic. This is, after all, Harry’s story.
But moments? There were PLENTY! And those moments spoke louder than any of their scenes before! The fact alone that Ron read a book about girls, because he was genuinely interested in winning Hermione’s heart and how that has changed his attitude. Was that not awesome? And the jealousy bit at the wedding, with Viktor. And Harry (as Barny Weasley) stating that they were “sort-of” together. Are those not cute moments? But here’s the thing, those are nothing compared to what we witness later on. Ron shows kindness and is always quick to come to Hermione’s comfort, many times pulling her into a hug. Not because this is some competition, but because he truly likes her. When he put up that bed for her in Grimmauld Place, I thought that was particularly sweet, especially coming from Ron, who is very often not sweet. The suggestion that they may have slept holding hands… Are you kidding? This wasn’t just cute, it was really touching.
Another striking event in the R/Hr relationship was when Ron, under the locket’s influence, voiced his anger and stormed out of the tent, leaving Hermione in tears for days and days. Perhaps even more striking was his return (which came as no shock to me, mind you!). It was so in-character that Hermione would punch the crap out of him when she saw him again. And it wasn’t only because she was angry at what he’d done, but also because his absence really affected her. Is it not obvious already? They are constantly thinking and worrying about one another.
What did it for me though is the episode at Malfoy Manor. It was fucking painful hearing Hermione go through the Cruciatus curse, but even more so hearing Ron yelling her name the number of times he did. It was hard for me, and it must’ve been hell for him, because he loves her. He's completely mad about her. I know I’d be doing the same thing if someone I loved that much were going through something as ruthless as the Cruciatus curse. I cried during that scene. It hurt so badly, but this solidified my ship.
And then everything after that… I don’t know. I’m too consumed by how awesome JKR is to think clearly anymore. The kiss was simply great! I think, for Harry to have witnessed it, it was nicely done. I suspect it wasn’t even their first, but that’s for fanfic writers to explore ;) But yeah, it was quite endearing seeing Hermione so happy and proud of Ron. It was as though she couldn’t help it anymore and just dived in. It worked well for their characters. I think anything else would’ve been a total screw-up.
“Hermione put the vanquished Horcrux into the beaded bag, then climbed back into her bed and settled down without another word.
Ron passed Harry the new wand. 'About the best you could hope four, I think,' murmured Harry.
'Yeah,' said Ron. 'Could’ve been worse. Remember those birds she set on me?'
'I still haven’t ruled it out,” came Hermione’s muffled voice from beneath her blankets, but Harry saw Ron smiling slightly as he pulled his maroon pajamas out of his rucksack.” (The Silver Doe, p.314)
Basically, I can’t tell you how much I love this couple, especially right now. I’m so pleased with how this book was written and I’m not sad that the series has ended. It ended well, and that’s good enough for me. I could talk a lot more about it, but I think that’ll do for today. Don’t hesitate to ask me anything though. I’m still very hyped about it all and I doubt it’s going to fade anytime soon.
Eeep. That was long.
Finally, the HP books in my order of preference: DH, GoF, OotP, PoA, PS, CoS and HBP. I break the mold, don’t I? ;)
So what’s yours?