The End of Our Innocenct Childhoods
So like I said before, I finally finished HPDH. But when the book arrived on the 21st, I was still in the process of re-reading HPOP and the plan was to finish that & HPHBP and then continue onto the 7th. And I say it was a smart choice to re-read those books because of all the revisiting that went on during the 6th and 7th books.
I cannot believe that Dudley had such a change of character. I mean, I know that Kreacher, Snape and later Draco all somewhat seemed less evil, but that's because their characters were a bit more developed and explained. We hardly ever got the full story of Dudley, though, so it was kind of weird to read him thanking Harry. While it was weird, I still could not help but smile at his act of gratitude. : )
Perhaps my favorite chapter as a whole for me was Kreacher's Tale. It explained why Kreacher was so strange and foul in the 5th book and I knew that when Hermoine repeated Dumbledore's warning to be nice to him, that they would all be sorry they hadn't been nicer sooner. I was thrilled, though, when finally everyone came around and treated him so kindly that he in turn did a complete 180.
On the topic of house-elves, my saddest moment was Dobby's death. For me Dobby was the epitomy of loyalty and submission. He didn't submit to Harry because he had to, but because he so revered Harry Potter. And when he died, I gasped and was so sad all while reading how Harry did not take that devotion for granted by digging Dobby's grave. I always thought Dobby was actually kind of cute what with his values that frequently led to his self-punishment. On that note, it kind of reminds me of Lestrange and her undying loyalty to Lord Voldemort. She, like Dobby, was loyal and submissive to the point of death.
Other things that really scared me were when George lost his ear, but thankfully he was still himself along with Fred and they made light out of it. That was another thing that made me smile. However, when Fred died, I was shocked. I have no idea what it's like to lose a twin, but after observing Fred & George's relationship throughout the series I can't help but feel that George would hardly be himself without George. I mean, as much as I know they are two distinct people and not just a package, without one can you truly have the other??
Another moment that brought moisture to my eyes (I never actually let tears fall out of my eyes during the book ... more on that later) was when Ron walked off. I knew that he'd be back because that's just how it was supposed to be, but his reason was so genuine and understandable. Ron is a family man as we all know from his defensiveness of Ginny. But with his departure came the feeling of elation when he returned. And when he destroyed that Horcrux ... my goodness that was scary. To have negative feelings that dominate you come into visual form like that. Voldemort obviously knew what he was doing .... to an extent.
As for Dumbledore, I am actually glad that he's been brought down from that very high pedestal everyone's held him on because it makes him that more special to me. He had to have had something traumatic like that in his childhood to make him as wise as he is and to give him insight. In my mind, it just makes him more of a Dumbledore. What does impress me, though, is how right Lisa and everyone else was about his decision to trust Professor Snape. After everyone read their predictions about him and I read that specific passage in the 5th book (see recent entry) I finally decided to have faith in Dumbledore's actions. And he was right, thank goodness.
On the topic of Professor Snape comes the history that was revealed to Harry soon after his death. His love for Lily, while creepy to me, was actually really touching, making him more human. And I greatly appreciate that little extra character development on Aunt Petunia. When Professor Snape was devestated at Lily's death, I finally started feeling pity for him. The fact that his Patronus was a doe just speaks volumes to me about the power of love and remorse, something Voldemort never had.
The crowning moment of the book, though, was when Harry named a son after both Dumbledore and Professor Snape (Albus Severus). That was truly perfect.
And now on Voldemort, can I just express my shock as to how he could never have expected anyone else to discover the Room of Requirement?! I mean, not only did scores of Hogwarts students see it upon the formation of Dumbledore's Army, but even Umbridge should have known when Draco blew their hideout, right?? And when Draco was forced to do Voldemort's bidding, wouldn't you think that there'd be some communication about where Draco was operating from?
Anyway, probably the character I've grown to admire the most (other than Harry) is Neville. And his swipe at Nagini's head just totally solidified it. And when Neville mentioned how his g-ma was so proud of him, I couldn't help but squeal in delight for him!
All throughout reading the 7th book when Harry, Ron & Hermoine were on the run from one campsite to another, I couldn't help but feel a historical reminiscence to Hitler. In this parallel, Voldemort = Hitler. I mean, here you have this man who is not in fact a pure-blood himself like Hitler himself was never the perfect Aryan, but most of his followers believed so much in the cause that their leader's background was overlooked. Most of Voldemort's followers were pure-blood like Hitler's follower's who were good Aryans. And when Voldemort's Death Eaters subjugated everyone else, goblins, mixed-bloods and other creatures, it was to me like when Hitler's movement not only went after the Jews, but all of society's "strange" people: gypsies, homosexuals, etc.
And the Death Eaters to me resembled Hitler's SS, quelling resistance and hauling off people indescriminately.
I really appreciated how Voldemort's name was later cursed. As Sarah said, that was really clever because few people would risk saying his name out loud in the first place. So obviously it was meant for people as strong-willed and resistant as Harry, which eventually worked.
All in all, I think the book had some pretty powerful messages. I won't get into them just yet in case any of you have comments on what I've just written so that I can take them into account when I do write. But I really do think that this ranks as my #2 favorite in the series after Order of the Phoenix.
And for Sarah:
And what Muggle, or non-wizard, song would have been played at the funeral of Albus Dumbledore, the most brilliant and talented wizard the world had ever known?
"Surely 'I Did It My Way' by Frank Sinatra," Rowling told her fans, referring to the song "My Way," written by Paul Anka but popularized by Sinatra, among other singers.
- Rowling Answers Fans Final Questions
I hope you appreciate that connection between things you love, haha. And how funny that I'm typing all this on Paul Anka. Absolutely perfect.
In more personal news:
I quit my job yesterday!! I'm free!!!!!!! At least till school starts. Thankfully, my bosses took it well. And it's confirmed that I will be working at my old library. Now to figure out what my pay will be ...