BOOK DISCUSSION: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

[cmere]

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.July 21, 2007 brought us the final, long-anticipated book in the Harry Potter series. It’s hard to imagine that was over seven years ago. Book Seven concluded the series with seven Harrys; the Tales of Beedle the Bard; a wedding; the fall of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts; a quest for horcruxes;

Comments

[cmere]

How did you feel approaching the release date? Did you go to a midnight party? Did you celebrate, mourn, or both?

[author_by_night]

Two of my friends and I explored the possibility of meeting up for the book, but we ultimately decided to meet up for the fifth movie instead. I didn't go to the release either, instead picking up the book to read the next day.

As for how I felt, I'll let the subject title of my post the day before speak for itself: :) :( :) :( :)

[shocolate]

Absolutley ill.

Ron wasn't safe until he was safe.

Luckily, kerryblaze flew to London to read it with me, and we bought it at King's Cross, at midnight and read through the night.

[bonsaibetz]

I went to Sectus in London, which was held during the release of DH. That Friday night, we all lined up at the university bookstore, where you had pre-purchased your book - adult cover or kiddie cover, waited in line with your ticket and then picked it up once midnight struck

[cmere]

Was Book Seven anything like what you were expecting, or was it completely different? What surprised you?

[author_by_night]

Well, I think we were all surprised when the last word in the book wasn't "scar." :P

I was surprised the wizarding world underwent a full-out coup; I knew with Dumbledore gone things would be bad, but not that bad. Also, while I knew Neville's character had developed, I had no idea he'd end up basically leading the student rebellion. The same innocent but ever-forgetful Neville of the early books. And Gran Longbottom rocks!

Oh, and I didn't see Molly killing Bellatrix coming. Or the word "bitch" being in a Harry Potter book...

[cmere]

Well, I think we were all surprised when the last word in the book wasn't "scar." :P

Hahahahahaha

[drinkingcocoa]

I didn't expect so much new structure with the Peverells and the Deathly Hallows, and I was profoundly distressed that Snape was absent for almost the entire book, but generally, it fulfilled my hopes and expectations: JKR did an almost superhuman job of tying up all the loose ends, and I had no idea how she was going to accomplish such a thing. Very, very impressive.

[cmere]

Book Seven broke the pattern of the other books taking place at Hogwarts and following Harry’s school year. What did you think about the change?

[shocolate]

I completely adored it - the trio were such a unit, so brave, so grown up.

[drinkingcocoa]

I was shocked in the best way by the constant, huge deviations from the previous patterns. So bold.

[philstar22]

It worked and was completely necessary, IMHO. Book 6 suffered for being confined to Hogwarts, and I think it was really important in the last book for Harry to be focused on the war. I would have liked to see some of the stuff at Hogwarts with Neville taking over the DA and resisting the death eaters, but on the whole I think the move worked.

[cmere]

We saw many other settings more in depth-the Ministry of Magic, number twelve, Grimmauld Place, Gringott’s, Godric’s Hollow, the Lovegood house, Malfoy Manor, Shell Cottage, the Hog’s Head, and finally Hogwarts in a new light. Which were most intriguing to you?

[drinkingcocoa]

Grimmauld Place. The boys' bedrooms and everything we found there.

[philstar22]

All of them?
Uh, I really liked the Ministry and Gringott's scenes. Seeing Godric's Hallow was awesome. The darker Hogwarts with the death eater control and then the taking it back and the battle from there was all awesome too.

[kate34books]

Getting to see Sirius Room broke my heart. But it was such a nice call back.

Loved both The Lovegood's house (specially Luna's Room) and Shell cottage.

[cmere]

What were the most memorable scenes in the book?

[shocolate]

“Are-you-mental?”

Nothing but the shock of hearing that voice could have given Harry the strength to get up. Shivering violently, he staggered to his feet. There before him stood Ron, fully dressed but drenched to the skin, his hair plastered to his face, the sword of Gryffindor in one hand and the Horcrux dangling from its broken chain in the other.

[kate34books]

one of the highlights of the book

[shocolate]

“You’ve sort of made up for it tonight,” said Harry. “Getting the sword. Finishing of the Horcrux. Saving my life.”
“That makes me sound a lot cooler than I was,” Ron mumbled.
“Stuff like that always sounds cooler than it really was,” said Harry. “I’ve been trying to tell you that for years.”
Simultaneously they walked forward and hugged, Harry gripping the still sopping back of Ron’s jacket.