Harry Potter and the Favorite Characters
Harry Potter Books: Once you start, you just can't stop.
XD I've been spending most of my weekend and last week rereading books 5, 6, and 3 (i'm planning to reread book 7 too soon, and 4 as soon as I can steal it back from my sister). I've also taken to dogearing my favorite parts or parts with references by or about my favorite characters so I can reread them again later. XD I'd been rewatching the movies before as well, but it's mostly the books I've been obsessing over as of late.
It's truly amazing how much you forget or skim over when reading the books the first time (i read them as soon as they came out, with the exception maybe of the first book--and given my age at the time of each release, I guess it's fairly understandable that some things went over my head). Until this month, I think the only HP books I'd ever reread all or parts of was Goblet of Fire and Half-Blood Prince. But now I'm rereading them like crazy. And rediscovering love for characters I had in the past and remembering why I feel certain ways about other characters. And I figured I'd share my feelings with you all if you're interested. XD
Favorite Characters of Harry Potter:
(As I do when deciding what my "favorite" for pretty much anything is, the list is complied by choosing whichever characters I never or rarely tire reading about, and generally get excited or extremely interested whenever they're mentoined or are involved. With the probable exception of the first three, the order of my favorite characters typically changes depending on what and when I've last read/watched of them.)
All links go to HP Wiki. All quotes from HP books and/or movies, owned by JK Rowling.
1. Luna Lovegood: As I've stated a million times before--Luna is amazing and fantastic and wonderful. One of my favorite characters of all time without a doubt. She's a fantastic individual, who is probably more true to herself despite what others think than any character I've ever come across before, as well as nonjudgemental and loyal. She appriciates the friends she has, and is incredibly kind even if a bit eccentric. She also seems to have a nack for seeing how others really feel. And she is incredibly honest, to the point of being blunt. I just love this girl, she almost always makes me laugh and feel for her no matter what is going on in the book at the time. However, none of my main pairings in Harry Potter at the moment (although poppy's fic of Ron/Luna was extremely cute) include her--probably because I'm too protective...XD (More fangirling on Luna)
"Don't worry, Harry. I can see them, too. You're just as sane as I am."
2. Remus Lupin: This man is the reason for my rabid rereading of all the Harry Potter books lately. I've completely fallen in love with his character. Previously, before Harry Potter became a major obsession of mine again, I did support the Sirius/Remus pairing--even moreso reading Deathly Hallows and just not being able to buy into Tonks/Remus. The pairing of the two Marauders is just so plainly obvious and works so well. But recently, reading about him in the books (in which he is a much larger character than the movies I've noticed--though that is true for most of the HP characters), I've just not been able to get enough of him. He's such an incredibly kind and understanding person, despite all the hate and distrust he's a victim of. He always seems to be so sympathetic and calm with everyone, rarely holding grudges or getting angry, which I just find incredibly admirable. Yet he is strong and doesn't hesitate to fight when the situation calls for it. And he's such a wonderful "surrogate godfather" (XDas I read it termed in a fic recently) to Harry both before Sirius and after his death. I have just grown to relate, admire, and simply love his character so much the more I read about him.
"You are determined to hate him, Harry," said Lupin with a faint smile. "And I understand; with James as your father, with Sirius as your godfather, you have inherited an old prejudice."
3. Dobby: I'm sure he annoys some people to no end, but I love Dobby. I just find him so adorable and sweet and he makes me laugh so often when I read him. Such a brave guy, and quite optomistic actually, and very loyal despite being released from his horrible servitude. His eagerness to help Harry always put a smile on my face. And I nearly cried at his death.
"Kreacher will not insult Harry Potter in front of Dobby, no he won't, or Dobby will shut Kreacher's mouth for him!" cried Dobby in a high-pitched voice.
4. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore: Even when Harry was angry at him or there was doubt about him, I was never able to. Even though he's got trouble in his past and he's made mistakes and isn't perfect like it was thought for so many books, I still look up to and admire him just as much as I did when I read the first book. I am just able to forgive him so easily, and his words of wisdom are definitely things I try to keep in mind.
"It is our choices Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
5. Weasley Twins, Fred and George: Although I have noticed very slight differences in their personalities as the books go on, I don't think anyone could possibly think of one twin without the other (pre-Deathly Hallows at least, but even then...). They always brighten up pretty much whatever chapter or scene they are on, and I've found it impossible to not cheer for them. Even at the darkest times and most dangerous or saddest scenes, they never fail to find a way to make a joke or prank that just makes me smile.
"But we feel our futures lie outside the world of academic achievement."
6. Professor Minerva McGonagall: Very cool teacher, who I think teaches a really cool subject. XD But seriously, despite her strictness, I really like her--she's probably one of the best teachers at Hogwarts. She is very fair, but obviously does care about her students very much--especially ones in her own house. And because of her seriousness, whenever she does make a joke, it's that much more funny. XD
She stopped again, and then said in a very matter-of-fact tone, "You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."
7. Sirius Black: He's reckless, he's impulsive, he's immature, and a little insane, but there is just something about him that I can't help but love. Maybe it's just because Harry looked up to him and loved him so much that I just can't help but see him that way. And he did care for Harry very much. Not to mention rereading Prisoner of Azkaban, I can't help but feel for him even more...
"I'll understand, of course, if you want to stay with our aunt and uncle," said Black. "But...well...think about it. Once my name is cleared...if you wanted a...a different home..."
8. Hermione Granger: Although Luna did steal her place in my heart, in the last book I learned to love Hermione again. The fact that she stayed with Harry to help him despite her 'love' for Ron, and didn't totally break down because he left (though she was obviously hurt by it) and run after him, won a lot of respect from me. She wasn't relationship obsessed, and still stuck true to what she believed was right. And she can definitely hold her own against the two boys, and is the only one really who seems to be able to keep them grounded.
"Books! And cleverness! There are more important things -- friendship and bravery."
9. Harry Potter: Since I've been reading these books forever, it feels like Harry Potter is part of my family and I can't help but love him no matter what. There are always parts of his story that I can relate to, and feelings he has that I have had as well. And despite all his angsting and tragedies and tantrums, I do believe overall he is a good role model and someone to look up to. His heart without a doubt is in the right place and he shoulders most of his burdens in an admirable way.
"I don't go looking for trouble," said Harry nettled. "Trouble usually finds me."
10. Neville Longbottom: I don't know how anyone can not feel for this guy, and not love him after his triumph in the final book. He probably goes through more growth than anyone over the course of all seven books--and that's saying something. The boy who could've been in Harry's place, went through most of the books instead being the butt of a lot of jokes and bad luck, but ended as one of the greatest heroes of Dumbledore's Army and protector of the school.
"I'll join you when hell freezes over! Dumbledore's Army!"
11. Ron Weasley: Although I've always liked Ron, I lost a lot of respect for him in the last book. Although it wasn't his fault completely, his hate and stress amplified by the locket, it was undoubtedly worst on him. He did redeem himself saving Harry's life, that's the reason he's so low on this list. I do love him, but there are times his character makes me cringe.
"I'm the sixth in our family to go to Hogwarts. You could say I've got a lot to live up to ... Everyone expects me to do as well as the others, but if I do, it's no big deal, because they did it first."
12. Lily Evans: Even though she technically wasn't a character in the series, I always loved reading about her because she did seem like a wonderful person--and yet not a Mary Sue either somehow...just a genuinely good person, who stood up for others as well as herself, and was not impressed by show-offs (but somehow ended up marrying a "reformed" one anyway..XD). Plus, I admire her for being able to live with Petunia, who undoubtedly didn't treat her much better than she treated Harry during the summers when she came home.
"You didn’t think it was such a freak’s school when you wrote the headmaster and begged him to take you."
13. Kreacher: Even before Harry was nice to him and Kreacher was pleasent to live with, I liked him just because he was so blunt yet somehow thought that no one could hear him. XD But then after he started responding to Harry's kindness and became one of the "good guys", he became even more lovable. And he's proof a little kindness can go a long way.
"Fight, Fight for my master, the defender of the House elves. Fight for brave Regulus!"
14. Rubeus Hagrid: Although times in the book he really annoys me, if I ever saw him in real life I would without a doubt run up and hug him. Such a big man who cares for such small creatures (and huge ones as well) no matter how dangerous or misunderstood, it's hard not to love him. He does get out of hand sometimes, but again his heart is always in the right place. Plus, when I think of the series, he's one of the first people I think of.
"S'all my fault. Got all tongue-tied. They was all sittin' there in black robes an' I kep' droppin' me notes and forgettin' all them dates yeh looked up fer me, Hermione. An' then Lucius Malfoy stood up an' said his bit, and the Committee jus' did exac'ly what he told 'em...."
15. Fleur Delacour: I have no idea why I like her so much, but I always love it when a scene comes up and she's in it! Originally, it might've been because she was the one girl in the Triwizard Tournament (although she didn't do too well in it, the tournament was rigged...), but since then she's just become a favorite of mine. One of the few people who can stand up to Mrs. Weasley too XD (though I don't really have much against Mrs. Weasley, I think I do like Fleur more for some reason). I don't think any other character in the series can do that!
"'Arry, you saved my sister's life, I do not forget."
Least Favorite Characters
Also rereading the books has reminded me of characters I cannot stand in the series. Rowling made plenty of detestable villains, but there are only a few that make me want to rip the pages or smash the television when they come into a scene...(and Lord Voldermort is actually rarely one of them)
-Dolores Umbridge: Perhaps the most evil revelation about this disgusting and vile woman is the fact that she never directly worked for Lord Voldermort. She was simply a horrendous woman (in pink) who let her racism and prejudice and sadistic desires influence her decisions and actions. She giggled and smiled at other people's discomfort and sadness, and thought herself better than those around her either due to her posistion in the ministry or later on, her blood status. And the "I shall not tell lies" scene, in both the movie and the book, never fails to enrage me more than any scene with Voldermort. Her scene insulting centaurs also strikes a nerve--not to mention she supposedly passed that anti-werewolf legislation that has helped make Lupin's life even more difficult. She is undoubtedly the character I hate the MOST out of all the books and movies.
"What Cornelius doesn't know won't hurt him," said Umbridge, who was now panting slightly as she pointed her wand at different parts of Harry's body in turn, apparently trying to decide what would hurt the most. "He never knew I ordered dementors after Potter last summer, but he was delighted to be given the chance to expel him all the same...."
-Severus Snape: I know, he's a good guy. I know, he risked a lot for the cause. I know, he protected Harry plenty of times--but I still can't like him. Especially after rereading this scene in book three, where it makes me wonder whether or not JK Rowling had intended for him to be good all along:
"You fool," said Lupin softly. "Is a schoolboy grudge really worth putting an innocent man back inside Azkaban?"
BANG! The thin, snakelike cords burst from the end of Snape's wand and twisted themselves around Lupin's mouth, wrists, and ankles; he overbalanced and fell to the floor, unable to move. With a roar or rage, Black started toward Snape, but Snape pointed is wand between Black's eyes.
...
"Up to the castle?" said Snape silkily. "I don't think we need to go that far. All I have to do is call the dementors once we get out of the Willow. They'll be pleased to see you, Black...pleased enough to give you a little kiss, I daresay...."
What little color there was in Black's face left it.
"You--you've got to hear me out," he croaked. "The rat--look at the rat--"
But there was a mad glint in Snape's eyes that Harry had never seen before. He seemed beyond reason.
"Come on, all of you," he said. He clicked his fingers and the ends of the cords that bound Lupin flew to his hands. "I'll drag the werewolf. Pehaps the dementors will have a kiss for him too--"
...
"Don't ask me to fathom the way a werewolf's mind works," hissed Snape. "Get out of the way Potter."
He's fucking ready to DRAG Lupin out of the willow. Not even levitate him--no, DRAG him, bound and gagged, when Lupin never even did ANYTHING to him. Sure, Snape was undoubtedly traumitized by the joke Black played on him and seeing Lupin transform, but my god it's really hard to feel sorry for him when he takes it this far. And the way he refers to Lupin as just "werewolf" really reminds me of Umbridge's attitude towards half-breeds. I had completely forgotten about this scene until I read it again the other day when rereading book 3.
They really changed it in the movie, where the majority of Snape's anger was (justifyably seeing as Black was severely antagonizing him as well there) aimed at Sirius, and he barely even glanced at Lupin. And then after this in the book, Snape's gloating about getting an Order of Merlin for capturing Black. I cannot believe I'd forgotten about all of this, although it had been a while since I last read this book, there's just so much here that makes it so difficult to believe Snape was intended all along to be an anti-hero. There's only so much I can forgive. And after all of this, it only makes me respect Lupin that much more when he says "I neither like nor dislike Severus" later on.
-Lucius Malfoy: He acts so big, but then he's not even a good villain. He makes rude remarks, goes out of his way to use his connections when he wants something, but then when push comes to shove he can't measure up. Things go bad for him, and he acts all meek and sad, but there's no room to pity him because he never did anything worth caring about him for. His wife spared Harry's life and obviously cared for her son, and his son I rather like because we see moments of weakness and sadness with him and does his best to spare Hermione and Harry by saying he doesn't recognize them. But there's nothing Lucius ever does to make us like him. Plenty to make us dislike him, and he is personally responsible for plenty of pain for our more liked characters. And yet, the man somehow still manages to see himself above everyone else--whether it's the "Dark Lord" or the Ministry of Magic or Hogwarts, he thinks he's entitled and important.
"I have never renounced the old ways. The face I have been obliged to present each day since your . . . absence, that is my true mask."
XD I've plenty more to say about lots of other characters (especially Peter Pettigrew, Ginny Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange, and more) but I'll leave it at that for now since I do have an essay I should be working on and this entry is probably long enough as is.
So, anyone dis/agree or have a comment on anything?
(Continued in entry Harry Potter and the Love/Hate Characters)
XD I've been spending most of my weekend and last week rereading books 5, 6, and 3 (i'm planning to reread book 7 too soon, and 4 as soon as I can steal it back from my sister). I've also taken to dogearing my favorite parts or parts with references by or about my favorite characters so I can reread them again later. XD I'd been rewatching the movies before as well, but it's mostly the books I've been obsessing over as of late.
It's truly amazing how much you forget or skim over when reading the books the first time (i read them as soon as they came out, with the exception maybe of the first book--and given my age at the time of each release, I guess it's fairly understandable that some things went over my head). Until this month, I think the only HP books I'd ever reread all or parts of was Goblet of Fire and Half-Blood Prince. But now I'm rereading them like crazy. And rediscovering love for characters I had in the past and remembering why I feel certain ways about other characters. And I figured I'd share my feelings with you all if you're interested. XD
Favorite Characters of Harry Potter:
(As I do when deciding what my "favorite" for pretty much anything is, the list is complied by choosing whichever characters I never or rarely tire reading about, and generally get excited or extremely interested whenever they're mentoined or are involved. With the probable exception of the first three, the order of my favorite characters typically changes depending on what and when I've last read/watched of them.)
All links go to HP Wiki. All quotes from HP books and/or movies, owned by JK Rowling.
1. Luna Lovegood: As I've stated a million times before--Luna is amazing and fantastic and wonderful. One of my favorite characters of all time without a doubt. She's a fantastic individual, who is probably more true to herself despite what others think than any character I've ever come across before, as well as nonjudgemental and loyal. She appriciates the friends she has, and is incredibly kind even if a bit eccentric. She also seems to have a nack for seeing how others really feel. And she is incredibly honest, to the point of being blunt. I just love this girl, she almost always makes me laugh and feel for her no matter what is going on in the book at the time. However, none of my main pairings in Harry Potter at the moment (although poppy's fic of Ron/Luna was extremely cute) include her--probably because I'm too protective...XD (More fangirling on Luna)
"Don't worry, Harry. I can see them, too. You're just as sane as I am."
2. Remus Lupin: This man is the reason for my rabid rereading of all the Harry Potter books lately. I've completely fallen in love with his character. Previously, before Harry Potter became a major obsession of mine again, I did support the Sirius/Remus pairing--even moreso reading Deathly Hallows and just not being able to buy into Tonks/Remus. The pairing of the two Marauders is just so plainly obvious and works so well. But recently, reading about him in the books (in which he is a much larger character than the movies I've noticed--though that is true for most of the HP characters), I've just not been able to get enough of him. He's such an incredibly kind and understanding person, despite all the hate and distrust he's a victim of. He always seems to be so sympathetic and calm with everyone, rarely holding grudges or getting angry, which I just find incredibly admirable. Yet he is strong and doesn't hesitate to fight when the situation calls for it. And he's such a wonderful "surrogate godfather" (XDas I read it termed in a fic recently) to Harry both before Sirius and after his death. I have just grown to relate, admire, and simply love his character so much the more I read about him.
"You are determined to hate him, Harry," said Lupin with a faint smile. "And I understand; with James as your father, with Sirius as your godfather, you have inherited an old prejudice."
3. Dobby: I'm sure he annoys some people to no end, but I love Dobby. I just find him so adorable and sweet and he makes me laugh so often when I read him. Such a brave guy, and quite optomistic actually, and very loyal despite being released from his horrible servitude. His eagerness to help Harry always put a smile on my face. And I nearly cried at his death.
"Kreacher will not insult Harry Potter in front of Dobby, no he won't, or Dobby will shut Kreacher's mouth for him!" cried Dobby in a high-pitched voice.
4. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore: Even when Harry was angry at him or there was doubt about him, I was never able to. Even though he's got trouble in his past and he's made mistakes and isn't perfect like it was thought for so many books, I still look up to and admire him just as much as I did when I read the first book. I am just able to forgive him so easily, and his words of wisdom are definitely things I try to keep in mind.
"It is our choices Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
5. Weasley Twins, Fred and George: Although I have noticed very slight differences in their personalities as the books go on, I don't think anyone could possibly think of one twin without the other (pre-Deathly Hallows at least, but even then...). They always brighten up pretty much whatever chapter or scene they are on, and I've found it impossible to not cheer for them. Even at the darkest times and most dangerous or saddest scenes, they never fail to find a way to make a joke or prank that just makes me smile.
"But we feel our futures lie outside the world of academic achievement."
6. Professor Minerva McGonagall: Very cool teacher, who I think teaches a really cool subject. XD But seriously, despite her strictness, I really like her--she's probably one of the best teachers at Hogwarts. She is very fair, but obviously does care about her students very much--especially ones in her own house. And because of her seriousness, whenever she does make a joke, it's that much more funny. XD
She stopped again, and then said in a very matter-of-fact tone, "You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."
7. Sirius Black: He's reckless, he's impulsive, he's immature, and a little insane, but there is just something about him that I can't help but love. Maybe it's just because Harry looked up to him and loved him so much that I just can't help but see him that way. And he did care for Harry very much. Not to mention rereading Prisoner of Azkaban, I can't help but feel for him even more...
"I'll understand, of course, if you want to stay with our aunt and uncle," said Black. "But...well...think about it. Once my name is cleared...if you wanted a...a different home..."
8. Hermione Granger: Although Luna did steal her place in my heart, in the last book I learned to love Hermione again. The fact that she stayed with Harry to help him despite her 'love' for Ron, and didn't totally break down because he left (though she was obviously hurt by it) and run after him, won a lot of respect from me. She wasn't relationship obsessed, and still stuck true to what she believed was right. And she can definitely hold her own against the two boys, and is the only one really who seems to be able to keep them grounded.
"Books! And cleverness! There are more important things -- friendship and bravery."
9. Harry Potter: Since I've been reading these books forever, it feels like Harry Potter is part of my family and I can't help but love him no matter what. There are always parts of his story that I can relate to, and feelings he has that I have had as well. And despite all his angsting and tragedies and tantrums, I do believe overall he is a good role model and someone to look up to. His heart without a doubt is in the right place and he shoulders most of his burdens in an admirable way.
"I don't go looking for trouble," said Harry nettled. "Trouble usually finds me."
10. Neville Longbottom: I don't know how anyone can not feel for this guy, and not love him after his triumph in the final book. He probably goes through more growth than anyone over the course of all seven books--and that's saying something. The boy who could've been in Harry's place, went through most of the books instead being the butt of a lot of jokes and bad luck, but ended as one of the greatest heroes of Dumbledore's Army and protector of the school.
"I'll join you when hell freezes over! Dumbledore's Army!"
11. Ron Weasley: Although I've always liked Ron, I lost a lot of respect for him in the last book. Although it wasn't his fault completely, his hate and stress amplified by the locket, it was undoubtedly worst on him. He did redeem himself saving Harry's life, that's the reason he's so low on this list. I do love him, but there are times his character makes me cringe.
"I'm the sixth in our family to go to Hogwarts. You could say I've got a lot to live up to ... Everyone expects me to do as well as the others, but if I do, it's no big deal, because they did it first."
12. Lily Evans: Even though she technically wasn't a character in the series, I always loved reading about her because she did seem like a wonderful person--and yet not a Mary Sue either somehow...just a genuinely good person, who stood up for others as well as herself, and was not impressed by show-offs (but somehow ended up marrying a "reformed" one anyway..XD). Plus, I admire her for being able to live with Petunia, who undoubtedly didn't treat her much better than she treated Harry during the summers when she came home.
"You didn’t think it was such a freak’s school when you wrote the headmaster and begged him to take you."
13. Kreacher: Even before Harry was nice to him and Kreacher was pleasent to live with, I liked him just because he was so blunt yet somehow thought that no one could hear him. XD But then after he started responding to Harry's kindness and became one of the "good guys", he became even more lovable. And he's proof a little kindness can go a long way.
"Fight, Fight for my master, the defender of the House elves. Fight for brave Regulus!"
14. Rubeus Hagrid: Although times in the book he really annoys me, if I ever saw him in real life I would without a doubt run up and hug him. Such a big man who cares for such small creatures (and huge ones as well) no matter how dangerous or misunderstood, it's hard not to love him. He does get out of hand sometimes, but again his heart is always in the right place. Plus, when I think of the series, he's one of the first people I think of.
"S'all my fault. Got all tongue-tied. They was all sittin' there in black robes an' I kep' droppin' me notes and forgettin' all them dates yeh looked up fer me, Hermione. An' then Lucius Malfoy stood up an' said his bit, and the Committee jus' did exac'ly what he told 'em...."
15. Fleur Delacour: I have no idea why I like her so much, but I always love it when a scene comes up and she's in it! Originally, it might've been because she was the one girl in the Triwizard Tournament (although she didn't do too well in it, the tournament was rigged...), but since then she's just become a favorite of mine. One of the few people who can stand up to Mrs. Weasley too XD (though I don't really have much against Mrs. Weasley, I think I do like Fleur more for some reason). I don't think any other character in the series can do that!
"'Arry, you saved my sister's life, I do not forget."
Least Favorite Characters
Also rereading the books has reminded me of characters I cannot stand in the series. Rowling made plenty of detestable villains, but there are only a few that make me want to rip the pages or smash the television when they come into a scene...(and Lord Voldermort is actually rarely one of them)
-Dolores Umbridge: Perhaps the most evil revelation about this disgusting and vile woman is the fact that she never directly worked for Lord Voldermort. She was simply a horrendous woman (in pink) who let her racism and prejudice and sadistic desires influence her decisions and actions. She giggled and smiled at other people's discomfort and sadness, and thought herself better than those around her either due to her posistion in the ministry or later on, her blood status. And the "I shall not tell lies" scene, in both the movie and the book, never fails to enrage me more than any scene with Voldermort. Her scene insulting centaurs also strikes a nerve--not to mention she supposedly passed that anti-werewolf legislation that has helped make Lupin's life even more difficult. She is undoubtedly the character I hate the MOST out of all the books and movies.
"What Cornelius doesn't know won't hurt him," said Umbridge, who was now panting slightly as she pointed her wand at different parts of Harry's body in turn, apparently trying to decide what would hurt the most. "He never knew I ordered dementors after Potter last summer, but he was delighted to be given the chance to expel him all the same...."
-Severus Snape: I know, he's a good guy. I know, he risked a lot for the cause. I know, he protected Harry plenty of times--but I still can't like him. Especially after rereading this scene in book three, where it makes me wonder whether or not JK Rowling had intended for him to be good all along:
"You fool," said Lupin softly. "Is a schoolboy grudge really worth putting an innocent man back inside Azkaban?"
BANG! The thin, snakelike cords burst from the end of Snape's wand and twisted themselves around Lupin's mouth, wrists, and ankles; he overbalanced and fell to the floor, unable to move. With a roar or rage, Black started toward Snape, but Snape pointed is wand between Black's eyes.
...
"Up to the castle?" said Snape silkily. "I don't think we need to go that far. All I have to do is call the dementors once we get out of the Willow. They'll be pleased to see you, Black...pleased enough to give you a little kiss, I daresay...."
What little color there was in Black's face left it.
"You--you've got to hear me out," he croaked. "The rat--look at the rat--"
But there was a mad glint in Snape's eyes that Harry had never seen before. He seemed beyond reason.
"Come on, all of you," he said. He clicked his fingers and the ends of the cords that bound Lupin flew to his hands. "I'll drag the werewolf. Pehaps the dementors will have a kiss for him too--"
...
"Don't ask me to fathom the way a werewolf's mind works," hissed Snape. "Get out of the way Potter."
He's fucking ready to DRAG Lupin out of the willow. Not even levitate him--no, DRAG him, bound and gagged, when Lupin never even did ANYTHING to him. Sure, Snape was undoubtedly traumitized by the joke Black played on him and seeing Lupin transform, but my god it's really hard to feel sorry for him when he takes it this far. And the way he refers to Lupin as just "werewolf" really reminds me of Umbridge's attitude towards half-breeds. I had completely forgotten about this scene until I read it again the other day when rereading book 3.
They really changed it in the movie, where the majority of Snape's anger was (justifyably seeing as Black was severely antagonizing him as well there) aimed at Sirius, and he barely even glanced at Lupin. And then after this in the book, Snape's gloating about getting an Order of Merlin for capturing Black. I cannot believe I'd forgotten about all of this, although it had been a while since I last read this book, there's just so much here that makes it so difficult to believe Snape was intended all along to be an anti-hero. There's only so much I can forgive. And after all of this, it only makes me respect Lupin that much more when he says "I neither like nor dislike Severus" later on.
-Lucius Malfoy: He acts so big, but then he's not even a good villain. He makes rude remarks, goes out of his way to use his connections when he wants something, but then when push comes to shove he can't measure up. Things go bad for him, and he acts all meek and sad, but there's no room to pity him because he never did anything worth caring about him for. His wife spared Harry's life and obviously cared for her son, and his son I rather like because we see moments of weakness and sadness with him and does his best to spare Hermione and Harry by saying he doesn't recognize them. But there's nothing Lucius ever does to make us like him. Plenty to make us dislike him, and he is personally responsible for plenty of pain for our more liked characters. And yet, the man somehow still manages to see himself above everyone else--whether it's the "Dark Lord" or the Ministry of Magic or Hogwarts, he thinks he's entitled and important.
"I have never renounced the old ways. The face I have been obliged to present each day since your . . . absence, that is my true mask."
XD I've plenty more to say about lots of other characters (especially Peter Pettigrew, Ginny Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange, and more) but I'll leave it at that for now since I do have an essay I should be working on and this entry is probably long enough as is.
So, anyone dis/agree or have a comment on anything?
(Continued in entry Harry Potter and the Love/Hate Characters)