I lovelovelove Lupin. Ahem. Oh, clear and rational analysis and discussion, you say? Right.

First Scabbers. Not so much an observation as a question, really. If Pettigrew lives as a rat, in the body of a rat, and he never returns to human form, should he not age as a rat, and be very weak and die soon?
Dunno. How long do rats live? Couldn't magical ratty pets be longlived?
The Twins: I love how Fred and George tried to shut Percy in a pyramid. And their mocking parody of him greeting Harry had me giggling out loud. But then they are perfectly subtle and tactful about cheering Harry up about the dementors and Malfoy at the feast. They become many-faceted, not just clowns or funny happy guys. They are actually able to deal sensibly with a younger kid being bullied. I am impressed.
The twins are really well written characters. I believe everything about them. That's one of Rowling's talents, I think, creating multi-faceted personalities to inhabit her books.
I like Mr and Mrs Weasley's discussion on whether to tell Harry. It is nice to see they love him. And how Mr Weasley would be willing to go back on his word to Fudge because he feels Harry needs to know what is going on. Of course, this reflects on Fudge again, feeling it is better to just keep everyone in the dark.
So lovely. Fudge is the perfect government man. It's kind of reassuring that even the Magical World has such useless leaders.

And Crookshanks is perfectly lovely. I don't see what Ron is on about. It sounds like the world's best cat. Although it isn't a cat, is it. It's a something else, the name of which escapes me.
Cats drool.
But Crookshanks is funny. Reminds me of Greebo.
But LupinLupinLupin! Ah, one of my major literary crushes. And it is not just the fact that he offers free chocolate (always a plus). He is asleep, then, as soon as the dementors are there he protects the kids and then he offers them chocolate. Lovely. Perfect. He makes everything feel safe and good.
I bet he's pretty huggable as well.
Malfoy is his usual self. Clearly mocking Harry's reaction to the dementors to cover up his own fear of them. And then getting suitably punished for his disrespect by Buckbeak.
~nods~ Slimy little twerp. I do feel sorry for him, though. What with his father and all.
Sir Cadogan is a little annoying. Or quite annoying. But he never reaches anywhere near the levels of annoyance reached in the last book.
~nods~
Trelawny. Is lovely in an annoying sort of way. I fully intend to start walking up to random strangers and say "You know that thing you are dreading? It will happen on [random date]". It is genius. And I really like how some of her "predictions" turn out to be real, but not in the way she interprets them. For example, the ``around Easter, one of our number will leave us forever''. And she does seem to have a good ability to read human nature, as when she identifies Neville as the one most likely to break a cup if prodded in the right way. She is a problematic character, though. Very morally grey in the way she abuses the credibility of students by making them think one of them is going to die, for example. And I wonder whether she got the twins mixed up when she told Parvati to beware of red-haired men, as her sister is the one who has a miserable time with Ron at the Yule Ball.
Trelawny is great. I like that Rowling remembers to have useless established teachers as well as the replacements the kids have suffered over the past two years. Makes Quirrell and Lockhart seem much less anomalous.
And Emma Thompson was the perfect pick for Trelawney.
Also: I've often wondered whether the teenage girl readers are supposed to think that the thing Lavender is dreading is her period. Might make young girls feel a bit better about the fact they're worried about it. I like to think of Rowling as being caring like that.
McGonnagall, as usual, the voice of clear-cutting no-nonsense reason, knowing the perfect way to dispell Trelawny's mumbo-jumbo.
I had a teacher like McGonagall. She was wonderful. Strict but fair.
*MySmiley*
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read. - Groucho Marx
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read. - Groucho Marx
The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
28/07/2010 12:00:14 PM
- 3082 Views
Chapters 1-3. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:01:10 PM
- 1067 Views
Characters.
28/07/2010 12:03:36 PM
- 1776 Views
Aunt Marge
28/07/2010 01:13:34 PM
- 1683 Views
She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
28/07/2010 01:40:37 PM
- 2030 Views
Re: She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
28/07/2010 02:15:24 PM
- 1852 Views
Stan Shunpike.
28/07/2010 02:01:46 PM
- 1824 Views
Re: Stan Shunpike.
28/07/2010 02:19:41 PM
- 1740 Views
True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
28/07/2010 02:46:38 PM
- 1712 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM
- 2062 Views
I think, maybe, it's comparing with other wizarding schools in the world.
08/08/2010 11:35:31 AM
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Colin Creevey is working class.
28/07/2010 06:32:45 PM
- 1726 Views
Correct me if I'm wrong
28/07/2010 06:38:20 PM
- 1676 Views
Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM
- 1007 Views
First impressions on the news of Sirius Black's escape. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:05:26 PM
- 1004 Views
Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 01:21:32 PM
- 1824 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 01:44:50 PM
- 1821 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 02:22:17 PM
- 1594 Views
Writing style.
28/07/2010 12:07:24 PM
- 1829 Views
It is a better book.
28/07/2010 02:00:54 PM
- 1682 Views
Its much more mature writing style I think
28/07/2010 02:09:33 PM
- 1905 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think
28/07/2010 02:23:03 PM
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Foreshadowings, details that turn out to be important, etc. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:08:07 PM
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That is very well done in this book, I thought.
28/07/2010 02:08:21 PM
- 1656 Views
Dont foget the most important foreshadowing!
28/07/2010 02:15:35 PM
- 1616 Views
Chapters 4-6. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:11:45 PM
- 924 Views
Characters.
29/07/2010 10:23:28 AM
- 1656 Views
LupinLupinLupinLupinLupinLupin!
29/07/2010 11:48:55 AM
- 1773 Views
Hmmm I'm wondering...is Lupin one of your fav characters?
*NM*
29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM
- 899 Views

Could be, could be.
29/07/2010 02:37:41 PM
- 1655 Views
Well it was subtle so I don't think many people will catch it *NM*
29/07/2010 02:41:38 PM
- 902 Views
He is so lovely.
03/08/2010 06:00:26 PM
- 1777 Views
Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
30/07/2010 01:48:06 PM
- 1646 Views
Re: Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
08/08/2010 11:05:02 AM
- 1542 Views
Writing style.
29/07/2010 10:26:07 AM
- 1679 Views
"Plotting" might be a more interesting discussion point
29/07/2010 11:57:20 AM
- 1736 Views
Introduction of the Dementors. *NM*
29/07/2010 10:26:59 AM
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They are Rowling's most terrifying creation
29/07/2010 12:00:34 PM
- 1633 Views
Without his knowledge or consent of course *NM*
29/07/2010 02:31:47 PM
- 875 Views
Yes
29/07/2010 02:34:01 PM
- 1761 Views
I thinking something thats a little off topic
29/07/2010 02:40:36 PM
- 1600 Views
Re: I thinking something thats a little off topic
29/07/2010 02:42:09 PM
- 1604 Views
Ooo I didn't think of that! I like you. We can be friends
29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM
- 1582 Views

Re: "He's at Hogwarts."
04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM
- 1572 Views
I don't know the answer, but a good place to look would be... (book 4 spoilers)
05/08/2010 12:33:20 AM
- 1626 Views
Chapters 7-9. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:11:59 PM
- 1045 Views
Characters.
30/07/2010 02:07:20 PM
- 1554 Views
Re: Characters.
30/07/2010 02:50:07 PM
- 1498 Views
Lupin vs. Snape
30/07/2010 06:10:07 PM
- 1590 Views
Re: Lupin vs. Snape
30/07/2010 06:12:06 PM
- 1687 Views
Other things you want to comment on.
*NM*
30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM
- 919 Views
30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM
- 1576 Views


Good spell and great scene with the Bogart.
30/07/2010 06:19:16 PM
- 1636 Views
Chapters 10-12. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM
- 828 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
02/08/2010 12:50:56 PM
- 776 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
02/08/2010 01:36:49 PM
- 1820 Views
I caught that too.
02/08/2010 02:50:03 PM
- 1494 Views
Re: I caught that too.
02/08/2010 02:53:48 PM
- 1624 Views
I suspect....
03/08/2010 03:17:32 PM
- 1771 Views
Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM*
02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM
- 909 Views
The Marauder's Map seems to be able to do more on this first view than later on...
02/08/2010 01:23:19 PM
- 1720 Views
Re: The Marauder's Map seems to be able to do more on this first view than later on...
02/08/2010 01:40:47 PM
- 1645 Views
I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
02/08/2010 02:44:13 PM
- 1623 Views
Re: I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
02/08/2010 02:46:38 PM
- 1778 Views
It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:47:55 PM
- 1546 Views
Re: It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:57:55 PM
- 1687 Views
No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:28:11 PM
- 1645 Views
Re: No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:31:14 PM
- 1550 Views
Agree about the Twins and my take on Harry's impression of James.
02/08/2010 02:50:11 PM
- 1598 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,...
02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM
- 1557 Views
Chapters 13-15. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:12:57 PM
- 913 Views
Characters.
03/08/2010 05:25:47 PM
- 1610 Views
Re: Characters.
03/08/2010 05:29:32 PM
- 1704 Views
OK. I don't like how one-sided the Slytherins are.
08/08/2010 02:30:22 PM
- 1678 Views
Agreed.
08/08/2010 02:37:18 PM
- 1628 Views
Re: Agreed.
08/08/2010 02:45:30 PM
- 1613 Views
There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
08/08/2010 03:08:51 PM
- 1615 Views
Re: There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
08/08/2010 03:12:23 PM
- 1611 Views
But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
08/08/2010 03:06:53 PM
- 1829 Views
Re: But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
08/08/2010 03:10:28 PM
- 1618 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM
- 876 Views
Crookshanks.
08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM
- 1618 Views
I knew I saw this somewhere.
09/08/2010 08:16:01 PM
- 1541 Views
Re: I knew I saw this somewhere.
09/08/2010 09:01:18 PM
- 1674 Views
Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
11/08/2010 04:20:18 PM
- 1715 Views
Re: Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
11/08/2010 04:21:37 PM
- 1523 Views
Thanks, thought I was loosing it... well, maybe I am, but I can still read.
11/08/2010 04:26:31 PM
- 1760 Views

The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. *NM*
03/08/2010 05:26:37 PM
- 901 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss.
03/08/2010 05:36:35 PM
- 1679 Views
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match.
03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM
- 1540 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM
- 928 Views
Characters.
04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM
- 1723 Views
Plotting and writing.
04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM
- 1529 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
04/08/2010 04:19:15 PM
- 1025 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
04/08/2010 05:19:45 PM
- 1544 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
08/08/2010 03:09:23 PM
- 1700 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
08/08/2010 03:11:43 PM
- 1662 Views
Chapters 19-20. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:27 PM
- 884 Views
Characters.
05/08/2010 02:40:22 PM
- 1443 Views
Re: Characters.
05/08/2010 02:45:53 PM
- 1889 Views
See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:04:24 PM
- 1977 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM
- 1709 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:54:31 PM
- 2075 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 05:01:52 PM
- 1901 Views
Something I've only just realized about Snape... (massive book six and seven spoilers)
05/08/2010 02:53:15 PM
- 1702 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
05/08/2010 02:40:42 PM
- 782 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
05/08/2010 02:48:02 PM
- 1793 Views
I think it's a good thing she explains her clues.
05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM
- 1643 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM
- 839 Views
killing
05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM
- 1527 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM
- 854 Views
Plotting and writing.
06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM
- 1448 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM*
06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM
- 936 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM
- 891 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM
- 839 Views
How good a book is this - compared to the rest of the series, and compared to YA books in general? *NM*
28/07/2010 01:19:06 PM
- 915 Views
More of a question, really
01/08/2010 10:40:23 PM
- 1584 Views
I think this is situational and a sad commentary on his home life.
02/08/2010 03:01:49 PM
- 1429 Views
Well, but the question still remains
02/08/2010 03:04:01 PM
- 1536 Views
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this.
04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM
- 1664 Views
I had totally forgotten about that choir and the Ray Bradbury reference.
05/08/2010 12:37:09 AM
- 1495 Views
Okay, so possibly a Shakespeare reference also used by Bradbury. Whatever.
*NM*
05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM
- 835 Views

Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
09/08/2010 06:46:26 PM
- 1510 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
09/08/2010 07:16:37 PM
- 1726 Views
Suggestions for the re-read.
28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM
- 1713 Views
I knew I was gonna forget something.
28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM
- 1683 Views

Perhaps
29/07/2010 09:29:53 AM
- 1605 Views
I considered that, but it seemed overly non-trusting, and nobody has posted in them yet? *NM*
29/07/2010 10:12:23 AM
- 741 Views
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead>
29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM
- 1681 Views
I think a little break might be a good idea. Give people a chance to catch up.
02/08/2010 11:46:13 PM
- 1625 Views
Re: I think a little break might be a good idea. Give people a chance to catch up.
02/08/2010 11:59:20 PM
- 1593 Views
I think I should make clear, just in case, that I don't mean immediately.
03/08/2010 05:11:26 PM
- 1551 Views
Yes
03/08/2010 05:13:10 PM
- 1554 Views