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
3459 Views
Chapters 1-3. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 12:01:10 PM
1175 Views
Characters.
- 28/07/2010 12:03:36 PM
1999 Views
Aunt Marge
- 28/07/2010 01:13:34 PM
1889 Views
She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
- 28/07/2010 01:40:37 PM
2214 Views
Re: She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
- 28/07/2010 02:15:24 PM
2066 Views
Stan Shunpike.
- 28/07/2010 02:01:46 PM
2015 Views
Re: Stan Shunpike.
- 28/07/2010 02:19:41 PM
1971 Views
True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
- 28/07/2010 02:46:38 PM
1925 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
- 07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM
2284 Views
I think, maybe, it's comparing with other wizarding schools in the world.
- 08/08/2010 11:35:31 AM
2036 Views
Colin Creevey is working class.
- 28/07/2010 06:32:45 PM
1936 Views
Correct me if I'm wrong
- 28/07/2010 06:38:20 PM
1964 Views
Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM
1110 Views
First impressions on the news of Sirius Black's escape. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 12:05:26 PM
1108 Views
Aaaah, Sirius.
- 28/07/2010 01:21:32 PM
2008 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
- 28/07/2010 01:44:50 PM
2092 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
- 28/07/2010 02:22:17 PM
1837 Views
Writing style.
- 28/07/2010 12:07:24 PM
2015 Views
It is a better book.
- 28/07/2010 02:00:54 PM
1902 Views
Its much more mature writing style I think
- 28/07/2010 02:09:33 PM
2120 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think
- 28/07/2010 02:23:03 PM
2054 Views
Foreshadowings, details that turn out to be important, etc. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 12:08:07 PM
1043 Views
That is very well done in this book, I thought.
- 28/07/2010 02:08:21 PM
1842 Views
Dont foget the most important foreshadowing!
- 28/07/2010 02:15:35 PM
1825 Views
Chapters 4-6. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:11:45 PM
1030 Views
Characters.
- 29/07/2010 10:23:28 AM
1846 Views
LupinLupinLupinLupinLupinLupin!
- 29/07/2010 11:48:55 AM
1956 Views
Hmmm I'm wondering...is Lupin one of your fav characters?
*NM*
- 29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM
975 Views
*NM*
- 29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM
975 Views
Could be, could be.
- 29/07/2010 02:37:41 PM
1896 Views
Well it was subtle so I don't think many people will catch it *NM*
- 29/07/2010 02:41:38 PM
1022 Views
He is so lovely.
- 03/08/2010 06:00:26 PM
1993 Views
Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
- 30/07/2010 01:48:06 PM
1827 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
1721 Views
Writing style.
- 29/07/2010 10:26:07 AM
1880 Views
"Plotting" might be a more interesting discussion point
- 29/07/2010 11:57:20 AM
1984 Views
Introduction of the Dementors. *NM*
- 29/07/2010 10:26:59 AM
1013 Views
They are Rowling's most terrifying creation
- 29/07/2010 12:00:34 PM
1822 Views
Without his knowledge or consent of course *NM*
- 29/07/2010 02:31:47 PM
955 Views
Yes
- 29/07/2010 02:34:01 PM
1954 Views
I thinking something thats a little off topic
- 29/07/2010 02:40:36 PM
1771 Views
Re: I thinking something thats a little off topic
- 29/07/2010 02:42:09 PM
1793 Views
Ooo I didn't think of that! I like you. We can be friends
- 29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM
1793 Views
- 29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM
1793 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts."
- 04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM
1776 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
1798 Views
Chapters 7-9. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:11:59 PM
1147 Views
Characters.
- 30/07/2010 02:07:20 PM
1758 Views
Re: Characters.
- 30/07/2010 02:50:07 PM
1671 Views
Lupin vs. Snape
- 30/07/2010 06:10:07 PM
1754 Views
Re: Lupin vs. Snape
- 30/07/2010 06:12:06 PM
1853 Views
Other things you want to comment on.
*NM*
- 30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM
1013 Views
- 30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM
1750 Views
*NM*
- 30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM
1013 Views
- 30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM
1750 Views
Good spell and great scene with the Bogart.
- 30/07/2010 06:19:16 PM
1808 Views
Chapters 10-12. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM
917 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
- 02/08/2010 12:50:56 PM
868 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
- 02/08/2010 01:36:49 PM
1999 Views
I caught that too.
- 02/08/2010 02:50:03 PM
1671 Views
Re: I caught that too.
- 02/08/2010 02:53:48 PM
1797 Views
I suspect....
- 03/08/2010 03:17:32 PM
1962 Views
Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM*
- 02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM
998 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
1892 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
1834 Views
I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
- 02/08/2010 02:44:13 PM
1828 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
1991 Views
It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
- 02/08/2010 02:47:55 PM
1719 Views
Re: It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
- 02/08/2010 02:57:55 PM
1860 Views
No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
- 02/08/2010 03:28:11 PM
1833 Views
Re: No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
- 02/08/2010 03:31:14 PM
1735 Views
Agree about the Twins and my take on Harry's impression of James.
- 02/08/2010 02:50:11 PM
1784 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,...
- 02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM
1783 Views
Chapters 13-15. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:12:57 PM
998 Views
Characters.
- 03/08/2010 05:25:47 PM
1792 Views
Re: Characters.
- 03/08/2010 05:29:32 PM
1903 Views
OK. I don't like how one-sided the Slytherins are.
- 08/08/2010 02:30:22 PM
1876 Views
Agreed.
- 08/08/2010 02:37:18 PM
1823 Views
Re: Agreed.
- 08/08/2010 02:45:30 PM
1797 Views
There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
- 08/08/2010 03:08:51 PM
1816 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
1795 Views
But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
- 08/08/2010 03:06:53 PM
2010 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
1816 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
- 03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM
971 Views
Crookshanks.
- 08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM
1791 Views
I knew I saw this somewhere.
- 09/08/2010 08:16:01 PM
1724 Views
Re: I knew I saw this somewhere.
- 09/08/2010 09:01:18 PM
1845 Views
Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
- 11/08/2010 04:20:18 PM
1906 Views
Re: Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
- 11/08/2010 04:21:37 PM
1712 Views
Thanks, thought I was loosing it... well, maybe I am, but I can still read.
- 11/08/2010 04:26:31 PM
1960 Views
- 11/08/2010 04:26:31 PM
1960 Views
The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. *NM*
- 03/08/2010 05:26:37 PM
988 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss.
- 03/08/2010 05:36:35 PM
1868 Views
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match.
- 03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM
1745 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM
1032 Views
Characters.
- 04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM
1941 Views
Plotting and writing.
- 04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM
1730 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
- 04/08/2010 04:19:15 PM
1109 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
- 04/08/2010 05:19:45 PM
1712 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
- 08/08/2010 03:09:23 PM
1908 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
- 08/08/2010 03:11:43 PM
1877 Views
Chapters 19-20. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:13:27 PM
971 Views
Characters.
- 05/08/2010 02:40:22 PM
1626 Views
Re: Characters.
- 05/08/2010 02:45:53 PM
2150 Views
See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
- 05/08/2010 03:04:24 PM
2181 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
- 05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM
1909 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
- 05/08/2010 03:54:31 PM
2268 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
- 05/08/2010 05:01:52 PM
2081 Views
Something I've only just realized about Snape... (massive book six and seven spoilers)
- 05/08/2010 02:53:15 PM
1910 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
- 05/08/2010 02:40:42 PM
879 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
- 05/08/2010 02:48:02 PM
2073 Views
I think it's a good thing she explains her clues.
- 05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM
1852 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
- 05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM
924 Views
killing
- 05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM
1706 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM
936 Views
Plotting and writing.
- 06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM
1663 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM*
- 06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM
1022 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM
1014 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM
940 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
1021 Views
More of a question, really
- 01/08/2010 10:40:23 PM
1765 Views
I think this is situational and a sad commentary on his home life.
- 02/08/2010 03:01:49 PM
1605 Views
Well, but the question still remains
- 02/08/2010 03:04:01 PM
1722 Views
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this.
- 04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM
1872 Views
I had totally forgotten about that choir and the Ray Bradbury reference.
- 05/08/2010 12:37:09 AM
1707 Views
Okay, so possibly a Shakespeare reference also used by Bradbury. Whatever.
*NM*
- 05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM
932 Views
*NM*
- 05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM
932 Views
Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
- 09/08/2010 06:46:26 PM
1711 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
- 09/08/2010 07:16:37 PM
1918 Views
Suggestions for the re-read.
- 28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM
1913 Views
I knew I was gonna forget something.
- 28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM
1846 Views
- 28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM
1846 Views
Perhaps
- 29/07/2010 09:29:53 AM
1791 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
835 Views
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead>
- 29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM
1873 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
1833 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
1776 Views
I think I should make clear, just in case, that I don't mean immediately.
- 03/08/2010 05:11:26 PM
1723 Views
Yes
- 03/08/2010 05:13:10 PM
1728 Views

*NM*