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?
I don't know. The reason I brought it up was that the man in the pet shop said something about the common garden rat and living 3 years or so.
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.
Indeed. Or, she suggests, creates the forms, and then allows us to fill in all the rest. It is an astonishing talent, and one many of my favourite authors possesses. I prefer that to people who paint their characters in great detail and attempt to control my understanding of them. I suspect this is the reason why Roh and I have had so many heated debates over the various Rowling characters -- we each imbued them with different traits. This is possible because they are not two-dimensional. You can put a lot of stuff in a box; it is more difficult to put anything in sheet of paper.
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. 

Reassuring? Really?
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.
Not as much as dogs.
But Crookshanks is funny. Reminds me of Greebo.
That hadn't occurred to me, but you are right. At least partially. Less ... insane?
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.
I am sure he is. I have never quite forgiven Harry for not giving him a hug when he left.
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.
Yes. Still, that excuse only goes so far. He is getting to a point where it is getting a little worn.
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.
True.
And Emma Thompson was the perfect pick for Trelawney.
She was indeed. There has been some very good casting in the movies. Trelawny, Lockhart, Snape, McGonnagall, Mr & Mrs Weasley, the Twins, Wood, ...
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.
Huh. That never occurred to me.
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.
I am envious.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
structured procrastinator
The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- 28/07/2010 12:00:14 PM
3393 Views
Chapters 1-3. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 12:01:10 PM
1154 Views
Characters.
- 28/07/2010 12:03:36 PM
1941 Views
Aunt Marge
- 28/07/2010 01:13:34 PM
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She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
- 28/07/2010 01:40:37 PM
2169 Views
Re: She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
- 28/07/2010 02:15:24 PM
2023 Views
Stan Shunpike.
- 28/07/2010 02:01:46 PM
1965 Views
Re: Stan Shunpike.
- 28/07/2010 02:19:41 PM
1914 Views
True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
- 28/07/2010 02:46:38 PM
1857 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
- 07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM
2230 Views
I think, maybe, it's comparing with other wizarding schools in the world.
- 08/08/2010 11:35:31 AM
1981 Views
Colin Creevey is working class.
- 28/07/2010 06:32:45 PM
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Correct me if I'm wrong
- 28/07/2010 06:38:20 PM
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Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM
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First impressions on the news of Sirius Black's escape. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 12:05:26 PM
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Aaaah, Sirius.
- 28/07/2010 01:21:32 PM
1954 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
- 28/07/2010 01:44:50 PM
2030 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
- 28/07/2010 02:22:17 PM
1790 Views
Writing style.
- 28/07/2010 12:07:24 PM
1962 Views
It is a better book.
- 28/07/2010 02:00:54 PM
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Its much more mature writing style I think
- 28/07/2010 02:09:33 PM
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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
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Dont foget the most important foreshadowing!
- 28/07/2010 02:15:35 PM
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Chapters 4-6. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:11:45 PM
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Characters.
- 29/07/2010 10:23:28 AM
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LupinLupinLupinLupinLupinLupin!
- 29/07/2010 11:48:55 AM
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Hmmm I'm wondering...is Lupin one of your fav characters?
*NM*
- 29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM
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*NM*
- 29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM
956 Views
Could be, could be.
- 29/07/2010 02:37:41 PM
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Well it was subtle so I don't think many people will catch it *NM*
- 29/07/2010 02:41:38 PM
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He is so lovely.
- 03/08/2010 06:00:26 PM
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Re: He is so lovely.
- 03/08/2010 06:10:34 PM
1829 Views
Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
- 30/07/2010 01:48:06 PM
1778 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
1667 Views
Writing style.
- 29/07/2010 10:26:07 AM
1820 Views
"Plotting" might be a more interesting discussion point
- 29/07/2010 11:57:20 AM
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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
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Without his knowledge or consent of course *NM*
- 29/07/2010 02:31:47 PM
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Yes
- 29/07/2010 02:34:01 PM
1914 Views
I thinking something thats a little off topic
- 29/07/2010 02:40:36 PM
1719 Views
Re: I thinking something thats a little off topic
- 29/07/2010 02:42:09 PM
1736 Views
Ooo I didn't think of that! I like you. We can be friends
- 29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM
1739 Views
- 29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM
1739 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts."
- 04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM
1718 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
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Chapters 7-9. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:11:59 PM
1123 Views
Characters.
- 30/07/2010 02:07:20 PM
1704 Views
Re: Characters.
- 30/07/2010 02:50:07 PM
1626 Views
Lupin vs. Snape
- 30/07/2010 06:10:07 PM
1708 Views
Re: Lupin vs. Snape
- 30/07/2010 06:12:06 PM
1811 Views
Other things you want to comment on.
*NM*
- 30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM
988 Views
- 30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM
1705 Views
*NM*
- 30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM
988 Views
- 30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM
1705 Views
Good spell and great scene with the Bogart.
- 30/07/2010 06:19:16 PM
1756 Views
Chapters 10-12. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM
898 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
- 02/08/2010 12:50:56 PM
846 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
- 02/08/2010 01:36:49 PM
1953 Views
I caught that too.
- 02/08/2010 02:50:03 PM
1622 Views
Re: I caught that too.
- 02/08/2010 02:53:48 PM
1753 Views
I suspect....
- 03/08/2010 03:17:32 PM
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Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM*
- 02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM
978 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
1837 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
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I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
- 02/08/2010 02:44:13 PM
1772 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
1933 Views
It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
- 02/08/2010 02:47:55 PM
1667 Views
Re: It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
- 02/08/2010 02:57:55 PM
1810 Views
No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
- 02/08/2010 03:28:11 PM
1782 Views
Re: No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
- 02/08/2010 03:31:14 PM
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Agree about the Twins and my take on Harry's impression of James.
- 02/08/2010 02:50:11 PM
1735 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,...
- 02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM
1722 Views
Chapters 13-15. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:12:57 PM
980 Views
Characters.
- 03/08/2010 05:25:47 PM
1745 Views
Re: Characters.
- 03/08/2010 05:29:32 PM
1850 Views
OK. I don't like how one-sided the Slytherins are.
- 08/08/2010 02:30:22 PM
1843 Views
Agreed.
- 08/08/2010 02:37:18 PM
1776 Views
Re: Agreed.
- 08/08/2010 02:45:30 PM
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There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
- 08/08/2010 03:08:51 PM
1753 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
1738 Views
But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
- 08/08/2010 03:06:53 PM
1949 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
1755 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
- 03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM
946 Views
Crookshanks.
- 08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM
1744 Views
I knew I saw this somewhere.
- 09/08/2010 08:16:01 PM
1669 Views
Re: I knew I saw this somewhere.
- 09/08/2010 09:01:18 PM
1791 Views
Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
- 11/08/2010 04:20:18 PM
1856 Views
Re: Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
- 11/08/2010 04:21:37 PM
1653 Views
Thanks, thought I was loosing it... well, maybe I am, but I can still read.
- 11/08/2010 04:26:31 PM
1904 Views
- 11/08/2010 04:26:31 PM
1904 Views
The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. *NM*
- 03/08/2010 05:26:37 PM
968 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss.
- 03/08/2010 05:36:35 PM
1811 Views
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match.
- 03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM
1695 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM
1002 Views
Characters.
- 04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM
1882 Views
Plotting and writing.
- 04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM
1671 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
- 04/08/2010 04:19:15 PM
1087 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
- 04/08/2010 05:19:45 PM
1662 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
- 08/08/2010 03:09:23 PM
1854 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
- 08/08/2010 03:11:43 PM
1822 Views
Chapters 19-20. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:13:27 PM
946 Views
Characters.
- 05/08/2010 02:40:22 PM
1575 Views
Re: Characters.
- 05/08/2010 02:45:53 PM
2080 Views
See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
- 05/08/2010 03:04:24 PM
2121 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
- 05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM
1859 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
- 05/08/2010 03:54:31 PM
2226 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
- 05/08/2010 05:01:52 PM
2034 Views
Something I've only just realized about Snape... (massive book six and seven spoilers)
- 05/08/2010 02:53:15 PM
1835 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
- 05/08/2010 02:40:42 PM
852 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
- 05/08/2010 02:48:02 PM
2003 Views
I think it's a good thing she explains her clues.
- 05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM
1800 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
- 05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM
898 Views
killing
- 05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM
1644 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM
915 Views
Plotting and writing.
- 06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM
1605 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM*
- 06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM
1001 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM
980 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM*
- 28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM
914 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
993 Views
More of a question, really
- 01/08/2010 10:40:23 PM
1709 Views
I think this is situational and a sad commentary on his home life.
- 02/08/2010 03:01:49 PM
1559 Views
Well, but the question still remains
- 02/08/2010 03:04:01 PM
1670 Views
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this.
- 04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM
1808 Views
I had totally forgotten about that choir and the Ray Bradbury reference.
- 05/08/2010 12:37:09 AM
1653 Views
Okay, so possibly a Shakespeare reference also used by Bradbury. Whatever.
*NM*
- 05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM
909 Views
*NM*
- 05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM
909 Views
Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
- 09/08/2010 06:46:26 PM
1654 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
- 09/08/2010 07:16:37 PM
1868 Views
Suggestions for the re-read.
- 28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM
1862 Views
I knew I was gonna forget something.
- 28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM
1798 Views
- 28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM
1798 Views
Perhaps
- 29/07/2010 09:29:53 AM
1742 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
810 Views
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead>
- 29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM
1816 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
1788 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
1719 Views
I think I should make clear, just in case, that I don't mean immediately.
- 03/08/2010 05:11:26 PM
1673 Views
Yes
- 03/08/2010 05:13:10 PM
1685 Views

*NM*