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Re: *spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters Camilla Send a noteboard - 19/10/2010 11:48:45 AM
The Prime Minister: Do you imagine Tony Blair here?

Actually, I imagine Jim Hacker here. The immature gloating of the opponent, the indignant reactions about being saddled with the blame for things he couldn't help, it all fits so well. Now I just want to see Sir Humphrey explain to him what the Civil Service will do about Voldemort... and Bernard toss in a few inappropriate yet funny remarks.


Yes! That's it! I had a very fuzzy kind of image in my head, but that fits to a t.

Scrimgeour. I expected him, from this first scene, to be a good guy. He looks like a lion. I remember that description was one of the secret things you could find at Rowling's homepage just before the book came out, and I was convinced it had something to do with Godric Gryffindor. It does something weird to make him a not-so-good guy.

Yeah, I remember that description too. Definitely wasn't what I was expecting, either. Now that you mention it, I believe she also gave us a few chapter title's, including "Spinner's End" and chapter six, "Draco's Detour".


Hehe. Yes. I kind of miss that page.

Bellatrix. It is interesting that she contemplates the idea that Voldemort could be wrong. It is not a good scene for her. She comes out looking like a hysterical idiot. I realise, of course, that it is supposed to cover all the bases, to make it impossible to ask "how can Voldemort believe Snape is on his side" (or even "how can Snape be evil"), but it does not come out well for her character.

She's reaching for straws to justify her instinctive - and, of course, as we know, quite justified - distrust of Snape. I don't know if Rowling really intended to convince everyone for once and for all that Snape was evil with this scene... but it may well have worked on a lot of people. I don't really remember what I thought after first reading it, I only remember my reactions to that equally seminal final Snape scene in this book.


I know I wasn't convinced, but that my friend was gloating because she thought this finally proved her right (she gloated more at the end of this book, of course; but I am proud to say I remained unmoved).

And it's not as if there's much to salvage in Bellatrix' character. :P At least this chapter shows her as having an emotional attachment to her sister, even if that is the only person she cares about other than her demented crush on Voldemort.


True, but it detracts a little from her as a scary opponent. She becomes less intelligent. But I suppose the main power of her scariness is not in her intelligence but in her madness.

Wormtail. Why is he being punished? Because he only sought Voldemort out of despair? Or is there something else that I have already forgotten?

I don't know if it's punishment so much as having someone keep an eye on him. Though Snape is an odd choice considering that he has to leave for Hogwarts again.


True.

Snape. I wonder whether his making Wormtail's life horrible is related to either his connection to the Marauders or to the knowledge that he is the other person to blame for Lily's death.

Now that you mention it, probably.

He is great in this scene, though. His ready explanations, and his only slight hesitation before taking the unbreakable vow. I cannot remember whether he at this point knows that Dumbledore is dying and what Draco is going to do, or whether he is trying to figure it out still.

And the "but the gesture is undoubtedly fine" line is awesome. I imagine he knows, otherwise he wouldn't have assented so readily, surely... he mentions Dumbledore's blackened hand, so I assume that means he knows all about it.


Indeed.

Dumbledore. His way of treating the Dursleys makes me feel warm inside. The politeness which makes it clear how rude they are.

I don't know, in a way his bouncing glasses are just another form of Muggle-bullying. Perhaps not drinking something you're offered is rude, but how much ruder is bullying someone into drinking what you've offered them?


Hmm. If the mere presence of magic bullies those who do not have it, then yes. I am not sure bouncing glasses in themselves are a problem. Particularly since they would only have to take the glass to stop it. You are probably right, though. It is slightly problematic, except if you see it as some form of punishment for their treatment of Harry -- a punishment they are at any time free to end, but which they themselves are prolonging.

I like how he then switches to direct explanation of how bad they have been. It is refreshing. And I love the reference to the damage done to Dudley. He is right, of course.

Even though in the end Dudley will turn out alright, sort of.


Yes. I like that.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
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The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Book Six, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - 18/10/2010 06:12:40 PM 3261 Views
General comments on the book. - 18/10/2010 06:14:10 PM 1909 Views
I am enjoying this a lot more than I thought I would. - 22/10/2010 07:25:17 PM 2056 Views
Yes, I'm loving that I can read in English again. - 22/10/2010 10:10:32 PM 2133 Views
Me too - 01/11/2010 02:11:28 PM 1891 Views
Suggestions. - 18/10/2010 06:18:46 PM 1962 Views
Re: Suggestions. - 20/10/2010 03:20:18 PM 2099 Views
*cough* - 09/11/2010 09:24:21 AM 1824 Views
Oh yes. I'm being distracted by Towers of Midnight. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:11:22 PM 1129 Views
Shocking. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:43 PM 1075 Views
Are we having a break right now? - 12/11/2010 06:48:10 PM 1978 Views
Re: Are we having a break right now? - 12/11/2010 10:05:30 PM 2318 Views
Chapters 1-3: The Other Minister, Spinner's End, Will and Won't. - 18/10/2010 06:21:55 PM 2171 Views
Characters: The three Ministers, Snape, Narcissa, Bellatrix, Harry, Dumbledore, the Dursleys. - 18/10/2010 06:25:12 PM 2179 Views
Re: Characters: The three Ministers, Snape, Narcissa, Bellatrix, Harry, Dumbledore, the Dursleys. - 18/10/2010 06:55:06 PM 2192 Views
(minor book seven spoilers) - 19/10/2010 11:27:53 AM 2147 Views
Re: (minor book seven spoilers) - 19/10/2010 05:26:50 PM 1919 Views
*spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters - 19/10/2010 01:01:35 AM 2143 Views
Re: *spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters - 19/10/2010 11:39:44 AM 1981 Views
Re: *spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters - 19/10/2010 11:48:45 AM 2228 Views
I rather enjoyed the new characters. - 22/10/2010 07:30:03 PM 1915 Views
Re: I rather enjoyed the new characters. - 22/10/2010 08:33:44 PM 2055 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 18/10/2010 06:28:16 PM 997 Views
Dumbledore-centered. - 19/10/2010 01:03:05 AM 2057 Views
Re: Dumbledore-centered. - 22/10/2010 07:31:56 PM 2014 Views
Re: Dumbledore-centered. - 22/10/2010 07:33:34 PM 1988 Views
Chapters 4-6: Horace Slughorn, An Excess of Phlegm, Draco's Detour. *NM* - 20/10/2010 03:44:39 PM 1133 Views
Characters: Slughorn, Fleur, the Trio, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy,... - 20/10/2010 03:46:47 PM 2095 Views
Re: Characters: Slughorn, Fleur, the Trio, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy,... - 20/10/2010 05:27:26 PM 2099 Views
(Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 09:25:20 PM 2173 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 09:46:08 PM 2053 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:20:28 PM 1930 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 21/10/2010 12:04:23 AM 1690 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 10:20:28 PM 2066 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:23:38 PM 1933 Views
Re: Characters: Slughorn, Fleur, the Trio, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy,... - 20/10/2010 10:15:58 PM 2073 Views
On Ron's reaction to Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:30:48 PM 2027 Views
Re: On Ron's reaction to Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:58:45 PM 2030 Views
Fleur - 23/10/2010 05:11:08 PM 1871 Views
Dumbledore, Slughorn, Tonks, Mr & Mrs Weasley, Hermione, Narcissa and the twins. - 20/10/2010 09:23:04 PM 1957 Views
Characters. - 25/10/2010 03:10:35 AM 1870 Views
Plotting and writing. - 20/10/2010 03:47:55 PM 1980 Views
*minor spoilers for book 7* - 20/10/2010 09:23:44 PM 2038 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 20/10/2010 03:48:07 PM 989 Views
Dumbledore's Stephen Fry moment... or maybe that's just me. - 22/10/2010 07:35:59 PM 1827 Views
It's not just you - 22/10/2010 08:34:25 PM 1826 Views
Chapters 7-9: Slug Club, Snape Victorious, The Half-Blood Prince *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:03 PM 1153 Views
Characters *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:24 PM 1082 Views
Harry, Romilda, Malfoy (in luuuve), Snape, Lavender Brown, McGonagall, Hermione and Slughorn. - 22/10/2010 07:26:19 PM 2088 Views
Thoughts about your thoughts. - 23/10/2010 05:28:10 PM 1860 Views
Re: Thoughts about your thoughts. - 24/10/2010 09:18:37 AM 1860 Views
More characters. - 25/10/2010 03:21:33 AM 1874 Views
Re: More characters. - 25/10/2010 10:27:33 AM 1899 Views
Love is in the air, evidently. - 22/10/2010 07:54:35 PM 2036 Views
Re: Love is in the air, evidently. - 22/10/2010 09:04:24 PM 1959 Views
Re: Love is in the air, evidently. - 22/10/2010 09:54:46 PM 1906 Views
Slytherin had been in need of new blood for a long time. (And assorted other comments.) - 22/10/2010 10:34:49 PM 2039 Views
Neville. - 23/10/2010 05:30:39 PM 1955 Views
Re: Neville. - 08/11/2010 02:35:57 PM 2035 Views
NEWT Potions - 24/10/2010 03:24:42 AM 2026 Views
Re: Characters - 24/10/2010 03:41:30 AM 2081 Views
Re: Characters - 25/10/2010 10:44:00 AM 1917 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:37 PM 1083 Views
Dumbledore, patronuses and the DADA job. - 22/10/2010 07:27:23 PM 1988 Views
Malfoy and the DADA job. - 22/10/2010 10:51:03 PM 1933 Views
Re: Malfoy and the DADA job. - 25/10/2010 11:31:57 AM 1945 Views
Re: Dumbledore, patronuses and the DADA job. - 23/10/2010 05:32:27 PM 1878 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:50 PM 1098 Views
I believe in Wrackspurts, too. And some questions. - 22/10/2010 07:28:04 PM 1844 Views
Re: I believe in Wrackspurts, too. And some questions. - 23/10/2010 05:33:27 PM 1968 Views
Re: I believe in Wrackspurts, too. And some questions. - 25/10/2010 03:06:43 AM 1930 Views
Chapters 10-12: The House of Gaunt, Hermione's Helping Hand, Silver and Opals. *NM* - 25/10/2010 05:00:02 PM 1153 Views
Characters: The Gaunts, the Trio, Hagrid, and many more. *NM* - 25/10/2010 05:02:07 PM 1100 Views
Harry's continued insistence about Malfoy really irritates me (even though he's right). - 25/10/2010 06:15:23 PM 2149 Views
*lol* - 25/10/2010 06:39:19 PM 1967 Views
I don't hide from my faults. - 25/10/2010 08:01:39 PM 1801 Views
Re: I don't hide from my faults. - 28/10/2010 04:59:54 AM 1982 Views
Re: *lol* - 26/10/2010 09:50:09 AM 1954 Views
~geeky moment~ - 26/10/2010 03:14:52 PM 1858 Views
Re: ~geeky moment~ - 26/10/2010 09:49:12 PM 1816 Views
Trelawny, Ogden, Gaunt, Ron, Hermione, Ron and Harry - 25/10/2010 10:23:55 PM 1881 Views
Re: Trelawny, Ogden, Gaunt, Ron, Hermione, Ron and Harry - 26/10/2010 11:56:59 PM 2017 Views
Re: Trelawny, Ogden, Gaunt, Ron, Hermione, Ron and Harry - 27/10/2010 08:14:42 AM 2000 Views
Plotting and writing. - 25/10/2010 05:03:16 PM 1977 Views
Amazing amounts of accurate guesswork here, in hindsight. - 25/10/2010 05:37:28 PM 2021 Views
Re: Amazing amounts of accurate guesswork here, in hindsight. - 26/10/2010 09:46:47 AM 1903 Views
The smuggling and Trelawney's rambling. - 27/10/2010 12:05:48 AM 1961 Views
Re: The smuggling and Trelawney's rambling. - 27/10/2010 08:10:46 AM 1888 Views
Things - 25/10/2010 10:24:19 PM 2028 Views
Re: Things - 27/10/2010 12:01:17 AM 2035 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 25/10/2010 05:03:32 PM 908 Views
Dumbledore still sounds like Stephen Fry. And reflections on the nature of Potions class. - 25/10/2010 05:11:24 PM 1861 Views
It's like baking, I think. - 25/10/2010 05:32:42 PM 1946 Views
Good analogy - 25/10/2010 05:52:38 PM 1819 Views
Yes, exactly like baking - and advanced baking involves experimenting, substituting, improvising. - 25/10/2010 06:42:42 PM 2041 Views
But not at high school. - 25/10/2010 07:57:44 PM 1929 Views
Also - 04/11/2010 09:29:47 AM 1900 Views
Also, Parseltongue - is Harry that thick, or is it a magic thing? - 25/10/2010 05:18:41 PM 1928 Views
I think it's a magic thing. - 25/10/2010 05:34:09 PM 1925 Views
It can be learned actually. Dumbledore implies he knows it and Ron uses it in book 7 - 25/10/2010 05:55:28 PM 1910 Views
Huh. I completely missed that. Good thing we're doing a reread. - 25/10/2010 05:57:38 PM 1923 Views
Speaking of Dumbledore and Parseltongue. - 28/10/2010 05:03:10 AM 2186 Views
parseltongue - 25/10/2010 10:24:46 PM 2041 Views
Interesting how many of our remarks are along similar lines. *NM* - 25/10/2010 10:27:30 PM 964 Views
Indeed - 26/10/2010 09:20:43 AM 1926 Views
Chapters 13-15: The Secret Riddle, Felix Felicis, The Unbreakable Vow *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:16:28 PM 1091 Views
Characters: The Trio, Ginny, Tom Riddle, Draco,... *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:17:12 PM 1076 Views
Dumbledore, Voldemort, Ron & Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Luna - 27/10/2010 10:31:39 PM 1959 Views
My take on Ginny is rather different, I must say... at least this time around. - 29/10/2010 01:47:20 PM 1890 Views
Girls. - 29/10/2010 05:54:25 PM 1938 Views
Draco: Not as confident as he appears, surely. - 29/10/2010 02:02:01 PM 2071 Views
Re: Draco: Not as confident as he appears, surely. - 29/10/2010 09:01:56 PM 2055 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:17:26 PM 875 Views
plot and writing. - 27/10/2010 10:30:14 PM 1955 Views
Re: plot and writing. - 28/10/2010 05:07:03 AM 2097 Views
Draco can dissemble rather well, just like his parents. - 29/10/2010 02:08:35 PM 1964 Views
Re: Draco can dissemble rather well, just like his parents. - 29/10/2010 09:00:36 PM 1973 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:17:42 PM 933 Views
Re: Anything else? - 27/10/2010 10:30:55 PM 2083 Views
Re: Anything else? - 28/10/2010 04:56:10 AM 2009 Views
Harry comments on that when in Snape's memories in book five. - 28/10/2010 10:42:08 AM 1891 Views
I wonder if that's actually true, though. - 28/10/2010 10:39:20 AM 2116 Views
Re: I wonder if that's actually true, though. - 28/10/2010 10:44:22 AM 1938 Views
It's more than that, though. - 28/10/2010 10:55:49 AM 2024 Views
Re: It's more than that, though. - 28/10/2010 11:48:19 AM 1822 Views
Chapters 16-18: A Very Frosty Christmas, A Sluggish Memory, Birthday Surprises *NM* - 29/10/2010 05:40:39 PM 1085 Views
Characters: The Trio, Fleur, Scrimgeour, Percy, Remus, Slughorn,... *NM* - 29/10/2010 05:43:02 PM 1152 Views
Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 29/10/2010 08:51:58 PM 2078 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 29/10/2010 11:24:02 PM 1901 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 29/10/2010 11:51:06 PM 1916 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 31/10/2010 09:14:46 PM 2130 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 31/10/2010 09:07:19 PM 2033 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 02/11/2010 06:23:04 PM 1970 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 02/11/2010 07:20:26 PM 1637 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 04/11/2010 04:03:02 AM 1904 Views
And - 04/11/2010 10:46:37 AM 1934 Views
Plotting and writing. - 29/10/2010 05:43:49 PM 1881 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 29/10/2010 08:52:34 PM 1995 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 29/10/2010 05:44:04 PM 969 Views
My comments on Potions class were heeded! Excellent. - 29/10/2010 11:28:43 PM 1923 Views
Re: My comments on Potions class were heeded! Excellent. - 29/10/2010 11:52:12 PM 1989 Views
Chapters 19-21: Elf Tails, Lord Voldemort's Requests, The Unknowable Room *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:00:22 PM 852 Views
Characters: The Trio, the elves, Draco, Dumbledore,... *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:00:56 PM 1205 Views
the twins, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Voldemort, Draco and Tonks - 01/11/2010 02:08:32 PM 1806 Views
Re: the twins, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Voldemort, Draco and Tonks - 01/11/2010 05:10:11 PM 2049 Views
Re: the twins, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Voldemort, Draco and Tonks - 01/11/2010 05:16:30 PM 2125 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:01:13 PM 958 Views
Dumbledore, little girls and the house-elf issue again. - 01/11/2010 02:09:35 PM 2159 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:01:27 PM 968 Views
Chapters 22-24: After the Burial, Horcruxes, Sectumsempra - 03/11/2010 09:50:17 PM 2195 Views
Characters. *NM* - 03/11/2010 09:50:33 PM 1110 Views
Malfoy, Ron & Hermione, Slughorn, Voldemort, Snape and Ginny. - 04/11/2010 12:12:57 AM 2004 Views
Draco, Slughorn, Snape, the romance. - 04/11/2010 02:02:04 PM 2015 Views
Re: Draco, Slughorn, Snape, the romance. - 04/11/2010 02:16:17 PM 2034 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 03/11/2010 09:50:50 PM 982 Views
Harry wrong again, house elves, horcruxes, free will, well hidden clues and some irony *DH spoiler* - 03/11/2010 10:35:20 PM 1949 Views
Re: Stuff. - 04/11/2010 04:28:04 AM 1982 Views
Re: Stuff. *spoilers for book 7* - 04/11/2010 09:10:19 AM 2037 Views
This "we'll see in book seven" thing is getting old, but still that's what I have to say here... - 04/11/2010 01:23:01 PM 1815 Views
Yes, I think you are right - 04/11/2010 01:24:41 PM 1986 Views
Well, I'm back. Some comments inside. *DH Spoilers* - 08/11/2010 02:28:11 PM 2012 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 03/11/2010 09:51:04 PM 978 Views
Chapters 25-27: The Seer Overheard, The Cave, The Lightning-Struck Tower - 05/11/2010 05:37:42 PM 1828 Views
Plotting and writing. - 05/11/2010 05:39:27 PM 1658 Views
*spoilers for book 7* - 05/11/2010 07:55:07 PM 1863 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 05/11/2010 05:39:43 PM 990 Views
I like how good magic is not flashy. Also, a Tolkien thing - 05/11/2010 07:55:27 PM 1915 Views
I didn't take the comparison as far, but the gate thing did remind me of Moria, yes. (DH spoilers) - 05/11/2010 10:03:16 PM 2165 Views
yes - 05/11/2010 10:06:43 PM 1888 Views
Chapters 28-30: Flight of the Prince, The Phoenix Lament, The White Tomb. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:12 PM 1111 Views
Characters. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:25 PM 933 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:40 PM 1056 Views
Spoilers. - 09/11/2010 02:26:38 PM 1857 Views
Re: Spoilers. - 09/11/2010 04:49:06 PM 1901 Views
I'm assuming not even the Ministry knows 100% what she did. - 13/11/2010 12:26:14 AM 1998 Views
Very true. - 15/11/2010 01:48:36 PM 1997 Views
Not much, no, but there's one fairly crucial mention. - 15/11/2010 04:37:23 PM 1961 Views
Re: Spoilers. - 13/11/2010 12:22:22 AM 2117 Views
Re: Spoilers. - 13/11/2010 09:38:09 AM 2252 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:53 PM 964 Views
We did the Harry Potter marathon thing on Sunday - 09/11/2010 02:28:08 PM 1979 Views
I vaguely remember something of the sort, yes. - 09/11/2010 02:57:56 PM 2199 Views
Re: I vaguely remember something of the sort, yes. - 09/11/2010 02:58:56 PM 1866 Views
This is definitely the most painfully altered of the movies. - 09/11/2010 04:34:33 PM 2012 Views
Re: This is definitely the most painfully altered of the movies. - 09/11/2010 04:36:29 PM 1960 Views
Very true. - 09/11/2010 04:40:24 PM 2197 Views
Re: Very true. - 09/11/2010 04:43:45 PM 2453 Views
Agreed. - 09/11/2010 04:53:46 PM 1990 Views
Re: Agreed. - 09/11/2010 04:58:59 PM 2077 Views

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