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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 3290 Views
General comments on the book. - 18/10/2010 06:14:10 PM 1932 Views
I am enjoying this a lot more than I thought I would. - 22/10/2010 07:25:17 PM 2077 Views
Yes, I'm loving that I can read in English again. - 22/10/2010 10:10:32 PM 2157 Views
Me too - 01/11/2010 02:11:28 PM 1915 Views
Suggestions. - 18/10/2010 06:18:46 PM 1985 Views
Re: Suggestions. - 20/10/2010 03:20:18 PM 2118 Views
*cough* - 09/11/2010 09:24:21 AM 1847 Views
Oh yes. I'm being distracted by Towers of Midnight. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:11:22 PM 1142 Views
Shocking. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:43 PM 1087 Views
Are we having a break right now? - 12/11/2010 06:48:10 PM 2002 Views
Re: Are we having a break right now? - 12/11/2010 10:05:30 PM 2360 Views
Chapters 1-3: The Other Minister, Spinner's End, Will and Won't. - 18/10/2010 06:21:55 PM 2192 Views
Characters: The three Ministers, Snape, Narcissa, Bellatrix, Harry, Dumbledore, the Dursleys. - 18/10/2010 06:25:12 PM 2205 Views
Re: Characters: The three Ministers, Snape, Narcissa, Bellatrix, Harry, Dumbledore, the Dursleys. - 18/10/2010 06:55:06 PM 2218 Views
(minor book seven spoilers) - 19/10/2010 11:27:53 AM 2176 Views
Re: (minor book seven spoilers) - 19/10/2010 05:26:50 PM 1947 Views
*spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters - 19/10/2010 01:01:35 AM 2171 Views
Re: *spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters - 19/10/2010 11:39:44 AM 2002 Views
Re: *spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters - 19/10/2010 11:48:45 AM 2253 Views
I rather enjoyed the new characters. - 22/10/2010 07:30:03 PM 1939 Views
Re: I rather enjoyed the new characters. - 22/10/2010 08:33:44 PM 2075 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 18/10/2010 06:28:16 PM 1011 Views
Dumbledore-centered. - 19/10/2010 01:03:05 AM 2081 Views
Re: Dumbledore-centered. - 22/10/2010 07:31:56 PM 2031 Views
Re: Dumbledore-centered. - 22/10/2010 07:33:34 PM 2009 Views
Chapters 4-6: Horace Slughorn, An Excess of Phlegm, Draco's Detour. *NM* - 20/10/2010 03:44:39 PM 1147 Views
Characters: Slughorn, Fleur, the Trio, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy,... - 20/10/2010 03:46:47 PM 2119 Views
Re: Characters: Slughorn, Fleur, the Trio, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy,... - 20/10/2010 05:27:26 PM 2139 Views
(Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 09:25:20 PM 2195 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 09:46:08 PM 2088 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:20:28 PM 1953 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 21/10/2010 12:04:23 AM 1716 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 10:20:28 PM 2089 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:23:38 PM 1956 Views
Re: Characters: Slughorn, Fleur, the Trio, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy,... - 20/10/2010 10:15:58 PM 2094 Views
On Ron's reaction to Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:30:48 PM 2051 Views
Re: On Ron's reaction to Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:58:45 PM 2049 Views
Fleur - 23/10/2010 05:11:08 PM 1897 Views
Dumbledore, Slughorn, Tonks, Mr & Mrs Weasley, Hermione, Narcissa and the twins. - 20/10/2010 09:23:04 PM 1980 Views
Characters. - 25/10/2010 03:10:35 AM 1894 Views
Plotting and writing. - 20/10/2010 03:47:55 PM 2000 Views
*minor spoilers for book 7* - 20/10/2010 09:23:44 PM 2060 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 20/10/2010 03:48:07 PM 1002 Views
Dumbledore's Stephen Fry moment... or maybe that's just me. - 22/10/2010 07:35:59 PM 1853 Views
It's not just you - 22/10/2010 08:34:25 PM 1844 Views
Chapters 7-9: Slug Club, Snape Victorious, The Half-Blood Prince *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:03 PM 1166 Views
Characters *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:24 PM 1096 Views
Harry, Romilda, Malfoy (in luuuve), Snape, Lavender Brown, McGonagall, Hermione and Slughorn. - 22/10/2010 07:26:19 PM 2112 Views
Thoughts about your thoughts. - 23/10/2010 05:28:10 PM 1882 Views
Re: Thoughts about your thoughts. - 24/10/2010 09:18:37 AM 1880 Views
More characters. - 25/10/2010 03:21:33 AM 1894 Views
Re: More characters. - 25/10/2010 10:27:33 AM 1924 Views
Love is in the air, evidently. - 22/10/2010 07:54:35 PM 2064 Views
Re: Love is in the air, evidently. - 22/10/2010 09:04:24 PM 1983 Views
Re: Love is in the air, evidently. - 22/10/2010 09:54:46 PM 1929 Views
Slytherin had been in need of new blood for a long time. (And assorted other comments.) - 22/10/2010 10:34:49 PM 2062 Views
Neville. - 23/10/2010 05:30:39 PM 1977 Views
Re: Neville. - 08/11/2010 02:35:57 PM 2056 Views
NEWT Potions - 24/10/2010 03:24:42 AM 2050 Views
Re: Characters - 24/10/2010 03:41:30 AM 2102 Views
Re: Characters - 25/10/2010 10:44:00 AM 1940 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:37 PM 1096 Views
Dumbledore, patronuses and the DADA job. - 22/10/2010 07:27:23 PM 2014 Views
Malfoy and the DADA job. - 22/10/2010 10:51:03 PM 1957 Views
Re: Malfoy and the DADA job. - 25/10/2010 11:31:57 AM 1970 Views
Re: Dumbledore, patronuses and the DADA job. - 23/10/2010 05:32:27 PM 1902 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:50 PM 1113 Views
I believe in Wrackspurts, too. And some questions. - 22/10/2010 07:28:04 PM 1863 Views
Re: I believe in Wrackspurts, too. And some questions. - 23/10/2010 05:33:27 PM 1997 Views
Re: I believe in Wrackspurts, too. And some questions. - 25/10/2010 03:06:43 AM 1950 Views
Chapters 10-12: The House of Gaunt, Hermione's Helping Hand, Silver and Opals. *NM* - 25/10/2010 05:00:02 PM 1167 Views
Characters: The Gaunts, the Trio, Hagrid, and many more. *NM* - 25/10/2010 05:02:07 PM 1117 Views
Harry's continued insistence about Malfoy really irritates me (even though he's right). - 25/10/2010 06:15:23 PM 2173 Views
*lol* - 25/10/2010 06:39:19 PM 1987 Views
I don't hide from my faults. - 25/10/2010 08:01:39 PM 1829 Views
Re: I don't hide from my faults. - 28/10/2010 04:59:54 AM 2010 Views
Re: *lol* - 26/10/2010 09:50:09 AM 1984 Views
~geeky moment~ - 26/10/2010 03:14:52 PM 1886 Views
Re: ~geeky moment~ - 26/10/2010 09:49:12 PM 1841 Views
Trelawny, Ogden, Gaunt, Ron, Hermione, Ron and Harry - 25/10/2010 10:23:55 PM 1906 Views
Re: Trelawny, Ogden, Gaunt, Ron, Hermione, Ron and Harry - 26/10/2010 11:56:59 PM 2044 Views
Re: Trelawny, Ogden, Gaunt, Ron, Hermione, Ron and Harry - 27/10/2010 08:14:42 AM 2023 Views
Plotting and writing. - 25/10/2010 05:03:16 PM 1998 Views
Amazing amounts of accurate guesswork here, in hindsight. - 25/10/2010 05:37:28 PM 2049 Views
Re: Amazing amounts of accurate guesswork here, in hindsight. - 26/10/2010 09:46:47 AM 1923 Views
The smuggling and Trelawney's rambling. - 27/10/2010 12:05:48 AM 1989 Views
Re: The smuggling and Trelawney's rambling. - 27/10/2010 08:10:46 AM 1911 Views
Things - 25/10/2010 10:24:19 PM 2053 Views
Re: Things - 27/10/2010 12:01:17 AM 2057 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 25/10/2010 05:03:32 PM 920 Views
Dumbledore still sounds like Stephen Fry. And reflections on the nature of Potions class. - 25/10/2010 05:11:24 PM 1879 Views
It's like baking, I think. - 25/10/2010 05:32:42 PM 1969 Views
Good analogy - 25/10/2010 05:52:38 PM 1842 Views
Yes, exactly like baking - and advanced baking involves experimenting, substituting, improvising. - 25/10/2010 06:42:42 PM 2068 Views
But not at high school. - 25/10/2010 07:57:44 PM 1952 Views
Also - 04/11/2010 09:29:47 AM 1924 Views
Also, Parseltongue - is Harry that thick, or is it a magic thing? - 25/10/2010 05:18:41 PM 1948 Views
I think it's a magic thing. - 25/10/2010 05:34:09 PM 1952 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 1933 Views
Huh. I completely missed that. Good thing we're doing a reread. - 25/10/2010 05:57:38 PM 1951 Views
Speaking of Dumbledore and Parseltongue. - 28/10/2010 05:03:10 AM 2212 Views
parseltongue - 25/10/2010 10:24:46 PM 2070 Views
Interesting how many of our remarks are along similar lines. *NM* - 25/10/2010 10:27:30 PM 979 Views
Indeed - 26/10/2010 09:20:43 AM 1959 Views
Chapters 13-15: The Secret Riddle, Felix Felicis, The Unbreakable Vow *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:16:28 PM 1104 Views
Characters: The Trio, Ginny, Tom Riddle, Draco,... *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:17:12 PM 1091 Views
Dumbledore, Voldemort, Ron & Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Luna - 27/10/2010 10:31:39 PM 1988 Views
My take on Ginny is rather different, I must say... at least this time around. - 29/10/2010 01:47:20 PM 1922 Views
Girls. - 29/10/2010 05:54:25 PM 1963 Views
Draco: Not as confident as he appears, surely. - 29/10/2010 02:02:01 PM 2090 Views
Re: Draco: Not as confident as he appears, surely. - 29/10/2010 09:01:56 PM 2079 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:17:26 PM 888 Views
plot and writing. - 27/10/2010 10:30:14 PM 1975 Views
Re: plot and writing. - 28/10/2010 05:07:03 AM 2120 Views
Draco can dissemble rather well, just like his parents. - 29/10/2010 02:08:35 PM 1987 Views
Re: Draco can dissemble rather well, just like his parents. - 29/10/2010 09:00:36 PM 1999 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:17:42 PM 946 Views
Re: Anything else? - 27/10/2010 10:30:55 PM 2108 Views
Re: Anything else? - 28/10/2010 04:56:10 AM 2030 Views
Harry comments on that when in Snape's memories in book five. - 28/10/2010 10:42:08 AM 1916 Views
I wonder if that's actually true, though. - 28/10/2010 10:39:20 AM 2139 Views
Re: I wonder if that's actually true, though. - 28/10/2010 10:44:22 AM 1961 Views
It's more than that, though. - 28/10/2010 10:55:49 AM 2051 Views
Re: It's more than that, though. - 28/10/2010 11:48:19 AM 1846 Views
Chapters 16-18: A Very Frosty Christmas, A Sluggish Memory, Birthday Surprises *NM* - 29/10/2010 05:40:39 PM 1099 Views
Characters: The Trio, Fleur, Scrimgeour, Percy, Remus, Slughorn,... *NM* - 29/10/2010 05:43:02 PM 1166 Views
Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 29/10/2010 08:51:58 PM 2098 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 29/10/2010 11:24:02 PM 1930 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 29/10/2010 11:51:06 PM 1938 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 31/10/2010 09:14:46 PM 2155 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 31/10/2010 09:07:19 PM 2058 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 02/11/2010 06:23:04 PM 1993 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 02/11/2010 07:20:26 PM 1667 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 04/11/2010 04:03:02 AM 1929 Views
And - 04/11/2010 10:46:37 AM 1957 Views
Plotting and writing. - 29/10/2010 05:43:49 PM 1900 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 29/10/2010 08:52:34 PM 2016 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 29/10/2010 05:44:04 PM 985 Views
My comments on Potions class were heeded! Excellent. - 29/10/2010 11:28:43 PM 1944 Views
Re: My comments on Potions class were heeded! Excellent. - 29/10/2010 11:52:12 PM 2015 Views
Chapters 19-21: Elf Tails, Lord Voldemort's Requests, The Unknowable Room *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:00:22 PM 864 Views
Characters: The Trio, the elves, Draco, Dumbledore,... *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:00:56 PM 1219 Views
the twins, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Voldemort, Draco and Tonks - 01/11/2010 02:08:32 PM 1834 Views
Re: the twins, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Voldemort, Draco and Tonks - 01/11/2010 05:10:11 PM 2078 Views
Re: the twins, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Voldemort, Draco and Tonks - 01/11/2010 05:16:30 PM 2147 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:01:13 PM 974 Views
Dumbledore, little girls and the house-elf issue again. - 01/11/2010 02:09:35 PM 2177 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:01:27 PM 981 Views
Chapters 22-24: After the Burial, Horcruxes, Sectumsempra - 03/11/2010 09:50:17 PM 2217 Views
Characters. *NM* - 03/11/2010 09:50:33 PM 1122 Views
Malfoy, Ron & Hermione, Slughorn, Voldemort, Snape and Ginny. - 04/11/2010 12:12:57 AM 2032 Views
Draco, Slughorn, Snape, the romance. - 04/11/2010 02:02:04 PM 2042 Views
Re: Draco, Slughorn, Snape, the romance. - 04/11/2010 02:16:17 PM 2057 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 03/11/2010 09:50:50 PM 996 Views
Harry wrong again, house elves, horcruxes, free will, well hidden clues and some irony *DH spoiler* - 03/11/2010 10:35:20 PM 1970 Views
Re: Stuff. - 04/11/2010 04:28:04 AM 2005 Views
Re: Stuff. *spoilers for book 7* - 04/11/2010 09:10:19 AM 2068 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 1845 Views
Yes, I think you are right - 04/11/2010 01:24:41 PM 2006 Views
Well, I'm back. Some comments inside. *DH Spoilers* - 08/11/2010 02:28:11 PM 2034 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 03/11/2010 09:51:04 PM 995 Views
Chapters 25-27: The Seer Overheard, The Cave, The Lightning-Struck Tower - 05/11/2010 05:37:42 PM 1848 Views
Plotting and writing. - 05/11/2010 05:39:27 PM 1679 Views
*spoilers for book 7* - 05/11/2010 07:55:07 PM 1885 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 05/11/2010 05:39:43 PM 1003 Views
I like how good magic is not flashy. Also, a Tolkien thing - 05/11/2010 07:55:27 PM 1934 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 2184 Views
yes - 05/11/2010 10:06:43 PM 1910 Views
Chapters 28-30: Flight of the Prince, The Phoenix Lament, The White Tomb. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:12 PM 1127 Views
Characters. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:25 PM 947 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:40 PM 1071 Views
Spoilers. - 09/11/2010 02:26:38 PM 1885 Views
Re: Spoilers. - 09/11/2010 04:49:06 PM 1926 Views
I'm assuming not even the Ministry knows 100% what she did. - 13/11/2010 12:26:14 AM 2021 Views
Very true. - 15/11/2010 01:48:36 PM 2015 Views
Not much, no, but there's one fairly crucial mention. - 15/11/2010 04:37:23 PM 1980 Views
Re: Spoilers. - 13/11/2010 12:22:22 AM 2140 Views
Re: Spoilers. - 13/11/2010 09:38:09 AM 2276 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:53 PM 981 Views
We did the Harry Potter marathon thing on Sunday - 09/11/2010 02:28:08 PM 2004 Views
I vaguely remember something of the sort, yes. - 09/11/2010 02:57:56 PM 2219 Views
Re: I vaguely remember something of the sort, yes. - 09/11/2010 02:58:56 PM 1888 Views
This is definitely the most painfully altered of the movies. - 09/11/2010 04:34:33 PM 2037 Views
Re: This is definitely the most painfully altered of the movies. - 09/11/2010 04:36:29 PM 1986 Views
Very true. - 09/11/2010 04:40:24 PM 2225 Views
Re: Very true. - 09/11/2010 04:43:45 PM 2475 Views
Agreed. - 09/11/2010 04:53:46 PM 2012 Views
Re: Agreed. - 09/11/2010 04:58:59 PM 2106 Views

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