Gregorovitch is taken up again. We have heard the name before, when he was mentioned as Krum's wand maker. Harry has forgotten, however; and I confess I had, too, when I first read this book. It took me a while to connect Voldemort's search with the strange behaviour of his wand. But it is made explicit quite quickly. Ze plot thickens.

The symbol of the deathly hallows is introduced. And tied to Grindewald. But I think the fact that it is Mr Lovegood carrying it suggests there is more to it than Krum claims, even to a first time reader.

In the Dumbledore plotline we are given a red herring about Ariana being a squib, which will not turn out to be true, and a suggestion that he may have killed his sister, which will turn out to maybe be somewhat true, if not in the way it is suggested. There is also the grand mystery of why Aberforth punched Dumbledore (who did not defend himself). There are some juicy enigmas in this book. And again Bathilda Bagshot is at the centre of it, as the suggested source of Skeeter's information (which will turn out to be true).

Moreover, Godric's Hollow is revealed to be central to both storylines: Dumbledore's and Harry's. And the deathly hollows, as well, now I think on it.

The first indication of the taboo on Voldemort's name is also there in the prompt appearance of the Death Eaters after Hermione mentions it. What seemed like shoddy work (a very strange coincidence) the first time I read the book is now good plotting.


When they discuss going to Grimmaud Place, they talk as if Snape is the only death eater who can go there. But weren't they told that when Dumbledore died, everyone who knew the secret because secret keepers in turn? That would indicate that Snape would be able to tell Voldemort its location. He doesn't, of course, because he is a good guy. But they don't know that.