[HPFGU-OTChatter] Had to share this (OotP spoiler in case anyone hasn't managed to read it yet)

[Richelle Votaw]

Anne U wrote:

> top of the "tombstone" like memorial flowers, and put an artificial
> flower in a little pot in front of the "tombstone", and wore a doily
> on her head (perhaps a Winky impression?). Then she led us in a very
> short memorial service (I am quoting her):
>
> "Sirius Black was a very nice man. He was Harry Potter's godfather.
> And if he had been more careful he would still be alive."

That is so sweet!  I just love the things kids can come up with.  At least
the brighter kids.  You know, I'm generally stuck with (in my extended day
program) ten year olds who see my keychain and ask me if Harry Potter is my
son.  Er, no.  (I'm 26 for goodness sake!)  I momentarily debated a lecture
on reality and fantasy, then decided just to say no and move on with life.

Now, back to Sirius.  I'm the typical movie type I suppose, I did honestly
scream out a very long and dramatic "Noooooooooo!"  Then finished the page
gasping for breath while my mother (sitting in a chair nearby and forbidden
from touching my OOP books, even though there were already two at this point
because she has a nasty habit of reading the backs of books first and
telling the endings) kept saying "Who is it?  Who is it?  Is it Dumbledore?"

I didn't cry until hours later.  Out of boredom at a bridal shower my mind
kept wandering back to OOP, and to Sirius, and it hit me that (even though
none of it's real anyway) he was gone.  So there I am sniffling, trying not
to cry during what is supposed to be a happy occasion!

Richelle