First Impression of Hogwarts (was Re: [HPforGrownups] Sorting Hat Stool/School Song)

[tenpinkpiggies at hotmail.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 24032


> What was every one else's first impression of Hogwarts
> like?
> 
> ***Angie***
> 
> __________________________________________________

Hi Angie!
     I really love the first book, particularly because Rowlings does 
such a fabulous job of creating a strong bond of empathy and 
compassion for Harry. We SO want his life at Hogwarts to be wonderful 
(anything but Privet drive!), so I'd say that my impressions simply 
followed Harry's...wonder, dread, wonder, dread, anxiety, joy, 
satiation, laughter! I love the way she sets up a sense of anxiety and 
then breaks it with humour (I'm thinking in particular of the ghosts 
whooshing over the waiting students' heads, and then being anything 
but scary...) Actually, I have to say that the first banquet scene is 
really one of my favourites in all the books. I have an unusual 
fondness for the Sorting Hat (Hufflepuff! Gryfindor!), and for 
Dumbledore (Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!).

-Cornflower O'Shea
ps. Good question! Thanks for asking! :)