Just some last minute observations

[cantoramy]

No: HPFGUIDX 60689

     As we are all so frenzied about this weekend and are re-reading
the whole series, in order, for the 50th time, I thought I would post
some musings on the books.  I realize that I didn't make the rules and
this is JKR's world, but I have some comments that could even pertain
to the future 2 books (halevai [which is Yiddish for 'please, God!]).

1.  Get better (read more picky) editors!  All the research and all
the word-play would be much better served, IMO, if there were just
some minor details explained,i.e., where did Harry get a watch; how
did the Dursleys get off of the island; how did Harry hold onto Cedric
with one hand, summon the Triwizard's cup with his wand in the other
hand, and then have time to put away his wand before he grabbed the
cup; when and how did Harry get his glasses repaired before he went to
Hogwarts (or were they repaired there); who in the world is Peeves and
from where did he come, and why; the "ancestor-descendant" debate; the
"James or Lily" first out of Vodemort's wand question; why use the
word "enervate" (spelled "ennervate" in the US editions) to mean
arouse or re-energize, when it actually means to take the energy out
of something.  I know there are more; these are the examples that came
to me at midnight.

2.  Watch the grammar!  The *one* sentence that makes me want to throw
the book across the room is in GOF, UK pb, p. 496, when Crouch!Moody
is speaking to Harry and Ron about overcoming obstacles in the past.
"We helped," Ron said quickly.  "Me and Hermione helped."  *Me and
Hermione*?  Who ignored that?  I realise that English isn't what it
once was, but this *really* annoys me! "Know-it-all" Hermione should
be constantly correcting everyone!

3.  Sometimes a good cigar is a smoke!  This is, after all, a *story*.
 JKR has stated in her interviews that she simply loves to write. 
Yes, the Dementors are based on her experience with depression; the
Mirror of Erised is her longing to see her mother (may she rest in
peace) again;  she longed to be able to fly--hence, the broomsticks;
she worked for Amnesty International--her intolerance for intolerance
is well-known (all the pure-blood references).  We all love a good
allegory tale, especially if it is well-written.  But all the stuff
about spells and potions?  It's a *story*.  

Whew!  I got that out of my system!  Excelsior!  Book 5!

cantoramy