OOP: That "Oh my gosh" moment.

[susanbones2003]

No: HPFGUIDX 66210

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "John Hatch" <john at s...> wrote:
>> 
> John writes:
> 
> I was too shocked to believe (Sirius' death). I thought the most 
powerful part of the book was when Neville said to Harry, through his 
swollen face, "I'm sorry Harry, was that man--was Sirius Black a 
friend of yours?"
> What a symbol of deep and abiding friendship and loyalty from 
Neville. Not, Harry, what the hell is wrong with you! You've been 
hanging out with Sirius Black! Just concern and condolences because 
he knew his friend was hurting.
> 
> Interestingly, I think the next most powerful part of the book also 
comes from Neville. I defy anyone to not be incredibly moved by 
Neville quietly placing the candy wrapper his mother gave him in his 
pocket. No other scenes in the previous books affected me like these 
two.
> 
> John
>

Neville has definitely come into his own in this book. I had 
forgotten about those two scenes. They were so spare in the details 
but when you do stop to consider them, they take your breathe away. I 
think JKR is so wonderful in this way. She brought Neville along in 
such a slow, deliberate way that you never expected he had such depth 
and resources. I think he's going to be one of the most important 
characters in the final two books. Thanks John.
J