Hmmm. What's your favorite *now*?

[julie]

No: HPFGUIDX 182986


> 
> That question is:  Now that we're almost a year out from the 
release 
> of DH and the completion of the series, which of the books has 
become 
> your favorite?
> 
> Tangential questions relating to that one might be:  Has your 
> favorite changed over time, or since the series has ended?  Can you 
> explain WHY this book is your favorite?

I think I'll still have to go with my longtime favorite, GOF.
The story was great (even with the plotholes), the reveal at
the end (Barty Crouch Jr) was even better, and most of all the 
potential for all the characters was at its greatest height.
Harry was innocent, noble, and perhaps pure enough of heart
and spirit to defeat Voldemort through the "power of love."
Sirius was a loving and concerned godfather, not yet devolved
into the self-pitying man living in the past that he became
in OotP. Snape (small part though he had in GoF) was ready
to risk his life for the side of good, and Dumbledore was 
still the wise and kind man who gave out second chances 
purely for the sake of those souls who had repented their 
evil ways. Even mostly-absent Lupin still had potential to
become a valuable mentor to Harry. Finally, Voldemort
and his Death Eaters were portrayed at their best in the
GOF graveyard scene, where they seemed actually powerful
and frighteningly evil. 

If GOF was the pinnacle, where all was still possible (and
I admit that it would be difficult for *anyone* to satisfy 
the amazing set up of those first four books), then HBP
comes in second for the crop of new possibilities that
were presented in its cliffhanger (though I never doubted 
Snape was on the "good" side). I suppose it was the many
possibilities left open and the speculation engendered
at the end of those two books that made them the most
enjoyable to read and ponder.

> 
> Then, if you're game, how 'bout these:
> *Which is/has become your least favorite book of the series? \

OotP is probably my least favorite because there are parts 
that I find too aggravating to read again (Umbridge and her
evil quill, Hagrid and his tedious Giants). Even at that, 
as others have said, there are still great parts of this
least favorite book (the Pensieve scenes, for instance).
DH would be my second least favorite, because for me it 
had too many areas where its potential as the final wrap
up of a great saga remained unrealized, and some character
moments I have difficulty accepting (e.g. Harry casting the
Crucio and Minerva all but praising that act).

> *Is there a character you find yourself especially fond of now that 
> it's all over?  Any pourquoi to add?

I was always fond of Snape as a character, of course ;-)
But also Luna grew on me a lot. And Neville was always
a favorite. On the flip side, Lupin ended up the biggest
disappointment given all the potential I saw for him in
the earlier books.

> *Which character would you just love to follow from here on out if 
> you could?  Por que?

Probably Draco, because I'd like to see how he made out in 
the post-Voldemort world, how he came to terms with his own
youthful actions, how his beliefs changed, and what he raised
his own son to believe. Characters who have a harder path
are far more interesting than those whose lives are set
on a straight and clear path (sorry, Harry!)

In the same vein, I'd also add George Weasley. I'd love to
know how he got on and rebuilt his life without Fred, in 
the process finding love and happiness of course (because
that's what Fred would want!).


> *Are you surprised at any of your responses?  IOW, is there 
anything 
> about how you feel about the series now that you never expected 
you'd 
> feel?

I do feel a little disappointed that the series didn't finish
with as big a bang as I expected (hoped), but that hasn't made
me toss out my HP books. I still love many of the characters
and find the series a worthwhile read.

Julie