my thoughts

[JoAnna Wahlund]

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Sorry I've been rather quiet, but I was gone all weekend and now I'm alternately job-hunting and trying to form my own impressions of OoP.  The minute I finished my husband snatched it from my hands, so I haven't been able to reread.  I started OoP at 1am Saturday morning and finished at 6am.  
 
Here are my thoughts thus far...
 
Overall, an excellent book.  I was disappointed that there was no JRKesque plot twist such as we've seen in the past four, however.  And I thought that OoP was much darker and less humorous than the past four (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).  All in all, though, a worthy addition to the HP series.
 
I was disappointed by Dumbledore's behavior, and I am convinced that there's something about Dumbledore that we don't know yet - perhaps that he's Harry's great-grandfather or something.  IMO, there has to be a reason that Dumbledore cares so much for him other than pity or the fact he cared for the Potters.  
 
Also - "Remember my last, Petunia."  As Harry asked, "Remember my last what?"  This is never mentioned.  His last message?  His last words?  His last request?  And how did he know Petunia would know that the Howler was from him and what he meant?
 
I'd sure like to know what was going through Dudley's mind when he was near the dementors.  Maybe the nurse at Smeltings telling him he had reached the size of a small killer whale?  *snigger*  Or maybe the pig's tail and the Ton-Tongue Toffee?  Though the memories seem worse that that.  Who knows?
 
The thestrals were pretty neat.  I'd thought, like Harry, that the carriages were enchanted to move by themselves.  However, I did have one question - Harry can see them now presumably because he saw Cedric die.  If I remember correctly, this is the first year Harry has been able to see them.  Either Harry didn't see the death of his mother or that you have to remember seeing the death.  I also assume you have to see the death of a person, because Harry did kill a basilisk in second year.
 
I don't get Luna - I have a feeling that there's more to her than meets the eye.  The part at the end of OoP suggests that, especially when she talks about the "voices behind the veil" and that she'll see her mother again.  I can't make up my mind whether I like her or not.
 
I was crushed at Sirius' death - I expected him to last longer than 3 books.  However, based on the whole "archway with the veil" thing, (see last paragraph), I have a feeling that we may not have seen the last of him.  Call it a hunch, but - I don't know.  The whole veil thing seemed odd and intriguing.
 
LOVED Dumbledore's Army.  Hated Umbridge.  I've had teachers like her.  What a witch (no pun intended).  I did think, however, that Fudge did too miraculous of a turnaround at the end... I expected him to accuse Dumbledore of having someone dress up like Voldemort to convince him!
 
Good for Neville!  The scene in St. Mungo's made me cry.  And I loved Ginny this book.  We're finally being shown that the youngest Weasley is someone to be reckoned with, just like her brothers and her parents.  I'm inclined to think Ron is H/G; I think he'd like Harry as a brother.  I stay away from the whole 'shipping issue.. no opinion either way, personally.
 
Those are my thoughts thus far... I'm going to reread once my husband's done and formulate more.  :)
















~JoAnna~
http://pt4ever.diaryland.com

"You know, you look at George W. and you realize some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some get it as a graduation gift."  - Robin Williams

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