Harry Potter 7 Discussion!! (WARNING - SPOILERS)

[sarcasm_made_Easy]

re: chaos

Spoiler

It said in the book somewhere that Gridelwald "aquired" the wand from its previous owner, and that Dumbledore claimed it from Gridelwald when he defeated him in the famous duel. Dumbledore had been the owner of it ever since.

I know it said that but if the wand makes you unbeatable then how did dumbledore beat him? 

[AmandaGal]

The wand was unbeatable, not the wizard holding the wand.  Wizards are human and make mistakes.  If the wand made you unbeatable, it would have died off with its first owner

[sarcasm_made_Easy]

no i dont think so.   the first brother was killed in his sleep.  my thinking was that if you were using the wand in battle you couldnt be beaten.   

[Natureboy]

Did anyone not see Ron and Hermione getting together from the very first book?.......JK Rowling should have shaken it up a little bit....but a solid book.

[Chaos]

no i dont think so.   the first brother was killed in his sleep.  my thinking was that if you were using the wand in battle you couldnt be beaten.   

My interpretation was that the "unbeatable" part was the legend, while the reality was that it was a very powerful wand that could still theoretically be beaten by someone good enough or smart enough - both of which we are repeatedly told can be attributed to Dumbledore. Just like the legend said that the Resurrection Stone could bring the dead back to life, and this was not entirely true. Or how the legend said the cloak made you completely invisible and undetectable, but Mad-Eye could see through its protection with his magic eye, and Dumbledore could see through it with nothing.

The items were very powerful artifacts, but they were not QUITE as strong as the children's story made out.

[Ator the Invincible]

So, here's what I'm left wondering:

1) How did Neville acquire the sword of Godric Griffendor?
2) What the hell was with the crying baby at King's Cross?

[Chaos]

So, here's what I'm left wondering:

1) How did Neville acquire the sword of Godric Griffendor?
2) What the hell was with the crying baby at King's Cross?

1) The same way Harry did in Chamber of Secrets - he drew it out of the Sorting Hat. Obviously Griffendor had enchanted the sorting hat to be able to summon the sword, regardless of where the sword physically was (which is why Harry was able to pull it out of the hat even though it was in its display case in Dumbledore's study, and why Neville was able to pull it out of the hat, even though it was in Griphook's possession.).

2) I assumed it was meant to represent Voldemort. *shrug*

[J-Proof]

Before you read my review, here's my disclaimer about my overall Potter knowledge:

If you followed any of my previous posts regarding Potter and his band of young wizardlings, you'll know that I didn't read the entire series. I read the first two books but stopped due to lack of interest, but continued on through the movies. When I heard the seventh book was due out, I couldn't help it, I had to know what the fate of The Boy that Lived would be. Since Potter-fanatics are in no short supply (especially within my group of friends), I was quickly put through Hogwart boot-camp to get me caught up (so sue me, I'll read the previous books later!!).

That being said, I pretty much already knew what I needed to know to get me painlessly through the Seventh and last book, with the exception of what exactly a Horcrux was (and that explanation is pretty simple).

On to the review!
Very few literary series close with the triumphantly nostalgic effect that is achieved at the conclusion of Rowling's "Harry Potter" phenomena. Though a casual fan of the series, I found myself both eager and apprehensive about finishing the last novel, knowing that once all the questions floating around in my head were answered, there would be nothing left to look forward to in the future. And upon finishing "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows," I considered Rowling's wizard-filled finale to be a complete success.

From a technical standpoint, the Potter series differs from nearly every style I enjoy reading. In addition to the usual historical fiction novel I am constantly burying my nose in, Potter also differs from the fantasy novels that I hold dear. Rowling seems to have written a book with the same air of seriousness as Tolkien, but in a style little more adult than CS Lewis (something that turned me off toward the series during its earliest stage, but works very well in this last volume).

Simplistic stylization aside, it astounded me that since Rowling's characters are so relatable on a personal level, occurances within the story that are somewhat childishly presented are no less cherished than intended. For example, the birthday gift that Ginny gives to Harry is a very quick affair with little dialogue leading into it, but anyone who remembers the thrill of being kissed in that manner (or instigating such a kiss) finds it easy to get swept into the moment. The same can be said for other instances in the story, like when the Hogwartians cry in remorse when they think Harry is dead. Rowling has a way of touching the reader without having to explain a situation in superfluous detail, and succeeds in doing this mostly from the viewpoint of her main character.

As far as the plot is concerned, I found the novel to be full of inspiring, well-timed moments. While reading the last few chapters, I felt the same bold excitement that I remembered feeling the first time I read Tolkien's account of Theoden King's Ride of the Rohirrim. An Army of Hogwart students and teachers, centaurs, and knife-brandishing house elves fighting against Death Eaters, Giants, and Voldemort himself was a moment that played out in my head as being cinematically spectacular. At the same time, the loss of characters such as Fred, Remus, and Tonks stabbed at the heart.

I think one of the most significant aspects of Rowling's work is that the Potter series isn't necessarily predictable, so much as it is a multiple choice of conclusions. Harry being a horcrux, Dumbledore's painting finally speaking, Snape being a "good guy" -- these are all ideas that fans were expecting yet not expecting at the same time -- you can't really be sure with Rowling! She unceasingly keeps you firmly questioning the unquestionable (even a muggle like me who isn't all that familiar with the previous literature).

I rate the final novel of the Harry Potter series incredibly high, and well-worth the money. It is an addictive, youthful page-turner that provides a fantastic break from Shaara novels and theoligcal texts -- not to mention, it entertained me, who, again, is not that familiar with the previous literature. The only way it could have been better is if Gandalf the White made a cameo at the story's conclusion, saddled atop Aslan the Lion, and, while wiedling the flame of Arnoch, was able destroy half of the Death Eaters in the Hogwart vacinity . . . but that's what dreams are for!

My suggestion -- buy the book and read it!

[J-Proof]

... Although, I think she kind of copped out with letting him come back to life in the end. Can anyone explain how he was able to do that by the way?

Big Blonde:
What I gathered was The fact that he was both a horcrux AND protected from Volde cuz his mom sacrificed herself for him allowed him to come back to life (or something like that) I may be wrong... but I thought that was the mcguffin Volde didn't detect.

[MarkAndrew]

I finished yesterday and I liked it.  It wasn't structured like the other 6 books and JKR took some very laudable risks with not only the last book...but the whole series.

Spoiler-ish thoughts
  I liked the happy ending.  I REALLY liked Harry choosing to walk into certain death.  I really liked his final confrontation with Voldemort.  I liked Neville's maturation.  Ron and Hermonie no longer felt like kids anymore, which was nice.  No sex in book 7, which I'll put down as a pleasant surprise.  Big body count, no victory without a cost...which felt very right, though occasionally sad.  Harry ending up as the godfather to an orphaned child has a satisfying symmetry.

I thought Wormtail's fate was odd and anti-climactic...I would have rather have him actively betray Voldemort rather than simply hesitate for a second and so get killed by Voldemort's watchdog/gift.  I was surprised that the goblins were serious dicks rather than a "poor oppressed underdog".  I have no idea why Godrick Gryffindor's sword was so scary to Bellatrix...I would have liked to have seen more done with that.  I have no idea how the sword ended up in the sorting hat...strange plot hole.  Lupin's plot arc was unsatisfying...I liked him a LOT in the second book but this attempts to run out on his marriage and child  and his eventual death was unsatisfying.  Mrs. Weasley killing Bellatrix felt very unlikely and contrived.

[J-Proof]

I have no idea why Godrick Gryffindor's sword was so scary to Bellatrix...I would have liked to have seen more done with that.  I have no idea how the sword ended up in the sorting hat...strange plot hole.  Lupin's plot arc was unsatisfying...I liked him a LOT in the second book but this attempts to run out on his marriage and child  and his eventual death was unsatisfying.  Mrs. Weasley killing Bellatrix felt very unlikely and contrived.

I agree with you on the goblin point. Why be a jerk when you want people to care about you? hehe --- okay, as for Bellatrix being afraid of the sword, it's cuz she thinks that Harry got into her vault (where a horcrux is being kept), AND because the sword is capable of killing horcruxes -- one of which Volde has with him. The sword coming out of the sorting hat is what it did in book two (which I didn't like) but it does make sense for book 7 since there's precedent for it happening like that. It's cuz the sorting hat has been enchanted or soemthing so that the sword will appear when needed out of it.

As for Lupin -- I agree -- I was unhappy that his character would run out on Tonks -- though I still felt very sad when he died. And Bellatrix being killed by Mrs. Weasley -- that shit was awesome.... If my little sister were dueling with an evil witch, my mom would kick the shit out of the witch in a heartbeat -- I actually found this point in the book to be very cool.

[YoohooRiffer]

Well I don't know about the rest of you but i'm looking forward to Harry Potter and the Balance of Earth.

[DrForester]

I have no idea why Godrick Gryffindor's sword was so scary to Bellatrix...I would have liked to have seen more done with that.  I have no idea how the sword ended up in the sorting hat...strange plot hole.  Lupin's plot arc was unsatisfying...I liked him a LOT in the second book but this attempts to run out on his marriage and child  and his eventual death was unsatisfying.  Mrs. Weasley killing Bellatrix felt very unlikely and contrived.

I agree with you on the goblin point. Why be a jerk when you want people to care about you? hehe --- okay, as for Bellatrix being afraid of the sword, it's cuz she thinks that Harry got into her vault (where a horcrux is being kept), AND because the sword is capable of killing horcruxes -- one of which Volde has with him. The sword coming out of the sorting hat is what it did in book two (which I didn't like) but it does make sense for book 7 since there's precedent for it happening like that. It's cuz the sorting hat has been enchanted or soemthing so that the sword will appear when needed out of it.

Bellatrix was just scared that Harry had gotten into her vault and stolen something that she was supposed to be protecting for Voldemort.  None of Voldemorts followers had any clue what a Horcrux was.  Lucious and Bellatrix were just given something to protect.  Thar's why Lucious was willing to give up the Diary to try and cause some trouble at Hogwarts in Chamber of Secrets.  Even Snape was never told by Voldemort or Dumbledore what they were.

[RobtheBarbarian]

I have no idea why Godrick Gryffindor's sword was so scary to Bellatrix...I would have liked to have seen more done with that.  I have no idea how the sword ended up in the sorting hat...strange plot hole.  Lupin's plot arc was unsatisfying...I liked him a LOT in the second book but this attempts to run out on his marriage and child  and his eventual death was unsatisfying.  Mrs. Weasley killing Bellatrix felt very unlikely and contrived.

I agree with you on the goblin point. Why be a jerk when you want people to care about you? hehe --- okay, as for Bellatrix being afraid of the sword, it's cuz she thinks that Harry got into her vault (where a horcrux is being kept), AND because the sword is capable of killing horcruxes -- one of which Volde has with him. The sword coming out of the sorting hat is what it did in book two (which I didn't like) but it does make sense for book 7 since there's precedent for it happening like that. It's cuz the sorting hat has been enchanted or soemthing so that the sword will appear when needed out of it.

Bellatrix was just scared that Harry had gotten into her vault and stolen something that she was supposed to be protecting for Voldemort.  None of Voldemorts followers had any clue what a Horcrux was.  Lucious and Bellatrix were just given something to protect.  Thar's why Lucious was willing to give up the Diary to try and cause some trouble at Hogwarts in Chamber of Secrets.  Even Snape was never told by Voldemort or Dumbledore what they were.

That's just a silly looking string of posts right there. 

[J-Proof]

I have no idea why Godrick Gryffindor's sword was so scary to Bellatrix...I would have liked to have seen more done with that.  I have no idea how the sword ended up in the sorting hat...strange plot hole.  Lupin's plot arc was unsatisfying...I liked him a LOT in the second book but this attempts to run out on his marriage and child  and his eventual death was unsatisfying.  Mrs. Weasley killing Bellatrix felt very unlikely and contrived.

I agree with you on the goblin point. Why be a jerk when you want people to care about you? hehe --- okay, as for Bellatrix being afraid of the sword, it's cuz she thinks that Harry got into her vault (where a horcrux is being kept), AND because the sword is capable of killing horcruxes -- one of which Volde has with him. The sword coming out of the sorting hat is what it did in book two (which I didn't like) but it does make sense for book 7 since there's precedent for it happening like that. It's cuz the sorting hat has been enchanted or soemthing so that the sword will appear when needed out of it.

Bellatrix was just scared that Harry had gotten into her vault and stolen something that she was supposed to be protecting for Voldemort.  None of Voldemorts followers had any clue what a Horcrux was.  Lucious and Bellatrix were just given something to protect.  Thar's why Lucious was willing to give up the Diary to try and cause some trouble at Hogwarts in Chamber of Secrets.  Even Snape was never told by Voldemort or Dumbledore what they were.

Ah! That makes sense -- thanks for the correction =)