Why Fred?

Harry Potter fans were most likely surprised and angry that Fred died -- possibly even more upset than when Dobby died -- because he's a Weasley, the family we love most. More than that, he's one of the twins -- the dynamic duo we love to pieces and can't see split apart


Logic says that there are nine people in the immediate Weasley family, so one of them was bound to die at some point.

     First, it was meant to be Ginny after she opened the Chamber of Secrets, but Harry found a way to save her.

     Second, it was meant to be Mr. Weasley after being attacked by Nagini in the Department of Mysteries. Luckily, Harry was able to save him as well by sharing Voldemort's mind.

     Third, it was Ron Weasley who drank a powerful love potion and poisoned wine. Harry was quick in grabbing a bezoar and shoving it down Ron's throat to save him.


Who is up to die next?


Admit it. Secretly, we all wanted it to be Percy, especially after everything that happened Voldemort's return in Goblet of Fire. But no. It was the Weasley fighting next to him in the Battle at Hogwarts:

Our beloved FRED WEASLEY.

Ironically, Fred was a character Rowling knew was going to die in the series from the very beginning. So the question must be asked, why? What makes Fred destined to die when Harry was able to save all of the other Weasleys? Rowling has been recorded as claiming it was because Fred is the stronger of the two, but does her work back up her claim?

To answer this, we must turn to the books themselves as well as search for material from Ms. Rowling herself regarding Fred and George Weasley.  *see bottom of post for evidence from the books*

After reading the series, Fred appears to be the stronger one. He is more light-hearted and "fun-loving" (mischievous). He is the leader; George follows his twin loyally. Fred has more dialog than George. Fred is more annoyed with Percy than the other Weasley children, even before his betrayal -- transforming both his Prefect and Head Boy badges. Fred is also the first Weasley to forgive Percy.


George, on the other hand, is strong in his own way. George worries about money -- for his family. George worries about blackmailing Ludo Bagman. George's anger at Percy stems from what it did to his mother and family. George forces Percy to eat with them at Christmas rather than letting him eat with his friends. George isn't as adamant about fighting back against Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. George appears to be the one responsible for buying Mrs. Weasley expensive Christmas gifts because they had to do their own laundry now. George's concern is primarily his family.


More than that, it's always written "Fred and George." Alphabetically, it makes sense. Birth order, it might even make sense (I have not found record of which twin was born first; I would guess Fred -- there is a debate about it). But, character-strength wise, Fred is also supposedly the stronger of the two.


But, secretly, I think George is the stronger of the two. He puts more value on his family than Fred did and is more serious. That seriousness allows him to not to be completely crushed by Fred's death -- he was serious enough to stay sane after losing his other half. He is also allowed to rely more on his family to help him through the grieving process. Fred seems to have put his faith solely in George (the only time he stops joking is when he is worried about George at the beginning of Deathly Hallows), and, on occasion, Lee Jordan and Angelina Johnson.

At the same time, however, Rowling does try to throw her readers off (of course). George is hit with Snape's curse during the flight of the seven Potters -- something that could have easily killed him. More than that, however, Fred is the one mentioned having a date to the Yule Ball -- he has a person he loves outside of his family to lose. This is emphasized more while the boys are seating guests at Bill and Fleur's wedding. Fred talks about how he won't let Mrs. Weasley act like this at his own wedding -- he's planning a future -- while George remains silent on the subject. 


And just to be "fair" to other points of view . . . 

At the same time, the story is told through Harry's eyes -- his observations and whatnot. It could just be that Harry notices Fred more than George. I could make the proposition is that Harry notices Fred more because he has a man crush on Fred -- completely stupid, but the lit crit in me recognizes that some people will and probably already do believe this is true. Ridiculous. It's not true at all -- even if it were, I would refuse to recognize it. I'm just saying it's a theory -- a dumb one, but it exists all the same.



Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

     FRED makes name joke before getting on the platform. George follows silently.  (92)
     GEORGE helps Harry with his trunk, but NOT without Fred. (94)
     FRED asks Harry about the scar. He also wants to ask Harry about Voldemort (97)
     GEORGE jokes (97)
     GEORGE eats booger flavored jellybean (104)
     GEORGE is responsible for Scabbers' spell (106)
     FRED lies about the Sorting Ceremony (115 and 118)
     GEORGE congratulates Harry on being a Seeker first, BUT Fred talks more (153)
     FRED starts quoting Wood. George follows (185)
     FRED helps Harry during the Quidditch game (187)
     GEORGE makes "Gred and Forge" joke and makes Percy eat with them (203)
     FRED and Harry break the Wizard Cracker (203)

     GEORGE almost falls off his broom. Clumsy? Hint that he might be the one to die if one of the twins HAD to die? (223)
     FRED hates the notes home about the magic ban for underage wizards. (307)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

     FRED drives car (25)
     FRED  talks about the Muggle tricks, but George does the work (26)
     GEORGE is concerned with money -- affording a House-Elf. (29)
     FRED thinks Mr. Weasley and his fascination with Muggle stuff is funny (31)
     FRED  is the one who mentions bed (35)
     FRED jokes about Mrs. Weasley and Lockhart. GEORGE just groans (35-36)
     FRED starts gnome-throwing girl (37)
     GEORGE is excited about Mr. Weasley being home (38)
     GEORGE is concerned about money -- affording school supplies (44 and 46)
     FRED leaves for Diagon Alley first (47)
     GEORGE forgets fireworks (66)
     FRED steals lizard (108)
     FRED turns Ron's bear into a spider when they were children (155)
     GEORGE whines about there being too much Quidditch training. (167)
     FRED protecting Harry from bludgers again (168)
     GEORGE calls for a time-out to save Harry (169)
     FRED bewitches Percy's Prefect Badge to say "Pinhead" (212)
     GEORGE and Percy (258)


Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

     GEORGE doesn't want to be prefect (62)
     GEORGE wants to lock Percy in a pyramid (63)
     FRED changes Percy's Head Boy badge to say "Big Headboy" (67)
     Molly loses FRED (72) prediction?
     GEORGE is concerned about Harry and tries to comfort him (96-97)
     FRED needs joke supplies (145)
     GEORGE tries to catch Crookshanks to save Scabbers (146)
     FRED is annoyed about Cedric -- jealous? Angelina? Also making fun of Hufflepuff (169)
     FRED saves Harry during the game. GEORGE tells Harry about the game outcomes (179-181)
     FRED starts the map talk; GEORGE explains everything (190)
     GEORGE shows Harry how to open the map (192)
     FRED explains secrete passages (193)
     FRED "comforts" Ron about Scabbers sarcastically. (253)
     FRED has no fear of dementors (255)
     FRED wants Harry to show off at the Quidditch match. GEORGE is avenging/protecting others (265)
     GEORGE starts the party (265)
     FRED wants to break the rules to keep partying (266)


Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

     FRED arrives in fireplace before GEORGE (43)
     FRED "gives" the Ton-Tongue Toffee to Dudley (47)
     FRED leaves first. GEORGE takes Harry's trunk (47)
     FRED explains the candy (51)
     GEORGE wants to know how well the candy worked (53)
     GEORGE tries to escape trouble (54)
     FRED and GEORGE are talking about the Quidditch Cup with Charlie, but only FRED's dialog appears (63)
     FRED teases Percy about the dragon dung he and GEORGE sent (64)
     GEORGE tries to sneak out candy (68)
     FRED yells about it (68-69)
     FRED officially makes the bet (88)
     FRED makes fun of Crouch (89)
     FRED asks about the "secret" (92)
     FRED is okay with hiding gambling from Mrs. Weasley (117)
     FRED is protecting Ginny (120)
     FRED jokes about death (153) -- HA
     GEORGE teases Percy about Crouch NOT knowing his name (162)
     FRED and the secret (164)
     FRED is very loud about the Triwizard Tournament (186 and 188)
     FRED comes up with the plan to sneak their names into the contest (189-190)
     GEORGE wants FRED to be careful about the letter (222-223)
     GEORGE and the letter -- he wants the money. He also asks questions to McGonagall about the tourney (237)
     GEORGE is okay with house-elves (239)
     FRED has the plan for tricking the Goblet (256) -- Tournament is deadly; he's not seventeen, but he hatches the plan. DEATH?
     FRED is first to cross the age line (259)
     GEORGE won't let Harry go to bed (285)
     FRED's dancing is full of life -- he will die 
     GEORGE jokes about the egg. (366)
     FRED tells Hermione how to get into the kitchen (367)
     FRED jokes about Canary Creams (366-367)
     FRED has no fear about getting a date (393-394)
     FRED and Bagman (448)
     FRED is okay with blackmail. GEORGE is not. (566-568)
     GEORGE talks more / is more upset about losing the money to Bagman (732)
     GEORGE is noted for being the one to say thank you (734)


Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

     GEORGE greets Harry properly; FRED makes a joke (68)
     FRED is proud of passing the Apparation test and is okay to use it at any time to save time and money (68-69)
     FRED calls Snape a "git"; GEORGE is much more delicate in speech (69)
     GEORGE is obviously ticked off about Percy; FRED is very nonchalant about it (70)
     FRED is determined to get information with an Extendable Ear (76)
     FRED is all about saving time (84)
     FRED is fighting back against Mrs. Weasley (96)
     FRED knows Ginny very well (98)
     GEORGE is in charge of waking the boys up (101)
     FRED gets caught collecting the doxy (104)
     GEORGE explains the Skiving Snackboxes (104)
     FRED is happy that Mrs. Weasley is yelling at someone else; GEORGE knows how to deal with Mrs. Weasley yelling -- almost sympathetic. (107)
     FRED is more vocal about his disbelief that Ron becoming Prefect (161)
     FRED's priorities are centered on trouble-making (162)
     GEORGE jokes about matching pajamas for Ron and his badge (163)
     GEORGE is offending at being "outed" of the family for not getting the Prefect badge (163)
     FRED regrets getting Ron dress robes because Mrs. Weasley was going to get him some as a reward -- waste of money now (164)
     GEORGE explains what Mundungus has for them; FRED handles price (171)
     FRED is making the decisions for the set of them (183)
     FRED is willing to help Ron skive, but jokes about it. GEORGE checks on the first years they are checking on. GEROGE says they aren't skipping their last year for Mrs. Weasley's sake; FRED says it is for
market research. (225-227)
     GEORGE jokes about grades (310-311)
     FRED orders drinks for everyone (338)
     FRED makes anecdote about he and GEORGE finding the Room of Requirement
     FRED is making up mean names for the DA (Dumbledore's Army) (392)
     GEORGE makes excuses for their pranks (394)
     FRED claims to have been denying that Ron is family for years (401)
     GEORGE attacks Malfoy; FRED is held back by the girls (413)
     FRED is talking about how to get there (474)
     FRED is angry about the Order; GEORGE is angry about Dad. FRED insults Sirius out of anger (477)
     GEORGE has the Extendable Ears (490)
     FRED announces no longer caring about causing/getting into trouble (627)
     GEORGE noted as laughing so hard he is crying (633)
     GEORGE wants to help Harry; FRED wants to cause trouble and applauds Ron for being okay with Harry breaking the rules (657-658)
     GEORGE guessed how long Harry had -- more calculating? (669)
     FRED talks back to Umbridge (674)
     FRED makes the leaving school decision making (674)
     FRED tells the students where to buy their stuff and GEORGE offers them a discount. FRED orders Peeves to keep causing trouble (675)



Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

FRED gives Hermione a free day dream (117)
FRED comes equipped with the bruise removing paste in his pocket (118)
GEORGE threatens boy who might steal (118)
GEORGE is excited about expanding their products into DADA (119)
GEORGE goes to help Verity immediately (120)
FRED declares that Harry doesn't pay; GEORGE agrees completely (120)
FRED takes the girls to the WonderWitch products (120-121)
FRED charges Ron (122)
GEORGE "makes" Ron cut his finger (326)
Ron throws a knife at FRED (327) - deadly weapon
GEORGE flirts with the Muggle girl in the village (328)
GEORGE's excuse for expensive presents for Mrs. Weasley is because they have to do their own laundry now (339)
FRED appears to hate Percy (347)
FRED jokes about Ron, but GEORGE is more serious (399)
FRED is upset about Hogsmeade (399-400)
FRED is talking a lot more than GEORGE (400-404)


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

FRED jokes; GEORGE is more serious, but still jokes (49)
FRED jokes about beauty (51) - funny because GEORGE is about to lose his ear, changing his attractiveness
GEORGE is injured -- almost dead. He could easily be the dead twin, but Moody's death is more important at the moment. TIMING IS EVERYTHING -- George dying now would take away from Moody's murder. (64)
FRED is genuinely concerned about his twin. He doesn't joke until his twin does. (74-75)
FRED talks about his future wedding (138) 
GEORGE is talking about Mrs. Weasley and Percy -- no indication of future plans. (138)
FRED argues "Rodent" VS "Rapier." His point on PotterWatch - chill out and don't be overly afraid (442-444)
FRED loves plans that you make up as you go (582)
FRED thinks the battle is going to be fun; GEORGE is being more serious (604)
FRED insults Percy, but is first to forgive him. GEORGE just wants to know why Percy changed his mind. (606)
GEORGE makes fun of Percy. He is eager to fight before all of the "good ones" are taken. (606)
FRED says it's a good night to fight. (621)
FRED is joking/laughing/happy in death (636)

Harry Potter Workout Special - Deathly Hallows Part Two

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two

A spell is cast….3000 Jumping Jacks

Anyone is awarded points….0 Lunges

Points are taken away….0 Squats

Hagrid says “I shouldn’t have said that”….0 Jumping Jacks

A painting talk .....15 Crunches

Someone says “He who must not be named” or “you know who”…..40 Mountain Climbers

Ron says “bloody mess”……40 Butt Busters

Someone cries .......240 Crunches

Someone says Voldemort……..45 Push ups

Anytime a pet is shown……150 Bicycle Abs

A ghost talks…..10 Push ups

Harry Potter Workout Special: Deathly Hallows Part One

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One

A spell is cast….1500 Jumping Jacks

Anyone is awarded points….0 Lunges

Points are taken away….0 Squats

Hagrid says “I shouldn’t have said that”….0 Jumping Jacks

A painting talk .....0 Crunches

Someone says “He who must not be named” or “you know who”…..10 Mountain Climbers

Ron says “bloody mess”……30 Butt Busters

Someone cries .......260 Crunches

Someone says Voldemort……..20 Push ups

Anytime a pet is shown……50 Bicycle Abs

A ghost talks…..0 Push ups

Harry Potter Workout Special: Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

A spell is cast….740 Jumping Jacks

Anyone is awarded points….0 Lunges

Points are taken away….10 Squats

Hagrid says “I shouldn’t have said that”….0 Jumping Jacks

A painting talk .....0 Crunches

Someone says “He who must not be named” or “you know who”…..10 Mountain Climbers

Ron says “bloody mess”……40 Butt Busters

Someone cries .......200 Crunches

Someone says Voldemort……..35 Push ups

Anytime a pet is shown……70 Bicycle Abs

A ghost talks…..0 Push ups

Young Snape and Harry -- more similar than we think?

Throughout the course of the series, we have seen Harry, on more than one occasion, accusing and/or attacking Snape and Draco, much to the annoyance of Hermione and Ron who grow tired of Harry always turning out to be wrong. Of course, in the end (of Half-Blood Prince anyway), Harry turns out to be right.

Interestingly, Snape went through the thing with Lily. He was constantly accusing the Marauders, especially Lupin, of being up to something . . . specifically of Lupin being a werewolf. Lily refuses to believe him and says he's making something out of nothing. And, of course, Snape turns out to be right in the end.


It's strange how often Harry is told he is like his father and mother, even Sirius Black. But, in this matter, he is also very similar to Snape -- the man he hated most in the world, even more than Voldemort.

Irony for the win?

Are you a witch/wizard or aren't you?!

When studying Rowling's epic series, Harry Potter, one of the things continually remarked upon is her circularity. Everything comes back. For example, Colin Creevey gets carried off by a crowd of students due to his small stature in Chamber of Secrets and is remarked upon as being "small in death" as Oliver Wood carries him to join the other dead in Deathly Hallows.

One circle I came across while rereading the series this time is a small exchange between Ron and Hermione, each teasing the other for their lack of common sense in a moment of peril.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Hermione realizes they need a fire to escape the Devil's Snare, but panics because she has no matches. Ron is quick to make the scathing remark: "HAVE YOU GONE MAD? ... ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?"

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, however, the roles are reversed. Harry, Hermione, and Ron are working hard towards defeating Voldemort which, at this particular moment, means finding Snape in the Shrieking Shack. They were stuck at the Whomping Willow, trying to figure out how to stop the tree so they can use the secret passage way. Ron mourns not having Crookshanks around to hit that special knot in the tree. Hermione exclaims "Crookshanks! . . . Are you a wizard, or what?" while trying to catch her breath.

Just one of the many humorous exchanges between the constantly arguing, but still very much loving relationship that is Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. But even in these small moments, it's nice to see Ms. Rowling is still revealing the high level of her genius in connecting everything in the series -- even the most miniscule of things.

Patil Twins Dying

In a post I made earlier this year, I talked about twins dying during the Battle at Hogwarts. Fred Weasley is one of them (obviously). As you might recall, I also remarked on the fact that in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, all logic points to one of the twins dying.

While reading Deathly Hallows this time around, I noticed a small comment that I had always glanced over before. While running through Hogwarts, Harry notices Pavarti Patil battling a Death Eater. 


Now, one of two conclusions can be drawn from this:


     1. Pavarti is the one seen fighting, so she must be the one who dies.

OR

     2. Padma is no where to be found, so she must be already dead at this point.



I'm going to hazard a guess that Pavarti is the one who dies, but I still haven't found any record regarding this matter, but it's still driving me crazy. 

I have to know which one it is!

Harry Potter Workout Special - Order of the Phoenix

Please bear in mind that most of the spell cast count is a guestimation. It's hard to keep track during the DA meetings and the Battle at the Ministry.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix


A spell is cast….1400 Jumping Jacks

Anyone is awarded points….0 Lunges

Points are taken away….0 Squats

Hagrid says “I shouldn’t have said that”….30 Jumping Jacks

A painting talk .....45 Crunches

Someone says “He who must not be named” or “you know who”…..50 Mountain Climbers

Ron says “bloody mess”……0 Butt Busters

Someone cries .......0 Crunches

Someone says Voldemort……..55 Push ups

Anytime a pet is shown……130 Bicycle Abs

A ghost talks…..0 Push ups

Puking Pastille in My Pillowcase

When Harry returns to the Burrow in Half-Blood Prince, he stays in Fred and George's old room because the twins now live above their store. When he lays down to go to sleep, he discovers that there is a Puking Pastille in his pillow case. 

Rowling doesn't specify which bed he sleeps in, so which twin is most likely to have a Puking Pastille in their pillowcase?

FRED:
     more of a jokester
     was the one with Ton-Tongue Toffees on hand to "give" to Dudley in GF
     had bruise removing paste on hand to give to Hermione when she visits the store with Harry and the Weasleys in HBP

GEORGE
     was caught sneaking Weasley Wizard Wheezes products out of the house in GF

My guess is George -- he was trying to hide the products from Mrs. Weasley before they had moved out of the Burrow.

Thoughts?

Harry Potter Workout Special -- Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter Workout Special continued . . . 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

A spell is cast….380 Jumping Jacks

Anyone is awarded points….0 Lunges

Points are taken away….0 Squats

Hagrid says “I shouldn’t have said that”….0 Jumping Jacks

A painting talks .....0 Crunches

Someone says “He who must not be named” or “you know who”…..10 Mountain Climbers

Ron says “bloody mess”……20 Butt Busters

Someone cries .......100 Crunches

Someone says Voldemort……..35 Push ups

Anytime a pet is shown……30 Bicycle Abs

A ghost talks…..0 Push ups

Harry Potter Workout Special - Prisoner of Azkaban

Workout special continued . . . 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

A spell is cast….480 Jumping Jacks

Anyone is awarded points….0 Lunges

Points are taken away….10 Squats

Hagrid says “I shouldn’t have said that”….0 Jumping Jacks

A painting talk .....210 Crunches

Someone says “He who must not be named” or “you know who”…..50 Mountain Climbers

Ron says “bloody mess”……20 Butt Busters

Someone cries .......40 Crunches

Someone says Voldemort……..15 Push ups

Anytime a pet is shown……200 Bicycle Abs

A ghost talks…..15 Push ups

Again with the spells . . . 

Harry Potter Workout Special - Chamber of Secrets

Workout Special continued . . . 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

A spell is cast….210 Jumping Jacks

Anyone is awarded points….10 Lunges

Points are taken away….0 Squats

Hagrid says “I shouldn’t have said that”….0 Jumping Jacks

A painting talks .....10 Crunches

Someone says “He Who Must Not Be Named” or “You Know Who”…..10 Mountain Climbers

Ron says “bloody hell”……20 Butt Busters

Someone cries .....40 Crunches

Someone says Voldemort……..55 Push ups

Anytime a pet is shown……210 Bicycle Abs

A ghost talks…..20 Push ups

These spells and pets are going to kill me . . .

Harry Potter Workout Special - Sorcerer's Stone

You've all heard about these crazy movie drinking games . . . probably even played them. Now, they've taken these rules and turned them into workouts. Harry Potter is no different.

A spell is cast….10 Jumping Jacks

Anyone is awarded points….10 Lunges

Points are taken away….10 Squats

Hagrid says “I shouldn’t have said that”….30 Jumping Jacks

A painting talk .....15 Crunches

Someone says “He who must not be named” or “you know who”…..10 Mountain Climbers

Ron says “bloody mess”……10 Butt Busters

Someone cries .......20 Crunches

Someone says Voldemort……..5 Push ups

Anytime a pet is shown……10 Bicycle Abs

A ghost talks…..5 Push ups

So I thought I would do the workout.  First, of course, I had to watch the movies over and keep a tally of these things. I'm working on it, but I thought I would post an unofficial count for anyone who cares out there.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

A spell is cast….210 Jumping Jacks

Anyone is awarded points….60 Lunges

Points are taken away….40 Squats

Hagrid says “I shouldn’t have said that”….180 Jumping Jacks

A painting talks .....30 Crunches

Someone says “He Who Must Not Be Named” or “You Know Who”…..30 Mountain Climbers

Ron says “bloody hell”……10 Butt Busters

Someone cries .....120 Crunches

Someone says Voldemort……..50 Push ups

Anytime a pet is shown……130 Bicycle Abs

A ghost talks…..30 Push ups

Yeah ... I'll be feeling THAT workout in the morning, but it supposedly works, so we'll see . . . 

"Now, what's the platform number?"

Okay.

Been forever -- I know. Sorry. Been going through a personal crisis. . . . Still going through a personal crisis, but whatever.

I'm re-reading the Harry Potter series to try and cheer myself up, and I stumbled across this oddity in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

As Harry is wandering through King's Cross Station trying to find a way onto the platform, he comes across the Weasley family -- this is common Potter knowledge. But did you ever pay attention to the question Mrs. Weasley asks?

"Now, what's the platform number?"

REALLY?!


1. Mrs. Weasley, you went to Hogwarts. It shouldn't be that hard to remember.

2. Your BROTHERS went to Hogwarts with you, so you had more of a chance to be on the platform than others, especially if they were older or younger than you. Just saying.

3. You have SEVEN kids.You're bringing kid #6 to the platform for the first time. This means you've been taking your kids to the SAME platform you used as a kid for YEARS.

4. It's the same platform every year.

5. It's an odd (weird) number -- easy to remember.


How on earth do you not remember the platform number?!

Come on Mrs. Weasley. You're better than this. If you can make Chuck Norris eat his vegetables, surely you can remember the platform to the Hogwarts Express is Platform 9 and 3/4.
     Just saying.

Early Friendship

Okay.

So I'm watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone and I noticed something odd about the Golden Trio before they were friends (mostly before Harry and Ron let Hermione hang out with them).

In the book, we don't hear or see Hermione doing anything but answering questions, crying, studying, and crying usually because Ron has no tact whatsoever. It isn't until Halloween that these three come together and become one entity.  Before that, Hermione is a shadow in the background to make fun of for her nerdiness.

In the movie, however, Hermione is leaning in and listening to Harry read about the break in at Gringotts. She also elbows Harry in their first Potion class to get him to pay attention.  She's also the one who bravely approaches the boys to show them the trophy case with Harry's dad's Quidditch award.

Clearly, movie Hermione is much more present and assertive. There really isn't any reason for this because Ron is still making fun of her and upsetting her. So why change?

No really, why?

I want to know.

Do You REALLY Know Where You Belong?

 Hey guys.

Sorry for the disappearance. A few things came up . . . like my job and my brother's wedding and getting into a relationship . . . But I have my life mostly back in line, so I thought we could explore something purely fan-based and not about my random thoughts about the series.

One of the most fun part of the series as fans is to figure out what house we should belong to. Some of us may not like the answer, but what the Sorting Hat quizzes say is true. (I advise you to take several quizzes; the answer that appears the most is your true house).
     Personally, I was dying to be in Ravenclaw. I meet the qualifications. My friends would all say I should be in Ravenclaw, but I knew the truth. I may be "smart," but that has nothing to do with intelligence in my brain or whatever. I have a secret -- I work/study hard. THAT is how I get good grades; nothing else. So yeah . . . *sigh* . . . I'm a Hufflepuff through and through.
     I was upset at first, because they are portrayed as being lame and a lot of "duffers," but now I'm okay. In fact, I think it fits me more than anything else.

I know, I know. What the hell is a Hufflepuff?! Keep reading.

So, in accepting the fact that I am a Hufflepuff, I did some research on my house, the history of my house, what my common room looks like, and what personality traits (besides working hard) make me a Hufflepuff. This is what I found (Thank you Pinterist). . . 

My housing arrangement= 

The Hufflepuff Dormitories and Common room have never been seen by outsiders and is the only house with repelling devices in case of intruders. They are accessed through a pile of large barrels, found stacked in a shadowy stone recess on a right-hand side corridor near the kitchens. The barrel two from the bottom, middle of the second row, will open if tapped in the rhythm of 'Helga Hufflepuff'.*
 

As a security device to repel non-Hufflepuffs, tapping on the wrong barrel, or tapping the incorrect number of times, results in one of the other lids bursting off and drenching the imposter in vinegar.
However, once you make it through the tunnel entryway, the Hufflepuff dormitory is a quite cosy and welcoming place; it always feels sunny. The common room is a large, earthy, round room with low ceilings. The view from the round windows is of dandelions and rippling grass.
The decor emphasises the earthy-feel of the room with plants hanging and resting all about the room, some that even sing and dance. Burnished copper touchings with plush, cosy yellow and black patterned sofas and chairs welcoming a Hufflepuff student to relax and discuss the interesting specimens brought in by the Head of House, Professor Sprout. A Hufflepuff student retires through big, round doors in the walls of the common room to their dormitory.




(Thank you, http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Hufflepuff and http://whisperwings.deviantart.com/art/Hufflepuff-House-277914217)


My personality=





Students belonging to this house are known to be hard-working, friendly, loyal, honest and rather impartial. It may be that due to their values, Hufflepuffs are not as competitive as the other houses, or are more modest about their accomplishments. 

Hufflepuff appears to have the least rivalry with the other houses, except in Quidditch, although the Triwizard Tournament did temporarily put a great deal of strain on the relationship between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, due to unusual circumstances of the selection of both Gryffindor student Harry Potter and Hufflepuff student Cedric Diggory as Champions. 

According to Minerva McGonagall, all four of the houses have produced exceptional witches and wizards in their time, but due to Helga Hufflepuff's policy of accepting any student and its usually poor performance in the House Cup, Hufflepuff is often thought to be the house of less talented wizards. However, this is merely a misunderstanding of the Sorting Hat's poem. The Hufflepuff house has produced a great many of successful and influential members of the wizarding world.


Hufflepuff has produced the fewest number of dark wizards than any other house at Hogwarts. Their cheerful and friendly demenor can probably account for this property of the House. Hufflepuff firmly demonstrated its loyalty during the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998, when they were second only to Harry Potter's own house of Gryffindor in the number of students willing to stay and fight against Voldemort and his forces in the defence of their school.

(Thank you http://votingmod.livejournal.com/4656.html and http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Hufflepuff)


That's all I've found for now, but I like knowing more about this sort of thing. 

So where are you?

Given through the Pensieve

**SORRY FOR MY ABSENCE AS OF LATE. LIFE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NUTS AND I LOST ALL MY QUESTIONS/TIOPICS WILL TRY TO BE MORE FAITHFUL**

Do you remember your fifth and sixth grade reading? I know that when I was a student, Lois Lowry's The Giver was standard reading. 

I know. What does this have to do with anything -- just hold on a second. It'll make sense.

The Giver follows the life of Jonas as he becomes the Receiver of the memories of the world that the former Receiver (now Giver).  But what do these memories look and feel like? Obviously, the memories can be felt by Jonas as he experiences memories of both pleasure and pain. I'm particularly referring to the tape of his father killing a baby and "releasing" him.


But how is Jonas experiencing these memories?

     Is he taking a metaphysical form to interact and experience various memories?

     Is he like a version of himself that experiences the memory while he watches, interacting and observing what happened-- like in all of the Christmas Carol books?

     Is he like Harry in the memories contained in the Pensieve -- a shadow who can only see what's happening, but might as well be a ghost because he cannot interact or experience anything; he can only observe what's going on around him as some semi-omniscient entity floating in the background?


Personally, I'm leaning towards option 1, but I don't know for sure.

Thoughts anyone?

Is there even anyone out there? .

Where, oh where, have the smart people gone? Where, oh where, Hemione?

Hermione Granger . . .

What can we say about her?
     While being a resident of Gryffindor Tower, Hermione remains to be the smartest girl in Hogwarts -- even smarter than the Ravenclaw students who are sorted into this house primarily by their intelligence.
     More than once she is defined as being the "smartest/cleverest witch of her age."
     Even as a Muggle-born, "there isn't a spell that our Hermione can't do."

Point being, she is smart and we know it -- Rowling has made that perfectly clear through all seven books.

By movie 8, however, Hermione has lost her quick brain in favor of her becoming dependent on  Ron Weasley, who is never noted for being smart, as their relationship turns romantic.
      . . . What the crap is that about?
                 Seriously. . .

The Battle of Hogwarts begins and the golden trio hurriedly runs off to find and destroy the last horcruxes.
     Harry knew where he was going -- to find Rowena Ravenclaw's Lost Diadem.
     Ron and Hermione, on the other hand, had a different idea. Hermione tries to pass it off as her own -- "Even if we found a horcrux, we can't destroy it, so we were thinking . . . rather Ron was thinking that . . . it's brilliant really . . . that we know where a Baslisk fang is . . ."*
          They get the fang; stab the cup; kiss at an awkward moment; and move on to find Harry.
     Ron pulls out the Marauders Map just in time to see Harry disappear. Hermione is confused, but Ron knows the answer. Harry's in the Room of Requirement because it can be unplottable. "You said that last year."  Flummoxed, Hermione nods, "I did say that. Brilliant," clearly confused. 

In the book, none of this happens. Hermione retains her intelligence while Ron steps up to help her work. So why change this in the movie? Is it that big of a deal to have a strong, smart heroine who does not need a man to save her?
     Apparently it is . . .

And that's just sad. Thanks for demeaning women's role in the world again, Hollywood.




*Yes, I am aware those are not the exact words, but it's close enough and gets my point across.

Bellatrix LeStrange Is a Whimp?

Okay.

This post is going to focus on the Battle at the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

In the book, Bellatrix is super demented and insane.
     Duh.
     We know this stuff already.

But why is there a difference in the portrayal of Bellatrix in the book than in the movie.

Bellatrix kills Sirius. Lupin holds Harry back. Harry chases down Bellatrix and uses the Cruciotus Curse on her.
     In the book, Bella laughs her head off, cackling maniacally. She is barely tickled by the curse because Harry didn't mean the curse enough for it to work. She challenges him, enticing him to strike again because the first attempt was just sad. And she knows he can't do it, so why not tick him off more?
     In the movie, however, Harry hits her with the spell once and Bellatrix falls to the ground, pouting and looking like she is about to cry. Can anyone say -- mischaracterization of character? I know I can. That just isn't true to the book or character. I have no idea what they were thinking. Idiots.

Oh well.

Book Bella wins. And that's all that matters.

Book Review: The Mystery of Harry Potter

The Mystery of Harry Potter: A Catholic Family Guide by Nancy Carpentier Brown


I don't have much to say. I mean, the title says everything that needs to be stated. The book, however, is surprisingly supportive of the Harry Potter books, claiming they are Christian in nature. Her goal is to convince her Catholic audience that Harry Potter is an okay book to be read by anyone of any age.

Her reasoning is thorough and logically sound.

If you're curious, give it a read. It's interesting to see Harry Potter from a very specific, narrow view point.

Book Review: Prejudice in Harry Potter's World

Prejudice in Harry Potter's World: A Social Critique of the Series, Using Alport's The Nature of Prejudice by Karen A. Brown

If you are interested in the different prejudices found within the Harry Potter series, this book should be the first one on your list. And that's for a completely reason than reflecting the title. It is full of information on a multitude of prejudicial issues; not just information, but cunning and intellectually curious ideas based on this information.

Brown explores several topics including
     Nature of Wizarding World Prejudice
     House-elves
     Squibs
     Werewolves
     "Mud-blood"
      Inherited prejudices from parents
      Harry

It's well written and a very good source for this information. I highly recommend it.

Dobby, the Free Elf, Will Always Be There for His Friend, Harry Potter

Anyone who has seen Chamber of Secrets knows that Harry and Dobby do not necessarily get along. Dobby ends up getting Harry both into trouble and hurt while trying to protect / save him. Dobby appears the night Harry must spend in the hospital wing to regrow the bones in his arms. That night, he makes Dobby promise to never try to save his life again.

If Harry was Dobby's master, he would have had to listen . . . and Harry would be dead.

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (book), Dobby is the one who gives Harry the gillyweed for the second task. Without it, he would not have been able to save Ron (and Gabrielle) or survive the task if he tried to save them anyway.

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (book), Dobby is the one who warns Harry and the other members of Dumbledore's Army that Umbridge and the Inquisitorial Squad were coming to attack / capture them. While this may not have been a life or death situation, Dobby still showed up to save Harry. Harry's capture by Draco was unfortunate, but Dobby at least gave Harry the opportunity to run to safety.

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (book), Harry sends Kreacher on a mission to follow Draco and find out what he is up to, certain that Malfoy is a Death Eater and dangerous. Dobby joins in the quest because he wanted to help Harry. The spying worked to a certain extent and, again, even though it was not a life or death position for Harry, Dobby's information allows Harry to leave the Felix Felicis for his friends so they would be safe.

Finally, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Dobby saves Harry and the others at Malfoy Manor at the cost of his own life. Dying this way makes Dobby's death one of the saddest moment in the entire series. He wasn't required to do so; he freely chose to help Harry.

But take a moment and think . . .

Dobby was only able to save Harry Potter (after Chamber of Secrets) because he was free. Free from the Malfoys and free from Harry, so he could act on his own and do what he loves -- helping / saving his friend Harry Potter, no matter the cost.

Point being -- Harry is lucky Dobby didn't answer to him, otherwise he would be dead due to the above situations.

But Dobby is a free elf and he will always be there to help his friend, Harry Potter.

Battle of Hogwarts -- Death to ALL Twins?

Okay. 

This isn't going to be a long, thought out post. It's more of a question.

Of course, we all remember (and probably cried) when we found out that Fred Weasley died. Some of us even set the book down for a while to grieve. 
     Its perfectly understandable.

What about the Patils?
     According to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, one of them dies. There is no other explanation for one Patil being comforted by Trelawney because "she" is gone. 

Here's the problem . . . 

I've read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at least 20 times. I have searched the last few chapters at least twice that many times, but couldn't find any reference to either Padma or Parvati dying.

Does anyone out there have information on this because it's driving me nuts not knowing. 

Please help.

Whose Wand Is It Anyway?

alrighty . . . 

Jumping into the Deathly Hallows . . . one in particular -- the Elder Wand.

A friend and I argued about the Elder Wand and whether or not the wand exists given the confusion of Elder Wand Mastery in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. 
     She ended up winning because I couldn't figure out how to phrase my views. I've been thinking about it ever since and I've finally found my words. 

So here we go . . . 

At the time, it sounded like I didn't believe the wand existed at all. Instead, the right of Mastery is passed down to people and there is no official, tangible Elder Wand in existence . . .
     but that's not what I was trying to say. 

I acknowledge that the wand exists and truly is the most powerful wand in the world BUT you don't need the wand to be master.   

As we all know . . . 

Draco never touched the Elder Wand in his life, but the Elder Wand aligned itself  to him anyway. Therefore, the power of the Elder Wand was given to Draco. 

In that same fashion, Harry stole Draco's unremarkable wand and earned Mastery of the wand at Malfoy Manor.

Again . . . this is stuff we already know.

The confusing part is what happens from this point. I am probably weird and odd in my thinking, but here it goes anyway. 
     Draco doesn't touch the Elder Wand, but he has mastered it, therefore  Draco's wand is the new Elder Wand.
     In taking Draco's wand, Harry becomes master of the Elder Wand.
     Also, the actual Elder Wand never works for Voldemort. It's power comes solely from Voldemort, a great wizard. So, wouldn't Voldemort need Draco's wand to be master?

I know I'm crazy -- In the book, Harry puts the wand back with Dumbledore. In the movie, Harry breaks the wand in half. 
      Meaning that there MUST be a tangible wand, but the mastery doesn't necessary rely purely on ownership of the wand.

Does that make any sense at all?  Or have I honestly lost my mind?

Thoughts?