More Harry Potter Talk

Spoilers in this one, but I’ve attempted to write a benign paragraph so no one accidentally sees anything. I can’t help but write another post about Harry Potter as the story takes up much of my thoughts since finishing the book. The Leaky Cauldron’s Leaky Lounge has an absorbing discussion going on around the finale.

Jim Hines is collecting lists of books to read next now that Harry Potter ends. One person mentions Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game. Paul loved Ender’s Game series. When my oldest was into Harry Potter and we finished the latest book, she got into The Chronicles of Chrestomanci.

Movie

OK, my additional Harry Potter thoughts. I saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix last weekend. Paul said he saw a blooper where it said 11 Grimmauld Place instead of 12. I suggested it was showing the place next door, but Paul said it was definitely the Phoenix hideout. Did anyone catch this?

He also made another good catch, but we know the movies don’t capture every detail from the books. The photograph of the original Order of the Phoenix showed Mad Eye Moody with his fake eye. The photo was from 14 years ago — Mad Eye didn’t have his eye yet.

Details, Epilogue and Rowling

Search the Internet and you’ll find plenty of discussion about how Rowling left out details or didn’t bring closure. I think we all see different details as more important than others. Paul wanted to know more about the Kreacher cupboard and the genealogy. I didn’t give a second thought to that.

Some people expressed disappointment in the epilogue saying it should not have been included or it didn’t cover the right things (careers, for one). I think having an epilogue was good. Sure, it could’ve been better, but at least we got some insight into their lives and that Hogwarts continued business as usual retaining the four houses including Slytherin.

We also wonder if Rowling will write something completely different for the joy of it. Maybe she plans to take a long holiday and enjoy her three children.

Careers

Harry mentioned in an earlier book that he considered becoming an auror, but I doubt he did that after a lifetime of battles in his short life. Hermione was a genius. What careers are there for smart witches other than teaching? Obviously, she didn’t become a teacher since she wasn’t going to Hogwarts. Since Kingsley took over the Ministry of Magic — I’d suspect at least one of them would work there.

Children

The names of the Potter children made sense and I liked Albus Severus, but can’t figure out where Rose and Hugo came from. Thought Ron would name one child after Fred. A Victoire was mentioned as Teddy was snogging her. Assumption is that she’s the child of Bill and Fleur considering the French name.

Deaths

I was relieved that Ron, Hermione and Harry lived. I worried most about them. Considering the war, we had to expect casualties even if it meant Lupin, Tonks and Fred.

While we didn’t learn how Lupin and Tonks died, we couldn’t expect Rowling to cover the details of every death. It was a war. Hedwig and Dobby were tough losses, but it gave the story more authenticity or else it would look like Rowling was trying to make everyone happy.

Griffindor Sword

A member at Leaky Cauldron thought the sword appeared in the Sorting Hat because only the heirs of one of the founders could pull it out of the hat. But I’d think someone has to put it in there in the first place. Goblins don’t give up their work easily.

The Potters

Harry inherited enough money from his parents that he wouldn’t have to worry about money for a lifetime. So what did the Potters do? Can’t even begin to guess. Since money wasn’t an issue, maybe Harry was a stay-at-home Dad.

Hey, he saw more in his short 17 years than most people see in a lifetime. I appreciated the insight into Lily’s childhood. Would’ve liked to know more about James. Why would Lily fall in love with a guy who seemed to be the school bully / trickster?

What thoughts flow in your mind about the series?