Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Chapter 5 The Whomping Willow

Summer has come to an end which means it's time to head off to Hogwarts. Harry and Ron, the last to go through platform 9 3/4, are blocked off from entering for some mysterious, unknown reason. They decided to fly Mr. Weasley's car to Hogwarts and end up landing in the Whomping Willow and receiving detention.

Harry and Ron how could you both think flying an illegal car to Hogwarts was the only option?

"It's gone," said Ron, sounding stunned. "The train's left. What if Mum and Dad can't get back through to us? Have you got any Muggle money?"

Maybe you should wait and see if they come through.

"I think we'd better go and wait by the car," said Harry. "We're attracting too much atten-"

I think that is a very good idea, Harry.

"Harry!" said Ron, his eyes gleaming. "The car!"
"What about it?"
"We can fly the car to Hogwarts!"
"But I though --"
"We're stuck, right? And we've got to get to school, haven't we?
And even underage wizards are allowed to use magic if it's a real emergency, section nineteen or something of the Restriction of Thingy --"

Woah, woah.
First off, calm down.
Second, 'section nineteen or something of the Restriction of Thingy', Oh Ronald, you make me laugh.
Thirdly, this is not an emergency. You will not be expelled or anything terrible for not showing up to school on the first day because a strange occurrence kept you from doing so. I repeat, this is not an emergency.

"All we've got to worry about now is airplanes," said Ron. They looked at each other and started to laugh; for a long time, they couldn't stop.

I know this is really cool and you're having a fun time but this is illegal. I'm taking away a point from each of you for this. >:|

"WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE!" Harry bellowed, lunging for the steering wheel, but too late --
CRUNCH.

That brings us to our song for the chapter: Flying Car by The Whomping Willows

Hedwig's cage flew through the air and burst open; she rose out of it with an angry screech and sped off toward the castle without a backward look.

Poor Hedwig, she's been through a lot today.

It looked as though the whole of Gryffindor House was still awake, packed into the circular common room, standing on the lopsided tables and squashy armchairs, waiting for them to arrive. Arms reach through the portrait hole to pull Harry and Ron inside, leaving Hermione to scramble in after them.
"Brilliant!" yelled Lee Jordan. "Inspired! What an entrance! Flying a car into the Whomping Willow, people'll be talking about that on for years --"

WHAT? NO. NO. This is nothing to celebrate! It was illegal and a poor decision. There were better ways to get to Hogwarts. They ruined Mr. Weasley's car, were spotted by many Muggles (that's going to be work covering up), they ruined an amazing tree, now people know Mr. Weasley has sort of illegal things and Ron broke his wand. THIS IS NOT COOL.

" 'Night," Harry called back to Hermione, who was wearing a scowl just like Percy's.

I'm wearing one too, hmph

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Chapter 4 At Flourish and Blotts

Harry spends days at the Burrow, amazed at the difference in living there. The Weasleys (and Harry) decide to meet up with the Grangers are Diagon Alley and go school shopping together. We meet Lockhart and Lucius Malfoy in person for the first time and Arthur and Lucius have a face down.

"I went on the Underground --"

"Really?" said Mr. Weasley, eagerly. "Were there escapators? How exactly --"

Oh, Mr. Weasley you are grand, a trait I am glad your family all inherited.

Harry looked quickly around and spotted a large black cabinet to his left; he shot inside it and pulled the doors close, leaving a small crack to peer through.

Would that be the vanishing cabinet? Brilliant!

"What's the good of that if I'm not on the House team?" said Malfoy, looking sulky and bad-tempered. "Harry Potter got a Nimbus Two Thousand last year. Special permission from Dumbledore so he could play for Gryffindor. He's not even that good, it's just because he's famous...famous for having a stupid scar on his forehead...."

Malfoy bent down to examine a shelf full of skulls.

"...everyone thinks he's so smart, wonderful Potter with his scar and his broomstick --"

"You have told me this at least a dozen times already," said Mr. Malfoy, with a quelling look at his son. "And I would remind you that it is not -- prudent -- to appear less than fond of Harry Potter, not when most of our kind regard him as the hero who made the Dark Lord disappear -- ah, Mr. Borgin."

I do like the Malfoys, WAIT WAIT, I like the Malfoys as characters. I would not want to meet them in person. I just find them very interesting (as all the characters of this series. They're so well developed that I can't hate any of them. Except Dobby and Lockhart I can easily dislike them.)

...the card propped on a magnificent necklace of opals, Caution: Do Not Touch, Cursed -- Has Claimed the Lives of Nineteen Muffle Owners to Date.

The cursed necklace that Katie Bell touched? Niceee.

"Nice big smile, Harry," said Lockhart, through his own gleaming teeth, "Together, you and I are worth the front page."

Ugh, Lockhart.

Also as much as I am against fighting, I'm secretly pleased that Arthur fought with Lucius. (I'm always secretly pleased when men defend their loved ones.)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Chapter 3 The Burrow

Ron, Fred and George save Harry from the Dursleys and escape back to their home where Harry has a wonderful day.

Ron was leaning out of the back window of an old turquoise car, which was parked in midair. Grinning at Harry from the front seats were Fred and George, Ron's elder twin brothers.

YES! The younger Weasley brothers! One point for each of you!

"Draco Malfoy?" said George, turning around. "Not Lucius Malfoy's son?"

Totally made me think of this:

 

"Percy's been acting very oddly this summer," said George frowning. "And he has been sending a lot of letters and spending loads of time shut up in his room..."

THAT'S BECAUSE PERCY HAS A GIRLFRIEND. mehehehehehe

"Now, let's see what Lockhart's got to say on the subject --"

Oh, no, no no. I forgot about him. Ugh this because has terrible people in it.

BUT WEASLEYS. =D

"Did you really?" said Mr. Weasley eagerly. "Did it go all right? I -- I mean," he faltered as sparks flew from Mrs. Weasley's eyes, "that -- that was very wrong, boys -- very wrong indeed..."

Oh, how I love you Arthur and Molly. :]

But Harry grinning widely, said, "This is the best house I've ever been in."

Weasleys make me happy.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Chapter 2 Dobby's Warning

 Dobby, a house elf, gives Harry a cryptic warning against going back to Hogwarts. Dobby threatens Harry and ends up getting him in a lot of trouble with the Dursleys.

   

Alright, I know that being a mistreated slave with abusive owners and deciding to go against their will is a huge deal. I totally understand that. It's a difficult thing. However, Dobby has decided he needs to warn Harry Potter. SO WARN HIM! Don't give hints or clues! TELL HIM WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN! And for goodness sakes listen to the boy when he tells you to be quiet! DON'T THREATEN HIM! Threatening won't work! I JUST CAN'T SAY ANYMORE BECAUSE I DISLIKE DOBBY SO GREATLY!

 YOU LOSE TWENTY POINTS DOBBY.

Also I greatly dislike how the abuse against Harry is talked about in such a light matter. Abuse is not a laughing matter and I don't find any of it funny.

Rage fest over. And don't worry, I still love the Harry Potter series.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Chapter 1 The Worst Birthday

We find Harry Potter on his birthday, though it seems no one remembered. The Dursley's are to have a dinner party and so for Harry that means spending the evening in his bedroom pretending not to exist.

JK Rowling please stop telling me everything I was told in the previous book! AGH. Does this happen in the other ones? I sincerely hope not. Though, if you took up all the recap there would barely be a chapter.

He crossed the lawn slumped down on the garden bench, and sang under his breath.
"Happy birthday to me...happy birthday to me..."
No cards, no presents, and he would be spending the evening pretending not to exist.

Harry, don't feel bad. Birthdays are lame celebrations in the first place. Oh I was born this day, let us celebrate my birth that happened a long time ago. There are better occasions to celebrate.

Harry crossed to his bedroom on tiptoe, slipped inside, closed the door, and turned to collapse on his bed.
The trouble was, there was already someone sitting on it.

 NOOOOO! I forgot about him. >:|


Memorable lines:
"Do I look stupid?" snarled Uncle Vernon, a bit of fried egg dangling from his bushy mustache.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 17 The Man with Two Faces

Quirrell is really the mastermind behind everything and we discover Voldemort is on the back of his head. Harry fights back the best he can but ends up fainting. Several days later he awakes in the hospital wing. Dumbledore explains what happened after Harry fainted. Harry is able to come down for the end of the year feast where Dumbledore gives out points giving the Gryffindor's victory of the House Cup. Soon everyone parts ways...until next year.

"But Snape tried to kill me!"
"No, no, no. I tried to kill you. Your friend Miss Granger accidentally knocked me over as she rushed to set fire to Snape at that Quidditch match. She broke my eye contact with you. Another few seconds and I'd have got you off that broom. I'd have managed it before then if Snape hadn't been muttering a countercurse, trying to save you."
"Snape was trying to save me?"
"Of course," said Quirrell coolly. "Why do you think he wanted to refree your next match? He was trying to make sure I didn't do it again."

Haha yes, yes! Snape!

"Snape, who already suspected me, went straight to the third floor to head me off..."

"I saw you and Snape in the forest--" he blurted out.
"Yes," said Quirrell idly, walking around the mirror to look at the back. "He was on to me by that time, trying to find out how far I'd got. He suspected me all along. Tried to frighten me -- as though he could, when I had Lord Voldemort on my side."

Severus Snape, I award you with fifteen points.You saw through Quirrell right away and you did all you could to detract him from his path. You protected Harry despite the grudges you held against his father and now him. You may not be perfect but you have some good qualities, Severus. (Don't worry I won't let people know, haha.)

I just want to give Dumbledore two points for how clever and amusing he is. I basically want to quote most everything he said. :]

"Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, is i love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. Not a scare, no visible sign...to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed and ambition, sharing his soul with Voldemort, could not touch you for this reason. It was agony to touch a person marked by something so good."

This series puts a lot of emphasis on love. Particularly Lily's sacrifical love for Harry. I know love is a powerful thing but love is just an emotion (and also an action). Love is not some supernatural power that saves people from death and causes physical pain to those who are "purely evil".

Hermione is more emotional than I remembered her to be (all the Gryffindors actually).

It seemed to be a handsome, leather-covered book. Harry opened it curiously. It was full of wizard photographs. Smiling and waving at hum from every page were his mother and father.
"Sent owls off ter all yer parents' school friends, askin' fer photos...knew yeh didn't have any...d'yeh like it."
Harry couldn't speak, but Hagrid understood.

Hagrid that's just so touching. One point for your extraordinary kindness.

Percy could be heard telling the other prefects, "My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set."

See, Percy isn't a terrible person. Can't you see the pride he has for his youngest brother? He's so glad to call Ron his brother (and I'm sure he always has been). :]

"Oh, I will," said Harry, and they were surprised at the grin that was spreading over his face. "They don't know we're not allowed to use magic at home. I'm going to have a lot of fun with Dudley this summer..."

No Harry Potter! You're going to have a terrible summer. I'm so sorry. :(


Memorable lines:
Humans do have knack of choosing precisely those things that worst for them. (Dumbledore)
"The truth", Dumbledore sighed, "It is a beautiful and terrible thing and should therefore be treated with great caution."

Sorcerer's Stone may not be as exciting the second time around but it is still an entertaining read. There were many little details and happy moments I didn't remember. I'm glad to have read it, despite people saying it's one of their least favorites.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 16 Through the Trap Door

The students of Hogwarts all take their exams. Harry feels like he's forgotten something and that something bad is coming but his friends are unconcerned with the matter. When they realize Hagrid's given away how to get past Fluffy they believe Snape will go after the stone that night. So, together, they set out and go through the trap door and make their way through the enchantments.

In years to come, Harry would never quite remember how he had managed to get through his exams when he half expected Voldemort to come bursting through the door at any moment.

Ah, man that's just really funny to me.

...Harry kept being woken by his old nightmare, except that it was now worse than ever because there was a hooded figure dripping blood in it.

Harry was rubbing his forehead
"I wish I knew what this means!" he burst out angrily. "My scar keeps hurting -- it's happened before, but never as often as this."

Yeah, I definitely think this has to Voldemort and Harry's connection.

"So I told him, Fluffy's a piece o' cake if yeh know how to calm him down, ju's play a bit o' music an' he'll go straight ter sleep."
Hagrid suddenly looked horrified.

You should be horrified Hagrid! Because I am going to take a point away from you!
*Sigh*
I can't do it Hagrid, I take it back. You don't lose any points.


"SO WHAT?" Harry shouted. "Don't you understand? If Snape gets hold of the Stone, Voldemort's coming back! Haven't you heard what it was like when he was trying to take over? There won't be any Hogwarts to get expelled from! He'll flatten it, or turn it into a school for the Dark Arts! Losing points doesn't matter anymore, can't you see? D'you think he'll leave you and your families alone if Gryffindor wins the House Cup? If I get caught before I can get to the Stone, well, I'll have to go back to the Dursleys and wait for Voldemort to find me there, it's only dying a bit later than I would have, because I'm never going over to the Dark Side! I'm going through that trapdoor tonight and nothing you two say is going to stop me! Voldemort killed my parents, remember?"

Bravo, Mister Potter, Bravo. Five points for such a stirring speech (though next time you can be a bit nicer about it).

"I won't let you do it," he said, hurrying to stand in front of the portrait hole. "I'll -- I'll fight you!"
"Neville." Ron exploded, "get away from that hole and don't be an idiot--"
"Don't you call me an idiot!" said Neville "I don't think you should be breaking any more rules! And you were the one who told me to stand up to people."

Neville, you get five points! I didn't Neville's character developed that much in the series but here I am proven wrong. He's made such a hug change in this book. Standing up against an enemy and now standing up to his friends (which I think takes a greater deal of bravery).
Ron, you lose one point for saying Neville is acting like an idiot. You should never insult someone. Now, I'll let the insults to Slytherin students slide only because I know a lot of people insult their enemies and think nothing of it (which is sad).

I really like how there are several enchantments to get through rather than two and they work as a team on each task rather than singly. I know each of them have more of an expertise on a certain enchantment but that doesn't keep them from assisting each other.
Second thought. Wouldn't it be a whole lot better to put an extensive enchament(s) that only Dumbledore could lift rather than several enchantments that require the cleverness and skills of eleven year olds to get through. I know this makes for a plot but I can't help say.

"Yes..." said Ron softly, "it's the only way...I've got to be taken."


He stepped forward, and the white queen pounced. She struck Ron hard across the head with her stone arm, and he crashed to the floor -- Hermione screamed but stayed on her square -- the white queen dragged Ron to one side. He looked as if he'd been knocked out.

Ronald Weasley, you may have faults but you also have some fantastic qualities. To you I award seven points. you have some growing up but that's only normal.

Memorable lines:
"Me!" said Hermione. "Books and cleverness! There are more important things -- friendship and bravery and -- oh Harry -- be careful!"

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 15 The Forbidden Forest

Harry, Hermione, Neville and Draco are all given detention. Their detention is to go with Hagrid into the Forbidden Forest and find an injured unicorn. Centaurs and their arguments are about and Harry comes upon a very scary sight.

 

"Fifty?" Harry Gasped -- they would lose the lead, the lead he'd won in the lasT Quidditch match.

"Fifty points each," said Professor McGonagall, breathing heavily through her long, pointed nose.

I bet Snape didn't take any points from Malfoy, he probably gave him some. :(

"No -- no -- not again, please --"

It sounded as though someone was threatening him. Harry moved closer.

"All right -- all right --" he heard Quirrell sob.

Next second, Quirrell came hurrying out of the classroom straightening his turban.

Again.

I bet Voldemort wanted to watch She's All That again.

Bane kicked his back legs in anger.

"For the best! What is that to do with us? Centaurs are concerned with what has been foretold! It is not our business to run around like donkeys after stray humans in our forest!"

Stop being so high and mighty, Bane. Now is a time of action. What use is that knowledge of the future if you will not use it? You sit and look to the future but you do not live in the now. Wake up and take arms. The world could use your help in this fight to come.

"Do you not see that unicorn?" Firenze bellowed at Bane "Do you not understand why it was killed? Or have the planets not let you in on that secret? I set myself against what is lurking in this forest, Bane, yes, with humans alongside me if I must."

You tell him, Firenze! You're probably the only centaur I appreciate. *pat pat*

When Harry pulled back his sheets, he found his Invisibility Cloak folded neatly underneath them. There was a note pinned to it: Just in case.

Two points to Dumbledore for being persistent that Harry should hav his father's cloak for some (rightful) mischief.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 14 The Norwegian Ridgeback

Our dear, Hagrid, won an illegal dragon egg and has too much affection for it to realize how dangerous it is. That means Harry, Ron and Hermione are the ones worrying about the situation. Malfoy sneaks one night and sees the trio as they gather with Hagrid to watch the egg hatch. Harry finally realizes that Charlie Weasley could take Norbert the dragon and they arrange a pick-up. Malfoy finds out about this, though, and tries to get them in trouble. Just when they think they're safe, Harry and Hermione are caught by Flich.

It wasn't exactly pretty; Harry had thought it looked like a crumpled, black umbrella.

How is this not pretty? Oh, wait.

How is this not pretty? Actually I think Charizard is prettier.

"Charlie", he said.

CHARLIE. :] I would say Charlie is my favorite Weasley but I actually just like them all. Maybe at the end of this series I will make a top Weasleys chart. OH OH! I am going to hand out points and stuff. Duuuddee. This is exciting. Hopefully this will actually become a thing.

Dear Ron,

How are you? Thanks for the letter - I'd be glad to take the Norwegian Ridgeback, but it won't be easy getting him here. I think the best thing will be to send him over with some friends of mine who are coming over to visit me next week. Trouble is, they mustn't be seen carrying an illegal dragon.

Could you get the Ridgeback up the tallest tower at midnight on Saturday? They can meet you there and take him away while it's still dark.

Send me an answer as soon as possible.

Love, Charlie

Five points to Charlie for being an awesome, understanding and loving brother.

"Well,well,well," he said, we are in trouble"
They'd left the Invisibility Cloak on top of the tower 

Come on guys! Gesh! I would take points away for that but then you'd have negative points and I'm not that mean.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 13 Nicolas Flamel

Wood reveals to the Gryffidnor Quidditch team that Snape is referring the next match. The trio find out who Nicolas is after reading Dumblerdore's chocolate frog card. Harry leads the Gryffindors to quick victory, On his way to celebrate Harry sees Snape and Quirrell retreating into the Forbidden Forest and overhears a very threatening conversation.

I just need to vent some frustration about this young children.
Why are you so convinced it's Snape!?
Yes, I know Snape is a sour man who greatly dislikes Harry Potter. That does not mean he wants to kill Harry.
Okay, okay I'll let them think that Snape is trying to steal the stone. (Though I don't agree and I don't think I agreed the first time around.)


I can just see why these people are Gryffindors. They're the house of feelings and passions after all (and bravery and courage of course).
But I love them all anyways, haha.

Not my most favorite chapter. I can't read of Quirrell without thinking of Voldemort on the back of his head or this

Quirrellmort :)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 12 The Mirror of Erised

Harry celebrates his first Christmas at Hogwarts and the Weasley boys are there as well since their parents are going away. One of the presents Harry receives is an invisibility cloak given to him by a mysterious unnamed person. Harry decides to go in the restricted section of library in hopes of finding out who Nicolas Flamel is but after some events he ends up in a classroom with a strange mirror that shows him his entire family. He takes Ron the next night who sees something different. One another night, Dumbledore was waiting for him there and explained the mysteries of the mirror.

The lake froze solid and the Weasley twins were punished for bewitching several snowballs so that they followed Professor Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban.

Little did they know they were repeatedly hitting Lord Voldemort right in the face. My that's such a humoring thought.

This is one of my most favorite chapters. It's such a lovely Christmas. I can't really quote my favorite parts because that would be just about the whole chapter. I think I love this particular Christmas of the different Harry Potter Christmases because everything is so innocent and carefree still. It makes me smile so much. Also, I want a Weasley sweater.

The mirror of Erised...so heartbreaking and so intriguing. I think I would like to have a peek and see what my deepest desire actually is.

The inscription by the way reads, I show not your face but your heart's desire.

I appreciate that JK Rowling acknowledges the fact that Dumbledore was lying (though I like to he was holding a pair of woolen sock while standing with his family).

The rest of the chapters of Sorcerer's Stone are all probably going to be lame like this one for this weekend was a bit hectic for me.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 11 Quidditch

As Harry's first Quidditch match draws near it seems like Snape is really trying to get that grubby little package. Not only that but is also seems Snape is trying to kill Harry during the game but Hermione distracts Snape and saves Harry. To top it off Gryffindor wins the game.

I wasn't much looking forward to this chapter as I'm not a fan the Quidditch scenes (they're a bit boring to me). I like watching them in the movie, though, and I'm so longing to play Muggle Quidditch. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that not all of the chapter is just a Quidditch commentary.

The next morning dawned very bright and cold. The Great Hall was full of the delicious smell of fried sausages and the cheerful chatter of everyone looking forward to a good Quidditch match.

Mmmmm sausage.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw the fluttering banner high above, flashing Harry Potter for President over the crowd.

President of what? I don't understand. President of the Gryffindor House? Of the Gryffindor Quidditch team? Class President? President of Hogwarts? President of Magic?
Anyone want to explain that to me?

I thought that Lee Jordan's commentary at first was amusing but after reading it throughout the books and now rereading it, it's a bit annoying? I'm not sure what I think of it anymore. I guess it's an overused and tired style of commentary now?

Meh that's about it. This was an okay chapter.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 10 Halloween

Harry receives a new broomstick and Oliver and him begin training. In charms class Hermione's know-it-all attitude puts Ron in a foul mood and he upsets her with some not thought through words. Hogwarts enjoys a lavish Halloween feast only to be interrupted when Quirrell shouts about a loose mountain troll in the castle. Panic mode sets in. Ron and Harry realize Hermione has been in the bathroom the whole time and doesn't know about the troll. They go to warn her but end up having to fight the troll off.

 

"Potter's been sent a broomstick, Professor," said Malfoy quickly.

"Yes, yes that's right," said Professor Flitwick, beaming at Harry. "Professor McGonagall told me all about the special circumstances, Potter. And what model is it?"
"A Nimbus Two Thousand, sir," said Harry, fighting not to laugh at the look of horror on Malfoy's face. "And it's really thanks to Malfoy here that I've got it."

HAH! Thought you were going to get Harry in trouble, did you, Malfoy?

"Wingardium Leviosa!" he shouted, waving his long arms like a windmill.

"You're saying it wrong," Harry heard Hermione snap. "It's Wing-gar-dium Levi-o-sa, make the 'gar' nice and long."

"You do it then, if you're so clever," Ron snarled.

Hermione rolled up the sleeves of her gown, flicked her wand, and said, "Wingardium Leviosa!"

Their feather rose off the desk and hovered about four feet above their heads.

"Oh, well done!" cried Professor Flitwick, clapping. "Everyone see here, Miss Granger's done it!"

Ron was in a very bad mood by the end of class.

"It's no wonder no one can stand her," he said to Harry as they pushed their way into the crowded corridor, "she's a nightmare, honestly."

Someone knocked into Harry as they hurried past him. It was Hermione. Harry caught a glimpse of her face -- and was startled to see that she was in tears."

"I think she heard you."

"So?" said Ron, but he looked a bit uncomfortable. "She must've noticed she's got no friends.

I understand where Hermione's coming from. I cringe when someone keeps blindly repeating the same mistake. I imagine she was cringing at Ron's half-hearted attempts and just wanted to help. Though, of course, Hermione could've helped in a less snappy and angry way because I also understand how it feels to be corrected rudely. It makes you feel like they just think you're an idiot.

And I'm glad to see Ron was made guilty of his unthoughtful words. It doesn't do to be rude to those who are rude to you, whether they're around or not.

Hermione had sunk to the floor in fright; Ron pulled out his own wand -- not knowing what he was going to do he heard himself cry the first spell that came to his head: "Wingardium Leviosa!"

The club flew suddenly out of the troll's hand, rose high, high, up into the air, turned slowly over -- and dropped, with a sickening crack, onto its owner's head. The troll swayed on the spot and then fell flat on its face, with a thud that made the whole room tremble.

Harry got to his feet. He was shaking and out of breath. Ron was standing there with his wand still raised, staring at what he had done.

I like to think that after all of this Ron realized that Hermione was really just trying to help him with this spell for her persistence on the matter certainly helped him to get it right. Because magic is a serious thing and I'm sure Hermione knows that while Ron doesn't so much. Ron grew up with magic and it's just a way of living to him. But for Hermione (and other muggle-raised students), magic is a tool.

"Please, Professor McGonagall -- they were looking for me."

"Miss Granger!"

Hermione had managed to get to her feet at last.

"I went looking for the troll because I -- I thought that I could deal with it on my own -- you know, because I've read all about them."

Ron dropped his wand. Hermione Granger, telling a downright lie to a teacher?

This part has always frustrated me. There was no need to lie here. Ron and Harry's intentions were just the same whether Hermione went off to fight the troll or not. They went to save her. Yes, in the beginning they could've looked for a teacher to help but, honestly, it was kind of chaos. So why couldn't Hermione just tell the truth? "I had been in the bathroom this whole time because, well, I was upset. So I didn't know about the troll. Harry and Ron realized this, though, and came to rescue me." I doubt McGonagall would've taken points off for that.

There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.

I honestly think this is one of my favorite quotes out of the whole series.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 9 The Midnight Duel

Flying lessons begin and the Gryffindors are to take their lessons with the Slytherins. While at their flying lesson Malfoy taunts Harry into diving for Neville's rememberall. This leads to Harry being recruited to Gryffindor Quidditch team. Jealous, Draco challenges Harry to a wizard's duel which leads to nothing good.

At three-thirty that afternoon, Harry, Ron, and the other Gryffindors hurried down the front steps onto the grounds for their first flying lessons.

I found it interesting that Hermione was included in "the other Gryffindors" rather than with Harry and Ron. Thinking on the matter, it makes sense. Harry and Ron are friends and Hermione is just a fellow student. When I read the series I wasn't entirely oblivious to everything. Harry, Ron and Hermione were the bestest of friends and I knew that. So I never doubted the idea that eventually they would grow to like Hermione. Yet, ehere right now, if I had never read these books I would've thought she was more of a side character like Neville, Parvati, Dean or Seamus. (Not that Neville isn't wonderous.)

Wood? thought Harry, bewildered; was Wood a cane she was going to use on him? 

 Bahahahahahaha

"I'd take you up anytime on my own", said Malfoy. "Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel. Wands only -- no contact. What's the matter? Never heard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?"
"Of course he has," said Ron, wheeling around. "I'm his second, who's your?"
Malfoy looked at Crabbe and Goyle sizing them up.
"Crabbe," he said. "Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room; that's always unlocked."

No no no no! Ronaald Weasleey! This is a bad idea you guys. Just step down. There's no need to fight.
Also, mental note: try to remember which of the two goonies dies in DH. If it's Crabbe that would be interesting. Though, I have a feeling it's Goyle...Not sure.

"Excuse me."
They both looked up. It was Hermione Granger.
"I couldn't help overhearing what you and Malfoy were saying --"
"Bet you could." Ron muttered.
"-- and you musn't go wandering around the school at night, think of the points you'll lose Gryffindor if you're caught, and you're bound to be. It's really very selfish of you."
"And it's really none of your business," said Harry.
"Good-bye," said Ron. 

Nooo, guys! Listen to Hermione. She's right. This isn't going to solve anything, it'll just make things worse. This isn't worth anything. :(

I love that Neville and Hermione go with them. :]

It looked as though Harry had found out where the grubby little package form vault seven hundred and thirteen was.

Oh hush, JK Rowling. Maybe the thing overall brought them to a good conclusion. But fighting still isn't good! hmph

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 8 The Potions Master

As classes begin Harry learns he's not far behind the others as he thought. Snape's great dislike for Harry is affirmed when the Gryffindors have their first potion's lesson. The evening ends on a good note, though, after a visit with Hagrid.

Snape needs to stop being such a jerk. He makes me sad. :(

"There, look."
"Where?"
"Next to the tall kid with the red hair."
"Wearing the glasses?"
"Did you see his face?"
"Did you see his scar?"
Whispers followed Harry from the moment he left his dormitory the next day.

Bah, that just has to be so annoying. (Less annoying than the Creeveys, though, gesh those boys)

...they had noticed that a funny smell hung around the turban, and the Weasley twins insisted that it was stuffed full of garlic as well, so that Quirrell was protected wherever he went.

So...what is this funny smell? I never caught it the first time around. Does Quirrell just have a sweaty head from wearing the turban all the time? Does Voldemort have really, really bad breath? Or does he truly have lots of garlic in there?
Hmmm mysterious mysterys.


"How's yer brother Charlie?" Hagrid asked Ron. "I liked him a lot -- great with animals."

I always liked to think that Charlie would go down to visit Hagrid when he was a student. I feel like he might've looked up to Hagrid. Plus, together they could play with care for dangerous creatures and enjoy every minute of it. I imagine they both dreamed of owning a dragon.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 7 The Sorting Hat

The first year students arrive at Hogwarts and worry over the test that will determine which house they belong to which turns out to be the Sorting Hat. After the first years are sorted, everyone takes part in the welcoming feast.

A song for the chapter (two in a row, WO-AH): Welcome to Hogwarts by Tonks and the Aurors

"How exactly do they sort us into Houses?' he asked Ron.
"Some sort of test, I think. Fred said it hurts a lot, but I think he was joking."

I'm starting to see a difference between Fred and George already. Fred is a bit more cruel with his pranks.

I really loved reading all the different children who were sorted and know what at they're going to do later in life. The first time I read it I was slightly irritated by all these people I didn't know at all.

Harry gripped the edge of the stool and thought, Not Slytherin, not Slytherin.
"Not Slytherin, eh?" said the small voice. "Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin could help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that -- no? Well if you're sure -- better be GRYFFINDOR!"

My, my this story would be so different if Harry was in Slytherin. Would he be a misfit with the many prejudiced and disagreeable students or would he help to redefine the Slytherin House with it's label of being evil?


"Welcome!" he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"

Oh Dumbledore, you make me laugh, mainly because I could see myself doing the same thing.
There's an abundance of food and one of those things are peppermint humbugs whose appearance there is supposed to be strange. Harry doesn't take any. I've never heard of these but they sound good. They have peppermint in them for goodness sakes. Anything with peppermint is amazing.

Everybody finished the song at different times. At last, only the Weasley twins were left singing along to a very slow funeral march.

Alright, I just don't see how the twins sang to that tune. I looked up the funeral march and tried to sing the song to it and, trust me, it didn't work out at all.

Perhaps Harry had eaten a bit too much, because he had a very strange dream. He was wearing Professor Quirrell's turban, which kept talking to him, telling him he must transfer to Slytherin at once, because it was his destiny. Harry told the turban he didn't want to be in Slytherin; it got heavier and heavier; he tried to pull it off but it tightened painfully -- and there was Malfoy, laughing at him as he struggled with it -- then Malfoy turned into the hook-nosed teacher, Snape, whose laugh became high and cold -- there was a burst of green light and Harry woke, sweating and shaking.

Would I be right in assuming has to do with his and Vodemort's connection?

Harry Potter and the Sorcercer's Stone Chapter 6 The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

After another month spent with the Dursley's, Harry Potter comes to King's Cross Station to take a train to Hogwarts. A family of redheads help Harry with some confusion about how to get to Platform 9 3/4. Harry meets some people that will be great friends of his in the years ahead and also makes some enemies.

A song for this chapter: Trains, Doubts, and Dreams by The Hermione Crookshanks Experience

At that moment a group of people passed just behind him and he caught a few words of what they were saying
"- packed with Muggles, or course -"

That sentence greatly amused me. No, a family did not pass behind Harry, a group passed by.

The oldest boy came striding into sight. He had already changed into his billowing black Hogwarts robes, and Harry noticed a shiny silver badge on his chest with the letter P on it.
"Can't stay long, Mother," he said. "I'm up front, the prefects have got two compartments to themselves -"

Truly, I am very fond of Percy. His character makes me laugh so much and I like that there's a person in the family who doesn't think his parents are right (but of course comes around).

"Fred, you next," the plump woman said.
"I'm not Fred, I'm George," said the boy. "Honestly, woman, you call yourself our mother? Can't you tell I'm George?"
"Sorry, George, dear."
"Only joking, I am Fred," said the boy, and off he went.

I don't blame Mrs. Weasley. One of other consequences of rushing through the series was that I could never tell the difference between Fred and George. In fact they could have even been one person to me. But they do have different personalities (so I've heard). This time around I really want to differentiate the two and understand them as individuals.

I don't feel like quoting it all but when Ron and Harry meet there's only an awkwardness for a moment and then they're opening up everything to each. Ron talks about how successful his elder brothers are and how he dislikes being poor. Harry talks about his terrible life with the Dursley's. It kind of amazed me that two people who just met would talk so freely. Even if they are eleven year old boys, I don't think I ever would have talked like so at eleven.


He had just raised his wand when the compartment door slid open again. The toadless boy was back, but this time he had a girl with him. She was already wearing her new Hogwarts robes.
"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one." she said. She had a bossy sort of voice, lots of bushy brown hair, and rather large front teeth.

OH MY GOSH
NIGHT TROLL

Scabbers the rat was hanging off his finger, sharp little teeth sunk deep into Goyle's knuckle - Crabbe and Malfoy backed away as Goyle swung Scabbers round and round, howling, and when Scabbers finally flew off and hit the window, all three of them disappeared at once.

What a hard eleven years that must have been for that rat.

And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. It towered over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood.

 

Hello Hogwarts, I'm ready for some amazing times.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 5 Diagon Alley

Hagrid takes Harry Potter to Diagon Alley, a hidden district in London, to buy all his things for school.


"How did you get here?" Harry asked, looking for another boat.

That, Harry is a very good question.

"Flew" said Hagrid.
"Flew?"
"Yeah - but we'll go back in this. Not s'pposed ter use magic now I've got yeh."

Hagrid flew? HE FLEW? How did he manage this? I doubt any broom could hold Hagrid. Besides, he wouldn't just leave a nice flying broom there. That leaves only one option. HE FLEW LIKE THE DARK LORD. Hagrid had powers no one in the wizarding world imagined.

At this moment the boat bumped gently into the harbor wall. Hagrid folded up his newspaper, and they calmbored up the stone steps onto the street.

So you take their boat, Hagrid, and don't even send it back?
What kind of a sick man are you Hagrid? All this time have you worked for the Dark Lord?  I THOUGHT I KNEW YOU. You probably insisted on getting Harry that way you could befriend him and keep an eye on him for You-Know-Who.
I can't believe I fell for your tricks.


Haha no. I adore you, Hagrid. Just a plot hole that's all.
But really, was it nessacry to steal their boat and not send it back?

I don't think I fully realized Hagrid's absurd appearences in Muggle places during this chapter. It's so very amusing. And you know what? Hagrid doesn't care. He's enjoying himself. Where other people might feel outcast and different, Hagrid is nothing but himself.

Here also in this chapter we first meet Draco Malfoy, even though we don't realize it yet.

"Know what House you'll be in yet?"
"No," said Harry, feeling more stupid by the minute.
"Well, no one really knows until they get there, do they, but I know I'll be in Slytherin, all our family have been- imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?"
"Mmm," said Harry, wishing he could say something a bit more interesting.

Well excuse me, Draco Malfoy, but I imagine being in Hufflepuff would ROCK.

"Where are your parents?"
"They're dead," said Harry shortly. He didn't feel much like going into the matter with this boy.
"Oh, sorry," said the other, not sound sorry at all. "But they were our kind, weren't they?"
"They were a witch and wizard, if that's what you mean."
"I really don't think they should let the other sort in, do you? They're just no the same, they've never been brought up to know our ways. Some of them have never even heard of Hogwarts until they get the letter, imagine. I think they should keep it in the old wizarding families. What's your surname, anyway?"


At first I felt like Draco was speaking words that matched someone older rather than an eleven year old. But then I realized, those are the words of someone older. They're his parents words. He's only restating the things his parents say and believe because he is after all an eleven year old child. Draco Malfoy is only a niave boy who lives by his parent's beliefs because they're his parents and he looks up to them.


"And what are Slytherin and Hufflepuff"
"School Houses. There's four. Everyone says Hufflepuff are a lot o' duffers, but -"
"I bet I'm in Hufflepuff," said Harry gloomily.


Aw, Harry, no, Hufflepuff is great. I must admit, though, you are destined for another House.


I like Olivander better in the books. I also like rather than Harry waving a wand and diastrous things happen, Olivander just snatchs them out of his hand when nothing happens.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 4 Keeper of the Keys

The loud knocker turns out to be Hagrid, the giant man that brought Harry as a baby to Privet Drive. He comes bearing one of the letters addressed to Harry and the young boy finally gets to read it. Most importantly Hagrid shows Vernon who the better man is by telling Harry he's a wizard.

The giant sat back down on the sofa, which sagged under his weight, and began taking all sorts of things out of the pockets of his coat: a copper kettle, a squashy package of sausages, a poker, a teapot, several chipped mugs, and a bottle of some amber liquid that he took a swig of before starting to make tea.

Are Hagrid's pockets charmed with the Undetectable Extension Charm?

I've always thought the extension charm was one of the most brilliant spells. But seriously though, he must have an extension charm on those babies. How else could he carry the weight of all those things?
Did Hagrid do it himself? I'm not sure how I feel about that. He was expelled by his third year and I doubt Hagrid would go on by himself in secret to learn a charm like that.
So did he buy it with an extension charm already on it? If he did that's absolutely brilliant! Imagine selling clothes and bags with extension charms already on them! You could make a fortune from all the lazy or uneducated wizards.

Also YAY we're going to see more totally awesome wizard people.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 3 The Letters from No One

Harry receives a letter specifically addressed to him. When Vernon and Petunia discover this they grow very terrified. Letters continue to come everyday for Harry. Vernon goes to extreme lengths in hopes of preventing the letters from arriving all the way to the point of staying in a shack on a small rocky isle. As Harry counts down the seconds until his birthday, there's a loud knock on the door.

I think it's time for a song.

 

I just need to say. I understand the Dursleys too an extent. Petunia felt pushed aside as a child. She was jealous of Lily. Because of that she grew cold and bitter toward her sister. She wanted nothing to do with her sister. I understand, it may not be right but I understand it. Grudges can tear families apart

What I don't understand is how can they raise that child from infancy and have no affection for it? I appeal more to Petunia than Vernon here. Infants are so dependent. How could Petunia spend all that time caring for Harry and still hate him so. Yes, yes I understand he represents magic and Lily and all that stuff that would make her cold and angry. I just don't understand how such dislike can be held against, Harry.

Why yes, I am reading way too much into a children's book and then ranting about it.

So, I spent the majority of this chapter in disbelief that they could be so mean and ridiculous to Harry, particularly Petunia.

BUT the knock! Guess who's coming. :D

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 2 The Vanishing Glass

JK Rowling makes our hearts hurt more with the seriously neglected life of Harry Potter. Harry makes weird things happen when he doesn't mean to like making the glass on the snake's tank disappear after he has a conversation with said snake.


Guess what I found out in this chapter, DUDLEY IS BLOND TOO.
The things you learn when you reread, Harry Potter. My, my.

I like the subtle mention of Marge in this chapter:

"We could phone Marge," Uncle Vernon suggested.
"Don't be silly, Vernon, she hates the boy."

JK Rowling why must you make my heart hurt for Harry? :(

At school, Harry had no one. Everybody knew that Dudley's gang hated that odd Harry Potter in his baggy old clothes and broken glasses, and nobody liked to disagree with Dudley's gang.

I would hang out with you, odd Harry Potter.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 1 The Boy Who Lived

In this chapter the first people we encounter are the dreadful Dursleys. There's many excited whispers among strangely garbed people, there's owls flying everywhere and shooting stars across the sky. Later on we meet some more strangely garbed people and find out they're totally awesome. We also find out a bit more about Harry Potter and the tragic life that is his.

A lot of people may not care about this fact. But Petunia Dursley IS A BLONDE.
"Mrs.Dursley was thin and blonde..."

I always thought Aunt Petunia was a brunette as she is in the movie but...a blonde. That really changes a lot for me. And no it's not because it's blonde (I'd feel the same way with another hair color), it just changes how I picture Petunia.

Also I'd like to add how much I love these (wizard) people.
How did you know it was me?' she asked.
"My dear Professor, I've never seen a cat sit so stiffly."

I forgot just how much of a softie Hagrid is. :]

Memorable Lines:
"...Scars come in handy. I have one myself above my left knee that is a perfect map of the London Underground..." (Dumbledore on Harry Potter and scars.)