*SPOILERS!!* Chapters 21 through 25 *SPOILERS!!*

[Richard]

Continuing…

I can’t believe Dobby died! How awful! And Wormtail died as well. He really didn’t have much storyline after all, I mean, I imagined the life debt coming to Harry’s aid during the final battle, not like this. Though, of course, without it, Harry wouldn’t have escaped the mansion and had been faced by Voldy to begin with.

Talking about Voldemort. So, he killed Grindelwald and has now taken the wand. This is all so fascinating. This would mean that if Harry defeats Voldemort eventually, he’ll own the wand, and as he already has the other two things, he’ll have all the Deathly Hallows.

The next chapter is called Gringotts, and probably features the scene at the cover art of the British edition (I agree with Amanda, it isn’t a pretty cover). How will this deal with Griphook work out?? Seems like Harry will have a problem.

And Harry is now a godfather. How funny! Let’s hope Lupin and Tonks will survive, though I’m not that sure about that… Come to think of it, Lupin is the only remaining living Marauder.

Did you notice the subtle mention of Ravenclaw’s tiara, made by Luna. I never understood where the theory came from that the tiara was a Horcrux, but now I’m convinced it’s one. Looks like Harry’ll have to go the Room of Requirement. And Voldemort is at Hogwarts now. Will he stay there?

Still hoping Neville will show up at some point…

Gotta go continue reading. Haven’t got a clue how many chapters or pages there are, but I’ve passed the 400 pages mark, and by the looks of the thickness of the remaining pages I’m two-thirds through.

Richard

[* amanda]

I'm up to 28 so can't quite post on the 25-30 thread, but....just want to comment on Dobby. Poor Dobby! I was reasonably sure he'd make it though not altogether surprised he didn't. as one of my favourite characters I am sad to see him go. I thought Harry's care, dedication, and respect towards him was heartfelt and lovely.

[* amanda]

Oh, and yes, I completely agree - I thought Wormtail was going to be a much bigger bang than it actually was (so much for the silver hand-werewolf theory) but also glad that his moment did not come in the final battle as that would leave too much credit for Wormtail too close to the end.

[* amanda]

Got to add that I am now getting my hopes up that Lupin will pull through unscathed. Before the book was published I didn't think he would, but now... please!

and, one more comment, JKR was SO not joking about being a ruthless killer. This book is far more filled with deaths thus far than I expected. Still, I'm not going to complain as long as the trio and, right behind them, all Weasleys make it out alive.

annnnd yet another comment, is anyone surprised that Ginny and Neville haven't had bigger roles by now? I am. I really thought they'd factor in much more in this book than they have up to this point.

okay this is my final comment, seriously: I am at once surprised that book 7 really wasn't Harry's "7th year at Hogwarts" as I imagined it would be. That's one prediction I was definitely wrong on. It makes sense, because it makes sense that it would be far too dangerous to return upon Dd's death. Yet, I was convinced that somewhere JKR made it clear that 7 books = 7 years of school. I guess she just meant 7 years. I'm not to the end, though, maybe the epilogue will explain. (all of you who've finished the book may now stop grinning knowingly...)

I'm going to bed because I'm completely in a daze, between the book and other things going on in the past few days, I think I need sleep before I finish up the story tomorrow morning! The prospect of turning that last page is at once thrilling and scary at the same time... part of me is struggling to hold off the moment as long as I possibly can.

[Richard]

amanda said:

I'm not to the end, though, maybe the epilogue will explain. (all of you who've finished the book may now stop grinning knowingly...)

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Grinning for sure!

Richard

[Richard]

Some random tidbits about chapters 21 through 25:

One of the Daeth Eaters who camo to the Lovegood's place is named Selwyn. This name sounded familiar, and it turns out this is the name Umbridge gives when she explain the locket. According to her, the 'S' stands for Selwyn, instead of Slytherin, and she says she's a Selwyn decendant. Interesting... She could be a Death Eater, for all we know...

Narcissa mentions in the 'Malfoy Manor' chapter that Draco is home for the Easter Holidays. I missed this the first time, and thought Draco was full time DE now. Yet, apparently, he still attends Hogwarts!

Two funny quotes:

Hermione in chapter 21:

Some wizards just like to boast that theirs are bigger and better than other people's.

Ron in chapter 25:

All around the table came cries of delight, sighs of relief: Hermione and Fleur both squealed, 'Congratulations!' and Ron said, 'Blimey, a baby!' as if he had never heard of such a thing before.

Harry really grows up during these chapters (especially when Dobby dies and Harry digs his grave). He has to make a tough choise and as he thinks himself, this is the first time he actually didn't act on something. Loved all the flashes of Voldemort's actions and thoughts.

Richard