*SPOILERS!!* Chapters 11 through 15 *SPOILERS!!*

[Richard]

So sorry, dosed off, what have I missed?

Well, sort of. After chapters 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 I was tired, so I took a quick nap, then went down for breakfast and am now ready to continue. But boy, has Voldemort got power!

The Ministry is one thing, but making Snape Headmaster. Wow, never saw that coming! Always thought Hogwarts remained a fortress of the good guys, which of course would be taken by Voldy during the book, but not like this. I like how Ginny, Luna and Neville are still somewhat involved, though not entirely sure how far there little resistance is going.

I was so reminded of the Second World War when I read the parts about the registration and stuff like that. It’s horrible really. And Umbridge! Can’t believe she made her come back, and with the locket as well!

So, now, Ron just left Harry and Hermione out camping. This book is so different from the other ones, I still have to get used to it. Oh, what did you all think of Lupin’s and Harry’s fight? I thought Lupin was Imperiused, he was so out of character. And the way she completely turned around Kreacher, unbelievable!

Well, have to move on to the next chapters. I really want to finish it before tonight!

Richard

[blackngold]

The one thing I am still a bit incredulous about is how swiftly this pure blood stuff has taken hold.

[Richard]

blackngold said:

The one thing I am still a bit incredulous about is how swiftly this pure blood stuff has taken hold.

Yeah, that does go swiftly. I think that is mostly due to DD being gone, and Voldy's power to be able to infiltrate the higher levels at the Ministry. I never expected the Ministry to fall this early in the book.

Richard

[aurorbrecke78]

Richard I'm surprised but not that surprised they fell. They should've had a better defense. But seeing that they left are idiots knew they'd be a sorry lot.

[Richard]

Continuing on my second re-read. I still find the Ministry bit hard to read. I mean, the Magic is Might statue is just horrible, the whole registration / dementor thing with Umbridge actually threatening them with the Dementor's Kiss is really horrifying. These chapters, are the most uncomfortable to read, in my opinion. I don't know why, but they somehow add more to my feelings about the second World War. Growing up in Holland gives you so much history about the terrible events during the occupation, yet reading it in Harry's world, and through Harry's eyes makes me appreciate (in a negative way of course) that this has been for real more than 50 years ago...

I just read something about the 'Camping Trip of Doom' and its similarity with the Frodo/Sam/Gollum trip in LotR. No food, just survival, sometimes the pointlessness of the mission / quest. I never made the comparison while reading, but it does makes sense.

Richard