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I liked it, epilogue and all. I don't mind that there were holes in there because there are always holes in life itself. You can't know everything. Besides, there are now pebbles to play with in our minds. 3nodding

And we weren't meant to figure the doe represented Lily; it was to be a surprise.

Hallows were a bit unexpected--I honestly thought that the title 'Deathly Hallows' referred to 'horcruxes', as in sacred(-to-Voldemort)-objects-relating-to-death(-or-avoidance-of).

I thought Wormtail's death worked. It wasn't dramatic and blazing-glory, but rather him showing that even though he's on the side of the Death Eaters now there's the smallest twitches of mercy in him. I thought that it suited his character of the time. Dumbledore himself mentioned that sometimes he thought they sorted too early...just because Pettigrew was a Gryffindor at eleven years old doesn't mean he can't become less like one as time went on.

I cried when Dobby died. And when Harry thought he was going to die and walked to his 'death'. To complicate these matters, I was reading the book aloud to my siblings...have you ever tried to read aloud while tears are blurring your eyes and trying to close up your throat?

Kreacher was super! I honestly wasn't expecting that twist, but it made me laugh! ("Just once more, Master Harry? For luck?") I actually cheered for the little elf from whom I expected another betrayal. Would have liked to see a bit more of him though.

The epilogue worked for me. I was wondering if they'd have kids, and how many, and what names, though I would've liked to see more about George myself. Teddy seems to be doing fine, and going out with Bill and Fleur's daughter (Victoire strikes me as French, and who among the Weasley cousins could possibly have French names but any children of Fleur?)

Oh, and Luna's painted ceiling was a very nice thing to see. Very sweet of her. I loved seeing it.

Another lovable thing (for me anyhow) was that WE GOT TO SEE THE ACTUAL, HONEST-TO-GOODNESS RAVENCLAW COMMON ROOM! I need to go remodel now, actually...fix our common room here...horribly inaccurate now...


Replies to other Posts, in no particular order:

Umbridge wanted the locket as a bribe from Mundungus. It was a pretty thing that caught her eye. Simple as that.

Griphook was promised the sword, for one thing, then snatched it in the vault and ran out with it. But that's okay; Neville got it back from the hat later on. I laugh when I imagine the double-crossing goblin admiring the sword and seeing it vanish from his wall.

The veil was, I presume, a sort of connection to the after-life, which Sirius fell into. He didn't have protection like Harry did. He died. True, we didn't get it explained in scientific-like terms or anything, but how likely is it that someone not an Unspeakable (who aren't allowed to speak about these things) could explain it for Harry?

Aberforth could use Harry's mirror because all he really had to do was speak Harry's name into it, possibly in a whisper, and look. Dumbledore might have shown him. It probably isn't that hard; Sirius didn't give Harry instructions other than to say his name into it.

Hermione didn't mention Fiendfyre because, I assume, it is evil/hard to control or completely uncontrollable. The sword seemed a better, more easily controllable option, especially as it has no mind of its own and wouldn't want to turn on them. Besides, Harry's a bit hot-headed. He, or even Ron, might have decided to give it a try as their search for the sword drew blanks, and caused a bit of disaster.

I've heard of the Gray Lady. Book One, I think; Nick mentions talking to her about Harry's inclusion on the Quidditch team as far as I remember, but I don't remember if that's exactly what they were conversing. Once I find that book I'll search it out and give a quote. But yes, she was there, and she was the Ravenclaw Tower ghost.

And yeah, the cover scene happens, just in an abstract sort of way with a few elements missing. Elements, like the cover of book six showing Dumbledore with a normal right hand instead of a burnt one. You know. They can't give away too much, I suppose. Anyhow, it's the duel in the Great Hall. The ceiling shows the dawn sky outside. There are windows all around, and numerous shadowy figures watching. Rubble on the ground. Voldemort falls backward (I looked close and noticed tints of green on his robes...the AK curse perhaps) as Harry reaches up to catch the (offscreen) Elder Wand.

I read it! ^^ You've got great points there, Alutian. I loved Kreacher's burst of energy during the final chapters. I also loved how Mrs. Weasley yelled, "NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU B***h!" Such spunk!

Spell check smile Through: throw

Oh, I found the Grey Lady. She wasn't talking to Nick in the book--that was the movie. Harry passes her on his way to the Mirror of Erised. Chapter twelve of PS. Even then she wasn't named--we were told her name by Rowling later, possibly in an interview or something.

I saw that too!!!!! Here;s the link: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/19935372/

And I would be posting more in this thread about what I think of the book but Im still coping w/ it being the end of the series. But anyway, I loved it!!! My fave part was when Mrs. Weasly came out!! blaugh

well... I certainly loved it. all of it, except for poor Fred... I do want to know how George is holding up... That encyclopedia is something to look forward to most definitely!

I would love for her to write Hogwarts, a History.

Molly Weasley was the best.

Cheers to Kreacher for coming through!

I loved Neville, my cute bumbler grew up so much and became so brave. I think he needed to be involved in the Ministry attack and Dumbledore's Army in Book Five. It really helped him come into his own.

I'm sad one of the twins had to die... I'm also very sad there's another orphan, but I'm glad Ted has a family in other ways. There's no way he would have been alone... not with all those people who were affectionate with his parents. But, that just goes to remind us that Death doesn't care who it takes... and Voldemort's activities were surrounded by it.