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rereading the books again after the End.

I started reading Philosophers Stone to my younger sister. We started on Tuesday (1 chapter), on Wednesday we read another 2 chapters and on Thursday we finished the entire rest of the book, and we are now already 5 chapters into Chamber of Secrets and its Friday. I can hear her hungry excitability for more every time she asks if I want to read any more, and we laugh at everything and these books are really bringing us together. Her favourite character is Dumbledore, I like this fact especially, because she can read the books after the news, and its really like nothing is different.

The reason I started the thread, is to discuss the books, how they might be affected reading them now, after the series has ended and we know everything, what will never change for us, and to discuss scenes inside the novels that we might have forgotten and brought us great joy when we rediscovered them, (regardless of when we had rediscovered them) and will never forget again (eg it might have been the second time round, four years ago). Perhaps a bit of serious, extended and meaningful discussion to what the books mean to each of us, whether time has changed this or just strengthened our bond with The Boy Who Lived (Twice)

Rereading the first book again after quite a few years, I was bewildered at what I had forgotten, what I had somehow remembered all this time, what my mind had invented or altered, and how heavily the movies had changed my perceptions as to what happened. eg, for some reason, I had always remembered Harry meeting Draco in Madam Malkin’s, but then, due to the movies influence, I was sure that Ron went into the Forbidden Forest, and Id also entirely forgotten about the Troll in the Stone protection adventure, and most of the humorous gags throughout.

It was really interesting to read back and see just how much Harry, and everyone else, had changed and evolved into what they ultimately become in Deathly Hallows, and to see just how much Rowling had improved and grown as a writer. And I find, now, that I can appreciate Harry a lot more as a character and have a newfound respect for him.

I can’t wait to read all the books to my sister, so that she can love and grow up with these books too, and we can have this bond that no one else can take away, I recommend this experience to anyone who might have younger siblings or whatever, and if you've already done it, Id love to hear your stories too!

(Thanks for the help fixing up my little mistakes)

I'm planning on starting over as soon as finals end. I've read bits and pieces since Deathly Hallows but not the whole series. I kept reading Deathly Hallows over and over again and then I read Half Blood Prince. I had wanted to start over but I didn't have the time so hopefully I'll get to after next week.