Expectations and Fulfilments
Expectations and Fulfilments
What were you expecting from the Order of the Phoenix? I wasn’t sure what to believe, there were so many rumours flying around.
I remember, when I first heard that J K Rowling had ‘killed off’ one of the characters, I was desperate, but at the same time unwilling, to find t who it would be. Every time I turned a page, a new character seemed to be in danger… Could it be Ron? Hermione? It couldn’t be Harry! Could it? What on earth would she call the next one – Harry Potter and the Pearly Gates?
When I discovered who it was, when I read of his last moments, I didn’t cry. It didn’t sink in. As I read n, I wondered how she would bring him back. It was only when I read the last page and shut the book that the tears began to fall.
Since that moment, I, like every Padfoot fan everywhere, have been scouring the internet, reading ‘Sirius Returns!’ fanfiction, posting my theories, lamenting in mass groups for our treasured Dog Star. I think I am still unable to believe he’s really gone. I am impatiently awaiting the arrival of Book Six upon my doorstep.
I’m not sure what to expect, as I have refrained from reading any spoilers at all, although I have been unable to escape the enquiries as to the title. “Harry Potter and the Mudblood Revolt”? Unlikely, I think, as, even if this is the title, now it has escaped, I feel J K will change it simply to uphold the cloud of mystery surrounding the future of our beloved Hoggy Warty Hogwarts…
Of Muggleborns and Squibs
Of Muggleborns and Squibs
What is the significance of Petunia? For one of the most Muggly Muggles of all, she seems to have a rather detailed knowledge of Wizard-lore and Witchery. Even accounting for the fact that Lily would no doubt want to tell her sister everything, Petunia seems so against Hogwarts and all it stands for that would she have any patience for Lily and her stories?
I feel a more likely explanation for Lily and Petunia is that one or both of their parents were Squibs. This would explain why they were so delighted when Lily got the letter for Hogwarts – she had done what they could not. It would explain Petunia’s knowledge of Voldemort and Azkaban, and her profound jealousy of Lily’s “magic tricks”.
You may ask why Snape would call her a MudBlood if she was born to Squibs, not Muggles. I would answer: to the young Severus and the Death Eaters like him, there was no difference. Only those who were pure, and able to do magic, through the entire line of their families, would qualify for their ‘respect’.
Well, this is the "finished" 2nd article...
Of Muggleborns and Squibs
What is the significance of Petunia? For one of the most Muggly Muggles of all, she seems to have a rather detailed knowledge of Wizard-lore and Witchery. Even accounting for the fact that Lily would no doubt want to tell her sister everything, Petunia seems so against Hogwarts and all it stands for that would she have any patience for Lily and her stories?
I feel a more likely explanation for Lily and Petunia is that one or both of their parents were Squibs. This would explain why they were so delighted when Lily got the letter for Hogwarts – she had done what they could not. It would explain Petunia’s knowledge of Voldemort and Azkaban, and her profound jealousy of Lily’s “magic tricks”.
You may ask why Snape would call her a MudBlood if she was born to Squibs, not Muggles. I would answer: to the young Severus and the Death Eaters like him, there was no difference. Only those who were pure, and able to do magic, through the entire line of their families, would qualify for their ‘respect’.
Another question arises: how can Petunia have grown up knowing of the wizarding world, yet see her sister as a “freak”? Perhaps it is simple sibling rivalry, but I think it is somewhat more. I believe that, after years of seeing her parents run themselves down, and long for something they are not, Petunia has begun to despise all wizards and witches for (perhaps inadvertently) making her parents feel this way. The harsh side of magic has made too deep an impression upon her to properly appreciate the useful and beautiful aspects to it.
Although, at first sight, Petunia is merely a cruel, interfering busybody of a Muggle, I think there are certain layers to her that will become more important as the story progresses. She has seen hardship, self-hatred and bitterness, and this is what has caused her to become bitter herself – if she is closed to the world, she cannot feel the cold.