Bit of Ivory

But getting better. Have almost completely re-read OotP and am surprised at how much H/G interaction there is. And the R/H is there, too. I’m also seeing that the humor is there, but that the ending tends to make you forget. There are all sorts of laugh-out-loud moments, and I’m glad to see that they’re still there. People have said that it was absent, but it wasn’t.

Hmm. Might as well do the Order of the Phoenix meme:

1. Describe in five words or less how you feel about Order of the Phoenix. (your initial reaction)

Wow. I mean. . .Wow.

2. What are your feelings on Harry’s personality? Do you think he is overly cynical, depressed, etc. . . .?

On my second reading, I’ve become convinced that not only is Harry completely justified in feeling the way he does, but that I’m actually surprised he wasn’t worse. Nothing goes right for the poor boy. He does need to learn some self control, and I’m sure that will come, but he’s a hormonal teenager, and he would be a very very special boy indeed if he didn’t lash out. I want to see him treating those who believe in him better, but given his example in this (Sirius), he didn’t really know of any other way to react.

3. Do you think Order of the Phoenix is appropriate for children 13 and younger? Why or why not?

I’d say “yes” for slightly younger than 13, but 6 & 7-year-olds reading it worry me. You’ve gotta hope their parents are reading it with them, and are there to explain some of the more troubling scenes. This book has definitely proved what we’ve been saying all along– that these aren’t children’s books, they’re young adult books, and do require some level of maturity.

4. List your five most hated characters (either in Book 5 or the whole series, non-humans can be included).

1.Umbridge
2. Malfoy (he was just so *immature*)
3.Umbridge
4.Umbridge
5.Umbridge.

5. Percy turned away from his family. Will he come crawling back to them now or . . .?

I don’t really think he’ll come “crawling back–” he’s much too proud to admit that he was that wrong. He won’t make the first move. But I do think that he’ll start responding, in small ways, to his parent’s outstretched hands.

6. What did you think of the new DADA’s punishment? Why didn’t Harry nor Lee complain?

It was horrible. JKR has quite the sick mind. We know why Harry didn’t complain. Lee didn’t because by then, he knew it would do him absolutely no good, and would probably get him in more trouble.

7. What do you think of James and Lily now?

It was a bit shocking to see James acting like that, simply because we had no indication that he was capable of that kind of behavior. But I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt– this was one isolated incident, seen from Severus’ point of view. No one should be judged by their worst moment. I know I’d hate to be judged by some of the things I did when I was 15.

Lily was cool. Can’t wait to find out how they actually ended up getting married.

8. Has your opinion (which is probably not too good) of Petunia Dursley changed? If yes, how so?

Not really. We always knew that there had to have been some kind of persuasion involved in the Dursley’s keeping Harry. This just makes it clear. I was a bit surprised that she remembered what Dementors were, but on the other hand, she grew up with Lily, and small facts like that do tend to crop up from your memory.

9. What’s the meaning of Snape’s nickname in your opinion?

Other than a really clever (but cruel) permutation of Severus? Nothing. I laughed my head off the first time I heard, it, though?

10. What do you think of the character death? Do you think s/he will return? The “death” of this person was vague and not very final; however, remember that JKR said she cried over this character’s death.

I was very surprised– I had prepared myself for Dumbledore or Hagrid, but Sirius came out of nowhere. I think the anti-climactic manner in which it occurred only added to the shock of it. It made it much harder for both Harry and for us to accept. But he’s dead. JKR said “he was definitely dead.” He’s not coming back. Ruins my fanfic. Darn.

11. Do you think fanfiction will be hurt by Book 5? Do you see any new pairings arising? Do you see any huge ships falling apart?

Hurt? No. Changed? Yes. Everything changed with this book. As for new pairings, Luna’s going to get shipped with all sorts of people. Tonks might end up being shipped with Lupin or other members of the Order. Shackleton has already been singled out as a hottie. Ships falling apart? Other than Remus/Sirius and other Sirius ships, not really. I thought my own ships held up well, and most other ships are so irrational that they have little basis in canon anyway, so it should make little to no difference.

12. What was your favourite chapter in Order of the Phoenix? Why?

Hmm. I’ve got to go with Chapter 37. I’d call it “Dumbledore Explains it All.” Harry finally confronted some of his demons, learned important things about himself, and learns once and for all that Dumbledore cares for him. Very pivotal and touching chapter.

13. Talk about Fred and George’s “flight.”

It was wonderful. They had no reason to stay, and they went out with a bang. Perfect exit for them.

14. Give some thoughts on Ron.

I loved Ron. He had his own demons to face, and he faced them wonderfully. He really came into his own in this book, and he stayed absolutely loyal to Harry. Take that, Ron haters!

15. What did you think of Dumbledore’s explanation?

It was no less than I expected. The Neville part was a twist that I wasn’t expecting. The prophecy was simple, but profound. It answers a few unanswered questions and confirms some surmises. I don’t understand why people are dissapointed in it. If we hadn’t been expecting at least part of it, JKR hasn’t been doing her job. This was a case of Harry finally figuring out what most of us knew already. It’s no different than knowing Frodo’s going to be the Ringbearer long before he figures it out.

The really important thing about the explanation was the admission that Dumbledore cares about Harry. Harry needed to know that, in words. Dumbledore isn’t perfect, but he cares.

16. Do you feel satisfied by this book?

Yes. It was a blind-side in many ways, but it is very satisfying. New canon. JKR is a genius.

17. How anxious are you now for Book 6?

I want it badly, but OotP gave me enough to think about that I’ll be able to wait a while. I’m anxious, but not desparate.