Deathly Hallows #3

Remember what I was saying in the last post about not feeling compelled to keep reading yet? Well, that didn't last long. I've read from chapter 9 until 13 nearly non-stop, and I'm only stopping now because if I don't I won't be able to make any notes from this last section. I need to get back to reading because I don't know what's going on, but want to update ya'll on what I think so far...

-I love what's happend w/ Kreacher. Its great that Harry has started to treat him better and that things have improved there. It harkens back to what Sirius told Harry once (and happens to be one of my favorite quotes: "If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Its great that Harry is learning and growing beyond what Sirius had w/ Kreacher.

-It's funny that, apparently, one of the first suspicions about who RAB is seems to be confirmed as Sirius' brother. Don't yet know what that means, but interesting, never the less.

-I hate that Umbridge is still a character in the story. I absolutly loathe and abhor her; she is evil, matched only by Voldemort and Bellatrix, in my opinion. I really hopes she gets it in the end. : )

-Also interesting the approach Rowling has chosen to take w/ Voldemort controling the Ministry secretly. It seems to be analogous to how Satan works here in the United States: if he is overt, people would notice and revolt, but being subtle is actually more effective. Scarry, but true.

-It also seems as though Rowling is delving into historic themes w/ the muggle registration and "pure-blood" issues. I think she's talked about these things before on her website, but it does bring up images of Nazi Germany and Hitler. Though it's not the same, there are similarities between how Hitler rose to power and how Voldemort is able to sway the feeling of the wizarding world against "mudbloods" and others who aren't "pure-bloods." The inquisitions, trials, and all also harken back to the McArthey hearings of the 1950s.

-I'm a bit upset that Harry still can't control his temper/anger. I guess that's his 'fatal flaw', right? I mean, blowing their cover at the Ministry because he was angry at Umbridge instead of being strategic (or at least trying to be). Yet, as the main character, he always seems to be able to get away with his poor judgement and lack of self-control. I know there have been times when its come back to bite him, but not in a really huge way, at least that I can recal.

Ok, I need to get back to the story and find out what was going on w/ Hermione during the apparation and why she was slipping away and now holding w/ a vice grip...I sure hope it isn't someone else and not Hermione!