Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter 32
OK, so maybe Voldemort didn't show up in the maze, but he's got somebody evil on the inside turning the trophy into a portkey. So I was mostly right. It would be nice if Cedric was only mostly dead, but I don't recall Miracle Max being on the cast list. I assume that Harry's diagnosis is correct.
Harry, of course, winds up in a creepy graveyard. (I think I am using the word creepy because I hear some form of it at least a dozen times a day being around high schoolers and college students.) And of course what followed was creepy, if not disgusting.
What's with Wormtail wanting to help? It seems that he would be better off dumping Voldemort in a ravine and leaving him to die. But I suppose there's a reason why that can't be done.
So Voldemort has risen. But how much power does he have? Obviously Harry will make it out of this scrape because I have more books to read. Maybe Sirius will come to the rescue, or maybe Harry will find his way out of what has become the fourth task.
Good luck Harry. And stay away from creepy, skeletal-looking Dark Lords.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
That's what friends are for
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter 31
I know it's a shock to you my faithful few, but not everything is clearly seen in my crystal ball. I was sure old Voldemort would meddle with the third task, but alas it does not appear that he did. I must have been looking through dark-colored glasses.
I must say I was a trifle disappointed with the third task. It seemed easier and much less terrifying than the first two tasks. Maybe I'm showing my ignorance of magic, but it just seemed too easy. Not enough hocus-pocus.
However, I did admire the way Harry and Cedric handled the end of the task after Krum decided to play dirty. Their unselfishness reminded me of a story I once covered many years ago, and it brings to mind the same song that it did back then.
During a 100-mile endurance run in the mountains of Virginia, two competitors helped each other get back on the course and ran together until they were the first ones to cross the finish line. The words of Bill Withers came to mind then, and they come to mind again.
I know it's a shock to you my faithful few, but not everything is clearly seen in my crystal ball. I was sure old Voldemort would meddle with the third task, but alas it does not appear that he did. I must have been looking through dark-colored glasses.
I must say I was a trifle disappointed with the third task. It seemed easier and much less terrifying than the first two tasks. Maybe I'm showing my ignorance of magic, but it just seemed too easy. Not enough hocus-pocus.
However, I did admire the way Harry and Cedric handled the end of the task after Krum decided to play dirty. Their unselfishness reminded me of a story I once covered many years ago, and it brings to mind the same song that it did back then.
During a 100-mile endurance run in the mountains of Virginia, two competitors helped each other get back on the course and ran together until they were the first ones to cross the finish line. The words of Bill Withers came to mind then, and they come to mind again.
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
The ending that day wasn't perfect. Race rules did not allow for ties, so race officials ruled that one of the runners crossed the finish line first. The runners were unhappy and wanted to share the victory.
I hope I don't start the next chapter and find that Bagman has done the same.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Pensive about the pensieve
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter 30
Dumbledore, great man that Dumbledore, has the most marvelous toys in his attic office.
The pensieve is far more interesting than a dream. Memories, at least, are real, even if they do come with the viewpoint of the person whose memory you are witnessing. Dreams, however, don't always come true.
No doubt that Crouch is the most vigilant of Voldemort's enemies. Not everyone would sentence family members to a date with the Dementors. I'm pretty sure Crouch is dead.
It's interesting to know that what has seemed obvious about Snape - that he has a dark side in him - is true. Dumbledore, though, prefers to keep a secret from Harry about Snape's past. No doubt it has something to do with Harry that Dumbledore doesn't want Harry to know yet.
Bagman was a surprise at first, but after some thought it makes sense. He's way to eager about Harry and the tournament, which has suddenly caused a spike on my trust meter. Danger lurks in the third task. I haven't dreamed it or fallen into a pensieve, but my internal crystal ball keeps telling me so. Maybe Bagman is OK, but there's got to be an inside man somewhere.
Show yourself.
Dumbledore, great man that Dumbledore, has the most marvelous toys in his attic office.
The pensieve is far more interesting than a dream. Memories, at least, are real, even if they do come with the viewpoint of the person whose memory you are witnessing. Dreams, however, don't always come true.
No doubt that Crouch is the most vigilant of Voldemort's enemies. Not everyone would sentence family members to a date with the Dementors. I'm pretty sure Crouch is dead.
It's interesting to know that what has seemed obvious about Snape - that he has a dark side in him - is true. Dumbledore, though, prefers to keep a secret from Harry about Snape's past. No doubt it has something to do with Harry that Dumbledore doesn't want Harry to know yet.
Bagman was a surprise at first, but after some thought it makes sense. He's way to eager about Harry and the tournament, which has suddenly caused a spike on my trust meter. Danger lurks in the third task. I haven't dreamed it or fallen into a pensieve, but my internal crystal ball keeps telling me so. Maybe Bagman is OK, but there's got to be an inside man somewhere.
Show yourself.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Don't wake me, I'm dreaming
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter 29
Dream sequences are the most overused devices in books and movies. It worked the first time in "The Wizard of Oz." Every time since it's just copycatting. And y'all know how I feel about cats of any kind.
Are we going to wake up tomorrow and realize that the Packers winning the Super Bowl was just a dream? No.
Are we going to wake up tomorrow and realize that all the snow we've had in Ohio this winter was just a dream? I wish I could say yes.
OK, now that you know how I feel about the cliche dream sequence, let's look at what this dream means. Who is dead? I suppose Crouch is the answer to that question, but it could be a much-unexpected someone else.
And how does this happen? What is it that gives Harry these visions of Voldemort and what his enemy is up to. I hope that question is answered. Does Harry have a special power? That's my guess.
And it looks like my prediction that Voldemort will make an appearance during the third task is setting up nicely. I think I would get good grades in Professor Trelawney's class.
Hey, I can dream.
Dream sequences are the most overused devices in books and movies. It worked the first time in "The Wizard of Oz." Every time since it's just copycatting. And y'all know how I feel about cats of any kind.
Are we going to wake up tomorrow and realize that the Packers winning the Super Bowl was just a dream? No.
Are we going to wake up tomorrow and realize that all the snow we've had in Ohio this winter was just a dream? I wish I could say yes.
OK, now that you know how I feel about the cliche dream sequence, let's look at what this dream means. Who is dead? I suppose Crouch is the answer to that question, but it could be a much-unexpected someone else.
And how does this happen? What is it that gives Harry these visions of Voldemort and what his enemy is up to. I hope that question is answered. Does Harry have a special power? That's my guess.
And it looks like my prediction that Voldemort will make an appearance during the third task is setting up nicely. I think I would get good grades in Professor Trelawney's class.
Hey, I can dream.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
He's gaining strength ...
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter 28
Now we might be getting somewhere. Mr. Crouch's revelation about Voldemort gaining strength feels like the first big plot advancement in a good while. Of course, Crouch has disappeared, so we can't ask him any more questions. But there are only about another 150 pages, so I will exercise patience.
We also find out that the third task will be a maze. It's an idea that certainly has potential for all kinds of twists and turns to the plot. I have been wondering what the Triwizard Tournament had to do with the central plot of Voldemort vs. Harry, and my crystal ball is showing me that the Dark Lord will make an appearance during the third task. I could be wrong, but I'll bet for sure that Pettigrew will rear his ugly head.
Crouch's mumblings will be news that Sirius will be eager to hear. For his sake, it would be nice if he could clear his name soon and leave the dog days behind.
The crystal ball also shows me that lots more relationship drama is in my reading future. I suppose it will relate somehow, but sometimes I'd rather read about the Dursleys. At least their ridonkulousness is funny.
Now we might be getting somewhere. Mr. Crouch's revelation about Voldemort gaining strength feels like the first big plot advancement in a good while. Of course, Crouch has disappeared, so we can't ask him any more questions. But there are only about another 150 pages, so I will exercise patience.
We also find out that the third task will be a maze. It's an idea that certainly has potential for all kinds of twists and turns to the plot. I have been wondering what the Triwizard Tournament had to do with the central plot of Voldemort vs. Harry, and my crystal ball is showing me that the Dark Lord will make an appearance during the third task. I could be wrong, but I'll bet for sure that Pettigrew will rear his ugly head.
Crouch's mumblings will be news that Sirius will be eager to hear. For his sake, it would be nice if he could clear his name soon and leave the dog days behind.
The crystal ball also shows me that lots more relationship drama is in my reading future. I suppose it will relate somehow, but sometimes I'd rather read about the Dursleys. At least their ridonkulousness is funny.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Feeling a little tetchy?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter 27
Some of the unfamiliar British words and phrases that turn up are worth noting. I am usually able to discern their meaning from the context, and there are two in the beginning of this chapter. Hermione is said to be tetchy because of the teasing she has been getting as the thing Krum would miss the most. I assume that word means something similar to being touchy. So in reality, she would probably be more accurately described as more tetchy than usual.
The one I can really relate to now is the description of how the cruel winds skinned their hands and faces every time they ventured outside. Because Ohio (and many neighboring states) feel like Alaska these days, I understand what the word skinned means. That's what it feels like. I hope I have some skin left when summer comes. I'd like to get some tan on the old epidermis.
Meanwhile, back at the cave where we get a history lesson on the mysterious Mr. Crouch. Everyone, it seems, in this story is playing detective without much success.
What is Crouch up to? Is Snape a threat or not? Is Dumbledore, great man that Dumbledore, too trusting? Are Rita Skeeter's gossip-filled reports important, or just an annoying sidebar? Will Sirius be a hero and be able live in the light and out of the shadows?
Well, if you've read all the books or seen all the movies, then you know the answers. I will continue to stumble along in the dark and be grateful it's a figurative dark and not one that requires me to live like a dog and eat rats.
Now cold chicken legs ... those are a true treat. Maybe the best leftover you can discover in the fridge.
Some of the unfamiliar British words and phrases that turn up are worth noting. I am usually able to discern their meaning from the context, and there are two in the beginning of this chapter. Hermione is said to be tetchy because of the teasing she has been getting as the thing Krum would miss the most. I assume that word means something similar to being touchy. So in reality, she would probably be more accurately described as more tetchy than usual.
The one I can really relate to now is the description of how the cruel winds skinned their hands and faces every time they ventured outside. Because Ohio (and many neighboring states) feel like Alaska these days, I understand what the word skinned means. That's what it feels like. I hope I have some skin left when summer comes. I'd like to get some tan on the old epidermis.
Meanwhile, back at the cave where we get a history lesson on the mysterious Mr. Crouch. Everyone, it seems, in this story is playing detective without much success.
What is Crouch up to? Is Snape a threat or not? Is Dumbledore, great man that Dumbledore, too trusting? Are Rita Skeeter's gossip-filled reports important, or just an annoying sidebar? Will Sirius be a hero and be able live in the light and out of the shadows?
Well, if you've read all the books or seen all the movies, then you know the answers. I will continue to stumble along in the dark and be grateful it's a figurative dark and not one that requires me to live like a dog and eat rats.
Now cold chicken legs ... those are a true treat. Maybe the best leftover you can discover in the fridge.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Voyage to The Bottom of The Lake
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter 26
If Neville ever learns to properly use his wand, he just might be dangerous. The notion of Professor Flitwick flitting about the classroom is a humorous one.
But the levitating levity lasts only so long. Then it's on to Harry worrying and worrying about how to breathe underwater for the second task. Doesn't he know he's the hero of the story and things always work out for the hero?
We are told that that Harry is getting help preparing for his tasks, but I'm quite sure that our other champions have made this a team effort as well. There's too much pride at stake for the schools for heads of schools and others not to help ... or cheat.
I believe I once said that I figured Dobby would one day serve a greater purpose. What I don't get, though, is this: Is there not one book in the Hogwarts library on the subject of gillyweed? And how did Harry and friends not unearth something about the Bubble-Head Charm from the dust of the library? Herm-own-ninny will no doubt be disgusted with herself for not knowing about gillyweed or the Bubble-Head Charm.
I admit, that as Harry was striving to reach the surface, I caught myself holding my breath. Kind of silly don't you think?
And I quite agree with Ron that Harry was a bit thick to think Dumbledore would really let the hostages die. But in frantic times, thoughts can be as frantically unclear as the depths of a lake.
So what will the third task be and what evil lurks between now and the 24th of June? Harry doesn't care right now. He's happy to be tied for first, and he's looking forward to a Sirius conversation soon at Hogsmeade.
If Neville ever learns to properly use his wand, he just might be dangerous. The notion of Professor Flitwick flitting about the classroom is a humorous one.
But the levitating levity lasts only so long. Then it's on to Harry worrying and worrying about how to breathe underwater for the second task. Doesn't he know he's the hero of the story and things always work out for the hero?
We are told that that Harry is getting help preparing for his tasks, but I'm quite sure that our other champions have made this a team effort as well. There's too much pride at stake for the schools for heads of schools and others not to help ... or cheat.
I believe I once said that I figured Dobby would one day serve a greater purpose. What I don't get, though, is this: Is there not one book in the Hogwarts library on the subject of gillyweed? And how did Harry and friends not unearth something about the Bubble-Head Charm from the dust of the library? Herm-own-ninny will no doubt be disgusted with herself for not knowing about gillyweed or the Bubble-Head Charm.
I admit, that as Harry was striving to reach the surface, I caught myself holding my breath. Kind of silly don't you think?
And I quite agree with Ron that Harry was a bit thick to think Dumbledore would really let the hostages die. But in frantic times, thoughts can be as frantically unclear as the depths of a lake.
So what will the third task be and what evil lurks between now and the 24th of June? Harry doesn't care right now. He's happy to be tied for first, and he's looking forward to a Sirius conversation soon at Hogsmeade.
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