What is your favorite Harry Potter book and why?
This is such a tough question! In general, book series’ tell a complete and whole story when finished; the “big picture” in other words. Therefore, it’s very difficult, I think, to pick any one segment of the story as my favorite. If I absolutely had to choose, I would say it’s a toss up between PoA and OotP. PoA introduced Sirius, an amazingly detailed and mysterious character, and it was full of action; the whole Marauder’s Map storyline has always been one of my favorites! And the transformation scene with Lupin was spectacular to read! As far as OotP, it was just absolutely strung with tension; Harry’s mounting anger and frustration, Umbridge taking over Hogwarts, The Azkaban escape, Voldemort stealthily gaining more and more power and control, all brought to a crashing crescendo with the infamous confrontation in the MoM. (I also liked seeing the trio mature a little bit. It’s very interesting to read/watch them as they “grow up”.)

Did you like the third movie or not and why?
I loved it! I think Columbus’ vision lacked a little bit of the “darkness” of the HP series, but Cuaron got it nailed pretty well. Like a lot of fantasies, I think HP definitely has a gothic element to it, and I think Cuaron got that out there for all to see without going over the top. Truthfully, I liked all three movies…it is so awesome to see something you’ve only ever imagined before, only ever seen on a page, brought to fiery and vivid life. I know a lot of people complain about things being missing, changed, rearranged etc., and while I may be disappointed sometimes too, I realize that certain things need to be done in order to make a book come to life in a universally understandable way. PoA was excellent; Gary Oldman as Sirius Black was perfect, the transformation scene with Lupin was eerie and captured well, and our fabulous threesome really seemed to gain some real, bona fide acting skills. I only have 2 complaints: I really, really, really think they should have included the background story on the Marauder’s Map, (it’s such an integral part of the series!), and I wish fully transformed Lupin could have been a bit scarier! He’s a werewolf after all!

If you could spend the day as one character from the books, who would it be?
Hermione! I love learning almost as much as she does, and it would be great to have all that knowledge about the wizarding world! And it really would be fun to be the only girl privy to all those fantastical adventures!

A What do you think of all this "relationship" arguments about who will end up with who, etc.?
I love hearing all the gossip! Some people are a bit off kilter though, I think. Draco and Hermione??!! When pigs fly. I’d love it if Harry and Hermione got together, but I am not so naïve as to think they actually will…we all know it’s going to be Ron and Hermione, which will be really fun to see develop, I think. As to who Harry might end up with? I don’t know for sure, but I’d say Ginny and Luna are both great candidates. Maybe even a muggle girl we have yet to meet; I think that has some potential as an idea, and would be so fun to read! Then there’s also the possibility he might just end up by himself at the end, the lone hero. Cho was the only concrete love interest Harry has had thus far; I haven’t seen any real evidence of anyone else he might like, so who knows?

What is your favorite moment of the series so far?
There are so many! How do I choose! I really loved when Fred and George took their leave of Hogwarts…it was hilarious, a little sad, and great to see Umbridge put in her place! I also enjoyed getting a bit of a different perspective on Snape (one of my most favorite characters) when Harry sees his memories in the Pensieve after an Occlumency lesson. You finally get a good idea as to why he harbors so much resentment towards Harry and Sirius. The First Trial with the dragons in GoF was fun and exciting to read as well…I could go on and on, and I don’t think we want that, so I’ll just stop here.

Who do you think the Half-Blood prince is?
I have seen and read SO MANY great theories about this; but I’m not sure who it will be at all! If Rowling is good at one thing, it’s definitely throwing us curveballs! My humble opinion is that the best candidates for HBP are Severus Snape, Arthur or Ron Weasley, Firenze, Lupin, Dobby or Hagrid. (all for separate reasons that are too detailed to go into here) But you know, it will probably end up being someone totally new. Who knows with J.K. Rowling. She’s good. (As a side note I’d like to add a little piece of info I think is greatly overlooked; everyone automatically excludes all “purebloods” as being the HBP. I think this is kind of silly. It could be anyone really! The Half-Blood Prince could be a kind of hero representing or standing up for the “half bloods” without actually being one himself.)

Do you have any interesting Harry Potter stories to share?
The day my son and I were watching CoS, (he’s five) and he realized quite abruptly that Harry was fighting the “big sneaky snake” with the exact same sword he himself got from Toys R Us, LOL. He was overjoyed! The Midnight Madness sale at Barnes and Noble for OotP was a really fun experience, too…the atmosphere was “magical”. I loved seeing so many people, all of different ages, races, and cultures, come together to discuss and celebrate reading!

Do you have anything else you'd like to add? Maybe a theory you've concocted, a shout-out?
Watch out for Snape! If he could overcome his resentments, at least a little, he and Harry could make a powerhouse team! But if he really is a double agent for Voldemort as some theories state, then everyone is in for some major trouble! I believe finding out more about Snape will be very key to the series as a whole, and as we find out more about him, other things will finally begin to fall into place. Keep a close eye on Neville, too. I think we’re about to see some real confidence and power coming from his direction! And lastly, I think we should prepare ourselves for the fact that more deaths are coming, and they won’t all be minor, insignificant characters. Oh, the agony in waiting for HBP!!!

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