Potter Profile - Trueman

February 28, 2006

Give us your review of Half-Blood Prince.
I loved the plot and dynamics. It felt as if the entire series had come full circle, as old questions were answered and new insight was discovered. We learned so much about Voldemort’s past; Rowling did an excellent job of making him more human, while still keeping true to his maniacal character. Furthermore, the relationship between Harry and Dumbledore really blossomed into something more identifiable— he truly is the closest thing to a parent Harry’s ever had; in some ways, even more so than Sirius. I was a little disappointed in Hermione. I felt she took a step back in terms of maturity, and Ron was an out and out jerk. The pair of them annoyed me greatly, as did the undeveloped, immature Ginny/Harry relationship. Besides, “I smell her in a potion,” and “I randomly hate Dean,” there was absolutely no chemistry or build-up. The Ron/Hermione ordeal has been on a steady climax, so I’m eager to see that flourish. Ginny/Harry, on the other hand, simply felt fake and rushed. Nevertheless, the book on the whole was a good read, and I’d give it a 7.5 out of 10— POA and OOTP are still my favorites. ;)

Did you like the fourth movie or not and why?
Oh yes, Goblet of Fire proved to be the best of the four to date. The acting was phenomenal (Daniel Radcliffe really shined), the characterizations were completely accurate, and the plot remained, for the most part, intact. My only real complaint was Michael Gambon. A good actor, to be sure, but not at all right for the role of Dumbledore. Dumbledore is serene, calming, and yes, a bit nutters, but he doesn’t attack Harry and semi-strangle him, nor does he over-exert himself via shouting at the students. He hushes the Great Hall with a wave of his hand, more often than not, and I simply felt Gambon didn’t portray him properly.

If you could spend the day as one EVIL character from the books, who would it be?
I would spend the day as Snape, definitely. I’d want to see what’s in his mind, what motivates his actions, and why he’s such a bloody git. Even if he’s not on Voldemort’s side (since I’ve seen the theories to the contrary), I still consider him an evil, immature, vile old man regardless. One could gain a lot of insight from prying into his character.

Which GOOD character would you want to be for a day?
Harry. I know, you all think I’m crazy, what with his unwanted fame, pressure, and stipulations. But I absolutely admire him more than just about anyone else I’ve ever even heard of, and would jump at the opportunity to see how his wheels turn. He’s utterly fascinating, and everything one could aspire to be, and yet flawed and reckless— who wouldn’t want to be him for a day?

If you could have any magical power what would it be?
I’d like the ability to heal. I suppose that’s more of a phoenix thing though, so in terms of wizard’s magic, I’d like to be an Animagus. I’d be an owl, because I’ve always wanted to fly, and I’m willing to bet an aerial view puts a whole new spin on the world.

What is your favourite moment of the series so far?
You know, I have SO many… but the one that always sticks out is courtesy of the incomparable Fred and George: “Give her hell from us, Peeves.”

Is Snape REALLY good or evil and is Dumbledore REALLY dead?
Yes, Dumbledore is most certainly dead. Sorry folks. Rowling said she “needed to kill him off” in order to complete Harry’s rise to hero-hood. She claimed all heroes, in the end, are “alone,” and that’s part of what makes them heroes, and with Dumbledore still in the picture, it wouldn’t be as hard for him. Man, she’s really trying to kill that poor boy, isn’t she? ;) As for Snape— I’m undecided, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Rowling incorporates a twist in that one. After all, it is her forte.

Will Harry survive the 7th book?
I believe so, yes. The HP series consists of several persistent themes, each expressing a very prominent moral. One of those morals is that it pays to be “good,” that even if you suffer more because of it, and even if it’s not what’s easy, “good” is right. I don’t think she’d send the message to her readers that, “if you’re good you die.” Essentially, killing Harry would really put a damper on all the lessons she’s taught throughout the books. It wouldn’t diminish them, no, but it would certainly be a hard hit for the Good Team if he died, and I find it hard to believe Rowling would want to end her series on such a down note.

Do you have anything else you'd like to add? Maybe a theory you've concocted, a shout-out?
To all the Harry/Hermione shippers: you’ve done a fantastic job keeping your head high after HBP. I’m a Harry/Hermione shipper myself (but not because I ever had any delusions that it would happen in canon *wink*). But there are quite a few who take it too far, and get offended entirely too easily. Romance isn’t the focal point of the series anyway, and honestly, it’s best to learn to take a joke. I’ll always feel that Hermione suits Harry best, that they complement each other, and I don’t need Rowling’s or anyone else’s approval to feel that way. Keep sailing, keep supporting your ship; I know I will. But if you’re among the few who’ve taken it overboard— get over it. Harassing Emerson and burning HBP and disowning JKR isn’t going to do any good, and it makes us sane HHr shippers look bad. And anyway, I have a feeling both MuggleNet and Rowling would prevail without your support, so you’re only fighting a losing battle.

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