Pottermore Moments Revisited: Probably Shouldn’t Eat Slugs
Chapter 7: “Mudbloods and Murmurs”
Chapter thoughts: Harry’s first weekend starts with the mania of Oliver Wood as we head out to the first Quidditch practice of the year. Malfoy is being his self-entitled self as he has been made Slytherin Seeker (was there really no opposition or concern over the fact that this boy’s father just bribed a team into letting his son on? It’s just not right), and we first hear the infamous word “Mudblood.” Ron’s malfunctioning wand leads to a really unfortunate accident, and Harry hears a chilling voice with a murderous message in the walls.
Moment 1: Quidditch Practice
Poor Ron. The illustration of his well-intentioned but badly executed charm is nicely done here. However, the most important and interest part of this moment is the information we get on pure-bloods from JKR. The list of families that are supposedly pure-blood is fascinating, and includes many names that we as readers know quite well, including the Weasleys, Malfoys, and more.
Moment 2: Lockhart’s Office
The artists for this moment managed to capture the character of Lockhart dead on in this moment. The preening, pretentious way he is standing by the window (not to mention the utterly irritating laugh in the background) is what this character is all about. We do get some very interesting new information on Lockhart, including his House (Ravenclaw, though apparently he just barely escaped Slytherin). What I like most about this new info is the way it is presented. There are several clips of J.K. Rowling herself talking about this character. It’s nice to hear this new information straight from the author herself!
Chapter 8: The Deathday Party
Chapter thoughts: As the story moves into October, we find that Wood’s enthusiasm will not be dampened, which causes some problems for Harry. The trio attends Nearly Headless Nick’s Deathday Party which was not intended for the living (it’s a little sad that Nick didn’t remember that he had three living guests who would be hungry). And Harry hears that voice again, this time leading him an ominous message. Notable moments include Harry’s discovery of Filch’s Kwikspell course, the deathday party, and the writing on the wall.
Moment 1: Nearly Headless Nick’s Party
If you’re looking for the soundtrack to your Halloween party, look no further than the sound of musical saws in this moment. We see some very interesting ghosts at this party, but the real treat is learning more about Peeves. I’ve always kind of liked Peeves, as annoying as he is, and finding out more about how he came to be is fascinating. However, I’m still waiting to find out why he is afraid of the Bloody Baron…
Moment 2: Enemies of the Heir, Beware
This is such an important moment for this book, and it’s such a great moment. However, I’m confused as to why there would be Galleon and a cauldron cake on the ground at this point. We’re also getting closer to making the Polyjuice Potion, as we collect hair from a Slytherin. Honestly, I would have preferred to collect this during the Dueling Club or Christmas, as that is more true to the book.
