But let's be real as to why I made up this meme: I just want the opportunity to post something about Harry Potter.
This week, an excerpt from Snape's Worst Memory:
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| Image credit to the original PotterPuff creator, Naomi |
'All right, Evans?' said James, and the tone of his voice was suddenly pleasant, deeper, more mature.
'Leave him alone,' Lily repeated. She was looking at James with every sign of great dislike. 'What's he done to you?'
'Well,' said James, appearing to deliberate the point, 'it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean…'
Many of the surrounding students laughed, Sirius and Wormtail included, but Lupin, still apparently intent on his book, didn't, and nor did Lily.
'You think you're funny,' she said coldly. 'But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone.'
'I will if you go out with me, Evans,' said James quickly. 'Go on… go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again.'
Behind him, the Impediment Jinx was wearing off. Snape was beginning to inch towards his fallen wand, spitting out soapsuds as he crawled.
'I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid,' said Lily.
'Bad luck, Prongs,' said Sirius briskly, and turned back to Snape. 'OI!'
But too late; Snape had directed his wand straight at James; there was a flash of light and a gash appeared on the side of James's face, spattering his robes with blood. James whirled about: a second flash of light later, Snape was hanging upside-down in the air, his robes falling over his head to reveal skinny, pallid legs and a pair of greying underpants.
Many people in the small crowd cheered; Sirius, James and Wormtail roared with laughter.
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
This was the first realization that Harry's father wasn't the perfect hero that Harry thought he was. I remember being so shocked when I read this. J. K. Rowling likes to do this though: she likes to take a character that the reader thinks they know very well and then showcase a completely new and opposing aspect of that character's personality. She did this not only with James Potter, but also Dumbledore and Snape. And then she blends in this new personality aspect seamlessly into the character until it seems like they were never any different. I guess what I'm saying is that J. K. Rowling's got skillz, yo.
Gahhhhh I loved that part.
ReplyDeleteThank you for always featuring this! I'm going to start reviewing all the HP books on my site...even though I've read them all many times :)
Awwwww, that was my favorite part! <3
ReplyDeleteAw, I felt so bad for Snape! I loved how she slowly revealed that Snape was actually a good guy. I also like how, even though we see a not-so-nice side of James and Sirius, I don't like them any less. It just makes the more human.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, that little image is just too cute. I think you and Naomi should do a whole PotterPuff series where you illustrate readers' favorite scenes, that would be awesome:) I remember being really shocked when I read this scene as well, I didn't want to think of James that way, but I loved that it made him more real, instead of just this perfect memory.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jenny - we need to see more of these images! They're so perfect!
ReplyDeleteYou're right about how JK Rowling does that, incorporating all aspects of each character seamlessly. It's part of what makes up the books' wide appeal - because the people are real, multifaceted, not just pure good or pure evil.
I was so shocked too! It made me wonder at James' nobility and cleverness. It was such a great tool that Rowling used.
ReplyDeleteI agree - Rowling is terrific at making all of her characters 3 dimensional. Loved this scene.
ReplyDeleteHarry Potter and The Order of Phoenix is my favorite Harry Potter book! I love the PotterPuffs! This makes me totally want to read the books all over again.
ReplyDeletei remember being so shocked too, reading that part!! but hey, nobody's perfect!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog...love it!
ReplyDeleteI think the flaws Rowling puts in her characters make them even more believable. And sometimes endearing.....
Shelley
@Melissa: I would love to read your thoughts on all of the books! I don't know if I could ever review them... I wouldn't know what to say, honestly!
ReplyDelete@Alissa: It's one of mine, too :)
@Small Review: Exactly! They seem more real.
@Jenny: Unfortch, Naomi is no longer in business. Also, I could never create what she did. Too complicated. Too much work. So lazy! lol.
@Esther: Yes! Not black and white.
@Book Geek: I'm glad that at least he seems to have grown out of it come adulthood!
@Logan: Her characters are so complex, I agree!
@Julie: Interesting! Order of the Phoenix is often people's least favourite.
@anniemishi: That is true!
@storyqueen: They are definitely more believable, exactly!
@T.B.: It was a very satisfying shock though!
I think this is one of the first times that I actually felt sorry for Snape. I agree with everyone else too that Rowling did such an amazing job with showing us all sides of her characters. They were so believable and well rounded.
ReplyDeleteYes, so complex and all the more real for it!
ReplyDeleteHi Aylee,
ReplyDeleteLove the look of the blog!! We are at moment fiddling and changing ours, so we fiddle look for a day or 2 then fiddle again...loL!!
I must review my HP's. I read them to my middle child , doing all the voices ( rather exhausting but fun)but haven't put them on our blog. Funnily enough , I should as they are awesome( as well know) . J K Rowling is just one spesh writer. Maybe that's why I like Cassandra Clare , although not as magical a writer as J K , she has that creativity blossoming out.
Love looking at your blog. You do a wonderful job of it.
Have a great day:)
Michelle
Oh, wow! Voices for all the characters? Totally fun! And thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is really cool! And I loved that picture! You did that right?
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for stopping by my blog. Glad you liked the review, you should definitely read If I Stay it's awesome!
Brush Up On Your Reading
Okay, so I just noticed the image credit below the picture...stupid me! Of course, I wouldn't put it past you to do something like that yourself, it looks almost like your header :D
ReplyDeleteBrush Up On Your Reading
That would've taken me forever to do! The header was incredibly simple by comparison.
ReplyDeletetotes agree!! she does always do this! and Omg what a reveal this was when we saw Snape & JP in a different light!!
ReplyDeleteman, i miss this series so much. thanks for muggle mondays! Haven't been to your page in a while but i'm glad i'm back. love your header and your rating system!! :)
Thanks! I haven't visited you in a while either. So busy. I'll make sure to stop by soon!
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered this site but I love the Muggle Monday! It's always good to get a little HP in your day :D And the banner really sums things up for a potter addict!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've just recently been able to really appreciate all the things JKR did with the books & characters, besides just writing an amazing & powerful story!
I haven't made it this far in the series yet. But I like the pic for your meme. :)
ReplyDelete@cristal: Aw, thanks! And I know, right?
ReplyDelete@Jessica: Dang, you probably shouldn't have even looked at this post. I should've put a spoiler warning, sorry!
Hey i'm a new follower! :)
ReplyDeleteFollow me back? www.blackfingernailedreviews.blogspot.com
Not only does that scene let Harry realize that James wasn't perfect, it also forces him to have a bit of empathy for Snape -something none of us thought was possible!
ReplyDeleteI do agree that JKR is SUCH an amazing writer and I love your posts! Can't wait for next Monday!
You're so right! I was just aching for Snape after this scene!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you! I probably won't be able to get out another Muggle Monday for awhile... it has become more of a biweekly meme than a weekly one.