Rowling, J.K. - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5) - Informal Buddy Read; Starts December 16, 2014--REVISIT-- June 2018

[Sarah]

Devann wrote: "CHAPTERS 6-10

i love 'my mother didn't have a heart. she kept herself alive out of pure spite' because on the one hand sirius' mom is awful but on the other hand #same lol

i really don't understa..."

Luna is such an awesome character! Really there is so much I can write about her but her not caring about what others say about her is wonderful. She is so unique and original and lovely! Luna just doesn't give a fluff and I love it!

[Sophie, The other one]

Chapter 35:
Neville has been using his dad's wand. I vaguely remember something about wands not working as well if they aren't with their original owner - could this be why he had such problems in a lot of his classes?

[Claire]

Sophie wrote: "Chapter 35:
Neville has been using his dad's wand. I vaguely remember something about wands not working as well if they aren't with their original owner - could this be why he had such problems in ..."

It would make sense. I also saw the same kind of theory about Ron. Because he, too, had inherited a wand from one of his borthers (probably Bill) in his first year.

[Sophie, The other one]

I think that's probably where I remember this being discussed before!

[Sophie, The other one]

End of book
(view spoiler)[ why did Sirius not ask Harry why he hadn't used the 2 way mirror at some point rather than struggling with the floo network and letters that were being monitored? They were both in Grimmauld place on a few occasions when he could have done!) (hide spoiler)]

[Devann]

CHAPTERS 11-14

this just in, ron is a total friggin' hipster and he liked that quidditch team before it was cool! come on, ron.

once again i have to be immature here but ''we're not allowed to use magic?' ron ejaculated loudly' always kills me

also love when harry thinks mcgonagall is gonna yell at him and she just tells him to have a biscuit

i like the quote 'the world isn't split into good people and death eaters'

also it kills me that fudge thinks dumbledore is trying to take over his job when actually fudge is basically the one trying to take over dumbledore's job whereas dumbledore didn't care about fudge at all before this whole thing

[Claire]

Devann wrote: "CHAPTERS 11-14

this just in, ron is a total friggin' hipster and he liked that quidditch team before it was cool! come on, ron.

once again i have to be immature here but ''we're not allowed to us..."

The McGonagall scene is one my favorite in this book. Right after the scene later with the carreer orientation thing with McGonagall. She's just the best teacher. I love McGonagall so much!

Fudge is just stupid and completely delusional. He's putting everyone at risk just because he doesn't want to face the truth. no he prefers to make up tall tales about Dumbledore wanting to be minister when the man refused the position years ago, before Fudge was even elected.

[Sarah]

McGonagall is easily one of my favorite characters in the series as well as my favorite teacher. I have mixed feelings on Dumbledore but McGonagall, without a doubt, is such a badass. She's awesome and takes no prisoners. Deathly Hallows definitely has some of my favorite moments of hers. There's so many to count so it's hard to choose the best one.

[Kate S]

I will be starting this one tomorrow. In my memory (10+ years), this is my favorite of the books. Looking forward to revisiting this one.

[Jammin Jenny]

Sarah wrote: "Devann wrote: "CHAPTERS 6-10

i love 'my mother didn't have a heart. she kept herself alive out of pure spite' because on the one hand sirius' mom is awful but on the other hand #same lol

i really..."

I love Luna too. She is a great character.

[Jammin Jenny]

love the 'what are fred and i, next door neighbors?' part when mrs. weasley says everyone in the family has been prefects lol


me too Devann!

[Devann]

CHAPTERS 15-18

read this last night but didn't get a chance to post til now

the way the wizarding government is behaving in this book are just waaaaaay to close to how our 'government' is currently operating for comfort. it's kind of discouraging that we basically just keeping having to fight the same fight over and over again

looooove mcgonagall getting 'observed' by umbridge lol 'i do not generally permit people to talk while i am talking'

also as much as i dislike snape, umbridge is on an entirely different level so unlike harry i am firmly rooting for snape in that encounter lol

honestly hermione gets on my nerves a little bit in this book. it seems like she's slipping back into her book 1 personality where she's basically there to kill everyone's mood. and i'm not even saying she's always wrong, just that it's really annoying. and also that it's so hypocritical that she starts thinking HER OWN IDEA is a bad one just because sirius agrees with it. i know she comes back around eventually but i was rolling my eyes at her a lot in this section.

[Deanna]

Just getting started on this one today and finished the first 5 chapters.

Harry @ the Dursleys - (view spoiler)[I always felt like Dumbledore made a serious error trying to keep Harry in the dark. If he really wanted him to be on guard and accept his time on Privet Drive, I think it would have been better to tell him why he needed to go there. (hide spoiler)]

Sirius - (view spoiler)[I always feel sorry for Sirius! Stuck in a house he hates and unable to do anything truly useful. I can't help but think there were magical ways to disguise him that woukd have given him a chance to be a more active participant. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Devann wrote: "@Claire i'm so glad someone else can't stand dumbledore at this point lol everyone is always like 'well he's got a plan' and i'm like you know what makes plans often work better? IF YOU SHARE THE D..."

I totally agree. Dumbledore was completely wrong about this one. (view spoiler)[He could have explained the charm on Privet Drive. He could have shared some small glimpse of a plan instead of just expecting everyone to trust him. I understand some parts series (view spoiler)[like the horcruxes (hide spoiler)] couldn't be shared, but there were some serious mistakes that could have been avoided. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Just starting this from Team Hermione. Haven't read it in probably eight years.

Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[I completely agree with Claire and Deanna about telling Harry what was up with staying with the Dursleys. There was no reason Dumbledore could not have told them that. Even filling Harry in on the smallest possible amount of information would have made a great change. Not just in Harry's personal happiness, but in keeping him from taking dangerous risks.

This book has definitely started quicker than any of the previous four. Within a few pages were already seeing some action.

I got that he just witnessed something terrible. But why does he have to be so whiny? I know he's a fifteen-year-old, but no 15 year old needs to be that ridiculous. Also, I hate Dudley.

Since my last read, I had forgotten that Harry had heard someone Apparating. I had totally forgotten that Mundungus Fletcher was on the watch.

I also love Mrs. Figg! I wonder if her cats are Kneazles? Especially because she says she put one of the cats, Mrs. Tibbles, on the lookout when Mundungus had left.

And I will always wonder what Dudley heard and saw when the Dementors approached him. One of the things I would love to ask JK Rowling about! (hide spoiler)]

[Tina ❣]

Up to this now. I'm listening to the Audiobook by Stephen Fry. 29 hours and 39 minutes! This will be my longest audiobook so far.

But I might read some of it at some point.

(Team Tonks)

[Tina ❣]

Sarah wrote: "Just starting this from Team Hermione. Haven't read it in probably eight years.

Chapter 1

I completely agree with Claire and Deanna about telling Harry what was up with staying with the Dursleys..."

That's a really good point. I never thought about what other see/hear when faced with Dementors.
It's the same with their patronuses. I've always wondered what everyone's would be.

[Deanna]

Devann wrote: "CHAPTERS 6-10

i love 'my mother didn't have a heart. she kept herself alive out of pure spite' because on the one hand sirius' mom is awful but on the other hand #same lol

i really don't understa..."

I never understood Sirius being stuck in the house: polyjuice potion, a disillusionment charm, or Tonks mentions spells specifically for disguises at one point.

Heck, set up another safe house as a back up, so he can apparate over and spend time somewhere else.

Dumbledore - (view spoiler)[Well honestly I really want to hit him over the head and ask what he's thinking. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Thoughts chapter 6 - 10

The Black house - (view spoiler)[That place sounds seriously depressing to just visit, and the cleaning.... Let's just say I'm relieved I don't have to deal with doxies or anything else magical when cleaning. (hide spoiler)]

Fred and George - (view spoiler)[These two are the bright spot in the book. I love their energy and their creativity in inventing new merchandise even though I sometime cringe at the chances they take. (hide spoiler)]

The hearing - (view spoiler)[I never really understood the reasoning behind the full hearing in the basement. I know Fudge doesn't like Harry at this point, but still it was complete overkill and only ended up embarrassing Fudge and the ministry. (hide spoiler)]

Luna - (view spoiler)[Luna is the other bright spot in the book. She says the craziest things, but sometimes I wonder if she is the one who is really right. (hide spoiler)]

[Devann]

@Deanna honestly i feel like so much of this book purposely doesn't make sense when you look at it closer and that really she just set the whole thing up in order to (view spoiler)[kill Sirius off, I guess because Harry's life didn't suck enough at this point??? (hide spoiler)] Even though this is one of my favorite books of the series, but I feel like that's more because it features some of my favorite characters [Sirius, Fred & George, Luna being introduced, etc] than the actual plot lol

[Devann]

CHAPTERS 19-22

i think it's kind of sad that 'it would look so suspicious if people from different houses were seen crossing the great hall to talk to each other too often' like apparently it's just super weird to be friends with someone who isn't in your house? i honestly really hate the house system so much because i feel like it just divides them in the worst possible way

love luna and her lion hat

also love when umbridge says she thought mcgonagall would appreciate the extra help and she's just like 'you thought wrong'. umbridge is unbearable but mcgonagall sassing her is great

i'll never stop laughing at harry just describing his first kiss as 'wet'

[Devann]

CHAPTERS 23-26

yes some of the conclusions harry jumps to about what is going on with his dreams are a bit far fetched but like honestly what do you expect when he is given NO information. and then phineas acting like he's being unreasonable. ugh. i mean obviously dumbledore doesn't need to tell harry every bit of what's happening with the order but telling him about stuff that is directly affecting him is just common sense.

i guess he's making an effort with the occlumency but honestly there is no way that was ever going to work with snape teaching him. i had actually forgot that happens in this book but i guess it would have to, what with the memory harry sees later.

love that sirius and remus gave harry a joint christmas gift. #married

it really annoys me how molly completely dismisses the idea of using stitches and goes on and about how stupid of an idea it is. i mean (view spoiler)[yeah under normal circumstances they've got faster ways to heal wounds but if you've got a wound that won't close then trying to hold it closed with something is ACTUALLY A GOOD IDEA. (hide spoiler)] i wonder if she's such a snob about muggle stuff because she doesn't like arthur's 'hobby' or if it was something from her childhood

[Tina ❣]

Up to chapter 7

This book always causes turmoil with me. I feel bad for Harry.
Harry has to deal with so much from the last book. (view spoiler)[Not being in the loop of the current goings of what is going on with Voldemort and the Order of the Pheonix; Being ignored by Dumbledore; Dealing with Sirius' moods; with Voldemort manipulating Harry's dreams and moods; puberty; Umbridge etc... (hide spoiler)].
I actually think it's my least favourite just because I struggle to read it due to all of Harry's misery, it's quite long and quite a lot was left out in the movies (view spoiler)[Like Neville and the hospital (hide spoiler)]

There's of course positives in the book like the forming of the D.A., and the twins spectacular way of leaving the school. That's probably one of my favourite moments in the series.
Hopefully I'll be finished in two days.

[Claire]

Tina wrote: "Up to chapter 7

This book always causes turmoil with me. I feel bad for Harry.
Harry has to deal with so much from the last book. [spoilers removed].
I actually think it's my least favourite just ..."

I love the scene with Neville (view spoiler)[and the hospital, too. It explains so much about Neville's background. But on the other side I understand why it was not added to the movie. They wouldn't have had the time to really give credit to it, anyway. And I prefer they leave a scene out than butcher it completely. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Devann wrote: "@Deanna honestly i feel like so much of this book purposely doesn't make sense when you look at it closer and that really she just set the whole thing up in order to [spoilers removed] Even though ..."

I agree. If I just based my review of this book on the plot, it wouldn't fair as well as the others. It gets 5 stars from me because I love the characters.

[Deanna]

Chapters 11 - 15

Umbridge - (view spoiler)[Ugh. That woman... I'm not sure evil is a strong enough word. I was always disturbed by that quill she used for Harry's detentions. That alone should have been enough to sack her. (hide spoiler)]

Sirius - (view spoiler)[Poor Sirius is going a bit stir crazy in that house. (hide spoiler)]

Harry - (view spoiler)[He's definitely having a hard time although he does need to work on controlling his temper. Anyone who can put up with the Dursleys should be able to outlast Umbridge. I sometimes think Hermione should have helped him a time or two with some kind of muting spell. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Devann wrote: "CHAPTERS 11-14

this just in, ron is a total friggin' hipster and he liked that quidditch team before it was cool! come on, ron.

once again i have to be immature here but ''we're not allowed to us..."

All excellent points. The biscuit always makes me laugh while simultaneously catching Harry off guard enough to actually listen to her.

I always wondered why noone protested Fudge trying to take over Hogwarts. It mentioned two people quitting the wizard counsel, but there is never anything said about the board of governors protesting or even any of the parents. Surely some of the students were writing home to complain about the state of the school.

[Devann]

@Deanna - about umbridge and (view spoiler)[the quill - i get why harry doesn't tell on her but i think sometime in this section is says that harry sees the marks on another student's hand as well and i'm kind of surprised that SOMEONE hadn't told another teacher about it at this point if she's using it for a lot of people. although maybe they did and the teacher told them they can't do anything about it (hide spoiler)]

maybe their mail was getting intercepted? but i mean it's past christmas at this point so a lot of them have obviously been home by now, but you're right, you'd think there'd be some presence of dumbledore supporters. like i know the newspaper is against him but there has to be some percentage of wizards that aren't morons lol

[Devann]

CHAPTERS 27-30

love how firenze shows up and lavendar and parvati are like 'he's so handsome!' and hermione is just like 'f@$%ing furries' lmao

mcgonagall is absolutely on fire in this section

"what a fascinating insight into our criminal justice system"

"well usually when a person shakes their head they mean 'no'. so unless ms. edgecomb is using a form of sign language as yet unknown to humans -"

"may i offer you a cough drop, dolores?"

also love how dumbledore is just like 'lmao you think YOU can arrest ME???' like i said, he drives me crazy but you've gotta give him props when he does something like that

the whole snape's worst memory chapter is just fascinating for so many reasons. i think it's important for harry to see that his dad wasn't perfect, although obviously it shakes him quite a bit. also i like that sirius - while still a bit immature himself - can look back and be like yeah we were absolutely awful.

fred and george's big exit is pretty great as well and i love that umbridge has pretty much lost complete control of the students at this point. it's horrible to say but it reminds of my sixth grade year because we were so completely awful to our math teacher that she literally quit 3/4ths of the way through the year. not something i'm necessarily proud of as an adult but as a 12 year old it was hilarious *g*

[Devann]

CHAPTERS 31-34

me, purposely stopping to take a break before that happens in the next chapter:


i know they've been on even worse terms than usual this year and also that i really do hate snape but! once again! this whole thing could have been avoided if harry would just trust him even a little bit. i mean (view spoiler)[obviously snape knows sirius is padfoot bc he knows about the map and them being animagus and stuff. come on, harry (hide spoiler)]

also i know i've been giving hermione a lot of crap this book as well but she thinks really well on her feet. her plan for getting rid of umbridge was genius

it seems weird to me that it's so easy for them to get into the ministry. i mean ...surely the visitor's entrance should be closed after hours? also wouldn't it have been easier to just go back to umbridge's office and floo there?

is it ever explained what exactly is up with the veil? or why only harry and luna can hear the voices? i feel like it wasn't but i don't remember for sure ...

anyway, gonna take a break and try to finish this up later tonight. i'm excited to get to the next book but also i don't think i've ever read the end of this book without crying and i'm not looking forward to it lol

[Deanna]

Devann wrote: "CHAPTERS 19-22

i think it's kind of sad that 'it would look so suspicious if people from different houses were seen crossing the great hall to talk to each other too often' like apparently it's ju..."

All great points. The separation of the houses always bothered me as well. It seems to me that if they are going to sort houses and have the houses compete for the house cup and the quidditch cup, then they should counter that with other activities designed to promote interaction and friendship between houses as well.

[Deanna]

Chapters 16 - 22

Umbridge - (view spoiler)[I definitely laughed at her inspection of McGonnagall and rooted for Snape to get the better of her. Her attitude at her inspections of Trelawney and Hagrid should have gotten her sacked. None of the teachers should be so crass as to mock othwr teachers in front of their students. It's really inexcusable. (hide spoiler)]

DA - (view spoiler)[This is one of my favorite parts of this book. It brings together different years and different houses to not only work on practical skills that the school should want its students to learn, but it also led to more cross house friendships than anything else in the series. (hide spoiler)]

Harry - (view spoiler)[At the point where Harry is afraid he is going mad, I really think Dumbledore should have stepped in to help him. So many things could have been different if Harry hadn't felt so completely alone and abandoned by the adults. (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

Finally got started. Through Chapter 6.

Totally agree that keeping Harry in the dark about what was going on was a mistake. (view spoiler)[ Harry does come across as being really whiny but I think he's entitled considering what had happened with Voldemort and then being shuffled off to the Dursleys and given no news for over a month. I can imagine the frustration that he was feeling. (hide spoiler)]

[Devann]

CHAPTERS 35-END

i'm not crying, you're crying

anyway, skipping over all that because it just totally didn't happen lalala

glad that dumbledore FINALLY tells harry everything, and also that he admits he was wrong not to and that what happened is largely his fault for withholding information. i mean, kind of too little too late but at least he isn't too proud to admit it [still mad at him tho lol]

kind of wondering WHY voldemort couldn't just go to the ministry himself. i mean ...several students who were supposed to be at school and escaped criminals and various other people with no authorization all broke in and literally no one would have known if dumbledore didn't show up to send up the alarm. i feel like it would have been easier than they are all making it out to be.

also i get why dumbledore had to have harry live with the dursley's and that also he didn't want him to grow up spoiled but ...i mean he could have MADE them treat harry better and i don't think there's really an excuse for subjecting a kid to ten years of neglect and abuse like that so it always really bothered me that he didn't do something to keep them in line

anyway, as angry as this book makes me a lot of the time it's still probably my favorite. i am very fond of the next one too though so hoping to start on that this weekend.

[Tina ❣]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Tina wrote: "Up to chapter 7

This book always causes turmoil with me. I feel bad for Harry.
Harry has to deal with so much from the last book. [spoilers removed].
I actually think it's my least fa..."

I do agree with you that there just wasn't enough time for it in the movie for Neville's family. If they did include it, they probably would have left out Lockhart's scene as well.

[Tina ❣]

Finished!

I finished this at work as it was quite.

I don't really know what to say. I'm glad I read it.

This book just brings me a whole bunch of sadness.

[Deanna]

Chapters 23 - 29

Dumbledore - (view spoiler)[Naturally he amazing in his office to make his escape, but I do wonder how the entire school managed to find out what happened. (hide spoiler)]

Fred and George - (view spoiler)[This is my absolute favorite part of this book. First the fireworks, then the swamp. The great broom escape after a respectful bow from Peeves. It just doesn't get any better. Fred and George are clearly much smarter and more talented than anyone gives them credit for. (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Deanna wrote: "Chapters 23 - 29

Dumbledore - [spoilers removed]

Fred and George - [spoilers removed]"

Fred and George are amazing! (view spoiler)[It's true they are really smart. You don't create all this stuff without a brain, that's for sure. And their exit! that's something Hogwarts will never forget. I'm sure they'll become legends of the school later :) (hide spoiler)]

[Devann]

@Claire I know! It always bothers me how dismissive everyone is of fred and george just because they don't do well on the wizarding world's version of standardized testing

[Jen]

Hi all, Jen from Team Tom Riddle. For once, I'm stopping in to chat while I'm in progress in one of these books! :-)

I started Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix last night and listened to Chapters 1-11 (25%).

I agree with all of you who didn't like Dumbledore keeping Harry in the dark. I have never understood why he didn't tell Harry (view spoiler)[about why he NEEDS to stay on Privet Drive with the Dursleys in the summers. I also hate that he doesn't share any news on the Voldemort situation with Harry. (hide spoiler)]

All in all, I am pleased with my decision to listen to Jim Dale perform this book on this, my 4th time through it. When I read this book for myself, I get so depressed in these first chapters. Between Ron and Hermione, Sirius, Umbridge, Fudge, Dumbledore. . . They all make this book so hard to read. I don't remember ever feeling especially annoyed by Hermione, but I haven't yet read all of the spoilers in my review of the hardcover, as I haven't yet finished the book.

I have never understood Fudge's attitude in this book. How does he think Cedric died in Harry's Year Four? Harry certainly didn't perform the avada kedavra curse (if that's how you spell it). So someone the Ministry should be concerned about clearly exists. I can understand him wanting to deny that Voldemort is back, but to go as far as he goes in this book is just beyond ridiculous for me. :-(

[Deanna]

Finished! (That was just my eyes watering. Those were not tears.)

Sirius - (view spoiler)[Of all the characters, Sirius' death bothers me the most. Not just because of how much he meant to Harry, but because I always felt like after all those years in prison, he deserved a second chance at life and never really got it. (hide spoiler)]

Dumbledore - (view spoiler)[I wish he had realized his mistake sooner. (hide spoiler)]

[Devann]

@Deanna that always bothered me too. i mean (view spoiler)[why let him get out of prison in the first place if you're just going to kill him off two years later, that's just harsh. (hide spoiler)] also, SPOILERS FOR THE LAST BOOK (view spoiler)[the fact that she literally kills remus and one of the twins OFF SCREEN in a SINGLE LINE will never stop infuriating me. i mean i get that some people have to die but also respect your characters! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Deanna wrote: "Finished! (That was just my eyes watering. Those were not tears.)

Sirius - [spoilers removed]

Dumbledore - [spoilers removed]"Y

You wrote, I wish he had realized his mistake sooner.

You mean MISTAKES. PLURAL. Of all the books, this one, without a doubt, shows how fallible Dumbledore is.

[Donna]

Sarah wrote: "Devann wrote: "CHAPTERS 6-10

i love 'my mother didn't have a heart. she kept herself alive out of pure spite' because on the one hand sirius' mom is awful but on the other hand #same lol

i really..."

Definitely. She is such an underrated character. I love that she does her own thing and doesn't care what anyone else thinks.

[Donna]

Sarah wrote: "McGonagall is easily one of my favorite characters in the series as well as my favorite teacher. I have mixed feelings on Dumbledore but McGonagall, without a doubt, is such a badass. She's awesome..."

You know, I didn't have much of an opinion of her in the first couple books. She always seemed to fade into the background because of all of the other colorful characters. She really shined in this book. I loved how she treated Umbridge. She always had a smart remark ready. She never missed a chance to make a comment about her when she was nearby. I really enjoyed all those moments in this book.

[Donna]

Chapters 16-end
(view spoiler)[

DA- I loved this idea. The idea that students could learn the Dark Arts with no practical study is just ridiculous. I loved that the kids took matters into their own hands.

Occlumency - I really think that Dumbeldore messed up here and I was glad that he admitted it in the end. Prof Snape just couldn't get past his own hatred of Harry's father to be partial. I do think the lessons were important but sometimes you need the right teacher.

Delores Umbridge - This woman is really annoying. I was waiting for her to make rules for her rules. Anything that she didn't like became a rule and they were neither fair or impartial. I have to admit that I kind of enjoyed when the centaurs took Umbridge. She finally got the comeuppance that she deserved.

Professor McGonagall - She really shined in this book. I never really thought much of her in the past books. I didn't dislike her but she kind of faded into the background with so many colorful characters. In this book, she really made an impression. I loved her snarky attitude against Umbridge. She always had a smart remark ready when dealing with her. I loved seeing her put Umbridge in her place over and over again. I enjoyed this side of her.

Fred & George Weasley - I love these two! They sure know how to cause chaos, even when they are not around! Their exit from the school was spectacular!! I bet their mother wasn't happy but they are doing what they love so more power to them!

Sirius - I am disappointed that Sirius is dead. I really liked him and was hoping that eventually Harry could live with him instead of those nasty Dursleys.

Albus Dumbeldore - I was a bit disappointed with how he handled things with Harry. Always keeping his distance and never revealing important info. As it is Harry's life on the line, he really should be privy to a lot more info than he has been. Kid or not, he is the one prophesied to fight Valdemort so he kind of needs to know what is happening.

Dursleys - I love how Moody & the other members of the Order gang up on these people. I hope it makes a difference in how they treat Harry. He has a hard enough life without putting up with their crap.

(hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

Sarah wrote: "Just starting this from Team Hermione. Haven't read it in probably eight years.

Chapter 1

I completely agree with Claire and Deanna about telling Harry what was up with staying with the Dursleys..."

I'm just getting started and yes, (view spoiler)[ I don't know why everyone keeps things from Harry. It sounds like Ron and Hermione know what's going on, so why they keep Harry in the dark is confusing. I also loved Mrs. Figg! I was so surprised to find out she was a witch! And I was even more surprised when Aunt Petunia admitted she knew what Dementors are .... something is up with her!! (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Glad people are still starting this one. I am doing the audio this time (Jim Dale version).

Jen, I agree about Privet Drive.
(view spoiler)[I can't understand why Dumbledore wouldn't just tell Harry why he needed to stay at Privet Drive. Harry, while he makes some questionable decisions, would have at least better understood why he needed to stick it out. I never understood that point. He's safe and protected from Voldey there. Enough said. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

SandyL wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Just starting this from Team Hermione. Haven't read it in probably eight years.

Chapter 1

I completely agree with Claire and Deanna about telling Harry what was up with staying wit..."

Sandy, yes! Especially (view spoiler)[Mrs. Figg. I had forgotten about her being a squib. It's amazing the details you forget along the way. And enough with everyone keeping Harry in the dark all the time. (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

Michelle wrote: "Glad people are still starting this one. I am doing the audio this time (Jim Dale version).

Jen, I agree about Privet Drive.
[spoilers removed]"

I'm listening to the Jim Dale audio too this time through and have been for the entire series. I've thoroughly enjoyed it.