It's been a good while since I read the Harry Potter books, I'd estimate at least five years maybe
more, its hard to tell all I know is books I have as paperbacks are literally falling apart. Without a
doubt I watch the films at least twice a year (partially because if they're on TV I just HAVE to sit
and watch them – even though I have all the DVDs of course) but I don't read the books nearly as
often. This has been because for the last few years at least I've had things I have HAD to read and
for nearly a year now I've had complete freedom over what I can read and this year reading this
series again was a must. The Harry Potter books have always held a special place in my heart, most
probably because I grew up with them I read the first book when I was about 7/8 and the last book
was released when I was 13/14 and of course through those years the films also came out too. It was
probably my first proper venture into the realms of the fantasy genre and being swept up in the
magic and this amazing world full of these inspirational characters was just brilliant.
That's probably enough rambling so firstly I'm going to give a summary and then go through some
of the things that stood out/my favourite bits in the book:
'There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve foot mountain troll is one of them'
Harry Potter always realised there was something odd about him, he could make things happen just
by thinking about them, his aunt and uncle hate him (the Dursleys hated a lot of people, but their
hatred toward Harry rivalled that of most others) and the mysterious lightning bolt shaped scar on
his head he has always thought had come from the car crash that killed his parents. However
everything changed when Harry received a letter one day, who would be writing to him and why
were his aunt and uncle acting so weirdly about it. After they attempt to hide the letter more copies
just keep coming until a man with a 'shaggy mane of hair and a wild, tangled beard' has an
explanation for everything... Harry is a wizard, famous within the wizarding world for making Lord
Voldemort (or you-know-who as he is referred to) disappear and he's off to the finest school there is
Hogwarts. After preparing himself buying robes, a cauldron and most importantly a wand it's time
for Harry to board the train... at Platform 9 and ¾, with the help of his soon to be best friend Ron
Weasley Harry is aboard the train and on his way to somewhere he belongs. Harry finds himself
being quickly swept into his wizarding lessons; potions, charms , flying, joining the Quidditch team
(and of course learning what Qudditch is). But there is mystery within the school, why is no-one
allowed along the third floor corridor.. does it have something to do with the package Hagrid
collected from Gringotts on the day he took Harry and what is the potions master up to and why
does he seem to hate Harry more than any other students. Quickly along with the help of know-it-all
Hermione Grainger the brightest witch in their year they unravel what is hidden on the third floor
and who may want it. Taking on challenges no first year should have to Harry along with his friends
Ron and Hermione they have no idea who they are really up against as they fight to save not only
Hogwarts but the wizarding world... and most importantly winning the House Cup for Gryffindor
Favourite Moments/Comments:
'if I were in Hufflepuff I think I'd leave- wouldn't you?' Harry's first encounter with Draco Malfoy,
who he doesn't know will become his rival, but of course takes an immediate dislike to hoping the
woman in the robe shop will do a quick job so he doesn't have to continue talking to this despicable
boy any longer. Harry (and the reader too) has no idea what Hufflepuff is and why he seems to hate
it. -Of course as a knowledgable reader I can fully identify with Malfoy's comment... but I would
still rather be in Hufflepuff than not be able to go to Hogwarts (even if it is the most hated of
houses)
It's just over 70 pages until Harry even boards the Hogwarts Express... a considerable amount of the
book is given to this build up considering the whole book is just over 200 pages
Just as muggles/the muggle raised don't know about a lot of things about the wizarding world there
are many things the wizard raised don't know about the muggle world. As Harry learns the
mechanisms of Quidditch Harry makes a quick comment on how the use of the Quaffle is like
basketball, much to Wood's confusion.
Peeves the Poltergeist, why is he not in the movies?!
The fact that until over half way through the book Dean Thomas is referred to as 'Dean the West
Ham Fan' highlighting his muggle upbringing. (I also love how baffled Ron is when he puts up the
West Ham poster in the dormitory 'but the picture doesn't even move' and 'what's the point/fun of
only one ball')
Lee Jordan's Quidditch commentary makes the match. I know he still gives one in the films but it's
definitely not as good a lot of the cheekiness and house bias is cut out and his telling off from
Professor McGonagall, it makes it so easy to get swept up in the excitement
The Dursley's generosity at Christmas – they bothered to send Harry a whole 50p as a gift,
obviously not caring their money is redundant at Hogwarts
Ron and Hermione acting like an old married couple already 'I know' Ron snapped. 'Don't nag.'
Hermione stating the obvious concerning the problem of Hagrid keeping a pet dragon 'Hagrid, you
live in a wooden house'
The fact that wizards can't do percentages.. and Hermione is just too clever for her own good
'But if we get caught, you two will be expelled, too'
'Not if I can help it,' said Hermione grimly 'Flitwick told me in secret that I got a hundred and
twelve per cent on his exam. They're not throwing me out after that.'
The end of potions challenge on the way to the Philosopher's Stone. The dialogue between Harry
and Hermione is so heartfelt and meaningful it's just lovely to see for the first time just how close
they have become. It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy'
'Harry – you're a great wizard, you know'
'I'm not as good as you,' said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him.
'Me!' said Hermione 'Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and
bravery and – oh Harry – be careful!'
Let me know your favourite moments from the Philosopher's Stone in the comments
-Cloee xoxo
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