Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Review

Pottermas 2016 is coming to an end and with the last day of December, Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I reviewing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child screenplay or Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film. The three of us hope to see the play either in London or in New York City sometime in the future. The play will premiere on Broadway in 2018! SO EXCITING! Catch up on Pottermas 2016 here!

Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Author: J.K Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (US), Little Brown UK
Publication date: July 31, 2016
Pages: 320

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a new play by Jack Thorne, is the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. It will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on 30th July 2016

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the 8th book in the Harry Potter saga. The only difference is that J.K. Rowling did not write it and it's a screenplay format. Some readers may see this book as a fan fiction which I don't blame them. There are many fanon theories regarding Harry Potter after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows came out. Because of the gap between Deathly Hallows and The Cursed Child, some fans cannot fathom to agree that what happened in The Cursed Child is now canon.

I too fall under this category. I think because I read so much fan fiction, my brain cannot wrap around that some of the fanon theories are now canon. What did I just read? Although I enjoyed the story very much, I believe the execution of the story is not as strong as Rowling's previous work. However, I understand that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is co-written and in a different format. Rowling gave the approval but the plot line is not her work.

If I didn't read so much fan fiction about Harry Potter and co. after the epilogue, I believe my stance on the book might change slightly. However, some of these theories are insane!!! I am surprised they even became canon! I read countless stories about some of the theories back about when Deathly Hallows came out. Some I deemed could become canon and some are just crackpot theories!

Although, I was wary about the execution and the plot unoriginality, I found the friendship between Albus and Scorpius to be charming. Their strong friendship and it is what helps them survive. Without their friendship, they would not be who they are today. Because they can only rely on each other, their perseverance is on point. There are many returning characters which I cried over. I disliked Harry's character in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. My favorite character is definitely Scorpius. He's so sassy and is definitely up there on my list of favorite Harry Potter characters.

No spoilers here but if you are a Harry Potter fan, it doesn't hurt to read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I believe seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child live might increase your willingness to dive into the screenplay but it's a solid book nevertheless. I cannot wait until Harry Potter and the Cursed Child reaches Broadway in New York City!

Did you read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? If so, what did you think? Did you love, hate or did you feel indifferent about the book?

Favorite Harry Potter Quotes and Moments

Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I are sharing some of our favorite character quotes today. There are many quotes that I adore in the Harry Potter series but for times sake, I only highlighted a handful of favorites. For those who are following Pottermas 2016, make sure to check out the introduction here. Also, follow us with the hashtag #Pottermas16.

Harry Potter Character Quotes

“There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

“Books! And cleverness! There are more important things — friendship and bravery and — oh Harry — be careful!” - Hermione Granger

“Honestly, am I the only person who’s ever bothered to read Hogwarts, A History?” - Hermione Granger

“Because that's what Hermione does,” said Ron, shrugging. “When in doubt, go to the library.”

Image from Pinterest

“Ron, just because you have the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn't mean we all have.” - Hermione Granger

“Not my daughter, you bitch!”- Mrs. Weasley

 “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” -Albus Dumbledore

Image from Pinterest

“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” -Albus Dumbledore

“Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory.” -Albus Dumbledore

“Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy. But remember this, you have friends here. You're not alone.” - Dumbledore

Image from Pinterest

J.K. Rowling Quotes

“Books are like mirrors: if a fool looks in, you cannot expect a genius to look out.”

“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.”

“I don't believe in the kind of magic in my books. But I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.”

“Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” 

Favorite Harry Potter Moments

When Harry receives his Hogwarts Letter.

When Harry realizes he wasn't the only one that can see Thestrals.

Image from Quora

The Portable Swamp piece that is roped off as tribute to the Weasley Twins in Hogwarts.

When Hermione uses the Time Turner.

Christmas and Halloween at Hogwarts.

Image from metro.co.uk

When Draco mends the broken vanishing cabinet in the Room of Requirement.

The Marauders and the Marauders Map.

Dobby always trying to save Harry's life.

Dumbledore's Army never dies.

Image from Pinterest

Neville Longbottom having the most growth out of any character in the series. He takes on a leader role in Deathly Hallows.

The magic of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

And of course everything single thing Luna does and says.

What are some of your favorite quotes and moments in the Harry Potter Wizarding World?

Favorite Harry Potter Spells

Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I will be sharing our favorite Harry Potter Spells today. I decided to showcase seven of my favorites because of the significance of seven in the books. Make sure to check out Elizabeth's and Marci's blogs. For those who are following Pottermas 2016, make sure to check out the introduction here. Also, follow us with the hashtag #Pottermas16.

Ascendio is a spell that is used to lift the caster high into the air or propel them to the surface. This is only seen in the movies during the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. 

Gif from harrypotter.wikia.com

Lumos is one of my absolute favorite spells. This spell illuminates tip of your wand creating a light. To extinguish the light, say Nox.

Gif from harrypotter.wikia.com

Evanesco is the spell to make things vanish.This is a complex spell that usually fifth years will practice during Transfiguration class. Students are tested on this spell during their practical for O.W.L.s.

Aparecium is a revealing charm that makes invisible ink or hidden messages appear. Hermione used this spell on Tom Riddle's diary in the Chamber of Secrets.

Image from harrypotter.wikia.com

Dissendium is a spell to reveal hidden passages. It is used when Harry taps the one-eyed witch's hump that near the secret tunnel that leads from Hogwarts to Honeyduke's cellar.

Incendio is a fire making spell. Be careful with this one.

Image from oneclaymore.wordpress.com

Accio is a summoning charm and is quite useful. The fact that Harry was able to summon his Firebolt during the first task of the Triwizard Tournament is impressive because of the distance. This spell is probably one of the most used spells in the Wizarding World.

Gif from harrypotter.wikia.com

What are some of your favorite spells in the Wizarding World?

Harry Potter Owl Melt and Pour Soaps, A Craft Tutorial

Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I will be sharing some fun Harry Potter related crafts today. Each of us will be showcasing a different craft so make sure you check Elizabeth's and Marci's blogs! For those who are following Pottermas 2016, make sure to check out the introduction here. Also, follow us with the hashtag #Pottermas16.

I recently bought supplies for soap making and found out it's very easy to make your own melt and pour soaps. Melt and pour soaps are very easy to make and is very customizable. If you prefer a different soap base, soap mold or fragrance, please feel free to substitute. This is a wonderful activity to do with younger ones with supervision of course. The soaps make fantastic gifts as well!

OWL MELT AND POUR SOAPS

(yields 4 soap bars)

Ingredients

1 lb of Shea soap base (I used detergent free shea soap base)
Butterscotch fragrance oil
Plastic pipettes
Milky Way owl soap mold
Pyrex measuring cup or glass bowl/cup
Plastic Spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Little spray bottle with 99% isopropyl alcohol aka rubbing alcohol (optional)
Colorants (optional)

Many soap ingredients can be found on Wholesale Supplies Plus, Bramble Berry Soap Making Supplies and Amazon. Please use quality soap base and fragrance. When choosing fragrance oil and/or colorants, please make sure are skin safe to use in soap. Some fragrances and/or colorants are for candles only and you definitely want to avoid ones that aren't skin safe.

Instructions 

1. Cut 1 lb of Shea soap base into small 1 inch squares or smaller.

2. Fill up the measuring cup with half  (8 oz.) of the chopped up squares and place into the microwave. You can heat up the soap base in 10 second intervals until the soap melts completely, stirring occasionally. Please be careful of melted soap. It will be very hot. 

4. Add about .16 oz to .22 oz of butterscotch fragrance with a plastic pipette to the glass measuring cup. Stir mixture slowly with the plastic spoon. You can add colorant at this time if you wish.

Please do not add more than .22 oz of fragrance oil per 8 oz of soap base. Adding more fragrance oil will irritate your skin. As a reference, do not add more than 3% of fragrance oil compared to the soap base. If you want a medium scent throw, chose .16 oz and for a stronger scent throw, please choose .22 oz. The butterscotch fragrance oil smells divine!

4. Carefully pour the liquid soap into two of the molds. Each mold should hold approximately 4 oz. You can spritz the tops of the soaps with the rubbing alcohol to prevent bubbles forming.

5. Let the soaps sit in a dry area and let them completely harden before popping them out of the molds. I let the soaps sit for a couple of hours to make sure they are completely hardened.

6. You can repeat steps 2 to 5 to fill up the other mold cavities when the other two soaps are completely hardened. Unfortunately this mold comes only with 3 cavities and not 4 but I love the owl design. You can always buy multiple molds to speed up the soap making process if you plan to make multiple bars.

However, fill free to use other molds of different designs and sizes. Just take in consideration of how many cavities there are and how much each cavity holds to figure how much soap base mixture to melt in one go.

Note: White soap will turn slightly brownish (as seen in the first photo) after a few weeks of aging. The vanilla in the butterscotch fragrance cause the color change. Scent should still be the same.

Have you made melt and pour soaps before? If not, would you like to?

Pottermas Funko Pop Photoshoot!

Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I will be sharing some Harry Potter Funko Pop photos from our photoshoot last weekend. For those who are following Pottermas 2016, make sure to check out the introduction here. Also, follow us with the hashtag #Pottermas16.

On Decemebr 10th, Marci and I visited Elizabeth for some crafting fun and to do a Pottermas Pop Photoshoot! Let's say that after the gift exchange, we had plenty of Pops to add to the collection of Pops that we already own. Of course Marci put the Dementor, Voldie and Bellatrix on a pedestal and had them rule over the rest of the wizarding world. MUHAHAHA!!!! Marci had some hilarious recordings of herself talking with the Pops. I even was able to record her with Voldie and Bellatrix professing their love for one another. LOL.

The Elite Three! Voldie: Bow to me, minions!

All the Pottermas Pops!

We didn't really plan out too many scenes but there are a few shots with Snape in potions class with Hermione, Ron, Harry and Draco. Of course the Potions Master is not satisfied with everyone's work but Draco's.

Potions class with a view! 

Argggh! The sun is blinding us!

Alas, Hogwarts!

Elizabeth, Marci and I took a break to do some crafting and the making of more potions and ingredient bottles. The bottles all look fabulous together with the different colors and textures. We even decided to layout the Pottermas Pops in front of all the finished bottles with the Hogwarts backdrop! It looks fantastic!

Look at all those Pops and potion bottles!!!

My favorite photo is definitely the Niffler next to the bottle of Felix Felicis in the goblet. How cute is the Niffler with his shiny? I cannot wait to pair him up with my Newt Scamander at home. My Pops in the picture include Niffler, Yule Ball Ron and Yule Ball Hermione. At home I have Luna Lovegood and Newt Scamander SDCC edition.

What Harry Potter Pops do you own? Do you like to create scenes and do Pop photoshoots?

Weasley Twins' Canary Creams Recipe

Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I will be sharing some delicious Harry Potter recipes today. Each of us will be showcasing a different recipe so make sure you check Elizabeth's and Marci's blogs! For those who are following Pottermas 2016, make sure to check out the introduction here. Also, follow us with the hashtag #Pottermas16.

Fred and George Weasley made wonderful Canary Creams in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I don't know if you recall but Neville ate one of these delicacies and ended up turning into a yellow canary for a full minute before turning back into his normal self. A Canary Cream is a Custard Cream that turns the person who eat the biscuit into a canary.

This recipe is very simple and tasty. These Canary Creams are huge and if you love shortbread, you will love these Canary Creams! Have a Canary Cream and a cuppa of tea! Don't worry, no canaries were harmed in making the Canary Creams and taste testers have confirmed that you will not turn into a canary.

WEASLEY TWINS' CANARY CREAMS

Adapted from Christina's Cucina's Custard Creams recipe
(yields 16 sandwiched cookies)

Ingredients

Cookies/Biscuits
2 2/3 cups (12 oz) flour
1 cup (4 oz) custard powder (I used Bird’s Custard Powder)
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 sticks (12 oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup (4 oz) powdered/confectioners sugar

Cream Filling

1/2 stick (2 oz) unsalted butter
1 cup (4 oz) powdered/confectioners sugar
A few drops of vanilla extract
A couple drops yellow food dye (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (345°F for convection oven)
2. Grease baking sheets lightly with butter. You can use baking parchment paper or Silpat instead if desired.
3. Sift the flour, custard powder and baking soda into a bowl and set aside.
4. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl for about 3 minutes. Add the sifted flour, custard and baking soda and mix well.
5. Form 1-inch diameter dough balls and place on baking sheets. Make sure to leave room for the cookies to expand. 
6. Press each ball with a fork into the top of each cookie ball, once vertically and once horizontally to create a cross hatch pattern.
7. Place the baking sheets in the oven for about 15 to 18 minutes until the bottoms turn slightly golden in color. 
8. Remove baking sheets from the oven and transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Allow cookies to cool completely on cooling rack.
9. While the cookies are cooling, start making the cream filling by creaming the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl. If needed, add a couple of drops of milk if the filling is too thick. At this time, add a drop or two of food coloring. The filling should be creamy like frosting. 
10. Spread cream filling on the bottom of one cookie and place the bottom of another cookie on top to make a filled cookie sandwich. Repeat process until all the cookies have been filled.
11. You can store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Hint: These will make great gifts!

Have a biscuit, Potter!

Custard cookies can be eaten separately as well! 

What are some of your favorite Harry Potter recipes? Have you tried custard creams before? What is your favorite Harry Potter food/sweet? Leave your comments below!

Ranking Harry Potter Soundtracks

During Pottermas 2015, Elizabeth from Book YAbber and I ranked Harry Potter books and films. This year, we decided to rank the soundtracks. Marci from The Plot Bunny also joined us for the ranking for Pottermas 2016. After about 15 years of Harry Potter films and 4 composers later, Harry Potter has branched beyond the books. With the films comes amazing scores. The music intensifies the emotions. Hearing Hedwig's Theme gives me the chills every time I hear it. People associate it to Harry Potter. When I listen to the soundtrack, I can clearly visualize the scenes from the film. Also, follow us with the hashtag #Pottermas16.

My absolute favorite soundtrack is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them but because we are focusing on the Harry Potter series, I will not go into detail about Fantastic Beasts!

1. Deathly Hallows, Part 2 by Alexandre Desplat starts with an emotional piece of Lily's Theme. This emotionally charged score is definitely my favorite. It's very moving and action packed. Each piece is striking in an unique way and I get the feels just listening to this heartbreaking yet triumphant score. It was very hard to limit my favorites so I'll share six of my favorite songs.

Favorites: Lily's Theme, The Tunnel, Statues, The Grey Lady, Courtyard Apocalypse, Resurrection

2. Prisoner of Azkaban by John Williams is wonderful. Willams' did a fantastic job to match the mood with the cinematography. The film is very dark and so is the score. The score it's own identity and it gives me the chills sometimes. However, there is a level of quirkiness the is uplifting. This is Williams' best Harry Potter score in my opinion. The score is very mysterious and mystical. I agree with others about Buckbeak's Flight being a departure from the innocence of SS and CoS. The rest of Harry's journey becomes extremely darker as he progresses through his life.

Favorites: Double Trouble, Buckbeak's Flight, A Window to the Past, Mischief Managed

3. Goblet of Fire by Patrick Doyle is an interesting piece since it includes some pieces with actual lyrics. This score is the turning point or the gamer changer of the whole entire series. The score leading to the Triwizard Tournament and the aftermath are equally as important.

Favorites: The Quidditch World Cup, Foreign Visitors Arrive, Voldemort

4. Deathly Hallows, Part 1 by Alexandre Desplat is the beginning to an intense film. Although, it's no as strong as DH pt. 1, it still has the power to draw out emotions. So much goes on in DH.

Favorites: Snape to Malfoy Manor, Lovegood, The Deathly Hallows

5. Half-Blood Prince by Nicholas Hooper is a step up from Hooper's OotP score. The score opens up very strongly but starts to waver and rise as the score progresses.

Favorites: Opening, In Noctem, Harry and Hermione, Into the Rushes

8. Order of the Phoenix by Nicholas Hooper is has some memorable songs. However, Flight of the Order of the Phoenix is a sensational cue despite the shortness of it.

Favorites: The Room of Requirement, The Sirius Deception, Flight of the Order of the Phoenix

6. Chamber of Secrets by John Williams is a bit darker that SS and for good reason. The Sorcerer's Stone is very innocent and as the we delve into later films, the scores get darker because the books and films get darker. Because both SS and CoS films is directed by the same director, I felt like Williams wanted to make CoS score a continuation of SS.

Favorites: Fawkes the Phoenix and The Flying Car

7. Sorcerer's Stone by John Williams created Hedwig's Theme which is pretty much Harry Potter's quintessential theme song! This score is very innocent and cheery since it represents Harry discovering the wizarding world. This is our first glance time experiencing Harry Potter through music and it's magical! However, Harry doesn't know what he is up against.

Favorites: Quidditch Match, Christmas at Hogwarts, Hedwig's Theme

Image from scifi.stackexchange.com

What is your favorite Harry Potter Soundtrack? Do you have a favorite song/track? 

My Wizarding Patronus

Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I will be revealing our Patronuses today and discuss the significance of our Patronuses. For those who are following Pottermas 2016, make sure to check out the introduction here. Also, follow us with the hashtag #Pottermas16.

According to Pottermore, the Patronus is a defensive charm and it produces a silvery-white guardian or protector in the form of an animal. The spell is effective against Dementors and is casted when the witch or wizard has a pure, protective magical concentration of happiness and hope. After Pottermore released the Patronus quiz, I didn't hesitate to find out what animal my Patronus takes the form of. My Patronus is the Grey Squirrel.

My Patronus is a Grey squirrel! What is your Patronus? #potterhead #pottermore #HarryPotter #Patronus #GreySquirrelPatronus #ExpectoPatronum

A photo posted by Nicole Moy (@nicolecmoy) on Sep 22, 2016 at 4:09pm PDT

According to spirit-animals.com, a person who has a squirrel spirit animal has the following qualities:

You are often resourceful and have a way of manifesting all the things you need in the present and for the future. You like to be prepared for all occasions and are ready to socialize at any given moment. People with squirrel energy are very good at balancing their lives with work and play.

Squirrel people tend to be a little erratic at times, often trying to do many things at once. Take the time to stop and listen to your inner self and focus on one thing at a time.

The squirrel is very fitting for my personality. I am resourceful and I'm a planner. I like to be prepared for all situations. I am the type of person who asks "What If?" I like to multi-task but sometimes I need to slow down and focus my energy toward one task at a time.

What is your Patronus and do you think you Patronus is a good fit for you?

Favorite Underrated Moments in Harry Potter

Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I excited to talk about what some of our favorite underrated moments in Harry Potter are. There are so many to choose from so I had to narrow down to some important moments that I love and also moments that aren't emphasized in the films but are found in the books. Don't forget to follow Pottermas 2016 with the hashtag #Pottermas16 on social media!

WARNING 
For those who haven't read the Harry Potter series, all book discussions WILL HAVE spoilers. If you do not want to read spoilers, please do not read ahead.

Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret! This is one of my favorite moments in the book. It's interesting how Hippogriffs's diets consist of ferrets and Draco was "attacked" by Buckbeak.

Dobby is Free. Dobby tries to save Harry's life multiple times.Without Dobby, Harry Potter would have to weasel his way out of many tight spots.

Image from buzzfeed.com

Boggart in a wardrobe or writing desk shows peoples' fears and only with laughter can you defeat this boggart. This shows how people are only human and that everyone fears something whether it be your family dead to the moon shining to a huge spider crawling out.

Luna's paintings of her friends on walls and ceiling shows how Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Ginny are her true friends and that she is loved. She is very unique and talented despite her eccentricities. Image from CaseyRobinArt.

Weasley Twin's jokes adds humor to the darkest time and more serious times throughout the series. Life needs a bit of humor. Life shouldn't always be serious and you need to live your life to its fullest.

Peeves adds some more comic relief to the series. I wish he had a part in the films because he definitely added some spunk to Hogwarts. His allegiance to only the Bloody Baron and Albus Dumbledore later expands to others such as Professor McGonagall and Fred throughout the the last few books.

Snape's potion puzzle is something that is often forgotten. It's important to know that magic isn't everything and that logic is important. Hermione mentions how many witches and wizards do not have an ounce of logic.

Image from pottermore.wikia.com

Crookshanks is a clever part Kneazle who aids Padfoot with his plans to capture and reveal who Wormtail really is. Never estimate creatures.

Harry disarming Draco at the Malfoy Manor is one of the most important moments in Harry Potter. Without this single action, Harry wouldn't be able to master the Deathly Hallows and wouldn't be able to finally defeat Voldemort.

It's important when Tonks's Patronus changes to a wolf for the fact that her Patronus only changes when she starts having feeling for Remus Lupin. Her love grows and so does her Patronus.

Image from pottermore.wikia.com

How Neville could have been the Chosen One but Voldemort marked Harry instead. It was very important for Neville be the one to destroy the last Horcrux in order to make Voldemort mortal again. This gave Harry the opportunity to overcome Voldemort with the alliance of the Elder Wand.

What are some of your favorite underrated moments in Harry Potter?

Pottermas 2016: The Introduction

Happy December everyone! I am ecstatic that Pottermas 2016 is finally here! Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I are celebrating Pottermas 2016 which is a fun filled December feature showcasing our favorite fantasy series, Harry Potter! This feature, Pottermas 2016, will be broken down into book general HP discussions, HP gift guide, HP recipes, HP craft tutorials and more. Follow the hashtag #Pottermas16 all month long!

Elizabeth and I came up with Pottermas last year and Marci joined us for this year. If you want to see what Elizabeth and I did last year during Pottermas 2015, you can check out the magical posts here. If you want to know more about my journey with Harry Potter, check out this post.

December is always one of my favorite times to re-read Harry Potter and to watch the HP movies. Also, we are lucky that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is in theaters now! The Wizarding World will always be with us. Harry Potter has sparked a movement of literature, social activism, self-discovery and a sense of belonging.

POTTERMAS 2016 SCHEDULE

December 1st: Pottermas Introduction
December 5th: Ten Underrated Moments in Harry Potter
December 7th: Harry Potter Patronus
December 10th: Ranking Harry Potter Soundtracks
December 12th: Harry Potter Recipe
December 14th: Harry Potter Funko Pop Photoshoot
December 17th: Harry Potter Craft Tutorial
December 20th: Harry Potter Gifts I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree
December 23rd: Favorite Harry Potter Spells
December 28th: Favorite Harry Potter Character Quotes and Moments
December 31st: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Review

For those who don't know my house affiliations, Patronus, etc., please see below for my Harry Potter Pottermore stats.

Image from harry potter.wikia.com

Name: Nicole

Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw

Ilvermorny House: Thunderbird

Patronus: Grey Squirrel

Wand: Sycamore, unicorn hair, 10 inches and slightly springy

Are there certain discussions you want to see about Harry Potter for this month? What house(s) do you belong to? What is your Patronus?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Elizabeth from Book YAbber and I are celebrating Pottermas 2015 with one more post for the month! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is an epic fast-paced, high energy book with lots twists and turns. Although the book is the end of the series, Harry Potter still lives on forever. It is not the end.

WARNING 
For those who haven't read the Harry Potter series, all book discussions WILL HAVE spoilers. If you do not want to read spoilers, please do not read ahead.

There are two themes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Trio continues Dumbledore's quest to hunt for Horcruxes. Later, the Trio also look for the Hallows. However, Harry can't master death and defeat Voldemort with the Hallows until all the Horcruxes are destroyed. I find it interesting how each Horcrux is destroyed by a different person. The locating of the Horcruxes and the Hallows are crucial to defeating Voldemort.

Image from Pinterest.com

Horcruxes destroyed by a different person

1. Tom Riddle's diary destroyed by Harry
2. Marvolo Gaunt's ring destroyed by Dumbledore
3. Slytherin's locket destroyed by Ron
4. Hufflepuff's cup destroyed by Hermione
5. Ravenclaw's diadem destroyed by Crabbe's fiendfyre
6. Harry Potter "destroyed" by Voldemort
7. Nagini destroyed by Neville

It is interesting how Dumbledore leaves a few items in his will to the Trio. He predicts that Ron will need some guidance hence the deluminator. Hermione loves to read and The Tales of Beedle and the Bard is the key to figuring out how to master death, why Voldemort is trying to hunt down wand makers and it also helps the Trio defeat Voldemort forever. Harry, on the other hand, is given the first snitch he caught as a Quidditch match. Because of flesh memories, when Harry puts his lips on the snitch, it reveals the message, "I open at the close." Just like Ignotus Peverell, who possessed the Cloak of Invisibility, Harry greets Death like old friends when he is at the brink of death. The sword of Gryffindor is impregnated with the basilisk venom and Dumbledore knows that the sword will help the Trio destroy the Horcruxes.

Image from Pinterest.com

It is curious that Harry owns one of the Hallows since the first book. The Cloak of Invisibility is not an ordinary invisibility cloak. It's the cloak Death gave Ignotus. It was Ignotus that greeted Death like an old friend. His brother Antioch died when someone killed him for the Elder Wand and Cadmus died after committing suicide to be with his loved one.

Speaking of the Peverell family, it is interesting how Voldemort is a descendant of Cadamus and Harry Potter is a descendant of Ignotus. The resurrection stone ring has been passed down through the line of Gaunts and the invisibility cloak has been passed down through the line of Potters. That means Voldemort and Harry are distantly related. Mind-blowing, isn't it?

Harry uses all three Hallows in order to master death and to ultimately defeat Voldemort. Harry obtains the resurrection stone when he puts the snitch in his mouth which opened at the close. He obtains the Elder Wand from Draco after he disarms Draco. At that time Draco obtains the Elder Wand when disarming Dumbledore. And, as said before, Harry inherits the invisibility cloak through his father's side with the help of Dumbledore.

Ollivander talks about how the wand chooses the wizard ever since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and still mentions it in in DH. Has J.K. Rowling been hinting about the Elder Wand since the beginning? I love how everything comes full circle! Rowling is a simply brilliant!

Of course when Hermione and Ron have good advice, Harry doesn't listen. When Hermione mentions that Harry shouldn't go to Godric's Hollow because that's a place where Voldemort and the Death Eaters are expecting him to go. Hermione is right since there's a trap set for Harry. Also, Ron mentions to Hermione and Harry not to mention the name Voldemort because he feels like the name is a jinx which he is correct. Right when Harry says Voldemort, the Snatchers find the Trio in the Forest of Dean.

It took Hermione and Ron seven years to actually admit to each other that they fancy each other. Hermione is so upset that Ron leaves her and Harry to find the Horcruxes. She pretty much bawled her eyes out for a week after Ron left and then attacked Ron when he comes back to camp. And they finally share their first kiss when Ron mentions something about saving house elves. About time! I have been waiting for this to happen ages ago.

GIF form Thoughtcatalog.com

When Voldemort asks Narcissa Malfoy to check on Harry Potter and to see if he is dead. Narcissa doesn't care what happens with Voldemort as long as Draco is okay. This love for her child becomes very important in DH since she saves Harry. I am pretty sure Harry did not bank on someone making sure he is dead for sure. Narcissa plays an important role in defeating Voldemort by announcing Harry Potter is dead. If Narcissa mentioned Harry is alive, how would the Elder Wand react? Yes, Harry is the Master of Death but this is before Nagini is killed and one cannot truly defeat Voldemort until all the Horcruxes are destroyed. It is very fortunate Narcissa tells Voldemort and the Death Eaters that Harry Potter is dead. Narcissa's love for Draco is very similar to Lily's love for Harry. A mother's love is the ultimate protection.

The epilogue is a little off putting for me. I felt like it was a bit rushed and the names could have been better. Maybe this whole entire time, J.K. Rowling was setting up the series not to officially end. Maybe she was opening doors to a sequel. Of course now everyone knows about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child but I find it interesting that J.K. Rowling never said anything about the end to Harry Potter. Look at how the fandom has grown. There are films, prequel spin-off films, a sequel play, multiple Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter, Pottermore and etc. The Harry Potter fandom will never die! It will live on forever!

What is your favorite part of DH? Do you think DH is a good conclusion to the Harry Potter series? What do you think about the epilogue?

Some of my favorite quotes

GIF from mooriin-blog.tumblr.com

Image from Pinterest.com

Pottermas 2015 is officially done for the year but definitely check out Pottermas 2016 next year.  If you are new to Pottermas 2015, make sure to check out this post. Also, you can follow Pottermas 2015 on social media with the hashtag #Pottermas15.

What Should You Read After Finishing the Harry Potter Series?

J.K Rowling has written one of the most popular series ever known to man. Not only has all the books been translated into many languages but all the books have been adapted into films. One of the things I love that Rowling includes in her books is the portrayal of strong female characters. What happens when you finish reading the Harry Potter series? Well check out the following books if you enjoy the Harry Potter series. Also, check out Elizabeth from Book YAbber's list as well!

Middle grade series with the adventure and magic!

The Magisterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan
The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer
The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman
Redwall series by Brian Jacques

YA series with strong, kick-ass females:

The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare

Whimsical stand alone novels:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

What are some of your favorite books that are similar to Harry Potter? What features of the Harry Potter series you would like to see in other books?

Check the blog back on Thursday, December 31st for a discussion about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. If you are new to Pottermas 2015, make sure to check out this post. Also, you can follow Pottermas 2015 on social media with the hashtag #Pottermas15.