New Trailer

This will probably be the last trailer we get before the film comes out. Just a little over a month folks!

<i>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</i>: New Trailer Released

Horace Slughorn-Snape Victorious

BOOK: The Half-Blood Prince
CHAPTER: 4-8
FOR TOMORROW: 9

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* How do you feel about Slughorn?

* Did it surprise you to see just how cruel Draco could really be?

The Other Minister & Will and Won't

BOOK: The Half-Blood Prince
CHAPTER: 1-3
SYNOPSIS: In which the Muggle Prime Minister recounts his encounters with Cornelius Fudge, Fudge visits him again with Scrimgeour, and we learn that Scrimgeour is the new Minister for Magic. We also hear of the wizarding world's open war with Voldemort - dozens of Muggles have been killed along with Amelia Bones and Emmeline Vance, the Dementors and giants have joined Voldemort, and the Ministry is struggling to fight. Narcissa calls on Snape in secret against Voldemort's orders, while Bellatrix tries to stop her but joins her at Snape's house anyway. Snape prevents Wormtail's eavesdropping and tells Bellatrix his story, though she still refuses to trust him; Narcissa then reveals that Voldemort has ordered Draco to do something difficult, and asks Snape to make an Unbreakable Vow - which he then does, saying that he will help Draco carry out the deed, and perform the deed himself if Draco fails. The Daily Prophet tells us about the wizarding public's perception of Harry and the steps the Ministry has taken to provide safety in the war, and Dumbledore returns to Privet Drive. Before leaving, Dumbledore sits with Harry and the Dursleys, updates Harry on his inheritance from Sirius and gives him Kreacher, determining that he has indeed come into Harry's possession. Dumbledore then chastises the Dursleys for their treatment of Harry but asks that he be allowed to return to Privet Drive one final time, and he and Harry depart.

FOR TOMORROW: 4


POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Which Prime Minister of Magic do you like less? Why?
* How do you feel about this book opening without any major characters like the books all have in the past?
* How do you feel about Snape making the Unbreakable Vow in terms of his loyalty to Dumbledore?
* What do you think Dumbledore's treatment of the Dursley's says about his actually feelings toward them, in general?

The Only One He Ever Feared

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix

CHAPTERS: 36

SYNOPSIS: Harry is chases Bellatrix but is unable to perform an Unforgivable Curse, Voldemort shows up and the Ministry members see this, Dumbledore saves Harry from the killing curse and is later reinstated as Headmaster.

FOR TOMORROW: 37& 38

The Lion and the Serpent - Christmas on the Closed Ward

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix
CHAPTER: 23
SYNOPSIS: In which Gryffindor defeats Slytherin, but Harry, Fred, and George are given a lifetime ban from Quidditch by Umbridge for fighting with Malfoy. Hagrid's class is observed by Umbridge, Ginny Weasley replaces Harry as Gryffindor's Seeker, Dumbledore's Army meets again, and Harry and Cho kiss. In a dream, Harry witnesses Arthur Weasley being bitten by a huge snake. Arthur Weasley is rushed to St. Mungo's Hospital, Dumbledore sends Harry and the Weasleys back to Sirius' house, and they visit Arthur in hospital as he makes his recovery. Harry speculates on why Dumbledore will not look him in the eye, Hermione joins Harry and the Weasleys at Grimmauld Place for Christmas, and Percy sends back his Weasley sweater. They visit Arthur in St. Mungo's encounter Gilderoy Lockhart, and see Neville and his gran visiting his parents.

FOR TOMORROW: 24

Rest In Awesomeness, Esther

I wanted to share something with you guys. Esther was a 16 year old Nerdfighter and Harry Potter enthusiast with advanced thyroid cancer. With the help of the Vlogbrothers and the Nerdfighters of the world, she spearheaded a campaign that helped send much needed supplies to the flood refugees through the Harry Potter Alliance. Thanks to her, we were able to send not one, not two, not even three, but four plane loads of supplies to those in need.

She passed away on Wednesday at about 3am.



John's video includes links to help her and her family, but I wanted to put another one in here for any of you who aren't aware of the Harry Potter Alliance.

This is a really amazing group and I strongly encourage each of you to check it out, and spread the word. Rest in peace, Esther. I never knew you out here in the real world, but I know the lives of thousands of people suck just a little less because of you, and that is pretty darn amazing.

New Previews

I thought you guys might enjoy these. The first was from the MTV movie awards, and the second is the new official trailer.

Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four & Dumbledore's Army

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix
CHAPTER: 17 & 18
SYNOPSIS: In which the High Inquisitor orders all Student Organizations, Societies, Teams, Groups, and Clubs disbanded, Harry and Ron learn that boys are not allowed in the girls' dormitory, Hedwig is hurt coming back from London, and Sirius is almost caught by Umbridge in the Gryffindor common room fireplace. Harry again dreams of the windowless corridor with the door at the end, Dobby tells Harry about the Room of Requirement, and Dumbledore's Army meets for the first time.

FOR TOMORROW: 19


IMPORTANT NOTICE: I will be going to Dragon*Con this year! That means that from September 3-7 I will have little access to the internet, if any at all. So, naturally, I won't be updating during that time period. Wanted to give you guys plenty of warning!

Less Important Notice: I've started a little side project. If any of you are interested in Agatha Christie mysteries, join me at my other blog: Murder on the Blogger Express

Percy and Padfoot, The Hogwarts High Inquisitor, & The Hog's Head

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix

CHAPTERS: 14, 15, 16

SYNOPSIS: Harry writes to Sirius, Cho Chang calls him brave, Percy writes to Ron telling him to not be friends with Harry, Gryffindor has their first practice, and Harry and Sirius communicate via the fire in the common room. Umbridge is made Hogwarts High Inquisitor, and Harry loses his temper again in Defense Against the Dark Arts, serving another week's detention. Umbridge observes the professors in class, and Ron and Hermione try to convince Harry to give Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons. Harry, Hermione, and Ron hold a meeting at the Hog's Head to discuss with other students the possibility of Harry giving them Defense lessons, and Hermione tells Ron and Harry that Ginny is dating Michael Corner.

FOR TOMORROW: 17

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* As a 15 year old, you would have joined a secret club like the DA, knowing it could potentially get you into trouble?
*Can you think of another fictional character you hate as much as Umbridge?

The Sorting Hat's New Song, Professor Umbridge, & Detention with Doloros

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix
CHAPTER: 11, 12, 13
SYNOPSIS: In which the start-of-term feast takes place, the Sorting Hat gives warning in its new song, Harry recognizes Dolores Umbridge as she is introduced as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Harry learns that not everyone believes that Voldemort is back. Fred and George advertise for volunteers to test their products, the trio discusses their schedules and the upcoming O.W.L.s, Harry has an outburst in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Umbridge assigns him detention for a week, and McGonagall warns him to keep his temper under control.

FOR TOMORROW: 14

The Woes of Mrs. Weasley & Luna Lovegood

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix
CHAPTER: 9 & 10
SYNOPSIS: Hermione and Ron learn they are prefects, and Mrs. Weasley has a run-in with a boggart. The gang is late for the train, also, we meet Luna and are introduced to Thestrals.

FOR TOMORROW: 11

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* What would your boggart look like?

The Ministry of Magic & The Hearing

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix

CHAPTERS: 7 & 8

SYNOPSIS: Arthur takes Harry with him to the Ministry of Magic for his hearing. Harry attends his disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Magic.

Possible Discussion Topics:

*How do you think Fudge justified, to his own staff, the use of such extreme measures for this particular hearing?

FOR TOMORROW: 9

The Order of the Phoenix & The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix

CHAPTERS: 5 & 6

SYNOPSIS: We get some background info on the Blacks, Sirius and Molly argue over what's best for Harry. A chapter where we learn that Sirius is practically related to everyone, Kreachur is crazy, and there's a lot of cleaning being done.

FOR TOMORROW: 7

The Advance Guard & Number Twelve Grimmauld Place

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix

CHAPTERS: 3

SYNOPSIS: Harry is rescued from Privet Drive, we meet some new characters and read about some familiar ones. Harry has a few choice words for Ron and Hermione, and the kids clue Harry in to what's been going on with the Order while he's been gone.

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* CAPSLOCK!HARRY: Yay or nay?

FOR TOMORROW: 5

We are back on schedule from here on out!

Dudley Demented & A Peck of Owls

BOOK: The Order of the Phoenix
CHAPTER: 1
SYNOPSIS: In which Harry is angry and picks on Dudley, Dudley is attacked by Dementors, and their neighbour Mrs. Figg returns. Harry receives various owls informing him of his future at Hogwarts and as a wizard, while being hounded by Uncle Vernon about Dudley's condition. Petunia receives a howler.

FOR TOMORROW: 3 & 4

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Compare Harry's attitude at the beginning of Book 5 to the opening chapters of the previous books.
* What memories do you think Dudley was reliving during the Dementor attack?
* Apart from what we already know about Petunia promising to keep Harry safe at their house, do you think she knows something that we still aren't aware of?

The Pensieve - The Beginning

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 30-37
FOR TOMORROW: take a break!

Sorry guys! Comcast managed to screw up internet for my whole building. We're now draped with orange wires that are supposed to "fix" the problem, but they haven't given us any idea as to how long before we stop looking like a construction zone. God I hate Comcast.

We should be almost caught up now. If anyone has fallen behind, don't worry, most of the new three books are one chapter per day so you should have plenty of time. :)

The Madness of Mr. Crouch & The Dream

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 28 & 29
SYNOPSIS: Harry learns the third task involves a maze, Hagrid introduces his class to nifflers, and Barty Crouch and Winky have both seemingly lost their minds. The trio discuss Crouch, Fred and George discuss blackmail, and Moody discusses Crouch. Harry prepares for the Third Task, dreams of Voldemort in Divination, and reports to Dumbledore.
FOR TOMORROW: 30 & 31

The Second Task & Padfoot Returns

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire

CHAPTERS: 26 & 27

SYNOPSIS: The trio search for spells to help Harry with the second task, Hagrid returns to teaching, Harry gets a visit from Dobby and performs the second task.

FOR TOMORROW: 28 & 29

Rita Skeeter's Scoop & The Egg and the Eye

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 24 & 25
SYNOPSIS: Hagrid's reputation is tarnished thanks to an article published by Rita Skeeter.
FOR TOMORROW: 26 & 27

NOTE: I noticed that I missed four or five chapters when making the schedule, so I'm playing catch up now. We'll get back on schedule in no time. :)

The Unexpected Task & The Yule Ball

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire

CHAPTERS: 22 & 23

SYNOPSIS: The Yule Ball is announced, Harry is informed that he needs to find a dance partner. Harry asks Cho, but she's already going with Cedric, so Harry plans to go with Parvati instead. Harry gets an owl from Sirius and a visit from Dobby. We finally find out who Hermione's date to the ball is and Ron is not happy! Harry and Ron overhear a couple of secrets.

FOR TOMORROW: 24

The House Elf Liberation Front

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 21
SYNOPSIS: The Trio takes a trip to the Hogwarts kitchens.
FOR TOMORROW: 22 & 23

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Do you really think the House Elves are happy in their lives of servitude?

The First Task

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 20
SYNOPSIS: Harry comes face to face with a dragon as the Triwizard Tournament commences.
FOR TOMORROW: 21

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* How would you plan to get past the dragon if you were one of the champions?

The Hungarian Horntail

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire

CHAPTERS: 19

SYNOPSIS: Hagrid reveals to Harry the first task, Harry talks to Sirius and most everyone is still bitter towards Harry.


FOR TOMORROW: 20

The Four Champions & The Weighing of the Wands

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 17 & 18
SYNOPSIS: Everyone – including Harry – tries to figure out how his name was called.
FOR TOMORROW: 19

Beauxbatons and Durmstrang & The Goblet of Fire

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 15 & 16
SYNOPSIS: Harry fights the Imperius Curse, Hermione rallies for S.P.E.W., and the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive at Hogwarts. Then, the Goblet of Fire chooses the four champions.
FOR TOMORROW: 17 & 18

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Which do you prefer: Beauxbatons or Durmstrang? Why?
* Would you put your name in the Goblet, knowing how dangerous the tournament could be?
* Do you think it was fair to impose the age restriction?

Mad Eye Moody & The Unforgivable Curses

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTERS: 13 + 14

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* Which Unforgivable Curse would you be most afraid of?
* Do you believe in Astrology?
*



FOR TOMORROW: 15

Mayhem at the Ministry, Aboard the Hogwarts Express, & The Triwizard Tournament

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 10, 11, & 12
SYNOPSIS: The return to the Burrow via portkey, Harry tells Ron & Hermione about his dream, Rita Skeeter causes some problems & the trio prepare to return to Hogwarts for their 4th year. Mad Eye Moody jinxes his garbage cans and Arthur hurries off the keep him out of trouble, Mrs Weasley gets to gang to King's Cross by taxi, they set off for Hogwarts. The students attend the start-of-term feast and Dumbledore announces the Triwizard Tournament.
FOR TOMORROW: 13 & 14

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Would you be crazy enough to submit your name to the Goblet of Fire?

The Quidditch World Cup & The Dark Mark

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 8 & 9
SYNOPSIS: Everyone attends the Quidditch World Cup, and later on that night, the Dark Mark is cast mysteriously in the woods, while Muggles are being harassed by Death Eaters.
FOR TOMORROW: 10

Bagman and Crouch

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTERS: 7
SYNOPSIS: The gang arrives at the campsite, sets up camp, explore the site and we meet some new characters.

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* This chapter gives us more or less our first glimpse into the Ministry of Magic through Arthur, what were your thoughts, impressions of it and the people working there?


FOR TOMORROW: Chapters 8 & 9

The Portkey

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 6
SYNOPSIS: The Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione meet up with the Diggorys and take a Portkey to the Quidditch World Cup.
FOR TOMORROW: 7

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTERS: 6
SYNOPSIS: Harry enjoys time with the Weasley's and learns about the Twins' new business plan.

FOR TOMORROW: 7

Back to the Burrow

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTERS: 5
SYNOPSIS: Harry is picked up at the Dursley's by some Weasley's and brought to the Burrow.

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* What is your favorite part of the Weasley house?


FOR TOMORROW: Chapter 6

The Invitation

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 3
SYNOPSIS: Harry receives an invitation for the Quidditch World Cup, and the Weasleys pop in to visit the Dursleys.
FOR TOMORROW: 4

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* What is your favorite Arthur Weasly-ism regarding Muggles and their things?

The Scar

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire
CHAPTER: 2
SYNOPSIS: Harry awakens from a strange dream and writes to Sirius.
FOR TOMORROW: 3

The Riddle House

BOOK: The Goblet of Fire

CHAPTERS: 1

SYNOPSIS: We're told about murders in the Riddle house from 50 years back, and in the present Voldemort's plans are overheard

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS



* How do you feel about the first chapter not being told from Harry's POV unlike the last 2 books?

* What are your thoughts/impressions regarding the Riddles?



FOR TOMORROW: Chapter 2


Pages read: 1085 (US edition)
Chapters read: 57
Days since we've started: 42
Days until the release of Deathly Hallows Part 1: 127

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Topics:

*This movie probably made more changes to the plot than all the others put together. How do you feel about the cuts?
*Many people who have never read the books call this their favorite of the films. Why do you think that is?
*How do you feel about the werewolf?
*Personal favorite...Why does Peter Pettigrew appear fully clothed despite the fact that, when he shapeshifts again, he leaves the clothes behind?


FOR TOMORROW:
Goblet of Fire chapter 1

The Dementor's Kiss, Hermione's Secret, & Owl Post Again

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTER: 20-22
SYNOPSIS: The thrilling conclusion to Book 3!
FOR TOMORROW: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 1

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Final thoughts?
* What was your favorite part of Book 3?

The Servant of Lord Voldemort

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTER: 19
SYNOPSIS: Harry finds out who really betrayed his parents.
FOR TOMORROW: 20

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Do you agree with Harry's decision to not let Lupin and Sirius kill Pettigrew?
* Do you think Harry was too quick in agreeing to live with Sirius?

Cat, Rat, and Dog & Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTER: 17 & 18
SYNOPSIS: Harry, Ron, and Hermione have a run-in with a cat, a rat, a dog, a Snape, and a rather confusing predicament.

FOR TOMORROW: 19

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Do you think anyone else in the series is secretly an Animagus?
* When you first read these chapters, were you shocked, or did you guess beforehand that Lupin was a werewolf and Sirius was the Grim?
* These are the scenes that changed rather significantly in the movie; do the changes irk you?
* Who is your favorite Marauder?

Professor Trelawny's Prediction

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban

CHAPTERS: 16

SYNOPSIS: Trelawney predicts Voldemort's return, Buckbeak's execution is scheduled & Scabbers returns.

FOR TOMORROW: 17 + 18

The Quidditch Final

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTER: 15
SYNOPSIS: Hermione starts getting punk rock, and the Gryffindors win the Quidditch Cup.

FOR TOMORROW: 16

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Do you enjoy the Quidditch scenes, or are you sick of them?

The Firebolt, The Patronus, Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw, & Snape's Grudge

Hey guys! My internet went down again so I missed a couple days. Also, I noticed that we left Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw off the schedule, so I shoved it right int here.

There's so much going on in these, I don't think we need discussion questions. :)

FOR TOMORROW: 15

The Maruader's Map

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTER: 10
SYNOPSIS: Fred and George give Harry the Marauder's Map, and he later overhears an interesting conversation about Sirius.

FOR TOMORROW: 11

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS

* Why do you think Sirius was laughing after the attack?
* Would you rather spend 10 years in a regular prison, or one month in Azkaban?
* Why do you think the secret passages were originally constructed?
* Why do you think Sirius was able to repel the Dementors?

Grim Defeat

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTER: 9
SYNOPSIS: Snape takes over DADA because Lupin is sick. Harry loses his first Quidditch game.

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* Should Harry have been told from the start that Sirius Black was potentially coming after him?
* Should Slytherin have had to forfit the game in order to not have to play, or do you agree that Hufflepuff played in their place because of Malfoy's 'injury'?
* Cedric!


FOR TOMORROW: 10

Flight of the Fat Lady

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTER: 8
SYNOPSIS: Harry spends some time with Professor Lupin while the other students go to Hogsmeade.

FOR TOMORROW: 9

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* Which shop is your favorite in Hogsmeade?

Talons and Tea Leaves and The Boggart in the Wardrobe

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTER: 6 & 7
SYNOPSIS: The kids have their first lesson with Professor Lupin.

FOR TOMORROW: 8

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* What would your boggart look like? How would you make it into something funny?

Eclipse Hiatus

Sorry I didn't post yesterday guys! This is why...note what I'm making while waiting in line...

Deathly Hallows Trailer

I thought you guys might like to see this. It just came out today.




Yeah...I cried a little.

The Dementor

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTER: 5
SYNOPSIS: Harry spends some time with Professor Lupin while the other students go to Hogsmeade.

FOR TOMORROW: 6

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* Why do you think chocolate counteracts the effects of the Dementors?

The Knight Bus & The Leaky Cauldron

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban

CHAPTERS: 3 & 4

SYNOPSIS: Harry takes a ride in the Knight Bus. Harry gets to know Diagon Alley better & reunites with Ron and Hermione after not seeing them all summer.

FOR TOMORROW: 5


Sorry this one was late guys! Had to work aaaaaalll day

Owl Post & Aunt Marge's Big Mistake

BOOK: The Prisoner of Azkaban
CHAPTERS: 1 & 2
SYNOPSIS: Harry receives some unexpected birthdays gifts, and Aunt Marge feels a little bloated.

FOR TOMORROW: 3 & 4

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* Right off the bat, does Book 3 feel different from the previous two?
* What was your first reaction to Sirius Black?

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets

Watch the movie!

*In what was does it differ from the book and does those differences detract or enhance the story?*

For Tomorrow:
Prisoner of Azkaban
Chapters 1 & 2

Dobby's Reward

BOOK: The Chamber of Secrets
CHAPTERS: 18
SYNOPSIS: Dobby gets a sock.

FOR TOMORROW: Take a break and watch the Movie!

POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* What are your overall thoughts on the book? What was your favorite part? Least favorite part?

The Chamber of Secrets & The Heir of Slytherin

BOOK: The Chamber of Secrets
CHAPTERS: 16 & 17
SYNOPSIS: Ginny is taken into the Chamber & Harry & Ron set off to save her with the 'help' of Lockhart.
FOR TOMORROW: 18

Cornelius Fudge & Aragog

BOOK: The Chamber of Secrets
CHAPTERS: 14 & 15
SYNOPSIS: The diary is stolen, Harry starts hearing the voice again and there's another attack. Harry & Ron visit the Forbidden Forest & meet Aragog.
POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS


* Why is Hagrid so obsessed with monsters?
* What are your first impressions of Cornelius Fudge?

FOR TOMORROW: 16 & 17