Gentle Reminder: No Spoilers, please.
This is it ya’ll! This is the final giveaway in the Fluffy Flowers celebration of the conclusion of the Harry Potter series. Leave a Harry Potter comment and I’ll draw the winner’s name tomorrow morning. I’m not sure exactly what time because I’ll be up late tonight acquiring the book at midnight and reading until my eyelids close. Congratulations to yesterday’s winner: Brandy of Where the Lilies Bloom! Next week we will return to crafting and creatures.
How I came to love Harry Potter
Years ago I’d never heard of Harry Potter. Hard to believe, I know, but when Goblet of Fire was about to be released in the year 2000 everyone around me seemed to be buzzing with the news. I couldn’t escape hearing people’s conversations about the book and their prognostications about who would die. For it had been announced that someone would die in that book. It became increasingly frustrating for me to be left out of conversations because I had nothing to offer on the subject of Harry Potter. I decided I’d read the books just so I could know what on earth these folks were on about.
But I didn’t want to waste my time reading children’s books, oh no. I had more important things to do, or so I thought at the time. As a compromise I checked out the audio books from the library and decided to listen to them in the car so I wouldn’t waste my time. Well folks, I’m here to tell you that I would arrive at my destination and be late going in because I’d be sitting in the car listening to the book! I didn’t know, I simply didn’t know, that this was a magical world I would be transported into as though with a portkey. Although I’ve read all of the books in print many times, some of my fondest memories are of hearing Jim Dale’s voice. His interpretations of the books are an amazing experience that I highly recommend. If you have not yet listened to the books, I encourage it. It’s a different way of experiencing Harry Potter that is quite pleasurable.
After I listened to the first three books I was ready and waiting for book four. So this is what it was all about I thought. This poor, sweet little boy so unloved and mistreated. I wanted to protect him and encourage him. I wanted to make sure that he got through things alright. I was finally able to join the fray of folks waiting with baited breath for the next book. And the next. And the next. Until finally we’ve arrived here. It’s been a fun and long train journey and I’m so happy that we’re about to pull into the station.
Thank you all so very much for joining me on this week long celebration of a book series that has been near and dear to my heart. I wish you all the time and peace to enjoy reading the very last Harry Potter book. I’ll meet you all back here sometime in the middle of next week for an all out discussion.
What I hope:
- Harry lives
- Snape is exonerated
- The Weasley family is left in tact
- Voldemort is conquered
- Hermione and Ron realize their love for each other
- Harry and Ginny reestablish their relationship
- Wormtail gets his comeuppance
Now is the time to share your deepest Harry Potter desires. What would you like to see in the final book of this epic series?
Oh Felicia - I can SO relate to your HP experience. I swear, I could have written that.
As for what I wish. You pretty much nailed it - but in addition I want Umbridge to get her comeuppance and I'd love it if Sirius really isn't dead and come backs. (I'm secretly in love with Sirius.)
Can't wait. I've had such an exhausting week, I dunno if I'll make it to the release party now. Can I make it to midnight? Or should I get sleep and just pick up the book at 9 AM tomorrow? Decisions, decisions...
Posted by: Marci | July 20, 2007 at 06:07 AM
I can't wait for the final instalment, so many loose ends to clear up! I'm hoping Dumbledore will come back to life, and Harry gets adopted by the Weasleys!
Posted by: Jenny Young | July 20, 2007 at 06:11 AM
[no longer eligible! Yay! I LOVE cookie cutters and tiny sweaters--next best thing to being a Weasley!]
Mike and I listened to the first three books on CD, too. I think your wishes pretty much cover what we're hoping for, too!
Posted by: Brandy | July 20, 2007 at 06:13 AM
Well the one thing I really want is that Snape is just doing all the bad things only to protect Harry and my bad boy turns into a good boy. (I think he never got over Lily and therefor he is protective of Harry)
Oooh, just one more night
Posted by: Brigitta | July 20, 2007 at 06:14 AM
I have to admit a few things.
First of all. I have never read or seen any Harry Potter movies. (SHREAK) I know.
But, for the first time, I have been overwhelmed with the desire to purchase the whole lot and hideaway for a while until I am done...
I don't mind if I do, actually....
I hope you are still up peeled into the book right now!!!! What fun! xxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | July 20, 2007 at 08:42 AM
I agree with all of your "hopes" except for Snape. I hope Snape gets it.
Posted by: Melinda | July 20, 2007 at 09:17 AM
I have all the same hopes and wishes that you do! I'm also hoping that McGonagall becomes Headmaster of Hogwarts.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 20, 2007 at 09:48 AM
i really really hope harry lives...i think if voldemort lives and harry or ron or anyone on harry's side dies it would be so depressing. i feel like harry and his friends are true to themselves, and harry is constantly battling against the evil voldemort implanted in him, but always makes the right choices. so if voldemort won it would really stink! it would be saying that evil wins out over those who are true and good and believe in themselves. i also kinda feel like harry and luna would make an interesting couple...
Posted by: kaetlyn | July 20, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Well, as much as I want all of those things to come true, I have a nasty feeling they won't unfortunately. We shall see, eh?
Posted by: Maggie | July 20, 2007 at 10:11 AM
We just finished listening to the series read by Jim Dale and loved it. He is the best!
As for book 7, I want all the things you said to happen. I would also like Sirius to come back or at least be able to communicate with Harry somehow. I would like a happy ending for Lupin who has always been one of my favourite characters. And I would love for Neville to finish off Bellatrix and maybe have his parents get better.
I know there is little chance of everyone on the good side to be alive at the end of the book, but I really hope Hagrid, Lupin, Nevlille and the Weasley's are spared - as well as Harry, Ron and Hermione of course!
Posted by: Samantha | July 20, 2007 at 10:37 AM
I have the same hopes as you do. I guess great Harry Potter Fans Minds think alike. I also hope Percy comes back to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
My favorite book over all has been book 3. One reason for this was the introduction of the animagus. I loved how Harry was able to find out about his father and his friends.
I love how Harry Potter has been able to bridge the gap between generations. Point in case - I am a nine year old fan reading the blog of a "slightly" older fan because I love knitting and Harry Potter:) GO HARRY!!!!
Posted by: Karli Lewis | July 20, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Man I cant wait for tonight...and I WILL stay up after I get home from the Midnight working to read some!!
Posted by: Shonda Wilson | July 20, 2007 at 10:48 AM
I don't think I'll be able to read the book fast enough to avoid hearing what happens!! Darn. I can't wait to find out how it ends too. And I agree with all of your hopes. I really want to think of Harry growing up and getting married etc. etc. he deserves a good life.
I think your week long tribute has been really great.
Posted by: iSew | July 20, 2007 at 11:36 AM
I would love it if:
Harry lived
Sirius came back
Dumbledore came back
The Weaselys all lived
Snape was actually a good guy
Harry was finaly free from his horrible family
Posted by: Tiffany | July 20, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Oooh boy. I actually started just as the 2nd book came out. I was cruising the bookstore and I saw this fun looking children's book. I love young adult books -- and I decided to give it a try. It was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and book 2 came out a few weeks later. I went online and ordered my copy from Amazon. From then on it has bene a long and strange trip indeed. Including the audio books, the British editions of the print books, and a longish research paper about the differences between the American and British editions.
My hopes:
Harry lives and is given the chance to simply be Harry
Ron and Hermione live and are happy
Could care less about Snape -- and I'm not sure I want him to be a good guy. I like the dark twist if he really is evil.
Hagrid to be with his lady love.
The rest? I'll find out as I read. I can't wait for the surprise! And like you, tonight, tonight I will be at a bookstore getting my copy and FINALLY finding out how this journey ends.
Posted by: Angela | July 20, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Oh gosh...I love the Harry Potter books and I am sad that this is the last. I almost don't want to read it because I won't want to come to the end. I want all of the same things as you, of course. I hope that Snape turns out to be a good guy as well.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | July 20, 2007 at 12:22 PM
I remember using my youngest brother as an excuse to start reading the books;-) I bought them for him and read them before I gave them to him...hihi!
I really hope that Harry lives and that his reunited with Sirius.
That Ron and Hermione falls in love for real! And that the Weaselys gets a great life!
Have a good weekend!
Posted by: cecilia | July 20, 2007 at 12:29 PM
I have had a similar experience. We didn't even pick up a HP book until book 5 was about to be released when we listened to the 1st book on tape. We were hooked. Jim Dale does an amazing job reading the HP series. We are eagerly awaiting book #7.
In addition to all the hopes Felicia listed, I hope:
-Hogwarts continues as a school of magic
-Draco turns away from following evil
-Bill Weasley doesn't end up as a werewolf
-nobody close to Harry dies (such as Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Hagrid or any of the other Weasleys... well if one has to die I might sacrifice Percy...)
Posted by: Katherine | July 20, 2007 at 12:41 PM
I echo your list. Please let Harry see that Snape has been trying, for the most part, to help him all along.
Posted by: Jenn : ) | July 20, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Thanks for stopping by my blog and the nice comment on the baby in her bonnet!
Are you going nuts right now? Isn't this the night HP7 debuts?
Posted by: mom2fur | July 20, 2007 at 01:06 PM
I want harry to live! but, i think he might not. who knows. i want most of the things you wanted felicia. sometimes i don't want the usual happy ending, but in this book, I just really hope all is well in the end. I guess we will see.
I preordered my book, and it is sitting in the same town I live in. Just waiting for me! Taunting me!
Posted by: nosierosie | July 20, 2007 at 01:50 PM
How did I miss this Harryfest?!!
I'm on countdown for my book.... It's 7.25pm here now... I have already paid for my book at the local supermarket and the security guard is going to get it for me and hold it until my husband dashes in there to get it off him (relay race style) to then dash back here by 12.10am (with chocolate) where I will be waiting with cushions fluffed ready to get started!!
I hope that Harry lives and stays at Hogwarts (where he first felt he "belonged") to become Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher (was anybody ever more qualified?) and also eventually to become Headmaster.... yeah baby!!!!
Posted by: Ruthanne | July 20, 2007 at 02:28 PM
I had three dreams last night about waiting in line at Borders for the book. Oh I am in eager anticipation today!
Posted by: ann | July 20, 2007 at 02:32 PM
I agree wholeheartedly with your hopes for the final book. I also hope Malfoy joins the good side, not sure why.
I won't be able to get the book til Sat. morning so I am not even going to turn on the computer until I finish reading to avoid spoilers.
Cute Weasley sweater btw!
Posted by: Molly | July 20, 2007 at 02:34 PM
this was the best book to date!
Posted by: moogan | July 20, 2007 at 02:38 PM
I got the first book as a birthday present when I was 8, so half of my life has been spent reading Harry Potter.
I, too, have fond memories of listening to Jim Dale read the books.
Hopes:
-All the Weasleys survive
-Neville becomes a hero
and
-Snape is found to be good
Of course I have many other hopes, but, oh, I just can't wait! I still have twelve hours to wait, though!
<3 Anne
p.s. I've loved reading what everyone else has had to say!
Posted by: Anne | July 20, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Wow, what I want to happen or what I expect to happen? Hehe... I really hope that we meet Regulus Black (the mysterious RAB I think!) and that he is totally cool like Sirius. I would also like Snape to be exonerated, thus making Dumbledore's death a sacrifice in order to save someone else (not a brutal murder, which is just depressing). Happy reading, everyone!
Posted by: Georgia | July 20, 2007 at 03:32 PM
I'm not hoping for anything in particular, except for a few surprises!
Posted by: Sarah | July 20, 2007 at 03:51 PM
From Charlie....."I really want Harry to defeat Lord Voldemort and somehow get his parents back."
Posted by: leslie | July 20, 2007 at 04:16 PM
I don't think there's any question that Harry will live. I also think Ron & Hermione are safe too. I hope so!!! I got into the books when Chamber of Secrets was released. They are so wonderful to revisit. It's like seeing your old friends again. Reading them in times of serious stress has been a big comfort to me. I don't know what I'll do without a new book to look forward to every few years. I guess I'll still have the movies, but it's not the same.
Posted by: Gwen | July 20, 2007 at 04:25 PM
* I want Voldemort dead
* I want Harry to live
* I want Harry and Ginny back together
* I want Ron and Hermonine to become a couple
* I want no loss in the Weasley family
* I want Dumbledore and Sirius to be alive and kickin'
* I want Snape on the good side
* I wonder if Petunia is a Squib
* I want Neville to find love with Luna
* I want Lupin and Tonks sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g
Posted by: Catrin | July 20, 2007 at 04:25 PM
I am excited too!! and sad that it is ending. i hope Harry lives!
Posted by: farmerjulie | July 20, 2007 at 05:17 PM
Oh gracious , I want all those things and I want the next hour to whizzzz by. 8.06 am here in Australia and I am of to get the book in an hour and then I will not be heard from for the rest of the day - except some plaintive cries for cups of tea......you know , I am almost to scared to start because I don't want it to finish
Posted by: Jodie | July 20, 2007 at 06:07 PM
Those tiny sweaters are adorable!
I think this will be a very quiet weekend earth wide as everyone sinks into this book.
Posted by: Claire | July 20, 2007 at 06:50 PM
my 11 year old wishes for harry to live and voldemort to die...
my 9 year wants dumbledore to come back to life and that harry and hagrid survive
i've read all the books to my girls and we'll be at a harry potter party tonight at our local bookstore! Yay!
fun contest!!!thanks :)
Posted by: laura | July 20, 2007 at 07:19 PM
I want Good to conquor Evil. That's the way it ought to be.
Posted by: Rachel | July 20, 2007 at 09:39 PM
Oh I hope I win - how fun that would be. I just found your Blog on A FRIEND TO KNIT WITH.
We are die hard HP fans. Tonight we were at Barnes and Noble for all the fun. My husband and son, Ben, who is 8 are in line as I type. It's 20 to midnight here. I had to leave because my wee one, Zack, who is 5 1/2 months old needed to get some sleep. Oh I wish I were in line! Such fun, those books - it will be sad now that they are all over.
Posted by: Tanya | July 20, 2007 at 11:45 PM
i wish serius was alive and came back in the next movie... and i wish for more time to read the books lol~!
your stuff just always amazes me... great job!!!!
Posted by: kristin | July 21, 2007 at 01:29 AM
I hope Harry lives, too! I can't wait to get my book and see the latest movie.
Posted by: Barb | July 21, 2007 at 03:00 AM
Just thougt I'd let you know that I've just picked up my copy of the book and that I'm gonna dive into it now ;-)
Posted by: Brigitta | July 21, 2007 at 04:47 AM
I have just finished the book - read read read it is worth it -read faster I need someone to talk to about it !!!!
Posted by: Jodie | July 21, 2007 at 04:59 AM
Wow! I am so sorry I hadn't found you (thanks for commenting at my blog to lead me here) until yesterday. I would have loved to participate in your week of Potter.!
Would you mind if I stored your idea of little Weasley sweater giveaways, talking about the book? I plan to read the entire series each year in succession and this would be a fabulous way to perhaps make every July the Month o' Potter as I've been referring to it.
Posted by: Sarah | August 02, 2007 at 09:31 AM