I agree! I...well I don't hate Ginny but I hate the fact that Harry never even NOTICES her until the sixth! JK just needed someone for Harry to love so she randomly picked Ginny. She was so RANDOM! I think Harry and Hermione should have gotten together, personally.

<3 Rachel

I really liked the fact that Percy came back and apologized. I was able to almost entirely forgive him because of how he really did come back when it really came to it and he helped fight and he showed he really cared. He also admitted that he was wrong, which I think in circumstances like these would be a pretty hard thing to do.

I was really sad about Fred dying. I just can't imagine George without Fred. It just doesn't seem to work. Fred and George made a really good team and they were very enjoyable characters to read about. They really provided a lot of comic relief. I was so sad when Fred died.

I loved how Mrs. Weasley came back in the end and really stood up for herself and her family. I thought that was really good. All through the series she was kind of in the background most of the time. She was the one crying and getting all upset and kind of showing how hard the times were but she wasn't out there fighting and all of that. In the end, she really proved herself as being very brave. I also think that it shows a lot of character to be able to do that and it really shows for one of the last times in the series how much her family means to her.

Ginny's part I think was a little bit small. I expected it to be a little bigger than that. When I think back about the book and think about the main points and characters, nothing Ginny really does comes to mind. We saw more of her in the epilogue, but not all that much in the books. I was glad of the way her relationship with Harry turned out, though.

Yeah,I agree with Potter4President. I never expected Percy to apologize,but when he did,it was rather nice of him.

QUESTIONS

How did you feel about Fred dying? SAD AND DEPRESSED,I LOVED HIM.

How did you feel about Percy's redemption? Rather nicely.

What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix? It was bloody amazing,haha,I never expected it,but turned out very good!

Was Ginny significant - too little or too much? TOO LITTLE.

How did you feel about Fred dying?
Prior to DH being released, I had a suspicion one of the twins would die but when it actually occured it was awful to say the least. The fact it was poetically written kind of harks to Fred and George being in a sense metaphors to the classical ideas of Dionysus: {Wiki} "The divine mission of Dionysus was to mingle the music of the flute and to bring an end to care and worry" or perhaps one of the Muses: {Wiki}.
How did you feel about Percy's redemption?
I felt relieved Percy did come to his senses and finally plucked the courage to admit the mistakes he made to his family. There was a hint Perce's view was changing prior to him stumbling into the Come-and-go room:

Since Book five, Percy's usual reaction to encountering his father would be indifferent to slightly uncomfortable, why else would his face blush that much if he wasn't upset, scared or even anxious?
What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?
Reading it for the first time I was taken aback and enjoyed the scene very much. Reflecting on the scene, it does reveal a parallel between the two pureblood witches; what they valued as family and honor, how their lifestyles became eerily similar (confined and restricted) and who they ought to be passionately defending.
Off topic: I was personally glad Neville conquered Nagini and then Greyback with Ron's help (pg.735) instead of Bellatrix because it would have been easy for him to give in to a desire for vengeance upon Lestrange.
Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?
I expected a progression in her character in terms of maturity and I suppose the fact she put aside her own personal intentions for her family's needs was good, especially during Easter break when they hid at Muriel's. Ginny could have rebelled and tried to learn of the secret to Bill and Fleur's home... Ginny had the nerve to possibly seek Harry, didn't she? However her whereabouts from trying to steal Gryffindor's sword, the DA's reorganization and other instances where Ginny's character is inferred to have matured were third-person. Desiring a balance between the Trio's quest with the going-ons of other close characters like Ginny feels half-empty; I suppose the true beauty of the Hogwart's setting was bringing other views and characters forward.

How did you feel about Fred dying?
I was so surprised, I wasn't expecting it at all! I always thought one of the Weasleys wasn't going to make it through the last book, but I thought the twins were okay. They were honestly the last people I was expecting to die.
How did you feel about Percy's redemption?
I was happy that Percy apologized to the family and fought at the Battle of Hogwarts. It was great how all of the Weasleys were fighting together, and it was nice how Percy reconciled with Fred before he died...
What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?
I was hoping for that shining moment to be Neville's, but I loved the duel between Mrs. Weasley and Bellatrix. I never really imagined Mrs. Weasley dueling, but I guess when it comes to her kids she'll do anything for them. I'm happy with the way Bellatrix went, and I liked Neville killing the snake a lot too.
Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?
Ginny was never one of those characters a I liked a ton, but she was pretty significant. I was kind of disappointed that she wasn't in the book more, Harry was just thinking about her a lot. But Harry and Ginny ended up together, so I'm satisfied.

Guys, I don't mean to be rude or anything, I'm honestly curious, but how can you POSSIBLY forgive Percy that easily? I mean, he caused his family (well, mostly mom and dad) so much stress and then they welcome him back with open arms. I seriously think that the only reason he came back was because the DE were taking over and he was terrified. If Scrimigeor (or however you spell his name) was still alive, Percy would probably never come back to his family. I would've never forgiven him like that.

<3 Rachel

I think the Weasleys is only waiting for Percy to realize his mistakes. So when Percy realized his mistakes, asked for forgiveness, and came back to fight with them, that is all that matters, they love Percy and that’s what important for them.

Percy did realized his mistakes, because of what was happening at the ministry, death eaters are taking over, I think that he only stayed that long in not returning immediately is because of his pride. After all he was a brilliant person and admitting his mistakes was not easy. But when the final battle against Voldemort took place, he finally put his pride aside and immediately run to the aide his family. Weasleys put their family above all, especially during evident danger and Percy is a Weasley.

I have to say that I was completely disappointed that Fred died. I don't think it was needed. I was upset. The twins were the comic relief and to have that die was horrible. I know that the battle had to be fought and people were going to die, but why Fred. I think that Percy coming around will be helpful to Molly in that she lost one son but that she got one back. I think that he was there for the fight was great since he is obviously a good wizard. They needed all the help they could get and he would have been an asset. Molly fighting with Bellatrix was a shock, but I am glad that she is the one to fight her. Molly always seemed a bit annoying to me. I liked her and understood what she was about, but I wanted to see her do something other then cook or fuss over the kids. Seeing her fight was unexpected but defineately good. Ginny's significance is hard to say. She was with Harry in his thoughts and that is significant. It helped keep Harry going just thinking about her. She was doing what she could at the school since she couldn't be with Harry and the other two. I think that she could have been mentioned more but I think over all she did what she was meant to do. She was Harry's love and love is what Harry needed to win over Voldemort.

Twins
(I feel kind of bad lumping them together like this, when they are so obviously two people, but this way I can discuss their relationship, and their connections.)
I think that it is kind of significant that Fred died, because it shows that the Weasley family is just as vulnerable as everyone else: this is war. However that doesn't make it any easier. I was just heartbroken because the twins are two of my all-time favorite characters, and this was before DH. Unfortunately, this was one of the few predictions of mine that came true.

It is also significant that it was the twins, and not anyone else, because they were the comic relief. It's not child's play, and all fun and games, which is what the twins symbolize. It really drives the point home.

I was glad George survived though, so there is at least one of them. He always seemed slightly quieter, like Fred came up with brilliant ideas, and George contributed and ran with them. Another example here, is Potterwatch- the first time in the series, where there is a definite distinction, between them, and the first time the are completely by them selves. (Not counting George's ear incident, because they were still pretty close, even though it did foreshadow them becoming more separate. ) Fred is the one on the air because he is more outgoing, and everything.

I also think that the ear incident is significant, and really entertaining because it is the first time we really see the twins having a conversation with each other, and they aren't anticipating and expecting what the other is saying. (I'm talking about conversations to the extent of, Fred saying, "You know what I'm thinking, brother?," and George replying, "I agree, but how about tonight?"- type things. This type of conversation is lighthearted, and they really understand each other. This new side shows them being worried, and the first time we've seen them reprimand each other- even if it is about a bad pun.)

George is so absolutely great. Even after his injury he tries to make light of it, joking and everything. I cried so much especially the second time around when I got to this scene, because of Fred's reaction. He is obviously terrified, not something you get that often with the twins.

It is so sad that Jo said George would name his first son Fred. I mean, talk about heartbreaking.

Percy

I don' t know if this scene of reconciliation is at all realistic, not having an estranged family member who reconciled with my family after a period of two years. It does seem a little over idealistic, but boy, am I glad he's back.

Molly
For me, Percy coming back also was significant when Fred died, but most of all when Molly defends Ginny. Here she has just regained a son, and another is taken away from her. Then her only daughter is in danger. After this kind of emotional roller coaster she is taking charge in the one instance she can regarding her children, rather giving up her own life than risking living on without her child whom she might have saved. (Though I doubt she gave it near this much thought: Her daughter was in danger. Period.)

Molly's defense of Ginny was consistent with the rest of her character because of this, and not a new side of her at all. Perhaps slightly more aggressive, but still the same.

Member of the Phoenix's point about Molly always cooking or taking care of her kids, disagrees with me. That is who Molly is, the entire book. She does do other things, but in this instance they are not always central to the plot. For example, her brothers Fabian and Gideon Prewitt were her brothers, and were killed in the first war. This must have been difficult for her, even though we never see this side of her story. She gives Harry her brother's watch which obviously has emotional ties with her, and her family, but this gesture says that he is as good as one of her sons.

Arthur
He too, is pretty consistent. He tinkers with the motorcycle several times, and continues his ignoring of Percy until the late reconciliation. Not much to say here, exept I might have greived a little for him, had he died, but since his character was not central to the plot, and thus did not change through the course of the books, it would not have been such a devastating loss as Fred or Lupin were.

Bill
Well, his wedding was certainly exiting. I enjoyed seeing a wizarding marriage, and noticed that Jo was careful to point out that even this joyous affair was afffected by the war.

I liked Ron's comment to Harry that Bill wasn't overoyed to see him, but didn't tell his family or go there for his first married Christmas. It showed more of Bill as a character, than we'd seen before, and showed him as loyal, forgiving, and sympathetic.

Fleur
Fleur, (who is now officially a Weasley), also showed a new side, in her new home. I really like Fleur as she is shown to be capable, understanding, and of course human, in that she has dislikes and likes as much as anyone else.

Both Bill and Fleur did not evoke emotional attatchments, but their characters were further developed

Ron
My first emotion is awww. I am so glad that he has come back. I mean, the deluminator really fits with his character. (It would be really amusing to explore what he does with it after the war, though: is it a keepsake, is it in the attic, only to come out at special celebrations. or does he always keep it with him just in case he needs a quick getaway?)

That was also simply wonderful, when he began to 'support' SPEW and Hermione kissed him. It was about time!

Ginny
Yay! They got together! That is so wonderful! I'm glad Ginny never took offense to Harry saying they couldn't be together, like Ron did. (Geez, he is so naive.)

I was so proud of Ginny for fighting. I mean, how could anyone just stand there and listen to their family get hurt? I have no doubts she inflicted some serious damage, seeing as she is such a powerful witch.

I don't think Ginny needed to be in this book much, because it was already established that Harry and Ginny love each other, and that she'd always be there for him when he came home. If he did take her, then there would have been a totally different consequence, and connotation- as if they had already been competently committed to each other, or Ginny couldn't trust Harry or something. Also, their love could have been distracting from his mission of sacrifice to the world. Notice how he deliberately passed Ginny by- because he loved her so much he couldn't bear to say goodbye.

In this way, Ginny was part of the entire story- her love ect.- but form afar, and she was significant, but didn't need to be mentioned any more for that to be apparent.

Overview
Overall, the Weasley family had an amazing contribution to the war, and I am overjoyed that things turned out alright. (Minus the Fred-thing.)

[color=#009900]Well Good Evening Folks! I suppose it's my turn now to throw in my 2 sense! So away we go!


How did you feel about Fred dying?

Wow.. Where to start? What a blow! And a horrible loss to the wizarding world? I was hurt and angry. I knew there would be losses, however wasn't losing George's ear bad enough? Why seperate such a wonderful duo? When humor is what was needed after such a heart wrenching war? I guess just answering to the question is dissapointment and sadness


How did you feel about Percy's redemption?

Percy's redemption.. Wow.. Well I was hopin that it would have come along sooner, maybe have some time to spend with his family before losing fred. I know he said he had problems getting out of the ministry.. But c'mon! His father made it out just fine. I think cowardice was winning with percy. But in the end I'm glad that he made it back to his family..

What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?

Wow! I cheered clapped and screamed for that one!! I'm actually probably one of the only ones who was glad it was Mrs. Weasley! It was bringing on the protection of her children!! As a mother myself I don't expect anything less from a mother!!


Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?

Well as how the story went, I think that she was played fine.. I'm thinking having Ginny along for the ride it would have been too damn cheesy! And I enjoy my fluff... But c'mon!! I think that just played out the whole absence makes the heart grow fonder!

How do you feel about Fred dying?
[color=#000099] I am still in denial over his death. I really hate that Fred was killed. It just seemed to be the most senseless death out of all of them. However the thing that bothers me the most about his death was the fact that it was Percy that was with him. I mean why were the twins suddenly not together. I felt cheated, not only did my favorite character die but I didn't even get to morn his passing with George. It really bothered me that we got to see Percy and Ron's grief up front and center but only a moment of George's grief. Though the part with him holding Fred's head in his lap in the Great Hall was very sad. Then we get nothing about poor George in the last part of the book. It was really unfair and well like I said I felt cheated.

How do you feel about Percy's redemption?
I am glad he was redeemed but I hate that it had to be at the expense of Fred, and well not to sound cruel or anything I kind of wish he would have died instead of Fred. It would have made his redemption seem more important, but I guess we all wouldn't be as upset. So yeah I guess I am just okay with Percy.

What did you think of Mrs Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?
I thought it was brilliant, I loved Bellatrix but she really needed to be taken down, not only to protect Ginny and the other Weasley's but for Sirus.

Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?
I thought that Ginny was very significant, she was almost like the light at the end of the tunnel for Harry (god thats awfully cliched) but I think if she would have been in it anymore then she was she would over taken the whole book. I am glad she was in it, and the role she played was important, but I am also glad she didn't tag along, and that it really sorta stuck with the importance of the trio.

freds death- ...my name says it all i think lol..no but seriously though him and george should of seen it through ..but JK rowling did do his death justice with that phrase that summed it up 'the ghost of his last laugh still etched upon his face' george got it worse though...loosing an ear and his twin ..poor george weasley twins =

molly's battle with Bellatrix was brilliant i laughed so much when i read the whole... not my daughter...line

but ron was the best..normally in the books the twins are my favourite but in this one ron was during the whole ron destroying the whole horcurx (apologies for spelling..i can't spell to save my life) it just showed how insecure he is ..it was quite cute

<3xxx
i fell better now I've had a rant ...my friends get quite sick of me because i never shutup about it

Fred's death, for me, was completely unexpected, because of all the Weasleys to die, I did not expect it to be either of the twins. I didn't see much point in killing them off. Actually, I expected Percy or Mr. Weasley to die, but not Fred.

Molly's battle with Bellatrix, I thought was both overblown and great at the same time. I dunno, it just reminds me of one time when I was at a farm, and there was a baby horse who had been beat up by the other horses, in a stall with his mother, and the second I approached, the mother horse jumped in front of the colt with every indication of "Stay away from my kid!"

I knew that Percy would return eventually and beg for his family's forgiveness, because even he isn't daft enough to stay away the more desperate the crisis becomes. I thought it would be Percy to die, as part of his redemption: die to protect his family. But as it was, Percy didn't die.

I think Ginny's role in the story was fine. She wasn't seen a lot, but all we heard about her, she was at Hogwarts preparing the students for the oncoming fight, rebelling against the Death Eaters posted there. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts, Neville tells them that you give people hope if you stand up to the oppressors, and the fact that Ginny, Neville, and Luna did just that is probably why three-quarters of the Hogwarts students were ready to back Harry up, you know, in that scene when Pansy Parkinson tries to get the students to hand Harry to Voldemort, and everyone in Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw immediately defends Harry. I credit Dumbledore's Army for that, and therefore I credit Ginny, Neville, and Luna for it.

I would have liked to see Ginny on the page more, but she did have a significant role, even if we didn't see it.

How did you feel about Fred dying? I werent expecting it at all while i was readin that part of the book and then BAM there goes Fred and i still dint actually get what had happend until it sed summit like he cant be dead!! wish it werent him that died there though that like sooo shud have been percy cos of how he been towards the family since he wrkd for the ministy!!! i miss fred!! his death was pointless and stupid and really really didnt need to happen!! but its good that he died with a smile on his face cos its how he was all through the books a typical joker
How did you feel about Percy's redemption? I always thought well knew deep down that Percy would come back and apologize for bein a totally idoit towards his family, and my gawwd he picked him moment to come back didnt he, and i thought it was soo cute wen fred was stood there like your jokin i mean ur actually jokin!! percy shud have died protectin his brother though
What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix? This was one of the parts that made me laugh loads when she stormed over shoutin NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU ****!! after bellatrix tried to hit ginny with the killin curse!! but personally i think that ginny shud have finished her off as bellatrix had killed someone or tortued someone who were either family or really close to ginny friends such as nevilles parents and harry godfather, and if ginny finished her off it would of shown how much they all mean to her!!
Was Ginny significant - too little or too much? I think it was too little even though there were the thing mentioned through the book which she had been doin for the DA like tryin to steal the sword and she was mention a hell of a lot through the book and at the end i think she was involved rather alot durin the battle especially after she had been told to stay in the room of requirment hehehe!!!

How did you feel about Fred dying?
I knew from the begining that a Weasley had to die and I had a bad feeling about Fred from very early on in the 7th book. I'm not claiming to be physic or anything but I just kinda saw it coming until it happend. I was sortof fighting it saying "No, Fred's not gunna' die" and when he did die it was so swift I didn't see it coming at that moment. I actually closed the book and threw it off my bed, sobbing uncontrolably. It took me a good 10 minets to get over it.
I was really sad about it because I love both of the twins alot (in addition to all the other weasleys ) I had kinda hoped that the twins would both be safe because they are treated a package and George suffered his casualty in loseing his ear. I can't 'blame' JKR for killing him off because, to get across the seriousness of the situation, she need to kill beloved charecters, Fred being one of them.


I felt that way too. I wanted to sortof "hear" Georges take on the whole thing but we don't. I think that George deserved more recodnition.

How did you feel about Percy's redemption?
While reading the book I hadnt' thought about Percy at all (except for the times he was mentioned) and I didnt' count on him coming back. When he did come back, however, I was very,very happy and I burst into tears (big suprise there...). I am really glad that he came back to fight the battle for Hogwarts because it really showed what side he choose.

What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?
The only thing that could have been better than Mrs.Weasley killing Bellatrix would have been Neville killing Bellatrix. I am very happy all the same after what happend to Fred . When I read that bit I was crying but as they were fighting I stoped breathing and than I laughed when Bella died. I think that Mrs. Wealsey earned the right to finish off or favorite death eater.


Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?
I am not a Harry/Ginny shipper in the least and I thought her relationship with Harry became a mildly interesting side story in the book. I dont' think it should have been the main focouse of the story or anything but I don't understand how Ginny and Harry ended up falling in love.

I hope it's Ok if I put up a couple more questions:

~How did you feel when Ron left?

~Do you think it was foolish for Bill to have had his wedding in the middle of the war?

I am still trying to get over Fred dying... I thought it was awful, and now George has to run WWW all by himself- earless! I think that the reason JKR put his death into the book was to show that there were casualties that died for no real reason, just like in real wars. Still, couldn't she have picked a different character?

As for Percy, I was happy that he came back, but as far as I'm concerned, he wasn't that important to the main plot. Hopefully, he makes Mrs. Weasly feel a little better after Fred dies.

I loved Molly's fight with Bellatrix! It was one of those parts where I knew exactly what would happen next. I don't get why everyone's so upset that she used the "B" word. It's not that bad! Seriously, they used the same word in the third movie and nobody went on about it.

I'm a total Harry/Ginny shipper, so I was very happy when they got together. I couldn't stop smiling for days, which kind of tipped off my mom to how the book ended. (She was a little upset with me.) Personally, I thought that there could have been more of Ginny in the middle of the book, but JKR kept it realistic. And the idea of her kind of gave Harry something to live for. Did anyone else notice that there was sort of a yin/yang to how the series started and finished? The first segment of the first book started off with Harry losing his family, and the last segment of the last book showed him with the family that he made for himself. Also, the first wizarding people that he first saw and knew the names of were Hagrid and then Ginny, and when he goes off to "die" he sees Ginny, and then Hagrid. (of the good guys, I mean.) Kinda cool anyway.

I loved DH, and the weasleys, as ever!

How did you feel about Fred dying?
I was a bit shocked tbh! I wasn't expecting it at all..it must be odd now that there isn't a Fred AND George anymore! must be wierd for George..
He also died with a humourous look on his face..which is good

How did you feel about Percy's redemption?
I thought this was written well because there was so much going off when he came back that you didnt expect it! It was a little ray of hope in the bad times i'm glad he came back, he was really annoying when he was talkign about Mr. Crouch etc all the time in GoF

What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?
I LOVED IT!! it made me laugh, i thought it was really great! it was really unexpected for her to be using language like that! i was really worried that bellatrix would kill Molly but i guess i knew that molly wouldnt get killed off!

Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?
I wanted to see more of Ginny. i really liked her character. She didnt talk much but when she did it was always amusing or very relevant. And harry and Ginny just made you go "Awwww "

How did you feel about Fred dying?
I thought it just came out of the blue. I suppose when I was reading the book I never really thought ahead and considered who might die, but even if I had, Fred wouldn't have been one of them!

How did you feel about Percy's redemption?
I'd forgotten all about Percy lol! It was so long since he'd been mentioned, but I thought that was great. Long overdue! But great.

What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?
Fantastic! It was so good to see Voldemort's most devoted follower and one of his most powerful followers killed off by Molly Weasley! And I don't mean to belittle Molly in any way saying that, but when we saw her at Grimauld Place as part of the Order she was doing the cleaning and the cooking - not much of the fighting. I thought it was perfect!
i can see how Neville might have been a good choice to kill Bellatrix as well but he did chop of Nagini's head!

Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?
I think she could have been included more in the battle after she was let out of the Room of Requirement, and her fight with Bellatrix could have been a bit more detailed but I think it all turned out well!

And now I have a question of my own lol. I've checked all around the place and I didn't see it mentioned somewhere. Why, when the Ministry knew that Arthur was a member of the Order, didn't they just arrest him? No justification would have been necessary, because the Ministry was under Voldemort's control. Why wouldn't they make eliminating the Order a priority?

How did you feel about Fred dying?

As a major fan of the Weasley twins, Freds death hit especially hard, and for me, I hate to say this, I would have rather seen Percy die, not because I am evil. But because of my attachment to the twins, and Percy's redemption would have been more complete. Yet, one of the tragedies of war is the loss of great heroes no matter how well loved, so it is a struggle for me to decide to change that part of the story, because I don't know if it would have been the same.

How did you feel about Percy's redemption?

I was pleased with Percy's redemption and that was a much needed comedic relief when he resigned to the Minister of Magic. I am also glad he resolved issues with his family before Fred's death, which allowed for a touch of closure.

What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?

That was one of the best fights of the books, because Mrs. Weasley has such a great strength of character and this is apparent. You don't mess with her children or she will go ballistic, the fight is so clearly imprinted on my mind and made my respect for Molly Weasley grow. My only hope in the series was that Neville would have some vindication against Bellatrix before she was killed, but I don't know if he would have survived due to their differing magical abilities.

Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?

I felt that Ginny's character development in the series was lacking, and I did not grow as attached or interested in her as the other characters of Harry Potter. Since she was such a significant part of Harry's life in the end, I wish the last two books would have given a greater glimpse into who Ginny truly was.

That was a good point raised in the last thread...I believe the reason Arthur wasn't arrested was possibly they let him go about his business in hopes he would lead them to Harry or possibly his purity status would have made it difficult to justify arresting him, though I guess if Voldemort was in control they wouldn't have had to justify it. Good point though! Happy Reading!!

I don't think I've answered these questions on this thread before (too lazy to have to go through 5 pages worth, sorry .

How did you feel about Fred dying?

I didn't like how he died. I think the book said he still had the smile/smirk on his face, so he clearly didn't know what hit him. Not that I would have wanted him to suffer from his wounds, but I just would have preferred that Rowling NOT have killed him at all. When asked why she killed Fred (instead of George or another Weasley), Rowling said (paraphrased) that she killed him because she had always wanted to have him be the one to die. This doesn't really answer the question. It's like when we, as children, questioned the motives of our parents, they would answer, "Because I said so.". Not exactly an answer, but one that would make me shrug and accept from my Mom. I get the feeling that Rowling probably threw a dart at a chart on her wall (depicting the Weasleys) and it landed on Fred.

How did you feel about Percy's redemption?

I sort of thought that Percy would come back into the fold, so to speak, and that his family would receive him with open arms. So, I wasn't surprised that Rowling would redeem him. However, it probably would have been better had Rowling killed Percy instead of Fred.

What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?

I've answered this question before on other threads. The answer is the same for me. I didn't care for the fact that it was Molly that dueled and killed Bellatrix. It doesn't matter to me that Molly was angry with Bellatrix for nearly killing her daughter. I realize it's one of those "like a she bear protecting her cub" type of defense, but I still say that the kill belonged to Neville!

Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?

I cannot abide Ginny in books 6 and 7. It just isn't the girl I had come to know in the earlier books. Ginny was underdeveloped even then. I think that Rowling went over board in re-creating Ginny so that the reader would understand why she chose her for Harry. Rowling, I'm sure , also wanted the reader to accept Ginny for Harry as well. I did not. In DH, she was essentially a post script. The reader realizes she's part of the book because of Harry's obsession with the Marauder's Map and trying to see where she's at. Of course, we later see her as nearly being annihilated by Bellatrix. I guess she thought she was capable of killing Bellatrix, when in fact she was almost killed instead. I had to wonder, where was this strong and powerful witch that Rowling told us about! So, was she significant? No.

i thought the duel between mrs weasley and bellatrix was good because you would think mrs weasley would be one of the last people to kill one of the most faithful (and craziest) death eater (no offence)! i also thought it was soooo sad when fred died! because what would george do?? the good thing is george then named his son fred so he was stil sort of there!

[b]How did you feel about Fred dying?

I thought it was sooo sad but my mum had said all along that one of the Weasleys would die but I never believed her! Along with Lupin and Tonks it was the saddest death in the final battle!

[b]How did you feel about Percy's redemption?

I thought the fact that Percy came back was good and also because he admitted he was wrong. It was great that he helped his family and friends instead of the ministry which he was once obsessed by! What he said just before Fred died about resigning from the ministry was quite funny and it showed that he was once again on the right side!

[b]What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?

I thought it was great and it was also funny! It just shows you that the most unexpected people can do something like she did! Another reason for its greatness was she really loves and protects her family and doesn't want what happened to Fred to happen to her other children. It also show that she isn't just the cook and the cleaner but she can fight and kill one of voldemorts most faithful followers! Go Mrs. Weasley!!

[b]Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?

I also thought that in the earlier books that Ginny was not that important but in the 6th and 7th book she was quite an important character (from school) next to the trio! For most of the 7th book she was not really in it because the trio were looking for the horcruxes. In the 6th book however she was in it quite alot because of her and harry's relationship!

That's all I have to say for the moment!!

How did you feel about Percy's redemption?
At first when Percy appeared all flustered and apologising, i burst out laughing, i could just picture him, with his glasses askew etc lol But then i thought it was really fitting, and it made me quite emotional


What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?
Omg, when i read it, and she said the swear word...i was like "You GO Molly!" i was so proud of her, and i thought it was really quite exhilirating. I thought it was right that Molly should kill Bellatrix, because due to her image as the worried Mum throughout the books, fans might have started to underestimate her, but we saw the fiery side to her here, in effect, the side of her we see in Ginny


Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?
I am a big fan of both Ginny, and the Harry/Ginny ship, so i found there wasnt really enough Ginny, but i dont think JK could have included much more than she did. I think Ginny was hugely signifigant, she fought at Hogwarts for what she believed in, she stood up to the Carrows, and she led the Hogwarts rebellion with Neville and Luna, and this is immensley important


How did you feel when Ron left?
Devstated!!!! And totally shocked! And i kept shouting out (yes actually shouting) for Harry to go after him, when i read the bit "something had broken between them"...it doesn't bare thinking about....

Do you think it was foolish for Bill to have had his wedding in the middle of the war?
Well no, because they didnt know if they were going to make it through the war, and it might be their last chance to show everyone how in love they were. Plus, it was quite symbolic that despite all the hardship of the war, something so great could still happen, that Voldemort couldn't take it away from them

So...yeah!

How did you feel about Fred dying?

When I initially read that part, I sat on my bed crying for about 10 minutes. I couldn't believe she had actually killed one of my favorite characters. J.K. Rowling knows how to break a heart. I am tearing up thinking about it right now. I think it is an incredibly significant part though. It shows that every good has a little evil. The death of Lord Voldemort was countered by the deaths of the people.


How did you feel about Percy's redemption?

The fact that Percy let go of his Ego and became a true Weasley again made me happy. I am also happy that everyone got to know that before Fred... died...


What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?

The duel between these two was amazing. One was dueling to protect the "man" she loves, and the other her children. Mrs. Weasley would not have won that duel, I think, if she did not have that anger of Fred's murder and Ginny's near death. It was an amazing passage and I went back and read it a couple times.

Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?

Ginny did not seem to be much in well, any of the books. Sure in book 6 she became Harry's official Girlfriend, but I don't think she was around enough in any to completely satisfy.

I take that back. The Chamber of Secrets was somewhat based around her possesion so I think that would do it, but thats it.

how did you feel about fred dying?

I felt utterly dissapointed and very sad. i never expected jkr to kill of one of my fave charecters like many of you, i think it would have been better if percy died, bacause i wouldnt feel too sad about him because he wasnt a loved charecter like fred.

How did you feel about Percy's redemption?
i was happy, but i think that it should have been george that talked and joked with frd before he died

What did think of Mrs. Weasley's fierce and triumphant duel with Bellatrix?
i thought it was brill! that line is soo funny! !not my daughter you *bleep*... and i thought it was great that she finished bella off because that means that ALMOST EVERYONE got to fight abit

Was Ginny significant - too little or too much?
i think she could have been included more. :yes

The one thing would have been nice would have been put Ginny more into the book to show that she was just as powerful as Harry or more. Then it would show that Harry relied just on his guts and that he is extremely brave. His future wife might be just as strong but Harry has something else.

I thing this would accent everything that Dumbledore said that Harry had powers he did not know about.

Molly Weasley:

My question is did she die in the 19 years between killing Bellatrix and the epilogue?

As I have noted in here before, Molly is figuratively a gigantic mammary gland. She is great at "smotherlove".

Why was she not at platform 9-3/4 to see off four of her grandchildren (Victoire, James, Albus, and Rose)?

There is a passing reference by Ron about Arthur, but Molly is not mentioned and she is not there. That is so out of character for the Molly that JKR describes in the books. If the Order can escort Harry to the train in book 4, why can not Molly "escort" her precious grandchildren??


She should have been there on the platform with Ron or with Ginny to "just make sure" that everything goes all right.

I felt so touched about Fred. I nearly cried. He was so happy and when he died, a laugh was still etched on his face. It was Percy's reaction that nearly made me sob -- he wouldn't even let go of Fred's body! I think I know how Percy felt -- losing a loved one is the hardest thing in everyone's life, isn't it?

I loved Mrs. Weasley! The fact that she dueled Bellatrix until she died really made me gain respect for her. Now that I reread the series again, I feel alot of respect for Molly. Especially in that cursing scene when she shouted a cuss at Bellatrix made me laugh

Ginny, on the other hand, didn't do anything much. She should've had a major role in HP. I don't understand why she had to marry Harry anyway. She didn't even have major roles in all seven books! And now at the end she just ends up with Harry?

The key relationship is not Harry/Ginny, the key relationship which develops in Book One and continues through all seven books is Harry/Molly. Molly needs someone to "smotherlove" and Harry needs a mother.

FROM MOLLY'S POINT OF VIEW

Molly needs to smotherlove and to all intents and purpses, her six sons do not provide her this opportunity. Bill and Charlie have essentially "run away" as soon as they left Hogwarts. Percy is wrapped up in his school work and ambitions. Fred and George are (like twins) completly in to each other. Ron in Book One and beyond is actively rebelling against his mother.

Harry, growing up with the toxic Petunia, responds completely to her smotherlove. She excuses him from any transgression, she butters his toast for him, he gets the best and most elaborate Christmas sweater. At the end, it is Molly and not Ginny or Hermione who is his key partner in the destruction of the Death Eaters as she took out Bellatrix, bad guy #2.

I think you can see this at the beginning of HBP. Molly notices Harry is growing and is not a little boy anymore. He has been romantically involved (Cho). She can't "baby" him when he is an adult and married to some other family. The relationship will taper down to Harry coming by for dinner every couple of weeks.

Conciously or subconciously, Molly realizes that the only way she can keep her smotherlove relationship going with Harry is for him to be an actual member of the family. Harry has to marry Ginny!! Would Molly be capable of using love charms or potions on one or both of them?? In the beginning of POA, Molly was telling Hermione and Ginny about using love charms when she was a girl and the three of them were giggling about it.

Either with or without magic, maybe just muggle matchmaker efforts, Molly is going to see that Harry and Ginny get married so that she can have Harry forever (obsessive mother love but not oedipal kinky).

After spending time at the burrow in the beginning of HBP hanging around with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, Harry suddenly has his first real feeling toward Ginny on the train when he is annoyed she won't share a compartment with him. Has Molly been dosing him with a very slow acting and subtle love potion?


FROM HARRY'S POINT OF VIEW

Looing at the relationship from Harry's perspective. he has a triple motive to marry Ginny.

Harry desperately wants Molly's smotherlove. He thrives on it. The books are full of allusions to him having been without a mother. At the beginning of HBP, Harry as well recognizes that growing up means separation from Molly. Ginny again is the key even without sexual attraction. Harry is comfortable with her and she gives him Molly forever.

In one of the other threads, the poster seeks to debunk any Arthur/Guenevere and Harry/Ginny parallels, the poster stated that Ginny wouldn't bring a dowry as Guenevere did. What is Harry's deepest, hearfelt desire? When he looked into the mirror Erised, it was to have a large and extended family. At the Dursely's, he fantasized abbout having an unknown family member show up. Ginny does come with a very desireable dowery, the OBHWF!

As Harry notes the buildup between Ron and Hermione, he realizes that will put him on the outside looking in. He will still be friends, but of the coming round for dinner on occasion sort. At the beginning of HBP, he spends a lot of time together with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny at the Burrow. As Ron's BIL, he can continue to be close to Ron and Hermione and continue his relationship with them without feling like a fifth wheel.

FROM GINNY'S POINT OF VIEW

Ginny has been attracted to Harry from the moment she first had contact with him in SS/PS. That is the altruistic motive. Ginny could also have selfish motives by the time of HBP, DH, and after.

As noted in the first two books, Ginny has grown up in genteel poverty as the youngest of a very large family of a minor ministry functionary. Harry is the sole heir to the Potter fortune and at the beginning of HBP has become the heir of the very considerable Black fortune from the late Sirius. That in and of itself would make him a very attractive catch. Ginny has't been spoiled in her life, but would like to be.

After killing Voldemort, Harry is the closest thing to royalty that the wizarding world would have. It would be obvious that to be "Lady Potter" would be to always have the premier tickets to the Quidditch World Cup, the very best seats at any restaurant, and to be treated as a celbrity in the shops.

A cold and calculating girl would certainly be open to the "Marriage of Convenience" that Molly and Harry would want.

I felt pretty bad about Fred dying and especially being a twin. I just wish if it had to be one of the twins to die to be George because he had a lost ear. Oh, well.

I am personally glad Percy has finally seen the truth and back. I wonder what he had thought when Voldemort came to power and took over the Ministry. "Voldemort is the best thing that could have ever been done to this place."

Molly was superb! I love her for who she is, always being the mother hen for Harry and Hermione even though they are not hers.

I felt terrible about Fred dying i started crying it was sooo sad. I thought that Molly defeating Bellatrix was so good even though i like how crazy Bellatrix was she deserved what she got. Im glad that Percy came to his senses and came back.

Fred's death actually traumatized me, to the point where I had to put the book down for a couple of hours. I cringe at the thought of seeing the handsome Phelps Twin's characters get maimed, and murdered in the next films.

I'm pretty lukewarm on Percy's return. I'm glad he came to his senses, but---dang---could he have cut it any closer?

Molly was brilliant! She is the mother archetype of the series, while Bellatrix is the anti-mother. Polar opposites, as another member pointed out. I really don't believe that the "kill" belonged to Neville. Correct me if I'm wrong, but JKR NEVER writes a child/adolescent killing a human. (Young Tom Riddle may be an exception.) Even Harry didn't actively kill LV. LV was killed by his own curse. Also, Draco was saved from the horror of killing Dumbledore by Snape. (Besides....Neville had a bigger snake to fry.....Hmmm...just like chicken....)

I think that Ginny had the right amount of page time. The glimpses we get of her let us know the leadership role she's taken, as a continuing member of Dumbledore's Army.

I was overcome with Freds death. I thought perhaps she would kill a weasley but that didnt make his death any easier.
Im glad Percy cam to jis sences. It was awesoms how he went into an explanation then Molly grabs him and pulls him into a hug. I also like his reaction when Fred dies. I think it enticed the whole thing together nicely.
I really like the fact that since Bill is infected with werewolf blood it hasent affected him to much other than that he likes his meat rawer.
The duel with Molly was amazing. when she yelled at bellatrix you knew something big was about to happen. The duel didnt disappoint.
I liked Ginny's parts in DH. I didnt feel as if it was to little or to big since most of the book was dealing with Harry's serch. When they did show Ginny the parts with her went smoothly and were emotional. Weasleys Rule!