Thoughts on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

HP Thoughts, Book One:
I finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone last night. My initial thoughts upon completion were, “Is that it?” I’m so used to reading epic 800-page-long books, that it struck me how quickly everything happens in book one. This is also the first time reading book one with knowledge of how the series ends. So many things in book 1 reappear in book 7. Questions are answered, ultimate loyalties revealed. If you haven’t read the entire series, my thoughts will contain spoilers, so I wouldn’t read any further. My thoughts and questions are admittedly disjointed, but I’ll try to make them coherent and meaningful (or at least sequential). Please add your thoughts, because, at times, I get more out of HP from hearing my friends’ opinions than from my own readings.
· The first book is definitely a children’s book, whereas the later books move into young adult territory. These later books are fresher in my mind, so the simplicity of the first book is charming. In the first book, nothing really bad happens. Everything works out in the end. We all know that this doesn’t last for long. Beloved characters die, and sacrifices are made. Its almost sad to read them, knowing what all will happen.
· I would love to read a real British copy of book one. I know they edited out much of the British slang and terminology, and I think the book is the poorer for it. I know they kept more of it in with the later books, but still….
· One of my greatest pleasures in rereading so far has been the rediscovery of all the charming world building. Learning about the magical world, its candies, traditions, and customs brought back the delight I experienced when I first read these books long ago.
· I remember the feeling of wanting to be found out to be someone special, just like Harry. I think all kids (and I dare say adults) hope that others will see things in us that we don’t see in ourselves. We all wish we had hidden, secret powers, or an incredible destiny.
· Certain scenes stand out as really special. Harry and Ron on the train. Harry’s first real Christmas (with presents). Their adventure to retrieve the Sorcerer’s Stone. And most of all…Harry in front of the Mirror of Erised. To me, that was one of the most memorable and emotional scenes of the whole series. For so long, Harry has been alone, and now he finally has friends and a family supporting him.
· Things from book seven that appear in book one: Grindelwald, Goblins, the dragons at Gringotts, the invisibility cloak, the mystery of Harry’s scar, and having his mother’s eyes.
· I had forgotten how awesome the food at Hogwarts is. Who’s up for a HP-themed banquet?
· Snape. Oh, Snape. With Dumbledore, one of the most complex characters in the whole series. We never quite know what each is thinking. From the seventh book, we know Snape’s true thoughts towards Harry and what Dumbledore sees in his reflection of the Mirror of Erised. I look forward to hearing their stories again.
· I’m sad that Madam Pince is the stereotypical mean librarian, but I do love that the first place Harry sneaks off to in his invisibility cloak is…the library!
· I had totally forgotten about the centaurs. It like how they are separate from the other magical creatures, as well as their cryptic predictions. I love Firenze’s relationship with Harry.
· I remember how surprised I was to find out it was Quirrell. The first of JK Rowling’s many plot twists and surprises.
· I love the whole aspect of Harry being protected by his mother’s love. The power of Harry’s blood to defeat evil is one theme of the series that is closest to my heart. More to come on that…
· Props to Neville. He always gets overlooked, but I will enjoy hearing his journey again. I’m so proud of him for standing up to his friends.