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Hi Jonas! [CLOSED] The Harry Potter Book Club! - Your Notes for Chapters 17 & 18 + Final Thoughts Of The Chamber of Secrets! (Patreon)

Published:
2022-10-31 12:12:29
Edited:
2022-11-18 14:40:28
Imported:
2026-08
Tags:

Content

This part of the Book Club is now complete! See you next time!! :)

Here is a chance to get your comment read out in the next Book review video!

If you are reading along with the reviews, we are covering chapters "The Heir of Slytherin", And "Dobby's Reward", as well as final thoughts on the book as a whole! So if you have any thoughts, opinions, comparisons or questions regarding these, please leave a comment below!

I do have to ask, try to keep them fairly short, like 4 or 5 sentences.  That way I can cover more when making the video.  Also try to keep them on subject and not referencing anything that we are yet to cover. Ideally, keep it to 1 comment each if you can (if you have more to say after commenting, you can edit it and add to it! :) ).  These are just rough guidelines rather than rules, I want to be able to fit in as many of you as possible! :)

OH! And if you would like to leave a comment but would rather I didn't read it out in the video, please feel free. Be sure to say you would rather it not be used in your comment.

Thanks, guys!! :)

Files

Comments

SibirPrizrak

I Love the Fight Against the Basilisk in the Book because its much more Realistic and you Really become the Feeling that He would have died without the Phoenix and the Sword the Dialog with Dumbledore and Ginny is also Great It explains how It was to be possesed by Voldemort and It Shows how much Dumbledore Planned of the Whole Qwest to Defeat Tom Riddles Memory

Eshi

Hi Veggie! Dobby's Reward is one of my favourite chapters in series. You would have noticed that Mr & Mrs Weasley, Dumbledore and McGonagall are all present. Ofcourse I understand that in the movie there would have been budget constraints etc. But it would have still been better if Mr & Mrs Weasley was there and how comic it was with Lockhart there and Dumbledore saying "impaled upon your own sword Gilderoy" 😂😂 and ofcourse the detailed exposition from Dumbledore. Also the reveal from Ginny about Percy's girlfriend. 😂

Josh Z

The book is much better than the movie here. First, we really get a much better idea of what Ginny's been through all year and how alone she felt. That makes Riddle's mocking her all the more rage inducing. I love that Harry's first instinct is to protect Ginny. He stops Ron from asking questions about what happened and is aware of the fact the diary can't be used to prove her innocence so he and Dumbledore frame the story trying to keep her name out of it as much as possible. The movie is very basic and that is a shame.

Jake M

I wish the film had shown the celebration at the end as it is in the book- 1AM with everyone in their pyjamas. It feels like more of a spontaneous celebration than in the movie, where it doesn't really seem any different to the end of year feast that was in Philosopher's Stone. Also, slightly alarming that Harry "couldn't decide" whether Hermione and Hagrid being alive and well is better than Gryffindor winning the house cup and exams being cancelled 😂 To misquote Ron, "He needs to get his priorities straight." One last thing- it was in the previous chapter, but what did you think of Stephen Fry's pronunciation of "Obliviah-tay"? I laughed when I heard that. Thanks for the for the great series. Looking forward to Prisoner of Azkaban, that was always my favourite book growing up!

Annamarie schwirian

LI really wish the film had done the scene with the sock like the book. I know it seems a small thing but having the sock encase the book instead of being inside the book is the difference between unintentionally freeing dobby (movie) and thinking so lowly of the creature that you forget that clothing frees him (book). I also feel that Ginny was given a huge miss service in the movies , this is honestly a huge deal later on but the parts with Ginny truly start to set up everything that leads to her and Harry's relationship later on.

Chesca

I love the reveal of Percy’s girlfriend! Although I felt sorry for Percy as he didn’t feel able to tell his brother’s about Penelope. I think it’s notable that Percy’s girlfriend is a half-blood witch and that her life was saved by a muggle-born witch (Hermione). Percy values status and hierarchy and he does lose his way later in the series, but it’s clear that he does not share the horrible views some wizards do about blood status. Also I love Lockhart's line "Am I a Professor? Goodness I expect I was hopeless wasn't I?" Haha! Excited to hear your thoughts Veggie – always look forward to your videos 😊

YaeliEz (Yael)

I wish we could have gotten some Ginny POV in this series. There're some fanfictions about how Ginny deals with the aftermath of being under Riddle's control for a year, but I would have loved to see some canon stuff. Even if it's just her talking to Harry. It's interesting to track what we see of her in the rest of the books. Maybe something to keep an eye on and speculate about.

Jacqueline Chaiton

There are very few things more satisfying than Lucius Malfoy getting his comeuppance.

Kristina

I think this pronunciation is supposed to sound more Latin like most of the Harry Potter spells :D

Jacob sparks

So what is everyone's theory's on what would have happen if diary Tom succeeded in his plans? 2 voldemorts? D

Jake M

I agree that's definitely what he was going for, I wonder if he was instructed to do that or it was his Oxbridge instincts? Listening to the Jim Dale versions at the moment and his pronunciations are a lot more akin to what I read in my head, although neither of them say "accio" with a hard k sound like child Jake did XD

Nix001

What was Lucius Malfoys' original intent I wonder. Did he see that book as a way of bringing his master back of was it merely nasty mischief in giving it to Ginny.

Thunderbird

What was your impression of Tom Riddle? I always find the encounters with Voldemort are far more interesting in the books because there is just so much detail and information we get. For example, we get to know that Tom was very charming and knew how to influence other people – which is how later he could gather so many followers as Voldemort. I also think it is great that we see how the school year was for Ginny and what she went through. It must have been horrible and was only mentioned very briefly in the movie. By the way, did you notice how protective of Ginny Harry was when other people were around? It is a nice addition as well that Molly and Arthur are called to Hogwarts and I think “Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can’t see where it keeps its brain.“ is an amazing line. 😄 PS: Did you catch that Voldemort is currently hiding in the woods of Albania? Keep that in mind, this detail will become important later on in the books!

Jake M

I think he wanted to discredit the Weasleys, as Dumbledore says. While also getting rid of a "dark magical artifact" for the raids. Also, he's just kind of a d*** XD

Embran

For me the movie does Dobby's freedom better. In the book Lucius disgusted tosses the sock away and Dobby catches it. Dobby seemed to distraught to think on his feet that that sock means freedom. So it's rather random. Lucius smacking the diary in Dobby's hands with the sock hidden in it is far more clever on Harry and writing in general.

Embran

Don't think so. Either Voldemort leaves him in the book for potential future victims if needed - student Riddle considers himself the same person anyway or Voldemort merges the Horcrux within him if the sentient memory proven too powerful. Voldemort knowledge and power obviously decades stronger than student Tom Riddle anyway.

Rebecca May

I love how in the Chamber of Secrets, we get the first glimmer of the most important character arc for Harry, and what really makes me love him by the end of the series... His ability to empathize with and, in some cases, forgive those who have hurt him. After Tom Riddle's speech gives Harry SO much to process, the thing that sticks in his mind over everything is - "... the orphaned boy who had grown up to murder Harry's own parents, and so many others." In other words, he can't believe that Voldemort would choose to inflict that hurt on others, when Voldemort himself knows the pain of living without parents. It's a beautiful character moment for Harry. However, instead of responding with empathy, Harry responds by throwing Voldemort's insecurities back in his face... He's very quickly picked up on Voldemort's weaknesses, much like how he manipulated McGonagall earlier. Harry still has a long way to go here, but I still love seeing the beginning of that journey towards empathy and forgiveness.

Jacob sparks

If anything dairy Tom becomes the new Voldemort. Current voldemort is super weak and hiding in Albania. If Harry died in the chamber then wormtail doesn't come out of hiding and help him so true voldemort probably doesnt come back to strength. Diary voldemort would consider true voldemort a fail for not killing a baby and only way to put the soul back together is with remorse which we know voldemort can't do. Diary voldemort probably finds a snack or somthing for true voldemort to live in then dairy goes on to his orginal plans

Kevin Morris

Happy Halloween!! The most significant and important day in the entire Harry Potter universe! (If you haven't realized yet you'll learn more why later) Also, I always loved this book for how much it casts Percy as the likely Heir of Slytherin: secluded in his room all summer by himself, reading a book called Prefects Who Gained Power, mysteriously being around often when things happen (which would make sense as he is a prefect), and Ginny "catching him doing something"....all for it to be revealed that he just has a girlfriend. Also, as I'm sure you realize now, the reason he was so distraught about the Ravenclaw prefect that was petrified was because it was his girlfriend, Penelope Clearwater. Lastly, Dumbledore's lines about "I will only truly be gone when none here are loyal to me" and "Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ASK for it" were meant as a clue to Harry that he would be able to call Fawkes and the Sorting Hat to help him fight the basilisk.

Kristina

Poor Ginny. She must have had a horrible first year at Hogwarts. In addition to the worries she had anyway (feeling ashamed of being poor, her brothers teasing and scaring her, her crush on Harry, propably feeling a bit overwhelmed by the start of this new chapter in life anyway), she was possessed by a horcrux, went through a lot of dark stuff, had a scary secret she couldn’t tell anyone about and faced Voldemort himself. So does Harry almost every year, but he mostly ends up as the celebrated hero, awarded with billions of house points and the center of attention. What Ginny got was her father being angry with her for letting it happen and Dumbledore suggesting that a mug of hot chocolate and some sleep surely would make her get over all those months of trauma. Hogwarts really should care more about psychological support for students, as it's a place with so much weird and scary stuff going on, where you almost get killed every other day and where you are seperated from your parents for so long at such a young age. Ginny should have had someone she could talk to about everything from the start, an adult whom she could trust and who was concerned about the students' well-being, so a lot of this could have been prevented. It's not only Harry who doesn't confide in adults, it's a lot of people because Hogwarts really doesn't invite or teach anyone to do so.

Benjamin Hütz

I find it interesting that Tom Riddle forgot that phoenix tears can neutralize Basilisk venom. He knew that a rooster can kill it easily, so he clearly did his research about basilisks. And considering that his greatest enemy (dumbledore) owns a phoenix, one may think he would be extra cautious about them too. Also he should have known that Basilisk venom can destroy a horcrux, so it was not very wise of him to let harry (with the tooth) come so close to the book :D

Josh Z

I think it was a lot more common to keep our mental struggle to ourselves back then, the closest the series ever comes to commenting on mental health is Dementors and Patrounus’

Anders Ekren

A bit unrelated to the chapters, but if you haven't seen the common room videos posted by Hogwarts Legacy, it would be super cool if you could react to them! Keep in mind some differences and similarities between the books and the movies.

Giorgia M

No disrespect meant at all to anyone who enjoys it, but I dislike the ending/climax of this book in terms of Tom v Harry. I’d say it’s definitely the worst of all of them which is disappointing to me, especially because I think the lore is really interesting. Sadly, I find Voldemort seems a bit one dimensional still and his exposition about his evil motives to close the book was a bit boring to me and very twirly moustache villain type behaviour. I think he wasn’t fully realised yet as a character, I appreciate him more later. It’s not that I don’t like any of what is being done in terms of origins etc, because I think Voldemort has a great backstory, but more how it is shown/presented to the reader by JK and Voldemort himself. Im disappointed more everytime I reread especially because I enjoy the general mystery and group hijinks over the year!!! But I do love Harry’s parallel to Tom especially as the playing field is levelled due to being a more similar age in this one. Something about Tom being the what if in how Harry could have turned out in his life is very powerful. Sorry for the negativity!! Love the videos Veg!!! Ps, I love Dobby so much lol.

Josh Z

I think the movies failed much worse at conveying many of Harry's most dire situations and chamber of secrets is the beginning of that, I don't like the way the screenwriters minimize both the gravity of what Harry is confronting and the truly disturbing implications of how riddle took advantage of Ginny. To be honest, I think most of the movie climaxes SUCK compared to the book, except the very first one

S1lm4r1l

They explain this in later books.

S1lm4r1l

I imagine Riddle read about it. But given that Phoenixes are ridiculously rare and the chances of a Basilisk and a Phoenix being in the same locale are very remote that he filed it away. He did realize of course but too late. As to the threat posed by Basilisk venom to his Horcruxes. Again Riddle controlled the only Basilisk he was aware of and they're very difficult to kill. The idea of anyone getting their hands on a Basilisk fang must also have seemed remote when he was making the Horcruxes. He was likely much more concerned with Fiendfyre or the other ways to destroy a Horcrux.

S1lm4r1l

I like the little hints we get of Voldemort's magical knowledge. Phoenixes are very rare and probably not on the Care of Magical Creatures curriculum until Newt level. And we know Riddle was in his 5th/6th year when he discovered the Chamber and presumably made the Horcrux diary not long afterwards. Yet Riddle was able to identify a Phoenix almost immediately by sight alone. I've got a theory about Dumbledore and Malfoy's interaction here, but it contains information given in subsequent books. Looking forward to your reaction as always.

Giorgia M

Yeah I totally understand that!! I don’t think the movies delved deep enough into the characterisation of anyone either. Didn’t the Voldemort exposition bother you at all? Upon re-read, I usually listen to the audiobook and the majority of one chapter is just Voldemort saying his story and motivations. Long exposition like that is a marker of bad writing, I’d rather have been shown especially since a book doesn’t have time constraints like a movie does. It’s the only book I struggle to finish.

itsanursething

It's been so long since I read the books. I'd forgotten the subtle differences between them and the movies. I think cinematically, the chamber scene in the book would have been boring, but I still prefer it. There's something about Tom Riddle that I prefer to the movie. In the movie he was disgusted and angry the whole time, but somehow that seems more like Vodemort's M.O. than Tom's. I like that in the book he was almost gleeful about the whole thing. Tom Riddle was always described as a handsome, clever, charming guy and that's why everyone was so trusting of him. I wish we could have seen that in the movie; I think it makes him creepier. On a different note, Percy's got a GIRLFRIEND! Just that little bit explains so many questions you had from the last chapters. I also really loved what Harry said about the Dursleys at the end there, "Proud? Are you mad? All those times I could've died, and I didn't manage it? They'll be furious..." It's the little things that are missed out on if you only watch the movies. So excited for Prisoner!!

H

It's so weird that Ginny has been telling Tom Riddle about his own future (by telling him about Harry). It's also quite funny that Harry uses "You're ugly" as an insult to Voldemort. My favourite part of this is how Harry protects Ginny both regarding what to tell Ron in front of her, and then later in front of "everyone", and that Dumbledore just understands what has happened, and how to deal with it. I think the closing chapters of this book is so much better when you know the full story (as you basically do). I have to say I didn't appreciate the The Heir of Slytherin chapter until after book six and seven. Loving these book reviews, and really looking forward to your thoughts about Prisoner of Azkaban!

Diego Zenhäusern

Agreed! I think it makes actually way more sense in the movie: There Lucius gives the book (and therefore the sock within it) intentionally to Dobby so he actually did present him with clothes (even though he didn't realize it at that moment). In the book, on the other hand, he just throws away the sock and Dobby catches it by accident. And if that were enough, Dobby could just have apparated behind anyone in the Malfoy household that happened to throw away their shirt (or any other article of clothing) and could have caught it to free himself. Because there would be absolutely no difference between that example and the way he actually got freed at the end of the book.

Diego Zenhäusern

Yeah, Dumbledore explains in book 6 that Lucius in all likelyhood didn't know that the diary was a horcrux. Instead, he probably only knew that it was a powerfull dark object Voldemort had given him for savekeeping. Otherwise, he probably wouldn't have given it away so lightly.

Diego Zenhäusern

I think you can certainly explain away the phoenix thing away as him beeing so overconfident that he didn't think of it. But this argument is still one of the reason, why I prefer the movie version of this particular scene, where Harry only gets healed after Voldemort can no longer interfere.

Diego Zenhäusern

I have to say, one of the few things I think any of the movies did better than the books is the scene after Harry kills the Basilisk: Firstly, I like that in the movie Harry destroys the diary before being healed. I prefere this thematically, as it means that getting rid of the diary was the most important thought on his mind...even more so than survival. And there is also the technical aspect where you don't need to explain away why Riddle doesn't notice that Fawkes is healing Harry until it is to late. Secondly, I enjoy that Harry figures out himself that he can use the Basilisk fang and doesn't need Fawkes to "tell" him. I personally also enjoy how they elaborated on the fight with the Basilisk in the movie. But that's just my personal taste🙂 And it is also pretty much an exception. Since in most other instances I don't really like it when the movies stretch out action scenes from the books🤔🙈 And lastly, I noticed something I never thought about before this reread: I understand that Fawkes as a phoenix is able to lift them all up. But how on earth is Harry able to hold on to the combined weight of Ron, Ginny and Lockhart?😂

itsanursething

I don't think Harry is holding their combined weight. Harry's holding onto Fawkes and they are all holding onto Harry. Maybe the trip wasn't that long with Fawkes flying them up? Maybe...magic? ;)

Diego Zenhäusern

I mean, you just pointed out to me that it's even worse😅 Because as you said: Harry is holding on to Fawkes and the others to him. Thus Harry is holding himslef AND the combined weight of everyone else that is hanging on to him😯 Meaning the only additional weight Fawkes is carrying (in comparison to Harry) is his own.😂 Well...I guess having a phoenix feather core turns you into half a phoenix yourself🙈😅

S1lm4r1l

It's like an invisibility cloak, the magic extends beyond the Phoenix. I'm 99% sure they explain this. Phoenixes make everything much more weightless.

Blue

My favourite detail about the last few chapters of the Chamber of Secrets is that Percy's big secret is his relationship with Penelope Clearwater, and he is trying to hide it to the extent that he prevents Ginny (who accidentally discovered it) from speaking to Harry/Ron, when in fact she could have confided in them regarding the diary and Tom Riddle. (Also I must mention the headcanon that Ginny had the help of a certain diary in writing her Valentine's Day poem - because only Death Eaters call Voldy the Dark Lord...) Btw, I just binged all of your HP videos on YouTube and had to get Patreon for more content. I am super excited for Prisoner of Azkaban, it's definitely my favourite book.

Diego Zenhäusern

I mean, if it is explained it is in some of the extended material (like pottermore) because Rowling realized after the fact that it didn't actually make sense😅 But that's fine, and it doesn't suddenly make the books bad. After all, you can't ever account for every potential plothole when you write something🤷🏼‍♂️🙂

Embran

lol it's more believable in the movie - Harry being at the bottom holding Ron. Let's just say he hold on to the others in the book with his right hand - that one magically restored by madame Pomfrey and maybe made stronger ^^

Embran

Wow! Didn't think of that! Dobby could have ended his slavery so early on. Then again he only mustered the courage breaking his contract after having met Potter (and by extent having experimented with disobeying). Before Dobby was like all other elves.

Embran

In my view the teachers being so gleeful about sending Lockhart on his quest isn't that strange, though it fits more in the book. After all they are all stalked by him all year long, constantly given "advice" on their specialty. Only Dumbledore left alone because likely even Lockhart realizes he can't suggest to know more about magic on any subject than him. Mythos wise a basilisk kills through glare or breath, some say deadly petrification. The mirror is originally only a device for reflecting the glare that is deadly to the beast itself. Obviously Rowling inspired by Medusa and altered it. It being enemy of spiders is her addition. Props to you comparing it to beast version of He Who Must Not be Named. Never considered that! Mandrakes across centuries associated with magic because of DNA of Mandragora/ nightshade family - healing ability, hallucinatory... The root looking like a human also adds to the mind going wild. Still as far as I know the plant not mentioned as some altered plant though it can be in Potter verse I guess. It clearly has sentience there, though seemingly even lower than a garden gnome. Never heard of a dandrake though? 0_O I feel Harry technically could have commanded the Basilisk, being a Horcrux and therefore a soul fragment of the real heir. Ginny likely able to use Parselmouth while possessed, but that's it. She mentally so weak can't have control over it. Percy we now know has no relation to Zaladar, just acted a bit sus and some Slytherin traits. Makes me wonder if he changed the Sorting Hat's decision? He sure doesn't show Gryffindor traits, even less than Hermione.

Daniel Lee

I love how Harry already has some loyalty to Dumbledore when he tells Riddle that Dumbledore is the greatest wizard in the world even though they’ve only spoken to each other like 4 times. This loyalty and also Dumbledore’s trust in Harry comes up a lot more further in the series, even more so than in the movies. But even in the very next paragraph, when Harry says “He’s not as gone as you might think,” it goes back to Dumbledore saying “I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me.” Fawkes and the Sorting Hat also alludes to the help given to those who ask for it. A lot of people say this is their least favorite book partly due to similarities with the first book and while it’s not one of my favorites from the series, I really like how Chamber introduces the more hidden aspects of the world such as blood purity prejudice, enslavement of House-Elves, Harry’s identity crisis, etc. At least you got that “sharing my toilet” line you loved so much…

Diego Zenhäusern

Oh, I never though about the poem in that way, but it would make sense🤔😮

Sara

I don't know about, Percy showing no Gryffindor traits. Sneaking around the school while there's a monster on the loose just because you want to make out with your girlfriend is about the most Gryffindor thing I've ever heard.

Dara Jeeling

"Am I a Professor? Goodness I expect I was hopeless wasn't I?" Not really, my friend - you're the reason Harry could learn "Expelliarmus" I understand that a lot of people do not especially like this book, BUT I remember clear as day when reading it, I had an incling (that word just looks so wrong) about the book being a part of a soul, but then when you played both DD and WoW - you have a adiffernet look on things. What do you think about book Ginny? as with a lot of characters you'll find book Ginny is different from film Ginny and yeah on to "Prisoner" from now on the books get bigger!

Raider Max

Everything about these last two chapters I thought were much better in the book except one thing, the final confrontation between Harry and Lucious. I like how the movie hid the sock from the audience so it was a more a surprise when Dobby found the sock. That was very well done from the movie. But now we are finished with the appetizers and start moving on to the main course. Harry Potter and The Sausage of Azkaban!.....Prisoner, I meant prisoner.

electroshock therapy

I'm always impressed by how Chamber of Secrets matures compared to Philosopher's Stone. Philosopher felt like a series of short stories that loosely ties together for a plot, but Chamber feels like a more focused and cohesive story. Philosopher is a relatively light-hearted affair whereas Chamber drops us right into prejudice and even threats of racial cleansing. The first few books are seen to be more childlike, but Chamber of Secrets introduces a lot of really dark themes.

Garry (Not Jerry)

Dumbledore didn’t know about the basilisk, were these just generic clues? like “if something goes wrong, say something really loyal, and Fawkes will come and help you. I’ll tell him to bring the sorting hat. You might need to pull a sword from it…”

Garry (Not Jerry)

Can I hear about your theory in the sub-comments?

Garry (Not Jerry)

Yeah it is explained that Harry “feels lighter”. Assuming the magic of the phoenix means that the others experience a similar sensation. So Harry holding on to them would be much easier.

Garry (Not Jerry)

Did you catch the bit where riddle said that Hagrid tried to raise werewolf cubs under his bed? How would that work? Wouldn’t they just be babies most of the time? And what happened to their parents? Did they get bitten as babies or did two werewolves conceive them? Lot of people saying that Chamber is not their favourite so I’ll say that growing up this one was my favourite. I love that it is a sort of magical murder mystery novel, with lots of misdirects but all the pieces of the puzzle coming together at the end. Very well written!

Diego Zenhäusern

Lol, you're right...I just read that chapter, how did I miss that🙈? Thx for the clarification!

S1lm4r1l

Dumbledore notices Dobby's bizarre behaviour too and begins using legilimency on Lucius Malfoy. Malfoy (realizing too late) attempts to use Occlumency and that's how Dumbledore knows that Lucius slipped the Diary to Ginny Weasley. Dumbledore looks Malfoy directly in the eyes. Snape says to Harry that eye-contact is essential to Legilimency. Malfoy's face suddenly becomes 'Mask-like' half-way through this interaction. Snape's face is described in similar tones when he is using Occlumency or otherwise concealing his emotions. Harry, (with Dobby's prompting,) figures it out too, Dumbledore admits that they do not have any proof, but advises Malfoy not to give away anymore artifacts contected to Voldemort. Harry is of course oblivious and ignorant to the Legilimency and Occlumency.

S1lm4r1l

I think Hagrid was just trying to raise dogs or wolf cubs and Riddle lied to indicate his disdain for Hagrid's wild ways and Werewolves. I doubt Hagrid had actual Werewolves under his bed.

Embran

Sneaking around should be a Slytherin thing. Gryffindor should be up front and daring. but in the open. It's just that both James Potter and his gang, Fred & George and now Harry, Ron and though at first reluctant even Hermione make it become standard for Gryffindor as well.

Hawwah

Wait, Penelope is half-blood? Was that mentioned on Pottermore or somewhere? I always assumed she was muggleborn because the basilisk was supposed to exclusively target "mudbloods".

Sara

Aren't Slytherins supposed to be all about self-preservation? No Slytherin would ever go "Oh, a monster might kill me if I sneak around the castle but I'm horny, so I'll go anyway."

Chesca

It’s in chapter 23 of the Deathly Hallows book - when Hermione is captured by snatchers she tells them she is “Penelope Clearwater: half blood.” It is odd that Penelope was targeted by the basilisk in light of this - I figured she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and that Hermione was the target of the basilisk but Penelope happened to be with her 🤔

Hawwah

"only Death Eaters call Voldy the Dark Lord" This is incorrect. Mr. Ollivander, Dobby and Professor Trelawney called him the Dark Lord as well.

Hawwah

I've just reread the chapter and you're right! However, in the same chapter Harry identified himself as "Vernon Dudley" and Ron as "Stan Shunpike". So I think it's safe to say that they told the snatchers the first names that came to their minds without thinking about it; and of course Hermione wasn't going to tell them she was muggleborn. That's not a proof that the actual Penelope was half-blood.

Hawwah

I still vividly remember when I was reading Chamber of Secrets for the first time. My class was on a school trip and I was so captivated by the mystery that I couldn't wait to continue reading. So I took the book out of my backpack and tried to read while walking! I was an avid reader as a kid (not so much today unfortunately) but this was extreme even for me. Then I fell behind the rest of the class and got lost. Oh, the memories.... Chamber is generally considered the least favorite book by the fandom but I will always have a soft spot for it. I actually think it's underrated. Unpopular opinion: I'm not very fond of Fred and George. I think they have a lot in common with Peeves. From time to time they manage to be genuinely funny but most of the time they just harass people who did nothing to deserve it. Percy didn't tell his family about his girlfriend for a whole year because he was afraid of taunting - that's messed up. Kudos to Justin Finch-Fletchley for apologizing to Harry! First Ernie, now Justin ... Harry really should take a page from the Hufflepuff boys' book! (Yes, I'm still salty about Harry not apologizing to Professor Snape. Especially now when he knows how it feels to be falsely accused.)

Hawwah

"Sneaking around should be a Slytherin thing." No one sneaks around as much as the Trio, so... no.

Kattie Martin

So much Voldemort backstory, and what a different fighting scene with the basilisk. In the movie Tom mentioned that parseltongue would not save Harry because the basilisk only listens to him which, as you just found out, is not in the books. I wonder though with Harry and voldemort's connection if Harry could have controlled the basilisk if he had actually tried. Also, considering how much Voldemort hates being called by his muggle father's name, if I was Harry I would have called him Tom from then on, just to be petty.

Embran

That more nasty trait of the twins is something many indeed overlook and you don't see on screen. There they are just the rebels and pranksters. And according to Hagrid they are just coming close to James Potter and his gang - who were apparently the worst bunch Hogwarts has known according to Mc Gonagall !

Embran

He does call him Tom on confrontations later on. In particular The Deadly Hallows. Calling Voldemort ugly, that was just silly writing honestly on Rowling's part. Tom is genuinely good looking and Harry usually doesn't uses the opposite insult on those. Ron does.

Kattie Martin

True Ron is the more likely to insult but I just wanted the pettiness of only referring to Voldemort as Tom, especially since I feel like calling him the name he chose was more respect than he deserved. Especially in the future when saying Voldemort is basically a summons. I don’t recall if any other words were as well. It’s been a few years since I read the books and I’m only on five as I’m rereading them now.

Katik

I really prefer the book version of the showdown between Harry and Lucius to the film scene - it never sat right with me that the film had Lucius starting to say Avada...(Kedavra) when trying to curse Harry before Dobby intervened. First, at this stage we are not supposed to know of that curse yet (has not been mentioned in the books!); and second: as evil as Malfoy might be and even being that furious in the moment, he would never just dare to kill a student in a school, let alone kill Harry Potter! At least not while he is still pretending to be an upright member of the magical community. In the book he was going to curse him for sure, but kill him, definitely not. On the other hand though, have to give credit to the film: the wand in the walking cane was such a cool addition and perfect for the character! Also what I keep forgetting about: in the book Malfoy's first instinct was to try to attack Harry physically ("he lunged at him"), and only after Dobby's first intervention he draws his wand. Quite funny - is it the third time in this book wizards forget about magic in anger? Not sure if JK has done that on purpose but feels like a mini theme in this book. Anyway can't wait for the next book!

Jacqueline Chaiton

TBH I think sneaking around is just a tween/teenager thing, regardless of any house affiliation. Also like @Hawwah said there really isn't anyone who sneaks around as much as the trio and Harry specifically. The marauders likely snuck around a lot as well given that they (and the trio) have the invisibility cloak.

Hawwah

James and his gang weren't just pranksters, there were full-on bullies. Fred and George aren't as bad as them but that's really not saying much. Even Draco Malfoy, as bad as he is, looks like a kind, polite and considerate little boy in comprarison to James Potter and his gang.

Hawwah

@Embran Harry called present-day Voldemort ugly, not diary-Voldemort. And to be honest, he wasn't wrong.

Garry (Not Jerry)

Interesting. I always just assumed that Harry figured it out and Dumbledore just believed him but I like your explanation. Why did Lucius have Dobby with him in the first place? He’s never taken his house elf around with him before?

Garry (Not Jerry)

I used to read while walking. That’s funny. Make sure you look before crossing roads though 😂

Garry (Not Jerry)

Dumbledore always calls him Tom (to his face). It’s a good way to not play by his rules. It also makes Harry seem more grown up and Dumbledore-like. (when he does call him Tom in Deathly Hallows)

Garry (Not Jerry)

Oh I forgot about this! I hope veggie talks about it. Lucius using Avada kedavra in the movie is so silly.

itsanursething

I think I heard or read in a Jason Isaacs interview that he just said the first spell that came to mind. I can't remember if he had read the books prior to his casting, but that kind of explains why that spell showed up so early. Weirdly, I also kind of like it. You hear the first part of the spell and you know it's not going to be anything good, but (especially if you haven't read the books) you don't find out just how bad it is until two movies/years later! Just goes to show how awful of a human Lucius Malfoy is. No wonder Draco was so messed up.

itsanursething

Someone named raptorific once said: If I were Harry Potter I would had addressed Voldemort as "Tim Riddle." He'd be like, "IT'S TOM RIDDLE. ALSO, IT'S NOT TOM RIDDLE, IT'S VOLDEMORT." Ahahaha classic Tim." I will always remember this. And I will always refer to Voldemort as Tim. Or the Dark Lord Moldy Shorts. Because why not?

Loveinthehat

I love the books for philosophers stone and chamber of secrets! But I’m so excited for you to get onto the later ones, prisoner of Azkaban is still one of my favourites but especially from goblet of fire the differences are way bigger and the chapters are way longer as well. So for these first 2 books with the long reviews I can’t wait to see how it will get in the later books lol! That’s not a complaint I love the long videos and hearing your thoughts. It way better to me that a short review that doesn’t go into much detail. It’s nice to see the small things you pick up on!

Josh Z

I guess this is the least exciting finale of the seven books but I think JKR obviously learns from this because she shows us these things in HBP so it balances out to me.

Mate

You really see how much Dumbledore is in the know. Him understanding that ginny wasn’t to blame and asking how Voldemort controlled her when his sources told him he is far away. He was cheering them up and indirectly telling them that he understood exactly what was going on! Love this book club! Its a great way for us to experience the books through your perspective. As much as we love the books, it is not the same re-reading them on our own. We relive the excitement we felt through you reading them for the first time!! Thank you for doing this and looking forward to the rest of the books.

Methanoutput

It probably has been said already but the moment i really liked about this part of the book, was that Ginnys parents were there, when they came out of the chamber. Probably in shock, because maybe they did even assume that Ginny was dead until she entered the room? But Ginny must have been traumatised by these events, being kidnapped, nearly killed and controlled for a year by a crazy guy in a book. For the book itself as a whole, i think this was the book i reread the least from them all, so it was fun to refresh my mind on this one. Prisoner being one of my favourites, i cannot wait until you get to that! And thank you for those superlong videos, i love them! :)

Lovegood

I honestly love Lucius as a character in the books. In the movies I love the actor, but the character is just not written as well, his actions are too impulsive. Where Lucius as a character in the books is always very calculating and anything but impulsive. This book and movie used to be my least favorite during the first read/watch, but rereading this book is always a joy because it just sets up so much for the future.

Triene

Poor Percy. I would do the same if I were in that family, though. I couldn’t deal with having brothers like Fred and George. I hate pranks, and there’s a limit to the amount of teasing I could stand every day of my life. They aren’t bad people or anything, I just couldn’t deal. 😂😭

Fiur

"Dear me, impaled upon your own sword, Gilderoy" are the words Dumbledore said when learning about Lockharts attempt to use a memory charm on Harry and Ron. I think, this shows that Dumbledore must have been very well aware of the fact, that Lockhart cheated his way to fame by stealing other peoples adventures. It's those little moments in the books, where you can get the feeling that Dumbledore often knows much more what happens in Hogwarts than most people realize. As always, thanks for your amazing work, Veggie. I am really looking foreward to the next book review. They always make my day. Greetings from Germany.

Hawwah

But Lucius Malfoy wouldn't use AK on Harry. It makes no sense whatsoever. Lucius Malfoy is many things, but he is not stupid. Using Avada Kedavra against another human being means life in Azkaban. Lucius Malfoy is perfectly aware of this. Furthemore, Lucius Malfoy knows that even Voldemort himself wasn’t able to kill Harry Potter. He knows that for some unknown reason the curse rebounded and (seemingly) destroyed Voldemort. Given Mr. Malfoy’s sense of self-preservation, he would never try to use Avada Kedavra against the Boy Who Lived.

S1lm4r1l

Perhaps Dobby injured himself badly enough to necessitate a trip to St. Mungos and Malfoy decided to pick Dobby up en-route to Hogwarts?

Garry (Not Jerry)

Yeah it’s almost like he hired Lockhart just to be able to expose him as a fraud. Pretty smart, although not very good for the pupils…but if you’re struggling to find a teacher, might as well do some good as well I suppose.