SPOILERS BELOW!

I’ve jotted down a few notes from chapters 1-13, which I’ll refer to when I review Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for my next column and prepare subsequent posts. “Second Third," “Last Third,” and posts on Christian themes will follow. Read my first impressions of the book.

The first third of the book, which encompasses Chapters One through Thirteen, was the best. I thought the book opened beautifully. It set the tone for the rest of the story and answered burning questions from Book 6.

Chapters 1-6: Let the Games Begin

In the first chapter, we found out where Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy were hiding: At Malfoy Manor with Voldemort and the rest of the Death Eaters. At that point, we still didn't know Snape’s true loyalties. (Hint: He's good!) Nervous Death Eaters are sitting around a table, scared out of their wits that Voldemort will kill them Darth Vader-style, while Voldemort plots to take down the Ministry of Magic and capture/kill Harry Potter en route to his safe house.

Unfortunately, Snape’s lines are minimal. After he tells the Dark Lord when Harry will be moved and Yaxley shares “new” plans about Harry’s movements, Snape smiles. This scene is ambiguous; we’re not sure what’s going on. Both sides of the Great Snape Debate have equally plausible arguments to support their theories.

In Chapter Two, we learn more about Albus Dumbledore’s life through an untrustworthy source: bloodsucking Daily Prophet reporter Rita Skeeter. There may be some truth in her accusations against Dumbledore, but we know what a talented yellow journalist she is. One thing we know for certain at this point: Dumbledore was a fallen human being. What a revelation!

Continue reading Deathly Hallows: First Third