Everything feels different in this, the seventh and final book of the Harry Potter series. That’s as expected in the aftermath of the sixth book’s devastating conclusion. Having lost his beloved mentor Dumbledore, Harry has made the decision to forgo his last year at Hogwarts and undertake the mission given to him by his departed headmaster: to destroy the Horcruxes containing the pieces of Lord Voldemort’s soul in order to destroy Voldemort himself. Accompanied on his quest by Hermione and Ron, Harry sets out without […]

In the aftermath of his battle with Voldemort at the end of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Harry Potter spends his annual summer with the Dursleys more depressed than ever. Dumbledore has insisted he return to Privet Drive and take no action to combat the Dark Lord. Even worse, his best friends Ron and Hermione have gone incommunicado, leaving him totally disconnected from the wizarding world. Until one night, dementors attack Harry and his cousin Dudley, forcing him to use magic to fend them off and exposing […]

Harry Potter’s fourth year at Hogwarts is an auspicious time to be a wizard. The Quidditch World Cup is in full swing, and thanks to the Weasleys, Harry has a prime seat for the final between Ireland and Bulgaria. It’s a tremendously exciting day, as wizards from around the globe gather for should be a communal celebration. But an unfortunate incident leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, and makes it glaringly obvious that their are deep divisions within wizarding world. It’s an exciting time […]

Their third year at Hogwarts is no less eventful for Harry, Ron, and Hermione, with many changes. There is yet another new teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts, as the kind but sickly Professor Lupin joins the faculty. Also joining the teaching staff is none other than gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid, commissioned to instruct the students in the Care of Magical Creatures. The only black cloud hanging over the new school year is the recent escape of Sirius Black from the titular Azkaban prison, long […]

I’m now two books into my much-belated journey into the world of Harry Potter and still very much enjoying the ride. Chamber of Secrets is a very typical second entry in many ways, opening with a bit of a recap of the events of the previous book, introducing some new characters, and increasing the level of danger facing our heroes. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are no longer first-years at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but they still have a lot to learn about […]