Harry Potter Exhibition!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP *fangirl scream*

I had chills running up and down my spine as I entered that hall, donned in a black witches hat, in the magnificent ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay sands, Singapore.

Anticipation building ever since I read about the Exhibition in December, I was nearly faint with excitement.  In fact, my cousin and I were considering not entering for a while, to build it up even more. But we couldn't resist, and burst in with nervous excitement.

First thing we saw was a huge model of the flying Ford Anglia, suspended from the ceiling in all its Powder Blue glory. Assuming that pictures weren't allowed from this point on, I didn't take a snap, much to my dismay when I found out later that it was allowed at the entrance.
Thats where I bought my Harry Potter Exhibition guide. An amazingly printed book with a replica of Harry's letter in the underflap.
An official gave us scarves and wands (I specifically requested Ravenclaw) and my two cousins and I took a picture in front of a greenscreen (which later became the exterior of Hogwarts) to remember our time here. I did trouble the official for a while, refusing to return the wand or the scarf, but I reluctantly had to hand it over.
It was dimly lit, and movie posters lined the walls, with the Soundtrack playing softly in the background. Heart thudding in my chest,  we entered through a fog like screen which had a projection of "Harry Potter: the Exhibition" on it.
We entered an antechamber where an official in robes and hat stood waiting, next to a stool and Sorting Hat in hand. After welcoming us and warning us that photos are strictly prohibited inside the main doors, that we were being constantly monitored by Death Eaters, (and that our muggle cameras wouldn't work anyway) she asked for a volunteer.
True Hermione style, my hand shot up before she finished the word "volunteer".(or in the words of Katniss: I VOLUNTEER!!!!!) . She beckoned me over and this was the dialogue that followed:

She: So whats your name, and where are you from?
Me: Bhavani, I m from Kuwait.
She: ooh!Kuwait! Did you come all this way for the exhibition?
Me: Pretty Much (grins)
She: So how did you get here, Broom, Floo Powder?
Me: Flying carpet (lowers voice to a whisper) I know its illegal, but don't tell anyone
She: I ll let you off this time (winks). So whats your favorite house?
Me: Ravenclaw
She: ohhhh of a sharp mind! Do you think she has the brains to get into Ravenclaw?
(my cousins snigger)
She places the Sorting Hat in my head and a voice from above placed me in...RAVENCLAWW!!
that was an experience in itself.

She then called another girl and asked her the same questions, having answered Gryffindor (as her favorite house) and failing to reply as wittingly as I had done (hem hem) she replied with a weird giggle laugh that she came by MRT because she could find the Hogwarts Express (filthy muggle). To which the girl spontaneously replied: Muggle Rapid Transport? and proceeded to put her in Slytherin for annoying her. (BOOYAH)

We entered the next room... and found a wall with screens on it, which played a video about the wonderful journey of  Potter, and the wall opened to reveal the Hogwarts Express!
At that point I had tears in my eyes, seriously missing my Best Potterhead Friend, imagining her hand in mine and our fangirl screams echoing through the halls.

The Exhibition was beyond my imagination. The tiniest details which go into the creation of the costumes and sets were astounding. Every single wand on display was unique; differently carved and coloured to suit the handlers personalities. The feel of the robes (sssh we were not allowed to touch; but couldn't resist fingering Alan Rickman's Snape robes and Tom Felton's Draco Quidditch Robes like a creepy maniac)
They had replicas of Hagrid's hut, Buckbeak, the Forbidden Forest and Umbridge's foul pink office.
They had Quidditch robes, and a game in which you had to throw a Quaffle through a hoop, and another where you could pull a mandrake out of a pot.

They had the robes of almost every member of the cast, exhibits of the Three Hallows and the 6 Horcruxes.

The gift shop was to die for. Unfortunately I had only enough cash for a Tshirt and a Chocolate Frog, and had to resist sliding pens and necklaces, not to mention wands, into my bag.

The Harry Potter Exhibition was a magical experience, a reminder of the amazing vastness of the Potter fandom that we thread in love and excitement forever more...

Always.

Diary of a Dark Lord- Part 1

A side of Lord Voldemort you've never seen before! Take a sneek peek into this never- before published Diary! Finally we reveal the person behind the Lack of Nose!
As you all know Voldemort (sorry- He-Who-Must-Be-Named), loved to keep a diary even in his school days.  Even though he seriously mishandled it- I think putting a part of your soul in it would count as maltreatment?- It was one of his most priced possessions. Even after he left school, and throughout his years in hiding he continued to keep a journal even though he basically had no hand to write with. So turn the page, and prepare to be amazed!.....

This Part focuses on Voldemorts school years, the time when he was a well behaved school boy with the charisma to charm even a Blast Ended Skrewt. It stops after his Downfall.
This is the First Rising of the Dark Lord.


 The Diary of Tom Marvolo Riddle /

12th May 1943
Dear Clarence,
I have found it! I have finally found the Chamber of Secrets! I almost got caught finding it though. It is in a girl's bathroom!
The Basilisk is beautiful.
I can now finish  Salazar Slytherin's noble work!
I am going to be very busy ...

Tom 

13th June 1943
Dear Clarence,
 It all wen quite wrong.. I thought killing Mudbloods would solve everything...  but this plan has backfired on me. They are planning to close Hogwarts! I don't have a home to go to. I can't return to that bloody orphanage can I? I must do something.... I know! That brainless oaf Hagrid has an Acromantula in the school.. Iwill frame him for the murder! It might save me in the process. Heehheheheehe ..Evil! I ought to go now. I think they are moving the dead  girl from the bathroom.. I haven't visited my Basilisk at all today. I must carry out my plan as well. Wish me luck!
Tom
Ps- Plan carried out! Hagrid expelled. I acquired a medal for services to the school. I am a rather happy evil boy now.

23rd June 1943
Dear Clarence,
I have had to close the Chamber of Secrets. Dumbledore has been keeping an annoyingly close watch on me ever since I framed Hagrid for the murder. Its not safe for me to open the Chamber again while I am still at school.
I have had this .. obsession. I have realised how much I want to be immortal. Death is so uncertain, so frightening.. why would one need to die at all? I have been doing research about it.. and I found a term I didn't quite understand. Horcruxes.  It says something about placing your soul in an object. But I am not sure. I must speak to Professor Slughorn about it when school begins again.
Meanwhile I have been bursting to tell you about something. I 've been trying to find out about my family.. I have made a breakthrough as far as my mother is concerned  from the orphanage. I need to find out more.
....Later.....
Fury. I have never been this angry before, Clarence. I breathe heavily as I write. I hate that filthy muggle who left my mother on the streets. My witch mother who couldnt survive for me.  Yes my father was a muggle.  Filthy blood ran through his veins. I am going to kill him.
 I will kill them all.
Tom


13th September 1943
Dear Clarence,
I found out about Horcruxes. I have already created one. You Clarence. I will have to use another Diary now.
I am going to use the ring as a Horcrux as well. I want to find priceless items as my Horcruxes. I deserve nothing less!
I have also shed my Filthy Muggle Father's Name. I have fashioned myself a new name, a name I know that wizards everywhere will fear to speak when I become the Greatest Sorceror in the World! I will  rule the world Clarence! And rule it I will with and Iron Wand,no less.
I have experimented with a few names, and I have realised  that I am a genius! Obviously.
Watch this:
            TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE= I AM LORD VOLDEMORT
That is my new name. I will make sure people wont forget it.
I will rule. I will hurt people who snub me.
I feel the Power.
Voldy


20th June 1957
Dear Clarence,
My hunt for priceless artefacts has lead me to believe that the Sword of Gryffindor is still at Hogwarts.
I think I will apply again  for the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts, yes?
I already have the diadem of Raveclaw. Charmed the location out of the Grey Lady didnt I? I also have what is rightfully mine.Slytherin's locket which my mother sold for a meagre 10 Galleons to Borgin and Burkes. I also obtained the cup of Hufflepuff from a certain Hepzibah Smith.Ugh. I am quite glad I killed her.

 That is where I have been all these years. Searching.  I have begun using my new name openly. I have killed many people. They have all deserved it.
I have a lot of work to do now. Have to hide the Diadem at Hogwarts. I know a place. I am confident no one else knows about it. No one has explored to school as much as I have. Hogwarts was my home first and no one elses.
I may not write for a while. Too busy becoming The Dark Lord of the Universe. Recruiting my followers. Death Eaters I call them. Though why they wish to join when I hold all the power is beyond my comprehension. I will use them though. Very well. They are but pawns for my existance.
See you Clarence. Dont miss me too much.
Voldy



Let us now Skip to the 1980s, just before his Downfall.  He has a large army of Death Eaters, those mentioned here are Rudolphous and Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy.

30th August 1980
Dear Clarence,
  Its been so long since I wrote last! I ve been very busy. I've acquired a few new recruits, and one of them is Severus Snape. Talented boy, albeit greasy and having a very large nose. Not as good as mine though. I told him to do a little snooping around as I went on my usual rampaging , killing people who annoy me. Lucius, of course, slick long haired git as he is, is still proving useful.

later....

Clarence! Snape has just brought me ... how do I put it?.. Interesting  news. I just found a subject for a seventh Horcrux.. HEhehehehehe *maniacal laugh*.
I'll kill that child who is supposed to bring my downfall.... I'll show the world that Lord Voldemort is invulnerable, invincible and immortal!! oohh... alliteration!
See you later

Voldy

PS- Bellatrix is acting rather strange with me.. she is always swooning over me and she  follows me everywhere.... I  have to ask Rudolphous if she is on medication...


31st October 1981
Dear Clarence,
Pain...Excruciating Pain...Its not comprendable. I dont know what happened. I have no body and am currently dictating to a quill.  Pain like none ever experienced. When I made my Horcruxes I didnt think about what would happen if I actually tried to die. I thought I would just reserruct. Hmm... didnt think that one through did I? I could have been Invicible! I could have ruled the world!
Aaaaa.. This pain. My followers have left me., When I return they will all pay.
I will come back to be everybody;s favorite tyrant again.
Lord Voldemort will return. Very much alive.

I could have gotten way with it too if it wasnt for that meddling kid.. and his filthy muggle mother.

Voldy


Wait for the next part to learn more about this Enigmatic Dark Lord!!

The Birth of Albus Severus

This is a fanfiction short story which i wrote recently.. I decided to focus more on the emotional aspect of Harry's life here rather than the magical aspect of it. Not very imaginative, but its a start.

"Harry!"

"Harry!"

Harry Potter didn't even stir. He had not gotten any sleep the past few days, thanks to the false alarms and James crying, and he was well and truly out.

"HARRY!" There was a bang, and Harry woke up with a start to find himself on the floor.  Disentangling himself from his blankets, he saw his wife Ginny standing over him, holding her protruding belly and her wand. 

The look on her face said it all. 

"Its time.” she said.

Harry had been planning this moment for a while now, but he felt unprepared. He had been a nervous wreck when James was born; he felt no different now. 

He got up in a flash. Without a word, he raised his wand, and two silvery stags shot from it, one headed two blocks away, the other in the direction of The Burrow. 

The bang had woken up one year old James, who was screaming from his cot in the corner. Harry went over and scooped him in his arms, just to keep himself occupied; he was closed to hyperventilating. 

"Are you ok?"He asked Ginny, who was sweating profusely, although the night was cold. 

"Do I look ok?"She asked fiercely, now flopping herself onto the bed

Before Harry could reply, there were two loud almost simultaneous cracks downstairs. Casting a worried look at his wife, he hurried downstairs with James in his arms. Waiting for him in the sitting room were four people: His best friend and brother-in-law, Ron Weasley and his wife Hermione, and his in-laws, Molly and Arthur Weasley. 

"How is she?” asked Mrs.Weasley, removing her coat and folding up her sleeves in a rush. Not bothering for an answer she thrust the coat into her husband’s hands and rushed upstairs. They could hear Ginny screaming, as the blob of life within her struggled to get out.

"I'd better go help.” said Hermione, who was holding her 2-month old daughter, Rose. Harry noticed that her size had come back to normal, but he also saw dark circles around her eyes. Apparently, Rose Weasley was a tough customer.  She handed Rose to Ron, and she too, rushed upstairs.

Arthur, who was now almost bald, removed his horn rimmed glasses and polished them on his robes. "I think this will take a while,” he said." Ginny's own birth took 24 hours."

Harry and Ron laughed. Harry was restless. His wife was screaming her lungs out upstairs, and he couldn't go to her. He knew Molly had it under control, but that didn't stop the tiny thread of fear creeping up his spine. He got up and walked around, James asleep on his shoulder. "Don't worry mate,” Ron patted him on the back. “Everything will be fine". 

It was 3 am. It was a dark autumn morning, and all was quiet in the Potter house. Rose was asleep on her grandfather’s lap, and Harry and Ron were talking, cradling Firewhiskey to keep themselves awake. Harry was still anxious. Ron was talking about the time he found a humongous gnome in his garden, and it had chased Crookshanks( who is really getting to be an old cat) into a hole and it took them two hours to get him out. Harry wasn't even listening. He was distracted by Ginny's screaming and the pitter- patter of raindrops on the roof. 

"Harry are you  listening?"

There was a whimper. James had woken up again. He rubbed his brown eyes, and looked up at his father, face twisted into a frown. He was going to cry. Ron acted quickly. He scooped up James and sat down, making puffs of coloured smoke erupt from his wand for the baby's amusement. Harry was forcibly reminded of his own father, the baby's namesake, doing the same thing for him, before he was killed.

Three hours of screaming later, just as the first rays of the sun were peeping over the horizon,and when Harry was at the brink of a nervous breakdown, Hermione appeared. Her hair was messier than useful, and she was sweating. Harry stood up, desperate for news. 

"What’s taking so long?"

Hermione looked worried. “Harry, the baby is breached"

"Huh?" said Ron and Harry together. Hermione looked so exasperated at their ignorance, it reminded Harry of their childhood. 

"The baby is supposed to come out head first, but it isn’t. It could suffocate."

Harry felt his heart drop into his stomach. He opened his mouth, but couldn't speak. 

"Its ok,"said Hermione quickly, "It might just take a while longer. We are trying to get it out as soon as possible." With that, she accepted a glass of water from Ron, turned her heel, and went upstairs again.  Harry sat down shakily. 

The screaming was louder now. Just as it reached the pinnacle in terms of decibels, a new sound was heard, the most beautiful sound that Harry had ever heard. The sound of a child crying. 

"Harry, do you want to meet your son?" 

Hermione was back, grinning broadly, a tiny bundle of blankets in her arms. She moved closer so that Harry could see. Lying there, in the midst of the mass of blankets, was a small face and a head full of jet black hair. Even in his tired state, Harry couldn't help but smile, because the hair stuck up from the back just as his did. 

"How's Ginny?"

"She’s fine, she did great, Molly is attending to her now.” said Hermione as she eased the bundle into his arms. 

The baby was only as long as his forearm. Harry drew him close, tracing the baby’s face with his finger, from every strand of hair, to each perfect, tiny fingernail. The baby's pink skin glowed even in the low light, and his soft rhythmic breathing was like music to Harry's ears. A tear fell from Harry's eye and dropped gently onto the baby's button nose. He stirred, and opened his eyes.

Harry gasped. He couldn't help it.

Staring back at him with curiosity, were big, almond shaped green eyes. His eyes. Lily's eyes.

His son had his grandmothers eyes, those eyes which drew even Severus Snape into their midst.

"He's perfect” breathed Harry tears flowing down his cheeks. "You are perfect, son” he said, addressing the baby.

 “Perfect little Albus Severus Potter.”

Harry Potter Confessions

Its late at night and I can't sleepp.... so I decided to put in a post which does not need much brain-racking, one which I  wanted to put in for a long time but really didnt have the time to.
Here are my Harry Potter confessions.. my views about the wondrous Potter franchise, and my favorites among the stuff I have been obsessing about for 10 years....
House:RAVENCLAW!!
Wand: Alder and Phoenix feather, 10 3/4 inches, surprisingly swishy
1.Favorite Book: Goblet of Fire
2.Favorite Movie: Deathly Hallows Part 1
3.Least Favorite Book: Half Blood Prince
4.Least Favorite Movie: Order of The Phoenix
5.Favorite Potter Character: Male:Weasley Twins  Female:Luna Lovegood
6.Least Favorite Character:Male: Gilderoy Lockhart  Female:Cho Chang
7.Favorite Teacher: Minerva Mcgonagall
8.Favorite Potter creature: Fluffy
9.Favorite Magical Object: Time Turner
10.Favorite Spell:  Wingardium Leviosa
11.Favorite Subject: Defence Against the Dark Arts
12.My Patronus: Fennec Fox (probably)
13.My Boggart: Death of friends and family (probably the same boggart as Molly Weasley)
14:Amortentia smells: new book smell, the sea, TT bat rubber, and a certain aggarbati .
15:Quidditch Position: Beater (yes believe it!)
16.Favorite Death Eater: Draco Malfoy (who disagrees with me? *raises wand threateningly*)
17.Actor in the series: Alan Rickman,though Helena Bonham Carter follows very closely.
18.Quote:"Now the pain we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds me, and, reminds us, that though we may come from different countries and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one"-A.Dumbledore
19.Harry Potter Book: Hogwarts: a History
20:Soundtrack:Fireworks- Nicolas Hooper
21.Special Mention: to Stan Shunpike, though he had minor roles throughout the series, the funny pimpled conductor left a pleasant impression on me after I first read the book.
22.Confession: I used to imagine myself included in the series , as a part of the trio.
23.Awed by:Tonks, who went to battle 10 days after giving birth. We need to learn from such brave women
24.Cried Buckets Over:deaths of fred and dobby
25:Learnt From: Sirius Black. Though ruthless, he had the best advice in the series
26.First book I read: Prisoner of Azkaban: At the age of 7
27.First movie I saw in theatres: Prisoner of Azkaban, in USA.
28.Favorite Ship: Romione and Drapple xD
29.Favorite Ghost: Peeves (technically a poltergeist :P
30. Last but not the least: Most used quote: "Ob.vious.ly"and "Always" Both by Snape.

Most memorable HP moment: Watching the last movie and weeping buckets.

I know it is just random, but as The potter phenomenon has grown in dimension, I just thought it would be interesting to put these thoughts down :)

I Got into Pottermore!!!

Actually I got the mail a few days ago, and words cannot how express how happy I was ! I was actually close to tears.. OMG m obsessed. :P
Anyway heres my details ^ ^
I was sorted into Ravenclaw, Where "Wit Beyond Measure is Man;s Greatest Treasure",
Notable Ravenclaws include: Luna Lovegood (my fav female character everrrr :)) Cho Chang (my least fav female character ever -.-) , Ollivander, noted wand maker, Quirrel and Flitwick.

My wand: Alder and Phoenix feather, 10 3/4 inches, Surprisingly Swishy :) supposedly for very strong magic, and for very powerful wizards (or witches) :D
so in all, i am very happy :D
but my Potion making skills need to improve :P I melted a perfectly good cauldron.
I wont write very ofien as my vacations draw to a close. :P
Ok, I m going now :P

I-WANT-MY-POTTERMORE-EMAIL!

All i ve been doing is refreshing my gmail, in a hope of getting my pottermore emaillllllll waaaaahhhhhh. I CAN STAND THE ANXIETY! I ve never been this nervous even for my Board exams :P

I go on Gmail, i see (1)... OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG>>IS IT>>???  no.. its not Pottermore.. -.-

For those not in the know( filthy muggles) Pottermore is an "online reading experience , based on the Harry potter books", started by JK Rowling herself.. where you can go through the books, get sorted nd even buy a wand!! for more information, click here

Happy Birthday Evanna Lynch! :D 16th Aug

Happy Birthday to the Girl who does not play Luna, but IS Luna... She is my fav female character throughout the series, and Evanna brings her to life on the big screen... Love ya Evanna <3
"The others could play Luna; Evanna Lynch is Luna." -David Yates 
I know m late, but i couldnt come on yesterday...

"After all this time?" "Always"-HP7 part 2

Lumos.
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.

Nearly ill with excitement, and terrified of being late to the most anticipated movie of my life, I sat with some relief in my comfortable chair and with some reluctance put my 3D glasses over my own (a disadvantage of watching 3D as I am never comfortable because the glasses never sit on my nose). The Theatre (me leading) gave a cheer as the Warner Bros logo zoomed into our faces and the movie continued where it left off.
The Gringott's scene was one of the best scenes ever taken and the only scene really, to be effective in 3D. The dragon gave adrenaline rushes to anyone present, (spewing fire on the audience's faces and throwing debris everywhere), and the heist was action packed, with an amazing performance from Helena Bonham Carter as Hermione :D
The Battle of Hogwarts.. to put in one word- cool? Awesome? Mind Blowing? The special effects were to die for. You could feel the sense of danger, and even though you were sitting on the other side of the screen, you felt truly scared, and your emotions flowed with those on screen.
There was humour too, despite the seriousness of the situation. There are many, but one which needs mention is Ron running behind Malfoy, Zabini and Goyle, yelling "Thats my girlfriend you numpties!" xD

A special mention goes to Maggie Smith, as Mineva Mcgonagall, with the most classic sense of humor ever, claiming things like "I've always wanted to use that spell" (after asking the Hogwarts statues to guard the school), or "Boom" and she has a big role as the guiding force in the Battle.

The Ron/Hermione kiss was way too random and disappointed me,  as if they were waiting 7 years just to kiss randomly in the Chamber of Secrets! and so did the deaths of Lupin , Tonks and Fred. I was ready to bawl my eyes out for Fred's death but they just suddenly show him dead. I wish they had given him a heroic farewell, like in the book.

The Prince's Tale was the best part of the movie, and as strong as I am, I couldn't take it. I cried my eyes out. Alan Rickman gave one of his best performances ever and showed us what a quality actor he is. It is hard to play such a role, as a man grieving a lost love, risking his life over the years to protect a boy who is not his. But he executed it perfectly, and I really  had to give him a bow after it was over.

Neville (Mathew Lewis) deserves a special mention as he comes out as the Hero, its hard to believe that the fat bumbling boy who, people believed, didnt belong in Gryffindor, was the strapping tall (hot ;)) brave character you see on screen, and he was a source of many cheers from the audience.

Another thing which got applause? Molly Weasley of course, we fans were terrified that it wouldnt make it to the film, and it was a relieved applause which erupted when she screamed "NOT MY DAUGHTER YOU BITCH!" :D

Voldemort's death was probably for the "movies only" viewers, effective for 3D, but it came as a surprise for the "reader" viewers. Ralph Fiennes as usual, played the brilliant "high definition villain"(in is own words), but funnily enough, I was disappointed that there wasnt a single "NYEEAHHHHH" in the movie!
The score was a stroke of genius by Alexandre Desplat. The music fully captured the mood and brought romance to a film full of action. Special mention to:Lily's Theme ( really folks, listen to it, gives you goosebumps) . They kept bringing up Hedwig's Theme, and I am glad the score didn't die with the character, as it gave the audience nostalgia of journey through the years.

I loved the epilogue, 19 years later, it was nice that they used the same characters, but they didn't look that much older and it was difficult to accept that the small kids were our heroes' kids. They ended the last movie with a sense of Deja vu, the audience remember a giant Hagrid waving goodbye to the very same person who is now waving to his son , and playing in the background was the same music: Leaving Hogwarts, which brought many a tear to my eye.
I couldnt get up when it was over; I stood where I was , and saw the entire credits go by for the last time, hardly daring to believe that it was all over at last.
The movie was brilliantly executed, and it features 3rd on my list only because the script had gaping holes which should have been filled. It is only the third movie ever to make me actually shed tears, and the only one which made me shed more than one. (in fact the only movie to actually make me sob)

At the end of it all,  I left, tears making small streaks down my cheeks,  and if anyone had asked me"After all this time?"
"Always" Thats my answer forever more.

So now here is my ranking of my favorite Harry potter films... I obviously have my own views of the series and anyone is free to disagree with me.
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3 .Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
7.. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
8. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince


If you want to contact me, feel free , send an owl  mail . :P


Mischief Managed
Nox.

Remembering the Magic- The Legacy of Potter

I cry as I write this. The era which lasted more than 12 years is now coming to an end. Jk Rowling has spellbound us for 12 years with the story of a scrawny bespectacled young wizard who captures the hearts of young and old alike. As a follower of the Potter Cult since the age of 6 and a 1/2 (I love adding that half makes me feel older somehow :D), I have grown up in a Magical world, one where house elves coming knocking at your door to throw cake, of one where owls deliver the post. (To be honest, I have been waiting for that Hogwarts acceptance letter for some time now, so boo sux to you dumbledore).
Jk rowling is truly a magician, with a charmed quill, she brought us 7 beautiful books, 7 years in the life of a Hero, the Chosen one .

It all began with a Curse. For millions of people worldwide this Curse turned into a Boon as we were launched into the story of the Boy who Lived. (in the cupboard under the stairs? :P). We learn the true meaning of Friendship, and Bravery. We learn that "happiness can even be found in the darkest if times, if only one remembers ,to turn on the light (Dumbledore, HPPOA). Over the years, I have come to think of these wonderful characters, not just as characters from a page, only in black and white, but as real people in flesh and blood, with aspirations and dreams. I cry from my heart when something happens to them, or if they die (I couldnt help it, I shed one tear for Hedwig, a bucket for Dobby, and an ocean for Fred, who along with his twin George are my favorite characters in the whole series, I almost had mini crushes on the characters). Words like "muggle" and "Horcrux", "dementor" and "boggart" are part of my everyday vocabulary. I play Potter games, and talk Potter with my friends. I was Watching the Potter press conference and it was  amazing how they think of the Harry Potter set up as a family, as they have grown up together, and they dont think of it as a money making job.

The Potter Series has been.. more than a series. It was the first real book I touched; I got most of my vocabulary from it. My success in the English language began as a result of reading Harry Potter.

I have grown up with the characters, matured with them, chosen them as role models, and walked with them through their troubles and triumphs. In Jo's words, I am truly honored to have stuck with Harry till the very end.
 J K Rowling has carved a niche for herself with the Greats, and I have no doubts that Harry Potter will join the Classics one day.

It definitely dosent end here, sure, there are no more films or books to look forward to, only endless reruns on television and secret readings since I am now officially banned form reading harry potter again (too many times I guess). No other series has as much fan following, and I have absolutely nothing to wait for during the summer, or winter, or anything. But as I said, the magic lives on. People will continue to quote the books, people will watch the reruns, and people will take home the lessons which the Wonderful characters have thought us. And if you are crying too, dont worry, you are just as sane as I am ;)

Here is a beautiful tribute I found on Youtube, they are petitioning to play this at the end of the movie, and I really hope they do.

I saw this in a site- After a total of 12 years in

4,195 pages and

17 hours & 32 minutes of screen running time,

there is only 2 hours and 30 minutes left until the journey ends.

Keep Calm and Hold Hands.

The magic will live forever. 
It is fitting that I end this with Jo Rowlings own words-"No story lives unless someone wants to listen... the stories we love best do live in us forever.... so whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 :)

this is my review of the film.. CAUTION= SPOILERS for those who didnt see it!!

The rustle of cloaks, the zip of spells just missing your ear (although it didnt miss George's ), the acrid smell of singed hair(and believe me, you could almost smell it!) the hiss of snakes, the whizz of brooms, these are the things which have constituted every Potter film till date. so what made this film different?
As usual, sitting in the theatre, i cannot help but squeal with excitement as the Warner Bros. logo comes popping out the screen..
the start definitely deserves special mention. it shows the Trio preparing for the dangerous venture they are about to undertake. I was moved to tears when Hermione obliviates her parents and her photos vanish.. Emma has never acted better than her performance in this film. you feel her emotions, her sorrow, her fear.  The 7 potters scene was taken beautifully, the chase, even better. The special effects left us hanging off our seats and actually ended up fearing for harrys life, even though we have read the book, we are still on tenterhooks about how the chase would turn out! it showed what the book could not- actual fear, and a few visual gags, like moody's Harley-inspired broomstick.
I wish the wedding had a bit more to offer.. a wizard wedding should have been an explosion of ideas for the special effects guys!
 (one thing to note though= i dont know if hermione and krum actually dance because the problem when u catch a flick here, you re never sure if you saw the whole thing or not. the Censorship board can be a little- um- enthusiastic. )

First, a beautiful romantic wedding, next second- Chaos.
The Grimmauld Place Scene scared me to bits (dusty dumbledore hurtling towards the screen isnt exactly a sight to behold)
Dobby as usual, looked adorable, and whoever gave his voice did an amazing job as we remember the Dobby from The Chamber of Secrets.. his dialogues " Dobby is a free elf " was quoted by many as they left the cinema!
the ministry scene was sudden, and kreacher never gets a chance to redeem himself. Barring a very funny scene where Mrs.Cattermole actually kisses ron (which was, again, cut by the Board) the escape wasnt anything spectacular. The acting by Ron is brilliant , the audience actaully winced when he splinched himself, and hermiones partial-histerics were very well done too.

the forest scenes, although they slowed down the movie, were never boring. at the same time, the audience could feast their eyes on the beauties of the English countryside, and (for most of us- myself included) Emma's wardrobe (i guess being brand ambassador for Burberry's has its advantages uh?  her shirts were the envy of all the girls in the room... )
there are 3 scenes which i would love to highlight..
 firstly the fight scene between ron and harry
Rupert has never been given the credit he deserves for his acting... because he was brilliant. Dan was relatively calm though, and it was actually funny when he lunged at ron suddenly :)

secondly, a very poignant scene where harry and hermione dance in their tent, is the type of scene which guarantees an "awwwwwwwwww" from the audience. for a few seconds you could actually see the hermione of yesteryears, cute and smiling. this happiness , however is short lived as she goes back to her mood off ways.

finally, there is a scene which shows the power of hermiones shields around the campsite, wehn a band of snatchers pass a hairs breadth in front of hermione but cannot see her.. i found myself holding my breath and praying that they would leave her alone.. there was some debate on whether the leader snatcher was Fenrir Greyback or not because he looked too cute to be him.. :)

from the hilarious to the hair raising, this movie has it all.. The Godric's hollow scene guarantees a scream from anyone who watches it, whether they are a pink smothered girl, or a black covered truck driver. Nagini has this horrifying habit of popping out of nowhere, and at this point i am totally relieved that the movie wasnt in 3D.
a special mention should go to the way the Three Brothers story was told. the animation was wonderful, and small details like Death picking up the second brother by the end of his noose was really well thought of. the whole story was told as is in the book.
The highlights of the movies where definitely the chase sequences with amazing camera angles and a few blurred shots which left you out of breath at the end.

speaking of which, the end was extremely abrupt, and if i would not have known it was ending there, i would have been shocked... although considering it is half a movie, i guess shouldnt be an issue.
the little role which malfoy and bellatrix had was crafted to perfection, and we were obliged to bow at their credits at the end :)
the ending was the kind of thing which left you begging for more, as voldemort shoots a spell into the air with the Elder Wand, though i wish it had ended with his maniacal laughter ringing in our ears.

Bottomline (finally!) : although a few scenes could have been shot better, and some things from the book which should have gone into the movie were cut (lupins  fight scene, lilys letter, flashback at godric's hollow being just a few) i still enjoyed every moment of it. this movie was the perfect potrayal of The Beginning Of The End.
Cant wait for part 2!!