I Think What Is Probably Hard For People To Imagine Is How Wrapped Up The 17 Years' Work On Harry Potter Is With What Was Going On In My Life At The Time. I Was Mourning The Loss Of This World That I Had Written For So Long And Loved So Much. I Was Also Mourning The Retreat It Had Been From - From Ordinary Life, Which It Has Been. And It Forced Me To Look Back At 17 Years Of My Life And Remember Things.

-J. K. Rowling

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I Think What Is

J. K. Rowling

Topic

Loss

Thinking

Long

More From J. K. Rowling

As Ginny And Hermione Moved Closer To The Rest Of The Family, Harry Had A Clear View Of The Bodies Lying Next To Fred: Remus And Tonks, Pale And Still And Peaceful-looking, Apparently Asleep Beneath The Dark, Enchanted Ceiling.

Lying

Dark

Views

He Chanced A Glance At Her. She Was Not Tearful; That Was One Of The Many Wonderful Things About Ginny, She Was Rarely Weepy. He Had Sometimes Thought That Having Six Brothers Must Have Toughened Her Up.

Brother

Six

Sometimes

There's The Silver Lining I've Been Looking For.

Silver

Ginny Weasley

What Do I Care How 'e Looks? I Am Good-looking Enough For Both Of Us, I Theenk! All These Scars Show Is Zat My Husband Is Brave!

Husband

Brave

Looks

Voldemort Uses People His Enemies Are Close To. He's Already Used You As Bait Once, And That Was Just Because You're My Best Friend's Sister. Think How Much Danger You'll Be In If We Keep This Up. He'll Know, He'll Find Out. He'll Try And Get To Me Through You.

Thinking

People

Enemy

Jane Austen Is The Pinnacle To Which All Other Authors Aspire.

Literature

Pinnacle

Austen

Harry Had The Impression That Even The Barman Was Listening In. He Was Wiping The Same Glass With The Filthy Rag; It Was Becoming Steadily Dirtier.

Glasses

Listening

Rags

You'd Think I Walk Around With My Eyes Shut, Banging Off The Walls.

Wall

Eye

Thinking

I Never Know," Harry Called To Hagrid Over The Noise Of The Cart, "what's The Difference Between A Stalagmite And A Stalactite?" "stalagmite's Got An 'm' In It," Said Hagrid.

Differences

Noise

Hagrid

Life, For Colin, Was One Long Brace Against Pain And Disappointment, And Everybody Apart From His Wife Was An Enemy Until Proven Otherwise.

Pain

Disappointment

Long

They’re Evacuating The Younger Kids And Everyone’s Meeting In The Great Hall To Get Organized. We’re Fighting.

Kids

Fighting

Halls

The Forbidden Forest Looked As Though It Had Been Enchanted, Each Tree Smattered With Silver, And Hagrid's Cabin Looked Like An Iced Cake.

Cake

Tree

Cabins

Naturally Shirley Had Known, As They Slid Stock Words And Phrases Back And Forth Between Them Like Beads On An Abacus, That Howard Must Be As Brimful Of Ecstasy As She Was; But To Express These Feelings Out Loud, When The News Of Death Was Still Fresh In The Air, Would Have Been Tantamount To Dancing Naked And Shrieking Obscenities, And Howard And Shirley Were Clothed, Always, In An Invisible Layer Of Decorum That They Never Laid Aside.

Air

Dancing

Feelings

Sometimes, If She Simply Remained Quiet, And Let The Inadequacy Of His Excuses Reverberate On The Air, He Became Ashamed And Backtracked.

Air

Quiet

Sometimes

Harry, Despite Your Privileged Insight Into Voldemort’s World (which, Incidentally, Is A Gift Any Death Eater Would Kill To Have), You Have Never Been Seduced By The Dark Arts, Never, Even For A Second, Shown The Slightest Desire To Become One Of Voldemort’s Followers!” “of Course I Haven’t!” Said Harry Indignantly. “he Killed My Mum And Dad!” “you Are Protected, In Short, By Your Ability To Love!” Said Dumbledore Loudly.

Art

Dad

Dark

It Was His Own Grief Turned Magically To Song.

Song

Grief

I Sometimes Have A Tendency To Walk On The Dark Side.

Dark

Sides

Sometimes

Muggles Have Garden Gnomes, Too, You Know," Harry Told Ron As They Crossed The Lawn. "yeah, I've Seen Those Things They Think Are Gnomes," Said Ron, Bent Double With His Head In A Peony Bush, "like Fat Little Santa Clauses With Fishing Rods.

Garden

Thinking

Fishing

As Far As Informing The Headmaster, Harry Had No Idea Where Dumbledore Went During The Summer Holidays. He Amused Himself For A Moment, Picturing Dumbledore, With His Long Silver Beard, Full-length Wizard's Robes, And Pointed Hat, Stretched Out On A Beach Somewhere, Rubbing Suntan Lotion Onto His Long Crooked Nose.

Summer

Beach

Holiday

Room Of Requirement, Of Course! Surpassed Itself, Hasn't It? The Carrows Were Chasing Me, And I Knew I Had Just One Chance For A Hideout: I Managed To Get Through The Door And This Is What I Found! Well, It Wasn't Exactly Like This When I Arrived, It Was A Load Smaller, There Was Only One Hammock And Just Gryffindor Hangings. But It's Expanded As More And More Of The D.a. Have Arrived.

Doors

Hammocks

Requirements

Ah! Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans! I Was Unfortunate Enough In My Youth To Come Across A Vomit-flavored One, And Since Then I’m Afraid I’ve Rather Lost My Liking For Them — But I Think I’ll Be Safe With A Nice Toffee, Don’t You?” He Smiled And Popped The Golden-brown Bean Into His Mouth. “alas! Ear Wax!

Nice

Thinking

Toffee

And Percy Was Shaking His Brother, And Ron Was Kneeling Beside Them, And Fred's Eyes Stared Without Seeing, The Ghost Of His Last Laugh Still Etched Upon His Face.

Brother

Eye

Laughing

George: "i Can't See Anyone Trying To Bump Off A Quidditch Team." Fred: "wood Might've Done The Slytherins If He Could've Got Away With It.

Team

Trying

Bumps

Longbottom, If Brains Were Gold, You'd Be Poorer Than Weasley, And That's Saying Something.

Stupid

Brain

Gold

From Here On In, Harry, I May Be As Woefully Wrong As Humphrey Belcher Who Believed The Time Was Ripe For A Cheese Cauldron.

May

Cheese

Cauldrons

Anyone Can Speak Troll. All You Have To Do Is Point And Grunt.

Funny Harry Potter

Troll

Speak

You Are The True Master Of Death, Because The True Master Does Not Seek To Run Away From Death. He Accepts That Be Must Die, And Understands That There Are Far, Far Worse Things In The Living World Than Dying.

Running

Dying

Doe

There You Go, Harry!” Ron Shouted Over The Noise. “you Weren’t Being Thick After All — You Were Showing Moral Fiber!

Moral Fiber

Noise

Thick

Her Voice Was Now So Shrill Only Bats Would Be Able To Hear It Soon, But She Had Reached A Level Of Indignation That Rendered Her Temporarily Speechless.

Voice

Bats

Would Be

I Am Proud Of Having Done What I've Done. Very Proud.

Done

Proud

I Write Nearly Every Day. Some Days I Write For Ten Or Eleven Hours. Other Days I Might Only Write For Three Hours. It Really Depends On How Fast The Ideas Are Coming.

Writing

Ideas

Three

That Is The Second Time You Have Spoken Out Of Turn, Miss Granger,” Said Snape Coolly. “five More Points From Gryffindor For Being An Insufferable Know-it-all.

Missing

Gryffindor

Know It All

You Might Belong In Hufflepuff, Where They Are Just And Loyal, Those Patient Hufflepuffs Are True, And Unafraid Of Toil.

Toil

Loyal

Might

To Hurt Is As Human As To Breathe.

Hurt

Breathe

Humans

Yes, My Tiara Sets Off The Whole Thing Nicely," Said Auntie Muriel In A Rather Carrying Whisper. "but I Must Say, Ginevra's Dress Is Far Too Low-cut." Ginny Glanced Round, Grinning, Winked At Harry, Then Quickly Faced The Front Again.

Cutting

Dresses

Auntie

The Idea Of Dumbledore's Corpse Frightened Harry Much Less Than The Possibility That He Might Have Misunderstood The Living Dumbledore's Intentions.

Ideas

Misunderstood

Might

Another Ten Points From Gryffindor,” Said Snape. “i Would Expect Nothing More Sophisticated From You, Ronald Weasley, The Boy So Solid He Cannot Apparate Half An Inch Across A Room.

Boys

Half

Gryffindor

He Put His Foot On One Pedal, Scooted A Few Yards And Swung His Other Leg Over The Saddle. He Soared Left Into The Vertiginously Sloping Hillside Road And Sped, Without Touching His Brakes ... The Hedgerows And Sky Blurred; He Imagined Himself In A Velodrome As The Wind Whipped His Hair Clean...

Healing

Hair

Wind

Dumbledore Says People Find It Far Easier To Forgive Others For Being Wrong Than Being Right.

Forgiveness

People

Forgiving

Humans Have A Knack For Choosing Precisely The Things That Are Worst For Them.

Inspirational

Knack

Literature

When I Get Married,' Said Fred, Tugging At The Collar Of His Own Robes. 'i Won't Be Bothering With Any Of This Nonsense. You Can All Wear What You Like And I'll Put A Full Body-bind Curse On Mum Until It's Over.

Tugging

Body

Married

Overload 'em With Information An' They'll Kill Yeh Jus' To Simplify Things.

Ems

Information

Simplify

I Was A Fool!" Percy Roared, So Loudly That Lupin Nearly Dropped His Photograph. "i Was An Idiot, I Was A Pompous Prat, I Was A - A -" "ministry-loving, Family-disowning, Power-hungry Moron," Said Fred. Percy Swallowed. "yes, I Was!" "well, You Can't Say Fairer Than That," Said Fred, Holding Out His Hand To Percy.

Hands

Ministry

Fool

For That Was The Terrible Power Of The Dementors: To Force Their Victims To Relive The Worst Memories Of Their Lives, And Drown, Powerless, In Theirown Despair. . . .

Memories

Mentor

Despair

Gryffindor, Where Dwell The Brave At Heart!

Heart

Brave

Gryffindor

It Takes A Great Deal Of Bravery To Stand Up To Our Enemies, But Just As Much To Stand Up To Our Friends.

Inspirational

Friendship

Courage

But Colin's Only Understanding Of Love Was Of Limitless Loyalty, Boundless Tolerance.

Loyalty

Understanding

Tolerance

[about His Dress Robes...] I’m Never Wearing Them," Ron Was Saying Stubbornly. "never." "fine," Snapped Mrs. Weasley. "go Naked. And, Harry, Make Sure You Get A Picture Of Him. Goodness Knows I Could Do With A Laugh.

Laughing

Dresses

Naked

For In Dreams We Enter A World That Is Entirely Our Own. Let Them Swim In The Deepest Ocean Or Glide Over The Highest Cloud.

Dream

Ocean

Clouds

Even You-know-who Can't Split Himself Into Seven.

Splits

Seven

Mad Eye Moody

I Feel 80% Of My Life Is Completely Normal.

Normal

Life Is

Feels

Do You Remember Me Telling You We Are Practicing Non-verbal Spells, Potter?" "yes," Said Harry Stiffly. "yes, Sir." "there's No Need To Call Me "sir" Professor." The Words Had Escaped Him Before He Knew What He Was Saying.

Needs

Potters

Remember

I Have Never Been Remotely Ashamed Of Having Been Depressed. Never. What's To Be Ashamed Of? I Went Through A Really Rough Time And I Am Quite Proud That I Got Out Of That.

Depression

Proud

Rough Times

A Dream Is Where A Boy Can Swim In The Deepest Oceans And Fly Over The Highest Clouds.

Dream

Ocean

Boys

Dudley Thought For A Moment. It Looked Like Hard Work.

Hard Work

Moments

Hard

For Future Reference, Harry, It Is Raspberry...although Of Course, If I Were A Death Eater, I Would Have Been Sure To Research My Own Jam Preferences Before Impersonating Myself.

Death Eaters

Jam

Research

Odd Words Floated Back To Them Over The Hundreds Of Heads. "nobility Of Spirit"..."intellectual Contribution"..."greatness Of Heart"...it Did Not Mean Very Much. It Had Little To Do With Dumbledore As Harry Had Known Him. He Suddenly Remembered Dumbledore's Idea Of A Few Words, "nitwit," "oddment," "blubber," And "tweak," And Again Had To Suppress A Grin.

Heart

Mean

Greatness

Oh Please," Said Zacharias Smith, Rolling His Eyes And Folding His Arms. "i Don't Think Expelliarmus Is Exactly Going To Help Us Against You-know-who, Do You?" "i've Used It Against Him," Harry Said Quietly. "it Saved My Life Last June.

Eye

Thinking

June

He Knew One Thing Only, And It Was Beyond Fear Or Reason: He Was Not Going To Die Crouching Here Like A Child Playing Hide-and-seek; He Was Not Going To Die Kneeling At Voldemort’s Feet . . . He Was Going To Die Upright Like His Father, And He Was Going To Die Trying To Defend Himself, Even If No Defense Was Possible. . . .

Children

Father

Feet

It's Just Hard," Harry Said Finally, In A Low Voice, "to Realize He Won't Write Me Again

Writing

Voice

Realizing

'it Only Put Me In Gryffindor,' Said Harry In A Defeated Voice, 'because I Asked Not To Go In Slytherin...' 'exactly' Said Dumbledore, Beaming Once More. 'which Makes You Very Different From Tom Riddle. It Is Our Choices, Harry, That Show What We Truly Are, Far More Than Our Abilities.'

Life Lesson

Voice

Choices

To Have Been Loved So Deeply, Even Though The Person Who Loved Us Is Gone, Will Give Us Some Protection Forever.

Inspirational

Motivational

Sympathy

Hello, Minister!" Bellowed Percy, Sending A Neat Jinx Straight At Thicknesse, Who Dropped His Wand And Clawed At The Front Of His Robes, Apparently In Awful Discomfort. "did I Mention I'm Resigning?

Jinx

Awful

Hello

He Might Have Crawled Up Into The Airing Cupboard And Died, But I Mustn't Get My Hopes Up.

Might

Cupboards

Sirius

They Were The Reason That He Kept Faith With His Stars, That Reinforced Him In His Belief That The Universe Had More In Store For Him Than The Mug's Game Of Working For A Modest Salary Until He Retired Or Died.

Stars

Games

Salary

Friday Was An Important Day For Harry And Ron. They Finally Managed To Find Their Way Down To The Great Hall Without Getting Lost Once.

Friday

Important

Getting Lost

Thirty–zero! Take That, You Dirty, Cheating —” “jordan, If You Can’t Commentate In An Unbiased Way — !” “i’m Telling It Like It Is, Professor!

Cheating

Zero

Dirty

Studying The Young Woman’s Long Thin Legs, Tessa Wondered How Different Her Life Would Have Been If She Had Had Legs Like That. She Could Not Help But Suspect That It Would Have Been Almost Entirely Different.

Long

Different

Legs

Where Do Vanished Objects Go?" "into Nonbeing, Which Is To Say, Everything," Replied Professor Mcgonagall. "nicely Phrased," Replied The Eagle Door Knocker, And The Door Swung Open.

Doors

Eagles

Professor Mcgonagall

Directly Above Them, Framed In The Doorway From The Brain Room, Stood Albus Dumbledore, His Wand Aloft, His Face White And Furious. Harry Felt A Kind Of Electric Charge Surge Through Every Particle Of His Body - They Were Saved.

White

Brain

Body

All's Fair In Love And War," Said Ron Brightly, "and This Is A Bit Of Both.

War

Said

Fairs

He Never Seemed To Grasp The Immense Mutability Of Human Nature, Nor To Appreciate That Behind Every Nondescript Face Lay A Wild And Unique Hinterland Like His Own.

Unique

Appreciate

Faces

I Like To Get In Among A Set Of People And Get To Know Them Very Well.

People

Wells

Knows

I've Never Managed To Keep A Journal Longer Than Two Weeks.

Two

Week

Journal

Three Turns Should Do It.

Three

Hermione

Should

The Difficult Thing, The Glorious Thing, Was To Be Who You Really Were, Even If That Person Was Cruel Or Dangerous, Particularly If Cruel And Dangerous. There Was Courage In Not Distinguishing The Animal You Happened To Be. On The Other Hand, You Had To Avoid Pretending To Be More Of An Animal Than You Were: Take That Path, Start Exaggerating Or Faking And You Became Just Another Cubby, Just As Much Of A Liar, A Hypocrite

Liars

Hypocrite

Animal

Professor Kettleburn, Our Care Of Magical Creatures Teacher, Retired At The End Of Last Year In Order To Enjoy More Time With His Remaining Limbs.

Teacher

Order

Years

Be Ruthless About Protecting Writing Days.

Writing

Mushrooms

Ruthless

You’ll Soon Find Out Some Wizarding Families Are Much Better Than Others, Potter. You Don’t Want To Go Making Friends With The Wrong Sort. I Can Help You There.” He Held Out His Hand To Shake Harry’s, But Harry Didn’t Take It. “i Think I Can Tell Who The Wrong Sort Are For Myself, Thanks,” He Said Coolly.

Thinking

Hands

Want

Some Wounds Run Too Deep For The Healing.

Running

Healing

Too Deep

I Don't Feel Quite Normal If I Haven't Written For A While. I Doubt I Will Ever Again Write Anything As Popular As The "harry" Books, But I Can Live With That Thought Quite Easily. By The Time I Stop Writing About Harry, I Will Have Lived With Him For 13 Years, And I Know It's Going To Feel Like A Bereavement. So I'll Probably Take Some Time Off To Grieve, And Then On With The Next Book!

Book

Writing

Grieving

I Knew I Could Do It All This Time,” Said Harry, “because I'd Already Done It... Does That Make Sense?

Doe

Done

Said

I Speak Now, Harry Potter, Directly To You. You Have Permitted Your Friends To Die For You Rather Than Face Me Yourself. I Shall Wait For One Hour In The Forbidden Forest. If, At The End Of That Hour, You Have Not Come To Me, Have Not Given Yourself Up, Then Battle Recommences. This Time, I Shall Enter The Fray Myself, Harry Potter, And I Shall Find You, And I Shall Punish Every Last Man, Woman, And Child Who Has Tried To Conceal You From Me. One Hour.

Children

Men

Waiting

Never Trust Anything That Can Think For Itself If You Can't See Where It Keeps Its Brain.

Trust

Halloween

Technology

You Will Find That I Will Only Truly Have Left This School When None Here Are Loyal To Me.

School

Loyal

Hogwarts

By The Time She Had Interpreted Harry's Dreams At The Top Of Her Voice (all Of Which, Even The Ones That Involved Eating Porridge, Apparently Foretold A Gruesome And Early Death), He Was Feeling Much Less Sympathetic Toward Her.

Dream

Voice

Feelings

Course Dumbledore Trusts You,” Growled Moody. “he’s A Trusting Man, Isn’t He? Believes In Second Chances. But Me — I Say There Are Spots That Don’t Come Off, Snape. Spots That Never Come Off, D’you Know What I Mean?

Believe

Mean

Men

The Realization Of What Would Happen Next Settled Gradually Over Harry In The Long Minutes, Like Softly Falling Snow. "i've Got To Go Back, Haven't I?" "that Is Up To You." "i've Got A Choice?" "oh Yes." Dumbledore Smiled At Him. "we Are In King's Cross, You Say? I Think That If You Decided Not To Go Back, You Would Be Able To…let's Say…board A Train." "and Where Would It Take Me?" "on," Said Dumbledore Simply.

Kings

Fall

Thinking

The Chasers Throw The Quaffle And Put It Through The Hoops To Score,” Harry Recited. “so — That’s Sort Of Like Basketball On Broomsticks With Six Hoops, Isn’t It?” “what’s Basketball?” Said Wood Curiously. “never Mind,” Said Harry Quickly.

Basketball

Mind

Woods

I Don't Need A Cloak To Become Invisible.

Needs

Invisible

Cloaks

Well, Hello, Peter,” Said Lupin Pleasantly, As Though Rats Frequently Erupted Into Old School Friends Around Him. “long Time, No See.

School

Long

Rats

But Dobby Shouted, "you Shall Not Harm Harry Potter! ... He Got Up, Face Livid, And Pulled Out His Wand, But Dobby Raised A Long, Threatening Finger. "you Shall Go Now," He Said Fiercely, Pointing Down At Mr. Malfoy. "you Shall Not Touch Harry Potter. You Shall Go Now.

Long

Dobby

Potters

Would It Hurt To Die? All Those Times He Had Thought It Was About To Happen And Escaped, He Had Never Really Thought Of The Thing Itself: His Will To Live Had Always Been So Much Stronger Than His Fear Of Death.

Hurt

Stronger

Fear Of Death

Hogwarts Was The First And Best Home He Had Known. He And Voldemort And Snape, The Abandoned Boys, Had All Found Home Here.

Home

Boys

Firsts

They Heard The Click Of The Mail Slot And Flop Of Letters On The Doormat. "get The Mail, Dudley," Said Uncle Vernon From Behind His Paper. "make Harry Get It." "get The Mail, Harry." "make Dudley Get It." "poke Him With Your Smelting Stick, Dudley.

Uncles

Paper

Letters

Being Fed, And Having A Soft Bed, And Other People Being In Charge, Seemed The Most Wonderful Prospect In The World At That Moment.

People

Bed

World

No, There's No University For Wizards. At The Moment I'm Only Planning To Write Seven Harry Potter Books. I Won't Say "never," But I Have No Plans To Write An Eighth Book.

Book

Writing

Potters

I Think That I've Had A Very Strange Life.

Thinking

Strange

Of All The Subjects On This Planet, I Think My Parents Would Have Been Hard Put To Name One Less Useful Than Greek Mythology To Securing The Keys To An Executive Bathroom.

Thinking

Keys

Names

And Death Spoke To Them —’” “sorry,” Interjected Harry, “but Death Spoke To Them?” “it’s A Fairy Tale, Harry!” “right, Sorry. Go On.

Sorry

Goes On

Fairy Tale

Ron And Hermione Were Still Smirking And Harry Felt His Temper Rise; He Wasn’t Even Sure Why He Was Feeling So Angry. “don’t Sit There Grinning Like You Know Better Than I Do, I Was There, Wasn’t I?” He Said Heatedly. “i Know What Went On, All Right? And I Didn’t Get Through Any Of That Because I Was Brilliant At Defense Against The Dark Arts, I Got Through It All Because — Because Help Came At The Right Time, Or Because I Guessed Right — But I Just Blundered Through It All, I Didn’t Have A Clue What I Was Doing — Stop Laughing!

Art

Dark

Laughing

I Know How To Use A Fellytone Now.

Muggles

Use

Weasley

The Consequences Of Our Actions Are Always So Complicated, So Diverse, That Predicting The Future Is A Very Difficult Business Indeed.

Life

Potters

Our Actions

Would It Hurt To Die?

Hurt

It Hurts

Dies

Or Perhaps In Slytherin, You'll Make Your Real Friends. Those Cunning Folk Use Any Means To Achieve Their Ends.

Real

Mean

Use

The Idea That We Could Have A Child Who Escapes From The Confines Of The Adult World And Goes Somewhere Where He Has Power, Both Literally And Metaphorically, Really Appealed To Me.

Children

Ideas

Adults

If Ever I Expected To Come Face To Face With An Angry Christian Fundamentalist, It Wasn't In Fao Schwarz.

Christian

Faces

Expected

Dementors Are Among The Foulest Creatures That Walk This Earth. They Infest The Darkest, Filthiest Places, They Glory In Decay And Despair, They Drain Peace, Hope, And Happiness Out Of The Air Around Them. Even Muggles Feel Their Presence, Though They Can’t See Them. Get Too Near A Dementor And Every Good Feeling, Every Happy Memory Will Be Sucked Out Of You. If It Can, The Dementor Will Feed On You Long Enough To Reduce You To Something Like Itself — Soul-less And Evil. You’ll Be Left With Nothing But The Worst Experiences Of Your Life.

Memories

Air

Long

It's The Ability To Resist Failure, In Many Ways, Or Use Failure That Often Leads To The Greatest Success, Isn't It?

Use

Way

Ability

We Have To Choose Between What Is Right, And What Is Easy.

Choices

Inspirational Tattoo

Potters

It Frightened People When You Were Honest; It Shocked Them.

People

Honest

Frightened

What's The Worst That Could Happen? Everyone Turned Me Down; Big Deal.

Positive Thinking

Entrepreneur

Bigs

But You're Dead," Said Harry. "oh Yes," Said Dumbledore Matter-of-factly. "then...i'm Dead Too?" "ah," Said Dumbledore, Smiling Still More Broadly. "that Is The Question, Isn't It? On The Whole, Dear Boy, I Think Not.” They Looked At Each Other, The Old Man Still Beaming. "not?" Repeated Harry. "not," Said Dumbledore. "but…" Harry Raised His Hand Instinctively Toward The Lightning Scar. It Did Not Seem To Be There. "but I Should Have Died—i Didn't Defend Myself! I Meant To Let Him Kill Me!" "and That," Said Dumbledore, "will, I Think, Have Made All The Difference.

Boys

Men

Thinking

Killing Is Not So Easy As The Innocent Believe.

Death

Believe

Killing

And This Is Nymphadora-" "don't Call Me Nymphadora, Remus," Said The Young Witch With A Shudder. "it's Tonks." "-nymphadora Tonks, Who Prefers To Be Known By Her Surname Only," Finished Lupin. "so Would You If Your Fool Of A Mother Had Called You 'nymphadora,' " Muttered Tonks.

Mother

Fool

Witch

Harry Was Just Thinking That All He Needed Was For Dumbledore's Pet Bird To Die While He Was All Alone In The Office With It, When The Bird Burst Into Flames.

Thinking

Flames

Office

Yes, There Are Parallels. The Difference Is That I Just Look At [my Son] David And Think That He's Absolutely Perfect, Whereas You Look At The Finished Book And You Think, 'oh, Damn It, I Should Have Changed That.' You're Never Happy. Whereas With A Baby, You're Happy. If You've Got A Perfect Baby, You're Just Grateful.

Wise

Witty

Baby

The Mind Is A Complex And Many-layered Thing, Potter... Or At Least, Most Minds Are.

Mind

Potters

Complexes

I Think The Harry Books Are Actually Very Moral, But Some People Just Object To Witchcraft Being Mentioned In A Children's Book.

Children

Book

Thinking

Well, You're Expelling Us Aren't You?" Said Ron. "not Today, Mr. Weasley." Snape Looked As Though Christmas Had Been Canceled.

Today

Said

Wells

As Our Listeners Will Know, Unless They've Taken Refuge At The Bottom Of A Garden Pond Or Somewhere Similar, You-know-who's Strategy Of Remaining In The Shadows Is Creating A Nice Little Climate Of Panic.

Nice

Taken

Garden

October Extinguished Itself In A Rush Of Howling Winds And Driving Rain And November Arrived, Cold As Frozen Iron, With Hard Frosts Every Morning And Icy Drafts That Bit At Exposed Hands And Faces.

Morning

Rain

Winter

This Was Their First Encounter With The Fact That A Full Stomach Meant Good Spirits; An Empty One, Bickering And Gloom.

Encounters

Firsts

Facts

I Think The Single Biggest Thing That Money Gave Me-and Obviously I Came From A Place Where I Was A Single Mother And It Really Was Hand To Mouth At One Point. It Was Literally As Poor As You Can Get In Britain Without Being Homeless At One Point. If You've Ever Been There You Will Never, Ever Take For Granted That You Don't Need To Worry. Never.

Wise

Mother

Witty

The Opportunity Was Too Perfect To Miss. Harry Crept Silently Around Behind Malfoy, Crabbe, And Goyle, Bent Down, And Scooped A Large Handful Of Mud Out Of The Path. 'we Were Just Talking About Your Friend Hagrid,' Malfoy Said To Ron. 'just Trying To Imagine What He's Saying To The Committee For The Disposal Of Dangerous Creatures. D'you Think He'll Cry When They Cut Off His Hippogriff's—' Splat. Malfoy's Head Jerked Back As The Mud Hit Him; His Silverblond Hair Was Suddenly Dripping In Muck.

Cutting

Opportunity

Thinking

Both Could Feel The Relationship Crumbling To Pieces Beneath The Weight Of Everything That Gavin Refused To Say.

Crumbling

Pieces

Weight

You Could Be Great, You Know, It’s All Here In Your Head, And Slytherin Will Help You On The Way To Greatness, No Doubt About That.

Greatness

Doubt

Way

I Am Not Worried, Harry," Said Dumbledore, His Voice A Little Stronger Despite The Freezing Water. "i Am With You.

Hope

Voice

Water

Would You Like A Cough Drop Dolores?

Cough Drops

When You Have That Last Piece Of The Jigsaw, Everything Will, I Hope, Be Clear..." -albus Dumbledore

Pieces

Lasts

Jigsaw

I Gave My Hero A Talent I'd Love To Have. Who Wouldn't Want To Fly?

Love

Hero

Want

Harry Moved The Tip Of His Eagle-feather Quill Down The Page, Frowning As He Looked For Something That Would Help Him Write His Essay, “witch Burning In The Fourteenth Century Was Completely Pointless — Discuss.

Writing

Eagles

Burning

Yeah, Size Is No Guarantee Of Power,” Said George. “look At Ginny.” “what D’you Mean?” Said Harry. “you’ve Never Been On The Receiving End Of One Of Her Bat-bogey Hexes, Have You?

Mean

Receiving

Bats

Do I Look Stupid?" Snarled Uncle Vernon, A Bit Of Fried Egg Dangling From His Bushy Mustache.

Uncles

Stupid

Eggs

I Think Writing About The Time In Hermione’s Life That I Write About – Growing From Childhood Into Womanhood, Literally, I Think It Brought Back To Me How Very Difficult It Is.so Much Is Expected Of You As You Become A Woman, And Often You Are Asked To Sacrifice Parts Of You In Becoming A Girl, I Would Say. Hermione Doesn’t.

Girl

Writing

Sacrifice

They Don't Know We're Not Allowed To Use Magic At Home. I'm Going To Have A Lot Of Fun With Dudley This Summer.

Summer

Fun

Home

Don’t Put Your Wand There, Boy! ... Better Wizards Than You Have Lost Buttocks, You Know!

Funny

Boys

Wizards

If She Could Have Done One Thing To Make Absolutely Sure That Every Single Person In This School Will Read Your Interview, It Was Banning It!

School

Done

Interviews

Oh, Shut Up Weatherby.

Shut Up

Weasley

Fred Weasley

You’d Think A Bit Of Kissing Would Cheer Her Up.

Cheer

Kissing

Thinking

Mr. And Mrs. Dursley, Of Number Four Privet Drive, Were Proud To Say That They Were Perfectly Normal, Thank You Very Much.

Perfectly Normal

Numbers

Four

You Fail By Default When You Live So Cautiously You Never Fail.

Education

Literacy

Failing

The Most Important Thing Is To Read As Much As You Can, Like I Did. It Will Give You An Understanding Of What Makes Good Writing And It Will Enlarge Your Vocabulary.

Writing

Vocabulary

Giving

It's Best To Know What The Enemy Are Saying.

Enemy

Hermione

Knows

I Loved Writing For Kids, I Loved Talking To Children About What I'd Written, I Don't Want To Leave That Behind.

Children

Writing

Kids

His Hand Closed Automatically Around The Fake Horcrux But In Spite Of Everything, In Spite Of The Dark And Twisting Path He Saw Stretching Ahead For Himself, In Spite Of The Final Meeting With Voldemort He Knew Must Come Whether In A Month In A Year Or In Ten, He Felt His Heart Lift At The Thought That There Was Still One Last Golden Day Of Peace Left To Enjoy With Ron And Hermione.

Heart

Dark

Golden Days

We Tried To Shut Him In A Pyramid, But Mum Spotted Us.

Pyramids

Mum

George Weasley

I'm Dying!" Malfoy Yelled, As The Class Panicked. "i'm Dying, Look At Me! It's Killed Me!

Class

Dying

Looks

'tell Me One Last Thing,' Said Harry. 'is This Real? Or Has This Been Happening Inside My Head?' Dumbledore Beamed At Him, And His Voice Sounded Loud And Strong In Harry's Ears Even Though The Bright Mist Was Descending Again, Obscuring His Figure. 'of Course It Is Happening Inside Your Head, Harry, But Why On Earth Should That Mean It Is Not Real?'

Strong

Real

Life Lesson

The Death Eaters Can't All Be Pure-blood, There Aren't Enough Pure-blood Wizards Left," Said Hermione Stubbornly. "i Expect Most Of Them Are Half-bloods Pretending To Be Pure. It's Only Muggle-borns They Hate, They'd Be Quite Happy To Let You And Ron Join Up" "there Is No Way They'd Let Me Be A Death Eater!" Said Ron Indignantly...."my Whole Family Are Blood Traitors! That's As Bad As Muggle-borns To Death Eaters!" "and They'd Love To Have Me," Said Harry Sarcastically. "we'd Be Best Pals If They Didn't Keep Trying To Do Me In.

Hate

Death Eaters

Blood

I Have To Write The Story I Want To Write. I Never Wrote Them With A Focus Group Of 8-year-olds In Mind. I Have To Continue Telling The Story The Way I Want To Tell It.

Writing

Years

Focus

When We Come Face-to-face With One Down A Dark Alley, We're Going To Be Having A Shufti To See If It's Solid, Aren't We, We're Not Going To Be Asking, 'excuse Me, Are You The Imprint Of A Departed Soul?

Dark

Soul

Departed

Don't Worry. You're Just As Sane As I Am.

Worry

Sanity

Order Of The Phoenix

What Must Strike Any Intelligent Witch Or Wizard On Studying The So-called History Of The Elder Wand Is That Every Man Who Claims To Have Owned It Has Insisted That It Is "unbeatable," When The Known Facts Of Its Passage Through Many Owners' Hands Demonstrate That Has It Not Only Been Beaten Hundreds Of Times, But That It Also Attracts Trouble As Grumble The Grubby Goat Attracted Flies.

Intelligent

Men

Hands

I Feel I Owe You Another Explanation Harry," Said Dumbledore Hesitantly. "you May, Perhaps, Wondered Why I Never Chose You As A Prefect? I Must Confess...that I Rather Thought...you Had Enough Responsibility To Be Going On With." Harry Looked Up At Him And Saw A Tear Trickling Down Dumbledore's Face Into His Long Silver Beard.

Responsibility

Long

Tears

He Didn't Realize That Love As Powerful As Your Mother's For You Leaves Its Own Mark.

Mom

Mother

Powerful

Assuming I Survive Our Hunt For The Horcruxes, I’ll Find Mum And Dad And Lift The Enchantment. If I Don’t – Well, I Think I’ve Cast A Good Enough Charm To Keep Them Safe And Happy. Wendell And Monica Wilkins Don’t Know That They’ve Got A Daughter, You See.

Daughter

Dad

Thinking

Chess Was The Only Thing Hermione Ever Lost At, Something Harry And Ron Thought Was Very Good For Her.

Chess

Hermione

Lost

Every Second He Breathed, The Smell Of The Grass, The Cool Air On His Face, Was So Precious: To Think That People Had Years And Years, Time To Waste, So Much Time It Dragged, And He Was Clinging To Each Second.

Thinking

Air

Years

Rock Bottom Can Be A Solid Foundation From Which You Can Rebuild Your Life On.

Rocks

Foundation

Solid Foundation

Things Denied, Things Untold, Things Hidden And Disguised.

Denied

Harry Felt Winded, As Though He Had Just Walked Into Something Heavy. He Had Last Seen Those Cool Gray Eyes Through Slits In A Death Eater’s Hood, And Last Heard That Man’s Voice Jeering In A Dark Graveyard While Lord Voldemort Tortured Him. He Could Not Believe That Lucius Malfoy Dared Look Him In The Face; He Could Not Believe That He Was Here, In The Ministry Of Magic, Or That Cornelius Fudge Was Talking To Him, When Harry Had Told Fudge Mere Weeks Ago That Malfoy Was A Death Eater.

Believe

Eye

Dark

Great, Tell Me When You've Defeated Voldemort For Me, Will You?

Defeated

Harry Potter

Long Ago, When Harry Had Been Left Alone While The Dursley's Went Out To Enjoy Themselves, The Hours Of Solitude Had Been A Rare Treat: Pausing Only To Sneak Something Tasty From The Fridge, He Had Rushed Upstairs To Play On Dudley's Computer, Or Put On The Television And Flicked Through The Channels To His Heart's Content. It Gave Him An Odd Empty Feeling To Remember Those Times; It Was Like Remembering A Younger Brother Whom He Had Lost.

Brother

Life Lesson

Heart

Mclaggen Makes Grawp Look Like A Gentleman.

Gentleman

Looks

Hermione

Professor Trelawney: "everything Went Pitch-black And The Next Thing I Knew I Was Being Hurled Headfirst Out Of The Room!" Harry Potter: "and You Didn’t See That Coming?" Professor Trelawney: "no, As I Say It Was Pitch — ” [glares At Harry Angrily]

Black

Rooms

There Is No Shame In What You Are Feeling, Harry,' Said Dumbledore's Voice. 'on The Contrary... The Fact That You Can Feel Pain Like This Is Your Greatest Strength.

Pain

Voice

Feelings

The Trouble Is, The Other Side Can Do Magic Too, Prime Minister.

Magic

Sides

Trouble

Be Good Now, Potty...weasel King.

Kings

Weasels

Potty

You Can't Give A Dementor The Old One-two!

Two

Giving

Mentor

I Have Met Thousands Of Children Now, And Not Even One Time Has A Child Come Up To Me And Said, 'ms. Rowling, I'm So Glad I've Read These Books Because Now I Want To Be A Witch.'

Children

Book

Want

I Like The Distinction. It Enables Me To Have More Easygoing Encounters In My Private Life.

Encounters

Distinction

Private Life

Does It Hurt?" The Childish Question Had Escaped Harry's Lips Before He Could Stop It. "dying? Not At All," Said Sirius. "quicker And Easier Than Falling Asleep.

Hurt

Fall

Dying

Howard And Shirley Were Clothed, Always, In An Invisible Layer Of Decorum That They Never Laid Aside.

Layers

Invisible

Decorum

Neville Kicked Aside The Broken Fragments Of His Own Wand As They Walked Slowly Toward The Door. "my Gran's Going Do Kill Be," Said Neville Thickly, Blood Spattering From His Nose As He Spoke, "dat Was By Dad's Old Wand.

Dad

Doors

Blood

Wherever I Am, If I've Got A Book With Me, I Have A Place I Can Go And Be Happy

Happiness

Happy

Book

The Presence Of Hundreds Of Books Had Finally Convinced Hermione That What They Were Doing Was Right.

Book

Hermione

Convinced

Don't Be Sorry, My Dear Sir, For Nothing Could Upset Me Today! Rejoice, For You-know-who Is Gone At Last! Even Muggles Like Yourself Should Be Celebrating This Happy, Happy Day.

Sorry

Upset

Muggles

Hey, Look — Harry’s Got A Weasley Sweater, Too!” Fred And George Were Wearing Blue Sweaters, One With A Large Yellow F On It, The Other A G. “harry’s Is Better Than Ours, Though,” Said Fred, Holding Up Harry’s Sweater. “she Obviously Makes More Of An Effort If You’re Not Family.

Blue

Sweaters

Yellow

Anything's Possible If You've Got Enough Nerve.

Inspirational

Strength

Inspiring

I Did Not Set Out To Convert Anyone To Christianity.

Christianity

Lily And James Only Made You Secret-keeper Because I Suggested It,” Black Hissed, So Venomously That Pettigrew Took A Step Backward. “i Thought It Was The Perfect Plan... A Bluff... Voldemort Would Be Sure To Come After Me, Would Never Dream They’d Use A Weak, Talentless Thing Like You... It Must Have Been The Finest Moment Of Your Miserable Life, Telling Voldemort You Could Hand Him The Potters.

Dream

Hands

Perfect

Who Was This Women?' Asked Harry. 'i Dunno, Some Ministry Hag.' Mundungus Considered For A Moment, Brow Wrinkled. 'little Women. Bow On Top Of Er' Head.' He Frowned And Then Added, 'looked Like A Toad.' Harry Dropped His Wand. Harry Looked Up And Saw His Own Shock Reflected In Ron And Hermione's Faces. The Scars On The Back Of Right Hand Seemed To Be Tingling Again.

Hands

Ron And Hermione

Faces

Your Mother Died To Save You. If There Is One Thing Voldemort Cannot Understand, It Is Love. Love As Powerful As Your Mother's For You Leaves It's Own Mark. To Have Been Loved So Deeply, Even Though The Person Who Loved Us Is Gone, Will Give Us Some Protection Forever.

Love

Death

Mother

You Need Your Inner Eye Tested, If You Ask Me.

Eye

Funny Harry Potter

Needs

Would You Like Me To [kill You] Now?" Asked Snape, His Voice Heavy With Irony. "or Would You Like A Few Moments To Compose An Epitaph?

Voice

Irony

Moments

I Think That Emotionally, I've Probably Felt A Little Bit More Balanced When I Started Writing Again.

Writing

Thinking

Littles

Words Are, In My Not-so-humble Opinion, Our Most Inexhaustible Source Of Magic. Capable Of Both Inflicting Injury, And Remedying It.

Humble

Magic

Opinion

I Really Like How The Sixth Book Is Going. A Lot Happens In The Sixth Book And A Lot Of Questions Are Answered. I Really Have A Sense That We Are Nearly There And It Is Time For Answers, Not More Questions And Clues, Although Obviously There Are A Few Clues As I Am Not Quite Finished Yet.

Book

Answers

Clue

I Am The Freest Author In The World.

World

I Never Thought I'd Hear Myself Say It, But Safety First!

Safety

Firsts

Safety First

Am I About To Discover Where You, Ron, And Hermione Disappeared To While You Were Supposed To Be In The Back Room Of Fred And George's Shop?" How Did You...?" Harry, Please. You're Talking To The Man Who Raised Fred And George.

Men

Talking

Rooms

Hello, Harry" Said George, Beaming At Him. "we Thought We Heard Your Dulcet Tones." "you Don't Want To Bottle Up Your Anger Like That, Harry, Let It All Out," Said Fred, Also Beaming. "there Might Be A Couple Of People Fifty Miles Away Who Didn't Hear You.

Couple

People

Bottles

'-mediocre, Arrogant As His Father, A Determined Rule-breaker, Delighted To Find Himself Famous, Attention-seeking And Impertinent -' Said Severus. 'you See What You Expect To See, Severus.' Said Dumbledore.

Father

Life Lesson

Attention

Hagrid. You Live In A Wooden House!

House

Hagrid

Wooden House

I Say There Are Spots That Don't Come Off.... Spots That Never Come Off, D'you Know What I Mean?

Mean

Potters

Spots

With All Of Their Benefits, And There Are Many, One Of The Things I Regret About E-books Is That They Have Taken Away The Necessity Of Trawling Foreign Bookshops Or The Shelves Of Holiday Houses To Find Something To Read. I've Come Across Gems And Stinkers That Way, And Both Can Be Fun.

Fun

Regret

Book

No, It Was Honest," Said Harry. "one Of The Only Honest Things You've Said To Me. You Don't Care Whether I Live Or Die, But You Do Care That I Help You Convince Everyone You're Winning The War Against Voldemort.

War

Winning

Care

I Don't Mean To Be Rude—" He Began, In A Tone That Threatened Rudeness In Every Syllable. "yet, Sadly, Accidental Rudeness Occurs Alarmingly Often," Dumbledore Finished The Sentence Gravely.

Mean

Rude

Tone

Wow, I Wonder What It'd Be Like To Have A Difficult Life?

Wow

Wonder

Difficult

Understanding Quotes: Their Essence and Application

Quotes, or quotations, are powerful tools in communication, encapsulating ideas, emotions, and wisdom in concise expressions. They serve various purposes across different contexts, from academic writing to everyday conversation.

1. Defining Quotes

A quote is a repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts. It can be a direct replication of words spoken or written by another individual, often used to support arguments, provide evidence, or convey profound insights.

2. The Importance of Quotes

2.1. Enhancing Credibility

Incorporating quotes from authoritative sources can bolster the credibility of your work. By referencing experts or primary sources, you demonstrate thorough research and a solid foundation for your arguments.

2.2. Providing Evidence

Quotes serve as concrete evidence to support claims. In academic and professional writing, they validate points made, offering readers a basis to trust the information presented.

2.3. Conveying Emotions and Perspectives

Quotes can encapsulate emotions and perspectives succinctly. They allow writers to express complex feelings or viewpoints through the words of others, often more eloquently than paraphrasing.

3. Types of Quotes

3.1. Direct Quotes

Direct quotes involve copying the exact words from a source, enclosed in quotation marks. They are used when the original wording is significant or particularly well-expressed.

3.2. Indirect Quotes (Paraphrasing)

Indirect quotes restate the original message in your own words. While not enclosed in quotation marks, they still require proper attribution to the original source.

3.3. Block Quotes

Block quotes are lengthy direct quotations, formatted as a separate block of text. They are typically used for quotes exceeding a certain length, varying by citation style. For instance, in APA style, quotes longer than 40 words are formatted as block quotes.

4. Proper Usage of Quotes

4.1. Contextual Relevance

Ensure that the quote you choose is relevant to the topic and adds value to your content. Avoid inserting quotes solely for decorative purposes.

4.2. Integration into Your Writing

Seamlessly integrate quotes into your writing. Introduce them appropriately and follow up with analysis or commentary to connect them to your main points.

4.3. Attribution and Citation

Always attribute quotes to their original authors and provide proper citations according to the required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

5.1. Overusing Quotes

Relying too heavily on quotes can overshadow your voice. Use them sparingly to support your arguments, not replace them.

5.2. Lack of Analysis

Presenting a quote without analysis or explanation can leave readers questioning its relevance. Always follow up with your interpretation or discussion.

5.3. Misquoting or Taking Out of Context

Ensure that quotes are accurate and not taken out of context, as this can mislead readers and undermine your credibility.

6. Quotes in Different Contexts

6.1. Academic Writing

In academic writing, quotes are used to support arguments, provide evidence, and engage with existing literature. Proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism.

6.2. Journalism

Journalists use quotes to provide firsthand accounts, add authenticity, and present multiple perspectives within a story.

6.3. Literature and Creative Writing

In literature, quotes can be used to convey character voices, themes, and stylistic elements. They enrich narratives and provide depth to storytelling.

7. Punctuation and Formatting

Understanding the correct punctuation and formatting of quotes is essential:

Quotation Marks: Always enclose direct quotes within quotation marks.

Punctuation Placement: In American English, periods and commas are placed inside quotation marks, while colons and semicolons are placed outside.

Block Quotes: For longer quotes, format them as block quotes without quotation marks, and indent the entire block.

8. Ethical Considerations

Ethical use of quotes involves accurate representation, proper attribution, and respect for intellectual property. Misuse can lead to plagiarism, which carries serious academic and professional consequences.

9. Tools for Managing Quotes

Utilize tools like citation generators and plagiarism checkers to manage quotes effectively. These tools help ensure proper formatting and originality in your writing.

Conclusion

Quotes are invaluable in enriching content, providing evidence, and conveying complex ideas succinctly. When used appropriately, they enhance the quality and credibility of your writing. Always ensure relevance, proper integration, and ethical usage to maximize their impact.

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