Spotlight on Characters - Interview with Quincy

This is my last spotlight on characters.  The next spotlight will be on some amazing YA authors.

 

I chose to interview one of my characters from my novel, Always.  Quincy enters the story about half way through and he proves quite important to the story.

Donna:  Hi Quincy.  Please have a seat.  I'd like to introduce you to my blog friends.

Quincy:  Hello everyone.   Writer Donna talks about all of you a lot.  (Quincy sits back, relaxed)

Donna:  You are a very nice looking young man.  Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

Quincy:  I'd be happy to. I am the son of Malcolm Campbell.  He runs Simon's warehouse up near our home.  Ya know, I'm a might taller than me dad, but I look a lot like him.

Donna:  You do indeed.  And where is that where you're from?

Quincy:  Not too far from Glasgow.   Me dad has worked for Simon for years, so I'd often go and visit him at the Guthrie Warehouse.   The Warehouse is in between Creetown and Dumfrees.  It's a beautiful area.

Donna:  Simon offered you a position in his company not long after meeting you.  How did that come about?

Quincy:  Well, I was done with me schoolin' an' I just couldnee find my niche in life, so me dad says.  I worked various types of jobs, but never lasted long.  When Simon and Lester came fer their yearly check on reports, they ran far behind, and me dad brought me in to help.

Donna:  I understand that Simon was quite impressed with you.

Quincy.  Aye.  He took a liking to me work habits, an' I found I liked spending hours goin' over those reports.  I seemed to have a knack fer understandin' those reports, an' it impressed Simon.

Donna:  What do you think of Simon?

Quincy:  'e's a good man and hard-workin'   He can size you up in a heartbeat.  Won't deal wi' his own personal life, but I owe him a lot.  He gave me a job I liked and he and Lester trained me.  I get to travel all over the world now, lookin' for antiques.   I'd never tell him, but it's obvious he's in love, even if he doesn't think so.

Donna:  How do you perceive Lester?

Quincy:  Ah, that one.  He's a sly one alright.  Me friend Telulla says he's not human.  I think he knows what he's doin'.  He guides Simon, like he is Simon's father, and Simon counts on his opinions.  Lester is a right clever man, though.  I've seen him in action.  Always a kind word to everyone and aboot everyone.  Good person, that Lester.

Donna:  You mentioned Telulla.  Any romance there?

Quincy:  Ah, now, ye know I cannee talk aboot it.  I cannee say one way or the other, or I'll give the story away.

Donna:  Very smart of you.  What of April?  Do you have feelings for her?

Quincy:  I'm happy workin' fer Simon, so I'll not say.  I don't want to ruin the story or have Simon angry with me.  I will say this.  Tha' book you wrote is a fine romance.  An' because of me job, I get to visit the Duffs and Umbridges often in their quaint village.  That Dixon Duff - he's a funny person an' can keep  parties goin' til all hours.  Of course, he does have that strange desire to save them cats, ya know.

Donna:  Yes, he is funny and does like to save cats.  Telulla is a bit quirky and many people in the village think she's not all there, if you know what I mean.  What's your take on her?

Quincy:  I have four sisters.  Two older, two younger.  I understand young girls.  They love to talk an' dream about things that' aren't real.  Lula's like that.  Constantly talkin' about fairies and elves and angels.  I like her though.  She's a good person an' she's very loyal to April, helpin' her to catch Simon.  When I'm in the village, she finds time ta work with me.  Course Simon pays her, but she's a good little worker too.  She does those tarot readings.  I won't have one done, but she does get customers.

Donna:  She's one of my favorite characters in my book.  You get involved in the happy times and in sad times.  How do you feel about that?

Quincy:  (choked up)  I'm not sure I want to talk aboot the sad times.  I lose someone that I love so much.  I cannee get over her yet.  How do you go on livin'?  Simon says it gets easier as time goes on, but I don't see how.  I think ye could have had someone else die than her.  (he folds his arms and glares at me)

Donna:  Um, yes, but you see, not everyone can live for ever unless you're writing fairy tales... (I falter)

(Quincy doesn't answer, but continues to glare at me)

Donna:  Um, yes.  Ok, I see our time is up.  Er, thank you for agreeing to the interview.

Quincy:  It's not too late, ya know.  Ya are the writer, an' you can go back and change those scenes.

Donna:  Um, sorry, afraid not.  Buy hey, I left you alive.

(Quincy gets up angrily and storms out muttering about complaining to Simon and what's the use to living if she's dead)

Donna:  Ahem.  Well, you'll have to excuse him.  That part of the book does get unbearably sad and I must admit that I cry whenever I read it.  I'd hoped to ask him more questions, but I better go talk to him before he finds Simon.

Um, thank you for getting to know a little about Quincy.  He's really a very nice young man, normally, other than, well, what he has to go through...

As I say, next time, I will have the spotlight on something happier - some wonderul and exceptional YA/childrens authors.  I better go (I run out yelling behind me 'LHR my dear friends, until next time')

LHR and let's all PAWS for Success.

Spotlight on Verchiel from 'Amarinthine Nights'

Hello, everyone.  Before I get started with the interview, I can now announce the winners of the HP drawing!
1st prize went to Stephanie of the DMS, who chose the golden snitch
2nd prize went to Joleene Naylor, who chose Snape
3rd prize went to Barbara from March House Books, who chose Dobby.

The prizes will be mailed by September 1st, although Barbara, you may not receive yours until the end of the year 2040, depending on how fast the US Postal Service will deliver it.  Ergh!

Congratulations to all three of you!

If you do drawings and don't use another method, try random.org
I fed in all the names of everyone who commented on the HP spotlights, and it randomized the list in a matter of seconds, choosing my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.  It's a free service, so I will certainly use it from now on!

   Spotlight on Verchiel

(Image copied by permission of author and artist, Joleene Naylor, all rights reserved under copyright laws.  Not for reproduction or copying without Joleene Naylor's express permission)

I'm thrilled (I giggle out loud) to have one of my favorite characters from a series - Verchiel, a vampire from Joleene Naylor's Amaranthine Nights.  Just like all of the books' female followers, I also favor Verchiel (I giggle again).  Verchiel is a vampire with his own style - so different from other vampires.  Well, from anyone, really.  Ahem.

Donna:  Verchiel, I'm so excited and honored to have you visit with me today.  (I blush severely)  You know, of all my author friends's characters, you are only the second one I've chosen to interview.  Shall we sit?  Oh, um, I'll sit on the divan and you can sit way over there (points to a chair quite a distance away).  Never take any chances with a vampire I say.  And no Wind Walking, ok?

Verchiel: *blinks innocently* Oh come now, Donna, you can trust me. *grins* I’m delighted to be here and thanks for having me! I must apologize for the delay, it seems my author – um, my wonderful author that is – was busy catering to the needs of Patrick. While this is annoying, the fact that he finally got his own book shows that she’s wearing down. I’m hoping to see a Verchiel series in the future. (She says no, but we’ll see!)

Donna:  We all hope so!  There's a mystery about you, which intrigues me.  For instance, you're 5 ft 7 inches tall with Asian features.  That's fairly normal, but come on.  Long red hair like tomatoes and violet eyes?  How'd you make that happen?  Do you dye your hair, wear contacts?  Who or what are you, really?

Verchiel: Truthfully? I don’t know. I came with the red hair. I like to say it’s natural, but if I had to guess, I’d say someone dyed it before I met Kateesha. Did I do that? Maybe. Why? I have no idea. But it is pretty cool, huh? It has made life difficult at times, though. Imagine 1933 with hair this color. I had to use shoe polish on it. Not that that would have been so bad, had it smelled better.

Donna: (I lean forward and sniff the air)  Well, you smell pretty good to me.  Um, moving on.  You are one funny guy who loves to tease.  You don't fit the Executioner role.  Did Katesha give you to Malick or do you owe Malick for some favor?  We, your fans would love to know.

Verchiel: Actually, I was looking for Kateesha and wound up with an invitation to visit the Guild. Who knew Malick would be interested in little ol’ me? Anyway, we had a lovely chat and he invited me to stay on as a guard. I didn’t have any plans, and besides I’ve always been a go with the flow kinda guy, so I said “why not?” Then Mary got herself killed in 1922 and suddenly there was an Executioner opening. Being the awesome vampire I am, I was the first choice for promotion. Made a few of the other Guards mad, since they’d been there longer, but you know how it is.

Donna:  Malick was horrible to you in the last book, torturing you.  Tell the truth.  It was all worth it when you and Katelina had your moment there.  I think you remember it often.  True?

Verchiel: Oh, I doubt I remember it. I mean, I was out of my mind at the time. The book says so and the book never lies. *ahem*

Donna:  Uh huh.  You were turned by Kateesha, correct?

Verchiel: That is correct. I know, she has a bad rep, but she wasn’t all bad. You just had to know how to handle her. Her main trouble is – was – that she had this inferiority complex when it came to men, so you just had to back off a bit, let her play the superior role, and everything worked beautifully. That’s actually the way to get along with ninety-nine percent of the world. Make a little joke, let them think they’re in control, and only exert yourself when necessary. Pick your battles, so to speak. Usually, you can get people to do what you want by subtle suggestions rather than force.

Donna:  Somehow, I don't think Kateesha would have put up much with your independent, quirky, teasing, happy-go-lucky, free thinking attitude and garish clothes.  I'm guessing she tried to tame you.  Is that correct?  Were you two ever lovers?

Verchiel: Heh-heh, But I am untamable. As I said, you just had to kind of play along with her. Once in awhile you gave in to her, so she could feel in control, and the rest of the time when she said “You’re not wearing that!” you just had to pout or compliment her until she gave in. I only lived with her for 15 years before Malick called for her and they took off for the New World together. As for the lovers… well, I plead the fifth.

Donna:  Speaking of turning, did you ever turn anyone, and are we going to meet them in any upcoming books?  Did you teach them to be c-a-razy like you?

Verchiel: Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it? I will say that I have a candidate or two in mind at the moment that I am trying to talk my lovely author into.

(I lean in closer to him with a sad look on my face) Donna:  Tell the truth now, what are your regrets about your youngling years?  Surely you have some.
 
Verchiel: Alright, since I was a bad boy on the last two questions I’ll be good now (unless you prefer bad boys *snicker*). I do, actually. I should have gone back to Batavia sooner. I know that’s where Kateesha found me, because she let it slip once, but at the time I just didn’t care about who I’d been before. By the time I decided I did, it was too late. Anyone who might have known me as a human was dead, and at that point it wasn’t as if I wanted to be recognized, anyway. How do you explain still being young a hundred years later? So, it’s gone, and I doubt I’ll ever know, now.

Donna:  You wear such colorful clothes and drive a canary yellow sports car - rather gaudy.  What statement are you trying to make?  Or are you just trying to impress young human girls?

Verchiel: Well, impressing the ladies is always a good thing, but I just like the colors. Why be so drab? All the vampires are black, black, black. I understand the Executioner get up, it’s easier to blend in in black, okay, but off duty, come on! Live a little! Vampirism isn’t walking death, so why dress like a permanent funeral?

Donna:  Whenever there is a confrontation between vampires, you try to end it before many are hurt or killed.  Why?  You're a vampire.  Shouldn't you like the whole fighting/killing part?  Are you afraid of fighting/dying?  Or with all your 'powers' are you afraid you'll hurt someone that you don't mean to hurt?  You know, Joseff said - 'The Wind Walker has never helped anyone.  He breezes in, jokes and leaves again.'  That's not exactly a statement of praise.  How do you feel about that?
 
Verchiel: Ah, Joseff was just bitter over Claudius. Okay, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret, though, shhhh. The way the Executioners work is that the low man on the totem pole gets the “pain in the ass” cases. These are cases where there’s either a – nothing to do except say “we’ll look into it” or b – have lots and lots of paperwork and boring investigations. Claudius was on the pain in the ass list because he was a pain in the ass, so he was basically my permanent assignment. There was usually nothing to do with his complaints except say “yeah, we’re working on it.” You notice that as soon as there was “concrete” evidence and it came time to fetch Arowenia, Senya and Bren took over and I got stuck on another pain in the ass case…
As for the fighting, I just don’t see the point in killing anyone unnecessarily. Every death is a loss of potential, you know? You kill someone and bam! Anything they might have done is gone now. You don’t know, someone you spare may turn out to be very important later. I believe it’s Gandalf who said, “Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.” That’s not to say you don’t have to kill someone now and again. It happens, and when it does no point in dwelling on it or rolling in remorse, but no reason to do it unnecessarily, either.

Donna:  So many female readers favor you.  Are you author Jo's favorite vampire too?
 
Verchiel: I like to think so. I know she adores me because I’m so much fun. And I’m hot. (Come on Jo, you know it’s true!)

Donna:  Let's talk about Katelina.  It seems like you're always there in a pinch to save her.  Why?  Are you hoping to turn Katelina yourself?  Shouldn't you be more afraid of Jorick?  Do you and Jorick have a past that you are keeping secret?  You do know he calls you the red headed idiot?  Does that bother you?  Anger you?  Does it make you feel hurt?

Verchiel: Jorick’s just jealous, and do you blame him? I’m funnier than he is, and a lot more fun, besides. Plus I’m far more secure. It’s no wonder he’s worried I’m going to try to steal little Kately away. But alas, we don’t have a “past” per se, except my having had to listen to Kateesha drone about him. Despite that fact Jorick couldn’t read her mind, I could, and she was obsessed with him, so even when she wasn’t talking about him there he was. He’s the real reason she jaunted off to “the new World”. Sure, her master called, but she’d have ignored him if Jorick hadn’t been going. And of course Jorick is infamous among the Executioners. It was that exciting exit, you know. Battling all of them and then trying to kill Malick. I’ve heard it was spectacular.
As for saving little Kately, well, I can’t let anything happen to her, now can I? That wouldn’t be very… let’s say gentlemanly. As for turning her, there’s apparently quite a secret war going on about that among the characters. Who knew, huh? Even Micah has a list of why he should get to do it. I feel sorry for our esteemed and mighty author when she has to choose. *cough* notice I said esteemed and mighty? That should knock me up higher on the list. After all, we all know Jorick can’t do it.
Why can’t Jorick do it, you ask? Because that would throw their relationship balance off. Right now he’s the physically superior one; with the mind reading and all of that super strength and such, but since he’s in wovey-love with her, she can control him, wound him, etc. and so that makes them equals. However, if they’re physically equal and THEN she can still control him… well, then that makes her superior, doesn’t it? And what kind of a romance would that be? They have to stay equals, so it has to be someone who won’t make her as strong as he is. I know, I know, your first thought is, “But Verchiel! You’re so obviously superior! You could even read Kateesha’s mind and Jorick couldn’t” but, I hear that my mind reading is unstable and might not be passed on, and another interesting thing our author should think about: he can’t read my mind, so then he couldn’t read hers. Oh, that would drive him crazy!

Donna:  (leans forward again and whispers) Tell us all a secret.  Are you going to be in the next book, ruining Jorick and Katelina's trip to Europe and causing mischief?

Verchiel: Of course I am! Okay, super secret time – The Guild is officially sending me with them, which means Jorick has NO choice! Isn’t that delicious? I could kiss Eileifr for it! Hee-hee! Jorick is going to be livid when he finds out, which should be soon, I hope.

Donna:  You've stated you don't attack the innocent and young.  Scenario:  Let's say a stunningly beautiful young girl, innocent and sweet, begs you to turn her so she can belong to you and do your bidding?  She even cries in your arms while pleading, biting her lip so you'll smell her blood?  Will you refuse her?  After all, she's young and innocent.  Or do you give in and turn her?  Inquiring minds want to know.
 
Verchiel: HOW young and innocent? Seventeen? Eighteen? Twenty? Well, I’d hate to disappoint her, I mean, you just can’t tell her no, now can you? And turning someone isn’t really hurting them, anyway, more transforming them into a superior being. Plus, I’ve always wanted someone to do my bidding. Especially if she’d wear a maid’s outfit…

Donna:  What is it with maid's outfits?  Never mind.  Moving on.  Along that line, do you have any human pets?  Tell the truth now.  Do you have a lover?  Human or vampire?

Verchiel:  I’ve had humans before. It was popular back in the day at the Citadel for all of the Executioners to have one. They called them “Guard Dogs”, in fact. I went through four or five of them. The last one, Denise, has grandkids now. I stop in and check on her now and then. She was a hottie in her day. Heck, she aged pretty well, for that matter. But, she’s married and all, so hands off, you know. Her husband is a good guy, though I only got to officially meet him once. Wouldn’t do for him to figure it out.
As for my current status, I am accepting applications. Those who don’t mind sharing me get moved to the top of the list. Thank you.

Donna:  You are going to be overwhelmed by those applicants!   You love to tease Katelina, often calling her Little Kately.  Yet, I've noticed you keep her away from Senya and seem to try to break her and Jorick up.  Hey, hmm.  Let's play a game.  I'll say a sentence or a word and without thinking, you tell me the first thing that comes to your mind.  No thinking now, ok?  Ready?
 
Verchiel:  Ok! This could be fun!

Donna:  Are you in love with Jorick or Katelina?

Verchiel:  Maybe.

Donna:  (laughing)  Um, ok.  Are you a trouble-maker or a helper?
 
Verchiel:  Trouble. The fun kind.

Donna:  In the vampire world, do you see yourself as superior or inferior?
 
Verchiel:  Superior.

Donna:  Are you a vampire or an Other Worldly creature infiltrating the vampire world?
 
Verchiel:  Vampire Mark II. It’s the coolness factor that gives me the leg up, you know.

D:  You are so much fun to be around.  How about one more quick game?  How about a one question Truth or Dare - keep in mind the dare could be dangerous and definitely not fun?
 
Verchiel:  Oh boy! I love this game! Dare.

Donna: (I sigh). Oh how I wish you would have picked Truth.  Are you sure?  You'll have to go through with it.  Ok then.  On Katelina's next birthday, you must tap dance and sing 'Happy Birthday' all the way through one chorus to her - naked, while Jorick is there. Good luck on that one.  I'm not sure even a Wind Walker can move quick enough when Jorick is angry.

Verchiel: Gwahahaha! What about a top hat? No tap dance is complete without a top hat! You know, I wonder when her birthday is… I don’t think our author gave her one. She’d better get that sorted out while I practice my dance moves.

Donna:  Oh, I can't wait to see what happens when you do this!  Verchiel, you've been an absolute angel, um, scratch that - 'dear'  to show up to the interview and play along.  We, your fans, are cheering for more scenes with you in them, and don't give up on demanding an appearance in Patrick's story.

Verchiel: Thanks so much for having me! You’ve been the best interviewer, and because of that, I’ll tell you another secret – I got one! It’s not much, but hey, I’m there, and unlike Jorick I come off as being nice. Though with a sinister Executioner edge! Gwahahahaha!

Donna:  Now, that I can't wait to read.  Come back and visit with me again, ok?  (I giggle and blush)
 
Verchiel:  Be happy to!

(Donna speaking) Joleene Naylor's Amaranthine Series is available in paperback and Kindle form though my favorite store, Amazon.

 

 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=shades+of+gray+by+joleene+naylor

Just click on the above link.  Kindle prices range from 99cents to $2.99, paperback $7.99 to $8.99

I love this series.  It does contain some beautifully written erotic, along with violence and gore, but the love story of Katelina and Jorick - well, you don't remember much else - it's so amazing!  Would that all of us could have a lover like that!  It is an amazing, fast-paced series.  And if you could get through the Twilight series, you could easily prefer these books over that one.

Well, my friends, I sincerely hope you loved Verchiel's interview.  He's something, isn't he?)  But guess what?  Author Jo has a surprise for all of us, and I got a sneak peak.  She has written the continuation of when Verchiel performs his dare!  This is something ya gotta read!  It will be on her blog tomorrow (Sat 8/24), about the same time as this one hits.

Please check it out.  You won't be sorry.  Verchiel sure isn't!

 https://joleenenaylor.wordpress.com/

I want to thank each and every one of you for being my friend and for your comments.  You make my blogging a true joy.

LHR, and watch out for those vampires!  Remember, let us all PAWS for Success.

Spotlight on Characters from Stories - Sad-case

Hello all my friends.  I wish I could announce who the winners of the Harry Potter drawing were, but I still have not heard back from one person.  Hopefully, by the next post I'll be able to announce who they are.
 

Starting today and the next 2 posts, my spotlight will be on characters in stories, so let's get started with today's interviewee.

Today I welcome my guest character, Sad-case from the 'Three Hoodies' series (a YA Sci-fi) by author Roger Lawrence.  Sad-case is one of three young English men whose adventures are - well - out of this world.

Donna:  Welcome, Sad-case.  Please have a seat.  (I study him closely for a moment).  Nice bruise you have there.  Want to tell us how you got that?

Got it from my brother when I was messing about with his stuff in the garage. Then it got bigger when David gave me a poke, cos' he said I wouldn't do this interview. He does all that Kung Fu rubbish but I've got the real muscle. Look at this. Biggest bicep in the school.

Donna:  Ahem.  Yes, it is rather – large.  Well, now, Sad-Case cannot be your real name.  I can't imagine a loving mother naming such an - um - attractive young man that name.  Please, tell us how you acquired such a unique nick-name.

I've got another name but we don't talk about it. Gorrit? David called it me once but that was when he thought I was dead, and that's the only reason he's still alive.

Donna:  Still…alive?  Moving on.  So it is safe to assume, then, that you nicknamed your older brother El Slobbo?  Does he know what you call him?

No, I used to call him Bob-the -Slob, but he found out and nearly whacked me. Now we call him El Slobbo. He doesn't like it but soon it won't matter because we're gonna get him.

Donna:  Gonna get him?  Um, moving on again.  I understand your two closest friends remain David and Derrick?  Aren't they rather nerdy for you to hang around with?

Yeah, they are a bit nerdy but they're alright so long as I give them a slap every now and then. David's clever and Derrick's a bit of a plonker, but I wouldn't tell them that. Besides, they need me to keep them out of trouble.

Donna: Yes, of course, a slap now and then would keep them out of trouble, I suppose.  But didn't David fly the alien craft while Derrick got you safely through the space wormholes. Could you have done that?

A little furtively. We'll... But there's a bit more to life than flying alien spaceships and chucking it through wormholes. Anyway, I bet I could have if I'd tried. You have to give your friends a chance sometimes.

Donna:  I can't help but notice that you are - um - a little on the large side.  Are all your family members so hefty?

We're all big. My brother is bigger than a bulldozer, and none of it's brain. (Sniggers)

Donna: Somehow I’m not surprised it’s not brains.   And your hoodie.  I must ask, why would you decorate it with old food and what looks like...other things?

I don't! (Examines it with disgust) Every time we get in trouble with those aliens and stuff, that plonker Derrick hurls chunks all over me. This is clean. You should see it before I wash it.

Donna:  Oh.  I see.  Moving on again.  You were quite brave in 'Three Hoodies Save the World.'  By the end of the read, I was quite impressed with your abilities.  You seem to like using rifles and such.  Is this true?  And would you honestly use a weapon against your big brother?

Well I've gotta be brave to save those two from trouble. Giant man-eating aliens (smiles nastily) people pretending to be aliens while they was really human pretending to be fifteen when they're really three times older. Wasn't for me the other two'd be dog meat. Yeah, I love guns. I could use, (stops for a breath), well I couldn't actually shoot my brother, although he deserves it. No, we'll get him back another way. It'll be fun.

Donna:  Does David often get you and Derrick into these strange adventures?

Yeah. It seems like about every twenty minutes he's calling us and he's like: you gotta save the world; again. So we like, have to. Anyway. If I didn't do it, who would? Smiles modestly.

Donna:  How brave of you, and what loyalty you show to your friends.  You can have quite a temper though.  Have you thought of meditation to help you learn to control your anger issues?

I'm not angry. It's them what makes me angry. They're a useless bunch of dweebs. I'd have to be a saint not to get angry, sometimes. And I haven't got any tissues.

Donna: Uh huh.  Moving on again.  About Yoreth.  You don't seem to like her much or is that just a ruse?  I'm wondering if you don't have a mad crush on her?  Do you have a mad crush on any girl yet?

Yoreth (looks about furtively) . Well I sort of like her. She's pretty and stuff. I just wish she'd decide what age she is and not keep getting older and younger and stuff. Mind you. (smiles nastily) she's got this great way of beating people up with her mind. She won't tell me how to do it, though. Anyway, I'll find a girlfriend of my own when I'm ready. And when she's actually human.

Donna: I’ll look forward to reading about that.  Did you ever imagine you'd be traipsing around the galaxy, trying to save a planet from total destruction?

Well, yeah. I always knew I'd be doing something important. My dad always said I'd either be Prime Minister, or in prison for the rest of my life.

Donna: I can say that I agree with your father’s statement.  In 'Three Hoodies 2' the sequel, you don't seem to have changed much.  I would have thought you might have matured more.  After all, that was quite a difficult adventure you three undertook.

There's plenty of time to be grown up. I don't want to be grown up yet, anyway. They all run around squawking like chickens, leaving all the real work, like actually saving the world, to us. If being grown up makes you a squealing brat, I'd rather be my age forever.

Donna:  Um, so what are your plans for the future - that is, after you clean your hoodie.  Any chance of a 'Three Hoodies 3 or 4' in the making?

I've seen this new hoodie, It's made from Yack leather and the others are gonna be green with envy. And three's already done. (proudly) You should see who we meet in that. It's not every day you get to wind up the actual...(stops, looking around in case anyone is listening). You'll just have to read it. And of course I do all the work as usual. In number four it gets really serious. I mean the whole... stops again. This time not looking quite so smug.

Donna:  Ok then.  I can’t wait to read your future adventures.  Well, Sad-case, it's been -er - interesting to have you as a guest.  Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Yeah. I'm gonna set up my own web site. Hero for hire dot com. Aliens, monsters? Call Sad-case. And I might bring David and Derrick, just to show them how it's done.

Donna:  You just might get more responses to that than you think.  Thank you for taking time for us today.

Folks, if you haven't read 'Three Hoodies Save the World' I'd sure encourage you to do so.  It is a fun and creative story about these three young men and their adventures in space.  You can find the book at Amazon.com. Just click on the link below.   And soon, ‘Three Hoodies 2’ will be available.  I’ve had the opportunity to read it and I am loving every page of it.  Author Roger Lawrence also has a fascinating and scary horror book 'Kongamato' which is well worth your reading time too.  I hope you all enjoyed meeting Sad-case, a unique and brave young man.




Available from my favorite store, Amazon, in both Kindle version ($1.99) and paperback ($10.99)
Three Hoodies Save the World Amazon.com





Next time, I'll be interviewing one of my all-time favorite characters, Verchiel from the Amaranthine Series by Joleene Naylor.  Verchiel is a character who is truly a 'character.'



LHR (love, honor, and respect) my friends, and let us all remember to Pause for Success by supporting each other.

Winners Winners Winners

Winners have been chosen for the Spotlight on Harry Potter series!

Thanks to my daughter-in-law, Ange, who knows her way around the internet, I went to random.org and put in the names of everyone who commented.  If you commented more than once, your name was put in once for every comment.

Three winners have been drawn.  Before I announce their names, I will contact them to see if they want the prize.  The prizes are crocheted by me and I made the pattern too, so one of a kind items.

The prizes are a crocheted Snape, a crocheted Dobby the House-Elf, and a crocheted golden snitch. 

Here are the pics.

Snape:

Dobby:

Golden Snitch

I want to thank everyone who commented and made these posts so much fun!  I also want to thank random.org.  Choosing winners was quick and easy, and, again, thank you, Ange for telling me about this site.

Congratulations to the winners.

LHR, my dear friends.

Spotlight - Part 4 - Book 7 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

I hope you've all enjoyed this series spotlighting J.K. Rowling's best selling series Harry Potter.  Like many of you, I could talk Harry Potter every day and never get bored.

Answers from Last Time

Book 5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Quotes:

"You've lost, old man."  Lord Voldemort to Dumbledore when Lord Voldemort possesses Harry.

"It's brilliant.  It's like Hogwarts wants us to fight back."  Harry, talking about finding the Room of Requirement to practice Defence Against the Dark Arts.

"As I told you, Mr. Potter, naughty children deserve to be punished."  Professor Umbridge to Harry.

"I hope they have pudding."  Luna Lovegood at the end of the school year, talking to Harry about the End of the Year Feast

Questions:

Does the writing on Harry's hand ever fade away?  Never, even in his 30's it still shows.

Who is Grawp?  Hagrid's half-brother, a full giant.

To whom does Dolores Umbridge shout this?  "You filthy half-breeds!  You have been given the right to stay here by Cornelius Fudge!"  To the Centaurs in the Forbidden Forest.

What is Felix Felicis?  A potion that will bring you luck for 24 hours.

Book 6 - Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Quotes:

"You just... know? Once again, you astonish me with your gifts Potter. Gifts mere mortals could only dream of possessing. How grand it must be, to be the chosen one."  Professor Snape to Harry.

" Is that what you told Tom Riddle, when he came asking questions?"  Harry to Professor Slughorn

 "Excuse me, I have to go vomit."  Hermione, after she sees the necklace Lavender gave Ron.

"Well, I'd bloody well hope so, she's been snogging you for three months."  Harry to Ron, when he thought Ron was talking about Lavender.

 "You dare use my own spells against me, Potter? Yes. I'm the Half Blood Prince."  Severus Snape when running from the school and Harry was trying to curse him.

Questions:

Who was the Half Blood Prince?  Severus Snape, whose father was a muggle and mother was a witch.  Her last name was Prince.

Whose funeral did Hagrid, Harry, and Horace Slughorn attend?  There could have been 2 answers here.  I'm sure diehard Harry Potter fans caught that right away.  I was going for Aragog's funeral.  The other would give the story away.

What is Verataserum?  Truth serum.  It makes the person who swallows it tell the truth.

And a real toughie:  Who were the members of Dumbledore's Army?  There were so many, weren't there?  Here's the list:  Of course, there were Harry, Hermione, and Ron.  The other members were Ginny, Fred and George Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Katie Bell, Hannah Abbott,  Lavender Brown, Susan Bones, Cho Chang, Terry Boot, Michael Corner, Colin and Dennis Creavey,  Justin Finch-Fletchley, Angelina Johnson, Seamus Finnigan, Lee Jordan, Earnie MacMillan, Anthony Goldstein, Padma and Parvati Patil, Alicia Spinnet, Dean Thomas, Zacharius Smith, and Marietta Edgecombe (who betrayed the group by telling Professor Umbridge about the meetings.

For Your Information

Did you know that JK Rowling once said in an interview that she took the sorting test and was sorted into Hufflepuff?

Did you know that JK Rowling at first had planned to kill Ron off?

How did JK Rowling come up with the Harry Potter stories?  She said she was riding a train from Manchester when the story started to develop.  She had no paper or pencil, so she asked around but nobody had any.  She said she was glad noone did, because as she rode, the story continued to develop.  I think we're all glad of this.

Did you know JK Rowling was rejected 12 times before Bloomsbury accepted her?  The agent who received the manuscript asked an 8-year-old girl to read it, and of course, she loved it.

According to JK Rowling, she has now started writing the long-awaited encyclopedia about Harry Potter.  I, for one, can't wait.

Book 7 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

 http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Deathly-Hallows-Book/dp/0545139708/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344908002&sr=8-2&keywords=harry+potter+and+the+deathly+hallows

$10.19 in paperback/$9.99 Kindle version

Was there any Harry Potter fan who wasn't waiting desparately for this book?  I pre-ordered mine and couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  And it never disappointed - not once.

The story begins where Harry is about to turn 17 (adult age in the wizarding world) and the charm protecting him will break at exactly midnight, which means Lord Voldemort will be able to get to Harry.  

Harry is arguing with Vernon Dursley, who doesn't want to leave his house and doesn't understand the horrors that will befall his family if they don't leave.  Finally, the Dursleys go, but not before Dudley (the only Dursley to understand Harry's predicament) thanks Harry for saving his life.

With the Dursleys out of the house, Harry takes Hedwig on a tour, showing her the cupboard under the stairs where he slept for years.  To Harry's surprise, 13 friends and members of the Order of the Phoenix arrive.  Six drink polyjuice potion and transform into Harrys.  They all leave, going in different directions because they know the Death Eaters are waiting.  Right off, two characters are killed in this chase.

Harry makes it to the Burrows (the Weasleys home) where he helps prepare for a wedding.  Ya gotta love Hermione here.  She has this ordinary purse that she's put an engorgement charm on, and without changing its shape or getting heavier, it holds a tremendous number of items - books, potions, a huge tent, a change of clothes, etc.

At the reception, the Death Eaters show up and everyone yells at Harry to go.  Hermione grabs him and Ron and they Disapparate on the spot, ending up on Tottingham Court Road, the first place Hermione thought of.  She takes the lead when they disapparate throughout the book.  They sit down for a coffee when 2 Death Eaters enter, looking for Harry.  Luckily, he is under his invisibility cloak and he stuns them.  Harry, Ron, and Hermione disapparate again.  They land in a forest where Hermione starts weaving protection spells around them.  This is pretty much how it goes throughout the book, living in the tent traveling from place to place.

They are on a mission from Dumbledore and noone else can know what it is.  This ensures that He Who Must Not Be Named doesn't find out what they're looking for.  They must find and destroy all the Horcruxes of Lord Voldemort's, which is no easy task.  As they hunt for these, they also discover the Legend of the Deathly Hallows, something Dumbledore needed them to know about.

It's touch and go, often they are close to being caught but manage to escape.  At one point, they stay at Sirius' old house.  Harry is finally able to make friends with the ancient house elf, Kreatcher.  But the comfort doesn't last long.

The book is full of adventures and mysteries.  And let us not forget the horrible encounter with Nagini (Voldemort's snake) on Christmas Eve and the scary dark magic performed at Godrics Hollow.

Finally, they are captured.  Bellatrix uses the cruciatus curse on Hermione, but Dobbie the house elf shows up and rescues not only Ron, Hermione, and Harry, but also Dean, Luna, Mr. Ollivander the wand maker and a Goblin, Griphook.  As Ron, Hermione and Harry wait their turn to be rescued, Harry and Ron duel with Bellatrix and the Malfoys, and Harry captures Draco's wand (a key part of the story).

Sadly, one of my favorite characters dies during the escape.  I cry everytime I read this part.  They are all taken to Bill Weasley and Fleur's home, where Harry comes up with more plans to find Horcruxes.

Towards the end of the book, Ron, Hermione, and Harry end up back at Hogwarts looking for another Horcrux, but Voldemort and his army show up.

The war is fought with many more deaths.  One of my favorite scenes is Molly Weasley's (the mother) duel with Bellatrix.  Who would have thought Molly was so capable and talented?  Of course, the final scene is Harry against Voldemort.  Thanks to the destruction of the Horcruxes and the finding of all three of the Deathly Hallows, Harry has the advantage he needs.

 

The Official Trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

The Attraction to Harry Potter Stories

Even today, there are those who think the books should be banned, that they're evil.  Sad, really.

The attraction for me is the ever-constant struggle between good and evil, love and hate.

Harry's mother loved him so much, without knowing it she placed a protection on him - a protection of love.  Although Harry grew up in an unloving home, he still loved, and loved deeply.  Harry learned the importance of Love, Honor, and Respect in his heart for all.

Tom Riddle, on the other hand, grew up in an orphanage and never accepted love as any kind of worthy trait.  He grew up to become the greatest evil wizard of all time.  But he lacked one piece of basic knowledge - the strength of love.

Good versus evil isn't a new concept.  It's just the way that Rowling wrote about it.  Take Draco Malfoy.  In the end, he couldn't kill.  He was not evil enough and came from a loving home, albeit a bit twisted.

Even Severus Snape, a Death Eater, learned a harsh lesson about love with the woman he fell in love with, killed by his master, the Dark Lord.  He turns to Dumbledore and Dumbledore accepts him with no questions asked, just as Dumbledore accepted Harry.  He even trains Harry out of love.

From Harry's growing up, he developed the strength he needed to combat his one enemy.  When it came time, Harry had the courage - even when facing death - because he knew it was right, he knew what had to be done.  As Lupin told Ron and Hermione, listen to Harry.  His intuition is never wrong.

And neither is ours if we believe in ourselves as Harry did and understand how much each and every one of us is loved.

Look at the Olympic athletes.  They knew what they wanted.  They spent every day of their lives training to win the Olympics.  And every day they faced their demons and succeeded, or they wouldn't have made it as far as they did.

We also must face our demons to succeed.  Demons, such as fear, insecurities, lack of self-esteem, physical/mental/emotional disabilities, and so many more.

If you were the only one - the chosen one - could you perform your mission and succeed?  You need strength of character and love to achieve this.

Harry's harsh life gave him the strength.  The love he felt from so many gave him the courage.

Well, guess what?  You are the only one.  The unique gifts you've been given are yours and yours alone.  Just like Rowling was given the Harry Potter stories.  You and you alone can present your present to the world, just like the Olympic athletes.

If you choose, you can walk away.  Many do.  Here is one of my favorite quotes:

 On the road to their destination
Lie the bleached bones
Of countless millions
Who – when at the brink of decision
Hesitated
And were lost.

Don't let this be you.

Believe in yourself.  I believe in you and I believe in me.  Believe in others.  Find those who can support you and you can support back.  We can't do it alone.  Do not let what others say affect your choice to succeed.  Harry never did.

Love, Honor, and Respect plus strong support.  Step-by-step.  No matter how long it takes.  Face your destiny.  Look that enemy in the eye.  Remember Harry when Lupin taught him the Patronus spell.
 "That suggests that what you fear most of all is - fear. Very wise, Harry."

Nineteen Years Later

JK Rowling does something wonderful here.  She shows us Harry 19 years later.  Harry and his wife Ginny take their children to Platform 9 3/4.  Their sons James (named after Harry's father) and Albus Severus (named after Dumbledore and Snape) are heading off to Hogwarts.  Lily (named after Harry's mother) is not old enough yet.

They run into Ron and Hermione, who are now married and have two children, Hugo and Rose (R&H).

It is a very touching chapter to read.  Here is the youtube from the Warner Bros movie of the last few seconds:

Ok.  If that wasn't sad enough for all us fans, here is one segment of the cast farewells:

Enough sadness.  Let's have some humor, the way only Ellen Degeneres can do.  Here is Ellen at a Voldemort meeting:

What About Harry Potter Now?

You can purchase a variety of Harry Potter items from Amazon, including the DVDs, books, candy, clothes, etc.  Check it out:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=harry+potter 

Warner Bros is still the official source for Harry Potter merchandise:

http://www.wbshop.com/category/wbshop_brands/harry+potter/wands.do?pgc=102682.102793.102845&sortby=ourPicksAscend&page=all&ref=GGLHPOT&gclid=CJeqwpWY5rECFUUZQgodyCAAUQ

Honeydukes at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers a wide assortment of candies:
http://www.wizardingworldharrypotter.com/shops/honeydukes

What happened to the characters after the Harry Potter series?  Check out Wiki:
http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Neville_Longbottom

For instance, In time, he married his former classmate and D.A. member Hannah Abbott, and the pair lived at the Leaky Cauldron, where she became the landlady.^[49] It is unknown if they ever had any children.

It's so much fun to read about them all.  Ron and Harry become Aurors.  Hermione goes back to Hogwarts and completes her N.E.W.T.S.    Hermione attained a high position in the Ministry of Magic, first through the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. There, she continued her work with S.P.E.W., working for the rights of underprivileged non-humans such as house-elves. She then went on to attain a high position in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and, with the assistance of Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, eradicated the old laws biased in favour of pure-bloods.

Don't forget Pottermore, where you can relive the adventures.  It also has a shop:
http://www.pottermore.com/  Look me up.  I'm NimbusPumpkin7790 (I really wish they would have let us pick our own names).


Finally, I found this pinterest site with some of the funnest pictures:
http://pinterest.com/search/?q=platform+9+3%2F4

Don't forget.  Everyone who comments will be put in for a drawing.  The prizes are home-made, my own design, so they are one of a kind.  Here is a pic of one of them (guess who this is):

Starting with my next blog, I will be spotlighting author friends and blogfriends.  Hope to see you then.

LHR and remember PAWS for Success.

Spotlight - Part 3 - Harry Potter Books 5 and 6

Harry Potter's Birthday

Of all the times to do posts on the Harry Potter books, Harry Potter's birthday was July 31!  How is that for coincidence?

I should have remembered that, since one of my favorite passages is from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: 

Professor Trelawney:  "I was saying that Saturn was surely in a position of power in the heavens at the moment of your birth...your dark hair...your mean stature...tragic losses so young in life...I think I am right in saying, my dear, that you were born in midwinter?"

Harry Potter:  "No, I was born in July."

Warner Brothers still carry a wide selection of Harry Potter items.  Here's their website if any of you are interested in purchasing something:

http://www.wbshop.com/category/wbshop_brands/harry+potter.do?ref=EHPBDAY12
    (These are just a couple of the awesome items on this website)

The answers from last time:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

“Mr. Moony presents his compliments to Professor Snape, and begs him to keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business."  The Marauders Map printed it when Snape tried to read it.

 "How dare you give this number to people like -- people like you!"  Harry's Uncle Vernon when Ron called on the telephone to speak to Harry.

 "You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don’t let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."  Professor McGonagall to Harry after hearing that Professor Trelawny predicted his death.

 “HARRY, THIS IS NO TIME TO BE A GENTLEMAN! KNOCK HER OFF HER BROOM IF YOU HAVE TO!”  Oliver Wood, Captain of the Griffindor Quiddich Team, when Cho Chang blocked Harry from passing.

 “THE DARK LORD LIES ALONE AND FRIENDLESS, ABANDONED BY HIS FOLLOWERS. HIS SERVANT HAS BEEN CHAINED THESE TWELVE YEARS. TONIGHT, BEFORE MIDNIGHT…THE SERVANT WILL BREAK FREE AND SET OUT TO REJOIN HIS MASTER. THE DARK LORD WILL RISE AGAIN WITH HIS SERVANT’S AID, GREATER AND MORE TERRIBLE THAN EVER HE WAS. TONIGHT…BEFORE MIDNIGHT…THE SERVANT…WILL SET OUT…TO REJOIN…HIS MASTER…”
Professor Trelawny in a true trance, predicting, when Harry was with her. 

‘Harry, don’t trust him, he’s been helping Black get into the castle, he wants you dead too -- he’s a werewolf!”  Hermione in the Shrieking Shack when Lupis burst in.

And here's the questions:

How did Harry get to the train station at the beginning of the school year?  The Ministry of Magic sent cars to drive him and the Weasleys to the train station because of Sirius Black

What does the boggart turn into for Hermione Granger?  Professor McGonagall, telling Hermione she failed all her subjects.

What was the only part of Peter Pettigrew left after he was 'blown up'?  His finger.

How did Black find out Peter was at Hogwarts?  He borrowed a newspaper and saw the picture of the Weasleys on vacation.

This book reveals an incident where Snape almost dies, but is saved by Harry's father.  What was the incident? Sirius set Snape up to meet Lupin when Lupin was in werewolf form.  Harry's father, James stopped Snape from entering.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

" Anyone can speak Troll, all you have to do is point and grunt." Fred Weasley

"Why do they have to move in packs?  How're you supposed to get one on their own to ask them?"Harry to Ron, when they each were trying to ask a girl to the Yule Ball

 "He looks really grumpy,"  Hermione, talking about Viktor Krum

 "Not going to have a very good month, are you?"  Hermione, correcting Ron's Divination homework

"Hasn't he asked you to call him Vicky yet?"  Ron to Hermione about Viktor Krum

 "We keeps their secrets and our silence, sir."  Dobby, the house-elf to Harry

  "You've been taught how to duel, I presume? First we bow to each other."  Lord Voldemort to Harry

And some questions:

What is the name of the town where the Riddles lived?  Little Hangleton

How much was the prize money the Triwizard champion could win?  1000 Galleons

What did Harry do with his prize money?  He gave it to the twins, Fred and George Weasley so they could start their joke shop,  Weasleys Wizard Wheezes or Weasley and Weasley

Why does Cedric tell Harry to take a bath?  The second clue was a mermaid song that could only be heard underground.

How does Voldemort call his Death Eaters to him?  He pushes on the Death Mark tattooed on the Death Eaters' arms.

Who is Ludovic Bagman?  Bagman was once a brilliant Quidditch player who now works for the Ministry

What is Mosmordre?  The name of the spell used by Death Eaters to put the Death Mark up in the sky.

Whew.  You know, there is just so much story packed into each of these books, and the books got bigger and bigger, jampacked with fun and adventure.

Harry Potter Books 5 & 6

 

Amazon.com Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

$10.39 for paperback and  $9.99 for Kindle

Book 5 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

With the return of Lord Voldemort, Professor Dumbledore reinstates the Order of the Phoenix, a group of wizards and witches dedicated to fight against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

The story begins with Harry at home frustrated because he's heard very little from anyone in the wizarding world.  As he and his cousin Dudley are heading home one night, two Dementors attack.  

Harry uses his Patronus to get rid of him, but gets expelled from Hogwarts for using magic while home and in front of a muggle.

The Dudleys want to kick him out, but Aunt Petunia gets a howler by owl and allows him to stay.  Members of the Order of the Phoenix come get him and take him to the Order's Headquarters, which happens to be Sirius Black's old home.  Meanwhile, Professor Dumbledore has gotten the Ministry to hold a court to see if Harry is guilty or not.

Professor Dumbledore will not come near Harry nor speak with him, adding to Harry's frustrations.

(hem hem) Back at Hogwarts, they have yet again another new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Madam Undersecretary to the Ministry and now Professor - Dolores Umbridge.  hem hem The Ministry still refuses to believe that the Dark Lord is back, and she is at the school to ensure the students know it is a lie that Harry has been saying.  She is also there because Minister Fudge has become afraid that Dumbledore is after his job.  She refuses to teach the students the practical art, and instead requires them to read a chapter each class.  When she fires Professor Trelawney, Professor Dumbledore brings in Firenze, a centaur to teach Divination.

By the end of the book, a major fight takes place at the Ministry between Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna Lovegood, and Neville against the Death Eaters.  Finally, the Order of the Phoenix members arrive, but one of the readers' favorite characters dies.  Around the internet goes the saying 'sniffles for Snuffles.'  You'll have to read the book to see who Snuffles was.

The possession of Harry by the Dark Lord:

Voldemort corners Harry, but Dumbledore arrives and the scene in the book as well as the movie was an excellent duel by these two.  Voldemort takes possession of Harry's body in the hopes Dumbledore will kill Harry, but he cannot stay within Harry because Harry is filled with the one thing Voldemort cannot understand or feel - love.  The Ministry arrives in time to see the return of Lord Voldemort.

Professor Dumbledore explains why he ignored Harry - because Harry's mind has become strongly connected to the Dark Lord's mind.  He also explains to Harry the prophecy that Voldemort was after and Harry learns the horror of his predicament:  

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."

Only Harry can kill Lord Voldemort or be killed by the Dark Lord.  They cannot both live.

Quotes

"You've lost, old man."

"It's brilliant.  It's like Hogwarts wants us to fight back."

"As I told you, Mr. Potter, naughty children deserve to be punished."

"I hope they have pudding." 

Questions:

Does the writing on Harry's hand ever fade away?

Who is Grawp?

To whom does Dolores Umbridge shout this?  "You filthy half-breeds!  You have been given the right to stay here by Cornelius Fudge!"

What is Felix Felicis?

Book 6 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

   

Amazon.com Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

$10.39 for paperback/$9.99 for Kindle

Professor Dumbledore shows up at the Dursleys to escort Harry to the Weasleys for the summer.  Harry finds out he has a house and has inherited a house-elf named Kreacher.

Before they go to the Weasleys, Professor Dumbledore takes Harry to meet an old friend, Professor Slughorn - now retired.  After meeting Harry, Slughorn decides to accept Dumbledore's offer to teach at Hogwarts.  Slughorn will be the Potions teacher, while Severus Snape finally gets his chance to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Although Harry had done well in his exams at the end of last year, he had not done well enough to continue in potions.  But that was when Snape taught potions.  Slughorn was more than happy to have Harry and Ron in his potions class.  Since neither bought a class book, Slughorn allows them to get used books from the cupboard.  Harry's was the 'property of the half-blood prince.'  Whoever it was, was a genius in potions.  Harry follows the corrections by the half-blood prince, and excels in potions, much to the frustration of Hermione.  Harry spends his free time trying to figure out who this person could have been.

At the same time, Harry suspects Slytherin classmate Draco Malfoy of being a Death Eater on a mission for Lord Voldemort, but no one will listen to Harry.  Strange things happen - a cursed necklace is given to a student, poisoned wine is given to Slughorn, Draco Malfoy keeps disappearing off the Marauders Map, and Professor Dumbledore's one hand is withered and blackened.

Professor Dumbledore feels it is time to give Harry another peace of the puzzle and to train Harry himself.  He teaches Harry about Horcruxes - the most vile of evil magic where a wizard's soul is torn and part placed in an object.  Voldemort, Dumbledore suspects, has used this magic - not once but several times, thereby no one would be able to kill him.  Professor Dumbledore reveals two of the found horcruxes.  Harry had destroyed one of them in book 2 without knowing it.  Dumbledore destroyed the other at the cost of his hand.

Harry and Professor Dumbledore go looking for a third horcrux.  Thinking they found it, they return to the school where the Death Mark is displayed in the sky.  They rush on brooms (Harry is wearing his invisibility cloak) up to the Astronomy Tower, just below the Death Mark, but they see no victim.

Suddenly Draco Malfoy runs out a door.  Harry is instantly immobilized by Dumbledore against a wall.  Shouting and commotion below shows Death Eaters have entered the school.  Only one more task remains for them - Draco must kill Dumbledore - but he can't do it.  Enter Snape, and Dumbledore pleads to Snape.  Snape uses the Avada Kadavra Curse to kill Dumbledore.  Snape and the Death Eaters escape.

The end of the book is a very touching scene for Dumbledore's funeral.  He is entombed on Hogwarts grounds with his wand in his hand.

Harry makes it known to his friends he won't be back to school next year, as Dumbledore assigned him a mission.  Hermione and Ron let him know they will be with him, that he will not do this alone, that they knew this time would come from their first year at Hogwarts.

Thus came the huge controversy among Harry Potter fans - is Snape a Death Eater or not?  I stood strong, saying I did not believe he was.  We find out in the final book - next time.

Remember, keep leaving comments.  I will have a drawing after I finish the spotlight on Harry Potter.  I should tell you, these will be hand-made prizes relating to the story.  I had hoped to show one already, but it's not quite ready.

Ok.  Before we look at some quotes, I want to ask a question of all of you.  Did anyone like Dolores Umbridge?  Anyone at all?  hem hem.  I absolutely hated her.  Her cruelty to students and some faculty members along with her hatred of half-breeds and non-humans made me so angry.  lol  and it is just a book.  

What was my surprise when I re-read the books this time to realize that my main character in my book has the last name of Umbridge.  I assure you, it is totally co-incidental and has no reflection on the Harry Potter series.  I searched through listing of British surnames to find one I thought was strong, chose my 5 favorites and put them next to my character's first and middle name, and I chose Umbridge.  But I guarantee he is not related to her in any way, nor does he say that annoying "hem hem."

Quotes:

 "You just... know? Once again, you astonish me with your gifts Potter. Gifts mere mortals could only dream of possessing. How grand it must be, to be the chosen one."

" Is that what you told Tom Riddle, when he came asking questions?"

 "Excuse me, I have to go vomit."

"Well, I'd bloody well hope so, she's been snogging you for three months."

 "You dare use my own spells against me, Potter? Yes. I'm the Half Blood Prince."

Questions:

Who was the Half Blood Prince?

Whose funeral did Hagrid, Harry, and Horace Slughorn attend?

What is Verataserum?

And a real toughie:  Who were the members of Dumbledore's Army?

Just for Fun - Humorous quotes from the Harry Potter Book Series

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Dudley: They stuff people's heads down the toilet the first day at Stonewall. Want to come upstairs and practice?
Harry: No, thanks. The poor toilet's never had anything as horrible as your head down it -- it might be sick.

 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Dumbledore: I was unfortunate enough in my youth to come across a vomit-flavored one, and since then I have rather lost my liking for them. But, I think I could be safe with a nice toffee. (eats it)
Dumbledore: ...Hmm, alas, earwax.

 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Ron: Why spiders? Why couldn't it be "follow the butterflies"?

 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Fred: He can run faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Fred and George, however, found all this very funny. They went out of their way to march ahead of Harry down the corridors, shouting, "Make way for the Heir of Slytherin, seriously evil wizard coming through..."

 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

"Mr. Moony presents his compliments to Professor Snape, and begs him to keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business."
"Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, and would like to add that Professor Snape is an ugly git."
"Mr. Padfoot would like to register his astonishment that an idiot like that ever became a professor."

Next time will be devoted entirely to book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

I hope you're still enjoying reviewing the Harry Potter series with me.  See you all next time.

LHR, my friends, and keep those wands handy.