A Decade of Harry Potter: A Rereader’s Perspective

It's been a decade since I first delved into the world of Harry Potter, and these beloved books continue to captivate my imagination. Reading them for the first time, I was immediately drawn to the intricate world-building and the evolving characters. However, upon rereading these magical stories, my opinions have undoubtedly shifted in many ways. This article explores how my views on the series have changed over the years and what remains different for me as a seasoned rereader.

The Philosopher’s Stone: A Vintage Start

My first encounter with the Harry Potter series began with the unexpected arrival of the Philosopher’s Stone. I discovered the book through a copy of Time Newsweek and eagerly ordered it from a local bookstore. Saving it for bedtime, I found myself engrossed until 2:30 a.m. on my first night reading. Realizing that I would have to wait at least a year for the next book, I rationed it out, reading one chapter at a time. By the time Cup of Secrets was released, I had already read the original three books at least three times. The consistency in world-building and the remarkable character development made the subsequent books even more captivating. Each chapter added depth to the story, making the characters, including even complex antagonists like Snape, more relatable and multi-dimensional.

Finding my Blue Book: The Half-Blood Prince

My favorite book during the first read-through was Har har, The Half-Blood Prince. The intricate backstory of Tom Riddle, or Lord Voldemort, as well as Harry's transformation from a student to a warrior under Dumbledore's tutelage, captivated me. The blossoming relationship between Harry and Ginny Weasley, and the careful exploration of Draco Malfoy's character, added to the complexity. The book's overall lighter atmosphere compared to Order of the Phoenix, combined with more nuanced inquiries about Snape, made it a standout.

Order of the Phoenix: The Alchemy of Complexity

Now, however, my favorite book is Order of the Phoenix. In this book, the world-building is enriched with political, journalistic, and Ministry of Magic details. The villain, Voldemort, is portrayed as a relatable figure, and the characters have undergone significant development, particularly Ginny, Snape, Neville, and Sirius. Harry's personal identity crisis—his connections to his parents, his destiny, and his interactions with Voldemort—forms the core of his character arc. The Harry-Ginny relationship is not only romantic but also deeply meaningful, and the introduction of Luna Lovegood adds an enchanting layer to the narrative. The book's length is appreciated for the depth it provides, and the concerns about Harry's whininess are not valid.

Fandom Shipments and Pairings

My opinions on pairings have shifted significantly over the years. I used to be a staunch Harry/Cho shipper during my childhood reads, swooning over their romantic scenes. After reading Half-Blood Prince, my interest in Harry/Ginny intensified, and I still love their relationship. Initially, I found Ron/Hermione equally captivating, but as I have matured, my perspective has changed. While I still believe that their relationship is the ideal pairing, I am not as invested due to personal preferences. Ron's role in certain plot developments, such as his argument with Harry in Goblet of Fire, has also evolved from a complete abandonment to a more balanced accountability. My views on Harry/Hermione, once completely opposed, have softened, although I still dislike the pairing.

The Redemption of Severus Snape

Initially, my opinion of Severus Snape was rather negative. However, with each reread, I have come to appreciate and even admire certain aspects of his character. While I still do not like him as a person, I recognize that he fits a complex role in the story beyond the usual villain stereotypes. The anti-Snape community often takes statements out of context, which can be harmful and unfair. Similarly, the Marauders, once a cherished group, now receive less attention from me because the level of fandom focus seems disproportionate to their original significance in the books.

The Evolution of Ron Weasley

My opinion on Ron Weasley has improved significantly. There was a time when I held him fully accountable for his actions in Goblet of Fire, considering his spat with Harry a complete abandonment. However, upon reevaluating, I now believe that Harry is at least partly to blame, and Ron's emotional reaction is understandable. This change in perspective is partly due to discussions and reflections within the fan community, which have broadened my understanding of the characters.

The Changing Views on Movie!Ginny and Book!Ginny

My relationship with Ginny has also evolved. Initially, I considered Movie!Ginny as an aberration, but her gentle and compassionate nature in the books has become more apparent with rereading. Scenes where she comforts others, such as helping Harry after Sirius' death or comforting young girls in the final battle, highlight her kind and supportive character. My initial criticism of Movie!Ginny has softened, and I now appreciate the film portrayal, although it does not fully capture the depth and complexity of Book!Ginny.

Over a decade of rereading the Harry Potter series has allowed me to appreciate the books from a more nuanced perspective. The characters, plot, and themes continue to resonate with me, and my opinions have matured. These books remain a treasured part of my childhood, and rereading them has enriched my appreciation and understanding of the magical world penned by J.K. Rowling.

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