HPatHBP Chapter Three

"Will and Won't"

Clever, JK, clever.

My first thought with this chapter was sheer joy that Harry is not a neat freak. My kind of people!

Second is understanding where he's coming from with the way he re-reads Dumbledore's letter. I do that so many times myself for comfort tis not even funny. Good thing e-mail can't get worn around the edges. Anyways, I think the highlight of this chapter is easily watching Dumbledore relating to the Dursley's. The image of glasses bonking into their heads is priceless, and I love the line where he goes "It would have been better manners to drink them"

Dumbledore is such a calming presence, not only to Harry but to the reader. I remember feeling less tension and anxiety as I read Dumbledore's words than in earlier chapters. Remarkable character, A+ to JK. And awesome that they get told off for the first time. Way to go Albus.

Odd note about the chapter- In fact I'm more jotting it down for my reference than anything else... why is Petunia so quick to point out Harry's not going to be of age for another year after Dumbledore says he will? Once again her disdain for him seems a bit off- why would she want to prolong his leaving?