3.20.2011

Harry Potter Notable Quotables


I am attempting to re-read all seven Harry Potter books before the release of the final (sniffle) movie this July. While doing so, I've been re-encountering hilarious and touching quotes that I had forgotten existed. These are the gems I've collected so far. For the uninitiated, I've included some background information to explain the quotes and why I love them.

Book 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry sat up and gasped; the glass front of the boa constrictor's tank had vanished. The great snake was uncoiling itself rapidly, slithering out onto the floor. People throughout the reptile house screamed and started running for the exits.

As the snake slid swiftly past him, Harry could have sworn a low, hissing voice said, "Brazil, here I come... Thanksss, amigo."


- The Boa Constrictor at the Zoo, Chapter 2. Harry had accidentally made the glass in the snake enclosure vanish. (In the movie during this scene, the snake only says, 'thanksssssss,' and while that is funny, the addition of 'amigo' made me LOL.)

"Ah! Berty 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. Then he choked and said, "Alas! Ear wax!"


- Professor Dumbledore, Chapter 17

Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The pudding fell to the floor with a heart-stopping crash. Cream splattered the windows and walls as the dish shattered. With a crack like a whip, Dobby vanished.

There were screams from the dining room and Uncle Vernon burst into the kitchen to find Harry, rigid with shock, covered from head to foot in Aunt Petunia's pudding.

At first, it looked as though Uncle Vernon would manage to gloss the whole thing over. ("Just our nephew - very disturbed - meeting strangers upsets him, so we kept him upstairs...")

- Uncle Vernon, Chapter 2. Harry's uncle and aunt had guests over, and had hidden Harry upstairs and told him not to make any noise. Unfortunately, Dobby the house-elf came for a visit and caused mayhem.

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

- Professor Dumbledore, Chapter 18

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