Chapter 1: The boy who lived

[Ms. Elsewhere]

Welcome to a discussion about Chapter 1 - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone. This discussion thread is designed to avoid spoilers.. so we must stick to discussing what is happening within this book only. (we may get some ppl who haven't read the books yet, and we wouldn't want to spoil it!)

In this chapter:

We get a good idea of what the Dursley's are like, what they look like and what their occupations are

We begin to understand the secrecy of the wizards and witches to the human world.

We are introduced to the way wizards and witches dress in contrast with muggles

We find out that Professor McGonnagal can change into a cat and back into a witch

We get introduced to a few magical items; the Put Outer, an enchanted flying motorbike (but no wands yet...)

We learn that owls are associated with the wizard world

We find out that the shooting stars down in Kent were the work of Dedalus Diggle

We find out that Professor Dumbledore likes sherbert lemon sweets.

WE learn that You Know Who (Voldemort) has murdered the Potter's (Lily and James) at their home in Godric's Hollow. But when he tried to kill harry, his power 'somehow broke' and he fled. Harry has come to live with the Dursleys until he's ready to face the fame now thrusted upon him.

We learn that Harry will always have a scar from the ordeal, and that Professor Dumbledore chose not to remove it (even if he could) because Scars can come in useful....

We meet Hagrid, who brings Harry to #4 Privet Drive (where the Dursley's live) on a huge flying motorbike, borrowed from Sirius Black.

Harry Potter has been deemed throughout the wizard world as "the boy who lived".

So... my first discussion question is.....

When I first started reading this book, I was so thrilled with the idea that there's another world out there for witches and wizards. After I read the chapter and went out into my real world again, I felt like it could be real. So, I kept an eye out for signs. Did anyone else do the same? And what did u find? It's been about... 5 years since I first started this series, so I need to wrack my brain on this one... but I'm interested to hear from you!

xx Distortia and Riley

[FawkesthePhoenix]

I can't remember exactly what I did after listening to this chapter on tape because I was four, but i distinctly remember drawing lightning bolt scars on my forehead with magic markers. I also love the way Jo makes what might've been an excruciatingly boring 1st chapter into a hilariously mysterious beginning. I remember trying to turn myself into a cat for quite a long time afterward.

[Q.Araignee]

I remember getting a first edition of this from my mum a couple of weeks after it was published- she'd promised my junior school librarian that I'd read it and see if it was worth buying a few copies for the school. After that first chapter, I looked up and said something about Mr Metcalf (Deputy-Head at school) looking remarkably like the description of Professor Dumbledore.

After that, I stayed up later than I was really allowed just so I could finish it- and spent the next day raving about it, only giving my friends a summary of this first chapter. From then on, I became a tad obssessed with magic and mythology in general- especially, for maybe a year, with people who could turn into cats and shooting stars- as well as trying to find evidence of the existance of the 'Wizarding World'.

Dear gods, that must have been about 11 years ago now- very scary thought. And I'm just as intrigued by magic and mythology as ever...I'm a self-confessed nerd, sorry for the rant

[Ms. Elsewhere]

Thanks for your responses guys! Obsession is definately a direction many ppl go after reading HP! That first chapter had me hook, line and sinker! I would always recommend that people read the series from the beginning, even though I know the books are written so u can start any time.

I shall now move on to chapter 2, and start another topic where we can rant and rave some more! I do love it!

[DucksRMagical]

I must admit that when I first read the first chapter I thought it was boring. But when I read it again I loved it. I really don't remember what I thought about it after that because I read it so fast, and then immediately went to CoS, PoA, and GoF, all in a matter of weeks. But I did become quite obsessed. Wow, that was almost 8 years ago.

[Ms. Elsewhere]

lol! I was the same... about railroading through the whole series. But I had to wait around for Order of the Phoenix! When it came out, I got one of the first copies and lined up at dawn for it. I even dressed up in Hogwarts gear. IT was awesome. I still have one of the boxes the books came in.

[Q.Araignee]

I'm almost jealous of you guys, I had to wait for each book- a year each for CoS and PoA, and then they started midnight openings in 2000 after more people realised what a great series this was unfolding as. And I did the same- dressing up as a witch every time I bought the next book, and scaring the shop staff who were trying to ask "hard" questions for prizes. I'm going to miss those times.

[FawkesthePhoenix]

i think i only had to wait for the last three....... i remember dressing up as luna for the seventh at the midnight party. thats one night i certainly won't forget. having my face plastered in hp stickers from answering triva right, godric stalking snape, getting my picture taken with someone dressed up as harry potter carrying a big lemon with wings which i think was supposed to be a snitch........ good times, good times.

[Ms. Elsewhere]

Mmmmm... yes! I do miss those mad, wonderful times when costume parties and celebrations were on for the new books and movies. I am grateful for the fact that we still have 3 more movies to look forward to!

[FawkesthePhoenix]

i wonder if the movie parties will be as weird as the book ones. any more people dressed up as star wars characters?

[Ms. Elsewhere]

I would, if I had someone to go with who would do it too! lol.. but no, haven't done dress up for Star Wars yet. I'm a big fan of dress up parties. Wish there were more. Must make some new friends who aren't such sticks in the mud.. although, they did come to my bday and dress up when I had a HP theme... bless them!