Although there are many great moments in the first Harry Potter book - Harry's first Quiddith match, meeting the Weasley family, the troll fight - this is quite an easy topic for me.
I still get a thrill when Harry first goes to Diagon Alley. Although he's been hanging out with Hagrid for a few hours, it's in Diagon Alley that Harry first truly experiences the new world he is about to become part of - the good (cool stuff, Hedwig), the bad (Draco Malfoy), and the ugly (finding out the wand he possesses is the brother to the one that gave him his scar).
As the bricks behind the Leaky Cauldron move to form a gateway and the world of wizards and witches is unveiled to Harry, it's also unveiled to us, the readers.
There's something breathtaking, even on my whatever-number-I'm-on reread, about clapping eyes on Diagon Alley for the first time.
The brick he had touched quivered - it wriggled - in the middle, a small hole appeared - it grew wider and wider - a second later they were facing an archway large enough even for Hagrid, an archway on to a cobbled street which twisted and turned out of sight.
"Welcome," said Hagrid, "to Diagon Alley."
He grinned at Harry's amazement.Amazement is definitely the right word.
I completely agree with you here. It's such an exciting and amazing chapter. I don't think Harry's wizarding world is something any of us is ever going to get fed up of :).
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Rowling's great at creating that feeling of wonderment, particularly in this first book.
DeleteSarah
High 5 on choosing the same moment! ;) They were soo many moments its really hard to choose, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, but this is one from the first book that always sticks out in my mind. Great minds...
DeleteSarah
One of my favorite moments too (and happens to be the moment I picked). I think it's when the reader gets their first glimpse of the wizarding world and what to expect from the serious. You either love it or hate it at this point.
ReplyDeleteAngie
I just loved the picture she painted, and I could just imagine myself there. It's one of the best bits of exposition in the series.
DeleteSarah