Ron isn’t the only one going through the twist in Deathly Hallows. Remus Lupin, Kreacher, Aberforth Dumbledore, Percy Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Draco Malfoy and his parents, the Centaurs, and even Griphook (if the appearance of Ragnuk the First’s sword in Neville’s hands is an indication of his change of heart rather than Gryffindor theft) are much different folks at the end of Deathly Hallows than they were at the beginning or when we left them in Prince. The changes range from the almost instantaneous (Kreacher, Aberforth, the Centaurs) to more developed (Neville, Remus, Draco). Each Harry Potter novel has been about choices and change, especially Harry’s transformation over the book’s adventures. How does Harry change in Deathly Hallows and how do these other characters’ transformations highlight Harry’s choices, right or wrong?
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Loved all of the character developments. Jo could have bungled up the plot (which she didn’t) and yet her awesome characters could have still driven the book so well.
If you can learn to love Draco, his family and Snape, even the shrunken LV on the floor of the train station, he is the man of love!!! He changes all of his prejudices around.
Neville became the hero that I thought he could be .. I love the fact that his grandmother finally realized he was blossoming into his own and even though she still compared him to his father, I think that provided encouragement to Neville .. as I said in #9 Traditional Symbolism :
“Neville Longbottom could be seen as a King Arthur figure finally coming into his own as when King Arthur pulled the sword from the stone so did Neville pull the sword from the sorting hat. He then slayed the evil monster.”
Now Neville doesn’t have to say “Why does everything bad always happen to me?” It all happened for a reason to make him stronger in the long run .. and I love the fact that he ended up the Herbology professor.
I was touched at Kreacher’s transformation. Wallowing in hatred and self-pity for years and yet able to change into a loving and dedicated house elf! An amazing journey.
Sometimes I think it is harder to accept love than to give it. The darkest, angriest, most bitter people I know believe, in their hearts, that they are not worthy of love. I told one of them once that God loves him, personally, breathlessly. He sneered at me and said: “We’re nothing but bags of meat, Bonnie.”
Sad, sad man. And Kreacher who once would have said something like that, I imagine, was transformed into a shining package of love and affection. Just beautiful.
I think I am struck most by the ways in which parenthood, dictates character change and the choices parents make, must make, to fulfill this role. I think JKR is very clear in her message on this front. Harry says it for her: “Parents shouldn’t leave their kids unless- unless they’ve got to.” It’s this basic tenet that affects so many of the characters. We see this in Lupin at the end, who states, in regard to Teddy, “I was trying to make a world in which he could live a happier life.” He sacrifices himself, leaving only to ensure his son’s future happiness. But we see this too even in the less admirable characters of Narcissa Malfoy and Xeno Lovegood. Narcissa’s behavior in both HBP and DH is dictated by the driving need to procure and verify her son’s safety, ultimately risking death by falsely reporting Harry’s demise. With Xeno we see his desperation, his willingness to sacrifice a cause he has dedicated himself to (the exposure of truth) in order to find his daughter and secure her safety.
Even Harry Hermione and (begrudgingly )Ron do not fault him for his betrayal given his underlying motives.
While, as Dumbledore says, it always comes down to the choices we make that dictate our possible transformations, the choice of parenthood, of embracing what it means to truly rear our children, changes us and Jo’s characters completely.
Not a character transformation but I thought the transformation of the ministry was significant.
The method of entry has changed to flushing yourself down the toilet like a stool into the stinking sewer that the ministry has become. What a metaphor! The ministry is full of turds.
The Magic is Might statue in the entry hall is somewhat more honest than the fountain in regards to the current stance.
It was almost aligned with the Death Eaters before it fell.
Matthew
I understood Xeno’s desperation, although I have to admit, when Harry saw the dust in Luna’s room, I thought she had been dead for quite awhile, and that her father, crazed with grief, was imaging her down by the stream fishing for plimpies. Glad I was wrong about that, but was I the only one? He transformed for me from a nutcase to a desperate man.
I love Narcissa in this. She wasn’t only out for herself. Her whole mission was her child. She redeems the Malfoys for me. I hope she henpecked Lucius for the rest of his days. But I can’t figure out why Voldemort didn’t know she wa lying about Harry being dead. She transformed from a haughty, yet subserviant wife into a strong woman.
I was a bit diappointed in Andromeda becoming the next generation’s Gran Longbottom. I don’t see why Remus and Tonks BOTH put each other over their child. They went from being characters with a lot of possibilties into cartoons.
I agree with Jayne about Narcissa Malfoy. This may not be a popular sentiment, but my favorite scene in the book is when she realizes Harry is alive and whispers her question regarding Draco in Harry’s ear, then lies to protect him. I believe the entire Malfoy family went through a transformation to one degree or another in this book. I think their turning began with the enlistment of their son at the beginning of HBP, solidified somewhat at the takeover of their home as LV’s headquarters, and finalized with the survival of their son. I believe Lucius and Narcissa are somewhat redeemed by their love for their son (they love, unlike LV and Bellatrix) and by remaining in the Great Hall after the battle and death of LV. They become the Slytherin representatives in the ultimate unification of all four houses in the Great Hall where no one sits according to House. Narcissa, in a way, also satisfies Draco’s life debt to Harry for saving him in the ROR.
I believe the transformation of the Malfoys accomplishes the resolution of the Gryffindor/Slytherin contrary and is confirmed when Harry names his son Albus Severus and tells him that it’s okay to be sorted into Slytherin. Draco also, in a small way, confirms this with his nod to Harry at King’s Cross.
Just to add to my last comment, I meant to say the Harry saving Draco also played a large part in the resolution of the Gryffindor/Slytherin contrary. I didn’t mean to suggest that Harry’s transformation in this regard didn’t happen or wasn’t important . . .
One of the major transformation is Harry himself when he discovers that Severus Snape was the bravest man he’s ever known. We remember when Harry hurled the accusation of “Coward!” at Snape after Dumbledore’s death on the Tower and Harry is pursuing Snape across the Hogwarts grounds. Snape just about looses it then and now we know why. Harry hated him, hated him with a personal hatred that in some ways was even deeper than his hatred of Voldemort. Harry could not remember how Voldemort had killed his parents, he has what he’s been told. But Harry had witnessed Snape’s actions against Dumbledore, after six years of being humiliated by Snape at Hogwarts.
Where does that compassion come from when Harry kneels by Snape who lays dying. This should have been a moment of triumph for Harry – seeing Snape die and not by his own hand. But we have a very different scene, where Harry’s first response is pity and even obedience, looking into Snape’s eyes not yet knowing that what Snape wanted to look on as his last act was the eyes of the woman he loved.
It isn’t until he sees Snape’s memories that he truly understands and the transformation in Harry is so profound he names his eldest son not only after Dumbledore, but after Snape as well.
ZR
This isn’t so much as transformation as a note on the shipping controversies:
I loved the scene immediately after the locket horcrux is destroyed, and Harry sets Ron straight about the the former’s relationship with Hermione. It’s like Rowling’s direct, good-natured shot to the Harry & Hermione diehards–“enough already!”
Narcissa’s mother love is her access point to higher love. Though it seems she only had plans to save Draco, is it not also true that she serves the higher in pursuing the lesser love? Draco is the reason Narcissa spares Harry. Perhaps she thought of Lilly’s sacrifice for Harry and is prepared to do the same for Draco? There was no gurantee to Narcissa that Harry would not give her away in the torture she and he undoubtedly were sure to come in the dishonouring of his corpse. Yet, she risked her life to save Harry so Draco could be spared. She may not have explicitly said it, but she surely explicitly acted out “do unto others as you would be done by”. That was a true transformation. And Harry’s protection extended to Narcissa and Lucius in the Great Hall as they ran searching for Draco. For Lucius that was a major transformation! He served Draco rather than Voldemort. The lower can be a path to the higher!
I loved, absolutely loved the transformation in Molly Weasley!
From anxious, fearful Molly overcome by her boggart fears at Grimmauld Place to kick-butt enraged finisher of Bellatrix–wow! It was a delightful, laugh-out-loud, throw the confetti into the air moment! Go, Molly!
I thought the transformation (and resultant transition to adulthood) of Harry in his deliberated decision to choose Horcruxes (doable assignment to decrease LV) over Hallows (nebulous wish to increase himself) was very powerful. To know, not seek. All his wizarding life Harry was on the hunt, seeking information, clues, the Voldemort dreams, what LV was thinking. Now he realized he knew enough to go with; the frenzied seeking was over. Dobby did his last loving service to Harry here.
I was very moved by Lupin’s delimma. Here was another insecure, damaged person with little self-worth who transformed (pun intended) from mild-mannered mentor to ferocious fighter. I understood Lupin’s fears about and thus emotional removal from Tonks and the baby. Harry was right to challenge him on this, but I don’t believe Remus was a coward, as Harry accused. As soon as I heard that Romulus was upcoming on the wireless, I knew it would be Remus. I didn’t like that both he and Tonks fought, thus depriving Teddy of a parent.
Draco not giving Harry away at the Malfoys was a hopeful sign. Yet, there he was with Crabbe & Goyle in the Room of Requirement. I feel he was there rather unwillingly, behind the other two. But all his years of “training up” and egging on C&G boomeranged on him. So in a way, Draco transformed during DH from terrified to brave to idiot. I wonder what his relationship with Harry was like afterward, beyond the “nod” Jo gives us.
Percy–honest git to confessing git. Hooray! I truly didn’t think he’d make it.
Hermione transforms from a living brain-trust to a “real live girl.” Crying, meltdowns, tender moment in the graveyard, beating the you-know out of Ron. A very important transformation.
Ron I wrote about at the Ron & Locket.
I loved that Fred, George and Luna remained their same lovable selves. Probably the most consistent characters in the story. Luna’s understanding and compassion, wonderful element.
While I don’t think Snape transformed, he transformed Harry. Snape continued to be a dislikable person. What amazed me during the Snape penseive episode, was all that he revealed to Harry as he lay dying. He only had to relay DD’s instruction, yet he chose to bare himself to Harry. I think this was some sort of apology to Harry, show motivations and to show Harry that he understood what it was like to grow up as Harry had, bad clothes and all. The only close moment Harry and Snape ever had was during the one Occlumency lesson when Snape answers Harry’s questions. Their discussion is remarkable for its lack of hostility; you almost see the relationship that could have been. Perhaps, as Snape lay dying he saw the opportunities he’d missed and chose to open so much to Harry.
Although Harry, Neville, Remus, Ron and others rose above their feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, I don’t believe Snape ever did. Very sad.
I sure would have liked to see the transformation of “toe-rag” James to one worthy of Lily. We didn’t get to see that happen. What snots he and Sirius were–the Dracos of Hogwarts.
I see the kitties want me transform their empty food bowls into full ones…
One of the things I so appreciated about this book is the uniqueness of each transformed character’s change and subsequent relationship with Harry. Ms. Rowling is SO GOOD at avoiding two-dimensional characterizations and situations! Neville’s transformation from uncertain tag-along, to confident sword-holder, to herbology professor is glorious. But so, too, is Dudley’s transformation. And Percy’s! Dudley had to bring himself, in front of his parents, to commend Harry. Percy had to make public confession in front of a crowd. Kreacher had to show up to fight. Harry had to esteem an absent Snape in front of his enemies and friends. I would have loved it if Snape and Harry had more time to develop their relationship on very different grounds, but such is war. Besides, there will be all the time necessary on the other side of the veil for such relationships to continue.
Arabella Figg says: “While I don’t think Snape transformed, he transformed Harry. Snape continued to be a dislikable person. What amazed me during the Snape penseive episode, was all that he revealed to Harry as he lay dying. He only had to relay DD’s instruction, yet he chose to bare himself to Harry. I think this was some sort of apology to Harry, show motivations and to show Harry that he understood what it was like to grow up as Harry had, bad clothes and all. The only close moment Harry and Snape ever had was during the one Occlumency lesson when Snape answers Harry’s questions. Their discussion is remarkable for its lack of hostility; you almost see the relationship that could have been. Perhaps, as Snape lay dying he saw the opportunities he’d missed and chose to open so much to Harry.
Although Harry, Neville, Remus, Ron and others rose above their feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, I don’t believe Snape ever did. Very sad.”
I definitely have to agree there. Perhaps Dumbledore had another small reason for having Snape teach Harry Occlumency. Snape did learn that Harry had grown up unloved and in poverty, much like he did: they even both had to wear horribly ugly clothes that were cast-offs from others. Both were bullied (Harry by the Dursley’s and others and Snape by his father and James and others.)
Lupin’s brief abandonment of Tonks seemed a little strange (didn’t he realize that one of the outcomes of marriage is the pitter patter of little half-werewolf feet? – but then again, maybe such occurances were rare enough in the Wizarding world that he didn’t think such a thing was possible.) I did like Harry’s smackdown of him: Lupin needed a good kick in the pants for abandoning her like that. Loved that Harry heard Lupin on “Potterwatch.”
Kreacher’s transformation did seem a little abrupt, I mean, he went from his total devotion Sirius’s mudblood-hating parents to being absolutely devoted to Harry. But, then again, the revelation of RAB and who he was helped. Kreacher at last finds a way to give some meaning to his beloved master’s death, and being given the original fake locket as well must have been one of the few times he had been treated kindly, so I’m happy overall.
Needless to say, I loved them all. I really loved it when Dudley, Harry’s former bully, showed in his own way that he admired Harry. That handshake shows the forgiveness there, that Harry’s heart of love forgave Dudley for the past. I loved Percy saying he was sorry in front of everyone, for Percy had truly overcome his pride and was willing to admit he was wrong. I loved Lupin’s return to responsiblity for his child, and his obvious happiness at the birth of his son. I loved how Aberforth went from “the battle is lost” to fighting at the thick of it: I think Harry’s words on his own determination to fight to the death if need be and that he knew Dumbledore regreted the death of Ariana did soften his heart. Now, I’m not sure about Griphook letting go of the sword, though he could have (remember, Voldemort tortured a fellow goblin after learning about the breakout at Gringotts, so maybe he felt disposed to let it go?); I am inclined to believe that the sword of Gryffindor belonged to all Gryffindors and was truly un-ownable: while the goblins have been wronged by wizards, I do believe that the original payment was meant as the only payment by Godric. The Draco transformation was not as interesting as we already saw hints in HBP that he is truly reluctant to do anything really evil like murder. Neville – I’ve always loved him as a character and was so glad he was the brave Gryffindor to pull the sword from the hat, brave enough to stand up to Voldemort, having gained the confidence he lacked as a young wizard, and, of course, killing Nagini, the final Horcrux.
clio says: “I would have loved it if Snape and Harry had more time to develop their relationship on very different grounds, but such is war. Besides, there will be all the time necessary on the other side of the veil for such relationships to continue.”
True, true. On a different note … this also reminds me of some slightly funny “Snape in Heaven” artwork I’ve seen around the net (one has Dumbledore telling Snape that Harry named a son after the both of them, and the halo slips around the face of a very confused Snape), along with a touching, slightly amateur written piece on Snape at his own King’s Cross. Awww.
ZoeRose – Harry’s eldest son is James. His second son’s second name is Severus. I’m still not sure how I feel about that, but James was his father, afterall. Albus was a father-figure and Severus an extreme protector (not exactly a father-figure, but protective like a parent in that he lay down his life for Harry).
My husband pointed out that Snape might have not had control of all the memories he gave Harry, as he lay dying. Worthy debatable point, as memories were flooding out of Snape’s ears, mouth and eyes (fascinating!). Yet Snape gripped Harry’s robes until “the flask was filled to the brim and Snape looked as though there was no blood in him.” So it could be argued either way.
Another delightful transformation was Madame Trelawyney’s. From tremulous, wispy brow-beaten-by-Umbridge, finding-comfort-in-a-bottle fraud to fierce crystal ball hurler, killing Fenrir Greyback! Woo-hoo! She used her wand to speed a ball through a window–is this the person Rowling revealed “would use magic late in life?”
We must consider Grawp as well–from primitive to warrior. All credit to Hagrid…and Hermy.
Back to Griphook–just because some Goblins considered their sales “lend-leases” doesn’t mean they were. Griphook tried to take back what wasn’t his–the sword of Godric, fully paid for. Some symbolism to chew on.
There go the kitties with the toilet paper again…
I found the most important transformation to be Harry’s, which begins the moment Hedwig is killed (IMHO). 1 Corinthians 13:11 says “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” During the escape from Privet Drive, Harry loses all of those things that tied him to his childhood–Hedwig, his broom, his school things, and his last major protector (Mad-Eye). Immediately after this escape scene, Harry begins steeling himself for whatever is to come in a very adult way…
While the other transformations in the book are interesting and make for great story lines, they all pale in comparison to this one. After all, haven’t we all been waiting for six years (Hogwarts Standard Time) for Harry to come of age?
Here’s another transformation, an odd one to be sure:
Stan Shunpike’s transformation from repulsive Knight Bus conductor to falsely-imprisioned Death Eater to Imperioused Death-Eater, blank face and all, chasing Harry on a broomstick. Poor thing. Hope he made it through, we never learned, did we?
Mrs. Weasley wants an ear scratch…
Petunia/Snape: mirrors of transformation?
Snape really did transform after Lilly’s death – in the inward man. He made the earliest tranformation (after Dumbledore, and for love, too).
Petunia doesn’t quite transform, does she? Unless we count taking Harry in, then she might be considered transformed.
In these cases, we have mirrors of transformation at the beginning and end of DH.
On the other hand, once transformed neither Petunia or Snape are very likeable in and of themselves towards Harry. But both accomplish the purpose of protecting Harry effectively if twisted by their innate personalities. Some people just aren’t likeable in this world.