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Happy Birthday, Harry!, A reading group style birthday discussion

twiddlethosedial... twiddlethosedials View Member Profile	Jan 25 2008, 10:59 AM Post #1
Mischievous Manager Posts: 5,448 Joined: 9:14am February 16, 2006 Location: Behind the sofa, watching Doctor Who	Happy Birthday, Harry! Now don't cheat and use this topic as a way to cheat on the birthday gift quiz! Throughout the seven books of the Harry Potter series, we see Harry receive a number of gifts -- both useful and useless, fun and downright dull. Even Hedwig the owl is a birthday present! We've seen Harry get a coat hanger and a pair of socks, at least two Sneakoscopes, several cakes, a box of chocolates, a watch, some swag from Weasleys Wizard Wheezes... oh, yes, and a kiss. Here's a place to dissect the gift-giving and receiving and see what you can learn about Harry, about his friends and his family. Points to Ponder: Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? Hagrid gives Harry his first birthday cake (well, that Harry can remember) and Hedwig, even though Hagrid's never really met Harry before that day. What does that tell you about Hagrid? What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? Why do you think the Dursleys continue to bother giving him presents at all? Whose presents do you think mean the most to Harry over time? This post has been edited by becky920: Jan 25 2008, 09:53 PM --------------------

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roonwit View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 09:14 AM Post #2
Leaky Lounge Over Achiever Posts: 9,330 Joined: 4:57am January 28, 2005 Location: near Muggleswick, UK	I don't think we can be sure that Hagrid never really met Harry before his 11th birthday. I can see Hagrid visiting Harry when the Potters were still alive, and I also think Hagrid was good friends with Harry's parents, so he would feel a bit of an obligation to Harry. But I do think it is significant that Hagrid knows that it is Harry's birthday, so either he knows it from previous events or has taken the trouble to find out. But in any case, Hagrid is under no obligation to give Harry either a cake or an owl, so it does show his generous nature, and Hagrid continues to send Harry birthday gifts (such as the biting book and a cake when Dudley went on a diet). Also Hedwig was very useful to Harry, as much for companionship during those long days in Privet Drive as delivering mail. -------------------- W.L.Y.J. We love you Jo

vandy View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 09:51 AM Post #3
Scribbulus Everchanging Inks Changer Posts: 1,333 Joined: 3:58am March 18, 2007 Location: Teaching Ron 'tact'	Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? It is that single tissue paper.. What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? Most of the presents that Harry gets from Hagrid are useful..For instance Hagrid's moleskin pouch and Hedwig.. Oh, and also that birthday cake that the trio and Hagrid sends during his 14th birthday..... What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? Um...., Definitely, it's the firebolt Whose presents do you think mean the most to Harry over time? It is sirius's gifts...Sirius giving him presents is almost as good as his parents giving him... -------------------- * Severus is our king * * He can save anything * * He made sure we won *

potter2005 View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 10:46 AM Post #4
Floo Powder Tester at The Lexicon Posts: 11,060 Joined: 12:14pm September 3, 2005 Location: Yorkshire Birth place of Beedle The Bard	Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? I wouldn't say any of the gifts he received from the Dursleys were insulting but they certainly showed complete lack of thought and contained no sign of love/affection What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? Has to be Hedwig from Hagrid which gave him the means to communicate with his friends and Sirius especially -------------------- One woman, 7 books, 168 chapters, 3,407 pages, 884,170 words = The best story ever written Thanks to Kendra Dumbledore for making my awesome avatar :)

rowena r View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 11:00 AM Post #5
Dumbledore's Personal Secretary Posts: 4,980 Joined: 10:28am December 31, 2006 Location: At a violin concert with my boss.	Great topic becky ! Hmmm.... Which of the Dursleys' gifts to him was the most insulting? This is a difficult one. Except for the 50p, (but that was a christmas present wasn't it ?) everything else seemed totally useless. But I must say, Harry made good use of Vernon's horrible mustard socks. Hagrid gives Harry his first birthday cake (well, that Harry can remember) and Hedwig, even though Hagrid's never really met Harry before that day. What does that tell you about Hagrid? Just what we already know - the biggest part of Hagrid is his heart. Bless him ! Getting someone a cake on their birthday may seem commonplace, but that gesture of Hagrid's meant a lot to Harry, and I Hagrid for that. What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? Most useful present, eh ? Well, Hedwig given by Hagrid was very useful to Harry. Hermione's broomstick-servicing kit was also put to good use by him. Also the sneakoscopes given by both Ron and Hermione, though they were never correctly interpreted by Harry, both in PoA and DH. What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? As far as birthday presents are concerned, WWW products definitely qualify as fun products. Chocolates too are good. Then there was Ron's Twelve Fail-Safe Ways To Charm Witches. And who can forget Hagrid's Monster Book of Monsters ? If we move on to christmas presents, there is the invisibility cloak, the Firebolt, Sirius' magical knife, and not to forget, socks and painting of Harry by Dobby. Love that elf ! Why do you think the Dursleys continue to bother giving him presents at all? I've wondered about this and come up no satisfactory answer till date. Perhaps Hedwig turned up at 4PD and kept tapping with her beak till the Dursleys tied something to her leg. Whose presents do you think mean the most to Harry over time? That's another tough one. I think arthur and Molly's gift of Fabian Prewett's watch meant very much to Harry. I would have valued, and Harry did too, that battered old watch to any spanking new one. It held a lot of memories and showed how much Molly loved Harry to have given him something that had once belonged to her brother. Ginny's kiss was the one thing Harry remembered when he was looking into the face of death, and that's proves how much Harry thought of the gift and the giver more than anything else. -------------------- L O V E

voldemort07 View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 11:32 AM Post #6
Being Eaten by the Pea Soup Posts: 37 Joined: 1:30pm January 9, 2008 Location: Inside my own mind	Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? I would not say they are insulting, they didn't intend on offending him, they just didn't care enough to bother. Hagrid gives Harry his first birthday cake (well, that Harry can remember) and Hedwig, even though Hagrid's never really met Harry before that day. What does that tell you about Hagrid? I think this shows how thoughtful and caring Hagrid is and how much he loves Harry. Giving someone a cake on their birthday seems common to most of us, but to Harry it meant the world and I think Hagrid knew this. What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? I would have to say Hedwig from Hagrid for this, not only was Hedwig useful in the sense tha Harry could use her to send messages, but she was a constant companion, she kept him much needed company at the Dursleys. What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? The firebolt from Sirius, since Harry loves to fly and play quidditch above everything else he enjoyed this present the most. Why do you think the Dursleys continue to bother giving him presents at all? I wondered this myself, but I think they felt they might have had some sort of obligation or something, they put no thought into it, but they could say to themselves that they gave him something. Whose presents do you think mean the most to Harry over time? I think that Hedwig and the watch meant the most to him. He loved Hedwig a lot, she was another friend for him and she must have meant a lot, his reaction to her death shows that. The watch must have meant the world to Harry, much more than a new one. Molly gave him a watch that belonged to her brother and a brother that died fighting voldmeort at that, that is not something you give to someone you do not think of as very close family, it solidifies that she thinks of him as a son and for someone who has no mother, that must mean a lot.

Professor Dumble... Professor Dumbledore View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 11:35 AM Post #7
The Only One He Ever Feared Posts: 57 Joined: 12:43am August 22, 2005	If I might have just a word? I believe my "gifts" to Harry also arrived on the young man's birthday. Perhaps you might want to consider those gifts as well. Certainly I intended them to be very useful, in different ways. After all, it may be our choices rather than our abilities that make us who we truly are... but it doesn't hurt to have a Goblin-made sword that has been fortified with basilisk venom. -------------------- Thanks to Makani for the art work, and to kiwi28 for the animation of the avatar!

vandy View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 11:45 AM Post #8
Scribbulus Everchanging Inks Changer Posts: 1,333 Joined: 3:58am March 18, 2007 Location: Teaching Ron 'tact'	QUOTE(Dumbledore @ Jan 26 2008, 10:35 PM) If I might have just a word? I believe my "gifts" to Harry also arrived on the young man's birthday. Perhaps you might want to consider those gifts as well. Certainly I intended them to be very useful, in different ways. After all, it may be our choices rather than our abilities that make us who we truly are... but it doesn't hurt to have a Goblin-made sword that has been fortified with basilisk venom. OOps sorry ,Professor Dumbledore.....I thought of writing your gift as they really played an important role in Harry's life but it was just there in your will...So now I include as THE most useful present... -------------------- * Severus is our king * * He can save anything * * He made sure we won *

leakylurker View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 12:03 PM Post #9
Resident Speech Therapist (It's dahy-uh-dem, Crabbe!) Posts: 2,232 Joined: 9:18pm July 11, 2005 Location: Second star to the left...	QUOTE(voldemort07 @ Jan 26 2008, 11:32 AM) What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? The firebolt from Sirius, since Harry loves to fly and play quidditch above everything else he enjoyed this present the most. I agree! I agree! I loved that Sirius was the one who gave Harry so much joy and a sense of freedom with his gift of the Firebolt. And it was even more touching to find out in DH that Sirius gave Harry his first toy broom! Flying was something that Harry was really good at, and that connected him immediately to the Wizarding World his first year. And then there were those endless hours of fun on the Quidditch Field. Yes! Yes! It's the Firebolt! -------------------- I wish you peace and love and happiness in everything you do, I pray that everywhere you go some one will be in love with you… The Mudbloods thanks fw00per!

mariami View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 12:10 PM Post #10
Flesh-Eating-Slug Catcher Posts: 182 Joined: 11:07am December 24, 2005 Location: In the Burrow with Ron making Hermione jealous mwuahaha	Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? I still don't get why the Dursleys even bothered sending Harry presents while he was a Hogwarts. I found those the most insulting, because it just reminded Harry of what was waiting for him at home after he finished his school year. If you're going to send a gift like that, don't send one at all. Hagrid gives Harry his first birthday cake (well, that Harry can remember) and Hedwig, even though Hagrid's never really met Harry [b]before that day. What does that tell you about Hagrid? I think he really cared for the Potters. They were probably good friends, and we can see that when we see Hagrid get so upset about leaving Harry in the Dursleys in chapter one of PS. And Hagrid and Harry ended up being good friends too, that was a great start to their friendship. What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? I agree that Hedwig was probably the most useful gift, given by Hagrid. What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? Oh, there's so many! George and Fred always gave Harry fun products from WWW. Also the firebolt from Sirius was probably one of the best gifts Harry ever received. And Harry probably found that kiss in DH fun too! Whose presents do you think mean the most to Harry over time? I think Hedwig always meant so much for Harry, she was like a friend to him, the only connection to the wizarding world when he was at Privet Drive. -------------------- The weapon we have is Love

Peanut M&M Peanut M&M View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 12:10 PM Post #11
Just Through the Brick Wall Posts: 6 Joined: 11:37am January 26, 2008 Location: #124 Conch Street,Bikini Bottom	Yeah Sirius Gave Harry Love. No-one Else Bothered. -------------------- ~Peanut M&M~

sver/nor View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 12:11 PM Post #12
Spellotaping Monster Books of Monsters Posts: 2,482 Joined: 11:46am June 29, 2007 Location: K'nexing Lirene	The most useful birthday present that Harry got was Hedwig. Hagrid gave Harry the owl, and a Birthday cake for his eleventh birthday. When Hagrid brought Harry to the Dursley's house after his parents were killed, he was distraught over leaving him, and Dumbledore comforted him by saying that he'd see him again. So, I think Hagrid had a special feeling for Harry. The worst present the Dursleys gave Harry was the ugly, mustard, yellow socks. The tissue was worse, but I don't remember if that was for his birthday. But a pair of used adult sized socks were definitely insulting. The present that was the most fun for Harry that he got for his birthday was Ginny's 'kiss to remember me by', and the watch from Molly and Arthur on his coming of age. The watch had belonged to Molly's brother who had died fighting in the First Wizard War, and Molly valued it highly. Nothing she could have given Harry, could have shown him more the place he held in her heart. These were more sentimental gifts than fun gifts, however. The broom servicing kit was more of a fun gift. The Dursleys now, they probably continue to send gifts to Harry, because it is the proper thing to do. This way they can always say they don't forget him on his birthday. I would say that the gifts that meant the most to Harry over time, were Fabian Prewitt's watch from Molly and Arthur, Hedwig, and Ginny's kiss. -------------------- wonderful signature is courtesy of atschpe Thanks Mokey

Jeaneai View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 12:12 PM Post #13
Flesh-Eating-Slug Catcher Posts: 200 Joined: 6:31am January 6, 2008 Location: Fishing for Freshwater Plimpies	Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? The single tissue. It made me a little teary because I felt so bad for Harry. Hagrid gives Harry his first birthday cake (well, that Harry can remember) and Hedwig, even though Hagrid's never really met Harry before that day. What does that tell you about Hagrid? That he's a kind and loveable Giant. We love you, Hagrid. What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? Although I'm fairly sure this wasn't for his birthday, I'd have to say that the sword from Professor Dumbledore was most useful. Winks at Dumbledore What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? The Firebolt from Sirius, no doubt. Why do you think the Dursleys continue to bother giving him presents at all? They're sticklers for formality. Whose presents do you think mean the most to Harry over time? Ooh, that's a tough one. I'd have to say Harry's invisibility cloak. It's helped him alot through the years. -------------------- "It's lucky it's dark...I haven't blushed so much since Madame Pomfrey told me she liked my new earmuffs." -Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, ?-1996 Thanks theonlysong

10thweasley View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 12:13 PM Post #14
Flesh-Eating-Slug Catcher Posts: 176 Joined: 1:59pm December 30, 2007 Location: in the Harry Potter world forever	Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? i agree with voldemort07,none are insulting.Just not very good. Hagrid gives Harry his first birthday cake (well, that Harry can remember) and Hedwig, even though Hagrid's never really met Harry before that day. What does that tell you about Hagrid? Its says he is kind,sweet,nice,and really cares for Harry What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? the Firebolt from Sirus (even though he got it at Christmas)or Hagrid's moleskin pouch or Hedwig What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? The firebolt.It was the fastest broom in the World!!!He really loves quidditch Why do you think the Dursleys continue to bother giving him presents at all? They could of been scared he would get mad or something.(he never would but they were always scared of him) Whose presents do you think mean the most to Harry over time? There's a few Fabian's watch Hedwig Ginny's Kiss and even though he never used it,Sirius's mirrow -------------------- "You think the dead we loved ever truly leave us? You think that we don't recall them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble?"

rowena r View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 12:16 PM Post #15
Dumbledore's Personal Secretary Posts: 4,980 Joined: 10:28am December 31, 2006 Location: At a violin concert with my boss.	QUOTE(Dumbledore @ Jan 26 2008, 12:35 PM) If I might have just a word? I believe my "gifts" to Harry also arrived on the young man's birthday. Perhaps you might want to consider those gifts as well. Certainly I intended them to be very useful, in different ways. After all, it may be our choices rather than our abilities that make us who we truly are... but it doesn't hurt to have a Goblin-made sword that has been fortified with basilisk venom. So sorry professor Dumbledore, sir. I should have remembered that. Should I iron my fingers ? Now that I think of it, it was Dumbledore who directly or indirectly gives Harry the Hallows. The Cloak was sent to Harry on his first christmas at Hogwarts; the Stone was given on his birthday inside a snitch; and the wand, of course came to Harry via Draco. -------------------- L O V E

momwitch View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 12:16 PM Post #16
Doctor Filibuster's Junior Assistant Posts: 1,963 Joined: 8:57am March 12, 2005 Location: at Home or somewhere in between	QUOTE(sver/nor @ Jan 26 2008, 05:11 PM) The worst present the Dursleys gave Harry was the ugly, mustard, yellow socks. The tissue was worse, but I don't remember if that was for his birthday. But a pair of used adult sized socks were definitely insulting. It is interesting to consider that when Dobby got a dirty old sock from Lucius through Harry's intervention, it was probably the most precious gift (if not only one) he ever received. Harry was like a house-elf in the Dursley household...maybe they were trying to tell him something? I wonder if Petunia knew more about the wizarding world than she was letting on... "One person's trash is another person's treasure..." This post has been edited by momwitch: Jan 26 2008, 12:21 PM -------------------- Avatar made with Poser 6 and Photoshop Elements

Rita Skeeter View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 02:31 PM Post #17
Special Correspondent for the Daily Prophet Posts: 93 Joined: 7:26pm July 6, 2007 Location: digging up the dirt	So Harry Potter received a kiss for his birthday? Oh do tell! Young love is always a great angle! Are the two still together or has one of Harry's many admirers managed to shove her aside? -------------------- Avatar art by Makani

MirandaV View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 03:07 PM Post #18
Kreacher's Impersonator Posts: 1,728 Joined: 10:01pm December 2, 2006 Location: Trying to get The Monster Book of Monsters off my head	Rita! Haven't you learned your lesson yet! Honestly, you call yourself a reporter! You need to keep your snarky nose out of Harry's business...anyway, too bad for you this story has already been written and accurately I might add. The kiss gets my vote as the best birthday present ever along with the watch. They both were emotional and full of love. This post has been edited by MirandaV: Jan 26 2008, 03:07 PM -------------------- Siggy by atschpe, Most avis used in mine by KimmyBlair

Severus_Snape View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 03:20 PM Post #19
Ex-Potions Master Posts: 152 Joined: 8:08pm May 18, 2006	QUOTE(MirandaV @ Jan 26 2008, 04:07 PM) Rita! Haven't you learned your lesson yet! Honestly, you call yourself a reporter! You need to keep your snarky nose out of Harry's business...anyway, too bad for you this story has already been written and accurately I might add. The kiss gets my vote as the best birthday present ever along with the watch. They both were emotional and full of love. Well, I would not say it was written accurately! Look at how that boy twists anything I say or do. As for the kiss. You think that sappy gesture is a good present? Honestly, that boy could have done with some more books and extra classes in potions … he didn't even going back to complete his education! -------------------- Avatar art by Makani

MirandaV View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 03:25 PM Post #20
Kreacher's Impersonator Posts: 1,728 Joined: 10:01pm December 2, 2006 Location: Trying to get The Monster Book of Monsters off my head	Poor Snape, still having issues with projecting your childhood wrongs on an innocent person in it all? Still living in a fantasy world where you are a good teacher and the students all love you? He became an auror you know....without ever finishing school. So, I hate to say, he must of been just fine at potions without you breathing your stale breath down his neck. -------------------- Siggy by atschpe, Most avis used in mine by KimmyBlair

Dobby View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 04:24 PM Post #21
The House elf on The Black Pearl Posts: 59 Joined: 1:57pm June 6, 2005	QUOTE(momwitch @ Jan 26 2008, 05:16 PM) QUOTE(sver/nor @ Jan 26 2008, 05:11 PM) The worst present the Dursleys gave Harry was the ugly, mustard, yellow socks. The tissue was worse, but I don't remember if that was for his birthday. But a pair of used adult sized socks were definitely insulting. It is interesting to consider that when Dobby got a dirty old sock from Lucius through Harry's intervention, it was probably the most precious gift (if not only one) he ever received. Harry was like a house-elf in the Dursley household...maybe they were trying to tell him something? I wonder if Petunia knew more about the wizarding world than she was letting on... "One person's trash is another person's treasure..." You are so good to think of poor Dobby! Yes, Harry Potter's sock is Dobby's greatest treasure. No wonder Harry Potter is so sympathetic to Dobby. He must know what it's like. -------------------- Dobby is FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Kneazel Tamer View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 05:01 PM Post #22
Flesh-Eating-Slug Catcher Posts: 192 Joined: 5:58pm April 27, 2007	Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? It's got to be the tissue! Hagrid gives Harry his first birthday cake (well, that Harry can remember) and Hedwig, even though Hagrid's never really met Harry before that day. What does that tell you about Hagrid? I think after removing baby Harry from the wreckage an delivering him to Dumbledore at 4 Privet Drive Hagrid had a soft spot for Harry. What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? I'm tied between Hedwig and the Firebolt. What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? Hmmmm . . . Ginny's kiss perhaps? Why do you think the Dursleys continue to bother giving him presents at all? I think it's a nasty way of saying "this is all we think you're worth." Intriguing that they don't forget his birthday though. Whose presents do you think mean the most to Harry over time? [/color] Hedwig from Hagrid. -------------------- <IMG SRC="http://sorting-hat.com/linklogo/sorthatr.gif" WIDTH="88" HEIGHT="130" ALT="Want to Get Sorted?"><BR> <A HREF="http://sorting-hat.com" target="_blank">I'm a Ravenclaw!</A>

Peeves_ View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 05:11 PM Post #23
Chief Raspberry Technician Posts: 176 Joined: 5:52pm November 28, 2006	GOT YOUR CONK!!!

Professor Dumble... Professor Dumbledore View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 05:47 PM Post #24
The Only One He Ever Feared Posts: 57 Joined: 12:43am August 22, 2005	Now, Peeves, we've discussed this. That's not the proper way to have a nice, academic discussion. I'm sure you'll find, once you've thought it over, that you didn't mean to stray off-topic? air chills That's better. Hedwig is indeed a very useful gift, if one can think of sentient beings as gifts. I myself have always been partial to Muggle sweets, so I imagine Harry would have appreciated the thoughtfulness behind a simple box of chocolates. But in terms of pure life-saving value, I must confess my own bequest to Harry of the Sword and the Snitch (with its hidden contents) were a particularly clever gift. -------------------- Thanks to Makani for the art work, and to kiwi28 for the animation of the avatar!

libbysmom View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 05:58 PM Post #25
Trained Hit Witch Posts: 2,155 Joined: 1:26pm September 23, 2005 Location: Hotel California...ummm, I mean the Gallery Common Room	Let's see...Harry's most useful gift? Food when Dudley was on his diet. Harry is skinny enough without being sentenced to a diet of grapefruit and lettuce. And most fun? Really? I think Ginny wins that prize hands down. Although I'm sure he appreciated all care packages from WWW. -------------------- GalleryCast 84 - Woooo It's a Ghost is available on iTunes now Avatar by the fantabulous KimmyBlair

Jay_Lock View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 06:53 PM Post #26
Buying a Half-Kneazle Posts: 521 Joined: 10:37am October 6, 2005 Location: Drinking Butterbeer and hiccuping and waiting for Luna to meet me her so we can go to St. Mungo's to change me back to a human form.	Course i think one of the most fun would be that tight broomstick kit from Hermione. The kiss was awesome too! The fact that hagrid gives him the cake, just goes to show that Hagrid is just an all aroung caring guy. He knows that Harry prolly gets treated like crap. And doesn't know if he'll even like him but gets him a cake. maybe it shows that he is really smart. ANd he knows that a way to gain Harry's trust and friendship, is to give him a cake. which to an 11 year old kid who's been tortured for most of his life would seem like the world. This post has been edited by Jay_Lock: Jan 26 2008, 06:54 PM -------------------- "If you attempt to sabotage our resistance, or take up arms against us within this castle then, Horace, we duel to kill." ----Minerva McGonnagall "Dinner Nagini" ----Lord Voldemort "With the whole wide world of ear-related humor at your feet, you go for 'holey'" ----Fred Weasley

lothlorien View Member Profile	Jan 26 2008, 07:14 PM Post #27
Flesh-Eating-Slug Catcher Posts: 157 Joined: 11:31pm May 29, 2007 Location: United States, Illinois	Useful gift? I think the Marauder's Map. Most meaningful to Harry? The photos of his parents from both Hagrid and Sirius probably rank near the top for Harry, although Ginny's kiss was likely the most exciting! -------------------- Lothlorien

nesbit View Member Profile	Jan 27 2008, 05:01 AM Post #28
Just Through the Brick Wall Posts: 12 Joined: 1:15pm September 18, 2006	Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? definatly the old socks. new socks are good but old socks? well Dobie liked them. one mans trash is anater mans treasur. the tissue paper perhaps? Hagrid gives Harry his first birthday cake (well, that Harry can remember) and Hedwig, even though Hagrid's never really met Harry before that day. What does that tell you about Hagrid? he is a nice generous half Giant? who sits on birthday cakes with out meaning to? What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? hard to say the kinfe? the map? What do you think is the most fun present Harry receives? Who gives it to him? something he picked out form the weasley twins shop. the fire bolt he loves to fly Why do you think the Dursleys continue to bother giving him presents at all? I'm not sure, perhaps a sense of obligation, Hedwig tapping at the window till thy tied something to his leg? fear of a wizard's wrath? certainly not love. and that is the only reason one should give a birthday gift. Whose presents do you think mean the most to Harry over time? the loyalty of his friends, loyal friends are hard to come by, OK not a real birthday gift but the most valuable thing in the end. This post has been edited by nesbit: Jan 27 2008, 05:02 AM

sver/nor View Member Profile	Jan 27 2008, 08:19 AM Post #29
Spellotaping Monster Books of Monsters Posts: 2,482 Joined: 11:46am June 29, 2007 Location: K'nexing Lirene	Rita Skeeter: How did you get to post on this forum? How many lies are you going to spread this time? I thought you had learned your lesson. I think we need Hermione to come back here and teach you another lesson to keep your long nose out of Harry's business. Of course, maybe Ginny will show you her famous hex. She is very good at the 'Bat Bogey Hex', you know. -------------------- wonderful signature is courtesy of atschpe Thanks Mokey

Granjo Granger View Member Profile	Jan 27 2008, 12:31 PM Post #30
Official Grandmother at the Lily and Stag Inn Posts: 2,856 Joined: 4:33pm February 27, 2007 Location: Having tea with Minerva McGonagall at Hogwarts	QUOTE(sver/nor @ Jan 26 2008, 12:11 PM) The most useful birthday present that Harry got was Hedwig. Hagrid gave Harry the owl, and a Birthday cake for his eleventh birthday. When Hagrid brought Harry to the Dursley's house after his parents were killed, he was distraught over leaving him, and Dumbledore comforted him by saying that he'd see him again. So, I think Hagrid had a special feeling for Harry. The worst present the Dursleys gave Harry was the ugly, mustard, yellow socks. The tissue was worse, but I don't remember if that was for his birthday. But a pair of used adult sized socks were definitely insulting. The present that was the most fun for Harry that he got for his birthday was Ginny's 'kiss to remember me by', and the watch from Molly and Arthur on his coming of age. The watch had belonged to Molly's brother who had died fighting in the First Wizard War, and Molly valued it highly. Nothing she could have given Harry, could have shown him more the place he held in her heart. These were more sentimental gifts than fun gifts, however. The broom servicing kit was more of a fun gift. The Dursleys now, they probably continue to send gifts to Harry, because it is the proper thing to do. This way they can always say they don't forget him on his birthday. I would say that the gifts that meant the most to Harry over time, were Fabian Prewitt's watch from Molly and Arthur, Hedwig, and Ginny's kiss. I agrre with all these choices and would add one more. Harry's gift of the cake on his 11th. birthday from Hagrid was his first remembered gift of love. Everything about Hagrid must have seemed like a miracle to Harry. Then to be given the snow owl in addition must have put him over the moon. The funniest would have to be Ron's gift of the book on ways to charm witches. Hagrid's gift of the moleskin pouch turned out to be very uaeful in DH. Now I have a question for Petunia, sis you at least wash the mustard yellow socks? This would be a good lead for Rita Skeeta. An exposee on the Muggles who housed The Chosen One for 10 lonely years would be a paper that I would buy! -------------------- Thank you, Gilleyweed!!!

StepInTime View Member Profile	Jan 27 2008, 04:27 PM Post #31
Sundae-Nut-Chopper at Florean Fortescue's Posts: 948 Joined: 12:30am December 18, 2006	QUOTE(vandy @ Jan 26 2008, 09:51 AM) Of all the gifts Harry gets for his birthdays, which of the Dursleys' gifts to him do you find the most insulting? It is that single tissue paper.. What do you think is the most useful present Harry receives for his birthday, and who is the giver? Most of the presents that Harry gets from Hagrid are useful..For instance Hagrid's moleskin pouch and Hedwig.. Oh, and also that birthday cake that the trio and Hagrid sends during his 14th birthday..... vandy, you took the words right out of my mouth! That single tissue paper from the Dursleys was not even worth the time and energy it tood to UN-wrap it, much less wrap it and post it in the first place! I think that the Dursleys continue to send "gifts" to keep up appearances to their neighbors and their martyrdom with their relatives--possibly also just to remind Harry about how very little they care about him (compared to their "representation" of how much they love Dudley, on his birthdays). I also agree with vandy that Hagrid's birthday gifts to Harry are usually very useful. Hands down, I would say Hedwig was the most useful birthday gift (although I'm with Dumbledore--should a living thing really be gifted?)--she was not only functional, in terms of communication and errands, but she was also a warm and loyal companion who was quite intuitive when it came to Harry. I think that was an important relationship for him, particularly during the summers. Hagrid is very practical, and also very sensitive (in some ways), and I think that his gifts on Harry's 11th birthday just represented that, perhaps, he had never stopped thinking and worrying about Harry, and that he also knew what it was like to feel alone in the world a bit. -------------------- "...the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters" - Sirius Black (OOTP14)

twiddlethosedial... twiddlethosedials View Member Profile	Jan 27 2008, 08:19 PM Post #32
Mischievous Manager Posts: 5,448 Joined: 9:14am February 16, 2006 Location: Behind the sofa, watching Doctor Who	You know, I've given a lot of thought to what so many of you have said with regard to Ginny's kiss, and I think it's not so much the kiss itself as the sentiment behind it that is striking a chord with me. Love is the best give any of us can give, and while that doesn't have to take a physical form, it is the love from his friends and family and for them in return that ultimately equipped Harry to do what needed to be done. --------------------

roonwit View Member Profile	Jan 28 2008, 06:05 AM Post #33
Leaky Lounge Over Achiever Posts: 9,330 Joined: 4:57am January 28, 2005 Location: near Muggleswick, UK	QUOTE(becky920 @ Jan 28 2008, 01:19 AM) You know, I've given a lot of thought to what so many of you have said with regard to Ginny's kiss, and I think it's not so much the kiss itself as the sentiment behind it that is striking a chord with me. Love is the best give any of us can give, and while that doesn't have to take a physical form, it is the love from his friends and family and for them in return that ultimately equipped Harry to do what needed to be done. It is also somewhat of a commitment given what Ginny says in the lead up to it implying that she won't go looking for another boyfriend any time soon, because she wants Harry to remember her and not going chasing after any Veela he might meet, so she is staking a claim for him. -------------------- W.L.Y.J. We love you Jo

Moaning Myrtle View Member Profile	Jan 28 2008, 10:05 AM Post #34
Pimply Posts: 37 Joined: 12:08am October 29, 2005 Location: Watching Harry Take a Bath	cries Ginny gave Harry a kiss for his birthday? How DARE she! And how insensitive of all of you to be discussing it here RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME when I have never even been kissed once! sob I think the best gift Harry got was the use of my bathroom in his second year, where he could have time to reflect on death and possibly join me there. --------------------

sver/nor View Member Profile	Jan 28 2008, 11:39 AM Post #35
Spellotaping Monster Books of Monsters Posts: 2,482 Joined: 11:46am June 29, 2007 Location: K'nexing Lirene	Ahhh, Myrtle, I'm so sorry that you have never been kissed. That was insensitive of us to talk about it in front of you. What about Draco then? You give him support when he is in despair. Maybe, he will give you a kiss in thanks for all your help. I really think that Harry is pretty well sewed up by Ginny. And that red hair denotes a terrible temper, so I wouldn't take her on if I were you. I definitely think that Draco is safer, don't you? -------------------- wonderful signature is courtesy of atschpe Thanks Mokey

Wandguardnoodle View Member Profile	Jan 28 2008, 03:56 PM Post #36
Smart Cookie Posts: 3,340 Joined: 1:26am September 30, 2006 Location: Somewhere in time and space	QUOTE(roonwit @ Jan 26 2008, 09:14 AM) I don't think we can be sure that Hagrid never really met Harry before his 11th birthday. I can see Hagrid visiting Harry when the Potters were still alive, and I also think Hagrid was good friends with Harry's parents, so he would feel a bit of an obligation to Harry. But I do think it is significant that Hagrid knows that it is Harry's birthday, so either he knows it from previous events or has taken the trouble to find out. But in any case, Hagrid is under no obligation to give Harry either a cake or an owl, so it does show his generous nature, and Hagrid continues to send Harry birthday gifts (such as the biting book and a cake when Dudley went on a diet). On the contrary, I think, Hagrid had to know when Harry's birthday is: I think, there are words in one of the books that the first Hogwarts letter has to be delivered before a witch's or wizard's 11th birthday. That is why, I think, Hagrid broke into that shed (or what it's called in English) in the sea - he had to give Harry the letter and he couldn't wait any longer. However, as you say, Hagrid didn't have to give all those presents to Harry. To me, this shows (as some have also mentioned) that Hagrid is a good and caring person, and he's undoubtedly fond of Harry from the moment he sees him (in the wreckage of the Potters' place) - remember how he cired when he had to leave the child at the Dursleys'? I also think that Hagrid sort of sees himself in Harry: I think, it was in GoF when he said something like that they were both orphans, both different and in a way unaccepted by society. So, Hagrid wants to make Harry's life better. QUOTE(Jeaneai @ Jan 26 2008, 12:12 PM) Why do you think the Dursleys continue to bother giving him presents at all? They're sticklers for formality. I agree with you. I think, the Dursleys kept giving Harry presents because you have give something to the person who's birthday it is. But later (and I'm not sure when), they seem to start to even ignore this tradition, and only send Harry something for Christmas. I've also always looked at this as a physical symbol of how much Harry is mistreated, unliked and unloved at the Dursleys' place. It seems to me that they give him those things simply to mock Harry and to make fun of him - you know, perhaps they wanted to see how he'd react at those presents, or something. And becky, same here. To me, the most touching and striking thing about Ginny's gift to Harry (the kiss) is not the kiss itself, but what she means with that kiss. It's sort of telling: I'll be waiting for you, I don't care that you might not come back. And just now, I'm strongly reminded of Arwen and Aragorn in the LotR films: when she gave him that jewell and told to keep it, no matter, that she had to sail away (which in the end she didn't do). Another present that touched me most is the watch given by Mr and Mrs Weasley (I assume), for it had belonged to Molly's brother. Throughout the books she in different ways mentions several times that Harry is as good as a son to her, and acts like his mother, too: makes him a birthday cake, kisses him before he boards the Hogwarts Express. And this watch is sort of like the one last thing, a symbol that Harry really belongs to this family. (I think, I'm getting teary ) -------------------- Images from yumeiro, so_severus, iwant_sprinkles @LJ.

roonwit View Member Profile	Jan 28 2008, 04:52 PM Post #37
Leaky Lounge Over Achiever Posts: 9,330 Joined: 4:57am January 28, 2005 Location: near Muggleswick, UK	QUOTE(Mary Wanguard @ Jan 28 2008, 08:56 PM) On the contrary, I think, Hagrid had to know when Harry's birthday is: I think, there are words in one of the books that the first Hogwarts letter has to be delivered before a witch's or wizard's 11th birthday. I don't see why. The timing surely has much more to do with the approaching start of term than with Harry turning 11, because the school would ideally like to finalize book lists etc. before sending out the letters. Probably also the Statute of Secrecy would mean it made sense to tell muggle-born witches and wizards near the start of term so that they don't spend too long knowing that they could do magic without any training. So I still think it is significant that Hagrid knows Harry's birthday. QUOTE(Mary Wanguard @ Jan 28 2008, 08:56 PM) Another present that touched me most is the watch given by Mr and Mrs Weasley (I assume), for it had belonged to Molly's brother. Throughout the books she in different ways mentions several times that Harry is as good as a son to her, and acts like his mother, too: makes him a birthday cake, kisses him before he boards the Hogwarts Express. And this watch is sort of like the one last thing, a symbol that Harry really belongs to this family. (I think, I'm getting teary ) Yes, there is a lot of meaning in that watch, because it would usually be the parents that give this traditional present, and it was a family possession of Molly's, which is saying to Harry "you are one of the family". This post has been edited by roonwit: Jan 28 2008, 05:50 PM -------------------- W.L.Y.J. We love you Jo

Fawks7 View Member Profile	Jan 28 2008, 05:03 PM Post #38
Disgruntled House-Elf at The Leaky Cauldron Posts: 423 Joined: 2:00pm April 8, 2007 Location: disapparating to london to go to hogwarts, because it really does exist!!	I agree that the only reason the dursleys give harry gifts is formality, and perhaps they know Hagrid wants his present somehow. I also think they want to remind him while he is away having the time of his life at school that they DON"T WANT HIM. this can be easy to forget away from home, but the dursleys haven't forgotten him- they worry at all times about awkward questions, etc. It's like when they ask him to stay at hogwarts all summer- they're saying "remember, this is all you mean to us. we DO care if you come back, we haven't forgotten how much we hate you. just stay where you belong." It's such a sad meaning. -------------------- Thanks to ravenclaw1028 for the awesome avatar! "just one more, master harry, for luck?" "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" "yeah, but then all you end up with are a bunch of toothless blind people."

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