Didn't they get their wands confiscated? Can they disapparate without wands?

t /unsure

I was sort of uneasy with the taboo in general -- it makes Voldemort sort of all-powerful in a way that feels like it breaks the rules of that universe. To me.

Never bothered me. Invoking evil's name resulting in summoning evil is pretty much a classic, and really, I thought it was nice to have a payoff after seven books of people insisting on saying "You Know Who," no matter how annoying it got. I liked that there really was a reason to fear his name.

Victor - insent.

2. there is a bit of hesitancy on the part of the trio because it's forbidden for underage wizards.

They're not underage in DH.

I assumed they didn't want to leave everything behind, which they would have to, to disapparate that quickly.

They're not underage in DH.

Yes, but they have been conditioned by years of not doing so. Their first thoughts are not going to be to take that path.

Unless they're so eager to do it because they can. I mean, look at drinking and driving (uh, separately).

And, by that point, they've already gotten away from tricky situations by apparating several times. (Though Ron did get splinched on one of them.)

Ah, good point.

Loads has happened in my last commute. The snatchers took them to Malfoy manor. Draco is just a shell of his former self. I miss the old Draco and his swagger.

Bellatrix has revealed the location of one of the horcruxes. The only reason for that freakout over the sword is because there is something else in the vault that Voldemort would be very displeased to have stolen. That object has to be a Horcrux. It also just so happens that they have a former Gringotts goblin in their midst. This looks a lot like a setup.

Hermione being tortured was appropriately horrible.

Luna is back! I didn't expect her to be in the Malfoy dungeon. I've always liked Luna and her calmness in all situations. She doesn't seem brave so much as just indifferent to danger, like she doesn't find danger very interesting.

They also have found and thanks to Dobby rescued Ollivander. Dean was around too but doesn't factor into anything so far.

Wormtail has died thanks to his evil hand which was apparently booby trapped for compassion or defying Voldemort's will. I think the latter makes a lot of sense. Voldemort knows that Wormtail has no true loyalty to him.

There is the mystery of Dumbledore's eye in the mirror. This isn't Dumbledore communicating from the dead, Rowling has made it clear that dead is dead with Sirrius. A portrait maybe? I dunno for sure. Aberforth has come up a lot in this book and I think there was something about how he and Albus looked alike. Where is Sirrius's mirror supposed to be anyhow? Somebody must have sent Dobby, so the mystery may be solved once they get to Shell Cottage but I somehow doubt it. Dobby could have easily been sent indirectly.

Then there is the rescue of Hermione and Griphook, which I thought was pretty good. Harry also got himself a few more wands, so maybe he'll find one that works better than the one he had. Anyhow, I sat in the car until they apperated away. I'm finding I have to sit in the car a bit pretty often these days.

Tom is going to be pissed.

tears up