Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists by J. K. Rowling

Goodreads Synopsis

No Muggle Prime Minister has ever set foot in the Ministry of Magic, for reasons most succinctly summed up by ex-Minister Dugald McPhail (term of office 1858-1865): “their puir wee braines couldnae cope wi’ it.”’ – J.K. Rowling
Pottermore Presents is a collection of J.K. Rowling’s writing: short reads originally featured on pottermore.com with some exclusive new additions. These eBooks, with writing curated by Pottermore, will take you beyond the Harry Potter stories as J.K. Rowling reveals her inspiration, intricate details of characters’ lives and surprises from the wizarding world.

These stories of power, politics and pesky poltergeists give you a glimpse into the darker side of the wizarding world, revealing the ruthless roots of Professor Umbridge, the lowdown on the Ministers for Magic and the history of the wizarding prison Azkaban. You will also delve deeper into Horace Slughorn’s early years as Potions master at Hogwarts – and his acquaintance with one Tom Marvolo Riddle.

Rating

 

Review

The second installment was not as interesting or as gripping as the first one.

It started with a character I hate. From the deepest parts of my heart.

 

Dolores Umbridge

Some people are born evil. Dolores is one of them. She is that character who is probably hated more than the ultimate villain of the series. Let’s just say, at least by me.

Knowing her back story in this book doesn’t incite any sympathy in me. She deserve more than was dished out. In fact, I’d have been happy to do the serving myself.

Imelda Staunton did an awesome job in making me hate her more the way she personified the evil within Umbridge.

 

Ministers for Magic

This part was boring.

A list of ministers doesn’t rouse any interest in me as they haven’t played any part in the series except for the last few. Furthermore, the details are just a couple of sentences! Not even enough to entice me to know more. Shacklebolt and Scrimgeour though I’d like to know more about.

 

Azkaban

As for Azkaban, no one deserves (well except for a few) to be sent to such despair add is inflicted by the Dementors.

A patronus makes these dark creatures go away but how is one killed? Have I forgotten? Was it ever mentioned?

 

Horace Slughorn

A kind and courageous man, Horace Slughorn would inspire people to achieve more at the same time he could have confidence leached out of a person.

I am still unsure if I’d want someone like him as my teacher. There are definitely pros and cons and much to debate in my mind.

 

Potions and Potion Making

I was never a fan of Chemistry but Potions classes had me sitting in attention. All the stuff for which at other times we might saying eeew but while making a position – even when being disgusted by them – putting all the stuff to use.

Patience being a virtue is reflective in this course as does the saying, good things come to those who wait.

As for Hermione, it’s an open secret that I love the character as it resonates with me very much.

 

Quirinus Quirrell

Never spared much thought to Quirrel before and nothing mentioned in here makes me want to.

 

Peeves

The most uplifting part of this book or else it’d have been a 2 starer for me. It saddened me that he was left out of the movies.