I finally made it out of the Muggle world and into the wizarding world. The Sorcerer’s Stone really picks up in this section as Harry finally leaves home and makes it to Hogwarts. Here are some thoughts I had while reading chapters 6-9.
The Sorting Hat
As I was reading the chapter about the Sorting Ceremony, I couldn’t help but think of one of my favorite Bible stories. In 1 Samuel 16 God sends Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint a new king. All of Jesse’s sons line up except for the youngest, David. God tells Samuel not to consider his appearance because God doesn’t look at what people look at. During the Sorting Ceremony all the first year students line up and the Sorting Hat chooses the house to which they’ll belong. The Sorting Hat doesn’t look at the appearance of the students but apparently searches their thoughts and feelings. It’s most apparent that the Sorting Hat doesn’t consider appearance when it sends tubby, little Neville to Gryffindor. Gryffindor is a house of honor and strength, qualities Neville didn’t even see in himself but the Hat did.
Music
One passage from the book left an indelible mark.
“Ah, music,” [Dumbledore] said, wiping his eyes. “A magic beyond all we do here!”
After the students sing the Hogwarts Alma mater, Dumbedore says the above line, marveling at the power and magic of music. Even in the eyes of the world’s most powerful wizard, music is still a mystery. Music is a mystery but it also is one of the greatest gifts of God. When God created the universe he made it in such a way that music is possible. From voices singing, to wind passing through instruments to beats thundering from percussion, music is a gift from God. God gave us music to better express our feelings but also our praise to him. God wants us to bring our music before him as a worshipful offering. God created music, he wants us to enjoy music and he wants us to bless him with it in return.
Draco Malfoy
For years one of my good friends has run around randomly shouting out “Gryffindor!” I told her that I finally understood what she was screaming and, since I like the bad guys, warned her that I might be inclined to shout out “Slytherin!” The more Rowling writes about Draco Malfoy, though, the less likely I am to side with Slytherin. Malfoy is nothing but a bully who likes to pick on the weak and helpless. So every time Harry stands up to Malfoy, like when Malfoy stole Neville’s Remembrall, I can’t help but root for Harry. God calls his people to seek justice and stand up for the oppressed. At Hogwarts poor Neville is oppressed and Malfoy commits injustice after injustice against him. Harry is an example of what it means to stand up for what is right and defend those in need.
I enjoyed these four chapters and am looking forward to the next four, getting into some Quidditch and getting some answers about was stolen from Gringotts.
What insights did you have from chapters 6-9 of The Sorcerer’s Stone? Remember, please follow the rules about spoilers and getting too crazy.
I cant remember what happened in 6-9, but if theres something i would always love is draco malfoy. LOL