JKR's title for her first book (released initially in Britian) was Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the United States, the word "philosopher" conjures up images of boring, stuffy old men, while a "Sorcerer" is an exciting Merlin-type wizard. The problem is, the Stone was supposed to truly have existed, and it was called the "Philosopher Stone," but most people did not know about that. Therefore, JKR and her American publisher came up with the cool name "Sorcerer's Stone" for the U.S. printing.
The first book also was "translated" somewhere for the U.S. readers because they would not have understood or related to some British terms. For instance, the British "mum" was changed to "mom" and "jumper" became "sweater." Now, however, the texts have been "unified" by making slight adjustments only when necessary so that all words are understandable to U.S. and British readers. For instance, in Book 4, both versions now use "sweater," while "dustbins" (which is not difficult to figure out) is used in both editions rather than changing it to "trash cans" for U.S. readers. From now on, of course, the titles will also be the same in both countries.
JKR gives new meaning to "reading between the lines." She makes up many of her characters' names, explaining in a chat on BarnesandNoble.com how her use of foreign language-based words "gives readers a chance to work out clues along the way." Her books are so meticulously written that almost no word is there just for conversation. Even the most sublime comments and/or descriptions often hold special meanings - and usually keys to the whole septology mystery! JKR uses running bits, comic relief, satire, and literary techniques to enhance her stories, but the joke's on us, as her comedy can be used to throw us off track or camoflauge those important clues. HP Sleuths... CONSTANT VIGILANCE!
For some reason, the tragedy of the Potters' deaths happened the day before, Harry wasn't brought to Privet Drive until the next night. This timeframe between the two incidents is unaccounted for, and is not explained by JKR, and it is also a favorite debate among those who are convinced that JKR never does anything without reason. Could it have just been a very long trip from wherever they lived, or did Privet Drive have to be secured before bringing Harry there? Is it possible the baby Harry received some special spells and protection during that period before being delivered?
When Hagrid lands with baby Harry, wrapped in a blanket, he tells Dumbledore how he got Harry out of the Potters' almost destroyed house, just before the Muggles came to investigate.
Now that's timing. How did Hagrid get there so soon? How did Dumbledore know about the attack on the Potters, and how did Dumbledore contact Hagrid so quickly?
The fact that the house was almost destroyed is actually quite odd as Voldemort supposedly was only on a murder mission. It is reinforced later, so we know that the house was, indeed, damaged, but since this is JKR, we must not make assumptions as to what (or who) caused it.
Also, Minerva wants Dumbledore to remove the scar, but he thinks that it will be useful, as he has one of his own above the knee in the shape of London Underground.
At this point (we don't know about Voldemort and Harry having a connection through this scar) but the fact that Dumbledore knew that it would be useful is amazing. How did he know this? Did he just think that it would be a means of identification, or a badge of courage?
Aunt Petunia admits that she knew her sister Lily was a wizard (Chpt 4). While their parents were proud of Lily, Petunia says she was the only one who "saw her for what she was - a freak!"
Hey, Lily was a nice freak Why were Lily's parents so proud of her being a witch - what did they know? Was either Lily or Petunia adopted? Where did Lily Potter get her magical heritage? If they are blood sisters, could Aunt Petunia possibly have some magical powers, but be in denial of them? Were Lily's parents truly Muggles, or were they hiding wizarding identities?
This is something that MANY HP fans have been discussing for years. Will we find out the truth soon? One can only hope.
Gringrotts - the first time that we hear about this place is Harry's birthday, and Hagrid tells him about it.
Interesting sounding bank. The name Gringotts is a clever combination of the French word "gringou" - meaning a skinflint or miser, and the word "ingot," which is a nugget of precious metals (as in a gold ingot). Anyone thinking of Scrooge?
Harry's parents left him money that is stored there. This strange bank is run by goblins, has high security vaults, and is protected by dragons.
Yes, dragons probably are more effective than alarm systems - especially when they're hungry (gulp!). Keep in mind that there is only one wizarding bank, and it is run by goblins. As long as the goblins stay neutral during conflicts, there is no problem, but that is a potential hazard if the goblins ever take sides. The goblins' obsession with money and gold will probably keep them neutral, as they don't care what color their money is. But what might the be the consequences if goblins can be bribed?
Something to think about... How did Hagrid get the key to the Potters vault? Who had it originally, and who was it given to, for safe keeping?
When Harry first enters his family vault, he finds that he is rich! Where did this money come from? In an AOL chat with JKR, she said that James inherited it, but she has refused to tell us anything about his career.
Heather, I believe that we will do each book... if you want to go through one book at a time, that's fine. If you want to do them all at the same time, that's fine also. It is up to you members and what you want.
1. the question was put forward "How did Hagrid get the key to the Potters vault? Who had it originally, and who was it given to, for safe keeping?"
The answer to this would most likely be Dumbledore being as he also held the Invisibilty cloak. He probably gave it to Hagrid when he went looking for Harry.
2.Secondly the point was made that "As long as the goblins stay neutral during conflicts, there is no problem, but that is a potential hazard if the goblins ever take sides. "
Correct me if I am wrong but don't goblins only care for money? (J.K. Rowlings goblins that is.)
I think that Dumbledore did have the key to Harry's vault.
I also think that the goblins do care about wealth, but they do not want to be treated as second class citizens either. If wizards continue to look down their noses at them, they might side with Voldemort.
But surely it would be worse under Voldemort. I mean he thinks everyone is not worth his spit, the deatheaters hate everyone who isn't a 'pure blood' so it would be worse. The Ministry of Magic may be in a mess but it is better than a voldemort run organisation.
Goblins however can take care of themselves agains the wizards, what was it the Goblin Revolt in the history of magic class.
*This chapter takes place 10 years before the rest of the book
*Uncle Vernon notices some strange events.
*Dumbledore and McGonagall arrive at Privet Drive.
*Dumbledore tells McGonagall that James and Lily Potter are dead.
*Hagrid delivers 1 year old Harry to his Aunt and Uncle's doorstep.
From the very beginning of this story, it grabs your attention. Some stories start off a little slow, boring. But, this one was interesting from the moment that I opened it and started reading. There is a lot of history laid down in this first chapter. While the info isn't in depth, it leaves you knowing that there is so much more going on than meets the eye.
I don't know... I did wonder about that... but not at the time of first reading chapter one.
I think that it could be something that JKR clears up, eventually... but who knows.
Maybe Dumbledore had Hagrid ride around with baby Harry, while he made sure that Privet Drive was ready, and laid down whatever spells he intended.
As someone mentioned in another thread, he was probably examined by a healer too. Hagrid could possibly have taken the long way too in case they were being tailed.
Well, we have to assume that Godric's Hollow is somewhere in Great Britain. Privet Drive is in Surrey, which is in the southeastern part of England. If it takes a couple of hours to get from Platform 9 3/4 in London to Hogwarts in Scotland by train, it shouldn't take 24 hours to get to Surrey from anywhere while flying. Something else had to be happening.
I have a feeling that Hargid and Harry went to a safe house. Death Eaters would be looking for Harry, so he needed a safe place to be until Dumbledore decided what to do with him.
Think of this point too, It was Halloween, school was in session. McGonagall and Dumbledore completely left the school while this event happened. Who was running the school?
*This chapter takes place on Dudley's birthday, which is in either June or July.
*Dudley is acting like a spoiled brat because he got fewer presents this year than last.
*Mrs. Figg, Harry's babysitter, broke her leg and can't watch Harry, so Harry gets to go to the zoo with the Dursleys.
*We are given some background about Harry's magic.
*Harry talks to a snake and makes the glass on the cage disappear.
*Harry recalls strangers somehow recognizing him.
This is the first stages of the magic involved chapters. The glass that the dissapeared allowing the snake to exscape dissapeared because Harry was annoyed with his cousin.
This chapter gives us a bit more insite into Harry character but also shows us the important power he posseses, parsel-tounge. Also we get an insite into the characters of the Dursleys.
Why were Lily's parents so proud of her being a witch - what did they know? Was either Lily or Petunia adopted? Where did Lily Potter get her magical heritage? If they are blood sisters, could Aunt Petunia possibly have some magical powers, but be in denial of them? Were Lily's parents truly Muggles, or were they hiding wizarding identities? 
