Trick or Treat

Lex, me and Blanca

So this year I decided to play along and get into the Halloween spirit. I went trick or treating with my little nephews and their moms. Lex and Blanca dressed up as witches, or something like that. I went for something classic, my alter ego: Snow White. My nephews are a bit more modern and not into classic outfits like us. They went for Power Rangers.

Maybe I'll start the Halloween tradition again.

Marachi

Lex, me, Pakito and Marco

Today was my nephew's assembly. He danced as a charro! And to top it off with two girls.

That's my boy!

Shopping

First shopping trip with Mike. We survived more than 15 hours together and we didn't kill each other. It was fun. we left early in the morning. We got there before 10 am. Drove to Mercedes to the Outlets and got lost on the way!

We went to my cousin's house to pick up our packages. Then to the mall for lunch and mall shopping. Toured around the city, shopping actually.

It was a lot of fun. Very educational. We got home around 1 AM.

I think I could have a couple of these a year

Scared

I'm such a big crybaby. Even though we have a very close connection, I'm scared of losing you. I'm scared that you won't be there anymore. To finally realize that I was just your little buddy.

It always happens to me. I just want to settle down. Finally find some peace.

Just find someone that is with me because he pleases to

Emotional Roller Coaster

Here we go again! I'm depressed. How do I know? Well, because I don't care about anything. I've already gained 4 pounds. I know I need to blow them off, mainly because I don't have any loose clothes anymore.

I'm upset because of the lack of understanding at the office. I have a wonderful team and I will never deny that, yet the other areas have not been very supportive and it's slowly wearing me out. Also, this week the AC was dead and that made me more moody.

My nonexistent complicated love life. Well, it's still complicated. Yes I adore him, no I still don't know what his feelings are. Maybe he sees me as a puppy tag along kid sister. I just don't know.

I hate feeling like this

Finally

Midget blowing out his birthday candle

After a couple of weeks of bad news, we finally had Midget's party. It rained all morning long, but still we had tons of fun. We were at the amusement park for 2 hours. The kids had their fun with the bunnies, piñata, games and cake. We had fun making fun of each other.

After that we went over to Mama China's to keep on gossiping and open the presents. Indeed to my suprise he loved his Action Man action figure.

He's a big kid now.

Moving on

Mike, Betty, Rogelio, Lorena, Blanca and me

It's hard to say farewell. It's even harder when it's someone you've fought for. My team loses one of its main elements and there was nothing Mike or I could do to stop it. The new members of the team have arrived. One hand picked by me, the other one chosen by TLEI (that's Human Resources).

Unfortunately the change won't be as lasting as we expected it. Lorena will leave next week, due to medical reasons. Betty is in the learning curve stage. Rogelio is waiting to drop everything and Blanca is with mixed feelings. Mike and I still wonder about how things will unroll in the following days.

Today we took Blanca to lunch, we gave her a Rebelious doll to remind her of her attitude problem, we had some cake, and finally when everyon else was gone the goodbyes.

Yes it's gonna be hard, of course we're gonna miss her, but it's going to be much better for her.

Eventually, things are much better for those that leave.

Goodbye Leech

Leech

October 2005 - August 2007

It's a sad night. Our little warrior has lost the final battle. I walked into the kitchen for some milk and looked over to his bowl. He wasn't looking at what I was doing. He was gone.

I don't want to get into morbit details. His mom came home and made the proper arrangements to bid him farewell. Yazmin was heartbroken. She was hoping he would survive this one. He tried very hard. He never gave up. Always in a cheery mood, always looking at what you were doing.

He was a good compagion. A fighter. He challenged Death and came victorius twice.

Death won the third time

Keeping my word

Mike, Rogelio, me and Blanca

Birthday number two of this twisted blended family. It should be three, but my birthday was just the begining of things. I was threatened to go since Monday. I recieved the threat almost everyday. Even yesterday night, after I wished him a good time, he called just to make sure I would go.

I played a sweetly evil joke on him. Once we were outside his house , I called him. I told him in my sleepiest voice that I thought I wouldn't make it. He said it was ok. I burst laughing and told him to open the door for us.

Rogelio displayed his smart ass comments. Blanca looked like Lia (eeeeeeeeeeek) with her funky hairdo and new glasses. I simply acted like the sweet girl I am.

This is one of the things I'll miss once Blanca is gone

The will to live

It amazes me. Life is one of the things we can't get second helpings of. It's a one shot. You make the best of it. I've seen loved ones leave this mortal plane. I've suffered their loss.

I've admired their efforts to make the last days the best, not giving in to the disease. Even though they get what we all do, a lifetime.

I've suffered watching Lex stuggle with her mother in law. A terminal cancer in which she has been dealing with alone. Before she had surgery, I remember she would say that she was only using someone else's oxygen. In my opinion, she has things to live for. Maybe that's just me.

Then there's my sister's pet fish. The poor thing has battled with pop eye twice in his life. Recently, he's fallen victim of fin rot. I don't know why. Maybe he's too stressed. The family was here for a month. Perhaps the water ph is too agressive for him. My fish have never suffered those kind of diseases. Yet he doesn't give up. He keeps on swimming. He eats his usual meals. He even asks for seconds.

How can a human simply let go of life and an animal hold on to it?

I don't get it.

Happy Birthday Mike

I don't know what's it like to make it past 30, but Mike made it over and beyond by hitting the 31 marker today. Trying to do the same as he did on my birthday, I sent him a text message on the stroke of midnight. I woke up 5 minutes beofre to send it, then went back to sleep.

Blanca and i went present shopping. We got some nice balloons. Of course my incluence could be seen with the star themed balloon and the blue in the combination. We got some neat little trinkets and a huge box.

The three of us signed his birthday card filled with lovely messages. Specially Roger. Blanca suggested we number the trinkets and make like a scavenger hunt. Before lunch we put it all in the box.

I went to the mall to get the small ice cream cake and the ? candle. Of course by the time I got back, he was already sitting at my computer and had seen the stuff. So we lit the candle, made him blow it out and started to see the stuff inside the box.

I guess Blanca, Rogelio and I enjoyed remembering the mischevious things we wrote and did that actually seeing Mike's reaction. Inside the box were the following things in order.


1 Buzz Lightyear
2 nerds
3 crunch
4 cookies&chocolate
5 cards
6 amazing
7 cookies&cream
8 kranky
9 nerds gum
10 ice cream cup

I hope he doesn't get used to the royal treatment

Happy Birthday Midget

Midget at a recent party tortured by Wilde

Five. Five is the number of instability and imbalance, indicating change and uncertainty.They are adventurous, energetic and willing to take risks. They enjoy travel and meeting new people but may not stay in one place very long.

Today my evil midget turns 5. Life has blessed us with this evil critter. What you were expecting me to say little angel, as if. Seeing him become independent makes me realize the responsibility I have towards him.

What can I say about him that he doesn't know. He practically knows everything. He's the son I haven't had. The light of my eyes. My spoiled brat. My young padawan. My precocious flirt. My little boy. He just crossed the fine line of being a toddler and turned into a little boy.

And I still haven't bought the present

I found you my love!

Me sipping my Mudslide

Long ago, my brother Ian and I said that we preferred sweet drinks to neutralize the evil within. I have two favorite drinks, piña colada and mudslide. In Mexico, it's easy to come across a piña colada. It's the most comon flavor.

Then there's the mudslide, a chocoholic favorite. The first time I knew about it, it was while I was preparing a class on chocolate flavored drinks. The first time I tried it, it was at TGIFriday's. It was love at first taste.

Friday's closed at Monterrey about 5 years ago. I remember the last time we went because Wilde and I were gonna take Lex. She was close to having Midget. Midget is gonna be 5 in a few days.

Today, Sara, Betty and I went to Starbucks San Agustin's Friends and Family. We were there to cheer on Eddie. Once the whole thing was over, we said our good byes and went to dinner. Sara and I ended up at Applebee's. Betty couldn't make it and Super Salads was packed.

Once we got seated, the host opened the beverages menu. There it was. Love at second sight. A beautiful cup filled with a mudslide. I had to have it. The largest one they had. After the cup was delivered to my table, I simply grabbed it and started sipping.

So close and I didn't know where to find you

Parenting

We're different. We come from different backgrounds. And aside from that, we want similar things in life, we see a child's upbringing with similar views.

You have everything to be a great dad. I just hope you're the twins dad.

My twins that is

No secrets

I can't keep a secret from you anymore. You recognize my mood swings. You understand the changes in my voice. The look on my face or the shining in my eyes. You've seen more of me than others have. You know the moment when my voice is going to crack and I'm about to cry.

I just love you for that

Long time

I really missed you. I've always been used to having you around. Maybe not physically with me, but knowing that you are close always conforts me.

It was great to recieve your call. I didn't expect to see you this week. I had a migrane that hurt like hell. I was about to cancel. I got scolded for that. Someone told me that I really needed to see you.

It's true, I needed to see you. To have you around at least for a couple of hours. You're so much fun. You make me feel alive again. You make me bring out the funny kid inside me. I thank God for giving me the chance of spending at least dinner with you.

I just missed you bro

Comfort

We talked today. I told you I wasn't feeling that good. You were concerned. You promised you would come back later. You did. I cried a river and I told you. I thanked you for being there for me.

You said we had stuff to talk about tomorrow. I dread my biggest nightmare will come true. You loving someone.

And that someone not being me

Confusion Maxima

I'm not brave. I'm not pretty. I'm not smart. And definetly I'm no pixie. Yet that hasn't stopped the brave (or stupid according to my brother) men that have been involved with me throughout my lifetime.

I have a knack of falling into my Ron-Hermionie relationships. I can't be with someone that isn't my friend first. One of the things that I have to put up with is seeing them fall in and out of like or lust with someone. I've learned to lose and suffered heavy heartbreaks, but they have made me stronger.

Then there's you. So similar yet so different from me. I still don't understand why I love spending time with you. I guess it's because I can simply let go and be myself. I don't have to fake, and I don't have to pretend that I'm not someone else. You understand things that others don't get from me. You give me the extra push that I need to make tough desicions. You know exactly how to brighten my day, even when I'm all gloomy. You have the strange ability to make me feel safe.

Today, my biggest fear came true. You told me about having found your perfect match. Obviously, you weren't talking about me. The usual mix of emotions arises. Anger, because I haven't had the guts to tell you what I feel for you. Sadness, because I might lose you. Happiness, because I see you smile. Fear, that I'll lose you. Which has been the only feeling that has held me back from kissing you when we're alone.

Perhaps it's time to step up and tell you exactly what's going on in my mind. Maybe the time has come to take the challenge. It's the typical lose-lose situation. If you don't feel anything for me, I might lose you, but if I don't tell you, I might lose you as well to someone else.

Something to make you feel proud, I don't cry for J anymore, my tears are for you.

It shouldn't

It shouldn't bother me. Hell, I shouldn't care. Don't ask me why, byt it hit me. I'm supposed to be completely over you. Yet the news that you'll be a father shocks me. You didn't want children. You were scared of them. Now you're 6 months from being a father.

I hope this is what you want in life. Tough luck for you that you're predictions went wrong and you ended up with a little girl. Hope she doesn't turn out to be a dyke like her mother. I kinda feel sorry for the kid, with a mother like that and a father that is only a slave.

I hope she doesn't get your nose, nor her big ass

Akward Situations

I've always supported my sisters. I've backed them up with their strange desicions. Lex staying with her complicated husband and Wilde dealing with a freshly divorced boyfriend with 2 kids.

So, I don't remember exactly how Lex and I ended up being invited to Chuy's kid's birthday party. I honestly don't feel any affection towards these children, but we had no option but to back up Wilde during her first event as the father's girlfriend.

I must say, it was pretty interesting. Don't know the kind of relationship he has with his former wife, but it's just to strange seeing them together acting like a normal family. Of course you could sense the tension from the kid's mom's relatives. We were intruding a family moment.

And still the things we go through just for support

Bella

Bellatrix "Bella" Black Lestrange is a fictional character in the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. She evolved from an unnamed periphery character in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire into a major antagonist in subsequent novels. Bellatrix was the first female Death Eater introduced in the series, and remained the only woman explicitly identified as such until Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Bellatrix's name has been translated into other languages in a variety of ways. Many of the changes accentuate the evil nature of her character, such as the Norwegian "Bellatrix DeMons" or Dutch "Bellatrix van Detta". In the novels, Bellatrix is described as a tall woman with coarse black hair, a thin mouth, dark, heavily lidded eyes, pale skin, and the Black family's patrician good looks and bearing.

Early life and family

Bellatrix Black was born to Cygnus and Druella (Rosier) Black. According to the family tapestry in the film version of Order of the Phoenix, she was born in 1951. Her given name translates exactly from Latin as the feminine form of the noun "warrior". Like many members of the Black family, Bellatrix is named after a star: Bellatrix, also known as Gamma Orionis, is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Orion.

Bellatrix is related by blood and marriage to many characters in the novels: she has two younger sisters, Andromeda and Narcissa (who calls her "Bella"). Andromeda married a Muggle-born, Ted Tonks, and was subsequently disowned by the Blacks; Narcissa married Lucius Malfoy, heir of a wealthy pure-blood family. She is also a first cousin to Sirius and Regulus Black, and an aunt to Nymphadora Tonks and Draco Malfoy. Bellatrix married Rodolphus Lestrange after leaving Hogwarts. It is implied that she has no children.

It is suggested that, as a student, Bellatrix associated with a group of students - including Snape, Avery, Rodolphus Lestrange, Evan Rosier and Wilkes - who nearly all became Death Eaters. It is assumed Bellatrix was at least initially drawn to Lord Voldemort because they both believe in an ideology that favors pure-bloods over other members of the wizarding community. This elitism, shared by the Malfoy and Lestrange clans, was instilled in Bellatrix since childhood. The Black family motto, "toujours pur" (French for "always pure"), reflects this steadfast belief in blood purity.

Death EaterBellatrix and her husband were active in Voldemort's rise to power, and managed to evade capture and suspicion until after the Dark Lord's downfall on October 31, 1981. Rather than desert their leader like many other Death Eaters, Bellatrix, Rodolphus, Rabastan, and Barty Crouch Jr tortured the well-known Aurors - Frank and Alice Longbottom - in an attempt to gain information about Voldemort's location. For using the Unforgivable Cruciatus Curse to torture the Longbottoms until they went insane, Bellatrix and her three associates were sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban. At their trial, Bellatrix proudly and defiantly proclaimed, "The Dark Lord will rise again, Crouch! Throw us into Azkaban; we will wait! He will rise again and will come for us, he will reward us beyond any of his other supporters! We alone were faithful! We alone tried to find him!"[1] After his rebirthing ritual, Voldemort stated that the Lestranges were among the most faithful members of his inner circle. Fourteen years after his fall, Bellatrix was one of the many Death Eaters who escaped Azkaban and rejoined Voldemort in January 1996. Over the years, her good looks were reduced to a remnant of their former beauty, making her appear gaunt and skeletal in mug shots printed in The Daily Prophet.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Bellatrix was present at the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, in which a group of Death Eaters attempted to steal Sybill Trelawney's prophecy pertaining to Voldemort's downfall. During the mission she proved her magical prowess by defeating two Aurors (her niece Nymphadora Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt) in one-on-one duels, killing her cousin Sirius by knocking him through the veil in the Death Chamber, and deflecting one of Albus Dumbledore's spells as she made her escape. Harry attempted to use the Cruciatus Curse on her in revenge for killing Sirius, but the curse was ineffective due to the justifiable actions behind it ("You need to mean them, Potter! Righteous anger won't hurt me for long."). Before she could do anymore, Bellatrix was joined by her master, who ignored her warning that Dumbledore was in the building. Bellatrix was subdued by Dumbledore in the Ministry of Magic's Atrium while dueling Voldemort. Voldemort interceded on Bellatrix's behalf, grabbing her and taking her with him as he Disapparated, though not before being glimpsed by Ministry officials.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Following Dumbledore's surmise of the Black family's inheritance tradition, as next of kin Bellatrix should have inherited her cousin Sirius' estate (including Number twelve, Grimmauld Place) after his death. However, Sirius willed his estate to his godson, Harry Potter. To make sure there would be no dispute over the legal ownership of Sirius's property (and prevent the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters from falling into enemy hands), Kreacher was brought before Harry to see if the house-elf would obey him. Despite Kreacher's intense hatred for Harry and fondness for Bellatrix, the magic that binds house-elves to servitude proved the legality of Harry's inheritance.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

In the seventh and final Harry Potter book, Bellatrix is revealed to be the guardian (though she is unaware of its true nature) of Helga Hufflepuff's cup, which Voldemort had entrusted to the Lestranges to keep in their Gringotts vault (a copy of Godric Gryffindor's sword was sent to this vault by Snape as well). Bellatrix and the Malfoys detain Harry, Ron, and Hermione Granger at Malfoy Manor, and Hermione is tortured by Bellatrix when she suspects the trio has broken into the Lestrange vault. Dobby intervenes and saves the prisoners, but not before being impaled by a knife thrown by Bellatrix. A stray hair of Bellatrix's left on Hermione's robes leads Harry, Ron and Hermione to disguise Hermione as Bellatrix and enter the Lestrange vault and steal the cup. Though Voldemort apparently scolds Bellatrix severely for interrupting his Elder Wand side quest only to have Potter escape, she nevertheless fights for Voldemort in the Second Battle of Hogwarts. There she duels Hermione, Luna Lovegood, and Ginny Weasley simultaneously, nearly hitting Ginny with a Killing Curse. An enraged Molly Weasley rushes out to fight Bellatrix herself, and as Bellatrix jeers Molly, she is hit in the chest by Molly's curse and falls over, echoing Sirius's final moments.

Personality

It has been suggested at several points in the narrative that Bellatrix is psychotic. For example, in the Department of Mysteries, she is described as having "mad eyes" and has a "fanatical glow" in her face; she loses all self-control whenever Harry "besmirches" the name of Voldemort. She is also a sadist, as she enjoys using the Cruciatus Curse on victims and delights in torture and pain. She despises simply killing her victims, instead delighting in "playing with her food before she eats it". In The Half-Blood Prince, she is described as "snarling," "passionate" and it is said that "in her fury she looked slightly mad." She also has a fierce and dangerous temper, a trait she shares with several members of her kin. The battle at the Ministry seemed to have affected her judgement, making her more paranoid. While pursuing her sister Narcissa she mistakes a fox for an Auror in disguise, only realizing it isn't when she has killed it. She also constantly suspects Snape of being Dumbledore's spy (which proves to be true in the end). She is easily distracted when riled (e.g. in the Department of Mysteries and dueling with Molly Weasley).

Bellatrix is fanatically devoted to Voldemort (who in turn uses her pet name, Bella). For example, she proudly boasts to Harry of having been personally taught the Dark Arts by Voldemort himself; she comments that, if she had sons, she would willingly give them into the service of the Dark Lord; and, most notably, she was willing to boast of her service to him even as she was being sentenced to Azkaban. She also splutters in her meeting with Snape at Spinner's End that "The Dark Lord has, in the past, entrusted me with his most precious-", though she never clarifies this further (presumably it was the Horcrux in her vault at Gringotts).

Despite Bellatrix's devotion Voldemort does not repay her the same level of love as she gives to him, as is shown when he brutally rebuffs her comfort in the final book after being floored by "killing" Harry Potter. Regardless, Voldemort values Bellatrix's service, as even Harry described her as being Voldemort's "last, best lieutenant".

Bellatrix is a very skilled duelist, managing to defeat Sirius Black and Nymphadora Tonks, and was also able to defeat and torture Neville's parents, who were esteemed Aurors, in the past. She was able to take on several Snatchers and a werewolf all at once, and is apparently adept at using normal weapons such as knives. It is also of note that when Dumbledore arrives at the Ministry to capture the Death Eaters, she is the only one to manage to deflect his spell.

I make a pretty good Bella

Addiction

I'm addicted to you. I confess. I need to have you near as much as I can. I crave your attention whenever you are near. I feel complete whenever you are with me. Don't know if I need you, but it feels great to have you close.

I have the urge to kiss you.

Trust

Trust is something very fragile. I have the habit of giving it blindly, but once I'm betrayed, never expect me to be the same again. I grow cold. I become distant. And I wait. I wait for the perfect moment just to get even. Some things shouldn't be taking lightly. Specially, when I'm very upset.

You have yet lots to learn about me.

Final thoughts on Deathly Hallows

I did it. I kept my word. I had threatend to complete my mission in a day. 15 hours after I started reading the final installment of the Harry Potter saga, I finished. I started reading at the office, tried and failed misserably in Mike's truck, I finally settled down in my room and completed my task.

The book completes the circle. The brings a logical end to those things that were left unanswered in the other books. It makes you cry, laugh, scream and rejoice.

Highlights:
-Dudley thanks Harry for saving his life
-Tonks and Lupin get married
-Hedwig dies
-Mad-Eye Moody dies
-George loses an ear
-Scrimgeour dies (Minister of Magic)
-Kreacher helps Harry (and becomes friendly)
-Ron openly flirts with Hermione
-Snape is Headmaster of Hogwarts
-Dobby dies
-Tonks and Lupin have a baby and choose Harry as godfather
-Percy joins the Order of the Phoenix
-Fred dies
-Tonks dies
-Lupin dies
-Snape dies
-Dumbledore confirms Harry is the 7th Horcrux
-Snape and Dumbledore planned Dumbledore's death
-Harry kills Voldemort
-Snape was in love with Lily Evans since they were kids
-Petunia Evans asked Dumbledore to take her in at Hogwarts
-Molly Weasley kills Bellatrix Lestrange
-Neville Longbottom becomes Herbology teacher
-Harry married Ginny and Ron married Hermione

In the end one thing is certain, Lex, Wilde, Lizh and me are widows

The wait is over

We now present the seventh and final insallment

in the epic tale of Harry Potter.

Never in my years of being a Potter freak had I waited for the official day. I bought the first 5 books at Barnes and Noble. My sister got me the 6th at Borders. Book 7 would be different. I preordered the book at a near by shop. I also ordered a friend's book and my boss' kid's book.

Not knowing what would be appropiate, I decided to arrive at the shop 30 minutes before opening time. Ten minutes before a swarm of kids rushes to the door. I simply walk to the line and look at the kids over excited. Yup the Potter does it again.

No one believed in JK's story and now, ten years later I was outside a book shop surrounded by overexcited teens. The shop finally opened. The pile of books was right behind the register. In a matter of minutes the most anticipated book of my complete life would be in my hands.

Things were moving smoothly. I approached the counter, and extended my 2 reciepts. Three books were placed in a plastic bag. At 10:05 AM, I was text messaging Mike to let him know the news.

Tonight will be a long night.

Transformers

I used to love these cartoons when I was a kid. I had a strange love for Bumblebee. You know cute, small. He even seemed like a pet. OK, so I might get punched for that one.

Ever since I saw the trailer, I knew I had to see the movie. I had told Mike it was a must see. But of course you can never count on the reliability of a text message.

So, there I was on Friday night. Nothing to do, when I get a text. Movies tomorrow? I thought it was rather cute. Then I saw the sender. Mike. I replied,"Why not?". I got the phone call. He was just tempting me into not reading the Potter book. To his tragedy, I read better at night time.

I called him after I had the Potter book in my hands. He asked me to check the showings. So I did, he picked me up and we went to the mall for lunch, to get the tickets and to the toy store.

The movie itself rules. I loved the storyline. The effects were awesome. I became reunited with my childhood cartoon love: Bumblebee. A movie worth watching this summer. Even though its kinda long, you don't feel it.

But what I really loved, was the company

Luna

Luna and her group of roomies

It started as a joke, then it became a promise and it finally became a present. When ever I start blaming something on Mike, he would sharply respond I'm just a humble fisherman". For days I thought of a smart comeback, until it came to me. " Then get me a goldfish". It was pure gold, there was no reply to that.

I would nag that I wanted a goldfish, even though I've never had one. Then he would ask me about the name. No clue. My creativity doesn't go that far

After a checking some emails, Mike decided to go get the fishie today. I told him I'd rather have a betta. So we went to the mall and hit the pet shops. I wanted a blue fish. We only found one.

My sister is using my old bowl, so the baby needed one. Mike thought a little house would be cute. I didn't want a castle, Krak had one. So, we got a lighthouse instead.

After thinking about a name, it ended up in Luna. Luna sounds girly, and since I don't know what Luna is, I'll leave it like that.

Today Luna got her first present! A small penguin, which I decided to place next to her bowl, along with her other friends.

She's hyper and has bad eating habits, who does she remind me of?

Film VS Literature Part 4

Percy's Denial
Book: Throughout the book it is explained that Percy, after the events of the last book, has decided to side with the Ministry on the status of Lord Voldemort. Percy actually goes as far as writing a letter to Ron about choosing his friends wisely and since he is now a prefect to avoid spending time with the troublemaker and to sever ties with Mr. Potter. Also that Dumbledore is clearly not right and if anything is bothering or worrying his brother to go straight to Professor Umbridge for guidance and protection.

Movie: Percy has a few moments on screen, he does not write the letter to Ron, and there is no indication that he or the Weasley family are not seeing eye to eye.

Thestrals
Book: In the novel Hagrid tells Harry why he is able to see the thestrals during a lesson. In this same chapter it is also clarified that Neville can see them as well since he saw his grandfather die.

Movie: Luna tells Harry why they can see them in a complete separate scene not included in the book, in the Forbidden Forest.

Sirius' Death
Book: Sirius falls behind a curtain and never comes back. Harry waits for Sirius to get back up from behind the curtain, but when he doesn't, he is told that Sirius is dead.

Movie: Bellatrix Lestrange uses the Avada Kedavra curse on Sirius, who survives for a few moments before falling through an arch and disappearing.

Fountain at the Ministry of Magic
Book: The fountain is shown as one "monument", including the witch, wizard, centaur, and elf in one fountain. Dumbledore also brings them to life in the fight scene.

Movie: The characters are not brought to life at all, and during the short amount of time you get to see the fountains, you can notice that there are two: one for the witch, centaur, and elf and another for just the wizard himself.

Dumbledore's Army
Book: Ginny comes up with the title of Dumbledore's Army after Harry comments about the Ministry's belief that Dumbledore is in fact building up his own army to fight the Ministry.

Movie: The title is first shown at the top of the paper when the students first sign up at Hog's Head.

Kreacher
Book: Kreacher spends his days yearning for Mrs. Black, he is in love with the pureblood way of thought. And has hidden objects from the Black house in his cupboard. Including a picture of Bellatrix that he is found ogling after. He like Dobby has decided to leave his owners house and reveal the bond that Harry and Sirius have. He deceives Harry as part of the plot to lure Potter to the Ministry.

Movie:There are two scenes with this house elf without much explanation. Kreacher's obsession with Bellatrix is removed and he does not trick Harry.

Tonks' Transformations
Book: In the book it is explained why and how Tonks can make all her transformations. It is explained that she is a Metamorphmagus and has the ability to change apereances of her face and hair. Throughout the book she uses this skill often. Tonks appearence in the book is very weel described. She is injured in the final battle.

Movie: In the film her background is never revealed, and it is never explained why she can change form. In the film she is apparently able to change her face in to animal forms. Her role is also smaller, she only appears in a few scenes, and though she appears in the final battle, she is not injured.

Harry's Education and Aurors
Book: In the book Harry decides to become an Auror, a fact repeatedly mentioned.

Movie: This development is omitted.

Film VS Literature Part 3

Hagrid introducing Grawp
Book: While Ron is away during a Quidditch match, Hagrid leads Harry and Hermione into the Forbidden Forest, where he introduces them to his brother Grawp and asks them to take care of him in his absence in case Umbridge fires him.

Movie: Hagrid searches out Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the school, where he leads all three in the forest and asks them the same question.

Rita Skeeter and the Quibbler
Book: Hermione blackmails her to write an article in the Quibbler, to help Harry's image in the media.

Movie: Rita and her article do not make an appearance in the film, and the Quibbler is of no importance, though it does make a brief appearance.

St. Mungo's
Book: After the attack upon Mr. Weasley in the Department of Mysteries, Harry and the Weasley children return to Grimmauld Place and visit Mr. Weasley at St. Mungo's. Here they see Neville visiting his parents, and encounter Professor Lockhart.

Movie: The visit to St. Mungo's is missing from the film. Instead, Neville tells Harry about his parents in the Room of Requirement after Bellatrix Lestrage breaks out.

Sybill Trelawney's Defense / The appointment of Firenze
Book: During the shouting match between Trelawney and Dolores Umbridge, with Umbridge attempting to expel Trelawney from Hogwarts, Dumbledore intervenes to defend Trelawney. Dumbledore asks Trelawney to remain in the castle, but her Divinations class is turned over to Firenze.

Movie: Firenze does not appear and is not named to replace Trelawney as Divinations instructor.

Centaur's hostility towards Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic
Book: Relations between the centaurs and humans have been tense for quite some time, and finally boil over when Firenze accepts Dumbledore's offer to take the Divinations position, as the centaurs see him as a traitor.

Movie: Hagrid tells Harry, Ron, and Hermione that the the Ministry has been taking away vast amounts of land in the Forbidden Forest, thus taking away much of the centaurs' land.

Umbridge and the Dementors
Book: It is eventually revealed that Umbridge set the Dementors on Harry in order to trigger an "illegal use of underage magic" charge, and to discredit Harry.

Movie: It is not mentioned that Umbridge sent the Dementors.

Voldemort's Fake Vision
Book: Harry's fake vision of Sirius Black being tortured in the Prophecy room in the Department of Mysteries happens during his History of Magic O.W.L Exam

Movie: Happens during the Fred and George stunt, which was pulled during the charms O.W.L.

Fred and George
Book: Fred and George cause havoc in school twice before leaving for good (setting off fireworks, then a swamp).

Movie: After disrupting O.W.L.'s with fireworks, Fred and George leave on their brooms.

Sirius' Two-Way Mirror
Book: Sirius gives Harry a Two-Way Mirror as a gift for means of communication between each other initially. However, Harry forgets about the gift and only opens it after Sirius' death.

Movie: Cut from the movie.

Fred and George's Plans for the Joke Shop
Book: The twins plan to create a Joke Shop and finally announces it to everyone at their flight away from Hogwarts. The location is said to everyone, at Diagon Alley. It is also stated that they got the money from Harry after he got the winnings at the Triwizard tornament last year.

Movie: Nothing is stated about their joke shop. They left school, not stating where or what they are going to do, although an earlier scene alludes to the Weasley twins' testing of Puking Pastilles on students.

Umbridge and McGonagall's shouting match after Harry's Career Advice session
Book: Professors Umbridge and McGonagall get into an argument during Harry's Career Advice session with McGonagall. Umbridge enters and begins interrupting their conversation which ends with Umbridge ranting about McGongall wanting Dumbledore as Minister of Magic

Movie: This is not seen or mentioned at all in the film, although McGonagall is seen arguing with Umbridge about her "Medieval" teaching methods

The Woes of Mrs. Weasley
Book: Molly tries to tackle a Boggart and we find that she has the nightmare of losing every member of her family including Harry in a horrific act. Not only does it show Molly's worst fear but Harry is first to overhear her crying with Lupin, Sirius, and Moody coming in to see what is going on, with them reassuring her that the Order is much more prepared than last time, and quickly performing the charm properly.

Movie: This scene was cut from the movie.

Film VS Literature Part 2

Cho, Marietta, and Hermione's Hex
Book: Marietta Edgecombe told Umbridge of the Room of Requirement, but said nothing more once Hermione's SNEAK hex activated.

Movie: Cho Chang told Umbridge of the Room of Requirement under the influence of veritaserum during Umbridge's questioning of the students (seen in the film, and later mentioned by Snape in Umbridge's office, that she had used his last bottle to "interrogate Miss Chang").

Harry and Cho
Book: Harry and Cho date on Valentine's Day and have a shouting fight about Marietta after the D.A. is discovered. They do not talk to each other afterwards and soon break up.

Movie: Valentine's is cut entirely from the film. After the betrayal, nothing is seen of them together.

Harry's Punishment from Umbridge
Book: Harry is forced to attend several detentions with Umbridge, where she cruelly makes him write the line 'I must not tell lies.' repeatedly with a special quill, which magically cuts into Harry's hand and uses his blood for ink, leaving scars on his hand.

Movie: Only one time is Harry shown attending a detention with Umbridge on his own, where he receives the same punishment. Harry later endures it again, along with Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the members of Dumbledore's Army after Umbridge discovers the group. Later it's revealed that Umbridge uses it against several students for various 'crimes'.

Dobby and the Room of Requirement
Book: Dobby tells Harry of the Room of Requirement, and later comes to the Room to warn Harry Umbridge was coming.

Movie: Dobby doesn't appear in the film at all. Instead Neville accidentally discovers the Room of Requirement, and the D.A. learns they've been discovered when Umbridge blasts the hidden door to the Room, hence all the D.A. members save Cho, serve detention. Also, the Room of Requirement has a bulletin board where the list of members, a picture of Cedric Diggory, and the picture of the original Order (Sirius gave it to Harry in the film) are there.

Mrs. Black, Buckbeak and Phineas Nigellus
Book: Mrs. Black's portrait can occasionally be heard shrieking in Grimmauld Place. Phineas speaks with Harry from his portrait, and later visits Grimmauld Place in search of Sirius, after learning of his death in the Department of Mysteries. Buckbeak is kept in a room upstairs in Grimmauld Place.

Movie: Mrs. Black's portrait was not shown on screen, although it can be heard muttering behind a veil when Harry first meets Kreacher about mudbloods and the defilement of her house. Buckbeak is omitted from the film. Phineas appears only briefly, in his portrait in Dumbledore's office, after the attack upon Mr. Weasley in the Department of Mysteries.

King's Cross
Book: While at King's Cross, the group are escorted by the Advance Guard. Sirius comes along but only in dog form.

Movie: While at King's Cross, Sirius arrives in animagus form changing into human form in a waiting room. Harry enter the room with Mad-Eye Moody and Tonks guarding the door. Sirius gives him the photo of the old Order of the Phoenix. (In the book, Mad-Eye Moody showed it to him.)

Luna Lovegood
Book: Harry, Ron and Hermione meet her in the train to Hogwarts.

Movie: The trio meet her in the carriage to Hogwarts after the train ride and is introduced by Hermione instead of Ginny. Though Luna is reading an edition of the Quibbler, there is no mention made of the fact that her father is the editor.

The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black
Book: Mrs. Weasley and the children are cleaning the Black house and find many dangerous family heirlooms, among them a heavy golden locket which no one can open. Sirius shows Harry the Black Family Tapestry explaining about his brother Regulus and how he became a Death Eater but later defected and was killed. He also revealed to Harry that he is related to the Weasleys, Tonks, Bellatrix Lestrange, and the Malfoys.

Movie: Harry finds the room with the Tapestry in Grimmauld Palace during Christmas Break, and Sirius explains some things about it. Regulus and his other relatives are not mentioned at all, only Bellatrix. The cleaning scene is omitted and the heavy golden locket is not mentioned at all.

Occlumency
Book: The last day of the Christmas holiday at Grimmauld Place, Snape tells Harry and Sirius that Harry will be having Occlumency lessons back at school.

Movie: Immediately after Harry's dream about Arthur being attacked (before Christmas), while everyone is in Dumbledore's office Harry learns he will be having Occlumency lessons in Snape's office, starting immediately.

Pensieve Scene
Book: While Snape is out of his office, Harry looks into Dumbledore's Pensieve, used by Snape. In it, he views glimpses of part of Snape's childhood, the end of an O.W.L. exam, and as the students exit onto the grounds, Harry views his father bullying Snape while the rest of the Marauders look on. Lily Evans makes an appearance and scolds James Potter.

Movie: Harry uses the shield charm on Snape's Legilimens charm and then sees a quick glimpse of Snape's childhood and James Potter performing a spell on Snape, with the Maurauders in the background. Lily is completely cut.

Quidditch
Book: Ron and Ginny join the Quidditch team, and come to some great success. Then after a big fight with Malfoy, Harry, Fred and George are banned from Quidditch for life by Umbridge.

Movie: Quidditch isn't mentioned or seen at all in the film, the first of the films to remove the subject entirely.

Film VS Literature part 1

It's nearly impossible to fully adapt the longest book in the Potter series to film. Many major changes had to be made. To begin with, many characters were removed, such as (in order of appearance) Mundungus Fletcher, Mr. Prentice (Muggle resident of Little Whinging), Hestia Jones, Dedalus Diggle, Walburga Black (Sirius Black's mother: her voice is heard but she is not seen), Bill Weasley, Eric Munch, Perkins, students mentioned specifically by name by the Sorting Hat, Professor Binns, Peeves, Michael Corner, Terry Boot, Dennis Creevey, Marietta Edgecombe, Anthony Goldstein, Warrington, Montague, Theodore Nott, Dilys Derwent, Broderick Bode, Miriam Strout, Madam Puddifoot, Fortescue, Griselda Marchbanks, Professor Tofty, and Williamson (Auror).

Plot differences

O.W.L. Examinations
Book: The book stresses the importance of these examinations and we are able to understand more about the examinations, including Practical Examinations conducted by external professors. In the Defence Against The Dark Arts Practical Examination, Harry's professor was impressed with his abilities and urges him to show him a full corporeal Patronus for a bonus point.

Movie: Only one scene of the O.W.L. Examination is shown, in which Fred and George Weasly decided to pull their last prank on Umbridge. Nothing is mentioned about external professors as we see Umbridge being the chief examiner and nothing is mentioned about Practicals.

Prefects
Book: Two students from each house are selected at their fifth year to represent the respective houses as Prefects. Ron and Hermione were selected as Gryffindor Prefects while Draco and Pansy were selected as Slytherin Prefects and so on. Harry seems relatively upset as many saw him being second to Ron. At the end, Dumbledore explains why he did not select Harry as a Prefect.

Movie: Nothing is mentioned about the Prefects. Ron and Hermione remain as normal students.

Hogwarts
Book:The school is portrayed as a place where nothing electric is used.

Movie: Rock music (a 2005 song, the story is set in 1995) can be heard playing in the Gryffindor common room, as well as a radio, and Umbridge uses a public address system upon being made Headmistress. A decree stating that no music will be played during study hours is also passed.

Dumbledore and Harry's talk at the end
Book: After the incident at the Department of Mysteries, Dumbledore had a talk with Harry (who was on a rampage), explaining to him why he was kept in the dark for so long, explaining to him more about the prophecy and why Dumbledore seems to be avoiding eye-contact with Harry.

Movie: Dumbledore only talks to Harry in a brief scene. Harry does not go on a rampage.

The Prophecy
Book: Harry took the Prophecy and after an intense battle at the Department of Mysteries, the Prophecy is destroyed by accident, causing failure of everyone at the scene to know what the Prophecy is all about. However, at the end, Dumbledore explains in thorough detail to Harry about the Prophecy, telling him that it was Trelawny who gave that prophecy during her interview with Dumbledore. Dumbledore also tells Harry the entire Prophecy.

Movie: Upon grabbing the Prophecy, the Prophecy immediately recites briefly. Harry and his friends hear the Prophecy and so did Lucius Malfoy as he was sneaking up on them in the shadows. Throughout the movie, the complete prophecy is neither heard nor explained by Dumbledore at all. Only a brief few sentences is heard. The origin of the Prophecy, who the Seer is, who heard the Prophecy and more is not explained by Dumbledore to Harry. The Prophecy is given to Lucius who drops it by accident.

Umbridge
Book: Umbridge is introduced as Undersecretary to the Minister in Harry's "hearing", after which she becomes Defense teacher, High Inquisitor, and Headmistress. A total of eight decrees are passed in this book, seen everywhere in the school.

Movie: Umbridge is first mentioned by name in Hogwarts by Dumbledore. She becomes Defense teacher, still using only theory. Her role as High Inquisitor is expanded to include blasting apart kissing students among many more things, and almost one hundred decrees are passed, all posted by the Great Hall. One of them is not in the book - students will submit to questioning about illegal societies, which will lead to the D.A.'s fall. She becomes Headmistress too. However, at the hearing she is mentioned as Madam Undersecretary though her name is not revealed.

Umbridge's Fireplace
Book: Harry sneaks into Umbridge's office to conduct an urgent check on Sirius after his Voldemort's false vision, via floo network. He meets Kreacher, who lied to Harry that Sirius is indeed at the Department of Mysteries. Harry panicked, at the same time, Umbridge returns and pulled Harry out.

Movie: Harry attempted to use the floo network but before he could enter, Umbridge returned.

Dudley Demented
Book: Harry lay in the flower bed below the open window of the Dursleys' house listening to the news on the television for anything unusual, but there's nothing unusual reported. He soon goes to the park and sits on the swing. Dudley has to lose his gang once he sees Harry. They both walk back to Number 4 Privet Drive. Dudley antagonizes Harry until he gets angry and threatens Dudley with his wand. As they pass through a dark alleyway, a chill starts brewing and Dudley suspects Harry. Two Dementors approach the cousins. Harry conjures a Patronus Charm, and Dudley becomes unwell and hears voices. Mrs. Arabella Figg rescues Harry, and explains her identity as a Squib. They escort Dudley home, Arabella expressing her anger toward a lazy wizard guard Mundungus Fletcher (who apparates for a late rescue) and explaining why Harry's on the watch.

Movie: The film opens with Harry already being at the park on the swing and there's a dull radio voice-over in the wind explaining nothing unusual. Dudley approaches Harry with his gang who start antagonizing him on the spot until Harry gets angry and threatens Dudley with his wand. A storm begins to brew with Dudley suspecting that Harry is causing it. The gang scrambles, followed by Harry and Dudley running back to number 4 Privet Drive. While passing through a tunnel, two Dementors enter and attack. Dudley slips on the icy floor and becomes unconscious. Harry performs the Patronus Charm to drive off the dementors. Arabella Figg sees the attack, and she escorts Harry and Dudley home, briefly explaining to Harry that she's been watching him on Dumbledore's request. While she obviously knows of he wizarding world, there is no mention of her being a squib.

A Peck of Owls
Book: When Harry arrives home with Dudley, both Petunia and Vernon are shocked to see their son in this state. Vernon has a row with Harry and even threatens to kick him out of the house after Dudley, who is still dazed, blames Harry, Harry explains what occurred, revealing parts of the wizarding world to them. Petunia surprises everyone by revealing that she knows that dementors are the guards of Azkaban. Her previously unrevealed knowledge of the wizarding world makes Harry curious. Many owls zoom through the Dursleys' open window, dropping off letters, one from the Ministry of Magic stating that Harry's been expelled from Hogwarts because of his use of magic, and that he is to appear at a trial. Other letters are from Sirius Black and Arthur Weasley saying to stay where he is. Vernon is about to kick out Harry when an owl arrives with a howler from Dumbledore (though Harry does not recognize it) addressed for Petunia. After being ignored by her it bellows "remember my last, Petunia". Petunia says that they must let Harry stay, but gives no further explanation.

Movie: When Harry arrives home with Dudley, Petunia is shocked to see her son at this state, Vernon soon realizes the situation and begins fuming at Harry when Dudley, who is still dazed from attack, points to Harry as the cause. Harry does not mention the dementors or the wizarding world, Instead of having a nervous-breakdown at her son's condition, Petunia seems relatively calm, hinting to the readers she could have known something. A single owl from the ministry zooms through the window with a letter, which takes the form of a woman's face and informs Harry that he's been expelled from Hogwarts because of his use of magic and is to be present at a trial. No howler to Petunia is sent from Dumbledore,or letters sent from Arthur Weasley and Sirius Black.

Advance Guard
Book: After Harry prys at Petunia knowledge of magic world, he is sent to his room. Harry sends a letter to Sirius about the ordeal. Days later, the Dursley leave to recieve a so-called prize they won. At their absence, noises are heard downstairs, Harry investigates only to find a large group of people at the doorway of the Dursleys, two of which he knows: Mad-Eye Moody (who Harry is a little uncomfortable to see after his 4th years experience) and Remus Lupin who have come to take Harry to Grimmauld Place the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Two other prominent characters of the large group were Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks who Harry does not know. Tonks helps Harry pack and reveals her Metamorphamagus powers to him. After questioning about the trial, Harry is enchanted by Moody to become partially invisible. They all depart on brooms, with Harry to follow Tonks. Moody stresses to fly very high above the cover of clouds. On the flight some discussion as to what route they should take happens.

Movie: After the Dursleys leave to get Dudley help (making it secret as possible), Harry goes to isolate himself in his room. That night after dreaming a strange dream, Harry sees that his locked door is unlocking. The door opens to reveal a group of three people: Mad-Eye Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks who have come to take Harry to Grimmauld Place, the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. The scene cuts to Harry and the Advance Guard (which only consists of 5 people) exiting Number 4, Privet Drive. After Harry questions on the trial and Tonks is introduced to the audience along with her powers, the party departs on brooms, Harry to follow Tonks. They are somewhat careless with their flying, going around boats and through the city.

Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place
Book: At their destination, Moody gives a note written by Dumbledore with the address of Grimmauld Place to Harry, who reads it and then a door to Number Twelve appears between Eleven and Thirteen. Lupin opens the door with his wand and they enter. Mrs Weasley greets Harry and tells him the meeting of the Order has started so he can go up to see Hermione and Ron. Once he meets them he expresses his anger on how he's been isolated over the summer, and they tell him they've swore to Dumbledore to not inform Harry on any news. Fred & George apparate in and they attempt to use the Extendable Ears to spy on the Order's meeting but are foiled by an Imperturbable Charm placed on the kitchen door by Mrs Weasley. On the descent for dinner, the portrait of Sirius' mother curses the visitors.

Movie: At their destination, Moody taps his staff on the ground causing Number Eleven and Thirteen to split apart revealing Twelve. They enter without unlocking the doors. Mrs. Weasley greets Harry and tells him the meeting of the Order has started so he can go up to see Hermione and Ron. Upon his ascent, he spots Kreacher. Once he meets Hermione and Ron he expresses his feelings on the dementor attack and his expulsion, and they tell him they've swore to Dumbledore to not inform Harry on any news. Fred & George apparate in and they use the Extendable Ears to spy on the Order's meeting, but Crookshanks foils their eavesdropping.

The Battle of the Department of Mysteries
Book: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny and Luna are chased from the room containing the prophecies. While attempting to escape, Hermione sustains serious injury and becomes incapacitated. In the confusion, Harry and Neville are then pursued to the entrance of the department by the Death Eaters. Once there, they find Ron, who was hit by a spell, as well as Ginny, who had a broken ankle. Harry and Neville run with Ron into the Thought Room of the department, which is filled with rows of green aquariums, each containing a brain. Ron is attacked by the brains and Luna is knocked unconscious. Harry and Neville are then chased into the Death Chamber which holds the archway with the black veil. Harry is confronted by Lucius Malfoy and instructed to hand over the prophecy. Reinforcements arrive in the form of Dumbledore and the rest of the Order of the Phoenix, and in the ensuing battle, the prophecy is destroyed accidently by Neville while he and Harry are attempting to escape, and Sirius is murdered by his cousin Bellatrix Lestrange with a spell, which pushes him through the Veil. While Voldemort and Dumbledore duel, Voldemort fires off many killing curse at Dumbledore who brings the golden statues to life to protect himself. Also, Fawkes protects Harry.

Movie:In the film, the battle is condensed into three rooms (the room holding the prophecies, the Death Chamber and the entrance hall) and none of the characters sustain any serious injuries. Luna Lovegood uses the Levicorpus spell against a Death Eater even though this spell, invented by Severus Snape as a student at Hogwarts, is not discovered until the sixth book when Harry is given Snape's old potion book. The portion in the Thought Room is omitted. Sirius gets hit by the killing curse then falls backwards through the Veil and disappears. In the battle between Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort, not a single killing curse is made nor the statues never come to life. Fawkes was not present.

Book Sumarry: Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book in the Harry Potter series of books by J. K. Rowling, published June 21, 2003. This book details Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts and efforts by the Ministry of Magic to take control of the school while Voldemort plots to acquire a "weapon." The book is 766 pages in the British edition, and 870 pages in the US edition. At 257,045 words, it is the longest book in the Harry Potter series. It was also the first Harry Potter book to be released after the movie adaptions began in 2001.

Harry Potter is spending an agitating summer in Privet Drive: not only is he bracing himself for the catastrophe that is certain to accompany Voldemort's return, but he has had little contact from the wizarding world. When Harry and his cousin Dudley are attacked by Dementors in Little Whinging, Harry repels them with a Patronus Charm. An owl letter soon arrives stating Harry has been expelled from Hogwarts for performing magic outside school. Several more letters arrive in quick succession: Arthur Weasley and Sirius Black instruct Harry to remain in the house, while another overturns his expulsion and orders him to appear at a hearing at the Ministry of Magic.

Order of the Phoenix members arrive to escort Harry to their secret headquarters at the Black family home, 12 Grimmauld Place in London. The Weasleys, Hermione, and Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black , are there. Harry learns that Voldemort is building an army and is attempting to retrieve a "weapon". Arthur Weasley escorts Harry to his hearing. He is cleared of all charges after testimony from Dumbledore, and from Harry's neighbour, Mrs. Figg.

When the students return to Hogwarts, they are surprised to find that Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, has been appointed by the Ministry as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. She refuses to teach students real defence methods and only teaches Ministry-approved theory. It is soon clear she is actually there to spy on and take control of the school and is soon appointed High Inquisitor, arbitrarily imposing rules and regulations. She also harbours an intense racist dislike for "half-breeds," such as centaurs, werewolves, and similar creatures. She considers Rubeus Hagrid (a half-giant) and Sybill Trelawney incompetent, and fires Trelawney. Dumbledore cannot prevent the firing, but at least he can prevent Umbridge from evicting Sybill and leaving her homeless.

Harry has been having strange dreams about running down a hallway and attempting to open a door in the Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries. He also dreams he is a snake attacking Ron's father. Mr. Weasley is indeed found injured at the Ministry, suffering from severe venomous snake bites. Harry fears he is being possessed by Voldemort to do his bidding. In response, Dumbledore has Severus Snape teach Harry Occlumency to block his mind from intrusion, but their mutual dislike ends their lessons prematurely.

Hermione blackmails journalist Rita Skeeter into writing a favourable article about Harry witnessing Voldemort's return. Ravenclaw student, Luna Lovegood's father agrees to publish the story in his paper, The Quibbler. Furious, Umbridge bans the tabloid at the school, but the story spreads rapidly, gathering support for Harry. Many in the wizarding community also now believe Harry.

Hermione convinces Harry to teach students Defence Against the Dark Arts. They name their clandestine group "Dumbledore's Army", or D.A. for short, to mock the Ministry of Magic, which fears Dumbledore is creating a secret wizard army. When Umbridge uncovers the group's meetings, Dumbledore claims that he organised the group, to divert responsibility from Harry. Confronted by two Aurors (Dawlish and Shacklebolt), Minister Fudge, Percy Weasley, and Umbridge, Dumbledore easily disables them and is spectacularly whisked away by his phoenix, Fawkes. Umbridge is appointed Headmistress and imposes even tighter controls on the students. Fed up, the Weasley twins instigate a revolt, causing mayhem throughout the school while the staff pointedly do nothing to help Umbridge regain control.

Harry receives a vision that Sirius is being tortured at the Department of Mysteries, although Hermione suspects it may be a ruse. Harry desperately attempts to contact Sirius at Grimmauld Place via the Floo Network in Umbridge's office fireplace, but he is caught. Umbridge reveals it was she who sent the Dementors to attack Harry during the summer. As she is about to use the Cruciatus Curse on him, Hermione claims that Dumbledore has hidden a powerful weapon in the Forbidden Forest. She leads Harry and Umbridge into the forest where they encounter centaurs. Umbridge foolishly insults them and an angry centaur picks up Umbridge and carries her off screaming into the woods. When Hagrid's giant half-brother, Grawp crashes onto the scene, Hermione and Harry escape amid the chaos.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione, along with Luna, Ginny, and Neville fly to the Ministry of Magic on the school's Thestrals, unaware they are being lured into a trap. When they arrive at the Department of Mysteries, they are ambushed by Death Eaters. Voldemort is seeking a prophecy contained in a glass sphere there and needs Harry to retrieve it for him.

The students heroically fight the Death Eaters, but they are outmatched. Just as they are nearly defeated, Order members arrive. During the ensuing battle, the glass sphere is shattered and the prophecy lost. Sirius is blasted with a spell by his Death Eater cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange and, falling backwards, disappears through a mysterious veiled archway. Lupin reveals to Harry that Sirius is dead. Dumbledore arrives and the Death Eaters, except for Bellatrix, are captured. Lord Voldemort appears and duels with Dumbledore as Ministry of Magic employees arrive in time to see the Dark Lord before he Disapparates, taking Bellatrix with him. Cornelius Fudge finally admits Voldemort has returned and Harry's interview with Rita Skeeter is reprinted in the Daily Prophet.

Later, in his office, Dumbledore apologises to Harry for withholding what he knew over the past year. He reveals the lost prophecy: either Harry or Voldemort must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live while the other survives. He also reveals that due to the date of birth of the boy in the prophecy, it is also possible that Neville Longbottom could have been "the boy who lived," and therefore the child who was referred to in the prophecy. However, because Voldemort chose to attack Harry, Harry had ended up being marked as the one who would bring down the Dark Lord.

Order of the Phoenix

The movie rules. The returning cast provides an excellent performance. New comers like Luna Lovegood and Bellatrix Lestrange are a refreshing addition to the cast. It could have lasted longer, it might have been more involving, but what can you expect from a TV movie producing director. It gives the book justice.

The company was fun, even though I had to explain a couple of things; perhaps I might be inducing someone else into the complex but completely entertaining world of Hogwarts.

Next week: book 7

Fun with mini me

Notice the same smile, nose, eyes (excepto color). I just adore my mini me

me and mini me

I just love hving her around. My sweet little angel. She's totally like me, but cuter I think.

I'll enjoy her as much as I can.

Heartbreak

I'm officially heartbroken. Everything I could have possibly believed in shattered last night as a simple comment. I have openly said that I don't believe in marriage. The lies, the betrayal are things that I'm simply not willing to put up with.

I just found out that my foster parents, my mentors are getting divorced. The reason, he cheated on her. He confessed everything to her. It shatters me that something to solid went up in smoke just because of a weakness.

I have no words to comfort my mother, after all, I was my best friend's lover. I almost broke apart his marriage. What I didn't do was break apart what seemed a loving family.

Daddy

If there's someone I love more on this Earth, it's my dad. He's been my main supporter in my personal plans, my cheerleader in my carreer and my primary finantial support.

Don't know what would have been of me if I didn't have him as a father. All I know is that he's done outstandingly well as mine (and my sisters)

Love you daddy

Princess Power

So I went to the Shrek the Third premier with my little nephews. It was an adventure. Yhibran sees something with four wheels and thinks its his skateboard. Carlos still has trouble controlling his volume.

The movie is good. It has continuity with the previous movies. It includes characters loved by many such as Gingy, Big Bad Wolf, The Three Pigs, Pinocchio,Puss and the others. Along with new characters such as the princesses.

The Shrek version of Snow White is wonderful. Bossy, show-off, the alpha member of the pack. Always wanting to be the best and sarcastic as ever. She has a beautiful singing voice (difference there) and can control animals.

I have that same talent with both human and non human animals

Happiness at last

At long last! My sister confirmed that she is coming over to Monterrey in That means one thing! Mini me will be in town.

I missed them so much

The Countdown begins

It's official. One month away from the Order of the Phoenix premier.

I feel sorry those that have to put up with me

Daddy Material

1. He treats his mother well. What kind of family man will he be? First look at his relationship with his mom. Does he respect her? Laugh with her easily? Enjoy visiting her? Help out with chores or errands? In fact, respect in general — to other family members, to kids, and to you — should be at the top of the “what to look for” list.



2. He’s selfless. What’s the number one thing you learn when you become a parent? You never come first anymore! So if you’re with a guy who thinks he’s the center of the universe, beware.



3. He’s not easily grossed out. Surprise! Kids are messy. There are dirty diapers, vomit—and dirty diapers and vomit happening at the same time. Being a parent means getting comfortable with the eewwww factor.



4. He’s a great uncle.



5. He doesn’t mind taking direction from his partner. “If a man resents being told what to do, then working with him on his children’s schedule and responsibilities could get tense,” “Running a family schedule is usually [the mother’s role] and the father typically needs direction.” How can you tell if he’ll respond well to family life? Notice how he takes to your suggestions (“I think you should pack more than one pair of underwear for our week at the beach”) and how he reacts to your plans (“Don’t forget: Thursday is my uncle’s 73rd birthday and we’re all going to dinner.”) If you get a positive reaction, you’re onto something!



6. He likes ketchup. And he understands the importance of blowing the paper cover off of a straw and seeing if it can reach across the table. In other words, he has a playful sense of fun, and doesn’t take himself too seriously. Those could be the most telling sign of all.

Daddy hunting begins

Happy Birthday Mina

Yazmin at 3 months and me at 3 years 9 months

When I was three, my mother broke the news to me . . . I was going to have a baby sister. I've always said we have witchy genes in the family, because back in the day you didn't know what the baby was until birth. Yet mom and I always spoke of my baby sister.

On Friday June 10 1983, the final element of my family was born. Yazmin. Also known as, Mina, Goat, Tito, Zilla, Min and I could go on forever writing the nicknames. An adorable baby, taking strongly from my mother's side of the family. Which later became strong basis for sibling rivalry.

Througout the years the differences have become more noticable. Strangely enough, they bring us closer. We have different talents and charms. Over the years, we've learned that we won't have bigger support from the one that comes from us.

My little girl is all grown up

My hero

This is a scene straight from an old black and white detective movie. The dimsel in distress opens the door and finds the tall leather chair facing the door. The outline of a man with his feet on the desk is visible.

The lady asks, "Why didn´t you sign the picture?", the inmediate response "Rumors fly fast and because you didn't come ask for it"

Ok, so it was something like that. I was asking Alex why he didn't sign my picture. It was so surreal.

It was even kinda sexy

Getting Girly

So, the nightmare slowly comes true. I get girlier by the month. This month has involved my buying blouses, tshirts in blue and slacks. Yup., I'm still stocking up on size 15 and getting ready for 13.

Next month : Shoes

New Strategy

So, the week began with Mike's lock up at Balcones. Since smoke signals are illegal and we still don't master the language, we've been using technology's advantages: text messages.

Yup, an inocent message "call me when you can" to an urgent "CALL ME" is how we reain in contact.

I never thought I would see the day when Mike used text messages

The end comes closer

As any die hard Potter freak knows, this image represents the end of an era. The cover of the mixed feeling producer book 7. It's been 10 years since the first book hit shelves of book stores and libraries.

Warner Bros is responsable for taking Jo's world to the big screen. A dificilt task, but they have done amazingly well. The stories have been adapted under Jo's guidance and have been a huge success.

Yet nothing compares to Jo's inspiration. The Potter septology is something worth reading, and is enjoyed best as a one shot. The use of adjectives to make the story more vivid makes reading the last 3 books a breeze. Even when they are 400+ pages long.

Now the only thing we can do is reread the past 6 years of adventure and wait for the final instalment of this saga. The wait has been the standard for the last 2 books, 2 years. The book went on pre-order since January. Most booksellers promising same day shipping.

My concern was to get the book on time, even though I'm here in Mexico. Granted 3 bookstores are also dealing with pre-orders for book 7. Today, I paid up for my book and Janfek's as well. All I can do now is wait paciently for the movie and the book the following week.

July 21 seems so far away

Preparing for the end

I love chronicles. I love Anne Rice's vampire saga. I liked the film version of LOTR, the books sent me to dreamy land thought. Narnia is another great saga to read. Yet my personal favorite will always be Harry Potter.

After a strong hate campaign against Mr. Potter, I made peace while watching the first movie. I loved it. I was drawn to the mixture of mythology, symbolism and realism JK Rowling combines in her masterpiece.

More than three years have gone by since I watched Sorceror's Stone. Now I eagerly await the fifth installment of the saga, Order of the Phoenix, and also . . . aside from my extreme sadness, the last book.

The end comes near

Sweet Talks

One thing I love about hanging out with someone is that I don't have to pretend. If I'm at that degree of comfort, it means I can trust the person I'm with fully. I don't have to worry about anything or if I might hurt feelings. I'm just being the twistedly gloomy sweettart I am.

It happened Thursday. After a stressing day of preparation and a week of analysis, the company-neighbour meeting finally took place. Two hours later the meeting was over. An additional hour after that we were driving away from what we decided to call No Man's Land.

Making a recap of what happened hours before, one of the things that I questioned was why did he step up and respond as my area manager. His reply was simple but strong "I back you up". I was speechless after that.

We reviewed what happened, exchanged opinions. During the drive, I thought he would take me straight home. Then we kept on going past the office. I know he usually takes the long drive to my place, but it was kinda late.

Out of the blue he pops a cute question "Ice cream? Should still be open". I say yes. So we end up at the nearest Dairy Queen. Throughout the day, he had been expressing his gratitude for the simplest act: I had fed him the day before. He bought my tea and icelce before the meeting and now he was treating me for ice cream.

Once we're there, he asks "Small blizzard, right?" Yeah, he's getting to know my taste. I tell him I'm off to the girl's room and that I don't want him messing with my blizzard. As soon as I'm out, I spot him outside. As I come close I tell him "It smells like rain". We were sitted next to the sprinkler system and facing the moutains. He flashes his grin and asks me if I like the view. The moon and the scent of rain. My favorite combination.

We start talking about lots of things, the office, kids, past relationships and what we learned from them, problems during relationships and life plans. The talk was endless, but midnight was approaching. We didn't notice how long we had been there until they started turning out the lights.

We continued our conversation during the way back to my house. Outside my door, I simply give him a peck on the cheek. As soon as I finish changing, I log on. He's there. I confess a bit of my heart there and tell him I simply enjoy hanging out with him He says the same.

Now what stops us?

Coincidence

The Genious, The Rockstar, The Avenger, The Evil Mastermind

Sick and tired of hearing

All these people talk about

What's the deal with this pop life

And when is gonna fade out

This was the best thing I obtained from my visit to Balcones. The neigboorhood meeting was to take place around 7:30. I tagged along for the fun.They took a walk to check out the area. I took this pic when they were making their way back up. If I had planned it, it wouldn't have been as good.

The Genious: Janfek

The Rockstar: Alex

The Avenger: Gustavo

The Evil Mastermind : Mike

Looks like a rehearsal from a cheap boyband video

Twisted Anniversary

Today, a year ago I did something I never thought I would do. I kissed a married man. Not just any married man, one of my best friends. I don't regret what happened during that time nor the way it ended. Things just happened and I went along with the flow.

Strangely, I miss him. I knew I would lose him after this incident and what happened after it. All I can say is that even though I knew the consecuences, I'm glad I did it.

I miss you J

Baby sitting the manager

I like taking care of my team. Motivating them when needed. Providing feedback when appropriate. In other words, assuming my role as the "mother" in the team.

Then there's this role that I play. Very confusing and interesting at the same time. I play main support to the area manager. To some, I look like his assistant, others think we're involved, I say, the company couldn't afford a Blackberry for him, so they decided to pay my salary.

I help back up his decisions. I try to calm him down when he's very upset. Think straight when he is overwhelmed with all the trouble there currently is in our area.

He's being locked up in a series of meetings the past few weeks. I call him up to check how the meeting went. No answer. During lunch, I finally get a callback. The meeting was OK. He had no plans of grabbing lunch. So I scold him. One thing I am very good at. I tell him I'm near the store deli and I'll get him something to eat. I wasn't about to take no for an answer.

I grabbed a croissant and a salad for him. I call him from the nearest corner store and ask him what flavour his favorite tea is. Lemon. I chose desert for him. Nerds gum. I call him and ask him to meet me at the parking lot. I get off the car and deliver lunch to him. He looked completely surprised, but thankful.

Yeah, I'm talking about Mike.

Looking Pretty

This is me. During one of those road trips to the areas where the houses my company builds is. We were supposed to be there to recieve reports about our service. Yet no one appeared.

Throughout the morning, Mike would call. This is one of those moments when he called to check if we were still alive.

Yup, we survived