Blog Post #1: Expect the Unexpected

In The Philosopher's Stone, there is one major expectation that is not fulfilled. Throughout the course of the novel, Harry assumes that Professor Snape is working against him. He gets the impression from the beginning when the professor's intense stare seemingly gives him excruciatingly sharp head pains. Other events, such as Snape's cruelty to Harry in his first potions class, his torn cloak and scratched leg after the troll is found, and his all around shady demeanor lead Harry to believe that he is trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone. Harry then does everything in his power to stop him, only to find out that he was after the wrong man the whole time. It was in fact Professor Quirrel, who had been possessed by Lord Voldemort.
In the second book of the series, The Chamber of Secrets, there are more expectations introduced that are not met. For example, Harry strongly believes that Draco Malfoy is the heir of Slytherin and is causing all of the attacks on students (and Mrs. Norris). He even goes so far as to brew Polyjuice Potion and disguise himself and Ron as Draco's two best friends to find out more information. As he later discovers, the true heir of Slytherin is Tom Riddle (aka Lord Voldemort). There is also a brief time in the novel, where it seems as though Hagrid may have been responsible for the attacks that occurred 50 years prior. Hagrid was framed, however, by Tom Riddle. At the end of the novel, it is even expected that Harry will die from basilisk venom until Fawkes flies in and heals him with phoenix tears.
The reason for the constant twists and turns, is that the reader only knows what Harry does. We learn with him and through him and therefore change our perception of what is happening because of him. The unfilfilled expectations of this novel add intrigue to the story and draws the reader into the novel. It helps the reader to remain interested and become more involved with the story in a personal way. After you realize that your expectation was not met, it makes you think more fully about the story and to look back on previous events in a different light.