Guess what I'm seeing... on my computer screen... right now?

Elle1036 · September 2011

This:

I finally got my Pottermore access! I got the email notification this morning, but the site has been too busy and I couldn't get in. Now, finally, I am. I'm sure it'll go in and out with all the traffic, but still... squeeeee!

You'll forgive me if I'm not around much today?

lunarsongbird · September 2011

Forgiven. Please post more screen shots.

Elle1036 · September 2011

Will do. Keep checking this thread.

motoLyn · September 2011

That's insanely awesome. Yes you are forgiven. BUT how's the training for Tough Mudder?

becunning2 · September 2011

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! What's it like!?

Elle1036 · September 2011

Lyn - It's going ok. I was doing really well at first, running about 4 miles a day with lots of other exercises thrown in (and I succesfully crossed some monkey bars!) but I've been lazy over the past several days. I've got to get back to it this week and hit it really hard, since I don't have much time left. Yikes!

Here's Privet Drive on the night Harry arrives:

Elle1036 · September 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_guess-im-seeing-computer-screen-right-now?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:9d9905e6-d9b2-4561-86e8-a5805161e08bPost:bdab2a28-67c4-40e3-a541-1ac76532f2fa">Re: Guess what I'm seeing... on my computer screen... right now?</a>:
[QUOTE]SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! What's it like!?
Posted by becunning2[/QUOTE]

It's awesome. It goes chapter by chapter through the books, and each chapter has several illustrations that you can "explore" to find extra tidbits of information. I'm still in "The Boy Who Lived". I'm going to spend forever in each drawing.

[Deleted User] · September 2011

How exciting! Totally forgiven for being **slightly** distracted today. Have fun and let us know all the cool details as you take breaks!!!

jaycee7389 · September 2011

So jealous!

Elle1036 · September 2011

This is pretty funny. JKR on measurements:

(Am I even allowed to be posting this stuff here? I'll probably come back and DD it later, just to be safe.)

Just as British witches and wizards do not use electricity or computers, they have never turned metric. They are not governed by the decisions of the Muggle government, so when the process of metrication (switching to metric measurements) began in 1965, witches and wizards simply ignored the change.

Witches and wizards are not averse to laborious calculations, which they can, after all, do magically, so they do not find it inconvenient to weigh in ounces, pounds and stones; measure in inches, feet and miles; or pay for goods in Knuts, Sickles, and Galleons.

When the manuscript of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was first accepted for publication in Britain, the copy editor advised me that all weights and measures would be changed to metric, which was the publisher's standard practise. I refused to allow the change because, for the reasons stated above, there was no logic to the thing. However, this ought not to be taken as any kind of political statement on the part of the author. I am not anti-European; on the contrary, I am all for Britain being part of Europe, and I am part French myself. Nor do I have anything against the metric system, which is much more logical than the imperial, and which certainly makes baking much easier. However, I do find the old system much more picturesque, much quirkier, and therefore more appropriate to the kind of society I was describing.

The decision to keep the imperial system in the book had an unexpected sequel, which was an invitation to join the British Weights and Measures Association. As I do not agree that Britain ought to refuse to use the metric system (as many of this society's members do), I was about to throw this invitation in the bin when I was struck by a sudden thought, and changed my mind. I know that what I am about to say does not reveal very good things about my character, but I had realised in a flash how much it would enrage my sister, Di, if I signed up. Di is never funnier than when infuriated, and among her many pet hates is the old-bufferish adherence to the old ways just for the sake of them, or because-by-God-it's-British-and-no-Johnny-Foreigner-is-Going-To-Tell-Me-How-To-Measure-Suet-ness that such an organisation represents.

When my membership came out in the press, she exploded in a really satisfying outpouring of rage. I could hardly stop laughing long enough to tell her that I'd only joined to annoy her. This rendered her almost incoherent with indignation, which was possibly even funnier. Frankly, I doubt whether anyone has ever had as much fun for the price of a postage stamp.

by J.K. Rowling

lunarsongbird · September 2011

Wow! That's fascinating!! I wonder how long it will take for everyone to get Pottermore access.

Elle1036 · September 2011

Just read an amazing passage on Vernon and Petunia. There's all this backstory that the books never shared! Aaaah I'm in heaven.

Elle1036 · September 2011

And here's the snake Harry set free at the zoo! Gosh, I love this.

kaitlynmichelle · September 2011

Elle - PM me your pottermore username so I can add you!! I've been on for a couple of weeks, I was sorted into Ravenclaw

becunning2 · September 2011

ZOMG. When does it open to the public?! IT sounds ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

I'm blissing out with your descriptions.

And I'm crazy interested in the Vernon/Petunia backstory.

kaitlynmichelle · September 2011

I think its supposed to open up to everyone in October, its just the beta version right now. So we can only access the 1st book.

There are some freaking amazing backstories. I loved learning more about Prof. McGonagall.

mymissingpuzzlepiece · September 2011

What is this?

Pottermore sounds amazing... How do you get it?

ravenray · September 2011

I'm trying to get on

It still wont let me! Damn.
Enjoy Elle!!

Elle1036 · September 2011

Puzzle - in October, it'll be open to everyone. They released a certain number of beta memberships, but there won't be any more until the full release.

Ray - Yeah, I've been having trouble getting in for the past couple of hours or so. I used the time to take a nap so that I can play all night.

Kaitlyn - Sending you a PM as soon as I finish writing this post.

Cunning - I'll post the Petunia/Vernon info as soon as I can get back in.

Peaseblossom55 · September 2011

wow so cool! very jealous

Elle1036 · September 2011

Cunning: Here's the backstory on the Dursleys. I loved this so much.

Harry's aunt and uncle met at work. Petunia Evans, forever embittered by the fact that her parents seemed to value her witch sister more than they valued her, left Cokeworth forever to pursue a typing course in London. This led to an office job, where she met the extremely unmagical, opinionated and materialistic Vernon Dursley. Large and neckless, this junior executive seemed a model of manliness to young Petunia. He not only returned her romantic interest, but was deliciously normal. He had a perfectly correct car, and wanted to do completely ordinary things, and by the time he had taken her on a series of dull dates, during which he talked mainly about himself and his predictable ideas on the world, Petunia was dreaming of the moment when he would place a ring on her finger.

When, in due course, Vernon Dursley proposed marriage, very correctly, on one knee in his mother's sitting room, Petunia accepted at once. The one fly in her delicious ointment was the fear of what her new fiancé would make of her sister, who was now in her final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Vernon was apt to despise even people who wore brown shoes with black suits; what he would make of a young woman who spent most of her time wearing long robes and casting spells, Petunia could hardly bear to think.

She confessed the truth during a tear-stained date, in Vernon's dark car as they sat overlooking the chip shop where Vernon had just bought them a post-cinema snack. Vernon, as Petunia had expected, was deeply shocked; however, he told Petunia solemnly that he would never hold it against her that she had a freak for a sister, and Petunia threw herself upon him in such violent gratitude that he dropped his battered sausage.

The first meeting between Lily, her boyfriend James Potter, and the engaged couple, went badly, and the relationship nose-dived from there. James was amused by Vernon, and made the mistake of showing it. Vernon tried to patronise James, asking what car he drove. James described his racing broom. Vernon supposed out loud that wizards had to live on unemployment benefit. James explained about Gringotts, and the fortune his parents had saved there, in solid gold. Vernon could not tell whether he was being made fun of or not, and grew angry. The evening ended with Vernon and Petunia storming out of the restaurant, while Lily burst into tears and James (a little ashamed of himself) promised to make things up with Vernon at the earliest opportunity.

This never happened. Petunia did not want Lily as a bridesmaid, because she was tired of being overshadowed; Lily was hurt. Vernon refused to speak to James at the reception, but described him, within James' earshot, as 'some kind of amateur magician'. Once married, Petunia grew ever more like Vernon. She loved their neat square house at number four, Privet Drive. She was secure, now, from objects that behaved strangely, from teapots that suddenly piped tunes as she passed, or long conversations about things she did not understand, with names like 'Quidditch' and 'Transfiguration'. She and Vernon chose not to attend Lily and James' wedding. The very last piece of correspondence she received from Lily and James was the announcement of Harry's birth, and after one contemptuous look, Petunia threw it in the bin.

Even though Petunia was raised alongside a witch, she is remarkably ignorant about magic. She and Vernon share a confused idea that they will somehow be able to squash the magic out of Harry, and in an attempt to throw off the letters that arrive from Hogwarts on Harry's eleventh birthday, she and Vernon fall back on the old superstition that witches cannot cross water. As she had frequently seen Lily jump streams and run across stepping stones in their childhood, she ought not to have been surprised when Hagrid had no difficulty making his way over the stormy sea to the hut on the rock.

lunarsongbird · September 2011

Swoon...I'm loving this!

Elle1036 · September 2011

I've found a technological glich and it's keeping me from moving forward in the site. I have major sads.

BuckeyeAtHeart · September 2011

I can't wait for October! I totally forgot to sign up early and I am still kicking myself. The pictures look great, thanks for sharing!

Elle1036 · September 2011

Here's the message welcoming me to Ravenclaw house. I really want to read all the other House intros:

Congratulations! I’m Prefect Robert Hilliard, and I’m delighted to welcome you to RAVENCLAW HOUSE. Our emblem is the eagle, which soars where others cannot climb; our house colours are blue and bronze, and our common room is found at the top of Ravenclaw Tower, behind a door with an enchanted knocker. The arched windows set into the walls of our circular common room look down at the school grounds: the lake, the Forbidden Forest, the Quidditch pitch and the Herbology gardens. No other house in the school has such stunning views.

Without wishing to boast, this is the house where the cleverest witches and wizards live. Our founder, Rowena Ravenclaw, prized learning above all else – and so do we. Unlike the other houses, who all have concealed entrances to their common rooms, we don’t need one. The door to our common room lies at the top of a tall, winding staircase. It has no handle, but an enchanted bronze knocker in the shape of an eagle. When you rap on the door, this knocker will ask you a question, and if you can answer it correctly, you are allowed in. This simple barrier has kept out everyone but Ravenclaws for nearly a thousand years.

Some first-years are scared by having to answer the eagle’s questions, but don’t worry. Ravenclaws learn quickly, and you’ll soon enjoy the challenges the door sets. It’s not unusual to find twenty people standing outside the common room door, all trying to work out the answer to the day’s question together. This is a great way to meet fellow Ravenclaws from other years, and to learn from them – although it is a bit annoying if you’ve forgotten your Quidditch robes and need to get in and out in a hurry. In fact, I’d advise you to triple-check your bag for everything you need before leaving Ravenclaw Tower.

Another cool thing about Ravenclaw is that our people are the most individual – some might even call them eccentrics. But geniuses are often out of step with ordinary folk, and unlike some other houses we could mention, we think you’ve got the right to wear what you like, believe what you want, and say what you feel. We aren’t put off by people who march to a different tune; on the contrary, we value them!

Speaking of eccentrics, you’ll like our Head of house, Professor Filius Flitwick. People often underestimate him, because he’s really tiny (we think he’s part elf, but we’ve never been rude enough to ask) and he’s got a squeaky voice, but he’s the best and most knowledgeable Charms master alive in the world today. His office door is always open to any Ravenclaw with a problem, and if you’re in a real state he’ll get out these delicious little cupcakes he keeps in a tin in his desk drawer and make them do a little dance for you. In fact, it’s worth pretending you’re in a real state just to see them jive.

Ravenclaw house has an illustrious history. Most of the greatest wizarding inventors and innovators were in our house, including Perpetua Fancourt, the inventor of the lunascope, Laverne de Montmorency, a great pioneer of love potions, and Ignatia Wildsmith, the inventor of Floo powder. Famous Ravenclaw Ministers for Magic include Millicent Bagnold, who was in power on the night that Harry Potter survived the Dark Lord’s curse, and defended the wizarding celebrations all over Britain with the words, ‘I assert our inalienable right to party'. There was also Minister Lorcan McLaird, who was a quite brilliant wizard, but preferred to communicate by puffing smoke out of the end of his wand. Well, I did say we produce eccentrics. In fact, we are also the house that gave the wizarding world Uric the Oddball, who used a jellyfish for a hat. He’s the punch line of a lot of wizarding jokes.

As for our relationship with the other three houses: well, you’ve probably heard about the Slytherins. They’re not all bad, but you’d do well to be on your guard until you know them well. They’ve got a long house tradition of doing whatever it takes to win – so watch out, especially in Quidditch matches and exams.

The Gryffindors are OK. If I had a criticism, I’d say Gryffindors tend to be show-offs. They’re also much less tolerant than we are of people who are different; in fact, they’ve been known to make jokes about Ravenclaws who have developed an interest in levitation, or the possible magical uses of troll bogies, or ovomancy, which (as you probably know) is a method of divination using eggs. Gryffindors haven’t got our intellectual curiosity, whereas we’ve got no problem if you want to spend your days and nights cracking eggs in a corner of the common room and writing down your predictions according to the way the yolks fall. In fact, you’ll probably find a few people to help you.

As for the Hufflepuffs, well, nobody could say they’re not nice people. In fact, they’re some of the nicest people in the school. Let’s just say you needn’t worry too much about them when it comes to competition at exam time.

I think that’s nearly everything. Oh yes, our house ghost is the Grey Lady. The rest of the school thinks she never speaks, but she’ll talk to Ravenclaws. She’s particularly useful if you’re lost, or you’ve mislaid something.

I’m sure you’ll have a good night. Our dormitories are in turrets off the main tower; our four-poster beds are covered in sky blue silk eiderdowns and the sound of the wind whistling around the windows is very relaxing.

And once again: well done on becoming a member of the cleverest, quirkiest and most interesting house at Hogwarts.

Elle1036 · September 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_guess-im-seeing-computer-screen-right-now?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:9d9905e6-d9b2-4561-86e8-a5805161e08bPost:0e96f830-60d2-4348-aae4-cbfd70419686">Re: Guess what I'm seeing... on my computer screen... right now?</a>:
[QUOTE]These are awesome! Thanks for sharing, Elle! So anyone can use it starting in October? How did you get into the beta?
Posted by buggle2[/QUOTE]

Back in August they had this little contest and let people sign up for beta memberships. Once the contest was over, they started releasing the access a little at a time. Some people got theirs about a month ago. I had to wait.

Yeah, October, but I don't know exactly what day. I wouldn't count on it being October 1, but that's probably for the better. There are plenty of glitches that need to be worked out.

Elle1036 · September 2011

I just finished the first book! This is the illustration for the end-of-year feast:

It was so great; when I first got into that "moment", the banners were all green and silver, and I got to see Dumbledore change them.

I am in nerd Heaven.

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