How we cite our quotes: (chapter.paragraph)
Quote #7
"I love you, Hermione," said Ron, sinking back in his chair, rubbing his eyes wearily. (21.20)
OK, so maybe Ron is simply responding in gratitude for Hermione's help with his malfunctioning spellchecker, but, to us, this is a breakthrough moment. Ron says the words that have been hovering over him for years. Teenagers though they may be, there's something very significant and important about the burgeoning romance between Ron and Hermione.
Quote #8
"I know!" said Harry impatiently. "I can love!" It was only with great difficulty that he stopped himself adding, "Big deal!" (23.141)
Harry may be the coolest wizard around, but here we realize just how young he is. He is still figuring things out, and his perspective on things is a bit skewed. He doesn't know yet what the power of being able to love means. Perhaps he is so well acquainted with the idea of love that he can't imagine a world without it, and, therefore, doesn't yet know its significance. But Dumbledore can and does. What is Harry's definition of love at this point in the novel?
Quote #9
"You are protected, in short, by your ability to love!" said Dumbledore loudly. "The only protection that can possibly work against the lure of power like Voldemort's!" (23.154)
OK, last time we checked Voldemort is a pretty powerful dude, with things like Death Eaters and werewolves at his beck and call. Is Dumbledore going a bit batty here? What kind of love is Dumbledore talking about, and how can it possibly be more powerful than Voldemort's powers? What does the ability to love entail?