Discussion: Harry Potter 1&2 [Harry Potter Reading Challenge]

Penelope from The Reading Fever is hosting a Harry Potter Reading Challenge and although I didn't sign up for it (although I probably should, I'm now reading Prisoner of Azkaban), she has put up some discussion questions for Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets. As I'm naturally in love with Harry Potter, I decided to do the discussion anyway :) Enjoy!!
Also, I'll try to answer these like I haven't read the whole series, just theoretically!!

Book 1 & 2 Discussion questions:

1. What was your first very first impression of Harry Potter himself? Did your impression change at the end of the first book? My very first impression of Harry Potter was that he was somewhat insecure and I felt incredibly sorry for him (Hello, living in a cupboard? Living with the Dursleys?). I also got the impression he is incredibly patient for putting up with the way he is treated.
2. At what point in either book did you decide that you did, or didn't, like the story? Oh uh, this is hard... Possibly the first page! I really love how everybody is introduced and I love the langauge, "thankyou very much".
3. Is there anything you dislike so far? Something you would change if you could? No, nothing at all!
4. What is it about J.K. Rowling's writing that makes her books so appealing to so many people? Is it the characters? The plot? Something else? What do you love most about her writing? THE CHARACTERS! THE PLOT! I think J.K. Rowling has an incredible mind and how she managed to weave such an intricate plot in every single one of her books is mind blowing. I love all of the characters and how different they are and how they interact with one another. The thing I love most about her writing is that she has written such an incredible, complex story, yet her writing is simple and to the point. There's no waffling on about mundane things, for example: "Ginny's hair was as red as strawberries grown ripe in a field"... WHAT?
5. In the first book, we are introduced to a very different world than the one we live in. What were some things that blew your mind when you first read about them? When I first read about it? Ohh, this is jogging my memory a tad... To be honest, I first read it when I was about 7, so I honestly believed there could be a chance it would be real and that I'd get a letter when I was 11... Needless to say, my hopes and dreams have been crushed. *sobs*
6. Despite being so different, what do you think makes the wizard world so believable? What makes it a place that people want to escape to? It's believable because of the character's personalities and also, J.K. Rowling has managed to create spells that make us muggles basically blind! Also, there is Mr. Weasley and his fascination with muggles, "Oh do tell me, what is the function of a rubber duck".
7. In The Sorcerer's Stone, Professor Quirrel tells Harry, "There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it." What does this statement tell us about Professor Quirrel? Do you agree or disagree with him? I disagree with Quirrel simply because he was posessed by Voldemort. Also, I believe there is good and "evil" (or bad) but I also believe that who we are affects our decisions (obviously). For example, something I may see as a negative thing, might not be so bad to others.
8. In The Chamber of Secrets, Dumbledore tells Harry, "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." The sorting hat also suggested Harry could find great fame and glory in Slytherin House. What choices does Harry make that lead him away from darkness? Could he have been the good wizard that he was if some of those choices were different? Harry makes the decision to stay in Gryffindor, he also chooses to befriend Ron and save Hermione from the troll in Philosopher's Stone. I think that due to his horrible upbringing and treatment, Harry has grown to see the good in others and situations. Harry could have been perhaps a little less "good" if he took up Draco's offer of being friends and if he chose to be in Slytherin simply because of the whole 'bad influence' business. But I think Harry would have fought this to an extent and definitely wouldn't have turned out to be a death eater or anything!
9. If you're re-reading the series, what are some differences you've noticed this time? Are there things you didn't pick up on before? Or did you find you liked/disliked something differently this time? Well, to be honest I've read and re-read this series too many times and I think I've picked up on all the little bits and pieces that J.K. Rowling leaves a few re-reads ago... But I manage to love the books even more with every read.
10. Just for fun: If you could make your own polyjuice potion, who would you disguise yourself as, and why? OHHH. GOOD QUESTION. I honestly have no idea, because I have no idea what my intentions would be no matter who I chose :)

As I posted this pretty much 10 minutes after my WoW post, feel free to go check that out too ;)