The answer to my absence here is simple: I finally got access to Pottermore. I am in Hufflepuff and my wand has a unicorn core. I intend on not reading any new books for the duration of my exploration on Pottermore, which may take a few months. This is the BEST thing to come along for HP nerds like myself since the publication of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. It only took me 5 months to get in, but I'm in...and I'm not leaving until I've scored some MAJOR house points for Hufflepuff.
P.S.
I have no shame in admitting my never-ending love and devotion to all things HP.
P.P.S.
My user name is PhoenixPurple13738, just in case you wanted to hang with me at Hogwarts.
:)