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Harry Potter predictions

Posted: Thursday, May 31, 2007 2:43 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
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Harry Potter fans, rejoice: In under two months, you'll be holding the final book in your hot little hands (or "lugging it around," if past page-lengths are any guide). The final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," will be published on July 21, and the next movie, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,"  will be in theaters July 11 (moved up from July 13). It's a Wild About Harry summer. (And even then, it's not over...await the theme park in 2009.)

But forget the movie for now, loyal readers know what happens there. Let's talk about the next book. (If you don't like speculation and possible spoilers, duck out of this post now and go enjoy a chocolate frog or two.)

The nice thing about waiting on the book is that there are so many unanswered questions to ponder (sound familiar, "Lost" fans?) The biggest one of course, is who will die? Rowling has promised (threatened?) two major deaths in this last book. My pal Chris Bahn offered odds on various characters' chances to bite the dust in this 2006 article.

The major question about the deaths: Will Harry be one of them? (Make your prediction here.) Will he have to sacrifice himself to end the series to Rowling's satisfaction? Will Voldemort be the other, or is that just two easy, bad guy and good guy fighting to the death, like Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls?

If it's not Harry, who will it be? His pal Ron has to be a hot contender. (Remember the song lyric from "Sunset Boulevard" -- "nobody dies except the best friend"?) But maybe that's too cliched. If so, there are plenty of other Weasleys to take a bullet. (Fred and George maybe shouldn't buy any green bananas.) And don't forget ever-loyal Hagrid, or Neville, or even Hermione.

And what about Snape? The question with him is not only will he live or die, but is he good or bad? Where does his loyalty lie, and what exactly happened with Dumbledore?

There are other plot twists that cry out for resolving as well. Who wouldn't like to know exactly what happened the night Harry's parents were murdered? Is the mysterious RAB really Regulus Black, or is that again, too simple for words? What are the remaining horcruxes?

And fans have creative and fun theories too. It's not just Snape's loyalty that comes into question -- what if someone Harry trusted turned out to be working for He Who Must Not Be Named? (One theory I like suggests this person could have secrets, but I'm not sure I buy that.) I also like the idea that Harry will not die, but will live out his days in peace as Hogwarts' longest-running Defense Against the Dark Arts professor -- after all, who knows more about fighting baddies?

Let's hear your theories. After all, there's just seven weeks to go.

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I know everyone must have tons of ideas, I can't wait to hear them all! I have to wonder if the ever loveable Neville might not bite the dust. Isn't he like Harry in so many ways? Can't you see him sacrificing himself for friends? Also, wouldn't it be crazy if some how Harry's scar was a kind of Horcrux? (Refresh my memory if only inanimate objects can be a horcrux.) Could that explain the duplication of some of Voldemort's powers to Harry? I've got lots more far fetched ideas. My main question still hangs around Sirius Black. Is he truly gone? Why was so little said about his death and where he went? What was behind that curtain? He was my favorite character so I hate to give up on him. I hate to toot my own horn, but I knew who would die in the last two books, but I really don't have any strong feeling about who it will be in this one. We can only hope one will be Voldemort, but would Rowling leave an open end if she perhaps wnated to ressurect the series later. Whea! Alright I'm done! Can't wait to hear what others have to say, so start posting!
Quoted from the HP Lexicon: The term "Horcrux" is used to refer to any object in which a person has concealed a part of his or her soul. The object need not be inanimate; according to Dumbledore, a living creature can be used as a Horcrux, although it is risky to do so since the Horcrux in such a case is something that can move and think for itself, independently of the implanted fragment of soul.
My theories: I think Snape is good and working with/for the Order. Dumbledore isn't really dead; he has his own horcrux(es) to 'revive' him (this may be too Hollywood, and just based from my own desire not to see him dead).The Prophesy that says Harry is the Chosen One really refers to Neville and not Harry. Harry will battle Voldemorte but it will be Neville who stumbles across the way to kills him.
I believe that Harry will be the 7th horcrux and will kill himself inorder to save Hogwarts from Lord Voldamort.
I can't see them killing off Harry, if they are planning a theme park around him.
To Barb above: Not to rain on your parade, but I disagree with several of your statements, and here is why. First, as for Dumbledore having his own Horcruxes....while I agree with you, and am clinging to the hope that Dumbledore IS alive, I don't think it's because of Horcruxes. If memory serves, creating a Horcrux means giving up a part of your soul, or dividing it into 2 (or more, as the case may be) pieces, which Dumbledore specifically advises Harry is not a wise move. This is just MY reason why I don't think he has his own....and pure speculation. Second, if you will recall from The Order, Dumbledore tells Harry that although the way the Prophecy is worded could have been interpreted as either Harry or Neville, because Lord Voldemort CHOSE Harry, it is indeed Harry who is the person referred to. It said something about Voldemort hearing it and assuming it was Harry, thereby making it indeed become Harry. Boy am I rambling, but I think you see what I'm getting at, and if you look back at book 5, you will see. As for the Snape issue, I refuse to lose hope in that man. I've spent the last 8 years or so believing that he is good despite all the warnings, and I still do. I think for whatever reason he HAD to "kill" Dumbledore (the Unbreakable Vow, for one), and really isn't working for The Dark Lord. And one more thing, I agree with Barb about Neville playing a bigger role. I could see him being a great help to Harry in eliminating Voldemort.
I think that Hermione is going to die. Harry tries to save her but he can't so she dies.
Dumbledore is not dead -- maybe Harry's parent's and Sirius are hanging around in an accessible limbo, too.
Yeah, I kind of see that whole thing maybe playing out Harry and Neville. I don't really think Dumbledore would create a Horcrux because he mentioned how it changed a person and not in a good way. Also, about the Horcrux, I don't think VOldemort would have meant to implant it in Harry, but could it have happened by accident?
No, a Horocrux requires 1. an especially violent murder and 2. for the wizard to carve away part of their soul. I don't think Dumbledore would have done that. I think it's pretty obvious to think Harry's the last Horocrux and will have to sacrifice himself to off Voldemorte (the two deaths). I really hope the Rowlings isn't that lame of an author but I have to say that she has created a GREAT world but her literary talents beyond that leave a little to be desired.
I predict we will discover that Dumbledore and Snape had an Unbreakable Vow; Snape had to do whatever it took to maintain his cover as a Death Eater. Snape will turn out to be good...
Hi can hardly wait for the book. Re: Barb, Neville can't be the chosen one Dumbledore even said so. Remember when Harry found out it about neville he said that and Dumbledore said no Voldermort made the choice when he came after him and gave him his scar. But I do think that Neville will play a pivotal role. He came into his own, only surpassing Harry during the DA classes.Neville of course is very motivated because of his parents. I think that snape is working under Dumbledore's orders, that he told him about the unbreakable vow he was forced to take to protect Draco. When snape was fleeing with Draco across the grounds so he could disapporate, he took the time to "school" Harry on how to beat him. He told him that he had to work harder at closing his mind. I think that Snape is very good at this and has fooled Voldermort, remember he was a mole before. And that he will surprise Voldermort and help protect Harry (ala Darth Varder vs. the Emperor). Dumbledore is definetely dead J.k. Rowling said so, but Sirius is another matter. Will Lupin and Tonks, Harry and Ginny, and Ron and Hermoine pair up. Harry teaching at Hogwarts sounds great!
It's obvious that Harry is the final horcrux. Voldemort can create a horcrux by splitting off part of his soul after the commission of a murder. So, since Harry has some of Voldemort's powers, he must be an accidental horcrux that happened when his parents were killed. Harry might survive, but he will at least lose his powers. As for who dies, Voldemort certainly, and Neville. Neville's got that innocent martyr thing going with his character, plus the prophecy may be getting interpreted wrong. Neville might be the chosen one after all.
I hate to say it but I think Snape is actually good. There were hints from the scene where Snape kills Dumbledore that he actually wanted Snape to do it. this would be a good cover up for Snape because then he would remain Voldemort's most trusted servant. I like the idea about Neville killing Dumbledore but if I recall correctly, Harry and Neville both qualified to be the chosen one, but Voldemort chose harry.
Rowling has said that Dumbledore is dead, however she did not mention whether or not he will help Harry via his portrait on the wall in the headmaster's office, and if there is a photo of him in grimuald place then that would support my theory of him helping harry thru his portraits. Harry is the chosen one, becuase as explained in books 5 and 6 Voldemort marked him as his equal with the scar caused by the killing course and the transfer of his powers. Since we have only heard mention of the two way mirror once since sirius's death i think it will play a part in the last book, just as i think the veil in the department of mysteries is bound to have some important part in the last installment. I personally want to believe that snape is good, but there is so much to contradict that belief, just as there is so much that supports it. And then there is Aberforth, Dumbledore's brother, Rowling wouldn't have mentioned him in the 6th book if he wasn't important in some way. I think we will be seeing more from him in Deathly Hallows. It has been quite entertaining to make predictions and debate theories, but I think the only way we will truly have our answers or confirmations is to read the book, which I cannot wait to do. I'm looking forward to hear everyone else's ideas.
Jo Rowling is a master plotter, and anyone who understands plots as she does can be certain that Snape will turn out to be on the side of Right in the last book. You don't set someone up as carefully as she has Snape and then -whoops- he really IS a Deatheater. A very untalented author MIGHT do that (though probably not) but not Rowling. As to who will die, there's a big difference being injecting a note of sadness by killing a couple of characters and killing characters whose death would end the whole series on a note of deep tragedy. In order to close HP on an uplifting note, the only Weasley who can die is Percy, and not before he shows his good side. A heroic death for Percy would be tragic for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, but they could be proud of him. Killing Mr. or Mrs. Weasley, their other children, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Harry or Hagrid would mean the survivors had no chance of ever being really happy again, which is not how you end a book unless you are writing Gone With The Wind or Love Story. Harry is not a Horcrux.
Dumbledor is alive. Snape's beginning lines were about bottling fame or glory etc and "even put a stopper in death". Dumbledor was asking Snape to "doit" before anyone else could. I would still like to see Harry and Hermoine end up together and stay at the school.
I think the DA meetings will still go on because if anyone is going to help him defeat voldemort, they're going to need to know how to counter the things thrown at them. I believe R.A.B. is Sirius. Harry and Ginny won't get back together. Ron and Hermione will get together. I don't think Sirius is dead. I think Snape is sticking to Voldemort. I don't think Neville is going to be that important, but I do think he will help harry in some way. Voldemort and either Molly or Arthur.
Ok-Remember the time-turner of Hermione"s? They saved Buckbeak, remember? Thoughts-after huge battle when Harry defeats Voldemort(with Snape's help)they use the time-turner and go back to before Harry's parents were murdered and stop Voldemort then before his powers and followers grow. And I believe, sadly, Voldemort's faithful one(not Snape) is Molly Weasley(Ron's Mom).Remember she comes from "witch royalty", purebloods, and when, in Prisoner of Azkaban, when the boys are returning to Hogwarts-she runs and says "Don't lose him" while handing the shaggy rat,aka Wormtail to Ron. Did she know all along who the rat really was and that is why Voldemort entrusted it to the Weasley family? As sad as that is, I still think there will be a satisfying "Good triumphs evil" ending when the last chapter (so far) is written.
JK has always said that people who die will stay dead. She's not bringing anyone back. The only good thing about Dumbledore dying (there is nothing good about Sirius dying even though he was a bit abrasive) is that he will definitely live on in his portraits; I can't wait until he first speaks from the wall of the headmaster's (now headmistress') office. Dumbledore does not have a horcrux. Besides the fact that JK said that whoever dies stays dead, horcruxes are evil dark magic. Does anyone really think that Dumbledore would willingly give up part of his soul? Snape is "good." A total git, but in terms of the Order vs Voldemort, he's definitely on the good side. When Snape stood over Dumbledore and Dumbledore said "Please," I thought it was pretty obvious that he was asking Snape to fulfill his part of the deal. As if Dumbledore would plead for his life! Snape killing Dumbledore is absolutely the best way for Snape the spy to bind Voldemort to him even tighter than he already is. By sacrificing himself, Dumbledore not only made Snape into the Order's best ally (and Voldemort's worst enemy), but he also saved Draco from being a murderer or being murdered. Also, Neville is not the chosen one, that was pretty blatantly explained and talked about between Dumbledore and Harry in The Order of the Phoenix. Plus, Dumbledore said that the prophecy is just that, a prophecy and that all prophecies don't come true. The only reason this one is coming true is because Voldemort is trying so hard to make it *not* come true. As for who dies, I really hope that it's not Hagrid or any of the Weasleys, not even Percy. Everyone else is fair game. Even Harry.
My conclusion: Harry finds and disposes of the remaining horcrux, but it is Neville who actually finishes Voldemort, not Harry. And the other character that dies is Hagrid.
Good Point about Harry being the last Horcrux. I never even thought about it until now.I do think that it would be too obvious that Ron would die. Because Ron is the one who is weakest. And everyone expects him to die. I think even though Hermione is the smartest wizard out of all them relating to the book smarts she will die because no one is expecting it. Since Harry loves Ginny as he said in the last book (6) she maybe the big death also. Just my Thoughts. -Katie Skudlarek
Good Point about Harry being the last Horcrux. I never even thought about it until now.I do think that it would be too obvious that Ron would die. Because Ron is the one who is weakest. And everyone expects him to die. I think even though Hermione is the smartest wizard out of all them relating to the book smarts she will die because no one is expecting it. Since Harry loves Ginny as he said in the last book (6) she maybe the big death also. Just my Thoughts. -Katie Skudlarek
I predicted on the Mugggle.net site that Harry will live, but at the cost of his powers a while back. Harry's most desperate desire is to belong, to have a family. He's got sort of a family in the Wizarding world and in order to save what he loves best, he will have to give it up.
Harry's parents are dead. JKR has specifically said that they are dead and won't be coming back to life. I think Dumbledore is dead as well. Every one of Harry's "protectors" has died... his parents, Sirius, Dumbledore... and now it is time for Harry to stand up and fight Voldemort on his own, without help. I doubt Harry is a horcrux because when Voldemort killed Harry's parent's, he also intended to kill Harry. He did not intend to make Harry a horcrux. JKR has said the final word in the last book is "scar." I think it will end with Ron as an old man sitting in front of the fire surrounded by his grandchildren with them begging for him to tell them again the story of Harry Potter. He will begin the story along these lines... "The first time Harry Potter heard the truth about his scar..."
Holy cow!!! The first comment about Harry being the seventh Horcrux just floored me! I never thought about it before -- I think it would depend on exactly how a Horcrux is created. Slughorn told Tom Riddle that to make a Horcrux, you had to murder someone (the murder splits your soul) and say an incantation. If you say the incantation first, then Harry could be a Horcrux. If not, Voldemort didn't have time to make the Horcrux when he gave Harry the scar. Anyway, I think (hope) the two to die will be Voldemort (obviously) and Snape (maybe too obvious as well). I don't think Harry will die, and not Ron or Hermione either. I hope there is time for some Quidditch in the last book!
I'll bet that once the readers are told more about unbreakable vows, it turns out that one unbreakable vow cannot be compromised by one that's made at a later time. I think that Snape had an unbreakable vow with Dumbledore never to betray him, which is why Dumbledore had such seemingly blind trust in Snape no matter what any one else says. Therefore, Dumbledore is not dead, and the whole thing at the top of the tower was staged for Voldemort's benefit. Snape didn't really kill Dumbledore, but he didn't die because the unbreakable vow Snape had with Narcissa was made invalid by a previous one with Dumbledore.
You all bring up Great points. The scar resembling a horcrux is definately a unique idea however I really do not want to believe its true. (Come on none of us wants to see him die!) Besides, doesn't he have to destroy ALL the horcruxes BEFORE killng Voldemort? Correct me if I'm wrong but that wouldn't make sense seeing as he would have to kill himself before V. and well it just doesn't work that way. I also read a quote from JK Rowling that made a comment about not being the type of author that kills off the main character in order to prevent other authors in the future to 'continue' the series. I got the impression she wasn't going to do that after reading the quote many times. There are still so many questions to be answered, I have a feeling Sirius might help a bit somehow. Another thing I've never heard from any one else is that why isn't Dumbledore going to be on a portrait in the headmaster's office? All the other headmasters are there. Can someone fill me in on why this isn't a possibility? Harry could get some decent advice there, but then maybe thats too easy. In any case, ever since I heard someone dies in this book I've had this feeling it is Neville. Possibly George (he is the less-heard-from twin). Whoever it is, I know its going to be an emotional book.
JK Rowling has stated explicitly in an interview that Dumbledore is dead and not coming back. That was a favorite theory of mine, too. My question is whether one can create a horicrux unknowingly/unwillingly? For why would Voldemort decide to create a horicrux in Harry? (Although I now need to go reread the scenes with Harry and Lord Voldy to see whether Voldemort was happy to just kill Harry or if something more nefarious is going on. Hmm...)
Harry is a Squib. That's right, you read that correctly, I think Harry has no magic of his own whatsoever. I believe firmly that all of his power comes from the scar, which is Voldemort's final Horcrux. This explains why Harry has the ultra rare Parseltongue ability, why his wand is identical to Voldemort's and explains why the hat offered him a choice of houses rather than picking one...because he confused the hat. It explains some of Dumbledore's more obscure comments such as his comment about scars being useful. In order for Voldemort to be defeated therefore, this final Horcrux must be broken. I am not a fan of the "Harry must die" club and so I believe that a way will be found for Harry to dispel the Horcrux thus costing himself his own magic in the process. When this happens, it will only be after all of the other Horcruxes have been broken, and will likely be in the middle of a face-off with Voldemort and his gang of Death Eaters. The resulting surge of power when Voldemort receives the last of his lost power from Harry's Horcrux, and he is rendered mortal simultaneously will leave him momentarily reeling. In this moment of shock and vulnerability Snape will strike out at Voldemort. The resulting battle will end with Voldemort dead and Snape mortally wounded, allowing for the redemption of Snape's character arc. In the end Harry will have to say goodbye to his boyhood friends, leaving behind the people he met during his years in Hogwarts, just as all children leave behind their school chums as they go out into the real world after graduation. He must move on past the magical days of his youth, and join the "real" world, just like any other child becomming an adult. Sure, they will promise to stay in contact, and there will be tears and promises that they will always remain friends...but the reality is that most children eventually lose touch with the friends of their youth as their lives go their separate ways. This is not tragic; it is natural and normal. In the end Harry will understand that everything will be fine, and that while he may be finished with magic, the adventure of the rest of his life is still waiting for him. This is the heart and soul of the final book; JK's final message to her children: In all of our lives there comes a time to grow up, leave behind the enchanted days of our childhood and make our way in the real world.
I think that if Harry is Lord Voldemort's horcrux, then LV had already used it. Think about it, no one was trying to kill HP in the first few books. When LV was reborn in the grave yard he used HP blood to complete the spell. That's when LV tried to kill Harry and avoid the prophency. Who dies, Ron, Harry and Krom, leaving Hermione to teach at the school a heart broken teacher.
I'm not putting money on anybody, but I would like to remind you that Dumbledore knew the poison had no antidote. I read him as almost begging Snape to kill him, knowing he was dying anyway (and possibly in great pain). I am as intrigued with the yes/no possibilities of Snape as I am with Harry.
I strongly believe that Dumbledore is actually dead. If you recall from book six, Dumbledore's last words were "Severus...please..." (just before Snape did the Avada Kedavra). I believe that Dumbledore was acutally asking Snape to follow through on instructions that Dumbledore had given him sometime before. Something like...if I ever get into this situation, you must end my life. Dumbledore was not pleading for mercy when he said "Severus...please...," he was pleading for Snape to finish the job. If this theory is correct, then Snape is and always was good (not evil) and Dumbledore is truly dead. I also think Snape is good because Dumbledore always had complete faith in him. If Dumbledore says he's good, then I believe it. Another reason I believe Dumbledore is dead is that in order for Voldemort to die, Harry must face him alone. Harry cannot count on Dumbledore's help and must finish Voldemort himself. I think Voldemort will be one of the characters that dies, but I have no thoughts on who else will die.
Just thinking, the prophecy states that "Nether must die by the hand of the other but nether can live while the other survives. Could be Neville..
I think Percy will die and his poor mother will find out after or just before that he's spying for the Order. One of the Weasleys is definitely out. Snape is a good guy-for several reasons most of which were already mentioned but also, he owes James his life and since James died, that debt goes to Harry making him my #2 guess for the dying characters. Also on my short list of possible deaths: Wormtail because he also owes Harry his life. Dumbledore would never make a horcrux because it requires murder and he's always said there are worse things than death. I predict that a major character will be revealed to be a vampire as well because we've had several mentions of vampires but no main characters. I also believe most of this book is about what happens to wizards when they die.
Twelearney's prophecy said the one with the power to defeat the dark lord approaches. And who did Aberforth catch listening at the door? SNAPE!!! So the way I see it ending Voldemort finishes off Harry and while he is distracted in his celebration Snape slinks out of the back ground and avada kedavras him.
I want to get this in writing. I believe the kid who is referenced in the prophecy is Draco. It was obvious he couldn't kill Dumbledore because he is a good character. Snape had to be the one to kill Dumbledore because they needed to keep Draco alive. Remember this post because it will be true.
I think that if Voldemort does happen to die, that he may turn into a ghost. You can only turn into a ghost if you are afraid of death, which he's got to be because he set out a plan that gave him seven other lives, and he is almost imposible to hunt down and kill. If he does turn into A ghost, I am sad to say but death eaters may carry ot his orders as a ghost, but they may leave him knowing he can't do anything to them if they leave. It all depends on if Voldemort does die and if his death eaters stay loyal to him as a ghost.
I think that Dumbledore will come back and the pet phoenix will play apart in bringing him back from the dead. I think that Harry is an accidental horcux and Snape was working under Dumbledore's order to kill him so make it look like he was dead and fulfill upon the unbreakable vow. My questions is what does Harry's aunt Petunia play in this? Dumbledore went out of his way to assure that Harry could come back to his aunts one last time and that would offer him some protection from He Who Must Not be Named because of the type of spell his mother used to save Harry (which they refer to as "old magic") and Petunia has a bigger role in keeping Harry safe. I think Voldemort is afraid of Petunia because of the type of magic she used. I think the 2 deaths are obviously Voldemort and maybe Snape. I think Snape will sacrifice him self for Harry and vindicate him self in the process but I also think that Snape is a vampire as eluded to by Lupin when he asked the class to do reports on vampires when he was Defens of the dark arts teacher.
The idea that Harry is the last Horcrux and must sacrifice himself actually makes alot of sense. If you remember the Prophecy's exact words were, "Neither can live while the other survives" and therefore making that theory a very good one, and as for Dumbledore having his own Horcrux is a ridiculous thought, If I remember correctly, to make a horcrux is an extreme act of evil, Dumbledore simply wouldn't do that, but I do think He might of found a way to preserve his soul in his Petronus, or the Pensieve, as it holds his memories and memories have a connection to the soul.
Will there be a star wars moment when Voldemont says to Harry come my son a rule by my side and the night his parents died we find that his father was split in 2 the evil and good sides ? since I do not read or watch harry i have no clue so It is just a guess I am sure there will be someone akin to a trekky or how ever that is spelled but a Potty or something like that that will tell me how that could not be so and give me 9 reasons why a quote passages from the books that show why I am wrong but when it is made up ?
Since Neville Longbottom was the other child who could have fulfilled the prophecy foretold by Trelawney, I think he may be the underdog hero who will do in Voldemort but will die in the process.
harry can't be a horocrux because in book five voldemort tried to possess harry and it did not work and dumbledore said there was a certain spell ou had to say to make a horocrux plus wouldn't dumbledore know if he was and tell harry the truth dumbledore is not a fool he would know also snape can't be good because dumbledore is the strongest wizard in the world and would not make an unbreakable vow to let snape keep cover even if he has to kill him ecause dumbledore is one of the few cunning good guys that could find and destroy the horocruxes.
Interesting theories all of you. I have a few myself. I think that Harry/Harry's scar being a Horcrux is a fascinating theory - I'll have to think about that one. I do think Harry will die but I also have a wild theory that Neville is actually the chosen one and that he will kill Voldemort and Harry will die protecting Neville. All this time Harry and his specialness has distracted Voldemort from the actual Chosen One - Neville - thus keeping him safe(r). Well we shall see. I also believe that despite appearances Snape is working for the greater Good and will have his own very important role to play in bringing Lord V down. And yes, I do beleive that Dumbledore is indeed dead.
P.S. Even though Dumbledore said Neville isn't the chosen One he has also made the point several times that he does make mistakes...
I'm counting the days until mid-July--great days those will be. I believe Snape is on the right side while still extremely flawed. I HOPE Harry, Hermione, and Hagrid will not die, but I didn't want Sirius or Dumbledore to die either. Question: why can paintings be alive if photos are not--i.e., Harry's parents?
I don't believe that Dumbledore could have a Horcrux. The only death that we know that Dumbledore was responsible for was that of the dark wizard, Grindelwald in 1945. That was apparently a justified killing, which doesn't seem to fill the need to perform the ultimate evil needed to create a Horcrux. Besides, J.K. Rowling was asked, pointblank, if Dumbledore was truely dead and she answered in the affirmative. I can see at least one of the Weasleys dying, simply because of the boggart that Molly tried to remove in "Order of the Phoenix". J.K. Rowling often puts in little hints like that in her books, written in such a way that you are never certain if it is a hint or a device to move the plot along. Personally, I'm hoping for the "prat", Percy. He seems to be the most useless of the Weasleys. Maybe that is how he redeems himself for the rotten way he has treated his family for the past two books.
The initials R.A.B. must belong to Regulus Black. I rememeber reading in Book 5 about a locket found in the Black's residence. The locket wouldn't open. Could this be one of the horcruxes that Harry will be looking for? I can hardly wait for Book 7.
Lots of info to digest here. First, I hope that Dumbledore and Sirius both come back (this is, after all a teen soap opera set in a magical world)...Dumbledore always believed that love was the greatest magic of all. Perhaps the love he had for the school and the students have for him may be enough to overcome even an untimely death. As for Snape...I remember reading that in order to do the Avada Kedavra curse correctly, the caster must truly WANT to kill the victim. Snape and Dumbledore argued in the forest and Hagrid overheard them...Dumbledore made Snape promise to do something just as he made Harry promise to make him drink the poisoned potion in the cave. Maybe Dumbledore made Snape promise to kill him when the time came...in order to protect Harry, Draco (the weasel), and the rest of the school. Snape didn't know about the Death Eaters coming in the castle - he was caught by suprise. He had to protect Draco because of the Unbreakable vow he made to Narcissa...AND because of the promise he made to Dumbledore. Regardless, I really hope all the questions about Snape are answered in the last book. As for who will die...my guess is that Snape will die trying to save Harry - proving his goodness at last. The second, I would have to guess Ron. Harry has saved so many members of that family, it would have to figure at some point he would lose on of them...and Ron is a likely candidate. Herminoe is too smart, plus she is in love with Ron so it would make his death that much more poignant. Just some thoughts...
I think that Harry won't be able to beat Voldemort and Neville will actually take over and kill Voldemort to avenge his parents.


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