On Hallowed Ground: CC2K Looks to Harry Potter Book Seven

Written by: The CinCitizens

 All you Need is Love – By Big Ross

If this were a relay race I would be what they call “the anchor”.  I’m supposed to bring this piece to a close, and with such great work by my predecessors, my job is either very easy or very hard. 

The Harry Potter phenomenon is something I have a hard time wrapping my head around.  The first six books alone have sold roughly 325 million copies worldwide, having been translated into almost 70 different languages.  All together their sales have made Rowling the wealthiest author in history (her estimated worth is $1 billion).  How crazy is that?  Criticize her all you want, she must be doing something right.

And what would that be?  What is it about these books that has captured the hearts and imaginations of SO many people?  I think Rob has made some excellent points about the wonderfully detailed world of magic that she has created, as well as the archetypal hero she presents in Harry Potter.  There is a universal appeal to these characters, and I think that some of that stems from the fact that amongst all the spellcasting and fighting of monsters, Rowling has given equal time and loving attention to the more ordinary, everyday aspects of being a kid and growing up.  Like:

• Wanting (and actually getting) to be a hero on your school sports team.

• Making and maintaining friendships.

• Discovering the opposite sex, and all of the awkward, often terrifying and confusing situations that accompany it.

Since the most attractive quality of an anchor is (ironically enough) speed, I’ll jump to addressing predictions made by Tony and Rob concerning Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  (Editor's note: Big Ross' section was written after Tony and Rob's, but before Anastasia's.)

First I think that this book will mark a departure from the familiar structure of the previous books.  Though it begins as the others do with Harry first visiting the home of his aunt Petunia and uncle Vernon and then the home of the Weasley’s, there will be no return to Hogwarts for Harry and his friends.  Gone are Quidditch matches and pleasant visits to Hogsmeade.  Whether they are ready to face the challenges ahead of them or not, it is the path they must take.  If this series of books is a coming of age story (and among other things I believe it is) then Deathly Hallows marks the graduation of these young wizards in training who serve as symbols for all the young readers of these books.  But instead of ceremony and celebration, it’s as if Rowling acknowledges that such things are short-lived, and ultimately without substance.  What is truly important is if these young people have taken enough away from their education to survive the “real world” and all of its dangers and challenges.  I think one of the smartest thing’s Rowling could have done in writing this series is to recognize that her original fan base of children have grown up with these books, and to write accordingly. 

In a world where “role models” are young celebrities who bounce in and out of rehab and jail, and who seem to care more for their image than their health, I respect Rowling tremendously for offering her fans role models actually worthy of emulation.  Young people who do not shirk responsibility (even though they are scared of it) and who do what is right (even though it is hard). 

As for the answer to where Snape’s true loyalties lie, I tend to disagree with Tony and Rob.  While I must admit a bit of redemption for Snape would be cool, I like the idea that Snape’s strongest loyalty is essentially with himself.  The only thing he cares for more than power is survival.  In the end I think he will betray Voldemort, but not out of any sense of right, but simply because he believes the Dark Lord will ultimately lose, and he refuses to go down with him. 

As for Harry destroying the remaining horcruxes, I agree Harry will succeed in this, and I’m guessing this will make up the bulk of the final book.  I also like Tony’s idea that Harry’s wand is a horcrux, though I’m not sure that’s something we’ll get to see (but it would be super cool).  I will add to this that I think the mysterious R.A.B. who took the Slytherin locket (in Phoenix) will be revealed in Deathly Hallows, and he will turn out to be Sirius’s presumed-dead brother Regulus Black (confirming many fans’ suspicions).  I think he’s going to be helping Harry in some way with these tasks.  

Regarding the survival of Harry and friends, I will state right up front that while I believe Ron and Hermione make it to the end alive, I predict that Harry will not.  I like Rob’s idea of Neville playing an important role in book seven, but ultimately this is Harry’s story.  I see the climax finding Harry pitted in a duel to the death with his arch-rival, Voldemort (naturally).  Yet this is a duel that Harry can’t win in the traditional sense; he just isn’t a match for Voldemort’s magical ability and knowledge.  But this is where Harry’s true power is revealed and manifested to defeat the Dark Lord.  I think that Harry’s power to love will see him make the ultimate expression of love, sacrificing himself to save his friends.  It’s a brave ending to the story, and ultimately I feel it is the best Rowling could have written.