Theories
From Hpwiki
Since the 1997 British release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, speculation and debate over the plots of coming books has been central to the Harry Potter fandom. Over the past decade, theories have undergone a dramatic upsurge in popularity with the growth of the international online fan community and the development of Internet forums that facilitate communication between Potter devotees worldwide. Many, though not all, of the most well-established fan sites were launched following the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire release in 2000.
Current controversies within the fandom (as of March 2007) include Severus Snape's true loyalties in the aftermath of Voldemort's ascent to power and the murder of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, the identity of RAB, an unknown witch or wizard who professed to have stolen Voldemort's locket Horcrux from a hidden cave, and whether Harry absorbed a piece of Voldemort's soul during the 1981 attack that claimed his parents' lives, thereby becoming an "accidental Horcrux." Historically, debate has centered on topics such as potential character deaths, Ordinary Wizarding Level exam scores, hires and fires of Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers, and the seemingly ever-fascinating issue of the protagonists' romances (known as "ships" in Potter-speak).
Author JK Rowling has continuously encouraged theories, fanfiction, and discussion of her books, to which children of many nationalities attribute their interest in reading. As the series approaches its July 2007 conclusion, she promises that "there will be plenty to continue arguing and speculating about, even after 'Deathly Hallows' comes out. So if you're not yet ready to quit the message boards, do not despair." [1] Whether new material for future discussion or definitive answers to the central questions of the series is in the fandom's long-term interest is the subject of yet another debate.
Contents |
Book Seven Theories
| Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. |
Possible Character Deaths
- Draco Malfoy is in a very vulnerable position right now. Voldemort charged him with a mission and he failed to complete it, though Snape took control over the situation and managed it for Draco. Therefore, he was not either completely successful or completely unsuccessful in his task. At the end of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Draco also appeared to question his dedication to the Dark Side when Dumbledore offered protection for him and his family. Voldemort has little patience with disloyal servants; if he suspects Draco of cowardice, Draco will be killed.
- Bellatrix Lestrange is a likely candidate for the axe, and either Neville Longbottom or Remus Lupin will probably be her murderer (this Wiki author personally prefers Neville). She tortured Neville's parents and killed Lupin's best friend. Dumbledore says that the reason the prophecy will hold true is because Voldemort chooses to interpret it literally and Harry feels strong desire for revenge. She has too many enemies to survive.
- '"Harry Potter'" is likely (and possibly fated) to die in the seventh book. The prophecy states that he has about a fifty fifty chance if taken literally. He will face Voldemort in the end. Speculation is abound that JK Rowlings style is to kill off the main character, unorthodox in the modern society. It is also possible that Harry will die at the same moment that Voldemort does.
Voldemort's Army
- It is possible that some deceased characters, such as Albus Dumbledore, Lily Potter, or James Potter will return as Inferi, or dead corpses manipulated as puppets of the Dark Lord, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. (However, Sirius Black cannot return as an Inferi since there is no body to reanimate.) The use of Lily's and James's bodies could create a powerful emotional scene; it would take a lot of strength for Harry to fight his parents, regardless of whether they were acting under Voldemort's control or of their own free will.
Other Theories
- The phoenix theory proposes an analogy between Fawkes, Albus Dumbledore, and Harry Potter that may help predict the outcome of the final battle between the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters.
- The Arcturus theory suggests that R.A.B. is Sirius Black's younger brother, Regulus Black.
