The power of love

What clues has J.K. Rowling herself dropped? Is Harry a Horcrux? Snape: Villain, hero or something else? Who dies in Book 7? And is Umbridge the worst villain of all? If you're interested in those topics, see previous posts, below.

I found several interesting viewpoints on the Harry Potter phenomenon published over the weekend. One is from a self-confessed Potterhead, in her 20s, who spent years scorning the books and then succumbed. Here's a link. Another, also from the Post, is a book editor who is less optimistic than many about whether the Potter phenomenon will translate into more kids (and later, adults) reading fiction. Here's a link to that one.

And here's a link to a column, published on today's Viewpoint page in the Observer, in which a book editor in St. Petersburg, Fla., ponders whether the fact that so many adults are reading the Potter books with their kids will make a difference as those kids become adults themselves.

Finally, I got this missive, via e-mail, from Tom Nie of Iron Station, who describes himself this way: "I'm a well-adjusted, ex-businessman, ex-corporate executive, 65-yr. old grandfather with a crew cut and a Harley. I ordered my new book months ago, as I did book 6 :)"

Nie has some theories. See if you agree.

Important is the butt-kicking Harry received at Snape's hands in the finale of book 6. He was completely inept. No longer will Dumbledore be around to bail him out in a fight. He must improve his skills in some unusual, fast, almost miraculous manner.

He's very weak in Occlumency and, clearly, has to achieve silent cursing skills like Snape and Dumbledore. So, how's he to do that if he's skipping his last year or Hogwarts closes? Snape was the one who was brilliantly creative at the same age. It would seem relevant that Harry has always been a learner of what was before him while Snape and Voldemort were the creators of additional wizardry. How then does the student get a leg up on them?

For him to be the hero he'll have to develop superior strength and tactics - as opposed to RAB becoming his next Dumbledore. Something akin to Matrix's ending maybe.

I find it interesting to consider Harry receiving bottles through Dumbledore's Will to use in the Pensive so that he can receive further training and edification on the Horcruxes. This, I think, will be the way Dumbledore reappears, including providing the explanation of his burnt hand.

Doesn't it seem odd that he's splitting with Ginny, yet Hermione and Ron appear to be joining him, even if they're not at Hogwarts? Especially considering the strength that Ginny exemplifies? Wouldn't you think that their love could be a factor?

Notice the ending of the latest movie and consider that unspoken answer of "love."