| "Seldom, very seldom does complete truth belong to any human disclosure;seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken." |
| Emma, Jane Austen |
There are many theories floating around as to what will happen in
Book 7. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some key points easy to
overlook.
Book 7. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some key points easy to
overlook.
Hermione is the symbol of intelligence, of friendship, of
loyalty, of love, and she is the symbol of the future. This is
key here.
When Harry makes any sort of decision, or is trying to, when he
takes action, rather rashly most of the time, there’s only one
person he turns to, one person he wants and needs at his side. It
ain’t Ginny, and it sure as heck isn’t Ron.
Hermione is the path to success, to enlightenment, to
understanding. She needs to be present in order for any of them
to progress further. A very prominent, influential role. It may
even put her in a spot of danger. But here’s the catch...the
symbol of the future is just about the one character in the story
that can’t die.
The symbol of the future dies, the future is dead, there’s
nothing to move forward to, everybody go kill yourself.
The Symbol of the Future can be endangered, hurt, thought to be
dead, but cannot die. The Symbol of the Past dies, in paving the
way for the present and future. It’s a cyclical structure. The
relic, the wizened warrior, the reality instructor (Dumbledore,
in this case) dies.
The past dies to give way to the future...example, the newborn
baby survives...here, we have Harry, he would have been the
symbol of the future for Lily and James’ story. Think back even
to the Bible...Moses survives miraculously when the Pharaoh had
ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed. He lives to lead
his people to the future. Just one example, there are bazillions
throughout literature.
The story arc, the Hero’s journey, is that the Hero moves from
the past, through the present struggle and into the future.
Luke hates his existence as a moisture farmer, he seeks adventure
and has one fall on his lap. Obi-Wan takes Luke to help rescue
Leia and trains him in the Force. Obi-Wan dies leaving Luke to
prove he’s learned from the master and can become a Jedi. Defeats
the enemy, at least for the present (because evil never really
does die), and moves on into the future with Leia, Han, Chewy and
the droids. Happily ever after.
The Hero only dies if he has been compromised in some way – if he
has partaken in the evil or engendered it – then he must pay for
his crimes (i.e., King Arthur, and Dr. Frankenstein).
Arthur had an affair with his sister and begat the evil the
country was facing. It was his fault. He had to pay for his
crimes. Dr. Frankenstein birthed the monster and then abandoned
him to the mercies of this world. He was responsible; he had to
pay for his sins. Even Frodo, indulged in the powers of the Ring
and because he had tainted himself, he had to go off to live with
the Elves.
For fun, let’s take a look at what the others might be symbols of:
Harry: the hero, he is the symbol of light, hope and purity,
goodness in the world. He is the Symbol of Justice.
The Weasley’s: the entire clan, but specifically Ron and Ginny,
is used to represent family. They provide for Harry what he has
never had and has always wished for...security, warmth,
acceptance and support.
Luna is the Symbol of Faith. She believes in things that have
little or no proof. And though she seems scatter-brained, she is
alarmingly accurate with her assessments of situations and people.
loyalty, of love, and she is the symbol of the future. This is
key here.
When Harry makes any sort of decision, or is trying to, when he
takes action, rather rashly most of the time, there’s only one
person he turns to, one person he wants and needs at his side. It
ain’t Ginny, and it sure as heck isn’t Ron.
Hermione is the path to success, to enlightenment, to
understanding. She needs to be present in order for any of them
to progress further. A very prominent, influential role. It may
even put her in a spot of danger. But here’s the catch...the
symbol of the future is just about the one character in the story
that can’t die.
The symbol of the future dies, the future is dead, there’s
nothing to move forward to, everybody go kill yourself.
The Symbol of the Future can be endangered, hurt, thought to be
dead, but cannot die. The Symbol of the Past dies, in paving the
way for the present and future. It’s a cyclical structure. The
relic, the wizened warrior, the reality instructor (Dumbledore,
in this case) dies.
The past dies to give way to the future...example, the newborn
baby survives...here, we have Harry, he would have been the
symbol of the future for Lily and James’ story. Think back even
to the Bible...Moses survives miraculously when the Pharaoh had
ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed. He lives to lead
his people to the future. Just one example, there are bazillions
throughout literature.
The story arc, the Hero’s journey, is that the Hero moves from
the past, through the present struggle and into the future.
Luke hates his existence as a moisture farmer, he seeks adventure
and has one fall on his lap. Obi-Wan takes Luke to help rescue
Leia and trains him in the Force. Obi-Wan dies leaving Luke to
prove he’s learned from the master and can become a Jedi. Defeats
the enemy, at least for the present (because evil never really
does die), and moves on into the future with Leia, Han, Chewy and
the droids. Happily ever after.
The Hero only dies if he has been compromised in some way – if he
has partaken in the evil or engendered it – then he must pay for
his crimes (i.e., King Arthur, and Dr. Frankenstein).
Arthur had an affair with his sister and begat the evil the
country was facing. It was his fault. He had to pay for his
crimes. Dr. Frankenstein birthed the monster and then abandoned
him to the mercies of this world. He was responsible; he had to
pay for his sins. Even Frodo, indulged in the powers of the Ring
and because he had tainted himself, he had to go off to live with
the Elves.
For fun, let’s take a look at what the others might be symbols of:
Harry: the hero, he is the symbol of light, hope and purity,
goodness in the world. He is the Symbol of Justice.
The Weasley’s: the entire clan, but specifically Ron and Ginny,
is used to represent family. They provide for Harry what he has
never had and has always wished for...security, warmth,
acceptance and support.
Luna is the Symbol of Faith. She believes in things that have
little or no proof. And though she seems scatter-brained, she is
alarmingly accurate with her assessments of situations and people.
- “He says very funny things sometimes, doesn’t he?”
“But he can be a bit unkind. I noticed that last year.
- “I s’pose,” said Harry. Luna was demonstrating her
never met anyone quite like her.
| Half-Blood Prince Chapter 15 |
Neville: the runner-up as it were, he is the symbol of heart,
perseverance, determination and overcoming obstacles. As much as
this is Harry’s fight, Neville is very closely entwined in it,
spurred on by it and driven to be better than he thought
possible. He achieves things no one could have guessed for him,
mastering a charm before anyone else in the DA, save for Hermione.
And both Prophesy Boys are signs of choosing what is right over
what is easy. The choice is to fight or take flight...they both
choose to fight. It might mean a little more from Neville because
he is the unlikeliest candidate to stand against Voldemort and
yet he is there, fighting.
perseverance, determination and overcoming obstacles. As much as
this is Harry’s fight, Neville is very closely entwined in it,
spurred on by it and driven to be better than he thought
possible. He achieves things no one could have guessed for him,
mastering a charm before anyone else in the DA, save for Hermione.
And both Prophesy Boys are signs of choosing what is right over
what is easy. The choice is to fight or take flight...they both
choose to fight. It might mean a little more from Neville because
he is the unlikeliest candidate to stand against Voldemort and
yet he is there, fighting.
It remains to be seen whether Dumbledore’s greatest sin will be
that he cares too much and chooses to believe in people or his
hubris.
It is mentioned many times throughout the series that Dumbledore
is known for giving second chances and being very understanding.
We hear of it from Hagrid himself, who has been saved by
Dumbledore’s fabled trust in people and belief in the goodness of
humankind.
Dumbledore had suspected Riddle from the time they met at the
orphanage. He knew Hagrid hadn’t set Slytherin’s Serpent upon the
school, but he had no proof. Thus, a Third Year Hagrid takes the
blame from a crime Seventh Year Tom Riddle has committed.
Except Hagrid was a half-giant with questionable manners, magical
skill and brain capacity...he’s a half-breed after all.
Headmaster Dippet and Head of House Slughorn were taken in by
Riddle’s charm and sympathetic back-story. Riddle knew just what
to say and do to get people to like him, Hagrid never had the
benefit of two-facedness.
Though it is easier to give someone a second chance when you know
they weren’t guilty (i.e., Hagrid), or need information from them
and don’t suppose they’re overly evil (i.e., Slughorn). Does
Snape fit into one of these categories?
Is Harry sort of a second chance for Dumbledore – he couldn’t
save one orphan from the dark side, so he’ll try to redeem
himself by saving Harry?
From the first book, Dumbledore mentions his larger than average
brain. He is so clever in fact, he enchanted to Mirror of Erised
to give the Philosopher’s Stone to the one who didn’t want to use
it. (Yet he could not tell something was very strange about
Quirrell?)
He remarks on his own intelligence throughout Book 6, goes so far
as to admit, that since he is cleverer than most, his mistakes
tend to be that much “huger.” He displays the characteristics of
Hubris, that fatal flaw.
Hubris is the exaggerated pride in oneself, to go so far as to
put oneself on par with the gods, exacting terrible retribution.
Almost all of the Ancient Greek heroes (or are they villains?)
suffered from hubris, Achilles, Agamemnon, Oedipus, Jason...there
are too many to list.
Dumbledore’s self-assurance that he is just about the most
wonderful wizard alive, even better than Voldemort and way better
than the “underage and unqualified” Harry, seems to be edging
dangerously close to this fine line of self-confidence and over-
confidence.
Did he allow himself to be blinded by what he wanted to believe
instead of what was real?
that he cares too much and chooses to believe in people or his
hubris.
It is mentioned many times throughout the series that Dumbledore
is known for giving second chances and being very understanding.
We hear of it from Hagrid himself, who has been saved by
Dumbledore’s fabled trust in people and belief in the goodness of
humankind.
Dumbledore had suspected Riddle from the time they met at the
orphanage. He knew Hagrid hadn’t set Slytherin’s Serpent upon the
school, but he had no proof. Thus, a Third Year Hagrid takes the
blame from a crime Seventh Year Tom Riddle has committed.
Except Hagrid was a half-giant with questionable manners, magical
skill and brain capacity...he’s a half-breed after all.
Headmaster Dippet and Head of House Slughorn were taken in by
Riddle’s charm and sympathetic back-story. Riddle knew just what
to say and do to get people to like him, Hagrid never had the
benefit of two-facedness.
Though it is easier to give someone a second chance when you know
they weren’t guilty (i.e., Hagrid), or need information from them
and don’t suppose they’re overly evil (i.e., Slughorn). Does
Snape fit into one of these categories?
Is Harry sort of a second chance for Dumbledore – he couldn’t
save one orphan from the dark side, so he’ll try to redeem
himself by saving Harry?
From the first book, Dumbledore mentions his larger than average
brain. He is so clever in fact, he enchanted to Mirror of Erised
to give the Philosopher’s Stone to the one who didn’t want to use
it. (Yet he could not tell something was very strange about
Quirrell?)
He remarks on his own intelligence throughout Book 6, goes so far
as to admit, that since he is cleverer than most, his mistakes
tend to be that much “huger.” He displays the characteristics of
Hubris, that fatal flaw.
Hubris is the exaggerated pride in oneself, to go so far as to
put oneself on par with the gods, exacting terrible retribution.
Almost all of the Ancient Greek heroes (or are they villains?)
suffered from hubris, Achilles, Agamemnon, Oedipus, Jason...there
are too many to list.
Dumbledore’s self-assurance that he is just about the most
wonderful wizard alive, even better than Voldemort and way better
than the “underage and unqualified” Harry, seems to be edging
dangerously close to this fine line of self-confidence and over-
confidence.
Did he allow himself to be blinded by what he wanted to believe
instead of what was real?
Voldemort possess Nagini (a Horcrux) – but the object of the
possession clearly does not need to be a Horcrux because
Voldemort has possessed Ginny. She had in her possession a
Horcrux but was not one herself.
Voldemort doesn’t seem to have a problem possessing someone even
if it’s a fraction of his soul long since removed and un-
stimulated or trained in years. It is interesting that he had no
difficulty sustaining the possession even from a 50 year old
fragment of himself stuck in a book without a body or wand of his
own.
Yet Harry, a supposed Horcrux throws Voldemort off with one wave
of love? It seems to me that if Harry was a Horcrux, or his scar
was a Horcrux, there would be no reason Voldemort couldn’t’
occupy his mind, or body even, unconditionally and without
constraint. I find it hard to believe that Harry’s errant
feelings of love throws a powerful wizard like Voldemort for such
a loop he releases his prey.
If Harry was a Horcrux, Voldemort would be able to withstand it.
There would be that little piece of himself into which he could
retreat. He can control a large reptile without struggle. And
this possession comes after Voldemort has returned to full power
with the help of Harry’s own blood. Voldemort can touch Harry’s
skin now, there’s seemingly nothing standing in the way – not
Lily, her love, or ancient magic.
It’s not a fragment of soul. It’s not a reptile lacking human
intelligence. It’s a young boy who’s supposedly already got a bit
of the ole’ LV soul in him because of the Horcrux. So why can’t
Voldemort occupy Harry’s body for long?
For me, this means that he must not be a Horcrux…or I just really
want to believe that anyway. With all the odds in his favor,
Voldemort can’t stand up to a despairing feeling of love.
Plus, we know that making a Horcrux is not only very dark magic,
but it’s also very complicated. There’s a special incantation
that has to be said to place your bit of severed soul into the
receptacle. It doesn’t seem like something that could be done by
accident: having intended to make Harry’s death into the
sacrifice required of a Horcrux, Voldemort would have had the
object with him.
That maybe true, but no one was around to say the incantation to
place his soul inside Harry. He “was less than a spirit, less
than the meanest ghost.” He did not have the power, the time, nor
the body or wand to make an incantation.
possession clearly does not need to be a Horcrux because
Voldemort has possessed Ginny. She had in her possession a
Horcrux but was not one herself.
Voldemort doesn’t seem to have a problem possessing someone even
if it’s a fraction of his soul long since removed and un-
stimulated or trained in years. It is interesting that he had no
difficulty sustaining the possession even from a 50 year old
fragment of himself stuck in a book without a body or wand of his
own.
Yet Harry, a supposed Horcrux throws Voldemort off with one wave
of love? It seems to me that if Harry was a Horcrux, or his scar
was a Horcrux, there would be no reason Voldemort couldn’t’
occupy his mind, or body even, unconditionally and without
constraint. I find it hard to believe that Harry’s errant
feelings of love throws a powerful wizard like Voldemort for such
a loop he releases his prey.
If Harry was a Horcrux, Voldemort would be able to withstand it.
There would be that little piece of himself into which he could
retreat. He can control a large reptile without struggle. And
this possession comes after Voldemort has returned to full power
with the help of Harry’s own blood. Voldemort can touch Harry’s
skin now, there’s seemingly nothing standing in the way – not
Lily, her love, or ancient magic.
It’s not a fragment of soul. It’s not a reptile lacking human
intelligence. It’s a young boy who’s supposedly already got a bit
of the ole’ LV soul in him because of the Horcrux. So why can’t
Voldemort occupy Harry’s body for long?
For me, this means that he must not be a Horcrux…or I just really
want to believe that anyway. With all the odds in his favor,
Voldemort can’t stand up to a despairing feeling of love.
Plus, we know that making a Horcrux is not only very dark magic,
but it’s also very complicated. There’s a special incantation
that has to be said to place your bit of severed soul into the
receptacle. It doesn’t seem like something that could be done by
accident: having intended to make Harry’s death into the
sacrifice required of a Horcrux, Voldemort would have had the
object with him.
That maybe true, but no one was around to say the incantation to
place his soul inside Harry. He “was less than a spirit, less
than the meanest ghost.” He did not have the power, the time, nor
the body or wand to make an incantation.
Voldemort has proven himself to have a symbolic sense about him
with a strong understanding of history and historical importance
(a trait he shares with many megalomaniac psychotic leaders,
incidentally). So when looking for an object in which he could
store his very soul, it is safe to presume he’d look for objects
of significance: Personal possessions of the Founders of Hogwarts.
with a strong understanding of history and historical importance
(a trait he shares with many megalomaniac psychotic leaders,
incidentally). So when looking for an object in which he could
store his very soul, it is safe to presume he’d look for objects
of significance: Personal possessions of the Founders of Hogwarts.
Marvolo Gaunt's Ring:
a family heirloom as it turns out. It is a symbol
of wealth, status and greed, materialism and
lineage (which is very fitting considered he’d
never had a family and the importance the Pure
Bloods place on it).
of wealth, status and greed, materialism and
lineage (which is very fitting considered he’d
never had a family and the importance the Pure
Bloods place on it).
| Destroyed |
Slytherin's Locket:
again it stresses the connection to his family, a
long line of great wizards. Slytherin himself has a
achieved immortality by living within the history
records and in people’s memories.
Riddle is the bastard son of Muggle, which is
something that disgusts him. He’d want to stress
his connection to a Wizarding line and one of the
oldest and greatest around....It gives him power
and a legitimacy that he’s never had before.
long line of great wizards. Slytherin himself has a
achieved immortality by living within the history
records and in people’s memories.
Riddle is the bastard son of Muggle, which is
something that disgusts him. He’d want to stress
his connection to a Wizarding line and one of the
oldest and greatest around....It gives him power
and a legitimacy that he’s never had before.
| At Large |
Hufflepuff’s Chalice:
it’s a yonic symbol of femininity; a receptacle; a
bearer of things, life-giving things like water and
food.
Hufflepuff’s are known for their loyalty,
unpretentious attitude, for being helpful “play-by-
the-rules” fair. They are “straight shooters.”
The Head of House right now is Pomona Sprout –
Master of Herbology which is the study of plants,
living things, growth, nurturing nature (all
traditionally feminine attributes).
bearer of things, life-giving things like water and
food.
Hufflepuff’s are known for their loyalty,
unpretentious attitude, for being helpful “play-by-
the-rules” fair. They are “straight shooters.”
The Head of House right now is Pomona Sprout –
Master of Herbology which is the study of plants,
living things, growth, nurturing nature (all
traditionally feminine attributes).
| At Large |
His Personal Diary:
it’s a preservation of youth-remembrance, conceit.
It’s putting himself on par with the Founders.
A book is a symbol of education. Blank pages can
represent lack of experience, life yet to be
lived…or erasure.
It could be a symbol of his old self – the little
orphan boy, powerless and alone. It was something
he was moving away from: the weakness of being Tom
Marvolo Riddle, named for a filthy muggle man who
abandoned him and his mother, and a mother weak
enough to give in to death.
At the time he had the diary, he was already
planning on breaking away from that past and
becoming something so much more, something far
greater in his mind.
It’s putting himself on par with the Founders.
A book is a symbol of education. Blank pages can
represent lack of experience, life yet to be
lived…or erasure.
It could be a symbol of his old self – the little
orphan boy, powerless and alone. It was something
he was moving away from: the weakness of being Tom
Marvolo Riddle, named for a filthy muggle man who
abandoned him and his mother, and a mother weak
enough to give in to death.
At the time he had the diary, he was already
planning on breaking away from that past and
becoming something so much more, something far
greater in his mind.
| Destroyed |
The Snake:
Nagini. Why would he make something that could die
on its own be a receptacle of is soul?
Nagini is an animal; she represents raw power,
hunger, she is poisonous and a personification of
his parselmouth gift. A symbol of what he’s become.
on its own be a receptacle of is soul?
Nagini is an animal; she represents raw power,
hunger, she is poisonous and a personification of
his parselmouth gift. A symbol of what he’s become.
| At Large |
Something of
Ranveclaw’s OR
Gryffindor’s:
Ranveclaw’s OR
Gryffindor’s:
Ravenclaws = Intelligence
Gryffindors = Courage
As we don't know much about any of the Founders it
is hard to speculate what heirlooms of theirs might
have been preserved all these years.
| At Large |
I think it's safe to say that Harry's certainly got his work cut
out for him in his next adventure...
out for him in his next adventure...
| Year 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince |
| Symbols |
| Dumbledore's Greatest Sin |
| Possession and Horcruxes |
| Horcruxes and their Symbolism |
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| The Ultimate Harry Potter Analysis Source |
| Choosing what is Right over what is Easy |
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