# 5th Harry Potter book **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 3, 2002, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180 "2002-12-03T07:45:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kaiju](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a587f6/32.png) [@kaiju](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaiju)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/21 "2002-12-03T18:40:55Z")
A fan of Harry’s? Sounds like Colin Creevy’s number is up. I wouldn’t bet money on Dumbledore lasting to the end of book 7 either. If she kills him, it’ll make the final fight between Harry and Voldemort more exciting. Just WAGs. ---
**Author:** ![Realhoops](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8dc957/32.png) [@Realhoops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Realhoops)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/22 "2002-12-03T19:53:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by kaiju \* > \*\*A fan of Harry’s? > > Sounds like Colin Creevy’s number is up. > > \*\* FWIW since we’re just speculating anyway, I don’t think it’s someone as “ancillary” as Creevy. Rowlings has apparently said that it was a very difficult death to write, suggesting that it is someone quite more important to Harry… although, OTOH I suppose it would be tough on Harry to have someone like Creevy die if it happens _because_ of his affection for Harry… and then OTOHAgain maybe she’ll throw a really big wrinkle in everything and it’ll be Harry himself! My money’s still on Hagrid or Dobby, although to cover my bases adequately I should also say it could be Hermione… or Ginny… or Ron… or Cho… or Dumbledore… or … ACK! Reo Speedwagon stuck in my head now… thanks a lot. ---
**Author:** ![Truth\_Seeker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Truth\_Seeker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truth_Seeker)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/23 "2002-12-03T20:25:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\*do any of you think that not all seven books will get the movie treatment. On another thread that seemed to be the view of a few posters. I personally can’t see why; the books seem to getting more interesting and there is no sign of fans losing interest. \*\* If the books keep selling, the movies will keep coming. You know, Rowling has an opportunity here that is unique in human history. Basically, she can write these books however she wants and be guaranteed that they will be published. What is more, she is guaranteed that they will be read by people all around the world. Think of the possibilities! Supposed JKR is really a closet nihilist or an Ayn Rand fanatic or something. She could write _anything_ and have it piped directly into the minds of hundreds of millions of children! Does anyone know if the story arc has actually already been written? I get the impression that she is kind of making it up as she goes along. BTW, how many people are expecting/dreading some sort of “Harry, I am your father.” moment between HP and V? BBTW, Does anyone suspect that the series will never be finished? After all JKR is now a millionaire many times over and, I understand, has just had a new baby. In other words, she’s not hungry anymore and she’s got lots of other things to occupy her time. I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if takes her ten years to getting around to finishing book VI. ---
**Author:** ![okielady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/fbc32d/32.png) [@okielady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/okielady)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/24 "2002-12-03T20:40:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Realhoops \* > \*\*ACK! Reo Speedwagon stuck in my head now… thanks a lot. \*\* Sorry! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Avalonian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee7513/32.png) [@Avalonian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avalonian)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/25 "2002-12-03T21:44:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Truth Seeker \* > **Does anyone know if the story arc has actually already been written? I get the impression that she is kind of making it up as she goes along.** I don’t know for sure if it’s been written or not, but since she wrote the first book without the idea that it would be continued, I’m pretty sure she didn’t have a full arc in mind yet. However, after _Goblet of Fire_, it becomes pretty clear that she’s definitely starting to plan ahead a little more, introducing story elements that can’t be resolved until later books. I see the first three as sort of “one-offs,” introducing us to characters and such, while the fourth book starts to seriously delve into the wider story. This could well be disproven as the rest of the series comes out. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Truth Seeker \* > **BTW, how many people are expecting/dreading some sort of “Harry, I am your father.” moment between HP and V?** _raises hand_ I’m starting to expect this more and more. There is clearly some sort of relationship/bond between Harry and Voldemort. It’s been hinted at several times. The nature of it remains a mystery, but there’s something there. I only hope it’s not too cheesy when it’s finally revealed. > [@](#): > > **VOLDEMORT** casts an especially strong _Expelliarmus_ at **HARRY** , taking his hand off with the wand. > > VOLDEMORT: I’m you grandfather, Harry. > > HARRY: _Nooooooooooo!_ 😉 ---
**Author:** ![JessEnigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cdc98d/32.png) [@JessEnigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JessEnigma)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/26 "2002-12-03T22:20:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Wicked Blue \* > \*\*(Possible Spoliers) > > - There will be a female Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher. The specualtion is that she’s either Fleur Delacour or a witch we haven’t met yet, possibly Professor Lupin’s girlfriend/wife. > \*\* And if the DADA teacher actually turns out to be Fleur _or_ Lupin’s girlfriend/wife, I will promptly swear off the books. How utterly fanfic-ish…even if it is well-written. Ah, also, she has said, more or less, that Arabella Figg and Mrs. Figg are the same person. [An interview](http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/author/transcript2.htm). I’m obsessed with this. I dug up that interview in twenty seconds. How sad. ---
**Author:** ![taichi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea666f/32.png) [@taichi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/taichi)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/27 "2002-12-03T22:36:41Z")
Or maybe the Big V is James Potter’s brother and he was in love with Lily and then turned to the dark side because of this unrequited love. Oooohh this speculation can really carry you awaaaayyyyy… ---
**Author:** ![NPavelka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/edb3f5/32.png) [@NPavelka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NPavelka)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/28 "2002-12-03T22:57:02Z")
I’m still thinking we are gonna find out Snape was in love with Lilly, that is why he hated James so much. Hagrid is toast, a very beloved character… but he’s gonna die. Hopefully infront of a fully grown Norbert and then Norby can eat who ever killed him… sometimes it’s good to have big monsters as pets. As for other specuilation… well I’m thinking Ron will be made Keeper, Harry will get Captian and Hermonie will be made a Prefect. ---
**Author:** ![Truth\_Seeker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Truth\_Seeker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truth_Seeker)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/29 "2002-12-03T23:09:34Z")
Hmm. The interview **JessEnigma** linked to answers some of my questions. > [@](#): > > Q: Are you writing all the books at the same time, like in little pieces, while concentrating mostly on the present one, or do you just have a general idea about them? > A: During the first five years that I was writing the series, I made plans and wrote small pieces of all the books. I concentrate on one book at a time, though occasionally I will get an idea for a future book and scribble it down for future reference. So she more-or-less started with a complete story arc. There was also this: > [@](#): > > Q: Is Voldemort some sort of relative of Harry’s? Possibly his mother’s brother? > A: I’m laughing…that would be a bit Star Wars, wouldn’t it? Yes, it would, but I note that she doesn’t say “no.” I agree with **Avolonian** , there’s going to be some kind of “illuminating” confrontation. ---
**Author:** ![Burnt\_Sugar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@Burnt\_Sugar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Burnt_Sugar)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/30 "2002-12-03T23:23:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by NPavelka \* > **I’m still thinking we are gonna find out Snape was in love with Lilly, that is why he hated James so much.** I thought it said in the first book that Snape hated Harry’s father because Harry’s father saved his life and he felt forever in debt to him? ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/31 "2002-12-03T23:56:24Z")
Actually, James Potter did save Snapes’s life, but the reason Snapes hated him so much was that it was Potter’s fault that Snapes’s life was in danger in the first place, in a prank gone wrong. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2002, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/32 "2002-12-03T23:58:09Z")
Gah…it’s been too long since I’ve read the books. Is it Snape or Snapes? ---
**Author:** ![Realhoops](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8dc957/32.png) [@Realhoops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Realhoops)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2002, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/33 "2002-12-04T00:42:16Z")
😃 When there’s only one, it’s Snape. When there’s multiple, it’s Snapes. 😃 What? I _know_ we’ve never seen multiple Snapes before, but this is a “speculation” thread, no? :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Apollyon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/apollyon/32/4238_2.png) [@Apollyon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apollyon)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2002, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/34 "2002-12-04T01:10:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jayjay \* > \*\*Actually, James Potter did save Snapes’s life, but the reason Snapes hated him so much was that it was Potter’s fault that Snapes’s life was in danger in the first place, in a prank gone wrong. \*\* Technically, it was Sirius Black that put Snape’s life in danger, and when James found out what Sirius had planned he rescued Snape. But Snape blamed James anyway. ---
**Author:** ![furthur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecccb3/32.png) [@furthur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furthur)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2002, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/35 "2002-12-04T03:25:38Z")
Anyone else think JK is setting up a final pairing-off between: 1. Hermione and Ron, eventually, after a love-triangle book in which Hermione thinks she likes Harry and ends up falling for Ron, and – 2. Harry and Ginny Weasley. I’m thinking they end up together at the end of Book Seven. Dissenting opinions? Mrs. Furthur ---
**Author:** ![Sparrow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Sparrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparrow)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2002, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/36 "2002-12-04T12:00:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by furthur \* > \*\*Anyone else think JK is setting up a final pairing-off between: > 2) Harry and Ginny Weasley. I’m thinking they end up together at the end of Book Seven. > > Dissenting opinions? > > Mrs. Furthur \*\* I agree, but Harry willl probably have a fling with Cho Chang before he realises that Ginny is the gal for him! ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2002, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/37 "2002-12-04T12:58:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Realhoops \* > \*\*😃 When there’s only one, it’s Snape. When there’s multiple, it’s Snapes. 😃 > > What? I _know_ we’ve never seen multiple Snapes before, but this is a “speculation” thread, no? :eek: \*\* _Harry Potter 6: Attack of the Snapes_ ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_bandit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2002, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/38 "2002-12-04T15:54:09Z")
[quote] I believe it’s at the end of GOF when Harry wants to go home with the Weasleys instead of back tot he Dursleys and Dumbledore indicates that Harry is safe at the Dursleys [quote] Mark me for a fool, but I think Figg was the _least_ of the defences in place to protect Harry. Dumbledore implies to me that Harry was somehow protected by real magic, of family. Something more than a spell. Ginny, of course, might be the one to kick the bucket next. She certainly is a Harry Potter fan[atic]. Another possibilty is that it will be Harry’s Aunt or Uncle Dursley. After all, they mnay not like Harry that much, but he’s still _family_. That would an apporpriately literary end to one or both of them, heroically sacrificing their lives for the nephew they detest. 🙂 I could be wrong, but I thought Voldemort wasn’t old enough to be Harry’s grampy. He’d be about the right age to be his dad, but I don’t see that one happening. Harry looks an awful like like his James Potter. > [@](#): > > Oh… and I also read somewhere sometime that someone once said that when the cast was on Oprah Robbie Coltraine was asked if he had been signed on for all 7 movies and he said “sort of”, which naturally means that he must be signed on for all of the movies that Hagrid is in which also naturally must mean that Hagrid will die sometime before the last one… Or it means that… they haven’t got a plan for all 7 movies so haven’t offered him the role 7 times. But he’s probably happy to do the role that many times. ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_bandit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2002, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/39 "2002-12-04T16:19:39Z")
Please forgive my awful quote-marking. MODS! Help! Please help fix this please! Please! Pretty pretty kitten-cute sparkly sprinkles please?! ---
**Author:** ![Iteki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/eada6e/32.png) [@Iteki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iteki)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2002, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180/40 "2002-12-04T22:11:41Z")
Time for an “Order of the Phoenix Deadpool” thread perchance? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5th-harry-potter-book/140180.md?page=1)