HP5 a New Era in more ways than one

[prefectmarcus at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 21985

I am sorry if this topic has come up before, but I haven't noticed it 
in my lurking and reading of VFAQ's.

We all know that HP4 marked the end of an era.  Voldemort is now back. 
 Dumbledore is estranged from the Minister of Magic.  Things are not 
going to be the same in HP5.

But in on a smaller scale, HP5 marks the beginning of a new era for 
Harry personally.  For the first time in his Hogwarts career, he has 
no upper-classmen to look to.  Percy is gone, Fred and George are 
gone.  Wood is gone.  At least one of the Griffindor chasers are gone.

Quite literally, Harry's support group of older students has 
evaporated.  He is left with his crush on Cho Chang.  That's about it.

Harry is now an upper-classman.  I have been yelled out for saying so, 
but I believe he will be made a Prefect.  This will put him 
"in-the-know" of some things he wouldn't be privy to normally.  It 
would counter-balance Draco becoming a prefect.  And it will allow him 
free access to the Prefect's Bathroom.  There's something special 
about that place, but I digress.

Harry will also likely be given at least limited access to the 
Restricted Area in the Library.  He is a senior student, and he will 
undoubtly be studing advanced DADA, since his crash course required by 
the Tri-wizard tournament's third task put him way ahead of his 
classmates.

Harry is becoming a force to be reckoned with.  He is immuned to the 
imperious curse.  He defeated a weakened Voldemort when 11 years old. 
 He defeated Voldemort in the form of a 16-year boy when Harry was but 
12 years old.  He went toe-to-toe with a fully restored Voldemort and 
defeated him when 14 years old.  The last defeat showed to Voldemort 
and all his closest follows Harry's superior strength of mind and 
will.

Mr. Ollivander, "We should expect great things from you, Mr. Potter."