What If . . . What If It's A *Dud?*

[Cindy C. <cindysphynx@comcast.net>]

No: HPFGUIDX 51837

Lately, for reasons I don't fully understand, I have been consumed 
with angst over the possibility that OoP will be . . . oh, I don't 
know . . . unsatisfactory.  Substandard.  Disappointing.  *Dud-
worthy.*

I don't know why I think this is a possibility, really.  After all, 
the trend line is good.  PoA was a substantial improvement over CoS 
(PoA being the best book in my opinion, and CoS being the least 
enjoyable book).  GoF was very good and satisfying.

But yet . . .   I still worry.  'Cause you know what happens if OoP 
isn't very good, right?  The reviews will be poor, and JKR might 
seize up and not produce a book for another 3-4 years.  Leaving us 
stuck with OoP as our only canon to analyze for a very looooong time.

::bites fingernails::

So I was wondering:  What could go wrong with OoP?  What would would 
it take to positively *ruin* the book, do you think?

I think my main worry is that the book will be excessively sappy.  
Too much romance, or worse, too much attempting to wring tears out 
of the reader.  But I'm also a little concerned that JKR might 
resort to something we've seen before to carry the main plot twist.  
More polyjuice.  Or animagi.  Or time-turner.  Or there will be a 
confrontation with Voldemort that won't measure up to the graveyard 
scene.

So what do you think?  How confident are folks that OoP will be 
really good, and why?  And if it's not very good, will it really 
matter?

Cindy