OOP:ahead to 7 (was Beginning at the Dursleys) (was: OOtP A tad disappointe

[Mary]

No: HPFGUIDX 65040

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Matthew Huston" 
<matthisattva at y...> wrote:
> The original point of his thread was that I had been disappointed at
> the same formula being re-hashed, merely different details. (Snip) 

> What I'm hoping is that for book 6, we'll get what book 5 turned out
> not to be. After all, Harry's done with his O.W.L.s (like being done
> with high school as I think of it), and like Fred and George can 
leave
> school should he need to.
> 
> Matthew Huston

You may be doomed to disappointment.  If you look at the spines of 
the American version, each is clearly marked Year 1, Year 2, etc. 
This is a series set in a school, thus it is confined to the 
limitations of the school year calendar.  That's what school-aged 
kids do - they go to school, and are home for summer vacation. 
Admittedly, Harry's "home" is hardly deserving of the name, yet it's 
been explained why he must go there. 

As for wanting wider vistas for Harry, ala becoming a Hogwarts
drop-out - I would be very surprised if J.K.R. would take the books 
in this direction.  One of the most important themes in this story 
arc is growth of character and growth of wisdom. The most important 
fuel for that growth is knowledge, so Harry must stay in school. As 
we look in on Harry each summer, we are given the opportunity to see 
how his previous year has changed him - what's become of the Dursleys 
over the year and how have these changes affected their interaction 
with one another?  

As for the books being "re-hashed" or "formula"ic, I would beg to 
differ.  The only thing that is repeated (out of necessity) is the 
time-line and setting.  We see a steadily more developed Harry every 
year, and each year (or book) stands out as being unique in its 
flavor.  I, for one, don't want to see Harry leave the hallowed halls 
of Hogwarts, but to grow within them.   
-Mary (who would like to remind everyone who wants to see the 
Hogwarts setting done away with what happens when sitcom characters 
travel to exotic locations <g>.)