Four ponderings

[kelleyaynn]

No: HPFGUIDX 144583

I've been pondering three questions, and I'd love to hear what other 
thoughts might be out there regarding them.

1. In HBP Dumbledore, when he and Harry are in the cave trying to 
get to the horcrux, mentions that "Magic always leaves traces" (pg. 
563 US). This seems like one of those lines that could easily be a 
throw-away, but JKR really means to be important. How might the fact 
that magic always leave traces be important in book 7? At this point 
Harry doesn't seem to know how to detect traces of magic. Is that 
something we expect him to learn?

2. Another seeming throw-away plot is S.P.E.W. While I don't think 
that S.P.E.W. itself is going to be important, I think the large 
number of house elves at Hogwarts could be. I'm certain we have not 
seen the last of Dobby and Winky, but I'm not sure what they might 
do in the last book. Or what a potential "army" of house elves might 
be capable of. Any thoughts?

3. And speaking of Hogwarts, I have this feeling that the last 
battle will occur at Hogwartz. The Hogwarts castle has so much 
meaning to Voldemort and is so central to the series so far, I can't 
see it being closed and not having a significant part in book 7. 
There isn't really any canon I can think of that makes me believe 
the final battle will be there, but it just seems like it must have 
a huge role to play in the defeat of Voldemort (and yes, I am sure 
Voldemort will be defeated. I also don't think Harry will die, as I 
think that would ruin the series for too many people.)

4. What role or importance will Ginny play in book 7? She is 
underage and certainly can't go with the trio on their hunt for the 
horcruxes. But due to her steady development througout the series, 
and increasing "face time", I can't see her suddenly becoming a 
minor, insignificant character. She has been shown to be a 
potentially powerful witch in her own right, and the parallels with 
her and Lily can't be coincidental. Her specialness (7th child, only 
girl for many generations in the Weasley family) portends some 
special role in all of this. Thought they are young, I think the 
love of their relationship (Ginny and Harry's) will have some 
meaning in all of this, but I can't quite decide what that will be.


Kelleyaynn