My ideas about the covers

[Dave Hardenbrook]

No: HPFGUIDX 166673

UK version:

  -- I'm not crazy about the appearance of Harry -- I think he
      looks like Ted Danson!

  -- I think the fourth being in the scene might be (in order of
       likelihood):

       1. An new house-elf  (None we've met are likely sword-wielders)
       2. Kreacher (That wrinkled forehead suggests age to me)
       2. Dobby  (But if so, where's his tea-cozy hat??) :)
       4. A Gringotts Goblin (only if this *is* Gringotts)

  -- I guess the fact that we see just the Trio (and a House Elf?)
      in the scene precludes my hoped-for scenario of Ginny
      "crashing the party", so to speak...


US version:

  -- Those things that look like tree stumps and fragments
       of splinted wood (a fence?) make me think this scene is
       outdoors.  I also think that the object behind Harry's
       right hand (it doesn't look to me like he's actually
       touching it) is another tree stump, not a tombstone.
       Not sure about the rock-like thing to Harry's left...

  -- I frankly don't know why so many assume those curtains are
       "The Veil", which is described as *black*: "... the archway
       was hung with a tattered black curtain or veil..."
          -- OoP, US ed, p. 773.
          
  -- Does anyone else find it intriguing that Harry's pose is
      almost a mirror image of his pose on the cover of SS?
      Could this be significant in any way other than
      highlighting how much Harry has matured (and how much
      Granpre's artwork has improved over time)?  Is it at all
      possible that the final confrontation will be airborne??


Dave