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Posted by: Josée~Madalia Jul 19 2005, 10:55 AM

Well, the first part of the interview and the lauch weekend report is finally out.  So first of all...

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!

Thank you, Melissa, Emerson, for giving us the chance of seeing what you did over the week-end, and for giving us that interview which, as Melissa said in an interview, will be as close as possible to what really was said by Jo Rowling.  No editing, word changing or anything.  What we have are the very things that came out of the Lady's mouth. And all the fans are very grateful for that!

So, what are your thoughts about the first part that came out? There's more to come, of course, so I just can't wait!

Posted by: queen_of_double_standards Jul 19 2005, 11:05 AM

I would like to echo the thank yous for this amazing opportunity.  TO JKR for inviting Mellisa and Emerson, and to M & E for doing such an awesome job.  The first bit of the interview that I've read is awesome... can't wait for more.  

I'll hold the rest of my comments until I've read the whole thing. :-)

Posted by: Lord Montymort Jul 19 2005, 11:13 AM

WOW the "clinging to some desperate hope" has got me wondering, what I'm reading from this is Snape is evil

Posted by: tiddlywinks Jul 19 2005, 02:06 PM

Posted by: TantaGold Jul 19 2005, 03:00 PM

Nnnnoooooo!!!!!...(that was my Darth Vader impression...) I have to cling to the hope that Snape is good. Please JK, don't hurt me so...At least during this waiting time for Book 7, I have to believe Snape did this because of a plan he and Dumbledore had made for the good of Harry and the Order...otherwise, my heart will break...sob, sniff...

Posted by: Josée~Madalia Jul 19 2005, 03:12 PM

OK, my thought is the following... Do you really think Jo would destroy a theory (and may I add a VERY IMPORTANT theory) merely 48 hours after the book was published?!?

Posted by: TantaGold Jul 19 2005, 03:16 PM

Unless she was caught unaware in her excited conversation with Melissa and Emerson. Sort of a Hagrid moment.

But, no -- weighing the pros and cons of the "Is Snape still working for the Order" argument, I say it's common sense that he is.

Posted by: Mistressofthedarkarts Jul 19 2005, 05:21 PM

Echoing the people who have already posted, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Hmm, and the rotten Snape thing?? It's very intriguing. It's a very Jo answer.

Posted by: Avalon Jul 19 2005, 05:23 PM

I must be completely oblivious to this, but where can I find the interview???? I've been dying waiting for it!!

Posted by: TantaGold Jul 19 2005, 05:31 PM

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/MTarchives/007340.php

Posted by: acciojohnnydepp Jul 19 2005, 05:40 PM

I would like to say that Emerson asked Jo my question. It was about the web site, and would she continue on with it. Now I know that other people asked that too, so it really wasn't MY exact question, but of all the questions that were on the contest thread for Melissa to ask , that is the one I asked. It didn't even make The top 5, but it was asked anyway!!! cool!!!

Posted by: TantaGold Jul 19 2005, 05:52 PM

Yeah, acciojohnnydepp, that was really great to find out. I just assumed that JK would stop updating the site after Book 7 and a year or two later it would be shut down, so it's very exciting to hear she'll still be involved with it long after the series is over.

Posted by: Nyago =^^= Jul 19 2005, 07:15 PM

Can't wait to read more!!! :excited:

All the pictures, voice recordings, video clips~~~

Will the interview be made public (as in carried by major news agencies)?

Posted by: MonieLou Jul 19 2005, 10:56 PM

Posted by: hannabelle Jul 19 2005, 11:27 PM

This is a great interview - fun to read because the interviewers and Jo seem to have had a blast together. And there's so much interesting stuff just in the first tenth of the interview. I can't wait to read the rest!

Posted by: brandon Jul 20 2005, 12:01 AM

So far from what I've read from the interview sounds great! I can't wait to read the rest. Thanks Melissa and Emerson.

Posted by: stella Jul 20 2005, 02:27 AM

Yaaaaay! It was amazing, thank you both so much! Can't wait to read the rest- you were asking questions that Jo actaully had to think about when answering- which I bet doesn't happen too often

I really hope Harry does deal with Snape...

Posted by: F. Kepler Jul 20 2005, 05:50 AM

yeah the interview has a very cool start. i can't wait to see the next part... wow!

thanks a lot. you have been a very professional fans

Posted by: Ravenclaw_Shree Jul 20 2005, 05:57 AM

Well done both of you! From the transcript it seems you kept your cool-and didn't run around in a frenzy like I would've done! The first part is BRILLIANT-can't wait for the rest of it.

Ps-SO jealous of your weekend!

Posted by: mikey Jul 20 2005, 08:55 AM

Well done Melissa,it's shaping up to be one of the most inteligent interview I've heard in a long time.

The description of the weekend is just as interestng to me as the interview itself - well done  :wizard:

Looks like you didn't get anytime to chase after Scottish boys in Kilts after all!!

Posted by: joveela Jul 20 2005, 10:57 AM

I'm still holding out for Snapes redemption.  Thank you so much Emerson and Melissa!

Posted by: Cat got your tongue? Jul 20 2005, 11:03 AM

Thank you for the interview. I can't wait for more!!!

Posted by: Arianna Jul 20 2005, 11:11 AM

Thanks for making sure the transcript was as perfect as possible before sharing it with us. Just don't take too long!

It sounds like you two had a great time - I'm so happy for you!

Posted by: Yasmin Jul 20 2005, 11:19 AM

wow..i have no words to express how im feeling right now!=x
he actually died...*sobs*
well..lets see whats on the way on the next book...
nice job on the interview!!

Posted by: sarahdfrench Jul 20 2005, 03:41 PM

so, why is it that Lilly Potter has a choice in dying or not?  Its not like Voldy to give her that option....something's up...what are your opinions?

Posted by: virginia Jul 20 2005, 03:42 PM

WOW, thanks!!! That was incredibly interesting to read! You guys really got her confessing!!! I was especially intrigued by the "hmmm" after the Lily-Voldemort question. Nice job, she wouldn't have answered anyone else!

Posted by: F. Kepler Jul 20 2005, 04:09 PM

Will the second part be published at USA night??

I have been refleshing and refleshing TLC and MN from this morning, and nothing happened :-( now it's night and I am going to bed. I cross my fingers for reading it in a few minutes, but if not, i will have it tomorrow. I am not why, I am sure that this interview deserves to be waited ^^ but i can't wait, hehe

Posted by: TantaGold Jul 20 2005, 04:14 PM

Yeah, it was stated in Part 1 that there'd be more on Wednesday and Friday, but...things aren't going according to plan these days for TLC.

Posted by: F. Kepler Jul 20 2005, 04:17 PM

Well... as JKR would say... "Patience is the key" ^^ And if the result of the patience is great, nothing better

Posted by: weygandt Jul 20 2005, 05:30 PM

Posted by: Loony_Lea Jul 20 2005, 05:54 PM

Besides the insightful interview, Melissa's description was absolutely wonderful! Very detailed and enlightening -- I was somehow halfway between being ecstatic and utterly envious = )

Thank-you Melissa, Emerson, and (though she'll never see this) Jo for putting a smile on my face and making all my harry potter nerddom worthwhile.

Posted by: Pumpkin_juice Jul 20 2005, 06:00 PM

wow... great interview. One thing that sticks in my head is JKR saying that this is the last quidditch match we will ever see.  It makes me think that book seven really wont be at Hogwarts.

I didnt quite understand her answer for how many people are wizards.  did she mean there were 600 students at hogwarts total or 600 students per year (so more like 4200 students) at hogwarts?

lots to think about

Posted by: Katy Jul 20 2005, 06:11 PM

:excited: Thank you so much! That was amazing. Jo is just...genius, sheer genius. I'm too excited to intelligently discuss but that interview was awesome. I was laughing so hard my dog fled the room in alarm ("All laugh; Melissa doubles over, hysterical, and may have died" - I did the same thing!) I can't wait for Part Three.

Jo: :notworthy:

Posted by: PeanutGallery Jul 20 2005, 06:17 PM

 I can't believe she said it after all this time!  And RAB.  Draco's a DE!  And more about Dumbledore and I hope you guys can convince her to do a whole book!

Posted by: Gme Jul 20 2005, 06:18 PM

Oh please, Melissa, tell me if we will get to know anything about Harry and Ginny, JKR only talked about Ron/Hermione...
Are we getting part three on thursday?

Gen

Posted by: hedwig200 Jul 20 2005, 06:24 PM

This is amazing, absolutely amazing to read.  It is one of those interviews that makes you feel like you are there, that truly offers some new insight or a different perspective, and I think that is not only down to Ms. Rowling, but to the interviewers as well.

Also, [from part two,] Rowling is a West Wing fan!  A Sorkin fan!  AHA!

Posted by: caddison Jul 20 2005, 06:24 PM

Yes, thanks Melissa.  It's very interesting.  I can't imagine how great it was for you.

Part two was just put up, so I'm off to read it.

Posted by: minime Jul 20 2005, 06:25 PM

Thank you Melissa and Emerson. What a joy it is to read an interview that us fans are really interested in, it makes such a difference. Well done on an outstanding job.

Posted by: mlh424 Jul 20 2005, 06:25 PM

I know several people have said it loads of times, but, wow, thank you so much for sharing this experience.  All I can say is, wow, it is so wonderful to hear that Jo Rowling is such a normal, kind person. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the interview and Melissa's report.  Melissa, you are a gifted writer and a gift to all of us HP fans.  Thanks again.

Posted by: bopper Jul 20 2005, 06:27 PM

Maybe I'm a bit thick but.. Did she answer the question about DD planning to die?

MA: …whether this had been planned, and since Dumbledore had this knowledge of Draco the whole year, had they had a discussion that said, "Should this happen, you have to act as if it is entirely your intention to just walk forward and kill me, because if you don't, Draco will die, the Unbreakable Vow, you'll die," and so on —

JKR: No, I see that, and yeah, I follow your line there. I can't — I mean, obviously, there are lines of speculation I don't want to shut down. Generally speaking, I shut down those lines of speculation that are plain unprofitable. Even with the shippers. God bless them, but they had a lot of fun with it. It's when people get really off the wall — it's when people devote hours of their time to proving that Snape is a vampire that I feel it's time to step in, because there's really nothing in the canon that supports that

Posted by: nasiba Jul 20 2005, 06:41 PM

I got the impression she was shooting down the "Dumbledore was planning death" theory...

Posted by: bopper Jul 20 2005, 06:49 PM

Nasiba- Maybe your correct.JKR first words were "No" I was holding on for hope that DD(a character millions LOVE) didn't die being a foolish and trusting man.It would sit a whole lot better for the next 2 years thinking DD died to help Harry.

Posted by: nasiba Jul 20 2005, 06:55 PM

I was hoping Dumbledore's death was not in vain as well...

Posted by: Teresa Jul 20 2005, 06:58 PM

I also want to add my thanks to Melissa and Emerson and of course Jo herself for this wonderful interview!!!!! I'm sure it must be the only J.K.Rowling interview (that I've ever read at least) where the questions were so well thought out and the answers so satisfactory!!!
And I've read both Melissa's and Emerson's reports and they both made me laugh aloud and though I'm a tad envious (who wouldn't be?), I'm glad they both had such an amazing time!
Can't wait for the next installment!!!!!

Posted by: LordByron Jul 20 2005, 07:03 PM

Posted by: Paddyshanks Jul 20 2005, 07:15 PM

Wow.  I just finished reading the interview.  Well done, Melissa & Emerson - you lucky ducks!
The thing I really love about Jo (other than her wonderful books, of course) is the fact that she truly enjoys us 'potterheads', and she's just as enthusiastic as we are.  She reminds me of a parent at Christmas, with a big secretive grin on her face as she watches her children tear open their presents.  Her website is full of things like that - every time there's a new mystery to solve or the door opens, I can just imagine her chuckling to herself as we scramble around trying to find everything.  She's so level-headed and fun for all the success she's had.  Go Jo!

Posted by: emma271183 Jul 20 2005, 07:16 PM

OMG that interview was great, cool queastions can't wait for part three.  I'm clinging on to the hope that Snape is good and DD died for a reason I can't bear to think he is evil .  Thanks Melissa and Emerson and of course JKR.

Posted by: Kyle87 Jul 20 2005, 07:17 PM

Great interview, but I was hoping for more on H/G, because after it's the main characters possible romance.  No offense but I thought the H/Hr was over since book 3 so I wish instead of bashing them we could've been more productive on the H/G front, because I still think that it is possible for H/L, but other than that great interview and I can't wait for the last part!!!

Posted by: cadwallader Jul 20 2005, 07:17 PM

Melissa - What a gift to read commentary from the author mere days after finishing the the book. Thank you for all you do for this site, and for making the interview available so we could share the time with JKR.

I think JKR will be trying as much as possible to shoot down the Snape is noble theory over the next two years.  If she tips her hat too soon, what will we argue about? I have a feeling it will be closer to three years after she realizes that this is the end.  She's going to want to tweak book 7 for a loooooooong time.  :headdesk: In the mean time, she didn't say "Give up on Snape...he is truly evil."  She made it sound a bit unlikely....which is exactly the image she wants in our brains when we start book 7.  :ponder:

Posted by: Parselmouth Jul 20 2005, 07:37 PM

A thousand thank yous -- it was wonderful to read not only the interview but also your report (which made me tear up as I was reading it).

I so much appreciated JKR's thoughts on Draco and Harry.  Such depth that it takes your breath away.

Thank you!!!!

Posted by: Cat got your tongue? Jul 20 2005, 07:49 PM

Great Interview. I found it extremely humorous and I love how many answers Jo gave us.  She is really putting our theories to rest but at the same time, encouraging many others.  Bless the lady.  Thank you for another addition and Friday should be awesome!!!

Posted by: KawaiiRavenclaw Jul 20 2005, 07:55 PM

Thanks for the interview...I can't wait till part two comes out...I still wonder if Snape might still be on the Order's side...I kinda still think he's a traitor...Sooo confusing...@.@

Posted by: fanofluna Jul 20 2005, 08:01 PM

Thank you! Great interview (and great interview on CNN, too). Love the story about the chat room!

Posted by: hedwig200 Jul 20 2005, 08:11 PM

Posted by: phoenixtears3 Jul 20 2005, 08:28 PM

Thank you so much!  :D After every Potter book, I find myself wanting to know even more, so to have an interview with Jo on items I care about (not "Who's your favorite author" for the  1000th time, for example) so soon after reading the book was incredibly awesome! Now, if only the rest of my family would finish reading so I could stop censoring everything I say....

Posted by: Siriusly_Addicted Jul 20 2005, 08:43 PM

Hmmm...

My immediate reaction is that it's obviously worthwhile to have REAL HP fans asking the questions, if for no other reason than that they can immediately follow up with something relevant and pursue the subject - something most mainstream interviewers can't do.  It also shows in Jo's responses, IMO.  She seems to be really excited to get to talk about it with people who are true fans of the books.   A very enjoyable interview all around.  :clap:

My thoughts on a few points raised:

No more Quidditch - I'm not exactly sad about that.  Quidditch peaked for me in PoA when Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup for the first time.  Still, it's played a significant role in the books and I was glad to see Luna give it a fine send-off.  

No comment on the mirrors - she's already hinted that we'll see the mirrors again, so they must be significant if she won't answer questions about them.

No comment on Dumbledore's boggart or what Dumbledore would see in the Mirror of Erised - Dumbledore's story obviously isn't finished (and I'll sign the petition for a Dumbledore book).

Regulus Black is "a fine guess" for R.A.B. - sounds like the fandom is on to something here.

The comments about the Sorting Hat - very interesting to me, at least.  I figured the Founders would show up, but it sound like we'll get some real History of Hogwarts.

All in all, we've only read about half of the interview and we've gotten more answers, or meaningful non-answers, than we normally get from multiple mainstream interviews.

Bring on Part 3!

Posted by: DogStarBlack Jul 20 2005, 08:51 PM

So we are on the right track with R.A.B. being Regulus Black...That interview was pretty revealing, and I'm so glad we'll get to hear more about Dumbledore in book 7.  A whole book on Dumbledore!  That would be awesome; I hope there is a shread of truth to that (maybe she'll write one in 5 years?), although I am quite skeptical.

The 3 things I really hope she was asked to answer in part 3:
1. Will they return to Hogwarts in book 7 at all?
2. Why did Dumbledore plead when he was killed (of course, she won't answer this, but her non-answer will probably be telling)?
3. Why did Snape react so strongly to being called a coward (I doubt she'll answer this either, but still, her reaction is always a clue)?

~DogStarBlack

Posted by: frizzball114 Jul 20 2005, 08:52 PM

i must not have common sense then cuz i think snape is nothing but evil

Posted by: Caradoc Jul 20 2005, 08:58 PM

I think a book on Dumbledore is too much to hope for ... Perhaps a signficantly sized chunk in the Potterpedia that she has mentioned she might do ?

Posted by: moireach Jul 20 2005, 09:00 PM

Could someone elaborate on the Regulus/mirror theory they alluded to in the interview?  Or point me somewhere online where it's being discussed?  Both the interviewers and JKR seemed to know what was means, so didn't explain what they were talking about!  (Unless there isn't really a whole theory and I'm misunderstanding.)

Thanks!

M

Posted by: harmoniouslife Jul 20 2005, 09:08 PM

This is my first ever post here at the Leaky Lounge.  I usually tend to lurk, but I have been brought out of my lurk-dom by this interview.

For the most part, I found the interview very enjoyable.  As others have said here, it was nice to have real fans ask Jo the questions we've often wondered about.

And then I got to the part about the shipping.

Now, you can call me delusional if you want, but honestly, Jo?  Do you think that H/Hr shippers haven't read the books as closely as the R/Hr or H/G shippers?  That comment was insulting to me.  As was Emerson's attitude about H/Hr shippers.  

Speaking as a "delusional" H/Hr shipper myself, I saw the so-called "tension" between Ron and Hermione.  The bickering, the fighting, and all that.  I don't feel the need to go back and re-read that again.  I understood it the first time.

But Jo (if you ever read these things), honestly?  You could write at the end of book 7 that Ron and Hermione get married and have lots of red, bushy-headed babies and I would still not think that they're right for each other.  I'll never believe it.  No matter how many times I go back and "read carefully."  

But I guess that's just me.

Posted by: Caradoc Jul 20 2005, 09:13 PM

I think this was all done in a pretty lighthearted and respectful way ... Obviously Emerson find Hr/H shippers a bit amusing (as do I) but I don't think he was being insulting ... I am sure JKR,Emerson and Mel didn't intend any offense... I think you have every right to imagine a Hr/H ending to the story and I don't think you should feel embaressed about that at all ...

I think the point that JKR was trying to make, is that she always intended R/Hr to end up together and that when people see other relationships that she doesn't envisage , she finds it funny (but not in a insulting way) ...

Edited for clarity .. hopefully ...

Posted by: ~Mrs.Brisby~ Jul 20 2005, 09:23 PM

Wow!    Excellent interview Melissa and Emerson! It sounds like you guys had a blast. She always answers just enough questions to leave us wanting more. Can't wait for part 3.

Posted by: witchypooh67 Jul 20 2005, 09:23 PM

Melissa,

I really want to believe that Dumbledore and Snape had an agreement.  How did Jo sound when she said she didn't want to shoot down the theory?  What was your impression?  Is there a chance Snape is not evil?

Thanks so much for the great details about the trip and the interview!  I'm loving it!

Kelly

Posted by: ArchTeryx Jul 20 2005, 09:23 PM

So we are on the right track with R.A.B. being Regulus Black...That interview was pretty revealing, and I'm so glad we'll get to hear more about Dumbledore in book 7.  A whole book on Dumbledore!  That would be awesome; I hope there is a shread of truth to that (maybe she'll write one in 5 years?), although I am quite skeptical.

The 3 things I really hope she was asked to answer in part 3:
1. Will they return to Hogwarts in book 7 at all?
2. Why did Dumbledore plead when he was killed (of course, she won't answer this, but her non-answer will probably be telling)?
3. Why did Snape react so strongly to being called a coward (I doubt she'll answer this either, but still, her reaction is always a clue)?

~DogStarBlack

I think the simple answer is this: Snape is the most complex, in-depth character in the series.  For him to have simply turned evil is far, far too pat.

There's plenty of theories as to why, exactly, Dumbledore pleaded before he was killed, and I'm sure they've all been posted here.  I rather favor that the potion he drank to get at the fake Horcrux was slowly fatal in some way, and he was asking for DEATH...not life.

And in killing him, Snape fulfilled both his loyalty oath to Dumbledore AND his Unbreakable Vow to Narcissa and Beatrix, at the price of becoming the instant fall guy.  Very slick.  Very smooth.   And...positively noble.  It certainly would have taken courage to kill the one man that ever gave you a break in life, and it's why he nearly went batty-insane when Harry started taunting him.

Posted by: NCSUCarrie Jul 20 2005, 09:26 PM

Mellisa- Thanks for both the interview transcripts as well as for the "reports" on your trip- they really allowed me to experience some of the magic I know you guys got to enjoy!! Very Very Cool. THANKS!
.. As for Snape... I just keep rationalizing everything towards him being on DD's side. I think JKR figured they would ask about him and *hopefully* had her reply worked out! I know she wouldn't tell us something big like that, even though her answer feels like she is saying he is evil !

Posted by: LuzEterna Jul 20 2005, 09:39 PM

Great job to both of you, it has been an excellent interview so far, and I'm positive its gonna round up nicely. What better people to ask questions to JKR than you all, it is very much deserved!!!

Ahhhh nooooo I'm still one of those clinging to desperate hope that Snape isn't bad....there has to be much more to it!

Posted by: nightowl Jul 20 2005, 09:50 PM

Last Quidditch game ever!

Posted by: Cat got your tongue? Jul 20 2005, 09:50 PM

:welcome: harmioniouslife

If you re-read the interview...Jo herself said that she didn't want to call h/hr shippers misguided but said that she thought she had laid the ground rules for a r/hr ship.  If you don't see r/hr as fitting fine...continue to ship within your brain and on appropriate sites as you wish.  If you recognized the potential for a r/hr ship but held out hope for h/hr, then Jo's comment does not apply to you but only to those who did not.  

Posted by: Dumbledore31415 Jul 20 2005, 10:17 PM

Melissa and Emerson (And Ms. Rowling, of course)

Thank you, thank you.

A few comments after the 2nd installment:

No more Quidditch.  Doesn't mean that Harry won't visit -- or even attend -- Hogwarts next year, but that he has more important things on his mind and will be too busy trying to find the four horcruxes....

Adding together everthing said (and not said), I am leaning towards the theory that Snape DID have a crush on Lilly; that LV was sufficiently pleased with Snape's news to promise him to spare Lilly; and that Snape convinced Dumbledore that he had reformed because LV killed his beloved Lilly.  I'm not completely convinced by that theory, but I think it's plausible, and it explains things that some other theories haven't explained.  Note of course that this explaination could be (a) honest; (b) a blatant lie by an evil Snape seeking access to Hogwarts; or, © Snape says whatever necessary to get his own way.  Not also that I'd rather see the tragic Snape forced to kill Dumbledore to protect himself (and keep Draco from falling into murder) than the evil Snape who has been lying through his teeth to DD for 16 years -- and either of them more than the wimpy opportunist-Snape.  That said, between the interview and the HBP, Ms. Rowling does make the point that of the two, DD is the more likely to place trust where is doesn't belong...and the real answer could be more complex than any of these choices.

DD will still be available through the portrait and Harry will be able to access his wit and wisdom in that fashion if at Hogwarts (one telling reason he will likely go back).

Posted by: doobie Jul 20 2005, 10:23 PM

Thanks to Melissa and all of the staff at leaky- Bravo can't wait to read more.Melissa this post is to you and your comment about Snape...Don't want to be a spoiler here so bear with me...The movie "A League of Their Own" did Big Scotty Hanson drop the ball on purpose to help her sister?. or was it really the impact of the fall.? Was the "please" for life or to end life?

Posted by: Watt Jul 20 2005, 10:36 PM

Wow. Good stuff. Her answer on the Dumbledore issue is confusing, it seems like she's saying she doesn't want to shoot down the speculation, but it's not likely.

The last Quidditch match is the other big news to come out of this. That makes it more likely that Harry, in fact, does NOT go back to Hogwarts, though it's still very possible that they just don't play Quidditch next year. I'm disappointed, though. I always hoped there would be a Quidditch tie, resulting in some kind of cool overtime, perhaps a showdown of Seekers. That would be really exciting, and I'm surprised she never used it.

Posted by: LilRedHead Jul 20 2005, 10:47 PM

Posted by: hollowmoon Jul 20 2005, 10:55 PM

No, She was saying to those people who were trying to prove that snape was a vampire i.e. Evil.  She said there is no proof in the cannon for those theories.  Meaning that Snape is a good guy.. Thank god.

Posted by: Surfpup Jul 20 2005, 11:25 PM

Thanks for the interview.

I have a theory myself.. I think that if Snape hadn't made the Unbreakable Oath, he wouldn't have killed Dumbledore, and maybe he regretted doing it.  maybe snape is still a good guy and he killed dumbledore just to stay alive, to go after voldemort himself.. and now that he's killed dumbledore he has "proven his worth" to voldemort, and he will backstab voldemort when the time is right (after harry get's those thingies?)

Posted by: Mistressofthedarkarts Jul 20 2005, 11:36 PM

Wow. Just finished the second part on MN- couldn't get through to TLC for some reason. The answers are very intriguing. Thanks again!!!!!

Posted by: carolinesmom Jul 20 2005, 11:41 PM

On the subject of the "no more Quidditch" bombshell in this interview ... I don't think that necessarily means that Harry won't return to Hogwarts. It seems that Quidditch might have to be suspended for security reasons if Hogwarts reopens - all those students in one arena would be too tempting a target for Death Eaters, giants, dementors, werewolves, etc. And, there is a precedent, as Quidditch was suspended when the Chamber was open.
  Personally, I suspect that Harry will spend at least part of the year at Hogwarts. I think the adults in his life are going to encourage him to do it. We saw Harry grow up a lot in HBP, and he is certainly a much more adept wizard, but he hasn't learned everything. He'll need as much training as he can possibly get, with what's ahead of him, and I have a feeling that Lupin and the Weasleys (and maybe some of the rest of the Order) will tell him so.
 All in all, the interview was wonderful. Thank you, thank you, Emerson and Melissa!

Posted by: Lt. Whit Jul 20 2005, 11:44 PM

Posted by: ProfessorLily Jul 20 2005, 11:56 PM

Posted by: Lt. Whit Jul 21 2005, 12:23 AM

Posted by: Caradoc Jul 21 2005, 12:27 AM

Posted by: junk Jul 21 2005, 12:33 AM

Wow, thanks so much!  What an amazing read.  Man oh man, I wish I could've been there.  Oh well!

Posted by: Lt. Whit Jul 21 2005, 12:38 AM

Posted by: singsing Jul 21 2005, 12:50 AM

I think it would be interesting to see the statistics of the different shippers.  what percentage of H/H shippers are  below 20/above 20/above 30  and what percentage of H/G  etc.

butPlease don't post on this thread it's not the place nor do most of you probably care to post your ages,  I am just thinking aloud.

Posted by: kenrick89 Jul 21 2005, 12:56 AM

im upset and yet glad that she proved snape to be evil... so i can go on hating him in peace!

Posted by: Avalon Jul 21 2005, 01:18 AM

What a great interview, and there's more to come--YAY!! I'm still absorbing all the information we got from it, I'll edit this post when I have comments!

Oh, did you guys read the description of the gifts Mel and Emerson got?? WOW!!! I would LOVE to see a picture of that ring...hint, hint Mel!

Posted by: Pallas Athena Jul 21 2005, 01:32 AM

Melissa,

Thank you for bringing up the question of shipping, and ending the shipping wars for the H/Hr vs. R/Hr.  It has been very divisive, and bitterly fought.

I just wonder why Jo wasn't more explicit before.  Her "anvil-like" clues were ambiguous at best, and if she read any of our theories and essays at Portkey.org, she'd know it.

At least, I won't have to continue trying to grasp for some straw or some theory to explain why Hermione acted the way that she did in HBP towards Ron.

Hopefully, in your part III transcript, you'll get to asking why Hermione's social consciousness seemed to vanish.  Why was there so much room spent on the house-elf liberation subplot if Jo was planning on abandoning it?

I hope there's an answer to that question, because far too many people in the fandom are willing to simply believe that slavery is okay, if those held in bondage don't complain.

Athena

Posted by: PotterheadMama Jul 21 2005, 01:41 AM

Fabulous interview--just the thing to read after finishing HBP--WOOHOO!  Thanks sooooo much guys.

That part about LV actually wanting to spare Lily is really interesting--I mean, LV isn't the kind of guy that goes around offering compassion and sparing lives--there isn't a reason I can see that would have prevented LV from killing Lily as if he was swatting a fly--WHY did he give her the choice to live???  The not-killing-Lily-as-a-favor-to-Snape theory is decent, but kinda far-fetched too.  Esp. if Snape is as evil as it appears, he probably wouldn't have been harboring a secret "thing" for Lily Evans, and he certainly wouldn't have told LV so!

How JK reacted to anything about DD planning his death, or Snape still being good, makes me really, sadly, think that we can accept the events of HBP at face value.  It's very unnerving and painful to think that DD's been played a fool all these years, but we have to admit...it's possible...  :headdesk:

I was delighted to see JK talk about Draco in the same way that I view him--someone to feel sorry for--someone who likes to talk the talk, but once he's being asked to walk the walk, he freaks out and doen't have the guts to follow thru.  I'd drawn the parallel between Draco and Regulus before book 6 came out, and that's my one point of smugness for the record!  It's also very cool to hear the Draco can do Occlumency--he would be good at it, having to keep so many things about himself private and "compartmentalized"...

Yay!  We were on the right track about Regulus and RAB!

And, *the last Quidditch match*.  Wow.  Book seven just won't be what we're used to...  That seals it, in my mind--Harry is indeed done with traditional schooling.

Again, many many many thanks for the *awesome* interview...avidly awating part three!!

Posted by: Caradoc Jul 21 2005, 01:45 AM

I don't think her social consciousness has vanished ... She has got some pretty serious issues to deal with at the moment, perhaps, and rightly so, she has decided to concentrate on keeping herself and her friends alive for the time being...

To quote DD "Enough to be getting along with" ...

If we never hear about SPEW again, I don't think th subplot was wasted.  It tells us a lot about Hermione and there is no reason to think she will not "take it further" after school and therefore after the timeline of the books.

<Sorry for the multiple edits ... keep thinking of things >

Posted by: SemperSi Jul 21 2005, 02:47 AM

Two things were especially awesome about this interview: You could tell how much fun JKR was having; she obviously really enjoyed getting the chance to shoot the s__t with people who truly know her work. Also, I think Emerson and Melissa got her to divulge/answer/clear up some things that she hadn't planned on, and you could see how much more she would have loved to say but she had to hold herself back. That was a terrific interview! Kudos!

Posted by: Rae Jul 21 2005, 04:11 AM

Thank you very much for the interview and telling us all about your trip to Edinburgh. I have really enjoyed reading both. I am looking forward to the final one on Friday. It is definately the most interesting interview I have read with Jo.

Thanks.

Posted by: Lessien Jul 21 2005, 04:16 AM

Posted by: niffler_gurl Jul 21 2005, 04:29 AM

I'd just like to thank Melissa and Emerson for prising the Ron/Hermione answer out of JK Rowling at last. It feels so good to be proven absolutely right after all my years of Shipping. So, so, good. Thank you JK! The interview is brilliant, it's the best one I've ever read. I can't wait for the next part. Thanks to all involved, thanks to JK for everything.

Posted by: prisionerisdead2 Jul 21 2005, 05:18 AM

yeah that was a great interview, cant wait to read the last bit.They are the best people to do the job as they know so much about the series so therefore get down to the best questions!I feel like Jo kind of dismissed the theory about snape being good, I want to believe he is still working for the order(for DD's sake) but the way she talked about it seems like he isnt...
Also hopefully now H/Hr shippers can admit the truth!!

Posted by: frogadog Jul 21 2005, 05:50 AM

So good to read an interview done by people who actually know the subject they're talking about. Well done Melissa and Emerson, I'm SO jealous though.

At first I thought Snape was working for the Order then I changed my mind, then I changed my mind again after reading the theories on 'the princely nook' and now I've circled my way back round to completely clueless. I really want him to be evil though because then I can go and hate him in peace without feeling slightly guilty on the chance that he is on DD's orders. I have to admit I've never been a Snape fan.

Finally thank-God that JKR has laid the H/Hr ship to rest. The hours I've spent arguing for the R/Hr pairing. Hopefully the bitter 'ship wars' can finish now and we can all get on to speculating the plot of the HP finale.

Posted by: Briggs Jul 21 2005, 06:09 AM

Can I add my thanks? I'm enjoying this interview more than I could have imagined. I'm so glad JKR went the route she has with this book - children taking the spotlight with the press conference, and two committed, knowledgeable people for the long interview. By now she must be able to dictate her own terms for book publicity and so on and she always seems to make such good choices.
I am beginning to realise we have to remember she's a writer, with a strong sense of what the story needs, and that she won't make easy choices when it comes to the end. Sentiment won't get in the way of the right choice rather than the easy one. She has stressed before that in describing what is evil in the wizarding world, she knew death had to be in there and that it had to feel real. She's also, gone, I think, for trying to make evil complex, so that in the end, Snape, or even Voldemort, won't be just evil so we can hate them, but she's showing how someone might arrive there.

Posted by: daydreamer Jul 21 2005, 07:56 AM

QUOTE(DogStarBlack @ July 20 2005,21:51 )

The 3 things I really hope she was asked to answer in part 3:
1. Will they return to Hogwarts in book 7 at all?
2. Why did Dumbledore plead when he was killed (of course, she won't answer this, but her non-answer will probably be telling)?
3. Why did Snape react so strongly to being called a coward (I doubt she'll answer this either, but still, her reaction is always a clue)?

I think the simple answer is this: Snape is the most complex, in-depth character in the series.  For him to have simply turned evil is far, far too pat.

There's plenty of theories as to why, exactly, Dumbledore pleaded before he was killed, and I'm sure they've all been posted here.  I rather favor that the potion he drank to get at the fake Horcrux was slowly fatal in some way, and he was asking for DEATH...not life.

And in killing him, Snape fulfilled both his loyalty oath to Dumbledore AND his Unbreakable Vow to Narcissa and Beatrix, at the price of becoming the instant fall guy.  Very slick.  Very smooth.   And...positively noble.  It certainly would have taken courage to kill the one man that ever gave you a break in life, and it's why he nearly went batty-insane when Harry started taunting him.

That is an excellent theory and certainly some very astute observations. Yes Snape is complex and is not going to be just 'evil'. I also felt Dumbledore could be begging for Death or pleading for Snape to do it, rather than not do it. And I also thought Snape's reactions to being called a coward suggested he had done it for Dumbledore or with his blessing or something like that...

Before reading your post, I felt Dumbledore's behaviour was very strange and must have meant something else was going on. My thoughts were that with Legilimancy (or whatever it is called) Dumbledore allowed Snape to see that he was dying anyway. Either that he was certain to die, or would not now get Snapes help in time (*) .  But as you point out, it could have been Snape seeing a convenient way out, not Dumbledore nobly refusing any slim remaining chance.

* - Remember that Dumbledore had very specifically ordered Harry to get Snape when they returned - presumably because Snape was the only one that could help him with whatever he had drunk.  If that wasn't going to be possible due to the interruption from Draco and the Death Eaters, perhaps he had run out of time to be saved.  It is easy to see from there that either suggesting (via opening his mind) to Snape, or Snape improvising, the possibility of killing him (which makes no difference since he is going to die anyway) gives Snape a get out on all fronts as you mention

...

except Harry now hates him forever
- twice over .

Posted by: 2uim Jul 21 2005, 07:57 AM

But, no -- weighing the pros and cons of the "Is Snape still working for the Order" argument, I say it's common sense that he is. [/quote]

I agree, dumbledore is just like the phoenix only gone for a short while, he died , burned and will reappear.
so snape didn't break his vow and acted the way dumbledore planned.

Posted by: Mysterious Jul 21 2005, 08:03 AM

Great work, Emerson and Melissa. Really great. I'd like to add my thank you's also. Thank you to Mugglenet, Leaky Cauldron and ofcourse Jo for allowing this fabulous interview to happen.

I am not at all envious of Emerson and Melissa but rather proud that the webmasters of two of my favourite Harry Potter sites got to conduct such a well thought out and entertaining interview. Great questions were asked, which were followed up by great answers! Thank you for giving us an insight of your fabulous experience.

E and M did a much better job than I could have and that is why I am not jealous. It was great fun reading it and certainly one of the best interviews with JK Rowling that I have ever read.

Posted by: Jennygirl Jul 21 2005, 08:18 AM

Great interview Melissa!! & Emerson too.. I thought it was great the rapore you both have with Jo.  I can't wait until Friday to see the last part.  It is a wonderful interview with soooooo much insight!...LoL...Emerson & his word of the day!!

Edited for:  You really have done the HP community proud with this interview!

Posted by: Magic Maiden Jul 21 2005, 09:02 AM

What a great interview by Mel and Emerson, but now my mind is full of theories, my brain is about to burst. I guess I'll never really know the truth until the final book comes out. The Snape theory is really intreging and I think alot of people are just looking for reasons to hate him, but he is one of my favourite characters. Snape didn't know what he was getting into until it was too late and i think Dumbledore told him to do it to save his trusted friend's life. And I really think Dumbledore knew he was going to die during this war, which is why he told Harry everything. On the Hogwarts theory, I dont think Harry will go back to further his education, but my prediction will be that the final battle will be at Hogwarts. Hogwarts means alot to both Harry and Voldemort, it is where both their 'lives' started so it is fitting that one (or both) should end it there.

To all H/Hr Shippers, I dont think JKR was insulting you but since she has said many times it's not going to happen, then maybe that ship has sailed so to speak. Someone posted that they still cant believe Hermione likes Ron cause he isn't her intellicual equal, well I don't think you can really help who you fall in love with, maybe she fell in love with his other qualities such as loyalty and honesty.

Anyway i think my brain is returning to normal size now, thanks for the great interview, cant wait to see the 3rd installment

Posted by: Lady Narcissa Jul 21 2005, 09:13 AM

I'm so excited for you two!  It sounds like you had a wonderful time and the two of you deserve it after all your hard work.

And the questions, oh the questions!  At last questions and answers that I want to read.  Thank you so much for getting it right.

I also would love to see a picture of the snake ring, Melissa, if you are willing to share it with us.  (Although I'll understand if you prefer to keep it private).  I've been googling Victoria's engagement ring and while I've found lots of references to it I've yet to find a picture.

Posted by: mridulam Jul 21 2005, 09:38 AM

I wrote a nice long comment, only to have it ruthlessly cast aside, since I had forgotten to log-in. Well so here goes again...

Melissa, the interview done by Emerson and you is by far the best I have ever come across. Deeply personal and yet highly informative, the interview and the accompanying write-up made the entire occassion come alive! I could literally sense the excitement bubbling out of the computer! And having read every other thing written about the lady and her creation (or whatever is there on quick quotes quill anyhow), I can confidently state that this is the best by leaps & bounds. And this is my first comment on any fansite...I assure I'm a huge HP fan adn know the books inside out but I just don't surf the net that much. So you can imagine how much I liked the interview to risk a comment!

I also came across this rather interesting theory on the someone's personal blog that say's that the seventh horcrux, the one that may not have been made is actually Harry. A bit of voldemort's soul is in Harry and that is why there is such a close bond between them. That is also why Dumbledore did not kill Voldemort, when he had the chance in OOTP (Thats debatable, because he only confirmed the Horcrux theory in HBP but still). And even I thought of Amelia Bones as a potential R.A.B but R.Amelia Bones seems less likely than Regulus.A.Black.

Posted by: hedwig7 Jul 21 2005, 09:59 AM

What with the july 16 thing about wanting to be asked about RAB, has anyone figured it out?

Posted by: Lunaaa0713 Jul 21 2005, 10:14 AM

The theories about Dumbledore's final plea are intriguing, as is Dumbledore's insistence that Harry fetch Snape.  Perhaps Dumbledore never held out hope that Snape would be able to administer an antidote to combat the effects of what Dumbledore had drunk in the cave--maybe the poison was without cure, and Dumbledore had known he would die from the moment he drank it.  If the draught really was deadly, this may also explain how Regalus might have met his end--killed in the effort to destroy the horcrux.  In this way, he would've been killed by Voldemort so to speak, but in an indirect manner.  Also, imagine Harry's guilt if Dumbledore had told him the drought really was poisonous? It was Harry who helped Dumbledore drink it, who coaxed him.  
Or maybe not! Lots of Snape-Dumbledore theories to contemplate and keep us busy while we wait...

Posted by: Blast-Ended Skrewt Jul 21 2005, 10:20 AM

Lovely interview, M and E! I've enjoyed both parts and look forward to the third. I'm so glad that two intelligent and well-read fans were able to ask her the questions that we really were concerned with and not the usual "How has fame changed you?" kinds of things.

Even if she did disappoint me in her reaction to Snape theories, I am glad to have read the interview. Who knows, she could be reacting just to throw us off track, couldn't she? I know what I feel, but I'm sometimes tempted to think she won't have him end up redeemed in the end because she based him on someone she disliked intensely. JKR has always seemed shocked by the amount of attention and goodwill on the part of the fans for Snape, and sometimes I wonder if she wants to throw us all for a loop and make him really bad in the end. If so, I'll be deeply disappointed in her decision and not very happy with the end of the book because it will be so black-and-white, one dimensional with that. I'm glad to see many people think Snape is still loyal, and hope we are not all proven wrong. I fear for SS and the end of the books!

Posted by: Josée~Madalia Jul 21 2005, 10:58 AM

Well, I read part II of the report yesterday, both on Mugglenet and here, and I must admit I liked yours better Melissa.  Emerson's was good also, but you put in so much details and you are so gifted at writing it was as though we were THERE.  I truly enjoyed that, and though I said it at least 100 times in the 1st post of this thread, thank you for doing this for us!  You guys have been so great!

As for the 2nd part of the interview, I enjoyed it a lot.  I don't think H/Hr shippers need to feel insulted, I doubt that Jo would want to offend you.  Whoever suggested we should have a poll on who thought what about the ships, just go to Pub Proper, TLC Announcements, you'll find a poll on "Who will Harry kiss" done a week before the book came out.  Ginny won with something like 60%.

And is there anyway we can get the actual tape of the interview posted as well? I don't know if that's doable, but I'd love to hear Jo's tone of voice when she said all of those things, as well as you all laughing together.  That would really be wonderful!

Posted by: crzyquinn Jul 21 2005, 11:13 AM

Big Congrats to Melissa and Emerson!  Ms. Rowling obivously greatly appreciates the work both have done in cultivating her fandom.

Thanks so much for diligently transcribing the fabulous interview

Posted by: Gracewood Jul 21 2005, 11:13 AM

Enjoyed the interview!

I wonder if the argument between DD and Snape that Hagrid overheard is relevant for the Snape theories.  Snape does say that he "doesn't want to do it anymore," which could be interepreted various ways.  Were they arguing because Snape didn't want to be in the Order any longer, or maybe because he and DD had already made an arrangement concerning Draco's situation and Snape didn't want to have to kill DD?  Much to consider...

Posted by: Watt Jul 21 2005, 12:16 PM

Posted by: Setsuna Jul 21 2005, 12:32 PM

The interview was indeed awesome; it was soo cool to hear what JKR was like from the perspective of other fans~! Thank you for sharing that with all of us!


:wizard:

Posted by: Rosie Jul 21 2005, 12:46 PM

I am really depressed after HBP. Dumbledore is my absolute favourite character and I think Snape is great, or, at least, I just can't believe that he was being evil although JKR doesn't seem to deny this. Dumbledore pleading for his life didn't seem right though. he's never been afraid of death. However he was talking about what he and the Order would do to help Draco if he turned to the right side. Also, Snape should have been pleased he killed Dumbledore if he were on Voldemort's side but he was almost demented.

I don't know. It's all very depressing.

Rosie

Posted by: kenrick89 Jul 21 2005, 01:15 PM

snape is evil, and now shes confirmed the ships!! thats like two of our biggest debates!! maybe she'll shot down all giant squid things next.

Posted by: dumbleedorr Jul 21 2005, 01:32 PM

I have read your posts and many bring up some interesting theories. This is my opinion, even though I don't like it, but something tells me it is true. I am basing my opinions off of Jo's comments in this interview and others.

I think that Snape revealed his true colors on killing Dumbledore. I do not think there was any time for him to practice Occlumency at that moment and Albus saw him, in that brief moment, for who he really was. That is why he said, "no, no" because he just couldn't believe that he was duped and that Snape turned out so bad. I do wonder why it caused him so much grief that Harry called him a coward. Why should it matter what Harry thought of him?

I am curious though as to why Dumbledore didn't just silently think "Accio Wand" to get his wand back. I don't want to think along a Star Wars/Obi Wan Kenobi line, where right before he got killed he told Darth Vader that he would be more powerful than he could ever imagine, dead.  Even though Dumbledore was weak, at the moment, I just can't see him rolling over, just like that, to die.
It does leave some questions floating in the air!

Posted by: sue1308 Jul 21 2005, 02:18 PM

I am really enjoying these interviews and reports, even though it's as frustrating to wait for them to appear as it was to wait for HP6... Like: I want to know what happened next...

And I agree with everyone on this thread, you did a marvellous job asking intelligent questions (I would have probably be struck numb) and having a laugh with JK Rowling at the same time! I do hope you will publish pictures of the gifts she gave you on your resp. website.

Being mentioned on her website must have been a great honour to you.

Sue.

Posted by: criss Jul 21 2005, 02:24 PM

The interview was brilliant, really brilliant.  Those were the best questions and answers I have ever heard.  
I am sad now that I am done reading the book and the death of Dumbldedore (seriously, did not see that coming until Book 7) I am curious if we will see more of his portrait and "hear" from it as well.  Also, the veil?  Will we know more about that?
    I'm so glad she answered the questions so honestly (not that I expected less!) It was really good to read.

Posted by: Ilsa Jul 21 2005, 02:30 PM

Fantastic interview!  Thank you for asking such great questions and being so descriptive - I felt like I was there!  And I absolutely would buy or donate to have a copy of the interview tape/CD.  I'm sure many fans would.

You do such a wonderful job with this site. We love it and appreciate your efforts.  I'm glad Melissa was well rewarded with such a lovely interview. Thank you, and keep up the good work.

I think Ginny & Harry make a great couple - she's a good match for him, and vice versa.  I just love the way her character's developed.  Ron & Hermione seem to be more of the opposites attract kind of couple, but a viable couple nonetheless. I kind of figured it would work out that way.

I loved that Neville's grandmother failed her CHarms O.W.L.!  Hopefully that will strengthen Neville's resolve a bit and put things into perspective for him.  Listening to the HBP audiobook, I laughed out loud at Luna's comentary - what a way to go out for the last Quidditch match! I can't believe no Quidditch next year.  I don't think Harry will return to Howarts - he knows his top most priority is to destroy LV & he must destroy the Horcruxes first to do this.

Jeez Louise, I loved this book!  Excuse me now while I go listen to it again.

Ta!

Posted by: Ilsa Jul 21 2005, 02:49 PM

Oh yeah!  The veil!  I want to know all about the veil! But I knew DD had to die soon - Harry must face LV on his own, and must stand on his own two feet.  It would be too easy to fall back on DD if he was still alive.  Of course, this doesn't mean I wasn't heartbroken when Snape murdered him. Uugh!

Posted by: Lady Of Music Jul 21 2005, 03:09 PM

Melissa and Emerson,

Thank you so much for sharing your fabulous interview with us. I have loved reading every word, and have felt like I was in the room with you! What a wonderful, and thoughtful, (and funny!) person Ms. Rowling is. I can't wait to read the rest of your interview.

Thank you all so much!

:wizard:

Posted by: Sirius's Gal Jul 21 2005, 03:18 PM

I read this in my local paper.  Looking back on all the past DADA teachers: Quirrell, Lockhart, Lupin,Moody/Crouch, Umbridge, Snape.........or.......Evil, Useless, Good, Evil, Useless, Good?

Is there hope for Snape besides a "desperate, clinging one?"  It's not that we all love Snape, we just want to believe Dumbledore didn't die in vain.

Posted by: Lily Fan Jul 21 2005, 03:55 PM

Hi everyone, I have just now been able to get online.  Even though I finished my book on Monday.

Melissa and Emerson-
Wow, what an honor for  you...and for us.  I'm sure it's like one of those awesome moments in life that goes too fast and is over long before it should be.  I was so glad to see the questions asked that I would have wanted asked after the book.  Can't wait to see the rest.

My book comments........incredible.  By far my favorite book yet.  As a non-shipper I found myself suckered into the Harry/Ginny and Ron/Hermione story lines.  It took me back to the good ol' days of High School and....he he he....snogging!   I'm so excited for the next few years of guessing and wondering until the end.  I almost don't want book 7 (bangs head on desk like dobby) but I also want it more than anything.  Anyone feel the same!!

Posted by: LilyMars Jul 21 2005, 04:11 PM

Wonderful interview, guys!  Looking forward to part 3.  I had a goofy grin on my face the entire time I was reading it cause it was so clear what a great time you all were having throughout the interview.  Thanks so much for sharing all of that!

Posted by: *Rachael* Jul 21 2005, 04:37 PM

Wow, there are lot's of comments on ships.  I'm glad you all can get your feelings about ships expressed here, but personally the part I like best is Melissa's thoughts on who R.A.B is.  The two possibilities she came up with are the same ones I thought of, except I'm more inclined to go with Regulus, because I can imagine that his middle name could be Alphard, after the uncle, and he probably would have refered to Voldemort as the Dark Lord, just like the other Death Eaters.

Posted by: Iamdelusional_H/HR Jul 21 2005, 05:05 PM

Oh, I thought the interview was really great....until I read the part shipping, that is. Insulted and angry do no even come close to what I was feeling. I'm sorry but I didn't see any Anvil-sized hints. I was told to read between the lines, so I did and I came out with H/Hr, so call me delusional! :dance:

Posted by: KimmyBlair Jul 21 2005, 05:13 PM

Wow... excellent interview so far. Excellent questions. It's nice to see in-depth questions asked by people who know the subject matter through and through. Also it's nice to see that Jo has let down her guard slightly because she appears comfortable with both Emerson and Melissa. (What an accomplishment guys!) I never thought we would get anything on the R.A.B./Regulus thing, but Jo seemed forthcoming with many answers, while still leaving others unanswered. I am also glad to hear Ms. Rowling (along with other leaky staffers) are West Wing fans. I live for that show!!! I noticed today that Leaky was mentioned at a West Wing Site http://westwingnews.blogspot.com/. Also Melissa, your comments that you have posted have been thoughtful, and heartfelt. It's nice that you feel safe enough sharing such personal thoughts with an entire community. Great job and Thank you Melissa, Emerson, and Jo. We appreciate sharing so much with us. Thanks!

Posted by: MomlikeMolly Jul 21 2005, 05:19 PM

Thank you Emerson & Melissa!!!! What a gold mine!!!!

Posted by: Briggs Jul 21 2005, 07:48 PM

I've been trying to weigh up Snape; I could see an equal number of arguments for him always being bad, DD foolish to trust him, and for him really being with the order, it was all planned. Then my daughter, who would post as Rose Zeller if she had ever got around to posting, and insists on the credit, suggested that Dumbledore always trusted Snape to be Snape, and Snape is self-interested. DD knew that when it came to a choice between killing Dumbledore and dying himself, he could trust Snape to choose to kill DD. (the description suggests that Dumbledore was weaker by the minute and was going to die anyway) If Snape killed DD, he would fulfil the unbreakable vow and save Draco (even if unintentionally)
I do know about the reference to a 'redemptive arc' in Snape. Perhaps when he faces a final choice later on, he does redeem himself, perhaps by saving Harry. Question - could Harry bear to be saved by Snape?
(I have been amazed by the shipping stuff. I knew it existed and thought it was just fun for those who cared. Now I understand why there's so much insistence on the shipping stuff being restricted to appropriate threads. I had no idea how much hatred could go in to charting the romantic lives of a few fictional characters. People, get a grip!)

Posted by: gryff_girl Jul 21 2005, 07:54 PM

Hi,

This is my first post but I felt the need as it's nearly 2am and I have nobody else awake to discuss my theories (the problems of working night shifts!!)....

I have a firm belief RAB is regulus Black because in OOTP when they are cleaning Grimmauld place they empty a cabinet and one of the things in there is a heavy locket nobody seems able to open!! It has to be the horcrux!!

The only other point is did Kreacher (who I think is hilarious) hide it away in his cupboard or did Mundungus sell it?!? :type:

Posted by: Jekteir Jul 21 2005, 07:54 PM

Well, presumably (assuming there wasn't a verbal loophole in the Unbreakable Vow etc) Snape had to aid Draco, as well as protecting him, so he had a choice at the stage on the tower either to die or do what he did. He gets the other death eaters not to kill Harry, though, doesn't he?

We'll see what the, er, 'new' Dumbledore has to say in the office, next book. Can't still be holding back at this stage, can he?!

Posted by: Siriusly_Addicted Jul 21 2005, 10:19 PM

Re: Shipping - I was scared away from the Love (how ironic, all things considered) Thread over at MuggleNet a couple of years ago.  I thought it was a little creepy how fervently people of ALL the ships seemed to defend their ships.  Few of them seemed to be just having fun with it but instead were arguing and debating as though it would produce world peace and a cure for cancer.  

I guess that, like Jo, apparently, I still didn't realize just how SERIOUSLY some people take this stuff.  I think Jo said that she only discovered the whole shipping thing about a year ago anyway, and she's been busy writing her book so she hasn't spent that much time studying the impact shipping has on the fandom.

For the disappointed H/Hr shippers, may I offer one small thought for consideration (no, it's not that you should "get over it")?  Let me first preface this by saying that I do understand that you saw evidence of a H/Hr ship.  Some of the arguments I’ve read were very convincing.  I also will freely admit that, while I've never shipped one way or another, I can clearly see the attraction of a peaceful co-existence, which we don't have a lot of evidence for with R/H (although that can change as they get older and more mature).  I have no desire to ridicule or belittle your opinions, nor is it my intention to flame anyone.  Please don't take it that way.

I am particularly addressing the posts I've seen, although not necessarily in this thread, that Jo intentionally planted clues about Harry and Hermione.  I'm not sure that's the case.  I'm wondering if Hermione's relationship with Harry isn't colored by Jo's relationship with her friend Sean Whatsizname (I think his name is Sean - anyway, you surely know who I mean).  Jo has said, repeatedly and publicly, that this man was her best friend for a long time, and perhaps he still is.  They were obviously very close at one time, although there was apparently never any romantic relationship at all.  What I'm trying to say, although I seem to be doing it very badly, is that perhaps Jo gave Harry and Hermione the same kind of relationship that she had with Sean (or whatever his name is) and that it just didn't occur to her that anyone could see that as a romantic relationship until it was too late.  It’s just that, seen through the filter of her own personal experience, she understands that Harry’s relationship with Hermione is just as important as, if not more important than, any romantic relationship he may have, now or in the future.  Their platonic relationship is no less important than, nor is it diminished or belittled by, whatever romantic relationships they may have with other people.  

True, she has had opportunities in the past to sink the ships, but think about it.  Most of those questions and quotes came from a few years ago, certainly before she re-vamped her website, and were asked in interview comprised mostly of questions from children - the very kind of interviews we have been moaning about on this site.  As I said, I don't think she understood how seriously people take the shipping stuff until it was too late, nor do I think she realized how many people had misinterpreted what she had written.  If she had spent more time on the 'net a few years ago, she probably would have put her foot down back then.  Then again, she might have become to frightened to write any more books  :p

Now, on to other topics.

One observation about that basin, although it’s already doubtless been made elsewhere.  Dumbledore didn’t seem to know what kind of potion it was, but someone else must have.  If you have to drain the basin to get the horcrux, then obviously you have to re-fill the basin in order to hide the fact that you’ve switched out the lockets.  The basin didn’t seem to re-fill itself, so R.A.B. must have re-filled the basin before he/she/they left.  It also must have been the same kind of potion that was originally in the basin, or LV would certainly noticed that something was wrong before he ever reached the locket.  Furthermore, I think Harry’s observation was correct: LV would have intended for the thief to get water from the lake in order to disturb the Inferi.  I think we can add a first-rate potion maker to the short list of candidates for R.A.B. Slughorn seemed mighty pleased with Regulus, so I think he’s still in the running.  It was also possibly someone who was with LV when he placed the locket and originally filled the basin, but didn’t realize until later what the locket really was.  Add that to Dumbledore’s comment about an underage wizard fitting into the boat, and Regulus is still a fairly safe guess because he could have been much younger when the horcurx was stashed in the cave.

Snape…

I’m not sure what to think about Snape.  I’ve never liked him and never hoped for any kind of redemption for him, but I can’t deny that there are some fairly good clues in HBP that he might turn out to be working for Dumbledore in the end.  I would always agree that he’s not a black-and-white character in any case.  On the one hand, his reaction when Harry calls him a coward could be because he knows he kept his bargain with Dumbledore and did what he had to do, however little he liked it, and he’s truly suffering over what he just did.  On the other hand, I think Dumbledore pointed out in this book that it’s sometimes harder to forgive people for being right than it is to forgive them for being wrong.  It could be that Snape followed Slytherin tradition and saved himself, and he resents Harry for calling him on it.  

Why didn’t he kill Harry, and why did he prevent the other DE’s from hurting him?  It could be for just the reason he gave - LV wants that honor and doesn’t want to be cheated out of it.  Then again, it could be something to do with his agreement with Dumbledore.  I just don’t know about this one - we definitely need book 7.

Posted by: vswift Jul 21 2005, 10:23 PM

This is in reference to the "delusional" :-) fans of Harry/Hermione, those who are agonizing over Snape (good or evil) and Draco, the sorrow about Dumbledore, and all of the other emotional aspects of being a Harry fan.  I just want to remind everyone that it is JO'S story and she has the right to do whatever she wants.  We should just be grateful that she has chosen to share this wonderfully imagined world with the rest of us - and that there were editors who were intelligent enough to give her the opportunity.  So, no matter what may happen (and I am in the "Snape was just following Dumbledore's plan" group), THANK YOU for an incredible story, Jo Rowling!!!

Posted by: dumbleedorr Jul 21 2005, 10:35 PM

Posted by: BadgerOfTheLions Jul 21 2005, 11:56 PM

"Delusional" Officially my new word for the week. Poor Harry/Hermione fans, though. I'm sure they'll find a way to get around all things canon anyway through fanfiction. Actually, I know they will, becasue I spent a lot of time thinking up ways to get around H/Hr before the release.

Anyway, off-track. Just wanted to say thank you to Melissa and Emerson for going there and being voices and faces for the fans! You two were so lucky! Excellent questions!

Posted by: FawkesFan Jul 22 2005, 12:03 AM

Thanks so much for the wonderful interview!  I love how natural and open it was.  It's obvious everyone was having a great time!

And since there seems to be some hard feeling regarding the shipping wars...it seems to me that the ships have sailed.  Deal with it.  Time to move onto what we should see as the more important parts of Harry's story...the fight between good and evil, and just how Harry will defeat Voldemort in Book 7! (Oh so sad it will be the last!)

Posted by: Eva Hedwig Jul 22 2005, 12:08 AM

Exellent interwiev, thanks Melissa and Emmerson and Jo of course

The book is very well written and every page was full of interested things, I enyoed it a lost, less the last 4 chapters which  I don't like much.

I would love to read books of: Dumbledore, one for the Marauders and one with Fred and Georg. Petty it's almost impossible to dream about it.

Posted by: LooneyBellatrix Jul 22 2005, 12:09 AM

Wow... ok...after reading straight the 14 pages there's so much that i've already forgotten  :conf: ... so many people I've wanted to quote...  :headdesk:  oh well, ill do my best to try and remember all.

First of all THANK YOU Emerson and Melissa for the best interview yet made to JK, we where in definetly need of a good interview made by well read potter fans... Also, ofcourse, THANK YOU SO MUCH TO JK FOR SHARING THIS WITH US!!  

About the Hr/H shippers and all of the other "love/couple" shippers, I think things (by now) are pretty obvious, ofcourse, JK tends to shake us up when we are "sure" of things but give it a rest will ya? and I dont reallly belive E, M nor JK ment to insult anyone.  

DD theory's, I trully belive something very strange is going on, I agree with someone that said "couldnt he just think 'accion wand'". As it's been said "hope dies last" and I trully believe DD is not dead, or at least not gone completly... call me a "Obiwankenoby, Gandalf, Yoda" believer but, I dont think he's gone... Dont you find it quite strange that the picture of Dumbledore didnt speak at all?? when most of the pictures never waste the oportunity to express their opinions? And the "open casquet" funeral was a bit too strange for me, as if letting people know "see, he's dead, really dead"... I dont think DD could be killed so easely, above all, I dont think DD would die saying "please.... Serverus"....its just not possible. And dont you find it strange that just before he died he was telling Malfoy "just give up, and we'll hide you and your familly and we'll pretend you where killed, we're good at it"...??? Maybe im doing the hudge mistake of reading what I want to belive instead of reading what really is, but, I still think DD is alive... somehow, somewhere...  

About Snape being evil... I dont think he's either... "I would've died rather to betray my friends" --Sirius Black... I belive that... also, in chapter two, when he was asked to do the Unbrakeable Vow he hesitated, there's a hint there, that he was not TRULY evil. And as Rowling explained at Sirius laugh, he was in shock because of James death, couldnt Snapes behavior be in result of the shock of "having to kill DD"?

I cant belive no one has posted (at least on this thread) what DD was imagining while drinking the green stuff in the vasin, what was the meaning of all that? what was he seing? If the green stuff was deadly poison I dont thin R.A.B could have lived long enough to write that note, figure out what the stuff was, refill it and go back his/her/they marry way and try to destroy the Horocrux (...whatever thingy...)  

About the theory posted of the locket found at the Ancient House of Black... YEAH!! very possible...!  

So, that is all XD Take care all... and Leaky and Muggle, thanks again for that wonderfull interview!!  

Posted by: Lily Fan Jul 22 2005, 12:10 AM

The Ships have Sailed!  The best quote today!

Posted by: harry's redhead Jul 22 2005, 12:28 AM

Hey there...amazing interview!  Well done!  The one thing that really hit me that I haven't seen mentioned (perhaps my shoddy reading) is how odd it was that Harry didn't attempt to speak to the portrait of Dumbledore.  Perhaps he just couldn't handle it or he was finally realizing that alone is just that, but it struck me as really odd.  Also, never a 'shipper'...never really knew what it was until today, but as an old lady the Harry/Ginny relationship tickled me.  I've been thinking all along why does he waste his time with that obnoxious, boy switching Cho...look at Ginny you nitwit!!  The end when he left broke my heart even more than Dumbledore.  Something tells me the importance of love is going to come to bear on those two.  I just hope neither has to die to make it click.  Personally, I'm hoping for that famous wedding atmosphere to hook them back up!!

Posted by: Magic Maiden Jul 22 2005, 03:42 AM

Harry's Redhead, I was heart broken too when Harry left Ginny, but I'm hoping JKR is going to write the ending to Book 7 ala The Lord of the Rings style, where the battle finishes somewhere just half way through the middle and that the ending is all happily ever after

Posted by: daydreamer Jul 22 2005, 04:06 AM

Posted by: daydreamer Jul 22 2005, 04:16 AM

Posted by: BrM Jul 22 2005, 04:18 AM

I wonder how much Snape knew of Draco's plan before the moment he reached the tower. I am convinced that Snape was lying in the second chapter when he says he knows of the plan, and Draco pointed out that Snape didn't know about his plan to get the Death Eaters into the castle. Perhaps he knew of it from Dumbledore after Draco's feeble attempts?

I was also intrigued by the fact that the spell on Harry was broken as soon as Dumbledore died. Does this apply to enchantments as well, like Dumbledore's protective spells on Hogwarts? It could be a very dangerous place without them.

Posted by: Lord Montymort Jul 22 2005, 05:05 AM

The protective spells would have been there before DD. DD just put extra ones to up security.

Posted by: audrey_green Jul 22 2005, 05:16 AM

Hey I was wondering if anyone thought there was a connection between the spells in the Harry's potions book and Lily?  Every time Harry produces a new potion Slughorn raves about him being as instinctive and brilliant as Lily, but Lily would have been in the same class as Snape, so wouldn't Slughorn have mentioned or remembered if he'd had two particularly brilliant students in the same class?  Plus, he pretty much implies that Lily was better at potions then Snape ("I've never seen anything quite like it, not even in you Snape.  He's just like his mother..." etc) I have no idea if it means anything because its all quite loose, but J K rarely adds anything for no reason and it just seems a little bit coincidental to be nothing...

Plus, I'm sure this has been discussed to death, but I can't figure out WHY Snape agreed to perform the Unbreakable Vow in the first place.  Maybe he was just trying to prove his loyalty to Voldemort, but even so, he doesn't seem like the sort of guy who would potentially die for the sake of someone else, not unless there was a REALLY good reason.

thoughts anyone?

Posted by: daydreamer Jul 22 2005, 08:07 AM

Maybe Snape and Slughorn didn't get on fantastically, Slughorn only favours/talks about the people he likes, the people that will be able to do things for him.

It is possible that Lily and Snape were in different classes - no need for Slytherin to Always have had potions with Gryffindor...

Posted by: Troels Jul 22 2005, 08:18 AM

but I'm hoping JKR is going to write the ending to Book 7 ala The Lord of the Rings style, where the battle finishes somewhere just half way through the middle and that the ending is all happily ever after

Posted by: pensive Jul 22 2005, 08:18 AM

I hope that this comment will not be deleted but I was kinda hurt by the word "delusional".  There were as much H/Hr hints as there are R/Hr hints.  In fact, there are more H/Hr hints than H/G clues which are practically Nothing at all.  How can we be delusional when there was a possibility that H/Hr might happen given the kind of relationship they had?  H/G had no basis at all but it still happened so why can't H/Hr too when it had more basis?

Sorry for the rant but I wanted to get that off my chest.

Posted by: Katy Jul 22 2005, 08:31 AM

Posted by: Troels Jul 22 2005, 08:34 AM

I doubt that the good people at TLC would delete the comment -- why should they?

But with respect to the content of your post, the main problem with the Harry/Hermione coupling lay in the firm evidence for the Ron/Hermione future -- Hermione can't very well (without being a bigamist  ) live out her life as the wife of both boys.

I'll admit that I was, after reading GoF, as yet unsure whether Hermione's feelings for Ron were of a lasting kind. Possibly also because I felt that he was utterly unworthy of her after his betrayal of Harry in that book. I was willing to see evidence that pointed at her having sub-conscious, but more lasting, yearnings for Harry (well, I thought at that time that the books were these extremely complex, many-layered compositions, so don't bash me, OK?  ).

After reading OotP, however, it was really quite obvious that Ron and Hermione were destined for each other, but still feeling him utterly unworthy of her, I just stayed completely away from all shipping  

I  was very pleased to see that Rowling recognised that Ron is unworthy of Hermione and that he has to prove himself. He has walked part of the way, but has still some way to go. There is, however, now hope for poor mediocre Ron; hope that he will grow up in book 7 and be a worthy companion for Hermione -- I certainly hope so.

Posted by: dumbleedorr Jul 22 2005, 08:39 AM

I just looked in the Lexicon to see if there was more information on the draught of living death. It doesn't tell you what it makes you do, besides appear that you are dead. I wonder that if you drink it and then are hit by the Avada Kedavra curse, if it just bounces off of you. Snape said in the first book that he knew about a potion that put a stopper to death. (Maybe that was why Dumbledore was looking for him). Was the basin in the cave full of that? And were the words, "please, Snape", a code word that Dumbledore gave to Snape saying that it was okay to hit him with the curse now because he was about to "die"? Dumbledore had just told Draco that "they can't kill you if you are already dead." I know I am rambling and it seems so far fetched but I just want to make sense of his death. It seems like such an ignoble way to die, pleading for his life.

Posted by: MrsGump Jul 22 2005, 08:40 AM

I just want to thank Melissa and Emerson for their hard work and wonderful interview. I have enjoyed them immensely. I can not wait to read the last part when it gets posted today.

Most of my family has finished the book, so we are starting to run through our own theories. It is one of the things that makes the wait for the next book bearable. My father has not finished yet, and he has always been a H/Hr believer.

I think part of the difference is that he has never read the transcripts of nterviews. JKR very plainly said there was nothing other than platonic friendship between H and Hr (see Emerson's post on Mugglenet for the actual quotes and dates). So when you hear "delusional" remember you're talking about people who remember all the times JKR said not H/Hr and (although Jo never used the word) the woman who said it herself, thinking she was pointing people in the right direction.

Posted by: Troels Jul 22 2005, 08:44 AM

I am immensely grateful to Melissa and Emerson for the excellent interview: congratulations are definitely in order, here.

The interview mentions "all the recording devices on the table," and is otherwise clearly taped ("Let the record show"). I wondered if it would be possible to make these recordings available? There are several places where I think that actually hearing Rowling's intonation would improve our understanding -- how exactly, for instance, did she say "Well, you've read the book, what do you think?" in answer to Melissa's question regarding Snape?

Thanks again. Good work there!

Posted by: acciojohnnydepp Jul 22 2005, 08:49 AM

Posted by: Jekteir Jul 22 2005, 08:50 AM

I think Dumbleedorr of a few posts back has something credible. I'll have to reread the bit where Dumbledore is talking to Draco about pretending to be dead, but it would be just like Dumbledore to be talking about Draco and really be talking about himself, possibly to Harry.

On an unrelated, quibbling note, I'm not sure I buy into that stuff about curses like the full body bind stopping after the curser's death. Maybe they do, but don't we know from the scenes at the ministry where Harry hits Dolohov with pretrificus totalus and later Dolohov reappears in the Death Room that they wear off with time anyway? Unless you believe that this was like stuck in the mud and Malfoy or someone else came along and freed Dolohov?

Posted by: daydreamer Jul 22 2005, 08:52 AM

draught of living death - intersting thought, but why would the basin be full of something to prevent your from dying? Unless Voldemort had thought to reach there he might be close to dying... but still it seems a bit odd to put something that would protect the drinker rather than protect the neclace from being stolen by anyone other than Voldemort.

I don't think there was anything pre-planned. If there is any hope it is in that they were spur of the moment action that has hidden reason.

Posted by: Jekteir Jul 22 2005, 09:02 AM

But the draught of living death would also put you into a deep, deep sleep, presumably while Voldemort came to find out who you were. Dumbledore tells Harry specifically that Voldemort would prefer to keep the intruder alive in order to find out who they were, how they penetrated the defenses, why they wanted the horcrux. If it didn't put you to sleep - if you had anticipated it and had someone there to dilute the potion with water immediately after - they would apparently need to get that water from the lake, which also suits Voldemort, since you would no longer be asleep, and Voldemort would therefore prefer you were killed by the Inferi in order to ensure that you couldn't get away with the locket.

Posted by: Jekteir Jul 22 2005, 09:05 AM

Oh, and it had occurred to me that Dumbledore might be using Fawkes as a horcrux, but I understand that would apparently mean killing for it! Unless, of course, there's another way, perhaps associated with the power of love... Then the phoenix-from-the-ashes-and-Fawkes's-disappearance might be more important.

Posted by: daydreamer Jul 22 2005, 09:08 AM

Good thinking - that DOES work as a theory.

So, we are back to what happens when the spell hits him... and if he can come back.

On the other hand, I can't see Dumbledore coming back to life - it works too well that Harry has to face Voldemort, which seems unlikely if Dumbledore is around. So, I can't convince myself that he will come back to life fully. Maybe some message or echo, but not a full ressurection.

Posted by: daydreamer Jul 22 2005, 09:10 AM

No, i don't think Dumbledore would use a Horcrux. he was very against them.  Fawkes may be involved, but I can't see it as a Horcrux

Posted by: ivybutterfly Jul 22 2005, 10:35 AM

Thank you!! Your interview was great and finally do we get interesting information and not all the usual jornalists' stuff. I've to congratulate you for the nice feeling we get from reading the interview. It's really well written, in a way to make us feel we were there. Can't wait for the next part!

Posted by: Dumbledore_alive Jul 22 2005, 10:42 AM

I wish they could ask JKR, what i`m going todo with my barrels of salt (remember????)  :(  :(

Posted by: LooneyBellatrix Jul 22 2005, 10:51 AM

I belive dumbleedorr, Jekteir and daydreamer are on to something, as I said also, I think the whole DD dying is really fishy, specially after saying to Draco that the OotP could save him.
I just want to keep thinking that DD is alive and will come back somehow...
And as someone back there also said, Harry didnt say anything to DD's picture... and the picture didnt say anything either... If you look at each event it says nothing, but, looking at the whole thing... I... I dunno..... I shall stop rambling.....

Posted by: Snake Jul 22 2005, 10:52 AM

Great interview, thank you !

Posted by: LooneyBellatrix Jul 22 2005, 11:25 AM

Oh!! About Hogwarts closing... well, I dont think it will, I remember reading somewhere an interview made to JK, she was asked "Why seven books?" and she answered "Because there are seven years at hogwarts school...".. I think, for me, that's enough reason to belive the Harry will go back to Hogwarts, at least for a while, in book seven... maybe just from september to december or something like that... And if the founding fathers and the sorting have are going to apear in book seven (unless i missunderstood the interview made by Emmerson and Melissa...), it has to at least beggin at hogwarts...

Posted by: Dumbledore_alive Jul 22 2005, 04:12 PM

hope you are right Looney.......i`m one of those with "desperate hope"

Posted by: Aberforth_dumbledore Jul 22 2005, 04:46 PM

Hey people, i need some help :-s! am i just being dull or is the interview with JK Rowling i was reading the other day gone? i got halfway through part two and i cannot find it again, please help asap!

Posted by: Mj_Shaw Jul 22 2005, 06:37 PM

I believe there are three or four references in HBP that made it pretty obvious that Snape was going to kill, or be killed, in this installment.  

First, he entered into an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy.  There is hesitation and a tremor in Snape's hand when she asks him if he will fulfill Voldemort's orders should Draco not be able to, but he completes the vow, knowing that if he does not, the Death Eaters will know he is not true to them.  (Originally, I thought Draco was under orders to kill Harry - as probably many people were.  Because of this suspicion, I believed Snape would be killed in the end, as our hero wasn't about to die yet, at least not in this book.)

Second, during a conversation with Hagrid, our young lead characters learn that Dumbledore and Snape have had a falling out, of sorts, where Snape seems overwhelmed.  However, Dumbledore reminds Snape that he has agreed to whatever he has agreed to (Hagrid doesn't overhear any specifics) and that he must live up to his obligation...  For myself, I believe this is a critical hint within the novel that Snape has shared his entry into the Unbreakable Vow with Dumbledore, along with exactly what the vow entailed...  Dumbledore is a reasonable, wise man.  He knew the potential risks and consequences and yet he insisted that Snape stick to his position of loyalty to the Death Eaters and Voldemort.

Last, on the tower above Hogwarts, when Dumbledore is faced by Draco as Harry watches on, frozen, Dumbledore quite skillfully, and I believe intentionally, stalls Draco.  Dumbledore is significantly weakened from his and Harry's excursion to the sea cave, he has been disarmed, and he faces a young man who's family is at risk and who can do something in order to save them.  Dumbledore even gives Draco a chance to run from Voldemort; he promises him that the Order can protect him and that they will retrieve his mother (Narcissa) and protect her as well.  Draco's father, Dumbledore insists, is safe within Azkaban...  From my perspective, Dumbledore stalls Draco quite intentionally.  He does not want to see Draco take the path of a murderer.  Dumbledore understands that for all the boasting Draco is capable of, he is still a boy not truly yet ready to become a man - especially if becoming a man means taking the life of another.  Draco is only ready to kill Dumbledore for fear of Voldemort and the safety of his mother and father...

Dumbledore succeeds in his stalling of Draco and the Death Eaters enter the scene.  None of them is willing or ready to kill Dumbledore themself, as Voldemort has specifically assigned the task to Draco...  However, with the arrival of Snape on the tower top, all circumstances change.  Note that in that scene Snape moves to directly in front of Dumbledore with more authority and command than any other Death Eater present.  Snape focuses on Dumbledore and Dumbledore on him.  In this scene, virtually all else ceases to exist except Snape and Dumbledore.  Dumbledore looks at Snape and says, "Severus,,, please."  A moment or two passes and Dumbledore weakly pleads with Snape one last time...   "Please."

It is my opinion that at this very moment, Dumbledore was not begging for mercy from Snape.  On the contrary, he was begging Snape to kill him; thereby sparing Draco from becoming a murderer, or the victim of Lord Voldemort or the Death Eaters.  Remember, Snape was bound by the Unbreakable Vow.  Dumbledore was very likely aware of this vow and the fact that Snape could neither avoid or escape its binding properties...

I believe that J.K.Rowling is a story-telling genius for this maneuver and I respect her for the dedication she shows to her characters and her story-line.  With all the fantastical imagination that has gone into this series, J.K.Rowling has in fact kept it very realistic.  Harsh realities are a part of life and Harry's has no exception to this rule.  By finishing HBP in the manner she did, J.K.Rowling has, I believe, laid the ground work for a quite possibly dangerous path for Harry.  What happens if his hatred for Snape  distracts him from the real, and true villian here; Voldemort?  Will Harry kill an innocent Snape, and therefore be burdened by an even greater sense of guilt?

But before you say that you believe Snape is evil, ponder one more thing.  When Harry is chasing Snape and Draco toward the perimeter of the Hogwart's grounds, and he and Snape actually get close enough to have words, there is a moment that I feel is critical to Snape's case.  Harry calls him a coward.  At this moment, and probably more so than any other than I've seen yet in the series, Snape becomes more than one hundred percent serious.  He does not want Harry calling him a coward.  Why?  It is my feeling that what Snape has just done to Dumbledore takes more courage than ninety-nine percent of people could ever muster.  He has shown his loyalty to Dumbledore in a far greater way then any of Dumbledore's other supporters could ever dream to.  I believe that Snape's heart (yes, whatever there is there) is completely shattered at what he's just had to do and he is very close to a breaking point.  He knows how important Dumbledore's work has been, and how important it is that Harry and the Order survives...  Snape is now as alone in this mess as Harry is.

But, this is only my opinion...  :)


P.S.  As for Dumbledore being gone from Harry, I don’t believe this to be the case.  Harry will be able to consult with Dumbledore by means of the Head Master portraits found in Dumbledore’s old office.  He will be there for Harry, if not physically, then at least spiritually and with wisdom.  Besides, who amongst us would really want to see Harry helped in defeating Voldemort?..  Not me, and I can say that with complete certainty.  The next book may very likely be Harry’s emancipation: from childhood, from painful memories binding him, and from the constant presence and threat of Lord Voldemort.  If Harry is in fact “the Chosen One,” then it is him, and only him, who can take Voldemort down.  Otherwise, Harry would be a part of “the Chosen Ones.”  And that’s just not the case…

Posted by: dancingpirate Jul 22 2005, 07:04 PM

I can't beleive the Snape thing.  I always had a bad feeling about him but.......  However Dumbledore said he didn't make mistakes often but when he did they were rather large.  Maybe this was his large mistake.

Posted by: Jekteir Jul 22 2005, 08:26 PM

I think Mj_Shaw may be dead right. Dumbledore may have asked Snape to kill him, in preference to Snape's death through a failure to fulfil the unbreakable vow (the only other option). If Dumbledore had already told Snape earlier that if it came to it, he would have to kill him, he need say nothing more than 'please' (and that's without legilimency).

I do disagree with one thing you said, though: I think that Snape could have refused the unbreakable vow - after all, Bella was expecting him to. He could have just said, 'Are you out of your mind? I'm not making any promise that could, through some unforeseeable circumstance, result in my certain death! What if I broke my leg and was unable to aid Draco when he needed it?' I think perhaps his decision to take the vow - if what you have posted above is true - is a bit of unavoidable plot expediency so that things can follow their course.

We are also forced to wonder what Snape was asking Dumbledore to do, if he told him about the vow. Dumbledore couldn't free him from it; could he have sent him off somewhere away from Draco? Would the vow not have been relevant then as well? I believe it would have, so what did Snape want? - Dumbledore to kill him? - To kill Draco? Dumbledore to hide?

One other thought: I can't be bothered to go get the book, but might there be a little wiggle room in the vow? Does he promise to 'aid Draco' or to 'aid Draco in his task'? Ah. Just checked. He vows to carry out the task the Dark Lord gave to Draco, if it looks like Draco'll fail... So no room there, unless the Dark Lord set Draco another task, but since Snape killed Dumbledore, I guess we can assume he did not.

I totally agree with the 'coward' thing, as well as the fact that Snape got the others off Harry (whether or not it's supposed to be on Voldemort's orders), as evidence of Snape's inner-division and loyalty to Mr D.

As always, I have been puzzled in this book by Dumbledore's apparent omniscience combined with his failure to do anything about everything going on. He always knows exactly what's happened, just after it's happened, but never seems to figure it out just before it all goes down. I hope that some of his decisions get explained in book 7, or else I may have to write a little story where Harry goes up to the office and starts slapping the portrait around until Dumbledore apologises for not protecting the Stone better, not saving Ginny, not saving Sirius, not catching Pettigrew, not doing a better job with the goblet of fire, not noticing the impostor Moody, not expelliarmusing Draco...

On that note:  Oh. Dunno if anyone's reminded us of this yet, but Dumbledore must have known his imminent fate because he petrified Harry instead of Draco. If he'd only petrified Draco, they could have sealed the door and rode down to the courtyard on their brooms instead. And why didn't Dumbledore contact Snape via Fawkes-mail, or whatever other method the Order uses? (And why not Slughorn...Obviously, there's a lot going on here. Dumbledore does more than just trust Snape, he only wants Snape: presumably because he has extra knowledge of Snape, or they have a plan laid out - such as he simply wants to find Snape so that Snape can kill him.)

And why not, just another small gripe, something which bothers me in the Order of the Phoenix now, too: don't the good guys ever shoot to kill? Are we really that bothered about putting the bad boys into Azkaban at this stage? Maybe it's just my survival instincts or my mean-spirited nature (or the fact that I'm male), but if the Death Eaters tend to revive themselves one way or another after you body-bind them, for instance, wouldn't you want to bind them, go up and stun them, then kick them in the head a few times (assuming you can't use Avada Kedavra, that is)? Yeah, so that'd make Harry a killer. When it's kill a serial killer or risk death, and you're engaged in mortal combat with multiple deadly enemies (who seem to revive each other), I can't see a problem with deadly force. And I'm a liberal!

Posted by: ra&moosie Jul 22 2005, 08:49 PM

Hi,

I am a (literally) first time poster. I was pleased in the interveiw to see my theory of R.A.B come up. I thought - having read the first two parts - that some of the questions that J.K.R did not answer was very interesting. It has all added tothe speculation in our household.....

Posted by: Jill Jul 22 2005, 09:39 PM

Melissa and Emerson's Grand Adventure
they are soooooo lucky. I'm still waiting ever so patiently for that third part of the interview!

Posted by: Mr_Ginny_Weasley Jul 22 2005, 10:49 PM

Thank you very very much for the great interview. It was just what I wanted to read when I finished the book. I'm looking forward to reading part 3!!!

I hope that, when book 7 comes out, JKR decides to give another interview like this one. I can't wait, because she'll be answering everything you ask: she can't say "I can't possibly answer you that".

Thank you very much!!!

Posted by: strands of pearl Jul 23 2005, 12:19 AM

Yay!  Melissa asked my question : "Has Snape ever been loved by anyone?"

Thanks Melissa!!

Posted by: meannjean23 Jul 23 2005, 12:31 AM

i liked the interview but i got confussed when they asked jk about harrys grandparents in the third part of the interview. since they were not murdered  they responded by saying that shots down the heir of gryfindor theories.   ??? but why, how does harrys grandparents not being murdered not making him a possible heir of godric grfyndor

Posted by: Watt Jul 23 2005, 12:32 AM

Meh, pretty good, I guess. I think I enjoyed part 2 best. There seem to be a ton of things on such a wide variety of topics that she can't tell us, and I have a hard time imagining how the answers are all going to be fit into one book. I wish they would have asked if Harry was going to return to Hogwarts. She may not have answered, but it's possible she could say "no, I thought that was made clear in the end of HBP," which would relieve a lot of speculation. Otherwise, great job.

Posted by: DracoCrabbeGoyle Jul 23 2005, 12:45 AM

Posted by: meannjean23 Jul 23 2005, 12:48 AM

i kind of got the idea in my head that he was the heir of gryffindor.  i still hope he ends up being the heir regardless of Jks comment.  i think that would make the final showdown between harry and voldemort all that much better. the two heirs battling it out

Posted by: undone Jul 23 2005, 12:49 AM

Wow. I think that(part3) was my favorite part of the interview. Just...wow. I'm so glad the questions we've all wanted asked finally got asked. Thanks again, Melissa, Emerson, and Jo. The best interviews with Jo I've ever read.

That gives us plenty to think about until Book 7. Which I cannot decide whether I can't wait until we get our hands on that book, or if I can wait an eternity, because I just don't want this to end.

Posted by: sabaiidii Jul 23 2005, 12:58 AM

Well said.  My big question is who might have been there along with Harry and his parents the night Voldemort killed them?

Posted by: Briggs Jul 23 2005, 01:00 AM

Almost at the end, Jo said that having been loved (unlike LV) made Snape more culpable. I think, finally, I have to go with Snape being, at the least, careful of his own interests first. He makes easy choices rather than right ones? His account of himself to Narcissa suggests that he always looked for the least uncomfortable option. While drawn to the double/triple agent idea, with Snape forced into a vow he realised with the third requirement would leave him no wiggle room, but that he was with the Order, my reservation was always that he said to Bella that he had helped the DEs find Emmeline Vance. I wondered if he had just made use of what happened anyway, to boost his credibility with LV, but to lie in a way that could be found out would be foolish. So would he hand over Vance just to make himself credible? If you're doing that, you might as well join the DEs. Time to reread all the books - but my best guess is that DD trusted Snape to be himself, as my daughter suggested, and as I put in a post earlier.
I really liked the interview - thanks to JKR and the reporters.

Posted by: dede913 Jul 23 2005, 01:01 AM

Wow - Great job you two - this was awesome.  

I agree that there is some confusion about Harry not being Heir of Gryffindor just because his grandparents died of natural causes.

I always felt that the Lupin loving Lily thing was just something that Cuaron over did in the movie - I never felt he loved her - in anything other then the wife of his best friend kind of way.

I feel like I have missed something along the way about Aberforth and the goats - so please remind me on that one...

Is there some reference some where to Ginny being the 7th of the 7th.  I have only heard of Molly having two brothers for sure but I recall talk of others - or is that not what that means?

I have always wondered - DD must have already been teaching at Hogwarts when he bested Grindewald - or started really close to then - he was just a teacher there when the Chamber was opened the first time - but we know that the Chamber was opened again around 92 (500th death day party - it has been 50 years since the chamber) that would put it all around 1942 and he defeated Grindewald after that.  Interesting that he was already that powerful and teaching under age kids.

I like how Jo just didn't answer about Snape loving or not loving Lily.

Well - i have now asked more questions then I intended...

I have to again say thank you to Melissa and Emerson - you two are incredibly lucky - and undeniably deserving of the interview you were granted.  

Great job - you have steered us in the right direction.

We can only hope that Jo invites you again in a couple years so you can answer all of our burning questions about 7.  Maybe more like a week or so after so we all have time to pose our questions before you meet.

Great Job!!!!

Posted by: Tyqwando416 Jul 23 2005, 01:01 AM

My question is, when she said she always saw Harry and Ginny coming together and then parting, did she mean it was permanent?? I would be crushed!!!

Posted by: Katcandoo Jul 23 2005, 01:05 AM

You asked my http://www.leakylounge.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=22&t=3337&st=270#entry114371 but it didn't make the poll.*pouts*  I believe I was the first to ask too.

Oh well now I know.

Posted by: Sora Jul 23 2005, 01:08 AM

Yeah, I wondered about the Ginny thing... Will they never be together again?

With Ginny being the seventh: I think it's just that she's the seventh child. Because he has all older brothers she can never be the seventh daughter.

I'm hoping that neither Snape nor Lupin ever loved Lilly in that way... Perhaps it was Wormtail? I don't know...

Melissa and Emerson: You two were wonderful! Those were very good questions. I very much enjoyed reading it.

Posted by: dede913 Jul 23 2005, 01:09 AM

I hope it is not permenant too - Harry deserves a little happiness.

Sorry for my long last post but one final thing...

If DD knew LV in 42 which is when the chamber opened - and defeated Grindewald 3 years later - LV would have been out of school - presumably working at B and B by then - but is there anything saying that there is no connection between Grindewald and LV...

Posted by: jam Jul 23 2005, 01:17 AM

Oh my...what an interview...HUGE HUGE THANKS to Jo for giving and M&E for asking-I will forever be jealous of you    however, I definately think that you did a fantastic job.

As for Snape being evil/not evil...*sigh*...I really really want to believe that he's good in some way, that he and Dumbledore somehow had a plan, that he was magically forced to kill Dumbledore because of the Unbreakable Vow...but a little voice in the back of my head reminds me of how angry I was at him right at the end of that chaper, the disbelief that he could ever do that to someone who had given him so much, trusted him so much, someone who was pleading with him....it's hard to believe that someone like that is really good.

...On the other hand, he could just be a fantastic actor  

Posted by: dede913 Jul 23 2005, 01:26 AM

But do we really know what DD was pleading for - while I dont think that Snape is really capable of kindness - I wonder if they didn't discuss it before - that DD tried to convince Snape that when it came right down to it Snape was in a better position to help Harry - DD may have been pleading with Snape to agree with him.  At that moment - when Snape made the decision to kill DD - he was having to chose between his own life and DDs.  He would have died had he not killed DD - DD was getting older - and while he will most likely always be my favorite character - we are now forced to hope/believe/accept - that Harry is ready to go on with out him.

Posted by: Rei Jul 23 2005, 01:28 AM

hooray!

Posted by: phoenixsong1104 Jul 23 2005, 01:50 AM

it's excellent to have an interview with jo where the interviewers are so well informed and emotionally invested in these beautiful books. thank you for doing such a wonderful job.
i hope jo mentions the third thing hermione smelled in the love potion someday. i wonder what ron smelled, too. heh heh heh...

Posted by: Mysterious Jul 23 2005, 01:57 AM

Brillant. Absolutely wonderful. Thank you again. Really great how well you got on with Jo. I loved this.

Posted by: Liquid_Luck Jul 23 2005, 02:06 AM

Thanks for a great interview Melissa and Emerson.  Part Three answered a lot of my questions.  I really wanted there to be more to Harry's grandparents deaths, especially his Potter grandparents.  Jo's answers put a real stopper in some of my best theories.  However, her answer about Dumbledore's family being a profitable line of inquiry fits with another clue I found earlier today.  In OotP, page 116, when Harry and the Weasleys are cleaning out the drawing room, along with the heavy locket that none of them can open, Sirius seizes a heavy book entitled "Nature's Nobility: a Wizarding Genealogy" and smashes a many legged pair of tweezers with it.  I think Harry will need to find that book to get some of his answers.  I hope that the book shows that Dumbledore is a descendent of Godric Gryffindor.  (Has anyone noticed the similarity in their names?  Number of syllables? Dor at the end?)  I love his full name, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.  It has such a nice ring to it.  I wonder if there are hidden meanings in each of the names.

I wondered at the time when I first read chapter six in OotP and I am still wondering, How would Sirius dispose of the sacks of debris that they gathered.  He obviously couldn't throw them out in the Muggle Trash.  He couldn't take them to Borgin and Burkes to sell.  He was a wanted wizard and anyway the Order or the Phoenix would not want any of these objects full of their dark magic to get into Death Eater's hands or the general wizarding public for that matter.  My best guess is that Sirius locked them up somehow in the house.  He couldn't just put them in a room or Kreacher would get into them.  But I think Kreacher was able to get some items out of the bags either when they were cleaning or later because he has all of the broken picture frames in his nest and they are put into the bag on the same day as the locket and the book.  I think that somehow Mundungus has gotten his hands on these items that were locked up.  I think Harry will have to find Mundungus who Dumbledore says is now in hiding (HBP page 260).  Hopefully Mundungus has not sold the locket or the book to anyone, but this might be how we get to know Aberforth in book 7.  He may have purchased some of the items.  It is also possible that Kreacher has hidden the items in his nest.  It appears clear to me that Harry is going to have to spend some time at Number 12 Grimmauld Place.  This also brings up some other questions I have.  Now that Dumbledore is gone, who is secret keeper for the Order? and Is Headquarters now at risk because there is no secret keeper?  If Harry stays at Headquarters, how does he get food to eat?  the corner muggle market? How does he do his laundry?  Will he bring Kreacher back to help him?  Dobby?  Winkie?  Will Harry, Ron and Hermione live at Headquarters and go out on their missions from there?

Along another line, in HBP, page 446, Harry sees Voldemort's hand twitch toward his pocket and his wand.  Could Voldemort have used this opportunity to plant a Horcrux while in Dumbledore's office?  I wonder if he had Godric Gryffindor's sword and he used an enchantment to hide it in the Sorting Hat while making his visit to ask for the teaching position.  If this is true, he actually gives Harry the means to destroy two of his horcruxes, because Harry used the sword to kill the Basilisk and then the fang from the the Basilisk to kill Voldemort's soul in the diary.  Gryffindor's sword now resides in a safe place in the Headmaster's office awaiting the time when Harry will figure out that he has to destroy it.  This ties in with Dumbledore's statement in HBP, page 510.  "He heard the prophecy and he leapt into action, with the result that he not only handpicked the man most likely to finish him, he handed him uniquely deadly weapons!"

I think Harry will also have to go back and retrieve his potions book in the Room of Requirement and destroy the Disappearing Cabinet so it can no longer be used.  I think the book will hold the key to destroying Snape if that is what Harry has to do or understanding him.  I think while at the school he will spend time in the Headmaster's office talking to Dumbeldore's portrait.  There must be more information that he can glean from the headmaster.  I am interested to see whether a portrait Dumbledore will have all of the memories of the live Dumbledore and will he be able to think and reason the same as the live Dumbledore or will there be limits to what he can do to help Harry.

Posted by: Abbigail Jul 23 2005, 02:21 AM

Wow, what an interview.  Thank you for clearing up all those inaccurate theories.  

The last question Melissa asked, has Snape ever been loved by anyone, and JKR's answer, just kind of blew me away.  When she said yes, and it makes Snape more culpable than Voldemort because he hasn't ever been loved.....Oh my gosh--I take that to mean that Snape deserves more blame because he has known love.  And if he is more to blame, then that can only mean that he is bad--bad to the bone.  

If this is the case, then it makes me even sadder about DD's death.  It was hard enough to accept, but then thinking that DD planned it made it a bit easier to accept.  Thinking that Snape truly betrayed him is just unbearable.  DD died for nothing!  Oh, the tragedy!!!!!!!  Sob!

Posted by: Polychrome Jul 23 2005, 02:55 AM

Ugh! Me too! I really wish they'd followed up on that... or had her clarify... Even a "no comment" would have been better. It does have a final tone to it...

Harry needs love.

Posted by: Chreechree Jul 23 2005, 03:24 AM

I think the Harry Ginny parting just means that she will not be around much for the last book while he gets down to the nitty gritty of getting rid of Voldemort.  I'm sure they'll be together at the end (assuming they both survive.. which is a big assumption).

The "culpable" comment about Snape.  Yes!  Several times in the interview made it sound like Snape really was a traitor and Dumbledore's death wasn't planned, but I wasn't sure.  I'm not sure if I can make an argument around the remark about Snape being more culpable.  Wow.  

Excellent interview.  Thanks so much to Melissa, Emerson, and Jo for giving us such insight!

Posted by: AnimeNut Jul 23 2005, 03:41 AM

Regarding the "come together and then part" comment, you could also take this to mean that Harry breaking-up with Ginny is crucial to Book 7's plot.  In other words, Harry needed to become emotionally invested in Ginny before setting off on his final quest to defeat Voldemort.

I just don't believe that Jo was saying Harry and Ginny are never getting back together.  If anything, her comment does tell me this won't be happening at the wedding.

If anyone's still feeling discouraged, don't forget that after Jo makes the "come together and then part" statement, she immediately goes on to lay out her grand design for how Harry and Ginny hook up, complete with innumerous compliments for the "redhead hottie" (quoting Alynda Wheat from next week's Entertainment Weekly).  That seems like an awful lot to go through for a relationship that only lasts a few weeks (possibly months... hard to tell).

Maybe it's just the hardcore H/G shipper in me, but I still believe that these two are getting back together.  In light of Jo's interview, however, I won't be expecting it until after or near Voldemort's death... assuming Harry and/or Ginny don't die as well.

Posted by: Fionnuala Jul 23 2005, 04:09 AM

Posted by: Scoundrel Jul 23 2005, 04:20 AM

Hmmm, I'm really confused now.  JKR says about the Pensieve: "It’s reality. It’s important that I have got that across, because Slughorn gave Dumbledore this pathetic cut-and-paste memory. He didn't want to give the real thing, and he very obviously patched it up and cobbled it together. So, what you remember is accurate in the Pensieve."  If that is true, then why in Chapter 13, page 262 (US version) does it say: "This time," said Dumbledore, "we are going to enter my memory.  I think you will find it both rich in detail and satisfyingly accurate.  After you, Harry . . ."  If the Pensieve is reality, why would Dumbledore's be any more accurate than anyone elses?  Please note I have not yet read the rest of the book, and if it is explained there, I apologize, but I just find it curious that JKR would use that choice of words unless she meant that the Pensieve contained the memory from the view of the owner as opposed to true reality.  Unless of course the memories that they have viewed so far were similar to what she described Slughorn's, cut-and-paste, which occurs AFTER the offending statement.

Posted by: Lord Montymort Jul 23 2005, 05:25 AM

I think Wormtail was present at Godrics Hollow, cause he had Voldy's wand.

Posted by: oj. Jul 23 2005, 05:38 AM

Posted by: MelissaTLC Jul 23 2005, 06:12 AM

Thank you guys! We are so pleased to hear it is living up to your expecations. Katcandoo, about Ginny's valentine, that's something I always wanted to know personally. It was already on my list. Strandsofpearl - THANK YOU for that question. When I saw it I said OOOH! and knew I had to ask it no matter what, and that was only backed up by HBP.

Posted by: Astievia Jul 23 2005, 06:15 AM

Uh, guys.....THERE WAS SOMEONE ELSE IN GODRIC'S HOLLOW!!! Why isn't everyone talking about this more??? There is already alot of stuff about that night that doesn't add up, like how Lily and James came out of the wand in reverse order. Clearly, events that night did not go as everyone thinks they did. Who else does everyone think was there?

Posted by: Justadad Jul 23 2005, 07:25 AM

Thank you Melissa for this interview and this report.  It reminds me that Jo Rowling is an author who cares about her readers. I only wish that she had also finished seven prior to giving birth so that this could have been an announcement on it's publishing date as well....sigh.

Posted by: jobeibi Jul 23 2005, 07:38 AM

That was amazing! The best interview, of any kind, that I have ever read.  It was like seeing three old friends reminicing over old times and talking about the yet to come.  

I am more impressed than ever with Jo, after reading that.  She's so funny and animated, and the write up really gets that across.  

Thank you!

Posted by: Parselmouth Jul 23 2005, 07:40 AM

Melissa and Emerson -- GREAT JOB!  You make us all very very proud!!!!!

What a fantastic interview with amazing insights.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Posted by: hpfan2 Jul 23 2005, 08:15 AM

thanks so much for interview.Just a little question,does anyone remember when exactly Dumbledore had that look of "triumph" in his eyes.Im pretty sure its in book 4 but not sure where.....

Posted by: Clytymnystra Jul 23 2005, 08:42 AM

 Have been R/HR all along even from Book 1.  In ANY case:  

Posted by: Astievia Jul 23 2005, 08:43 AM

yeah book 4, right at the end when he's telling Dumbledore and Sirius what happenned in the graveyard. The gleam of triumph when Harry tells them about Pettigrew taking his blood.

Posted by: lupingal Jul 23 2005, 08:55 AM

after reading all of the interview with JKR and she sd we could figure out what one of the horcrux is how about this in every book we read that Harry has his mothers eyes and if a horcrux could be in a snake why not a person

Posted by: James_Padfoot Jul 23 2005, 09:05 AM

Oh... Thank you both for detailing it for us!

THANK YOU JO ROWLING for allowing us, as united fans, to this access of information.

*off to analyze*

Posted by: diane1224 Jul 23 2005, 09:07 AM

oh my gosh it is so cool!!!! thank you I love the book! I love the interview!

Posted by: willgirl Jul 23 2005, 09:14 AM

I thought the interview was really well done. They asked fantastic questions and we definately got some good hints for book seven.
godric's hollow anyone?

Posted by: berny Jul 23 2005, 09:20 AM

Is it possible that Harry could be one of the horcruxes? Voldemort did passed on part of himself to Harry...

Posted by: lupingal Jul 23 2005, 09:23 AM

the way I see it is yes snape has protected Harry several times but maybe it is because he knows what Harrys death would destroy part of LV's soul

Posted by: Lluna Jul 23 2005, 09:24 AM

Wow! What a fantastic interview! The last little bit seemed to really get the ball rolling...if only it could have continued for another couple of hours. Thanks Melissa and Emerson for working so had in getting it to us and in top quality.

It seems that much of what was said in this interview supports the idea that RAB IS Regulus Black since the Horcrux that readers  may be able to deduce could easily be the heavy locket in Grimmauld Place and JKR was rather dodgy in talking about Regulus.

SOMEONE ELSE present in Godric's Hollow??!! This will open up a new can of worms. If this person is still alive, they could be a major assent to Harry in telling him about his parents' last hours and could very well have insight into the prophecy and Harry's protection. Could Snape have been present as he revealed the prophecy to Voldemort? Or maybe Wormtail? At this point...who knows.

Snape being loved--this is certainly something. I don't think it automatically implies that he is evil, but rather that that he made horrible choices in the past and for those, he is more culpable because he was given the opportunity to be good and to be loved. The object of all this could be his mother, Lily, Narcissa even, and JKR certainly very nicely avoided the Snape/Lily question.

The Dumbledore as Secret Keeper for the Order thing that someone mentioned is very important I believe. This probably also points to a return to Grimmauld Place for Harry since it is his house and he would have to go sort out the problems of either finding a new Secret Keeper, relocating everyone else, or finding a way of protecting it now that Dumbledore is gone. Prehpas, while visiting Grimmauld Place for the Order is what prompts him to remember or find the locket Horcrux and find out about Regulus.

Posted by: kiara Jul 23 2005, 09:35 AM

I'm wondering on that culpable comment. So, he was loved, perhaps given a CHOICE, as that seems to be the theme, whereas V was not, yet he still decides to be 'culpable', or be said to be so..hmm. It would be nice little twist if he turned out to be evil, but I cant see that, he had a reason to kill DD, on his orders, I think. I think it was his(Snapes) mother that loved our Snivelly, he was shown love but went to the DE anyway..If Lily was like Ginny, maybe they were going out at one point, working on potions together, ect, when she dumped him for whatever reason, as Ginny has a habit of doing so with her guys as well..Maybe some parallel between Ginny and her 'boys' and Lily will come to some answer between lily and Snape. And there is the Obsessive Love comment by Sluggy in the book..I personally am hoping there was nothing there, as someone commented earlier, its a bit like a soap opera, esp. in this last book (then again, lily being popular is, as Jo said, very relevant to the next book), as much as I dont want to believe it..Poor Snape!

Edit:
Also saw another post that said something along the lines of DD loving him, so, because of the love DD offered him, welcoming him back with open arms, ect, makes Snape more Culpable assuming he chose to ignore that love, throw everything away, on a bad choice(s) he made later, whether this was earlier or in the present time.

Posted by: squibcloakmaker Jul 23 2005, 10:24 AM

 I thought the interview was wonderful.  Thank you Melissa and JK is was wonderful to read an interview that wasn't going over the same questions that JK has answered one hundred times and by people who obviously haven't read the books or they wouldn't have asked. I was happy to see educated questions,  I am also happy that things were thought of that I didn't, like Regulus Black, it was so obvious, he is only mention specifically by name several times in this book and I didn't catch on.

OK-Wand makers disappearance- hiding or kidnapped
I was wondering if anyone thought Voldermort obviously will need a new wand to fight Harry with since their wands will not duel properly with each other.  Since he is nostalgic and he would want the best wand maker and would want possibly the same maker as his old wand.

I am not really sure what to think about snape he is either acting on good orders and that is why he says don't call me coward or he is just truly evil. I don't really care about snape's love life. I however am happy for the many clues Melissa got out of JK and I will have two agonizing years to think on them.

"Yoda reminds me that not EVERYTHING is Lord of the Rings, some of it's Star Wars" ~ Kith

Posted by: Sas Jul 23 2005, 10:50 AM

Oh goodness, there's just SO MUCH to think about.  I was sure the horcrux hunt would be quite enough for Harry to be going on with in this next book, but to hear that there IS another big revelation ... another AHHAAH!! moment and all this other stuff ... Seven's gonna be a Monster huge book!  I hope JKR will stop refering to OotP as the standard by which we know a book is too long.  I know she's kind of kidding, but it's obvious she's taken some flack for it.  Like she kind of cares that some people think it's a crazy long book.  Well she shouldn't.  That's the kind of thinking that limits the Potter movie franchize so much.  - "No one's gonna wanna sit through more than 2.5 hours" = "No one sane will want to flip more than 850 pages of anything."  It's rubbish.

Posted by: Cat got your tongue? Jul 23 2005, 11:20 AM

wow! what a great interview.  now i am extremely curious!  who else could have been there?  
you guys asked all the right questions and the way you posed them, we got some awesome answers!  thank you, once again and now I am off to speculate!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Midwinter Jul 23 2005, 12:12 PM

For some really good speculation on who else was present in Godric's Hollow, follow the Legion of the Lost Day (from the time Godric's Hollow destroyed-->DD shows up at Privet Drive 24 hrs later) editorials:

http://www.mugglenet.com/editorials/theundergroundlake/tul15e.shtml

speculates that it could be Pettigrew. . .

From the editorial:

Peter Pettigrew has been hiding. Should for some reason the Potters have prevailed, he would have feigned Imperius Curse or tortured coercion. Should Voldemort have prevailed, he simply ascends the steps and takes a place at his master's side. But neither of these things happens. His master is seemingly dead, and the Potters are a mere memory. But there sits baby Harry crying with a freshly forged scar on his face.

Pettigrew panics. He doesn't know what to do. If the Death Eaters find out about Voldemort, they'll kill him. If the Order finds out he betrayed the Potters, he'll be chucked in Azkaban and that's if Sirius doesn't find him first. OH NO! Sirius! Sirius is supposed to check on him in a day and a half. What does he do? In a mad panic, to erase all traces of him being there, he goes outside and blows up the house with his own wand. He then goes to Lucius Malfoy. Malfoy would essentially be Voldemort's right hand man. He's got friends in high places and has a cool head under pressure (as we'll see in the Battle at the Ministry). So he calls on the Malfoys late in the evening. Being a Death Eater in Voldemort's inner circle, Lucius would know all about Peter's treachery and his secret deal with Voldemort. Peter frantically tells the story. Everything must happen quickly. If Voldemort is out of the way and the Ministry finds out, it's over. All the Death Eaters will be rounded up instantly and taken to Azkaban. With so many Ministry officials in high places who have ties to Death Eaters, namely CORNELIUS FUDGE, they were able to avoid prosecution thus far. But as Arthur Weasley has said time and time again, everybody KNEW who the Death Eaters were, there was just no way to prove it. Translation: I'M SCARED OF VOLDEMORT! But with him out of the way, justice would give way to furor, and the Death Eaters would be rounded up. What to do? Not to mention by showing up at the Malfoy residence, Peter Pettigrew is implicating him not only with Voldemort, but everyone Malfoy is associated with becomes a Death Eater by association. Their only chance is to divert suspicion.

Posted by: harry's redhead Jul 23 2005, 12:34 PM

Hmmm...you guys are really quite brilliant, you know.  As someone who just cannot believe that Dumbledore would beg for his life, more than trying to make Snape good, that please has been bugging the heck out of me.  Alot of people have commented on the fact that the death curse causes Dumbledore to fly off the roof...not at all in line with other times it's been performed.  Particularly with the focus on non-verbal spells, I'm wondering if Snape didn't say one thing, but actually put his will and intent behind another spell...non-verbally, that would throw Dumbledore out of the path of Draco.  This would still leave Dumbledore dead, but from the potion and fall, not necessarily directly from Snape's hand.  As it shows, he may have been too far gone from the potion to be revived anyway.  It would explain alot about the "coward" thing, too not to mention the fact that he didn't do anything to Harry when he had the chance.  The coward would have been a particularly hard one to swallow if he had not only just defied Voldemort by doing what Draco was ordered to do, but also took the incredibly gutsy chance of pulling the spell-switch in front of a bunch of death eaters who have seen that curse performed many times and would certainly wonder at the difference in the reaction.  

Also the "saving him for the Dark Lord" thing doesn't work for me.  If that were the case, he could have put him under the cruciatius curse and carried him off to Voldemort right then and there.

Posted by: Acier Jul 23 2005, 01:30 PM

I loved the interview and am extraordinarily happy for you to have been able to conduct it. As time will prove, imo, you have gotten a chance to talk to a literary genius who will be discussed years and years from now.  Alas, on to the theories!

I have read MANY of the posts about much of the issues are we all are looking at being important and think that they are such;

The Horcruxes - I think that there really are just 4 more of them and that they are: 1 the locket, 2 the huflepuff cup/chalice, 3 the Gryffindor sword (the murder could have been performed before LV came to make his request of DD and the spell completed in DD's office) and 4 an item of Ravenclaw.  JKR said (posted in the interview notes I believe) that Ravenclaws will get more import/or have thier day etc in book 7.  I don't think Harry is one unless the scar is it but that would mean that LV had only 5 before that night.

H/G thread - Harry broke up with G - but did she accept? She is the fiestiest and smartest of the Weasely women we have seen so far - more so than Molly and certainly capable of looking like she is accepting and not doing so at all.  Harry is the chosen one but she knows how to put him in his place - I think that they are still ongoing.

DD dead - Yes I think he is really physically gone - but of course the Pensieve and Fawkes are still behind for Harry to see/use/talk to etc.  The pensieve can hold tons of lessons/knowledge for Harry and will be how I think DD passes on the news/revelations about Snape to Harry.  Fawkes belongs to no one and doesn't "come with the post" etc of headmaster but I think we have seen Fawkes as a VERY important part of Harry's wizarding life so far.  Fawkes has saved his life, provided the core of his and LV's wands (knowingly or not it is still important I think) and more.  I think Fawkes will show up again.  Sadly but wonderfully DD died.  Not a single person has thought that he TRULY begged for his life - what an amazing character that we all felt that way.

Malfoy as an occulmens(sp?) odd that I never saw this but it does make some sense.  Is it important though as for Malfoy's future - we know that Harry now knows Malfoy wouldn't have killed DD - perhaps Malfoy can just be tossed aside a bit? Not sure about his future in this at all.

Godric's Hollow - who was there and why and all - Wonderful that by going forward we shall finally go back to the very beginning.  Perhaps it was wormtail, but perhaps it was more than that - where was Severus that night?

Hogwarts Year 7? I think it will be open, less well attended but still doors open and classes tought.  I think we will see Minerva make more of an impact on Harry here as well - Also Molly.  Molly will get Harry and R/H to go back for the final lessons of sorts (with help from Tonks and Lupin) and Minerva will give him the access he needs to DD's things/thoughts etc to prep Harry for the final quests.

That's it for now - still more to come as we all bounce ideas off each other.

Posted by: kiara Jul 23 2005, 02:46 PM

"where was Severus that night?"

Thats what I'd like to know. Assuming he was with the order by then, he would have knowledge on both sides. I wonder if he knew when V was going to strike? Was it just V or were there other DE's? If it was just V, and he keeps things to himself, maybe he didnt tell anyone, so Snape didnt know.P.If he did, I think it unlikely he would be dumb enough to get in V's way, which he didnt, obviously. If there was someone else there, it was probably Peter. Either way, whoever else was there, doesnt look like they could have stopped what happened, so in the end, I dont think it matters, unless Snape initially wanted to save Lily or something.. Judging from Jo's responses about the snape lily thing, I it's hard to tell if this will be big to the plot, she said her being popular and a good catch is a big thing, but not sure how much Snape figures in to this. I dont know how hard he actually tried to prevent LV from killing them once he realized what the prophesy meant, although according to DD thats the reason he came back, and with big regrets. Who knows. It's so hard to tell, he could have meant something totally different all together, but I doubt it. Why would this be so huge a regret for Snape unless he felt something for lily? I was always against this theory, but now, like it or not, it seems to be going this way, I hope someone can come up with a theory to prove this one wrong! Too bad she didnt shoot this one down, another reason I think its heading that way..

Kiara

Posted by: Bratpack Jul 23 2005, 02:55 PM

Melissa.  You did it.  

It seems like a million years ago that I congratulated you about your chance to interview Jo.  I was so thrilled for you and I remember asking you to write about your experiences.  I just so wanted to see it through your eyes.  And you did.  My heart is so full.  You actually did it.  

You wrote so incredibly, I felt as though I was there.  I cannot explain what that means to me - I have no words.  But I can tell you that you are an incredible writer and I greatly appreciated your letting me tag along; as it felt as though I was sitting on your shoulder the whole time.

Thank you so very much for sharing this with us.  I know that you understand what it means to meet the person that inspires you.  You didn't have to do this for us.  Well, yes...you did.  That is the kind of person you are.  Please allow me to say this much more; Keep writing, Melissa.  Your Pulitzer is just an arms length away!  Keep reaching for it!

Posted by: Elora Jul 23 2005, 03:27 PM

Melissa!! Thank you soooo much for answering the Ginny life debt question I wanted asked so bad!!! I posted it on CoS (I'm NYCwitch920 over there) I wanted the question asked so bad....THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Celebrian Jul 23 2005, 03:35 PM

Hey, I just joined and this is one of my first posts, but I'd like to say that everyone here has been making some great points on these subjects. I also think it's amazing that there are so many Snape fans out there, or at least people that trusted him. I thought I was the only one (and maybe a couple other people), lol. I'd also like to say that this really was a great interview!

There was one thing that I no one seems to have mentioned (at least that I have managed to find.) In chapter two, when Snape is defending himself against Bellatrix's accusations, he mentions something about setting up Sirius to die before Bellatrix killed him. This was one of the things that really seemed no good. Did Snape really set up Sirius? I wasn't sure, and if so, why? Because it must have been important, not just because Snape hated him. The only reason I could think of would be because of Sirius' connection to his brother, Regulus. Perhaps they wanted him dead in becase he knew more about that issue and the horcrux, or he might have had at least a clue. If this is the case, then it would mean that Regulus really was RAB.

And also, who was the other person that Snape claimed to have killed? I didn't recognize her. Was she important? It was also in chapter 2.

As for the Snape being good or evil thing... I was always one of the big Snape fans who fully believed that he was good, at least until after the end of book 6. I think that with a combination of everyone's points here, as well as what I have brought up at the top, and what JKR said, that things are not looking good on his side, but if anything there is still a tiny bit of hope and we won't know for sure until book 7.

But also, JKR never really said one thing or another was for certain, and she might just be trying to keep us from figuring it out until we read the book, because she probably didn't expect people to figure it out so soon. I mean, if I were her and people were starting to figure out things that I wanted to be a suprise, etc, I'd certainly try to lead them away from it, though never lie of course. But even with that idea, things don't look good for Snape.

Posted by: ShannonBaron Jul 23 2005, 04:01 PM

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting!  I've been lurking for a long time and I've never seen anyone mention this, but maybe the reason Voldemort gave Lily a choice to step aside was because Snape asked him too.  If Snape did have feelings for Lily, he obviously wouldn't have wanted her killed. Maybe that's why Dumbledore trusted Snape: because he regretted Lily's death.

Posted by: magicalhistorytour Jul 23 2005, 04:05 PM

Melissa, I congratulate you and Emerson for doing a very nice job under very trying circumstances - after all, a review of the numerous posts here shows how many were "observing" your work.

This is my first post and I have enjoyed reading the comments of those who posted above.  Obviously, in order to move from "lurking" to "posting" one must have a motive - mine is simply to engage in the discussion of some of theories regarding the deaths in the books thus far.

Harry, from the moment he became the object of the prophecy, is being fashioned into a "weapon" (if you will) against LV.  This is a theme that we find in classical mythology as well as modern day epics.  Consider the journeys of Ulysses and Aneas as well as Frodo and Luke Skywalker.  The deaths are necessary for the Hero to realize that only he/she can complete the task at hand.  If the "protectors" are alive then the Hero may choose to forego the hardest path.  Harry was marked as the object of LV's demise (no surprise that LV did this himself as - noted previously - it is often the case that tyrants sow the seeds of their own destruction), therefore, only Harry can go on if there is hope for the final battle against evil.  I believe that DD froze Harry during the crucial scene at the end of HBP so that Harry would have no doubts about DD's death (unlike us, the fans).  Much as the residents of Troy needed to witness Hector's death; and Luke had to watch Obi Wan cut down by Darth Vader, this was a necessary event for the Hero to experience.  This is also true of the other deaths (and lack of loving relatives) in Harry's life.  I seem to recall another interview where JKR expressed regret at the death of Sirius; when someone suggested that since she is the author she could just "write him back to life" (so to speak).  She responded by noting that the death was necessary.

HBP is an excellent example of a modern day mythology.  It deals with life's most important themes: Choice, Love, Death, Good vs Evil.  And it teaches without sounding preachy.  Kudos to JKR and to her many insightful fans.

Posted by: MinervaHT Jul 23 2005, 04:18 PM

Good theories are showing up all over these postings - great job, Melissa, Emerson and JKR - your questions, answers and non-answers have stimulated so many great ideas!

A couple of my thoughts:  

How did RAB get the genuine horcrux?  Remember that DD says that one person couldn't have done it alone.  Anyone else think his helper might have been......Kreacher????  I definitely think Harry will have to get some help/information from Kreacher in some way in Book 7, but it probably will be a double-edged sword.

Dumbledore's reason for trusting Snape:  Snape was the one who warned DD that an attempt would be made on James, Lily and Harry.  Thus DD would have basis to believe that Snape felt so bad that his warning to LV put them in danger and that his warning to DD failed to save them.

I also think this partly helps explain DD's words when drinking the potion (No, no it's my fault, don't hurt them, hurt me):  he blames himself for starting the chain of events that led to James' and Lily's betrayal by Pettigrew.  He was the one who advised them to go into hiding and suggested the Secret-Keeper's charm.

Narcissa - why did she turn to Snape for help?  Did they have a previous relationship?  Nowhere has it ever been indicated whether or not Lucius and/or Narcissa are contemporaries of James/Sirius/Snape, etc.  (at least I don't remember that).  A relationship between Snape and Narcissa could go a long way to explaining Snape's willingness to make the Unbreakable Vow.  Also, are we seeing Narcissa evolve into something different than the attractive handmaiden she's been to Lucius up to now?  She's ready to defy her sister and LV in order to save her son - I think this may also be important in Book 7 in some way.

In my opinion, there is absolutely no way that DD was pleading for his life to Snape.  Regardless of Snape's motivations (and there are many good arguments for the various possibilities on that!), I totally refuse to believe that DD would do something so totally uncharacteristic of him!  I think DD knew he was dying and did not want Draco to kill him, so pleaded with Snape to do it for whatever reason, including self-interest.  

I also think it's quite possible that Snape did it solely from self-interest, but I don't think that precludes some sort of last minute redemption in Book 7, similar to Darth Vader in Star Wars.

A totally bizarre theory might be that Snape is indeed evil, but not a servant of LV; instead, he is a challenger to him.  That might explain his willingness to save Harry, and to continue to teach Harry after DD's death, as well as his over-the-top reaction to the "you coward" comment.  If he's betraying everyone and everything, he certainly is risking everything, so wouldn't feel like a coward.

Long post, but it's so much fun to hypothesize about all this - still, can't wait till the real thing arrives!

Posted by: MinervaHT Jul 23 2005, 04:19 PM

see below- i really didn't mean to post 3 times!

Posted by: MinervaHT Jul 23 2005, 04:20 PM

oops - sorry - an error message was showing up so I kept reposting.....

Posted by: MinervaHT Jul 23 2005, 04:22 PM

wow - no kidding i posted way too many times! - sorry!

Posted by: MinervaHT Jul 23 2005, 04:23 PM

cutting another accidental reposting!

Posted by: MinervaHT Jul 23 2005, 04:23 PM

still cutting these awful multiple posts!

Posted by: MinervaHT Jul 23 2005, 04:39 PM

cutting, and cutting and cutting!  So sorry!

Posted by: fairytalegirl Jul 23 2005, 05:36 PM

Wow! MinervaHT that was hilarious! Your commentary on your mis-posts (is that a correct term?) made me laugh out loud. That's the sort of thing I do too.

I really liked your idea about DD's words in the cave while drinking the potion. They are definitely highly significant. The question is: did the potion DD drank reveal a) feelings of his in response to lily and James' murder?, b) a memory of his? c) a memory of someone else's (Snape, somehow?; R.A.B.?) It's all very confusing...

That was a brilliant interview, just we what sad bereft Potter fans needed, open-ended hints, mysterious areas for speculation...but not too much. Just as the brilliant JKR planned it in fact. Perfect

Posted by: Veronica Jul 23 2005, 05:42 PM

on the question about Snape being loved- i was thinking that if, as someone mentioned before- if it was his mother who  loved him and he knew this kind of love, than telling the prophecy Voldemort, which caused death of another mother (and almost the child); well, those things also makes him pretty unforgivable

Posted by: fairytalegirl Jul 23 2005, 05:44 PM

Oops, sorry, sorry, sorry, hope what I posted doesn't count as anything spoily - I only just read the warning! (Looking back over the thread though, not as bad as some here..!)

Posted by: wishingforwzrds Jul 23 2005, 07:01 PM

Hey, I'm new to the Leaky Cauldron but maybe you guys could answer something for me.  On page 3 of the interview, Emerson asked about Aberforth Dumbledore.  He said something about a gleam of triumph.  Was this Aberforth's or what?  Where is that in the books?

Thanks

Posted by: WeasleyWannaB Jul 23 2005, 07:15 PM

Posted by: wishingforwzrds Jul 23 2005, 07:21 PM

Thank you so much!!!  I've been trying to find that for hours now!   :headdesk:

YAY!!!    :clap:  :clap:  :thumbup:

Posted by: wishingforwzrds Jul 23 2005, 07:35 PM

Where would the best place to post a theory based on this interview be?

Posted by: brandon_bews Jul 23 2005, 07:38 PM

I didn't read everything said in this topic, and I don't have time to setup a name to post with (but i have been following TLC news for a year or so i just never post [so i'm half a newbie]) but I just wanted to say (in response to the "is snape evil [or still in the order] discussion) that snape must still be in the order.
    Remember Dumbledore pleaded to Severus, and we all know Dumbledore would never beg or plead.  Meaning this must be planned (unless dumbledore was simply shocked at his misplaced trust).  A plan that works out well.  Dumbledore must have been planning to die (for reasons unknown as of yet, but i'm sure theories will pop up soon); and Dumbledore could leave Harry to complete his quest while simultaneously saving Snape from death allowing him to fulfill his unbreakable vow.  
    Unfortunately this also leads to wonder if the shock from the members of the order was genuine (and it did seem like it was).  So maybe I'm just completely wrong.

   My name is Brandon, and my email is [email=brandon_bews@msn.com.]brandon_bews@msn.com.[/email] it'd be reallycool if someone emailed me because i've always wanted to discuss hp with someone other than myself.

Posted by: IrishProfessor Jul 23 2005, 07:40 PM

This is my first time posting, hope I don't mess it up !  First, many thanks to Melissa and Emerson and, of course, JKR for a wonderful interview.  I do agree with  a previous fan who asked if we could hear some of the audio-  I'd love to hear that maniaical laugh Melissa kept teasing us with !!!
Second, I'd like to see Hogwarts open for book seven,.  Even without DD it's safer than most places  and perhaps the students  will finally listen to the sorting hat who has been telling them that the four houses need to unite.   I'd also like to see Tonks teach Transfiguration.

Posted by: wishingforwzrds Jul 23 2005, 07:47 PM

I don't think Tonks would teach Transfiguration.  The biggest reason being that she doesn't do it the same way others do.  She said herself in OotP that you can't learn to do what she does.  A nice thought though!

Posted by: FernWithy Jul 23 2005, 07:50 PM

Yeah, I don't think Tonks would have had a great reason to be an expert at Transfiguration, though she'd have had to do reasonably well to get the N.E.W.T. she'd need for Auror qualification.  As an Auror, she's better suited to the DADA job, if she were to teach, but I kind of think they need all the Aurors they can get.

Posted by: brandon_bews Jul 23 2005, 07:51 PM

also hogwarts will be open because jo said (i think in the first or second part of the interview) that we will be seeing a new DADA teacher, unless i'm lying on accident.  (I hope not).

Posted by: wishingforwzrds Jul 23 2005, 07:53 PM

I have a ton of theories I'd like to bounce off of people.  Where's the best place for that? :headdesk:

Posted by: Scoundrel Jul 23 2005, 07:57 PM

Posted by: Argin Jul 23 2005, 08:01 PM

Posted by: troodles Jul 23 2005, 08:06 PM

[quote=LooneyBellatrix,July 22 2005,3:09 pm]

DD theory's, I trully belive something very strange is going on, I agree with someone that said "couldnt he just think 'accion wand'". As it's been said "hope dies last" and I trully believe DD is not dead, or at least not gone completly... call me a "Obiwankenoby, Gandalf, Yoda" believer but, I dont think he's gone... Dont you find it quite strange that the picture of Dumbledore didnt speak at all?? when most of the pictures never waste the oportunity to express their opinions? And the "open casquet" funeral was a bit too strange for me, as if letting people know "see, he's dead, really dead"... I dont think DD could be killed so easely, above all, I dont think DD would die saying "please.... Serverus"....its just not possible. And dont you find it strange that just before he died he was telling Malfoy "just give up, and we'll hide you and your familly and we'll pretend you where killed, we're good at it"...??? Maybe im doing the hudge mistake of reading what I want to belive instead of reading what really is, but, I still think DD is alive... somehow, somewhere...  

The above is part of a post I read - I did something wrong so it doesn't look like a quote- sorry about this LooneyBellatrix.

This is only my second post so I am new at this..so please excuse me if I make any mistakes! Reading this part of the post I remembered when I was reading another post a couple of nights ago (I've read so many now , I don't remember where is was, sorry) someone talked about the possibility that DD had a horcrux - something to do with his defeat of the dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945. I am interested in what others think of this? Maybe I'm just wishing that DD is not really dead, I was so upset at the end of HPB when snape killed him. I've been thinking about the snape good/evil issue all week & its been great to read through the posts as I don't know anyone who has read HPB. There are a lot of smart HP readers out there, who have come up with some great theories! I really enjoyed reading through the interview with Jo, it would have been great to have been there too, and it would be cool to have it on tape! :wave:

Posted by: magicalhistorytour Jul 23 2005, 08:07 PM

[quote=brandon_bews,July 23 2005,20:38 ]
    Remember Dumbledore pleaded to Severus, and we all know Dumbledore would never beg or plead.  Meaning this must be planned (unless dumbledore was simply shocked at his misplaced trust).  A plan that works out well.  Dumbledore must have been planning to die (for reasons unknown as of yet, but i'm sure theories will pop up soon);

Brandon;

Just to play devil's advocate:  What if the reason that Dumbledore was pleading had to do with the untimeliness of his imminent death.  I mean, there is Snape and the other DEs and DD sees his doom.  But he isn't finished with his plans for Harry or those that he may have started to defeat LV.  Snape has been a confidant - perhaps more than other members of the Order.  What if he is asking Snape for the time to finish his "life's work."  That might be a pretty darn good reason to beg and plead.  Especially when failure could mean a return to very dark times (i.e. 1939 to 1945 historical allusion).

I must preface this by saying that I always thought of DD as one of my favorite (if somewhat austere) characters in the books.  However, he is human.  And sometimes circumstances make us less than we would like to be.  DD is (was) certainly very brave, but maybe he loses some of his courage at the end.  Not for the loss of his own life, but for the ones he cannot now save once he is gone.  [See, even I still want to be something of sentimentalist when it comes to DD.]

Posted by: Eccentra Jul 23 2005, 08:20 PM

I am almost 100% certain that someone has addressed this already, but this thread is so long it's hard to see if they have.  Anyway, the whole thing about Lily and James coming out of the wand in the wrong order was an editing mistake that was corrected in later printings.  So, nothing important there, but YES there was someone else there.  Who?  WHO!?

Thank you SO much, Melissa and Emerson.  Simply an amazing interview.  It's been said so many times already, but you did such a good job with the questions, with making us feel like we were there.  I enjoyed reading it immensely.  Reading about your trip got me itching to travel again...SO jealous!

Side note: I'm not sure what I think about her answers concerning Snape.  I believe he's not totally corrupt.  I think there's more going on there than meets the eye and that Harry, who has always had knee-jerk "he's a horrible, evil, nasty person" reactions to Snape, will be once again proven to have jumped the gun.  I'm not sure I see Jo's response as absolutely saying that we're holding out false hope, just maybe that she's being ambiguous and since she's not going to give anything away, to keep on hoping. *sigh* I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to get through the next couple of years.

Posted by: brandon_bews Jul 23 2005, 08:24 PM

Professor_Binn,
    I think what you said is right, much more than what i said.  I really didn't come up with what i said until like 10 minutes ago when I read some of the responses on here.  My intial reaction to that scene was that  Snape had had a moral battle with himself about what to do (i don't think he was evil from the get-go).  And that this battle ended in Snape deciding to save his own life rather than do what he knew was right.  But anyways, to revise what i had said, my new opinion is that Dumbledore planned to die before the conflict with voldermort and harry was over(not neccessarily on purpose, but he foresaw his deaths inevitabilty) and that he had not planned on it being so soon.
     When you think about it though, people must have known that it was dumbledore who would die.  The climax had to come to Harry and Voldermort squaring off.  Dumbledore being there to fight the battle with Harry totally downplays the idea of the struggle between good and evil.  "Good always conquers evil*"

*As long as its 2 on 1.

Posted by: blood&soul Jul 23 2005, 08:31 PM

Wow, great interview.  You two have a knack for asking just the right questions as evidenced by the multiple "no comment" and "can't say" replies.  Each of you asked questions I never would have thought to ask but really got my wheels spinning once you did.  The last one my Melissa asked really got me thinking.
Who else was at Godric's Hollow?  Then I thought about one Emerson asked.  Why did Voldemort give Lily so many chances to live?  Perhaps Snape was with Voldemort, perhaps Snape loved Lily, and perhaps Snape regretted that Lily (rather than James, who everyone in HBP seems to focus on) was killed.  Finally, perhaps this love for Lily was the concrete proof Dumbeldore had for trusting Snape.  After all, who would be more willing to trust in love than Dumbledore.  If you reread the conversation between Dumbledore and Harry at the end of The Seer Overheard, I think you will agree I may have a point.  Then again, I also saw that someone mentioned the fact that Peter Pettigrew had Voldemort's wand, and I must say that is pretty good evidence in his favor.  However, despite what anyone says, I must believe that Snape is good.  All the evidence so far is ambiguous enough to make a case for either side (although JK's comment on "desperate hope" almost made me fall out of my chair), but my faith in Dumbledore is such that I have to see the good in Snape.

Posted by: magicalhistorytour Jul 23 2005, 08:43 PM

Brandon;

I do agree with the idea that DD had to die.  JKR has set us all up for this.  Not only does she allude to such in the interview that starts this posting strand, she has said as much in other interviews.  As an aside - I do like her comment about the reactions to "darkness" in these last three books.  After all, the first book (as she reminds us) does begin with a double murder and attempted murder on an infant.  Not exactly cheery stuff.  Also, I agree that Snape was not "always evil."  [I must say that I have a great deal of trouble with the word "evil."  It means so many different things to so many similar people.  For me, it is brussels sprouts.]  But Snape had to make a choice (a very large theme in the series).  Ultimately, it would appear that he made that choice for himself (to help himself).  Is his selfishness "evil"?  I don't think anyone would call self-preservation "evil".  Look at Pettigrew for example - isn't he more pitiable than detestable?  JKR is very adept at seeing the gray in all of us.  Besides, I can never fully trust an ideologue (for either side).

Posted by: Celebrian Jul 23 2005, 09:16 PM

I still don't know if Snape is good or bad, but here are some ideas for both sides.

About DD pleading to Snape. I also don't believe that he'd plead for life, but what if he was pleading for Snape not to make the decision that he was about to make because it would be so awful. Not to mention if in this moment, maybe he saw Snape for what he really was (evil), and that he was so surprised and devastated that maybe DD would appear a bit weak and he'd beg Snape not to go over to LV's side. Because if this was the case, just imagine all of the damage it would have caused.

At the same time, DD never seemed surprised that Snape was about to kill him. I mean, when Snape came in, there was never a "Oh, Severus! Glad you're here, now help me out here... What, what do you mean you're going to kill me?!"

I really don't know what the plead was, but I think that it was certainly not a plead for life, but at the same time it might not have even been a plead for death either. It could be something else, like the idea I typed above. I just hope he's good...

Posted by: miss_mugwump Jul 23 2005, 09:24 PM

great interview M & E!!! i'm doing my thesis on the HP film series, and from the structural perspective i know some of her answers in ur interview are going to help me out a lot
incidentally, proff. binns, totally agree that brussel sprouts ARE the ultimate evil. moreover, each one tastes, in varying degrees of freshness, like several day old socks.

re the dumbledore pleading for his death debate, i think it was pre-arranged that if ever this kind of situation arose, snape would have to finish him off. this is, i think, what snape was talking about when he said, "you ask too much of me."

happy speculating everyone!!!

Posted by: miss_mugwump Jul 23 2005, 09:26 PM

great interview M & E!!! i'm doing my thesis on the HP film series, and from the structural perspective i know some of her answers in ur interview are going to help me out a lot  
incidentally, proff. binns, totally agree that brussel sprouts ARE the ultimate evil. moreover, each one tastes, in varying degrees of freshness, like several day old socks.

re the dumbledore pleading for his death debate, i think it was pre-arranged that if ever this kind of situation arose, snape would have to finish him off. this is, i think, what snape was talking about when he said, "you ask too much of me."

happy speculating everyone!!!

Posted by: blood&soul Jul 23 2005, 09:27 PM

I think it might be important to look closer at the argument between Snape and Dumbeldore.  Normally, the information Hagrid passes on through an accidental slip of the tongue turns out to be fairly relevant.

"Dumbeldore told him flat out he'd agreed to do it an' that was all there was to it."  (HBP, 405-406)

Looks like miss_mugwump beat me to the punch (see above post: must've been made while writing my own).

Posted by: memyslfnI Jul 23 2005, 09:31 PM

Of all the interviews so far including Today show and Time, Yours was the most productive as far as ANSWERS!  She needs to be interviewed by fans for fans because otherwise the questions are awful!  Great intvirew, great questions, congrats!  How will you EVER top that!  Lets hope she does the same for 7!!! Don't throw out the passports yet guys!!!

Posted by: miss_mugwump Jul 23 2005, 09:38 PM

i hear u blood&soul...
also - was just pondering... she said that fans would already have worked out one of the four - are we to conclude that this must be the 'unopenable' locket found in grimmauld place in book 5? what do u think? i can't think of any other relic that we might already have come across...

Posted by: blood&soul Jul 23 2005, 09:44 PM

I think you're right about the locket.  I've seen several other people come to the same conclusion, and it seems logical.  This, of course, directly ties in with the assumption that R.A.B. is Regulus Black.

Posted by: miss_mugwump Jul 23 2005, 09:50 PM

yes, it seems like jkr almost admitted that r.a.b is regulus black... which means he must've been a lot more 'involved' than sirius gave him credit for - LV must've kept his horcruxes close to his chest and would surely not have bandied about the fact that he had created them to all and sundry (even his DE's often seem to be in the dark about his movements, as he likes to operate alone). so, as an accomplished leglimens, how was he so deceived in r.a.b...? it's all very intriguing.

Posted by: greentaarna Jul 23 2005, 10:01 PM

Let me add my voice to the chorus of fans who have said, "WELL DONE, M & E and JKR!".  By far, this was the best and most informative interview I have seen.  Of course, still much to discuss, debate and deliberate, but now we have such excellent new fodder to chew on for the *arg* 2+ years until book 7.  I definitely don't want this series to end, but mercy, 2 years will be a long time to wait!    :type:

Posted by: blood&soul Jul 23 2005, 10:10 PM

I agree miss_mugwump.  From the letter R.A.B left, it's hard to determine whether or not the secret he discovered was the fact that LV had a Horcrux or the location he hid it.  However, I think it's very interesting over whether or not there are indeed four Horcruxes left.  While Harry can't trust that R.A.B. did destroy the locket, its seems obvious it was his intention to do so.  So, there may be only three to go.  On a related note, I wonder if it's relevant to know that Voldemort can still make Horcruxes (as Dumbledore suggested he did with Nagini).  If this is true and LV knows one of his horcruxes is destroyed (the diary), what's to prevent him from making another.

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 23 2005, 10:10 PM

I think Miss Mugwump and blood and soul are dead on about the DD Snape argument. We have to consider that both Draco and Snape's lives would have been extinguished if neither of them killed DD, and DD knew that. It is absloutely within Dumbledore's character to sacrifice himself for another, but I also think that Dumbledore's ultimate priority is the defeat of LV and ould sacrifice himself for the cause. Further it puts both Malfoy and Snape in Dumbledore's debt and deep undercover with LV and the Death Eaters. I think Snape was hesitant to kill DD, and DD was pleading for him to do it.
Little theorys....Snape telling DD that he took too many things for granted could have referred to Harry. Maybe Snape lacks DD's faith that harry can overthrow LV, and would rather have DD alive to help out. I cant' help but wonder though...the massive emphasis on the Phoenix  and fire as Gryffindor's element. Maybe old Dumbledore had a trick up his sleeve. (above someone mentioned obi-wan kenobi and gandalf. Well, I think dumbledore fits rather nicely into that niche) Lastly if DD had a trick up his sleve I doubt it was a horecrux. It's possible, but I really doubt that he'd delve that deeply into the dark arts for any reason, but I could be wrong.
Props on the Regulas Black theory....read pp111-113 in book five.
Does antone think Pearcy Knew about Pettigrew? (sorry dumb question, but it's nagging at me)

Posted by: blood&soul Jul 23 2005, 10:20 PM

"Does antone think Pearcy Knew about Pettigrew? (sorry dumb question, but it's nagging at me)"

I don't think it's a stupid question considering Scabbers was his pet for a few years, but given Percy's reputation as a stickler for the rules, I highly doubt it.  Although, he is a huge prat (I love that word).  Given the evidence we have in the books, I think it's impossible to really make a case one way of the other.

Posted by: miss_mugwump Jul 23 2005, 10:20 PM

if we're going to get wild with the dd-horcrux speculation, i wud couple it with the 'massive emphasis on phoenixes and fire' (theinvisibleboy) and go so far as to say he might have killed fawkes (knowing that he would again be reborn out of the ashes in any case) and created a horcrux with that. but a) i don't think dd would do it - like u said, it's too far into the dark arts and he could never do it and b) u probably have to kill a person and not just a creature to create a horcrux.

re: the now infamous locket, since they found it to be 'unopenable', perhaps regulus was also unable to open it and so left it lying about the house (seems a bit unlikely that he would just leave it lying around, but who knows, maybe it was moved around by kreacher during his relic-hunting). i doubt regulus knew it was a horcrux tho - he probably just knew LV had been hiding something in that cave and managed to retrieve it.

anyway, i think i've taken all my wild rambling a bit too far already with the dumbledore killing fawkes debacle so i'll be quiet now. my only excuse is it's 4am in london - so i'm off to bed. g'nite all. yawn!

Posted by: miss_mugwump Jul 23 2005, 10:24 PM

oh one last thing - invisboy - i agree with blood&soul on this one too: i don't think percy had any idea about pettigrew. the only way anyone could have guessed was with the aid of something like the marauder's map. however, i'm sure fred and george (not to mention ron on his first train ride to hogwarts) have done quite a bit of magical experimentation on that rat - so it's surprising that pettigrew wasn't forced out of his animagus disguise at some point or other. but i'm sure percy didn't know - to assume that percy did know would be to assume that percy is evil through and through. and, as b&s points out (unfortunate initials there!), percy is just a huge pratt - nothing more.

Posted by: blood&soul Jul 23 2005, 10:29 PM

"i doubt regulus knew it was a horcrux tho - he probably just knew LV had been hiding something in that cave and managed to retrieve it"

Oh, he definitely knew what it was.  Just re-read his letter and you'll see.  As far as being unable to open it, perhaps that is the way way to destroy it, which would mean we still have four to go.  I think Book 7 is going to be monstrous, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Posted by: miss_mugwump Jul 23 2005, 10:33 PM

ahaaa... must've missed something there. will re-read tomorrow! didn't think regulus wud be that smart or important somehow but i'll sneak another peek. ttfn!

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 23 2005, 10:41 PM

Yeah, I think you're both right, but you know how it is those nagging thoughts (such a pratt)
Oh no Miss Mugwump, here goes a crazy theory (don't put too much stock into this one) You mentioned DD possibly killing Fawkes (because he ceased singing I assume) Well here goes.... Dumbledore silently releases Harry from the spell as he's blown out the window, and Fawkes flies around lamenting Dumbledore, but he's not really dead! hehe..Fawkes flies off with DD (Phoenixes can carry emensely heavy loads) and DD conjures a mere shell to resemble himself (so to be believed dead by all) Oh boy this one's not so hot, but I think J,K, would get a kick out of it.
J.K. was pretty adament that Serious wouldn't return (sniff, he's my favorite character, plus Gary Oldman rules too) but she hasn't said that Dumbledore wouldn't return.
I do however believe he's  dead and IF he does return his appearance will be glorious and dramatic (like a phoenix from it's ashes)

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 23 2005, 10:51 PM

Honestly read pp 111-113 in book 5. I was searching like mad through that book a few hours ago, and those pages, along with the note from the locket fit nicely together. If Regulus wanted to leave the Death Eaters, he may have wanted more than to resign. He may have wanted to flat out stop LV, or lay the groundwork for whoever  would finally finish it. It's pretty well established that one doesn't simply give LV their two weeks notice, and go on their merry way (-:
So, maybe he died while trying to to destroy the horecruxes...who knows...
Oh, and who has a theory on the fourth horecrux? I thought it might be the potions book, but 1:would LV really use the same method twice? 2: the book was Snape's not LV's (as I thought it was at first)
At any rate if by some small chance it is the horecrux, it's surely back in LV,s hands now.

Posted by: Celebrian Jul 23 2005, 11:11 PM

Hmm... I hope someone asks JKR about the argument between DD and Snape in one of her next interviews. It would give us a lot to think about, well even more than we already have. I'm really curious as to what she'd say about it.

Edit: Also, once someone asked JKR what Snape's boggart and patronous would be. At the time she said she couldn't say because it would give too much away. But I wonder if it still would now. It would certainly tell us a lot.

Posted by: hagridsfriend Jul 23 2005, 11:15 PM

Maybe because it's past my bedtime, but could someone explain JKR's quote: "Right, well, that's what I believed. Sirius would have done it. He, with all his faults and flaws, he has this profound sense of honor, ultimately, and he would rather have died honorably, as he would see it, than live with the dishonor and shame of knowing that he sent those three people to their deaths, those three people that he loved beyond any others, because like Harry he is a displaced person without family."  Who is the third person that is she talking about?  Is she saying that Sirius assumed that Harry died, too?  I wasn't sure of her meaning, especially when I reached the end of the interview and she hinted that there may have been someone else at Godric's Hollow that night.  Just wondering...

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 23 2005, 11:29 PM

I thik she was just referring to the Potter family: James, Lilly, and Harry.
Personally, though, I'm confused. What are Serious' flaws. He's just about my favorite character, and he may get disgruntled or impatient, but who could expect more from a guy who's lost so many friends and endured 12 years in Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit.

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 23 2005, 11:37 PM

By the way I'm really confused...I thought it was Pettigrew that betrayed the Potters not Snape. I'm tired too, but did they both have a hand in it?
I'm having a hard time picturing Snape at Godric's Hollw with LV. I've personally always thought Snape was just the kid who fell into the wrong crowd, and once he went to Dumbledore he mended his ways. I honestly haven't given up on Snape (for reasons I've mentioned in my other posts), but I'll admit I was floored when Snape actually killed Dumbledore.

Posted by: Kat Jul 23 2005, 11:44 PM

That was the best JK Rowling interview I've ever read! THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Celebrian Jul 23 2005, 11:48 PM

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 23 2005, 11:55 PM

BTW great article...I think it's awesome how involved with the fans she is. I was searching high and low for an interview like this after finnishing the book, and this exceeded my expectations.
MA: Oh, here’s one [from our forums] that I’ve really got to ask you. Has Snape ever been loved by anyone?

JKR: Yes, he has, which in some ways makes him more culpable even than Voldemort, who never has.
Does anyone else think that this lends a lot of credibility to "Snape and Lilly fling theory"? Jo made a point to say that Harry, Ron and Hermione all had brief relationships prior to their more serious ones. This could also be a really big reason for Snape to resent Harry. Maybe they went to Hogsmead together shared a butterbeer, and some did some snogging...Lilly moved on and Snape never let it go. Maybe a bit mellodramatic, but also very human.

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 24 2005, 12:06 AM

OK well there seems to be a strong case for Snape really being evil, but here's why I'm still not sold on the idea. There was discussion about Snape's and Dumbledore's arguement, and I honestly think that Dumbledore was fully aware of Draco's mission, and Snapes oath. I don't think Snape wanted to kill Dumbledore at all, which is why DD pleaded to him (notice how nonspeciffic DD'd plea to Snape is after his verbous appeal to Malfoy)
Also how dramatic would it be for Harry to forgive Snape or show him mercy in book 7. Jo makes the point that love is what makes Harry special. I also feel that if Snape had been bad all along, he'd have appeared nicer; I don't think he's that one dimentional(not even Malfoy is anymore) Also as I posted earlied Killing DD would put Snape in LV's deep cofidence, and allow him to stay in play until the crutial moment (whatever that would be)

Posted by: lupingal Jul 24 2005, 12:21 AM

I have a question why does JKR say that Harry having his mothers eyes are an important part of book seven?

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 24 2005, 12:46 AM

Sorry, I don't remember that part? Where did she say that?

Posted by: dede913 Jul 24 2005, 01:01 AM

I think that it is possible that finding out about Pettigrew is what might have made Percy as much of a stick in the mud as he is.

Imagine - Headboy, all those owls and probably plenty of NEWTs on the way and Percy finds out that that the rat he had for all those years is supposedly Pettigrew.  He must be really second guessing himself and taking the clear "right - no one would disagree with working for the ministry" path he his trying to reassure himself that he isnt the idiot that we know he is. :-)

I think it was a great question.

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 24 2005, 01:13 AM

Wow, I thought people'd think I was mental for the Percy-Pettigrew post. Thanks.
Let me risk the nutty while we're on the subject...What if Percy knows, and has now infiltrated the ministry as a spy (hence his distance from his family) which would balance out an undercover Snape. Plus a Percy gone bad twist would allow for some good emotional turmoil, and conflicted loyalties. (If J.K. read this I don't know if she'd laugh, sigh or slap her forehead in bewilderment) I'll invite her to shoot this one down (-:

Posted by: dede913 Jul 24 2005, 01:16 AM

[quote=Celebrian,July 24 2005,00:48 ] [quote=theinvisibleboy,July 24 2005,00:37 ] By the way I'm really confused...I thought it was Pettigrew that betrayed the Potters not Snape. I'm tired too, but did they both have a hand in it?
I'm having a hard time picturing Snape at Godric's Hollw with LV. I've personally always thought Snape was just the kid who fell into the wrong crowd, and once he went to Dumbledore he mended his ways. I honestly haven't given up on Snape (for reasons I've mentioned in my other posts), but I'll admit I was floored when Snape actually killed Dumbledore. [/quote]

That's the same with me. After reading some of JKR's past interviews though, and even this one, it is making more sense that he has always been evil.



Snape went to LV and told him about the prophecy - that is why Harry was so upset right before he and DD left for the cave.  Pettogrew may have been the one to give LV the location but Snape was the one who drove them in to hiding in the first place.  They had no reason to think that they were in any more danger the everyone else until the prophecy was made.  DD heard it so he figured out who kids involved might be and moved to protect them.  We don't know enough about the Longbottom's story to know if they were in hiding or what.

Posted by: dede913 Jul 24 2005, 01:29 AM

Some other random things that I thought about while reading the old posts on this thread...

We don't know when the prophecy was made - it said THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD APPROACHES....BORN TO THOSE WHO HAVE THRISE DEFIED HIM, BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES... - which makes me wonder - how long were they in hiding - I thought it was something like a week but - LV didn't jump on the prophecy - Harry was over a year when his parents died - and the prophecy was clearly made before Harry was even born.

LV had over a year to act on this and waited all that time or took that long to choose between Neville and Harry?

Also, about who else was there in GH the night they died - I have often wondered - since LV was left bodiless - basically - that is how we hear of him being before Harry's first year - then WHO grabbed his wand so that it was LVs wand that brought him back all those years later and the one that he used on Harry in the graveyard - if the house burned down - which I think I remember Hagrid saying something about - then how was the wand spared - some one on LV side was there that night - who else would have picked up that wand and took it with them?

So I wonder if it is reasonable to assume Pettigrew who was there - seeing as he had LVs wand to kill Bertha and the Riddle's caretaker.  We know that the same wand was used on those two as well as the potters and Cedric.  

Someone took that wand - and Pettigrew knew where to find it when he went in search of LV.

Just a theory - what does every body thing?

Posted by: dede913 Jul 24 2005, 01:33 AM

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 24 2005, 01:35 AM

Thanks dede that helped. I may be on-board with your Pettigrew at GH theory too. Well, we all have a long time to speculate.
At any rate it's fun to imagine the possibilities.
As for Fan fiction, I didn't realize it existed, though now that you mention it I can't imagine how much of it there has to be floating around.

Posted by: dede913 Jul 24 2005, 01:38 AM

Thanks for the support - sorry about the Percy thing.  

I think he is evil for doing what he has done to his family - but he comes from good stock - the Weasley's are a strong bunch - we will have to wait and see.

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 24 2005, 01:42 AM

I think he is evil for doing what he has done to his family - but he comes from good stock - the Weasley's are a strong bunch - we will have to wait and see.

I agree. I was just throwing it out there to see. So what's your take on R.A.B. and the horcruxes?

Posted by: minime Jul 24 2005, 02:28 AM

Melissa and Emerson, that interview was like a giant sigh of relief! So much confirmed and so many theories (some ludicrous) knocked down. Jo is so generous to her fans, I especially appreciated her comment about her interviews, how she never intentionally lied or misguided her fans. That is one thing I've always believed, and I'm thankful that I can go on believing that. I know that several people have said thank you for asking specific questions claiming them as their own, but I think that many were questions we have all, as fans, asked ourselves. That's what makes this interview so unique, it really was a thinking fan's interview. Well done to you both.

Posted by: silent_rob Jul 24 2005, 02:30 AM

Echoing everyone else, thanks again for the interview; easily the best I've read with JKR (one of the best interviews I've read on anything).  That's the main reason I'm posting on this MB; all of the interesting theories that have come from the interview.

Now, here's a bit of a theory...

Posted by: superinsignificantboy Jul 24 2005, 02:43 AM

silent rob...
jebus christy's
yup, I wouldn't be suprised if half of what you said was true to JK's plot...
of course... who knows...
If i were to write a plot, that would be the most logical place to go with it...
I just thought I would complement your train of thoughts... cause it seemed too plausible for me...
just wiat two years and we'll know if you were right or not

Posted by: tracy:0P Jul 24 2005, 02:48 AM

first time posting here
but i watch it quite a bit
fab interview thanks so very much!!!

on the horcruxes and RAB i definetly think regulus black and most certainly the locket is at #12 Grimmault place as the unopenable locket i think that is the read previous books carefully one she is talking about as Dumbledore made it very clear that he believed the tom riddle diary to be a horcrux in book six no question there and he already told harry hey that was one down and the ring was two down
as for the potion that covered the locket in the cave. sorry folks but how could it be draught of the living death as harry made that potion and the result was a very pale lilac colored potion and the potion in the cave is green
definetely dumbledore was not begging for his life why would he? he has always always said that there are much worse things than death. he never showed any fear of it or any hesitation i do not believe it was a plead for life i think those saying it was a plea for snape to kill him is right
not because of the potion but because he needed snape to save himself and draco that makes the most sense to me
yes dumbledore is really really dead. he had to be harry has to go it alone as all tragic heros must in the end
because as its already been said here in order for him to take those steps he has to realize he is the ONLY one who can and if his protectors are around he won't make that step he'll hide from it. also, how can we really fear for harry if there is always someone there to save him? and i think in the final book we will fear for harry quite alot.
why can't LV make another horcrux?? because he is already very thin soul wise and he has decided that 7 is the most powerful # which is why he has chosen it and even if he did make another it wouldn't be the 7th it would be the 8th and so on which destroys the powerful # thing
also why would harry be a horcrux when LV is always trying to take him out??? why would he destroy a portion of himself or one of his precious horcruxes? that doesn't make any sense to me

as for the person who thought maybe snape and narcissa had a thing
yeah i kinda thought that myself. the way he was unable to look at her crying like it was indecent and she just looks up at him grasping his chest with big blue watery eyes and he lays everything on the line for her and her son. and while yes he paused he didn't take long to agree for that big of a decision which seemed to surprise even bellatrix also she went running to him like a saviour the person all the other death eaters did not trust she trusted him?? why should she? unless she had a tie with him that she knew he would not betray

so many theories and ?'s so little time
he hee

Posted by: tracy:0P Jul 24 2005, 02:50 AM

Posted by: blood&soul Jul 24 2005, 04:55 AM

silent_rob - you are so money!  I was already thinking Snape loved Lily, but your scenario was much better than anything I could have come up with.  It seems spot-on.  However, I'd like to bring your attention to this: http://www.madamscoop.org/themes/snape.htm
JK's comments kind of cast doubt on the theory, but don't rule it out completely.  Regardless, your scenario seems very plausible to me.

tracy - "why can't LV make another horcrux?? because he is already very thin soul wise and he has decided that 7 is the most powerful # which is why he has chosen it and even if he did make another it wouldn't be the 7th it would be the 8th and so on which destroys the powerful # thing"

This reasoning seems fair enough to me.  It makes sense that his soul would be split 7 times total rather than 7 at any given time (even though he knows at least 1 has been destroyed).

Posted by: MrsGump Jul 24 2005, 08:42 AM

I like the idea that Snape and Lily were in the same Potions class, but who's to say that Snape helped Lily? Slughorn obviously thinks Lily was the better Potions maker. What is she helped Snape and all those notes were his from watching her (it says that one of the bonuses and drawbacks of Potions was that it was hard to hide your own work) or from her actually helping him.

The spells... well, I don't see Lily making up any Dark Arts spells that were potentially lethal. I'm a little worried about who or what Snape tested these out on until he got them right. That Sempersectum one... until you know the counter curse to fix it... how do you work that out without killing someone? I'm guessing that's the one he shot at James that cut his cheek open in OotP.

Posted by: memyslfnI Jul 24 2005, 09:28 AM

oooh, good one Mrs Gump!  I forgot about that cut on James cheek!  I  would love to think Lilly was the better potions student! that would be a twist!

Posted by: theinvisibleboy Jul 24 2005, 09:28 AM

Yeah, good job rob. I threw out the oddball Snape-Lilly fling only because J.K. said Snape "had been loved" meaning more than him merely having a crush, but where did the Narcissa-Snape thing come from though? That sounds interresting.