Monday, January 30, 2006

Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place

The Headquarters Of the Order of the Phoenix, The Noble and the Most Ancient House of Black, yet it remains a dodgy ‘monument’. Yes, it can be called so,a place, which the Blacks, on of the few pure blood wizarding families in the world inhabited. Though its features tell a different story.Under the housekeeping of Kreacher, it was getting blacker and filthier day by day, looking like a house that had once belonged to the Darkest of wizards. The cobwebs hanging off the ceiling, plates of silver containing heads of dead house-elves(started by none other than Elladora!!),residence of creatures like doxies, boggarts, ghouls does this place deserve to be the Headquarters of The Order of Phoenix? Well, yes and no.As Sirius himself pointed out that Mr. Black had done several enchantments that had made the house intruder-free, it cannot be any plainer that it is very safe. Dumbledore even performed the Fidelius Charm on it and became its secret-keeper. But is it that safe that it appears to be? I believe that a substitute should be found. Not because I have any personal grudge against it, but only because of one complex reason-Kraecher. Old D says that Kreacher has passed onto the ownership of Harry completely. But, I believe that he has forgotten a simple fact. A house-elf can serve two masters at one time!! We know that Kreacher did it once. Why can’t he do it again?? I believe that when 2 masters order a house-elf follows the order of the person he is more attached to or or is more directly related to. Bellatrix sadly, satisfies both the counts. Can’t Kraecher betray Harry as he did to Sirius? Remember Poisnous toadstools never change their spots.

While we are on the subject of Blacks, another topic certainly coincides. Most of us agree that R.A.B is Regulus Black (A poll question too!)
What we know for sure of Regulus-
1- He joined the Death Eaters
2- He was killed or got himself killed.
Facts unclear-
1-Did he really panic and backed away?
2-Was he really killed by Voldemort or got himself killed?
The Dark Lord liked to collect trophies, he placed his horcruxes at positions of great importance to him(The cave was the place where he got first opportunity to show his ‘special’ powers. Regulus Black being his servant would have surely got influenced by him.
So, if we are right in the first part of our theory, then Black must have hidden the stolen Horcrux at a place of stupendous importance to him. But where? Well nowhere but at Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. JK , seems to have slipped a line also about Voldy’s Horcrux in Book-5(Pg. 108)-“a heavy locket that none of them could open”. We know for sure that Slytherin’s locket was heavy.(Why didn’t any of the ‘cleaners’ notice Slytherin’s mark?) Also, the title if the letter was –To the Dark Lord. That gives us an even firm proof that R.A.B was a death eater!!!!
The locket holds the missing link in the mystery of horcruxes . Doesn’t that make Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place(the bearer of the stolen Horcrux ,tojours de pur) a place of prime visit for Harry??

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Snape: The Deadly Double Agent

Severus snapeI have presented many theories regarding many important characters of the Harry Potter series to the wizarding community of the Aurors and Marauders and I always tried to unveil the most unimaginable aspect of that character taking in regard all the facts about the person given in the book. However this time I have reclined into a new dimension. I have tried to brew a potion without considering the same, old and an un-innovative textbook prescribed by the ministry of magic. I have compiled a theory about our very own Prince, which quite resembles is a distant Planet revolving around the Sun (facts).

The Sorrowful childhood
Snape’s childhood is kept hidden by JKR from the readers of the HP series. However we indeed got a glimpse of it during Harry’s Occlumency classes with him in the 5th book. I have tried my level best to deduce what was his childhood like and am putting it forth. In that memory, it was shown that Tobias Snape was not particularly pleased with his wife being a witch. Here, is my first assumption-: I think that Eileen Prince would have died an early unnatural death and left young Severus with his unkind and an unloving father. Severus after enduring his father for some years he went to Hogwarts, like Harry and Volde he also wanted the castle to be his home and it was the place where he truly belonged therefore despised the fact that he was to return to his muggle father.
The Teenage Grudge
If you have carefully studied the Para in which a segment of Snape’s memory is penned then you will notice that Snape could not even climb on a broom. James Potter, who was naturally boastful and arrogant probably have noticed this fact and insulted Snape which would sparked a grudge which was not going end even after two decades. As the years passed on Snape, James and Sirius (who hated Snape for being a pure-blood mania like his family) never left an opportunity to curse each other. In probably their 6th year Sirius made a foolproof plan, which ensured that Snape came face to face with a fully transformed werewolf, which would be amusing. When James heard what Sirius had done he, in the name of humanity (or to please Lily) risked his life to save Snape’s. Headmaster Dumbledore forbid Snape to publicize this news. Snape would have been indeed been very agitated after this incident; as the marauders again beat him.
Snape would seldom get an upper hand in the duels between him and James who was always accompanied by Sirius. Although old D and Lupin owed him a favor still he was longing to get his hands on James.
His Death-Eater Days
As Sirius said in the 4th book that Snape was a part of a gang, most of which turned out to be Death-eaters. So Snape being a pure blood mania himself also joined Voldemort to purify the present community. Most probably he and his friends like Rosier, Wilkins, Avery and Lestranges couple would have been the new and the hungry hearts of the Voldemort’s ageing army. We all know that Snape was extremely good in dark magic especially in potions and definitely he would have been craving to know more about them. He was so deeply mesmerized by dark arts that he started to invent dark spells at the age of sixteen. Here is my 2nd assumption -: Lord Voldemort would certainly have noticed that Snape was one of the most sincere students of the dark arts, which was quite like himself. Then Voldemort would have taught dark arts of the highest possible dimension that he himself invented. This means, Snape would have been a reasonably powerful warlock at the age of around about twenty-two.
The Twist In The Tale
After saturating Snape with every fragment of knowledge about the dark arts, which no one in this world had ever penetrated, Lord Voldemort expected Snape to pay the fees by getting himself recruited at Hogwarts as a teacher and spying on Albus Dumbledore. Snape agreed on it, as he loved the castle which gave him his true identity and in which he lived the most wonderful moments of his life. Then he went to Hogsmeade to stay and wait for the opportunity to meet old D. when heard the news that old D was coming to Hogs Head to meet an applicant of divination so, he thought that he would meet old D then and there. Snape might have thought of practicing his latest job of spying and eavesdropped the conversation of old D and Trelawney. Snape overheard the prophecy regarding Voldemort and a boy who would have the power to conquer him. Though the barman hauled him before he could listen to the full prophecy but nevertheless the Dark Lord would have indeed rewarded him beyond the dreams of the other death-eaters for informing him about the existence of such a prophecy. Voldemort would have told Snape to still apply for the job even though he knew that old D would have suspected Snape to be a Death-Eater as he thought that it was worth the risk.
At this point my friends my theory has shot two branches, which are equally probable. And they are extremely contradictory towards each other. So, my fellow witches and wizards I give you the full freedom to choose the branch on which you like to sit on.
Snape: The True Ally Of Dumbledore
This concept is rather, unanimously accepted by Harry Potter fans all over the world. This is due to the fact that people think old D cannot make such a reckless mistake. Nevertheless I will take the courtesy to explain it from a new dimension.
After the Hogs Head incident Snape would have again gone to old D to request for a job at Hogwarts and also would have apologized for the unethical interruption he made in Hogs Head. Dumbledore due to his trademark moral fiber of believe in someone who, others would think not worthy of trust. Snape was recruited in Hogwarts in 1981 January (assumed). So from January 1981 to October 1981 Snape was spying Dumbledore for Voldemort. Whereas in the chapter ‘The Pensieve’ in the GOF Dumbledore says that Snape was a spying on Voldemort under his instruction. So, this means that Snape had to satisfy both Voldemort and old D during this period. Furthermore we can conclude that Snape was hoodwinking the two greatest wizards of all time, which could not be possible. Then why did old d say that Snape was on his side?
Here is my 3rd assumption-: I think that Snape was indeed with Voldemort as in the same chapter Igor Karkaroff quite resolutely said that Snape was on the Dark side because he might have himself acted on his information which then proved to be right. Nevertheless old D vouched for Snape. I suppose Old D did it because -:
1. He was convinced that Snape felt remorse for the mistake he had committed and was quite willing to lead a fresh life.
2. Snape might have asked another opportunity from old D which he could not refuse as Snape, once had forgiven his foes on the request of old D.
3. Snape would have known a secret about Voldemort, which may make him vulnerable. One of the possibilities might be the intimate connection between Eileen prince and the Dark Lord.
For the next ten years he was loyal to old D and the school itself. He learnt more and more about magic in its purest form. He might have even ancient magic from old D himself. Then in year1991 Harry Potter came to Hogwarts. Everybody was immensely curious about who this boy had conquered the man who the wizarding world feared and even wizard far older and powerful could not do so. In the same year Lord Voldemort made an attempt to resurrect and to attain the paramount of all magical powers. But his old trustworthy Death-eater tried possibly everything to stop him. This incident shows the fully reformed and a powerful Snape who now used his powers against the dark side.
At the end of the 4th book old D commenced the recuperation of the Order Of The Phoenix and Snape was an important member of it.
However in the 6th book Snape’s character was nicely modified by JKR. In the starting of the book snape had taken an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa, which made us suspicious of him. If you have read ‘Spinner’s End’ you will notice that Snape twitched his hand, we already know that counter incantations can be executed without using a wand. So, Snape might have been muttering UV counter all the time.
We also know that Snape definitely knew about Voldemort’s horcruxes, as old D would have told him. If Snape had indeed wanted to kill old D he would have done it the every night old D came to him in very critical condition after destroying Volde’s horcrux at the house of the Gaunt. Moreover Hagrid overheard Snape telling old D that he was getting over worked, he might have referring to the tedious task, which old D had told him to perform in front of the Death-Eaters so that he could fake his own death.
Now let us analyze the night old D when old the fell of the lighting struck tower. Old D was weak when he and Harry reached Hogsmeade but he still he summoned all his strength and reached the top of the astronomical tower. He then stunned Harry so that he could not interfere with the proceedings. This shows that old D had planned for this moment for a long time. Old D was not even feeling uncomfortable standing in front of five Death-Eaters and that too wand less. If you have read this part of the book carefully you will notice old D closed his eyes and Harry thought he was too weak to even speak. But on the contrary old D might have been explaining Snape his plan.
We all have discussed that emotions are very essential for conjuring the killing curse. And moreover we have seen Cedric and Frank fall like a log after being hit with a killing curse then why did old D stagger and the fell off the tower. Furthermore, if old D had to defend himself he could have even brought Fawkes to swallow the curse just as he did in the ministry of magic. In addition to this we know that Fawkes was crying for quite a long time, which means that it was curing old D of the curses of Volde’s horcrux.
I conclude this article by saying that Snape is one of the most powerful wizards of our time and he is in the right side.
Snape: Voldemort’s true Right Hand
As the theory above is given much more consideration that this one therefore there has been seldom efforts made to prove this theory. I would like to make it clear that I am Dumbledore’s man through and through so, I do not believe that old D is dead. It is very clearly said by old D that Voldemort gives an illusion to the Death-Eaters that he shares every bit of information with them, though it is not true. But I think Snape is the only person with whom Voldemort shares his thoughts. He indeed has some liking towards Snape. This may because of the cherished relationship between Voldemort and Eileen Prince.
Though we are not sure about the reasons on the basis of which old D had appointed Snape. Nevertheless he did it all the same and the reason is quite brilliantly hidden by JKR. But I think when the Dark Lord fell Snape had no choice but to beg old D for mercy or he would have been shunned in the cold cells of Azkaban. In the philosopher’s Stone it is shown that Snape tried to stop. For this Snape himself gave explanation to Bellatrix, in which there no loopholes.
In the sixth book ‘Spinner’s End’ is a very important chapter to understand Snape’s loyalty towards his Dark Lord. He himself clearly pronounced himself as a Voldemort’s supporter. There is a speculation that Snape was bound to kill old D by the unbreakable vow, as now where it is mentioned that to kill old D was a condition of the vow. If you have read the ‘Spinner’s End’ carefully then in it Narcissa says “But he won’t succeed! How could he when the Dark Lord himself-?”
There is only one thing that Voldemort has never able to himself that is to kill Albus Dumbledore. I also do not think that Snape was muttering a counter incantation of the vow as he was repeatedly asked to agree with the conditions of the vow, which would have broken his concentration. In this chapter he proudly acclaims that it was because of his information the Death-Eaters were able to locate and terminate Emmiline Vance.
Now I put forth my 4th and the last assumption: - you will all agree with me when I say Snape was a very sharp and a cunning person. Snape was at such a position that he himself could hand pick the side in which he wanted to be in. I think Snape decided that he would choose that side which would eventually come up as the winner. When old D informed Snape about the horcruxes of Voldemort, Snape should have easily concluded that Voldemort was at a stronger position that his employer, Dumbledore. And when Voldemort told him about the smooth progression of Draco’s plan, Snape knew that old D would be on the losing side and turned against him.
Now let us again analyze the unfateful night on which the greatest sorcerer of all time fell on the lighting struck tower. I do not think that the whole scenario was a set up by old D because if it wasn’t for the Felix Felicis I doubt any one would have survived the attack of the Death-Eaters. And of course there is a lot of talking about the way old D fell after being hit by the killing curse. It has a simple explanation old D might have tried to defend himself with his body just like a muggle would do when he would be standing defenseless in front of a the gun. Then why did old D say, “please Severus…please”? I think that old D was requesting Severus to not to set out to the dark side again. I think what old really meant was “ Et Tu Severus … then Dumbledore shall fall”
The foremost ques. one would ask after reading this theory, why did old D did not even try to defend his own life?
I am a firm supporter of the theories liking old D to his own horcrux. I presume that time had made fool of old D’s body. His body was getting weak and slow and was withering due to incessantly endure powerful curses. Therefore he wanted to have a new and a much powerful body, which can easily coordinate with his high intellect, and he could duel with the same grace and elegance that he used to have some thirty years ago.
I will like to conclude this article by saying that Snape has undeniably returned to the dark side and has made a grave mistake by doing so.

PS- I thank Cliodne for highlighting the prospect of the connection between Eileen Prince and Voldemort, which, has brought a new dimension to the character of Snape, and his connection with Voldemort.
cat snape

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Priori Incantatem

On the day of the third task, Harry was transported to Tom Riddle’s (Sr.) grave. There he witnessed the rebirth of his bitter foe and nemesis Lord Voldemort. Voldy, perhaps the greatest Dark Wizard to be born for centuries had plans in full flow to end ‘The Chosen One’. His duel with Harry looked as if it was the end of the ‘The Boy Who Lived’. But, here again JK surprised us all with her unique and highly innovative brain and cool logic. She introduced a new phenomenon- ‘Priori Incantatem’ or the reverse spell effect. Later Dumbledore tells us the crux of this phenomenon- It happens when a wand meets its brother. Both the wands do not work properly against each other. If however, the owners of the wands force them to battle, a very rare effect takes place. One of the wands will force the other to regurgitate spells it has performed–in reverse.
D’s words can be counted for on that night when the spells were fired, both the wands started vibrating and a narrow beam of golden light connected them. Both Harry and Voldy were lifted off the ground and Harry survived. Though, one thing has intrigued me often. D said that one and only one wand will force the other to regurgitate spell. So why was it that Harry’s wand forced Voldy’s wand even though Voldy is a much more powerful wizard than Harry? Why not vice-versa? Is there something more to it that even old D does not know? I would now like all to see this piece of interview of JK...
Sarah Wallace for the Irish Independent - How did you think of the bond between Harry and Lord Voldemort?
JK Rowling: That is another one of those questions that goes right to the heart of the series. I can't answer. It touches way too closely on book 7. Sorry. Good question.

Does it not give us a clue that there is something more than told or even imagined. I have a theory that when Priori Incantatem takes place, then maybe the creature from which the core was made gets alerted and there is an invisible connection between the three(2 wands and the creature). The creature can then decide that which wand will force the other. As we know that Harry’s wand forced Voldy’s wand, so I believe that Fawkes had at that night interfered in the duel and decided the fate of our Hero. If so, doesn’t it seem that she has a very important role to play in Book-7 and is not dead as thought by Harry.
One thing is for sure , she isn’t merely a songbird. Final piece of Interview to support my theory-Peter Humphreys for BBC Newsround. - Who did Fawkes previously belong to and will he play a vital role in the next book?
JK Rowling: I am not going to answer about the role in the next books, which probably gives you a big clue, and he has never been owned by anyone but Dumbledore. You will notice that when Harry goes back in the Pensieve in this book, Fawkes is never there, and ­­ no, I am sorry, not in this book, I take that back. When Harry has previously seen the study with a different headmaster he saw it with Dippet and Fawkes was not there then. Fawkes is Dumbledore's possession, not a Hogwarts possession. I believe it has also answered the question(particularly Andros) if Fawkes belonged to some other person.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

The Lion and the Serpent


Two friends- highly gifted, decided to impart magical talents into future generations and take magic to its finest form. Apart from being talented, each had a set of values, but this was kept aside for the few glorious days when they laid the foundation of the great institution they had planned. But pride and honor got in the way, and the two friends got into a disagreement, which has not yet ended, even after a thousand years…

The two friends are Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin, co-founders of Hogwarts. As revealed in Chamber of Secrets, Slytherin wanted only pure bloods into the school but Gryffindor wanted fair play. This led into a quarrel and Slytherin eventually left the school. This leads to the following observations and speculations…

Heir and There

It is known that Slytherin’s heir is none other than Lord Voldemort. But what about Gryffindor’s heir??

Firstly, does this heir of Gryffindor exist? The vote will definitely go to Albus Dumbledore, who is the incarnation of the values and powers of Gryffindor. This will also mean that his brother Aberforth Dumbledore is also the heir of Gryffindor, though his persona doesn’t quite match the one associated with a person who veins contain the blood of Gryffindor.

The other vote will definitely go to Harry Potter. The fact that he drew out the Sword of Gryffindor from the Sorting Hat and also that the Potters were Pure Blood but not obsessed and also not designated Blood Traitors, lends support to the theory that Potters are descendants of Gryffindor. Of course, a simple thing can be that Potters and Dumbledore’s are distantly related and both are the descendants of Gryffindor!!

But since most of Gryffindor’s relics are contained in Hogwarts themselves instead of being carried around by their rightful owners (the hypothetical ancestors), this shows that it may be that Gryffindor didn’t have a heir at all and his only baby was the Hogwarts Castle. [Thanks to Paracelsus for this point]

When Dumbledore dies in HBP and the death eaters are fleeing, the Gryffindor hourglass breaks and the rubies scatter on the ground. (the extract given at the end of the theory) Does this signify the fall of Gryffindor’s heir?

Hoggy Warty Hogwarts…

Firstly, the Hogwarts Crest couldn’t have been designed by Slytherin. If you notice, the Serpent is the only animal that is not touching the letter H. Also, if it had been Slytherin, he would have left a message like- “Die Mudbloods Die”(in Latin of course). The symbol, of course has many other interpretations.

Also, The office of the Headmaster shows signs that once it had been occupied by Godric himself. Apart from grand sunlit interiors, it has a brass knocker in the shape of Griffin. And Gryffindor translates into Golden Griffon. It leads to a question that why Gryffindor took Lion as the animal representing his house, when his own name interprets into a lion. Slytherin took a snake because he was a parselmouth, so can it be that Gryffindor was an Animagus in lion. Obviously, the simplest explanation is that Lion signifies bravery and Gryffindor valued bravery as most.

The Unbreakable Vow

This one is pure fan fiction with some logic thrown in.

A thousand years ago, the great Godric Gryffindor and the shrewd Salazar Slytherin made an Unbreakable Vow. The Vow said that if a stronger member of Slytherin’s family attacked a weaker member of Gryffindor’s family, the stronger member would die, and vice versa. This theory may sound far fetched, but it explains the following points:

  • Dumbledore fought with the Dark wizard Grindelwald 50 years ago, in 1945. At that time, Grindelwald was the stronger wizard, and was a descendant of Slytherin. Dumbledore was weaker at that time, and was the descendant of Gryffindor (assuming that). Following the vow made by their forefathers, when Grindelwald attacked Dumbledore, he died. Also, Dumbledore was left with the mark- a scar in the shape of London Underground on his ankle.
  • Many years later, in 1981, Lord Voldemort arrived in Godric’s hollow. Both he and James Potter were of equal powers, but Voldemort being quicker killed him. Then he murdered his wife Lily and proceeded on to confront their innocent one year old son. Harry Potter, was powerless at that time but was the descendant of Gryffindor (assume that!). Voldemort, being the descendant of Slytherin and the more powerful wizard, went against the vow and attacked Harry. The Vow followed and Voldemort was killed, leaving Harry with a simple scar (like in the case of Dumbledore). But Voldemort still survived owing to his Horcruxes.
  • Why doesn’t Dumbledore kill Voldemort once and for all. Here is the simple explanation- he knows, by experience of course, that he is the descendant of Gryffindor and the stronger sorcerer, and Voldemort is a Slytherin. If he kills Voldemort, he would die in his place, owing to the vow. Hence, it is prudence that forces him to hold his wand.

A question may be asked- Why doesn’t Dumbledore allow Harry to be killed by Voldemort, knowing that it will be Voldemort who will face the consequences. It can be that he isn’t sure that the Vow was void for two times, or he feels that it would be useless as big V is currently immortal.

Relics and Horcruxes

The only known relics are the grand ruby-encrusted Gryffindor’s Sword and the sleek Golden Locket of Slytherin. The sword has of course been used by Harry to slay the Slytherin’s monster (another relic). A question is- could the sword be a horcrux? Could old D have made a Horcrux in it? The earlier theories formulated by me (Fawkes- Dumbledore's horcrux), Paracelsus (Dumbledore's fears) and Glanmore (Dumbledore's shadowy past) deal with the same matter. I also earlier made a theory about the how the Sorting Hat (Gryffindor’s brainstorm), could be a horcrux.

The locket is also quite mystical.
Harry and old D went to acquire the same but instead got a fake one as it had already been taken by R.A.B. There is evidence regarding the location of the locket at Grimmauld place, again a the home of strong followers of Slytherin.

Also, a matter that quite strikes me is the theory that Fawkes the Phoenix belonged to Gryffindor, and was handed over to its righteous heir, Dumbledore. Gryffindor would have surely left something to equip his true heir (Harry?) to fight against the legendary Slytherin monster. Fawkes’ powers and near-immortality make it a perfect weapon. Also, it being the epitome of nobiliity, truthfulness and bravery make it a perfect Gryffindor’s pet.

The other thing associated with Gryffindor is the mythical Godric’s Hollow, as the name suggests itself. Could it be Gryffindor’s lair. The fact that it gave sanctuary to the Potters and was suggested by Dumbledore himself gives heat to the matter. Could Dumbledore have found Fawkes there?

Fate of Friend turned Foes

The main thing that intrigues me is the fate of Gryffindor and Slytherin. Did their paths diverge after their fight or did they meet again?? I think it is improbable that such powerful wizards just grew old and died due to dragonpox.

Did Slytherin walked out of the golden gates of Hogwarts and didn’t even look back at his foe? A wizard like Slytherin will surely relish revenge, so how did he manage it? Was it a duel or something? A duel between Gryffindor and Slytherin would have surely be exhilarating. Of course, Slytherin left the basilisk at Hogwarts to enlighten his cause,

The ancient rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin, bred on grounds of lineage, now takes the form in Quidditch matches and the annual House championships in which the house having the highest point wins. Godric would have been very proud of Harry as he is giving his best towards winning both.

At the end of HBP, in pg 560, JKR has quilled-

The Gryffindor Hour Glass had been hit by a curse and the rubies within were still falling, with a loud rattle, on to the flagstones below…

Does this signify the fall of Gryffindor, like the rubies in the hourglass? Can those rubies be recollected, and will the values of Godric continue to prevail in the world shadowed by the heir of Slytherin? Will Harry (alleged heir), the true believer and follower of Gryffindor’s values, win the battle against the descendant of Slytherin, Lord Voldemort and avenge the death of Gryffindor’s hero and alleged heir, Albus Dumbledore.

All followers of either Godric\Salazar or their heirs should feel free to comment.

Hogwarts: A History??

After the return of Voldemort, there was a lot of hue and cry by parents not sending their children to Hogwarts: Magical School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As a result , the security was tightened manifolds by MOM. Aurors patrolling all the entrances day in and day out, Anti-Burglar enchantments on the walls, checking of every post and many other such stringent security measures. Still, the Death Eaters entered this institution and raged a fierce battle. The DADA teacher himself ‘murdered’ the Headmaster. I believe that Dumbledore was the only reason parents were sending their children to Hogwarts. I mean his majestic stature, shiny silver beard, half moon spectacles, defeat of Grindelwald, discovery of 12 uses of dragoon blood, Order Of Merlin First Class, His being termed as ‘The Only One He Ever Feared’ phew! Who won’t feel secured under his presence. But now that he is supposed to have landed in the grave, what will become of this magical institution...

The new Headmistress, Minerva McGonall, Care Of Magical Creatures teacher-Rubeus Hagrid, Charms Teacher-Flitwick, all want to continue with this school. But, I wonder whether they will have any pupil to teach!! Riddle and Harry , I believe have been attached to this school as no one ever has been(excluding old D and the four Founders). However, in the sixth book we see that even Harry does not want to return to the school. Will this school continue functioning? I personally believe not. It may well be that the MOM choses to shut it down indefinitely and I quite agree with them. Stop! Don’t go holding that against me. I have a simple explanation to prove my point. Now that Voldy believes that old D is dead he might try to conquer the school if it is opened. It would be catastrophe if innocent budding young wizards died such a unnatural death.It would be better for MOM to focus on defeating Voldemort and concentrate all their Aurors on finding Him and his Death Eaters.If the school is closed, Alas!it will be the end of the dream of the Four Founders who considered the careful nurturing of young wizards of stupendous importance The progress of underage wizards would be hampered. But then again-
“Progress for the sake of Progress must be Discouraged”

Saturday, January 21, 2006

The Unaccredited Seer

We are all fascinated by the grand and mystique art of future predictions. This art has attracted many muggles and great wizards towards it. In the 3rd book the POA we were first introduced with the art of divination, which has existed from the time of the great pyramids. In the Harry Potter series divination is considered as a puny subject and Sybill trelawney (prof. of divination) as a fraud. But through the book Sybill has given us proofs that she is truly the descendant of one of the greatest seers of all time Cassandra trelawney.

Sybil in the 3rd year predicted that one of them would leave the divination class, which Hermione did. She also predicted that Lavender should be careful of Ron, in the 6th year Ron gave lavender an emotional set back. Then in the 5th year she warned Umbridge that she was in great danger and she was quite right as in the end of the years she was indeed in grave danger. Then in the 6th book she said to Harry that she could foresee that devastation and destruction was just around the corner in form the ‘lighting struck tower’. Apart from this her great skill in divination help her make two great prediction about Voldemort’s fall. But still she is not given the credit she deserves by JKR. Is JKR trying to keep our attention away from Trelawney? Trelawney’s expertise in the art of divination can make her an important character in the 7th book.

Moony, Padfoot and Prongs

If there would be any exemplar of friendship in the wizarding world no doubt that only three names would come to our tongue, the friendship of Remus Lupin, James Potter and of course Sirius Black. Even the bonds of brotherhood would fall short compared to their bonds of friends.

In the first two books there were no characters who Harry could call his own (except Ron and Hermione of course). In the third book, POA we were introduced with James best friends, ‘the marauders’. When we learn the mind-boggling stories of these teenagers, trying to become animagus probably the youngest to do so ever. We also could easily pick the odd one out. Peter Pettigrew aka Wormtail was way behind the rest in all aspects.

After the third book all of us knew that Sirius black and Lupin had a very important role to play in the upcoming books. In the OOTP Sirius and Remus were members of the order. We see a glimpse of their school life in the chapter ’Snape’s Worst Memory’, from reading the chapter we come to know that if Sirius and James were still alive then they would have surely become one of the greatest sorcerers of all time. But that is not possible, as they both have sacrificed their life for the sake of Harry.

Still, one of the marauders is with us. Though Remus never possessed the elegance, arrogance and the brilliance of James and Sirius but he is no doubt a very able wizard. He is a trusted ally of Dumbledore and one of the most important members of the order. In the 6th book the HBP he was acting as a spy for old D among his kind the werewolves. But this is know longer possible as the most feared werewolf ‘Fenrir Greyback’ would have spotted Remus amidst the member of the Order who were guarding Hogwarts on the un-fateful day when old D fell. Now Remus is back to the wizarding world, back to the order whose spinal cord is fractured. So where will Lupin fit in.

I think that Lupin will be the leader of the Order. The other contenders namely Mcgonagall and Moody are too old to take up such a tiring job. I would like you all to note a significant thing in Lupin’s character. His calmness, modesty and gratitude towards others just like old D. He never involved himself in the old grudge b/w Snape, James and Sirius. When he expressed his grateful towards Snape for making him the Wolfsbane potion. He also forgave Snape for slipping out that he was a werewolf. He proved to be a great deceiver as he befooled the whole werewolf community and started living with them even though his association with old D was known.

Furthermore, it is impossible for Harry to find all horcruxes without the help of a wiser and a more powerful wizard. As Harry can’t trust anyone to tell such an imperative and a crucial information about Voldemort so he will eventually turn to the only man who he can trust other than Ron and Hermione, the man who taught the patronus charm, the man who James and Sirius so much cared for that they became an animagus and a man who, in a world which is tilting towards the dark side still dares to call the most evil wizard of all time by his name, he is none other REMUS LUPIN.

Snape and Lily Again

As I have already pointed out you will all agree that unless the 7th book arrives and unties the knot of complexity and unveils the truth of the character of Severus Snape and Lily Potter even great wizards like us can only guess.

But I again have made a valiant effort to minimize the mystery around the both of them.


It can be easily construe that the prophecy of Harry and Voldemort was made around January of the year 1980 (the year Harry was born). And on this day prof. Sybill trelawney. Let us move, Snape on hearing the theory told it to Voldemort but was not able to do listen to the full prophecy. And on 1981, Halloweens night Voldemort applies a hit and trial method and went for the Potters. He first kills James who puts up a brave fight. Then, proceeds towards Harry. In the 1st book he mentions that his mother didn’t have die, the ques. arises here, why did Voldemort, who despised the muggleborns and even half bloods didn’t kill Lily when she was even begging him to kill her?

There he meets his downfall and runs abroad to dense forests for shelter. Then snape come to old D and says he never thought that Voldemort will go for the Potters, if old D trusted Snape on this word then it seems as if Old D didn’t care for wizarding families other than that of the Potters. More over Snape would have committed many evil deeds under the order of Voldemort then why did old D defend Snape by saying that he was a spy against Voldemort. Is there something that Snape knows of which is more devastating than the prophecy?

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Mistakes In The Harry Potter Series

Here are some flaws in the Harry Potter Series (Feel free to suggest your own or comment on existing ones):

1. THE WEIGHING OF WANDS

Wands are the most potent weapons in wizard’s armory. Wands are the medium through a wizard can concentrate his power at a particular point.

In the first book of the illustrious Harry Potter series (philosopher’s stone) Harry is escorted by Hagrid to Diagon alley to purchase first years requirements at Hogwarts. He enters the Olliwander’s wand shop to purchase a wand. Olliwander explains Harry that a wand chooses his wizard but the wizard does not choose his wand. He also tells that no wand of Olliwander’s has the same core, and a wand chooses its master according to his potential (Harry’s mother had a wand suitable for charms and his father had a wand suitable for transfiguration).

But there are many instances in the book where a wizard uses the wand of another with great ease. For instance, Barty Crouch jr. uses Harry’s wand to conjure the dark mark.

Moreover in the third book POA Sirius returns to Hogwarts to avenge his friend’s death and to prove his innocence. This sound quite nice but the ques. I would like to ask is, how did he manage to get a wand of his own in the 5th part?

In the POA Peter runs to his master and in the GOF he also has a wand of his own. His master who had lost his wand at Godric’s hollow also is able to find his wand in the 4th part. Most of the death eaters who duel with Harry at the ministry also appear with their wand even though they were previously at Azkaban as if (all of them went together to shop at a wand sale). THINK ABOUT IT.

***

2. THE POTION MASTER

SEVERUS SNAPE has been the dodgiest character in the HP series. He is no doubt the most complex character in the whole series. Even though he has killed Albus Dumbledore in the 6th part but still speculations of him being Dumbledore’s ally are still amidst us.

Though in the 1st book he was truly on Dumbledore’s side then why didn’t he tell old D about prof. Quirrell? Some might counter argue that Snape thought that Quirrell was a meek person and he would not be able to do anything and that Dumbledore was informed by Snape but could not take action against Quirrell. The chances of either of them occurring are mime as a person who can break into Gringotts’s high security vault, try to kill an 11 year old boy, try to steal the Philosophers stone right under old D’s nose is nothing but a dark wizard and after reading all the 6 part of the book I can guarantee you all that if dumbledore had a hint that it was Quirrell he would have nailed him that very moment.

***

3. PADFOOT AND WORMTAIL’S SHORTCUT

In the third book POA Harry’s godfather Sirius returns to Hogwarts with a vengeance. But the ques. is how did he get there? He just swam to the main land from middle of the North Sea though it sounds very easy but it is rather impossible. The nearest point U.K.’s mainland is about 650kms from Azkaban (estimated) and the average temp. Of this region in July is about 4 degree Celsius. Imagine a weak man (dog) swimming such a distance at such temp. without food and water.

In the same book Wormtail set to rejoin his master in form of rat and is wand less and of course as we know he succeeded in doing so. But the ques. is how? He could not have apparated, as no one knew the exact location of Voldemort. So this leaves only option that he being a mouse traveled across Europe to Albania, which is 1757kms. from England in less than a month.

THINK ABOUT IT!

***

4. HARRY’S FELIX PORTKEY

Portkey would be the best mean of transport in George Lucas film about distant future of muggles. But it is a common household belonging in our world. Through great amount of study of content about portkey given in the book I have deduced the following points.
  • Portkey is an object which transports a wizard from one place to another instantly by touching it at a predefined time or at that very instant by a simple charm PORTUS.
  • It is also mentioned that on retouching the portkey a person would reach you his initial point. As in the GOF.

In the GOF Harry is transported to Voldemort through a portkey set up by his the most loyal death eater. In front of Harry’s eyes a flash of green light murders Cedric just as his parents. And then Harry is forced to acknowledge Voldemort’s resurrection and then he is forced to duel with the dark lord. The only chance of Harry’s survival is to get to the portkey. So Harry breaks the Priori Incantatem and runs for the portkey.

The moment he touches it a familiar jolt in the stomach assures his return to the Hogwarts grounds. However my fellow Sorcerers I would like to ask you all how did Harry reach to starting point of the maze when he should have reached to the middle of the maze where he and Cedric initially touched the portkey. No justification can be found of this peculiar behavior of a portkey but one thing can surely be concluded that JKR did Harry a great favour as Harry was not at all in the condition to carry Cedric and to trace the path back to the starting line.

***

5. THE PARSELMOUTH VIRUS (Read Dumbledore- Parselmouth, Memory Bottles… Impostor? For more)

The 2nd book in the illustrious Harry Potter series gives a brief introduction of the magnificent Hogwarts four. We learnt that it none other than Salazar Slytherin who tried to start the discrimination of half bloods and muggles and started the so-called pure blood mania. We also learnt that Salazar was famous for speaking in parseltongue. After the chapter ‘the dueling club’ there are speculations that Harry is the Heir of Slytherin. But in the after some courageous efforts by Harry and Ron, the Slytherin’s monster is destroyed. In the end Dumbledore confirms that Voldemort is the only living descendant of Salazar and also told that due to the rebound of the killing curse some powers of the Dark Lord were transferred into Harry like the ability of speaking parseltongue. Then in the 6th book The Half-Blood Prince our anxiety are raised when we come to know that Harry will take private classes with none than Albus Dumbledore. In the first class Dumbledore takes Harry to Bob Ogden’s memory lane. There we learn a shocking and an indigestible thing, Dumbledore the champions of commoners, the greatest both by on power and in heart can easily understand fluent parseltongue. This gives a platform for many theories and from this some mistakes can also be deduced, as I have done.

Fifty years ago when, the chamber of secrets was opened for the first time, old D was then the transfiguration teacher of Hogwarts. If Dumbledore knew parseltongue why he did not destroy the Slytherin monster then and there. But old D greatness does not allow us to associate him with a dark wizards mark so let us suppose that old D Learn it after the 2nd book or let us assume that JKR made a mistake in the 6th book.

Still, there is a hitch; I firmly believed that old D knew that the monster of the chamber was a basilisk, as he would have surely interrogated moaning Myrtle. In the 2nd book old D knew that COS was indeed open after Colin was attacked so why didn’t old D ask Harry to report anything unusual to him the moment he knew Harry was a parseltongue? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

***

6. PRIORI INCANTATEM-THE REVERSE SPELL EFFECT

All the books of the Harry Potter series have one thing in common. In each book Harry dodges death with the help of his tremendous courage of a true Gryffindor, heart of a lion, friends like the musketeers and a cauldron full of luck. We see the same in the 4th book GOF. Harry shows great amount of strength and will power when his friend Cedric in front of his own eyes and also he is forced to see his foe, Voldemort’s resurrection. Then he has to bear the cruciatus curse twice. He then summons the strength to duel the most terrible of them all ‘LORD VOLDEMORT’.

When Harry’s disarming charm and Volde’s killing curse converges in mid air a spectacular bond, which no one has ever seen is formed, The Priori Incantatem. This unnatural phenomenon occurs when two wands of the same core substance are made to duel each other. One of the wands forces the other to regurgitate spells it has performed in reverse. Why didn’t Volde’s wand show the signs of other he had used other than the killing curse?

Moreover the first ghostly figure to come out of his wand was Cedric who was killed by Wormtail. The most probable explanation to this is, Wormtail used Volde’s wand to kill Cedric. But when Volde rises from the cauldron with his new body he slips his long finger into his pocket and takes out his wand, this would not be possible his wand was with wormtail.

Furthermore, after Cedric comes out Frank Bryce, then Bertha Jorkins, then James Potter and finally Lily Potter. Let me take you back to the Halloween 13 years ago, Volde went to the Godric’s Hollow and kills James first and then proceeds towards Harry. Lily sacrificed her life to save her son due to which Volde’s curse backfired. So why did James come ahead of Lily when he was the first to be killed in the order.

***

7. THE MOST DANGEROUS UNFORGIVABLE CURSE

(by ANDROS THE INVINCIBLE)

The Last time I checked, the number of Unforgivable Curses was three, namely the Imperius, Cruciatus and of course, Avada Kedavra. The same were demonstrated by Moody and mentioned in the laws.

But check the encounter between Sirius and Wormtail after the death of James and Lily Potter. Wormtail flips his wand out, and kills 13 MUGGLES WITH ONE SINGLE CURSE. The ministry has to use the excuse of a gas Leak!!

Now won’t you call this an Unforgivable Curse?? Killing 13 people with one spell! Also, Avada Kedavra is shown as one single green beam and how will you explain such expansion of power.

Such a powerful curse was never shown being used by Big V himself (or any of his psycho Death Eaters except the puny Wormtail), or even mentioned anywhere else. If a curse of such magnitude existed, it cannot be left unnoticed. If the pathetic wizard wormtail can perform it, then I am sure that big V should have used it- It can finish half the Order of the Phoenix in onw go!

The only other logical explanation is JKR exaggerated herself on POA while showing the encounter between Padfoot and Wormtail, and it is a glitch.

***

OTHER MINOR MISTAKES IN THE SERIES

  • In the first book Harry gets a letter from Hagrid, which informs him about the other requirements needed at Hogwarts. In that list it is mentioned that students are allowed to bring a cat or an owl or a toad. But Ron brings a rat, Ginny brings a pygmy puff and Lee Jordan brought a tarantula to the school.
  • In the 2nd book COS Percy deducts five points from Griffindor when he finds Ron in myrtle’s bathroom, but in the 5th book OOTP we find out that prefects do not have the power to deduct points.
  • In the OOTP Hermione has a brilliant idea to form a group, which would be taught defense against the dark arts by Harry. The first meeting is held at hog’s head, Hogsmeade. Among the interested students we are able to trace Colin’s younger brother Dennis, who in the 6th book was in 2nd year. Then how did he manage to get into Hogsmeade when students below the third year are not allowed?
  • In the 6th book Harry accompanied by old D visit the village of Budleigh Babberton to meet Slughorn. On reaching his house they found blood on the walls. Later Slughorn tells that it was dragon blood. But in the OOTP Hagrid has quite a no. of injuries due his little brother. He puts dragon meat to soothe his wound from which blood of green color trickles down.
  • In the 3rd book POA in the last chapter it is mentioned that Percy had got top grades in his N.E.W.T.s and Fred and George had scraped few owls each. But in the 5th book Hermione enquires about their owl results to McGonagall, she informs that it would be posted in the mid of July.

The Servant of Lord Voldemort

Peter Pettigrew, a small and such a meek personality that few would have believed that he would play an important role in the rise of Lord Voldemort in GOF. (Counting off the wizards who remembered Trewlaney’s prediction in POA). McGonall herself says that he was around and forgetful boy who strutted behind Moony, Padfoot, Prongs. In the OOP, he even forgets the five ways to distinguish between a werewolf and a wolf. Sirius admits that the night Voldemort entered the Godric’s Hollow, Wormtail was the secret keeper of the Potters. Then he fakes his own death and Sirius is sent off to Azkaban. In the POA Harry saves his life and he for a moment feels the friendship of his father arise again. Such a downtrodden personality and such important role...

When Harry saves his life Dumbledore says that now Wormtail is in debt to Harry and when a wizard saves another wizard’s life, their develops and unpenetrable bond between them. This thing has not been mentioned anywhere in the successive books. Does JK want us to divert from this valuable piece of information? I personally think that a time will come when Wormtail will realize that Love is the strongest thing in the world. According to the matter written in the POA I believe taht we are yet to see a lot of Wormtail. Many people would not support me and say that why did Womtail not save Harry on the night of Voldemort’sreturn? I would like all of you to put yourself in Wormtail’s cloak. On that night would you have not carried on according to the plan? Even the Minister For Magic (Cornelius Fudge) refused to believe that Voldemort had come back. Coming to the present scenario, Wormtail is ill-treated by Voldemort. Kept in a closet , shut in a house , he is being treated like a piece of Vermin a common squib! If that is how Voldemort pays the person who helped him regain life I am pretty sure he could have made more than 7 Hocruxes. Coming back to the point , this ill-treatment of Wormtail will surely make him gain strength , he would perhaps ,after spending so many years with Voldemort know a thing or two about his Hocruxes that might help Harry make Voldemort mortal once again. Maybe someday his feelings rise and he returns to the right side because we like it or not he was once a member of the Order Of Phoenix.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

The Dark Queen

Bellatrix Lestrange Devout and Dangerous

Vicious & powerful, Bellatrix is a black gem among the Death Eaters. But what makes her special is her devotion to big V, often bordering on insanity. Unlike others who fled after big V’s downfall, Bellatrix as always remained faithful and is still so.
She was born in the pure blood and proud Black Family and followed the family path of marrying into a pure blood family, and also cultivating a hatred towards mudloods and muggles…

Seen first by Harry through the Pensieve during the Longbottom trial, Bellatrix sat on the chair as if it was a throne and declared unwavering devotion to big V. In OoTP, she escapes during the Azkaban breakthrough and rejoins the Dark Lord. She then comes face to face with Harry in the Department of Mysteries. Again there, it is shown that she has no remorse for what she has done and even mocks Neville about it and again applies the cruciatus curse on him to get the Prophecy from Harry.

How she cultivated this merciless and cruel nature, is not known. It was most probably hereditary from her dear mother, who is shown vividly in OoTP through her portrait. Also, her husband and brother in law are shown to be cruel Death Eaters, so the atmosphere at home was not too bright.

Her husband, Rudolphus Lestrange, plays a second fiddle and I am not sure that he is even still alive or not. Family and other issues are secondary for Bellatrix, who only has a bond with Lord Voldemort. She scolds her sister for approaching Snape in HBP, and says that she would happily sacrifice her sons is she had any for big V, and I am sure that she says the truth. Compassion and kindness are alien to her, cruelty and devotion is not.

Her devotion is quite reciprocated by Big V, who calls her “Bella” (which means beautiful… now what can I say?). It was clear in Ministry of Magic. All the other Death Eaters were there, but when Voldemort fled, he took only Bella with him, and it is not known that she was severely punished or not for losing the prophecy. She may not have been excused, but she must not have been tortured liked Avery.

Having vestiges of great looks, Bella now has the marks of Dark Arts on her face, not beautiful anymore. She does not care about such things anymore, her aim being service to Dark Arts. She is quite a respected figure on the web, but she is only praised for her unwavering devotion, and her willingness to tolerate any pains, and also inflict them.


I recently ran across a very interesting article in the North Tower editorials, which mostly deals with the literary side of Harry Potter. Remember the chess match in Philosopher’s stone? Where Ron, Harry and Hermione play the real chess, led by Ron.

The ruthless white queen shown the chess set can be surprisingly identified with our very own Bella. Both are expressionless, merciless and would do anything to prevent their king (Lord V, of course).

Ron takes the knight and the match begins. What happens next- in a shocking move, the White queen hunts down the Black knight. The same way in which Bella killed Sirius Black, an incident which took Harry muck time to absorb. Sirius Black can easily be identified with a knight fighting for Harry, brave and fearless.

The match concludes with Ron sacrificing himself to the White queen so that Harry could take the white king. Is this a message, that Ron, the brave, a little stupid but loyal friend (In short a knight) would die in the Seventh book? It is quite obvious that Bella would not hesitate in doing anything like this.

Interestingly, Bella has is both physically and psychologically different from her sister Narcissa, except for the pure blood thing. Narcissa is pale while she is dark, and obviously Narcissa is quite devoted to her family, while Bellatrix doesn’t give a thought about anything but the big V and elimination of his enemies.
Also, Bella’s married surname, even though she isn’t quite affiliated to her husband, portrays her situation. Lestrange can be rooted to Estrange, which means to turn (a person) from an affectionate or friendly attitude to an indifferent, unfriendly, or hostile one; alienate the affections of.
But obviously, her surname could simply be derived from the word- Strange. Strange, really.
Being the dark queen, Bella had important role to play in the seventh book. She can easily be the medium to kill people, and if somehow she joins the order (which is very, very, highly unlikely), she can prove a boon. But she is born to be a bane for the good people, especially the Longbottoms.

Likely events related to Bella in the seventh book:

  • She would be killed by Neville in revenge to his parents
  • She would be killed by Harry in revenge to Sirius
  • She will kill Ron
  • She would be killed by Hermione in revenge to Ron
PS: I wonder who will play her role in the Order of the Phoenix?? Also, why wasn't she shown in GOF in the pensieve scene, (which was heavily edited, showing Barty Crouch and Karkaroff in the same scene)??
I think that the director wanted to preserve her role for higher purposes, which is Quite understandable.

The Fate of the Order


I would like to draw the attention of the magical community who are aware of the the ORDER OF PHEONIX. It is an organization set up by Dumbledore for thwarting the plans of He who must not be named. Dumbledore was its head as well as mentor. But now, that the magical community believes that Dumbledore is dead, what will be its fate? We know for sure that Hogwarts is most likely to be closed. What about the fate of the Order?Will it survive or will it be disbanded? Most of the people would say that it would continue functioning. I quite agree with all those people. But one question is, who will be its guider now...
Answer is simple yet tough –Minerva Mcgonall . But do you believe that she would be able to guide the Order in the absence of Dumbledore? I believe not. She is not even aware of the secret of Voldemort’s death-Hocrux. I suggest a possibility that Harry would now head the Order. He has faced much more than anyone in the order and is even closest to finishing Voldemort. Draco Malfoy was made a death eater , so why can’t Harry head the Order? Only he and Ron and Hermione know the secret of Voldemort now after Dumbledore’s supposed death.Don’t you agree that it will be the Order’s now finest opportunity under the leadership of the Chosen One to round off the death eaters. Even Dumbledore held him in high esteem. I am quite sure that given the opportunity Harry would surely perform above all expectations

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Successor of Messrs

Fred And George,The Only Two Characters Who Add Comedy To This Epic Saga By Jk.Rowling. They Are Probably The Most Fascinating People In This Great Tale. Weasley's Wizarding Wheezey's Contain Most Of The Interesting Artfacts Of Magic. But Is Their Role Over ? There Proved To Be A Big Role For Them When They Lend Malfoy The Darkness Powder.It Helped Him Escape . I Wonder What The Ministry Would Say If They Found About It.I Beleive That There Is Still A Big Role To Be Played By Them In The Last Book Of This Smashing Series. Will They Be Able To Develop A Dark Art Object That Might Help Harry Thwart Voldemort. We Know What They Are Capable Of.(Do Not Forget Daydream Charm, Shield Hats, Shield Cloaks) Don't You Think That They Have Been Lying Low For A While. I Am Personally Inclined To Beleive Taht They Have Magical Role To Play In The Near Future

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

The Half-Blood Prince

A thing that might have flummoxed every one is that whether Snape is a murderer and guilty of treachery to ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE.I believe not.
I believe that Snape is betraying YOU-KNOW-WHO.For proving my point I would like to point at some instances from the books

1.Hagrid tells the three friends that SNAPE was overworked and told DUMBLEDORE that he expected too much from him .Surely Snape had returned to VOLDEMORT but as Dumbledore’s man

2. Snape is a superb OCCLUMENS.So why couldn’t he have hood winked Voldemort

3. While telling Narcissa why does he close the curtains and looks away from her even though he was the only wizard there for miles.
May be he did not want to insult Narcissa by employing OCCLUMENCY against her. Even Bellatrix was a good Legilemans

SO the dice has been rolled. But I will not be surprised if the last piece of jigsaw turns the world upside down for all of us in the wizarding world.
cat snape

Monday, January 09, 2006

Fawkes- Dumbledore's Horcrux



This article is the propagation of Paracelsus' theory- "Dumbledore Demented" (given below) whixh discusses the shadowed past of Albus Dumbledore. I know that there will be some initial skepticism, but I think that Dumbledore has a Horcrux, in none another that Fawkes the phoenix. He himself said that there can be Horcruxes in living beings, and pointed towards the unnatural behavior of Nagini, Voldemort’s snake, and also saying that he had extraordinary control over her, even for a parselmouth.
(From the Abstract Pensieve) Now let me point you towards the unnatural behavior of Fawkes, which may point towards its connection with Dumbledore...

  • Harry is almost in Death’s mouth (like always) in the Chamber of secrets, cornered by the Heir of Slytherin and the sinister monster of Slytherin, the Basilisk, which would have killed Harry by only looking into his eyeballs.

But who saved our hero? Yes, Fawkes. Even though that Dumbledore was not there in Hogwarts, Fawkes went underground and saved Harry, and even carried Gryffindor’s sword with him, which Harry eventually used to slay the snake.

  • Fawkes saved Harry without any ado in COS, but why didn’t he save his master Dumbledore in HBP? Only because Dumbledore told him not to do so as his death was the part of a plan he formed with Snape. Would a normal pet understand such complexity? I doubt it.
  • Who are the main villain and Hero? Of course, Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter. What do their wands have in common, which subsequently led to Priory Incantatem and helped Harry save his life in the GOF? Of course, the core, Phoenix feather. Whose feather? You got it- our very own, Fawkes (Surely, not by extreme coincidence).

  • A phoenix is technically immortal, as it is reborn from its ashes, and would have been a really good choice for something that is used to make you immortal.

  • Voldemort created a Horcrux in a snake because he loved snakes. Similarly, Dumbledore (the opposite of Voldemort), adored phoenixes (he named his group- The Order of the Phoenix), and had one as his faithful pet.

  • Dumbledore placed faith above everything else, he even trusted Snape, a death-eater, only because of faith. And what did he tell Harry about phoenixes? That they made highly faithful pets. If he could entrust his soul to a death eater only because of faith, why not a part of it to someone who he knew was eternally faithful.

  • I said a lot about Dumbledore’s fondness about Fawkes, but wasn’t it equally reciprocated by the phoenix towards his master. After Dumbledore was murdered, The Phoenix Lamented and then flew away.

  • Read HBP, Pg 601, last paragraph. It says-
    Harry thought, for one Heart stopping moment, that he saw a phoenix fly joyfully into the blue, but next second the fire had vanished. Ring any bells??

I know that Dumbledore is the epitome of goodness, but how did he gain so much knowledge about Horcruxes, which are the darkest magical inventions, considered unmentionable even by the standards of Magick Moste Evile. Surely some experiments may have helped…

Conclusively, I would like to say that I made this guess only because I couldn’t stand to see Dumbledore die.

Also, thanks to Paracelsus the Incredible for the inspiration.

Sunday, January 08, 2006

Dumbledore Demented



Dumbledore always been depicted as a kind and gentle man. Dumbledore, unlike the common magical society, has not held a prejudice against discriminated magical creatures, which are wronged and neglected. Dumbledore’s predecessor, Armando Dippet, did not allow a poor boy bitten by a werewolf to attend Hogwarts. But when Dumbledore came to the chair, he personally provided the boy and the same lad grew up to be the able Remus Lupin.

Again, he rallied for giants and stood for Hagrid when he was revealed to be a half giant in GOF, and took all steps to plant an anti-Voldemort thinking in giants. But the kindest example is when he gave Dobby (the scorned house-elf) good wages and freedom to insult him.

He also shares a good rapport with the magical creatures, both humble and proud. He always had good relations with the merpeople, and the centaurs even forgave Umbridge on his request. All the scenario is clear when all these creatures, including Grawp for whom he took personal care, came on his funeral and paid their tributes.

But only creature who are unfortunate not to have Dumbledore’s kindness pouring upon them are none other than Dementors.

Dumbledore, though quite capable of defending himself against Dementors, still is uncomfortable with them. This is revealed in the GOF (The Pensieve)- Moody sardonically smiles and taunts Dumbledore about his being uncomfortable with Dementors.

Now the question is- WHY?

It can be that dementors willingly or by their nature, remind Dumbledore of his torrid past in the same way Harry is reminded of his parents murder. Dumbledore is shown as the greatest warlock of all times, then why such fear?

I think that like TMR, APWBD was also attracted towards the Dark Arts and he himself had gone the complex transformations. A brilliant student, then a wizard gone wrong, and then redemption to become the noblest wizard of all time. He compensated by ending the terror realm of Grindelwald (in 1945).

Then he went through the trials and tribulations in which he realized his guilt and the importance of humanity.

Now this aspect of my theory also gives a new branch to link Dumbledore with the makings of a horcrux in his forgotten days. Now which he obviously can use to evade death, help Harry, and thwart Voldemort.

The Sorting Hat Enigma

What are the properties of a Horcrux, when it is made for some ulterior motive other than protection of a piece of soul?

We have the very good example of Tom Riddle’s Diary. It was not made with the purpose of hiding a piece of soul and thus grant immortality (like Marvolo’s ring safely hidden in the Gaunt House), but for the purpose for unleashing Slytherin’s monster again and propagate his noble mission.

The Horcrux in question, which held the soul of 16-year old Voldemort, had peculiar properties. Firstly, the soul could have a physical form 1. if it fed on the thoughts of some other person. It could also 2. Communicate with the person (through ink and writing in the diary’s case), and had the 3. Same intellectual abilities as the maker of the Horcrux had. Tom M. Riddle had the same shrewd and charming personality in his Horcrux, through which he hoodwinked Ginny and consumed her mentally. The diary from Vauxhall Road was also well preserved for fifty years, the time in which it protected the soul of a great wizard.

A thing to be noted is that the 4. Horcrux like this was made in an unimposing object, as it had to look normal to its user whom it would later use to come back into form, slowly and steadily.

There is one more artifact, in Hogwarts itself, which satisfies all the requirements of a Horcrux like this. Dear readers, the object I am going to point out is none other than the Hogwarts Sorting Hat, which may be a Horcrux!. It easily fulfills all the requirements, co-relating it with the above points…

1. The user wears it on the head. As in T M Riddle’s case, a user has to open out his mind to the hat, in the same way Ginny opens her mind to Riddle. The hat has all the access to the wearer’s innermost feelings and fears.

2. It can talk to the wearer. As in Harry’s case, the diary talked to him regarding his house. And of course, the hat annually talks to the whole school in the form of its complex songs. It also sends out messages and warnings subtly in its songs, which are long and rich.

3. The main reason it exists is because it has the intellectual abilities of the Hogwarts Four. It knows that which house would the student go to if the founders were still alive. Apart from house deciding powers, it knows what warning would a Hogwarts Founder give if he\she still walked the earth.

4. Again, it was made in a hat, so no one will really suspect to be more than a song hat or a house-decider.

So here is what I conclude of it- The Sorting Hat may be Horcrux! It has the brains of Hogwarts founders, so can’t be the part of a soul? But it seems improbable that a joint Horcrux of the Hogwarts Four could exist.

The Sorting Hat’s song itself comes as a clue…

Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When they were dead and gone?

‘Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!

Again, we know that the idea of the hat was that of Godric Gryffindor (He whipped it off his hat). Also, if only he has a past of his soul in the hat, we can trust it to be fair and honest since Gryffindor knew exactly what each founder wanted. So, can the Sorting Hat be Gryffindor’s Horcrux? Something to save the world in extremely troubled times?

A point which strongly supports this is that in COS, when the basilisk had cornered Harry, Fawkes flew in with the Sorting Hat. Harry wore it in desperation and Lo! The Sword of Gryffindor came out of it. Hence the hat was Harry’s weapon against Slytherin’s Monster, and Harry won. If the hat could hold Gryffindor’s sword, can’t it hold its soul? Also, in the same way it revealed the sword to a true Gryffindor in need, could one day it reveal its real powers?.

But the sly remarks of the hat that Harry would do well in Slytherin point otherwise. Also, the making of a Horcrux is pure evil, and it is more probable that a dark wizard would make a Horcrux. So, can it be that the Sorting Hat is the Horcrux of the Ancestor of Evil, Salazar Slytherin? It may be that he had a plan, executing over a millennium, to rise again. Slowly and steadily taking the thoughts of the first years that come to Hogwarts, and then suddenly re-appearing!

Also, either one of the above two (or jointly together!) made the Horcrux with no aim of regaining powers.

It can be that the Sorting Hat is only a simple object with the purpose to ensure the proper selection of young Wizards and Witches till eternity… or is it???

Friday, January 06, 2006

Secrets Of Dumbledore

Hello Fellow Visitors. I, Bowman The Replenisher Would Like To Express My Views Regarding Few Subjects I Would Like To Throw Light Upon...

Is Dumbledore Dead?
''I Will Have Only Truly Left Hogwarts
When None Here Are Loyal To Me"

1- Missing Fawkes...
We Have Seen That Fawkes Comes Every Time To Save Life Of Albus
She Swallowed The Killing Curse Of He Who Must Not Be Named
Where Is She When Albus Is Being Killed. Can It Be Not That It Was On Albus's Order That She Was Not There

2-The Flying Avada Kedavra
Every Time This Unforgivable Curse Is Hit, The Person Dies Instantly. However In Case Of Dumbledore He Is Blasted Of His Back. Why?
In My Opinion The Use Non Verbal Spells Can Be Attributed Here.
Snape Was Thinking Of Any Other Spell But Said Avada Kedavra . In This Case Albus Has Surely Not Died.

3-The Secret Of Life
Even If Dumbledore Is Dead,Then,When Fawkes Cried, Why Did Only Madam Pomfrey cry. Even Harry Admitted That it Was A Song He Had Never Before Heard. Could It Be That Fawkes Was Performing An Ancient Bit Of Magic That Only Madam Pomfrey Knew. In The Grave Also Harry Thought That He Saw Some Phoenix When Dumbledore's Body Was Being Burnt. Could The Equation Be:
Great Dumbledore + Healing Tears Of Fawkes=Another Life

4-One More Theory Is That Dumbledore Wants To Go Undercover So That
You-Know-Who Becomes Careless And Comes Out In Open.

5- Could It Be That He Wanted To See How Harry Would React And Whether He Would Take The Matter Of Tracking The Hocruxes Himself.

Whatever Be The Case But I Strongly Advocate That It Is Dumbledore's
"Absence" And Not Dumbledore's "Death"

Still I Would Like All The Muggles And Wizards To Please Leave Their Comment.

Monday, January 02, 2006

Godric's Hollow- A Grave Landmark

The Place where it began...

The initial questions raised were - What exactly is Godric's Hollow? A tree, hamlet, or the name of a house. JKR anwered it out- A Village. It was the village where on Halloween night, Lord Voldemort arrived at the Potter residence, the Fidelius Charm rendered useless due to Wormtail's treachery. As Harry got to know in his frightful encounters with the dementors, he killed James first and then proceeded on to contradicting the prophecy by killing Harry. Then Lily got in the way and she also got murdered.

What happened next is basically the focal point of the Harry Potter story. Lord Voldemort shot the killing curse but it got rebounded on Voldemort himself. He should have finished off but thanks to his horcruxes, he survived.

If Dumbledore to be believed, it was Lily's loving sacrifice for Harry which created a bond and saved Harry. This theory is further confirmed by Voldemort himself when he says in GOF that it was Lily's protection, an ancient magic which he ignored that saved Harry.

But there are questions...

Was somewhere present at Godric's Hollow when this incident happened? Could it be that person who really saved Harry Potter, blocking him from the curse and then repelling Voldemort? This question has been asked to JKR, the answer to which she craftily avoided. This further mystifies the aura surrounding Godric's Hollow.

Godric's Hollow- the name itself rings with greatness. Was it simply a name, or it has really has to do something with Godric Gryffindor? Given the shrine like attribute to the place, could it be Gryffindor's home itself? Also it was Dumbledore again who positioned the Potters into Godric's Hollow. Could his choice have an ulterior motive? He has a fondness for Gryffindor's heirlooms, like his sword, which was used by Hary to kill the basilisk and save his life.

Is something there, a clue or relic, waiting to be discovered. After all, JKR said in an interview that something important about Lily would be revealed in the seventh book. And her home, Godric's Hollow, is one of the best places to do that.
A far-fetched-fiction bit: Can it be that Dumbledore, if he is till alive, has gone into hiding at Godric's Hollow. Remember- the Dumbledore-Gryffindor connection? It would be quite quite a surprise, Harry going to Godric's Hollow and find Dumbledore there(like Gandalf or Sherlock Holmes)! Quite far-fetched indeed.

The place has been mentioned seldom in the book (in PS), but it got an important mention in HBP as Harry decided to visit his parents' graves in the summer, of course accompanied by Ron & Hermione (& Ginny?). It would be the first description of Godric's Hollow in the books and we'll get to know what it holds for Harry Potter. cat relic