Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a treat. An article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Laura Mallory was published on January 28. Ms. Mallory wrote the article to attempt to disspell some of the misconceptions about her case to remove the Harry Potter books from the shelves in the Gwynett County School System. Here is an excerpt:

Myth: We are trying to ban Harry Potter.

Truth: This case first began when we noticed the books in our son’s elementary school classroom. We were then told by the school that anything in the school library may be used in the classroom. The original request of August 2005 asked that the books be removed from the classrooms and libraries due to the extreme evil and violent content, the promotion of witchcraft (Wicca) and the age-inappropriateness. We are not trying to ban Harry Potter. The books may of course be purchased in bookstores or checked out at public libraries, but need not be encouraged, assigned and read aloud in our children’s schools and classrooms. Are they ready to put the Bible and prayer back in our schools and classrooms and read it aloud?

Myth: This is a one-woman fight.

Truth: I have never been alone in this “fight.” There are hundreds and even thousands of other parents who have stood up against the Harry Potter series and its paganization of this generation. The American Library Association reports Harry Potter books rank No. 1 on the list of most challenged books of the 21st century, having received more than 3,000 challenges nationwide. Additionally, there have been numerous people who have become dear friends who have written, called and helped with their love, encouragement, prayers and donations. Without them, I could not have continued this case.

It has not been an easy path to take, but one in which I know I must not quit. God has been with me, answering specific prayers and reassuring me of His will and His Word, and my husband of nearly 13 years has supported and stood with me — I’m enormously grateful. This has never been a one-woman fight; if it were, believe me, I would have quit long ago.

Myth: Witchcraft is just harmless fantasy.

Truth: This is perhaps the greatest myth of all. America’s desensitization to the occult is not only sad, but dangerous. We are in serious need of revival and a return to the traditional Judeo-Christian roots upon which our blessed country was founded.

I cannot count the times I have been told that these books are “just fantasy.” But if you would like to know the truth, please keep reading and do your own research.

Not only is witchcraft a real religion, subtly intriguing and luring our children and teens in unprecedented numbers, but it is also a dangerous one, often leaving its followers in darkness, depression and even suicidal. This was verified by a teenager from Lawrenceville and Mrs. Marsha McWhorter, a registered nurse and certified marriage and family therapist, both of whom testified at the Gwinnett County hearing on April 20, 2006, coincidentally, the anniversary of the tragic shootings at Columbine High School.

And now my attempt to clear up a misconception.

Myth: Laura Mallory has read the Harry Potter books so she is making an informed judgement called.

Truth: Laura Mallory has never completely read one of the Harry Potter books.

Myth: I will take Laura Mallory and her followers seriously.

Truth: I don’t think so. While some children who have followed Wicca have ended up being depressed, violent and/or suicidal- do we know there was a direct correlation? And forget about that, whether that is relevant or not, Harry Potter does not equal Wicca. Anyone who has read Harry Potter can figure that out, but that brings me back to the previous Myth.

I’m done with you, Laura Mallory. Unless there are any really humorous quotes from you (like the “God” one from last week) or any significant happenings with the story, the Harry Potter Prognostications listeners and readers will have to get their Laura Mallory news elsewhere. I am wiping my hands clean(ish) of her.

-Penny

What is the deal with these Horcruxes?  We know Voldie’s soul has been broken into seven pieces, six in other object, while one remains with his bad self.  What are the unknowns, what do we know, what don’t we know, and what might we know?  All this will be answered in this all-Horcrux edition of HPProgs.

Plus, the news and an interview with Sister Judy (she’s our sister, not a nun), who just finished reading all six books for the first time!

You can listen to the podcast with the player below, or download an mp3 directly.

The Dursleys.  Love ‘em or hate ‘em (ok, probably hate ‘em), they are family (to Harry).  But will their relationship to Harry be good for them, or will the thanks they get for their kindness to Harry over the years be a healthy portion of hurtin’ from the Death Eaters?  And just what is the deal with Petunia?  All this and more in this week’s prognostication.

And the news:

• Laura Mallory appeals.  Nation is shocked.
• Small bookshops in UK can’t afford to stock Potter.
• Illustrator for US Potter books talks Book 7.
• JK Rowling-funded film wins an award.

You can listen to the podcast using the player below, or download it directly as an mp3.

Amazon has now put 2007 in parenthesis next to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”. Phew. Despite all of the commotion and discussion that came with the March 31 date, I am very happy. I enjoyed speculating but let’s be honest, I am completely not ready for this book to come out yet.

So, now we shall see whether March 31 is the date that the pre-order will be made available. Luckily, we will always have proof of Amazon’s March 31 debacle thanks to Greg’s quick screen saving abilities.

I wonder if there is a former Amazon employee on the streets today after having been fired for that horrible error. Sorry, Amazon employee- you are better than that. Don’t you know that We, the Harry Potter fans, will pay attention to every little nuance and clue out there?!? We will latch onto anything. To quote Michael J. Fox in The American President , “They’re so thirsty for it, they’ll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there’s no water, they’ll drink the sand.” OK fine, this quote has nothing to do with what I wrote above- but taken completely out of context, it works. (This is my blog, I’ll write what I want).

Just to note, I firmly believe that one of our listeners (who shall remain nameless at his/her request) affected this social change (yes, it is a social change- we all have to do what we can for society!). He/she was relentless with Amazon and called them on their March 31 date. They finally caved and changed the date. Well done! Hpprogs listeners are the best!

Penny:)

Ruth left a comment pointing out that the search results page for Deathly Hallows on Amazon.com shows Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as available March 31, 2007!!! See screenshot below.  Not sure if this is the date of publication, or perhaps the date that it will be available to order; the page for Deathly Hallows itself does not appear to be updated, still allowing only email alert signups.

(click on image to enlarge)

Is this the end for Harry Potter? 

We’ve got a brief podcast with a few quick thoughts on the news.

In this week’s podcast, Penny and I review the book Harry Potter and Philosophy: If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts: If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts. The book is a collection of scholarly essays relating to the Harry Potter series. We discuss a few of the essays and their relevance to the major themes of the Harry Potter books, in particular how they might relate to what is to come in Book 7 (The Deathly Hallows).

For more information, check out Harry Potter and Philosophy: If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts on Amazon.com.

And the news:

• Chilean fanfic author publishes first original novel.
• A Norwich, CT newspaper wants your thoughts on how Harry Potter will end.
• Check out the latest Movie 5 action figures.
• MTV, EW and Premiere all include Movie 5 on 2007’s “must-see” list of movies.

You can listen to the podcast using the player below, or download it directly as an mp3.

Penny picked this up whilst listening to MuggleCast. The Wikipedia entry for The Hanged Man reads:

It is a card of profound but veiled significance. Its symbolism points to divinity, linking it to the death of Christ in Christianity and the stories of Osiris (Egyptian mythology) and Mithras (Roman mythology). In all of these stories, the destruction of self brings life to humanity; on the card, these are symbolized respectively by the hanged man and the living tree from which he swings. Its relationship to the other cards usually involves personal loss for a greater gain.

Recall the game of hangman behind the locked door on JKRowling.com. And there was something about the words hallows and gallows meaning the same thing in days of yore…

As we were saying…