Episode #39: More Unanswered Questions
More unanswered questions! True to our word, we’re upping the ante with the movie and book coming out in the next few weeks. This episode doesn’t have a major news segment, but more unanswered questions, including a killer question from Sister Judy (our sister, not a nun) regarding the Grand-Potters.
We’ll be back later this week with our review of the OotP movie. Stay tuned!
And check out our new logo!
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July 9th, 2007 at 1:11 am
[...] Original post by harrypotterprogs@yahoo.com (Harry Potter Prognostications) [...]
July 9th, 2007 at 2:04 am
JKR Has said of Lily and James’ parents “Petunia and Lily’s parents, normal Muggle death. James’s parents were elderly, were getting on a little when he was born, which explains the only child, very pampered, had-him-late-in-life-so-he’s-an-extra-treasure, as often happens, I think. They were old in wizarding terms, and they died. They succumbed to a wizarding illness. That’s as far as it goes. There’s nothing serious or sinister about those deaths.”
http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2005/0705-tlc_mugglenet-anelli-3.htm
This is the 2005 interview done by the Leaky Cauldron & Mugglenet after HBP came out.
July 9th, 2007 at 5:34 am
oh my gosh the logo looks fab
July 9th, 2007 at 6:56 am
Dude – I was just about to post that
July 9th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Spot on Dude. I also want to add that JKR also said Petunia was not a squib and she’s doesn’t do magic so that only leave muggle left.
from JKR’s site:
“No, she won’t. Aunt Petunia has never performed magic, nor will she ever be able to do so.”
But I do think there is more to Petunia.. it’s just not magic.
Here’s a quote from Accioquote.com:
Unknown (1): I’m 18 years old and I’m from New York. My question is, in Half-Blood Prince, Aunt Petunia is said to be oddly flushed when Dumbledore announces that Harry will be returning only once more to Privet Drive. Does this mean that Aunt Petunia harbors a hidden love or fondness for Harry and the connection he provides her to the wizarding world? (crowd laughs and applauds).
JK Rowling: That’s an excellent question (crowd laughs). And like all the best and most penetrating questions, it’s difficult to answer. But, I will say this. There is a little more to Aunt Petunia than meets the eye and you will find out what that is in book seven (crowd roars and applauds).
July 9th, 2007 at 10:13 am
I just have to say that I think Greg underestimates Jo alot on this show. He said that she went back to make the diary a horcrux later, but I think it was always a horcrux. I’m not sure what interview this was in but it said something about Jo having a hard time writing book 2 and eventually cut something out to be put in book 6 instead. I think that it is pretty obvious that this was the diary horcrux.
I will try to find a link to the interview.
In my opinion Jo knew about the horcruxes in book 1, she did alot of work on these books before they were written, and I think she knew the main story all along.
July 9th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Didn’t Dumbledore say in Chapter 20 of half-blood Prince “Ever since I refused the post of teaching to lord Voldemort no one stayed on staff more then one year?”
July 9th, 2007 at 10:35 am
I found the interview that, at least to me, proves that Jo knew the diary was a horcux in book 2.
It was in the interview at the Edinburgh Book Festival.
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets had different titles. In fact, as everyone now knows, it was once called Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, but then I removed a whole storyline that did not work at all. It gave too much information too early, so I pulled it out and it became a major part, but not the only part, of book six.”
July 9th, 2007 at 10:42 am
So far the podcast is awesome, but you were wrong. The DADA position is indeed cursed … remember, after the memory interview with Voldemort and Dumbledore, V’s hand flashed to the wand. Harry almost warned Dumbledore, and then afterward asked him if it was indeed the DADA position that V wanted. Dumbledore then replied that although it wasn’t stated, the events afterward indeed proved that, since D hasn’t been able to keep a DADA position for over a year. The only proof taht it could be was that the position was cursed by V after it was denied him.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:42 am
I can’t listen now. Must go counsel at a camp in 30min! Trapped in camp for a week with a bunch of 12 years olds with no internet access, not the way I wanted to spend the week, and there is a “no electronics” rule, ( no iPods, DVD players, laptops, CD players, even cameras!) I feel I will have a cruddy week. Will comment about actual podcast…later.
July 9th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Great Podcast –
I think that the eyes are more than Snape…maybe its something about the influence our parents have on us intrinsically..what we get from them without any effort..
Thats just my “prognostication”
July 9th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
As has been already stated, Petunia does not have any magical powers, according to JKR. So the only Muggle left is Dudley Dursley. At first I totally agreed with that. But then it occured to me that in Book 5, when he and Harry are attacked by the Dementors, he couldn´t see them. If Mrs Figg told the truth at the hearing, even Squibs can. So in my opinion it can´t be Dudley.
Which leaves Vernon Dursley as the only possible candidate which would be quite interesting
July 9th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
yes ok i know the whole ‘not’ was “lame” as you put it Judy
I did say in my own comment that-
“i know its sounds kind of stupid but could the last word actually be ‘not’.”
it was lyk Penny saying Draco was the Dragon on the Deluxe Edtion, even she doubted it when she said it and i did when i said, but that doesnt stop there being a possibility
Joe does hav her ways remember
July 9th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Sam- if Judy is calling your comment “lame” than you should have NO worries. My sister invented lame.
Also, to make you feel better, basically everything Greg and I (and Judy) said on this weeks episode was already refuted by the comments here. It is all good though. This is what we do.
Thanks again for all your help!!
July 9th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Enjoyed the episode and it was an especially nice surprise on a Monday morning. I do have one spoiler-related request. I skipped over Jo’s interview bit of the podcast, because I believe she mentioned in said interview the number of people who die in Deathly Hallows, and I do NOT NOT NOT want to know this information. I’d be counting down in my head as I read… it would be a nightmare. I don’t know if Greg and Penny mentioned this bit of information, but I would just like to ask that if they did (or if anyone knows it anyway) to please, please not post it.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!
July 9th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Michal- we weren’t specific. We said more than _____. I don’t think she gave a specific number. IF you have any more questions, I’d be happy to answer it, I don’t want this to be spoiled for you at all!!
July 9th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Ok, I totally love the new logo.
Im going to see the movie tomorrow night. I might try and see it again before the week is out. I know Im going to be exhausted Wednesday morning going to work.
OH yeah, you guys should have a Maryland Area Harry Potter meetup type thing, that would be great.
I love the podcast, but for some reason I was led to believe the position had been cursed as well. That no one had been able to hold the position for longer than a year since Professor Quarrel. (sp)
July 9th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Penny- thank you
Micheal- No specific number was given by jo
Btw does nebody know if nebody has a wand made of birch????
cus im doing some more research on times of the year that i dug up when researching my dirge of the 4 cities theory.
July 9th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Hi Guys
Really enjoyed the podcast, came on this morning to answer a few things but everyone is one step ahead of me.
One thing I did think was interesting in Jo’s interview and I hope this isn’t a SPOILER for anyone. She said she had always had the last chapter written which I believe is the Epilogue, but she bawled when she finished writing at the Balmoral, she stated is wasn’t the last chapter but one very near the end, could that mean a certain someone’s death!
Also I decided to re read Philosphers Stone and came across at the beginning where the letters arrived for Harry, Vernon seemed to know what they were straight away, how would he if he had never had any contact with the magical world before?
July 9th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Thanks so much for understanding, Penny. I know you feel the same way as I do about the s-word. It’s just kind of a knee-jerk reaction to ask if the risk emerges
July 9th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Sorry another comment, completely off topic, but I was just looking at the photos from the US premiere. Why does Dan always wear a suit? Not sure why I don’t like it but it seems a bit fake looking, would be nicer to see him dress his age a bit like Rupert.
July 9th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Concerning the question about Harry becoming a teacher, the following is from a radio interview with JK Rowling in 1999. It is a question from a teacher and her students.
Kathleen: Anyway, it’s very exciting; we just love Harry Potter, so we’re curious – well – first of all we can’t wait for books four, five, six and seven [JKR: OK], but after that, we’re curious as to whether Harry is going to have a life after Hogwarts? Or if maybe Harry might be a Hogwarts teacher?
JKR: Erm, well, because all your kids said hello so nicely in the background there, I’m going to give you information I haven’t given anyone else, and I will tell you that one of the characters – er – one of – one of Harry’s class mates, though it’s not Harry himself, does end up a teacher at Hogwarts, but it is not maybe the one you’d think – hint, hint, hint! So, yes one of them does end up staying at Hogwarts, but – erm …
Lydon: Does the kids want to have a guess at it, Kathleen?
Kathleen: Do you like to have a guess at who it is?
Class: Ron
Kathleen: They say Ron …
JKR: Noooo – it’s not Ron …
Kathleen: [to class] it’s not Ron …
JKR: … because I can’t see Ron as a teacher, no way.
http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/1999/1099-connectiontransc2.htm
July 9th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I posted my first comment more quickly than I intended. I also wanted to say that the logo is awesome! I thoroughly enjoy your podcast. It is one to which I listen as soon as it downloads on iTunes. Almost every show provides thought-provoking subjects.
July 9th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Momantai – just checked HP wiki and nothing shows as birch, interestingly enough though Lily’s wand was “good for charm work”, might tie into my theory that she worked as unspeakable and cast a special charm from the love room on the night the Harry survived.
Especially since Jo has always spoken about her being good at potions, maybe she was just like Hermione and good at everything.
July 9th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
I like the point of the fact that Petunia might be a muggle. I’ve personally always wondered whether (despite the bloodtype of the parents) magical abilities traveled in families. Although I’m not 100% sure on this theory, but I’ve heard that the Creevey brothers were muggleborn, and yet they’re both wizards. So, if this were true, then would Petunia be a witch in that case? Or would she still be a muggle?
July 9th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
I like the point of the fact that Petunia might be a witch. I’ve personally always wondered whether (despite the bloodtype of the parents) magical abilities traveled in families. Although I’m not 100% sure on this theory, I’ve heard that the Creevey brothers were muggleborn, and yet they’re both wizards. So, if this were true, then would Petunia be a witch in that case? Or would she still be a muggle?
July 9th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I just wanted to know what you all thought about a little idea I have for the end that would explain how Harry can kill Voldy without using an unforgivable curse.
You know when you’re so filled with love for something or someone… it tingles right through you, all the way down to your fingertips? Well I think that during the final battle, Harry will feel love like this (maybe for Ginny, maybe for Ron and Hermione) and that feeling of love will go all the way through Harry. But remember, that Harry’s blood is running through Voldy’s veins too, so when Harry feels this love, so will Voldy, and he will be unable to stand the intensity of it, and he’ll just melt into a splooshy puddle.
This would also explain Dumbledore’s “look of triumph” when he heard that Voldmort had used Harry’s blood, because he probably understood that this could happen. And don’t forget that Harry’s blood also carries his Mother’s love, and that protecion too.
This also kind of reminds me of “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeline L’Engle, a fabulous book, everyone should read it, maybe while we’re waiting for July 21st.. (only 11 days!!!) *spoilers for Wrinkle in Time ahead* In this story, the theme is that the power the man character, Meg, has over her foe is her ability to love, just like Harry. At the end, the baddie, a giant brain called IT has Meg’s little brother possessed, and to free him, Meg has to love him, even though he isn’t really himself.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
I wanted to say Michal made a good point. I have been biting my tongue and resisting the urge to post anything further about any ideas or hints about book 7. It isn’t hard for me to play dumb as I am sure no one has noticed.
I am kinda brain dead so my reasoning was best to be quiet rather than give information that may not technically be what I would think as a spoiler but then what do I know? One thing I would like to comment on was the correlation between a true historic timeline and the fantasy one in the wizarding world. Using that timelines provided by Leaky and references from the books I can say other than Grimwald being defeated in 1945 which coincides with the end of WWII I can’t find anything really close enough to make a connection. Looking back at English History there is no shortage of major events to use and when one includes European history or even World History in the equation making such a parallel timeline would be quite simple. It would not take a whole lot of imagination to see the Portrait speaking to Winston Churchill during The Battle of Britain. In short there are so many momentous events to choose from I have to ask why it wasn’t done. So here is my speculation. The proud peoples of the British Empire have faced a plethora of villains throughout history. WWII being an example where standing alone they faced down an enemy against incredible odds when failure would have meant the end of all. Historic events and achievements are very much part of even English comedy. A bumbling German leader from WWII still gets laughs on shows and comics today. I think after a country faces such threats and so heroically triumphs that maybe it becomes a sacred sort of moment. This alone may be the reason for the timelines not being connected. Proud enough to not want to take anything away from those who sacrificed and achieved so much and not daring to even fictionalize that which needs not be enamored. Or maybe JK Rowling just stinks at history.
July 10th, 2007 at 2:07 am
Hi,
I feel embarrassed not to contribute to this conversation with something of substance.
Your sound quality in this podcast was very bad. Penny and Judy kept fading in and out.
But I love you podcasts and your prognostications
Greg’s impersonations are not dodgy.
July 10th, 2007 at 8:26 am
Can someone please tell me what the logo looks like thanks!
July 10th, 2007 at 8:41 am
Aaron – I agree with you . . .my feeling here is that JK is dealing with a fairly short and defined timeline centred around Harry’s life in general. I think the introduction of history per Voldy’s past was not meant to be taken outside the context of Voldemort as he relates to Harry. I’m sure all kinds of parallels could be made, but they do nothing to further the storyline/plot really. I also believe some inaccuracies in the timeline (a la the 24 hours between Hagrid delivering Harry) are simply, inaccuracies and were never meant to be thought much of. As we anticipate the last book and have all read and re-read the ones up to date, it’s a natural thing to search out things and sometimes find things in the story that were just not meant to be there . . . reminds me of going to gallery openings – all this crew looking at “the art” and reading all kinds of multi-syllabic bull that is contrary to the artists intention or just plain made up on the spot by the would-be viewer . . . not that this stuff isn’t valid in some way, shape or form but let’s do try not to get too carried away . . .
It would follow there is a naturally a propensity for JK to write from the context of an English-person (her being English and all
). The “triumph against evil / WWII” complex you mention is a natural part of her culture and shows itself in the central theme of the books underscored by the supporting Myths Momentai dug up. I would hope and expect that JK shares your outlook about not bastardizing history where it need not be.
Greg’s affectations are pretty dodgy . . . sorry greg.
Greg and Penny – you guys should take a trip to London. Spend time in the north side of the city, then do a few days on the south side (careful around Brixton). There’ literally an accent for each of the 16 points of the compass never mind the Irish, Welsh and midlands. In such a relatively small city, it’s a trip how that happens . . .
I was going to complain about the sound quality of the podcast but someone already did it for me (almost blew my speakers out!) . . . I understand you guys were passin’ tha’ mic so it was difficult . . .
July 10th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Steph, just make something up! How bout this one? I have always wondered about Oliver’s wand making store. Since the wand chooses the wizard how does that effect the price? Does he even charge for the wands or is it a wizard subsidized project that ensures every child gets a quality wand? I always wondered how he made his living and wondered if a wand with a Phoenix feather cost more than say your regular swish and flick type? How about wizard washing? I have seen bathrooms bath tubs and basic things but no washing machines. Do they wear those robes to cover up stinky stained clothing? Point is just contribute because anything goes! (at least for 2 more weeks then well you know….. support group time!)
July 10th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
i love the logo and i’m so excited to see the movie tonight. I just got my tickets like 20 minutes ago. AHHH
July 10th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
hey, this is my first comment,so im listening to the old podcasts first and im up to the horcruxes podcast when i thought of what could be the last horcrux of either grifindor or ravenclaw and it came to me that it could be the invisibility cloak. as it is known to be a very rare piece of magical cloathing and that it could have been obtained by james or lily to keep it from voldermort. sori if this is the wrong place to bring this up.
July 10th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
I was also thinking of Horcruxes when I read the Half Blood prince and something stuck out to me. Dumbledore said he would have hid them in significant places to him and what better place then Hogwarts where he learned his magic. Listening to this episode Judy said something that every thing J.K. writes is important (something like that) and it reminded me of the locket that they found in the Order book when i first read it i said who cares about a old locket anyway then I had to take my foot out of my mouth when HBP came out. Then I was thinking what if she did the same thing in HBP something so random you just dismiss it when you first read it, so here is what i came up with….
What if when Vold came back to Horgwarts to ask for the DADA job he hid a horcrux in the room of requirment. When Harry went to hid his Potions book I think he actually touched it. When he hid his book in the cubard he wondered if he would be able to find it again so “seizing the chiped bust of an old warlock from on top of a nearby crate he stood it on the cubard where the book was now hidden perched a dusty old wig and a tarnished tiara”. Out of all things hidden in the room, why is there a tiara and we still don’t know what powerful object ravenclaw had this could have been it. This is a shot in the dark but it has been done before like when peeves broke the vanishing cabinet in the second book I didn’t think twice about it, this is just my thought.
July 10th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I JUST WENT AND GOT MY TICKETS FOR THE MIDNIGHT SHOWING OF THE MOVIE! Forgive me Michal……
July 10th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Hey Aaron, it’s cool
You gotta do what you gotta do!
July 10th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Hi Jamie that would be odd that if the cloak was one. I am a little skeptical just because of it being so unprotected and in enemy hands. But who knows it’s as good a theory as any. I am partial to the doasis theory about the wand if for no other reason than I can see myself reading it in book 7. Glad to hear we are still cool Michal!
July 10th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Judy is not lame. She is the coolest ever. She thinks of things that no one else does.
July 10th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
You guys’ve gotta start doing some research before the shows. A quick trip to the HP Lexicon would have saved you from discussing questions that have already been answered by Jo, like the grandparents and Petunia stuff. I still love the show, though, and was excited to get a second one this week!
3 1/2 hours and counting!!! I can’t wait!!!
July 10th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Thanks Aaron. Before I make something up… Here is a funny (at least I thought so) take on the books ending.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/08/opinion/08potterintro
One comment I’d like to throw out quickly.
Much of the the books are set up to create a world and many of those creations don’t need answers.
An Example would be the Grimwald defeat in 1945. I think this more of settling that has the plot purpose of saying Dumbledor is great hero and is pretty old”
Some other things are more clearly in this catagory. Carrot Juice (Ugg) and Owls.
Having said that I think Gregs analysis if many of these factors as part of the western literary tradition puts them into a larger picture-one that perhaps Jo hereself may have added unconsciously to the books.
Steph
July 11th, 2007 at 3:54 am
Steph – much more succinctly put than my rambling mess . . .
Here in Japan, Dan Radcliff was on TV touring a girls Jr. High school – it was silly. One girl asks Dan what his “type” is and then all the girls start screaming “ME!” “ME!” “ME!” (in english) . . . Dan turned red as a beet. He also needs to consult his stylist before going on TV – he was wearing a thin striped dark blue and white jacket that was vibrating and glowing with morey patterns on the screen . . . blinded me with bad fashion.
That said – still looking forward to seeing him as Harry. Not as much as I’m looking forward to the book but still . . .
July 11th, 2007 at 3:54 am
You guys are sooo lucky you get to go to the premiere . . .
July 13th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Hi I’m back from counseling at a 12 year old camp! Will listen after I go get my hair cut.
July 13th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Not to be rude, but I believe that some of your answers are an over analysis of the facts. You do have some great theories and an awesome podcast, but genetics… come on JKR must not have thought of that or exactly everything.
July 14th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Actually, Aaron, that was one of the listener’s theories. We just discussed it. It is always fun to analyze these things. This is what we do- over analysis.
July 16th, 2007 at 8:54 am
I am of the unwavering opinion that Harry will not die. I’ve said it before. Rowling is benevolent. Unless there’s a resurrection, which would be so cheesy, he won’t die.
I think Ron and Hermione are likewise unkillable.
So my candidates for most likely killings are based on the fact that while the big three have immunity, the deaths have to be painful enough to mean something.
My list:
Hagrid. Harry’s state as a loner sort of demands it. But I know I will cry when it happens. I’m choking up as I write this.
Lupin
a good Weasley (not Percy). I don’t think it will be Fred or George, unless it’s Fred AND George. That would make for a good contest or poll: Which Weasley will die?
None of the bad guys have immunity. But good novel-writing demands that Bellatrix be killed in a gruesome fashion. No falling through veils for her.
Let me know what you think.
July 16th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
If Remus dies, I will throw my book across the room and cry for 2 days like I did when Sirius dies.
Harry-If he dies…then I’ll accept it (but now he will be called the boy who lived a while then died), but if he lives, it might be a little bit…cheesy.
Hermione- She is to…untouchable.
Ron- I love Ron. He can’t die.
Hagrid- Will sacrifice himself for Grawp or something.
Charlie- I don’t see enough of him to be attached, so…he might as well be the one to die out of the Weasley.
That is my verdict.
July 16th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
When (If) Hagrid dies, it will have to be for something important, not Grawp.
I think that in a Poetic Justice way, just like Pettigrew has a life-debt he owes Harry, Hagrid is owed a debt by Voldy. Remember, Voldy ruined Hagrid’s schooling and reputaion for 30 years or so. There has to be payback specifically from Hagrid to Voldy.