I may be using the “redux” title too often or, more importantly, incorrectly, but I digress.

One of the most popular posts (in terms of hits, clickthroughs, comments, trackbacks and search engine ranking) is my assertion that Harry Potter is the sixth and final Horcrux created by Lord Voldemort. In an effort to split his own soul and attain some measure of invulnerability and immortality, Voldemort used the arcane and dark ritual to split his soul into several pieces. My theory is that Harry Potter is the sixth and final Horcrux.

I cover this theory in greater detail in my original post, but I wanted to have a platform to discuss what events I think may take place in the seventh book.

1) Multiple Deaths:
Now, just because I think Harry is the sixth Horcrux, doesn’t mean I think he’ll die. Quite the contrary. The process that left him with the lightning bolt scar and that effectively ended Voldemort’s existence in corporeal form is a pretty nasty occurence. I don’t think that the reversal of a human horcrux would necessarily be the same as it was for an object horcrux.

Having said that, I think there are some very likely suspects for demise, the most obvious being Voldemort himself. I’m of two minds about this: it is the last book so Voldemort’s death would be a nice, tidy ending, but the potential threat of a weakened and still lurking enemy is intriguing. I think he dies, but potentially in a very open-ended way.

I think every Weasley is at risk in the next book, along with Hagrid, Hermione, Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom. My prediction is that one or more of them will give their own life to save a loved one. Mrs. Weasely for her husband Arthur. Fleur for her new, lycanthropic groom. Ginny for Harry or even Ron for Hermione or vice versa. A Weasley has to die, or very nearly die and get saved by Harry. It wouldn’t be a proper Rowling book without it.

Most certainly, Severus won’t die, at least not the way some might want him to. I think his true nature and story are revealed in a death scene that makes us questions all the assumptions we’ve had for 7 books. Either that, or his survival is the key to someone else’s, potentially Harry’s or Voldemort’s, survival.

Hagrid may die, just to complete the Black/White/Red alchemical equation: first Sirius (Black), then Albus (White), then Hagrid (Red) equals some greater thing for Harry. Do a Google search on alchemy and character names and you’ll see where this conspiracy theory originates. Needless to say, Hagird might lay down his life, out of love, just as I’ve described for the other characters above.

Whomever passes, you can be sure that love will conquer the most powerful dark magic and someone, a few someones, will make the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of others.

2) Loss of Powers:
I’m a firm believer in the idea that someone may lose their magical abilities entirely to save their own life or the life of another. I think that Harry may lose his magic in the process of being de-Horcruxed or in saving the life of one of his friends. Love may again prove to be the most powerful magic, above any curse or charm.

3) Hogwart’s Survives:
No matter what was said at the end of HBP, Hogwart’s will survive. Despite the dramatically serious and dark bent of the series, at it’s core these are hopeful books. Maybe Harry becomes a teacher or someday headmaster. Whatever the outcome, future generations are taught the art of magic in the hallowed halls of Hogwart’s. I’m sure of it.

4) A Happy Ending:
As I’ve discussed, I think these books are essentially forward-looking, hopeful and happy despite the terrible consequences and events. It may not end with every character surviving or completely intact, but there will be sunshine through the clearing smoke, debris and rubble. It’s a children’s story about leaving childhood behind; it can’t all be roses but it can be filled with the excitement of facing the future with your friends and loved ones, head held high.

That’s it. Nothing earth-shattering, but it needed saying.

I still firmly believe that Harry is the sixth Horcrux; a terrible fate inflicted upon him by Voldemort that he will learn, accept and ultimately defeat in an ingenious and thoughtful way with the help of those around him.

I expect nothing less than amazement, tears and a smille when I finish the next book.

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