Questions left unanswered?

[DavidC]

Apologist -

I think you've misread the tone of the posts. Members haven't been complaining about great flaws in the internal logic of the series. They're not "offended" some questions still exist. They know most of the questions are for fun, and are thinking ahead to the possibility of JKR writing the encyclopedia she has mentioned.

As some of the earlier replies show, it's not news to them that questions like these always remain after a complicated story.

Since you want focus on larger, serious themes, let me ask your opinion about something. I was looking forward to the inevitable scene in which Harry could see and talk with his parents. Is anything more central to Harry's feelings and thoughts? His desire for that meeting is on every page of the series. But when it came, it lasted a page and half - - less than half the space devoted to Harry saying goodbye to the Dursleys at the end of Chapter 3. He didn't even try to touch his parents. I could have used a little more. What about you?

If you agree, do you think maybe it was just too personal to write?

[Rosebear]

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Psychee wrote:
The Eyes... only important as a reminder of Lily... both to Snape as a comfort in his last minutes of life, that she was with him as he died...

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Whooo!! *shiver*
What excellent and perceptive perspective Psychee!! That hadn't occurred to me! POW!! Right between MY eyes!





I'd like to know which character she k-o'd that she didn't think she would, and which one she spared.....

[Psychee]

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Bill_T wrote:
I appreciate the request, and would love it if that were possible: but any further "backstory" that JKR has developed is undoubtedly going to be published/set forth in whatever manner she wants. I doubt that anyone working on the books has permission to speak to any of the backstory (in an official, non-speculative capacity).

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Not to worry, it was just an idea. I have confidence that the Mugglenet people (Emerson and Melissa, for example) will contact JKR and arrange something for their web site fairly soon and we can get the information there.

[Psychee]

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lneikam wrote:
Hello! I've been following the threads for quite some time but this is the first time that I've posted something! I totally agree w/ Psychee - a lot of unanswered questions...but my question is the cover art. Was that any of the scences in the book? Did I miss something?

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The USA cover illustates the moment when the elder wand has left Voldemort's hand and is in the air with Harry ready to catch it. There is bright orangy sunlight reflected in the ceiling above.

The curtains do not exist in the scene. If you open the book and read the inside of the cover, you'll see words that say something like "We are pleased to present the conclusion" or something like that... the curtains are just symbolic -- as though the scene had been on a stage. The artist used the curtains she had put on the first book, which were being opened, and placed them on this last book for a symmetric conclusion.

[gniff]

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Psychee wrote:
The Eyes... only important as a reminder of Lily... both to Snape as a comfort in his last minutes of life, that she was with him as he died, and earlier, as a means of reminding Slughorn that he needed to do the right thing in memory of her...

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And perhaps it explains part of Snape's resentment of Harry. What would you think of someone who was intruding on your private moments with the woman you loved, even though they were only in your imagination.

But it seems we did find out something enormously important about Lily in Book 5. That careless mudblood may have been a tipping point, but for Snape, it was everything.

[lneikam]

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Psychee wrote:

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lneikam wrote:
Hello! I've been following the threads for quite some time but this is the first time that I've posted something! I totally agree w/ Psychee - a lot of unanswered questions...but my question is the cover art. Was that any of the scences in the book? Did I miss something?

---

The USA cover illustates the moment when the elder wand has left Voldemort's hand and is in the air with Harry ready to catch it. There is bright orangy sunlight reflected in the ceiling above.

The curtains do not exist in the scene. If you open the book and read the inside of the cover, you'll see words that say something like "We are pleased to present the conclusion" or something like that... the curtains are just symbolic -- as though the scene had been on a stage. The artist used the curtains she had put on the first book, which were being opened, and placed them on this last book for a symmetric conclusion.

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Thanks! I guess I didn't really picture it like that in my head when I was reading!

[gniff]

But what of the wand that Harry was carrying, the wand that was originally Draco's? Harry's other hand is open.

Or would it show too much to have Harry with a wand and Voldemort wandless?

Message Edited by gniff on 07-22-2007 02:54 PM

[stephgirl32]

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allenctynimrod wrote:

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Proper-T wrote:
Yeah the Epilogue... left much to be desired...

So Harry and Ginny had three kids, Ron and Hermione two, Draco a son, but what else has been going on for 19 years...

What were Harry and Ginny doing for a living? And by some of the kids reaction on the train, it would seem he might not get out a lot... maybe.

And Ron and Hermione?? What do they do?

How is George without his twin? Without his ear... I should also add?

Yes, who is Victore, it just says their cousin...

What is Severus Snape's name like now?? I imangine he's a hero... too little too late for my liking... but still?

Did Kingsley stay Minister of Magic? And is he doing a better job than everyone before him... which would include sacking Umbridge by the way

And yes, Harry's scar hadn't burned in 19 years, but what the heck else was going on for nineteen years? I just assumed (I know that's bad) that she would say Harry went on to do... Ron would go on to... etc, etc, etc... all this 19 years later junk leave a lot left to be desired.
--

I don't mean to be rude, but I don't feel like I have enough closure... we need a book of 'what happened to...' I know JK siad this was it, but there's so much more to wonder about...

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I think JK did actually what most of us thought she wouldn't do and left those 19 years open to our imaginations and her future whims. It's been said she doesn't want other people writing books and she doesn't want to write anymore herself but with this epilogue she definitely left open that possibility. It might not happen anytime soon but there are many years that JKR could have a change of heart and decide to revisit her old friends or allow someone else to do so.

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actually i read somewhere that jkr might make another book except it would b kind of an encyclopedia of the characters and all. it should tell what happened 2 all th characters.

[The_Apologist]

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DavidC wrote:
Since you want focus on larger, serious themes, let me ask your opinion about something. I was looking forward to the inevitable scene in which Harry could see and talk with his parents. Is anything more central to Harry's feelings and thoughts? His desire for that meeting is on every page of the series. But when it came, it lasted a page and half - - less than half the space devoted to Harry saying goodbye to the Dursleys at the end of Chapter 3. He didn't even try to touch his parents. I could have used a little more. What about you?

If you agree, do you think maybe it was just too personal to write?

---

I think Harry had a lot on his mind at that moment, and that it required a great deal of focus just to keep his feet moving. The gallows doth wonderfully concentrate the mind, no? And he probably felt that he was going to be able to spend plenty of time with them in a few moments.

Harry had just undergone a major revelation about himself. He had just come to grips with what death really meant and what it would entail on his part. The Harry that wanted so desperately from the first book to see even a glimpse of his parents did not have that knowledge; it was a sort of character-specific climax, a turning point that changed Harry's viewpoint forever.

It's also possible that the mean specters of his parents were simple magical reflections, little more than those that appeared after Priori Incantatem. It's very possible that he couldn't have gotten any answers out of them at all. It's also possible that, while concentrating on the task at hand and what he must do, Harry simply couldn't think of what to say or do. All of his previous desires had fled him. He was probably content to die surrounded by loved ones.

[potterfreak2]

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Psychee wrote:

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lneikam wrote:
Hello! I've been following the threads for quite some time but this is the first time that I've posted something! I totally agree w/ Psychee - a lot of unanswered questions...but my question is the cover art. Was that any of the scences in the book? Did I miss something?

---

The USA cover illustates the moment when the elder wand has left Voldemort's hand and is in the air with Harry ready to catch it. There is bright orangy sunlight reflected in the ceiling above.

The curtains do not exist in the scene. If you open the book and read the inside of the cover, you'll see words that say something like "We are pleased to present the conclusion" or something like that... the curtains are just symbolic -- as though the scene had been on a stage. The artist used the curtains she had put on the first book, which were being opened, and placed them on this last book for a symmetric conclusion.

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I was wondering too about the cover, and while I see what you mean Psychee I don't get the background. Why is there a bridge and are those shadowy things supposed to be all the people watching? because they seem very far away and few in numbers when it seemed like it was most of the people that had been fighting watching their battle and they were right up close because they were in the entrance hall.

[StoryMing]

I imagine, after some thought, that Victoire must have been Fleur and Bill's daughter.
And yeah, who *WAS* the non-magical person who did magic under desperate circumstances? Did I miss it?

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Proper-T wrote:
Yeah the Epilogue... left much to be desired...

So Harry and Ginny had three kids, Ron and Hermione two, Draco a son, but what else has been going on for 19 years...

What were Harry and Ginny doing for a living? And by some of the kids reaction on the train, it would seem he might not get out a lot... maybe.

And Ron and Hermione?? What do they do?

How is George without his twin? Without his ear... I should also add?

Yes, who is Victore, it just says their cousin...

What is Severus Snape's name like now?? I imangine he's a hero... too little too late for my liking... but still?

Did Kingsley stay Minister of Magic? And is he doing a better job than everyone before him... which would include sacking Umbridge by the way

And yes, Harry's scar hadn't burned in 19 years, but what the heck else was going on for nineteen years? I just assumed (I know that's bad) that she would say Harry went on to do... Ron would go on to... etc, etc, etc... all this 19 years later junk leave a lot left to be desired.
--

I don't mean to be rude, but I don't feel like I have enough closure... we need a book of 'what happened to...' I know JK siad this was it, but there's so much more to wonder about...

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[MsJinx]

I thought the person doing magic under desperate circs was Ron, speaking Parseltongue so he and Hermoine could gather Basilisk fangs to kill Horcruxes.

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StoryMing wrote:
I imagine, after some thought, that Victoire must have been Fleur and Bill's daughter.
And yeah, who *WAS* the non-magical person who did magic under desperate circumstances? Did I miss it

[dcsbelle]

Good catch, MsJinx! Did she ever specify that it would be a muggle or did we just assume that all along?

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MsJinx wrote:
I thought the person doing magic under desperate circs was Ron, speaking Parseltongue so he and Hermoine could gather Basilisk fangs to kill Horcruxes.

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StoryMing wrote:
I imagine, after some thought, that Victoire must have been Fleur and Bill's daughter.
And yeah, who *WAS* the non-magical person who did magic under desperate circumstances? Did I miss it

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[dcsbelle]

Well said, minervami; hear! hear! Or rather, 'ear! 'ear! R.I.P. Fred Weasley

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minervami wrote:
"I'll explain, from a literary perspective, why there are so many unanswered questions. Admirably rabid fans, I give you permission to hate me for this"



No, I don't think we'll hate you for it although I just had a flash back to my Lit classes. I for one know perfectly well that you are right and have known for some time. For those who have been in the publishing business or were lit majors, this is publishing 101. I have to believe that even those of us outside of the business know this to a certain degree. Still, the heart wants what the heart wants. Knowing what is true does not stop the initial wave of emotions and the very human desire to know everything. J.K.'s final book was wonderful. This, as you so clearly pointed out, is why we care so much; want so much. We humans are quite often unreasonable creatures, aren’t we? Although we KNOW we cannot have the world tied up prettily in a little package does not keep us from desiring it. I for one am optimistically hopeful that Harry Potter fans will recognize this book for what it is, a wonderful story written with skill. First, let us rant a bit. I for one need the emotional release.

Message Edited by minervami on 07-21-2007 11:01 PM

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Message Edited by dcsbelle on 07-22-2007 04:00 PM

Message Edited by dcsbelle on 07-22-2007 04:00 PM

[MsJinx]

I think she just said 'someone', or a character.
I had thought it might be a squib, but then I guess that would negate the very essence of squibness, wouldn't it?

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dcsbelle wrote:
Good catch, MsJinx! Did she ever specify that it would be a muggle or did we just assume that all along?

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MsJinx wrote:
I thought the person doing magic under desperate circs was Ron, speaking Parseltongue so he and Hermoine could gather Basilisk fangs to kill Horcruxes.

---

StoryMing wrote:
I imagine, after some thought, that Victoire must have been Fleur and Bill's daughter.
And yeah, who *WAS* the non-magical person who did magic under desperate circumstances? Did I miss it

---

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[typeingtornado…]

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allenctynimrod wrote:

---

Proper-T wrote:
Yeah the Epilogue... left much to be desired...

So Harry and Ginny had three kids, Ron and Hermione two, Draco a son, but what else has been going on for 19 years...

What were Harry and Ginny doing for a living? And by some of the kids reaction on the train, it would seem he might not get out a lot... maybe.

And Ron and Hermione?? What do they do?

How is George without his twin? Without his ear... I should also add?

Yes, who is Victore, it just says their cousin...

What is Severus Snape's name like now?? I imangine he's a hero... too little too late for my liking... but still?

Did Kingsley stay Minister of Magic? And is he doing a better job than everyone before him... which would include sacking Umbridge by the way

And yes, Harry's scar hadn't burned in 19 years, but what the heck else was going on for nineteen years? I just assumed (I know that's bad) that she would say Harry went on to do... Ron would go on to... etc, etc, etc... all this 19 years later junk leave a lot left to be desired.
--

I don't mean to be rude, but I don't feel like I have enough closure... we need a book of 'what happened to...' I know JK siad this was it, but there's so much more to wonder about...

---

I think JK did actually what most of us thought she wouldn't do and left those 19 years open to our imaginations and her future whims. It's been said she doesn't want other people writing books and she doesn't want to write anymore herself but with this epilogue she definitely left open that possibility. It might not happen anytime soon but there are many years that JKR could have a change of heart and decide to revisit her old friends or allow someone else to do so.

---

I just want to know what J. K. R. thought would happen

[casstrot]

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cocktailbball15 wrote:
I think that's a pretty good list...
and I really would like to know:
1. Where is Harry's Firebolt?
2. Where is the body of Mad-eye moody?
3. What ended up with Luna and all the other characters... (I thought Luna and Neville would get together...)?
4. How did Neville get Godric's Sword to kill Nigini? Did the Sorting hat ring it to him?
5. Who is Victorie?... Who Teddy Lupin was seen "snogging"?

Just a couple questions I had...=)

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I assume Harry's Firebolt got destroyed because didn't it fall from the air when Harry was riding in Hagrid's side car?
I too wondered what happened with some of the other characters, as well as what career paths the ones we did know about took.
I also wondered how Neville got the sword because the last we saw of it the goblin took it in Gringotts. I never even thought about the sorting hat giving it to him like it had to Harry until you suggested that, so that's a good one.
In a different thread someone guessed that Victoire is Fleur and Bill's daughter because she would be a bit younger than Teddy and because (I think it was Lily) says that if they got married then they would REALLY be cousins. I think that is a really good guess so I'll go with that one.

[typeingtornado…]

Psychee wrote:
Thanks for the thread!

1. Who was the non-magical person who did magic under desperate circumstances?
Weren't we told several times that Andromeda married a muggle, Ted Tonks. That is why she was erased from the Black family tree. When Harry arrives at the Tonks's house after his run in with the Death Eaters its says on page 64 of the american edition, "Anything else broken? I've fixed your ribs, your tooth, your arm. I'm Ted, by the way, Ted Tonks" I guess it is possible he could have simply muggle set bones...but put a tooth back?

2. What happened the night the Potters died? Who informed Dumbledore? Why didn't Dumbledore get the child himself? Why did he send Hagrid? When did Wormtail retrieve Voldy's wand?

snape
for harrys safety
protecction
i dont know

3. Where is Voldemort's old body buried?

4. What do those silver instruments in Dumbledore's office do? How does his watch work? How was he "watching Harry more carefully than he would know"? How did he know to send the owl to Petunia in the kitchen?
How did he know how to send the owl? He's Dumbledore! And he and Petunia had been in contact before...
5. Are any of the Death Eaters besides Voldemort, Bellatrix, and Wormtail dead?
I believe so because it says Voledmort screamed when Bellatrix "hist last leutentant died" (forgive my atrocious spelling)
6. How did Fenrir Grayback get out of the castle and able to come back to fight again after he was seen unconscious after being hit over the head by Trelawney's crystal ball?

7. Why was the Sorcerer's Stone in Dumbledore's possession at the start of the story?
Start of the series? Because Nicholas Flamel asked him to guard it because Dumbledore thought Voldemort may be out to get it
8. Why didn't the Order and the "seven Potters" have disillusionment charms on themselves as they were leaving Privet Drive?
That would have defeated the purpose, they wanted to distract and confuse the Death Eaters
9. Where were the Dursleys taken and how are they?

10. What did Dudley see when the dementors attacked him -- why did he hear scary voices?

11. Why were the house elves not using elf magic when they joined the fight?

12. Where was Sirius' motorcycle stored all these years?

13. What was the career path of all the principles of the story after the fighting was over? Did the three heros return to school to finish their seventh year?

14. Why did JKR tell us that Harry might get a new pet?
Because she thought he might, maybe she was going to write in another pet after she killed of Hedwig. Maybe the dragon lol
15. Did Umbridge ever get punished?
i hope so
16. Where's Fluffy and why wasn't he fighting?

17. Why wasn't Victor Krum fighting? Where was Madam Maxine?
the sissy probably ran away, she probably didnt know
18. Did the elves ever get more freedoms?

19. How did the Durmstrang boat appear inside the Lake? Is there a connecting waterway?
Magic
20. What happened to Florean Fortescue?
My guess is Voldemort killed her
21. What did James and Lilly do for a living?
aurors
22. What are the twelve uses of dragon's blood?

23. How was Dumbledore able to see invisible things?
Did I miss that? Where does it say that?
hes dumbledore
24. How did Dumbledore learn how to understand Parseltongue?
I don't remember this being discussed either but since Ron figured out how to open the Chamber of Secrets by imitating Harry I guess it can be learned
25. Which teachers are married? I can't see any of them being married, its like a Catholic school...they are nuns and monks lol

[StoryMing]

We also never find out what became of Luna in later years, or abt Hagrid's ralations with Mme Maxime.

Or if Prof Lockhart ever eventually made a full recovery- though I suppose most of us don't care ALL that much...

Or, as was pointed out, whether Harry actually ever did become an auror.

Or what became of George. Poor George. I can't imagine what it would be to be the remaining/ surviving half of a pair of twins.

[potterfreak2]

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cocktailbball15 wrote:
br>4. How did Neville get Godric's Sword to kill Nigini? Did the Sorting hat ring it to him?

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I think the fact that Neville got Godric's sword from the sorting hat was part of the magic of it. In COS Dumbledore tells Harry something along the lines of only a true Gryffindor would be able to pull the sword out of the hat. So I think that it was because at that moment while Neville was wearing the sorting hat he was showing such bravery that he was proving how he belonged in Gryffindor and that's how he got the sword. I don't think it matters who is in possession of the sword at the time if someone is in desperate need of help and has the sorting hat on it will get them the sword.

Message Edited by potterfreak2 on 07-22-2007 06:00 PM