Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

In which the Dark Arts enter yet darker territory.

( CONSTANT VIGILANCE! )

Always one of my favourite songs, but one I haven't been able to get out of my head all day after last night's thrilling and thoroughly satisfying climax to the most excellent Life on Mars. In honour of which it earns a permanent spot on my LJ.

1. The location of the scene on the Scholastic cover shows a circular amphitheatre, whereas, in OotP, the veil room is described as rectangular. I guess we can discount it being the veil room - although the ragged "curtains" do seem to fit the description of the veil.

What strikes me about the image is the way in which the "curtains" are drawn and apparently tied back, giving every impression of an audience watching a theatrical performance.

2. Back cover of Bloomsbury childrens' edition - most of the lights are on in the castle, strongly suggesting that Hogwarts is very much open for business.

3. Great Trio cover on the Bloomsbury edition, which really underscores the way in which HBP closed with the promise of a strong trio adventure.

4. Which leads me to the enigmatic symbol on the spine:

( Spoilery spinal image )

And here we go again – for the final time!

Hasty, dirty and unformed thoughts ahead.

It was interesting to note TLC’s report that two titles containing the word “hallows” were originally registered by the enigmatic Seabottom several years ago – the Hogwarts Hallows and the Hallows of Hogwarts. In light of developments in HBP this makes me think of Horcruxes, since I think that it’s generally accepted that the culmination of Harry’s Horcrux hunt will take place at Hogwarts.

I also note with interest Arthurian A2Z, which describes Hallows thus:

The Hallows across most legends are seen to represent the royal regalia carried by the King, or the objects sought by someone such as a 'Grail Quester' in both ancient and modern stories.

It is interesting that in the various incarnations (according to the legends recounted on that particular site) there are always four in number and always relating very closely to the four Tarot suits (four, of course, being the number of Horcruxes which must be found and destroyed). I am pleasantly reminded of a post I made some time ago.

I know that there has, already today, been extensive discussion on the meaning of “hallows”, but - from my point of view – several years of fandom speculation and debate have taught me one thing – the simplest answer is usually the right answer. I feel that it’s far to late in the series for Jo to be introducing any major new concepts. Indeed, the Horcruxes of HBP, are a huge concept which have yet to be resolved.

All of which is a long-winded way of saying that *I* think that the Deathly Hallows are the remaining four Horcruxes.

So there!

A: ( Why, this of course... )

( And did you ever wonder what the shelves were for? )

*hangs head in shame*

...because whilst most of my f-list excelled in their W.O.M.B.A.T.s with Es and Os, I scraped an "Acceptable". :)

I had a feeling that this would be the first in a series of tests. I'm guessing three at most, if only because there's doesn't seem to be enough room on the wall for more than three certificates. One-a-month leading to the Book 7 title in June? 

And gosh! Is it really over two months since I updated my journal. To think I used to be such a great debater!*


*And now my fandom activity is limited to committing minor acts of mischief.

There can never be enough good HP essays to be read and to be written and it’s forever and a day since I wrote one.

Additionally, it seems like everybody except me has works in progress. That is a wrong I am about to right.

Not having anything in particular up my sleeve, I am challenging you to set me an essay. Any HP related subject will do.

Give me the title or a brief synopsis of what you want and I will choose one*.

*You may be really unlucky, I may choose more than one:P

- being the number of consecutive times I just listened to Magic Works.

Just wanted to say this song freakin' ROX!!!



(Beams whilst trying to imagine the accompanying visuals)

Happy Birthday heatherhobbit

Since everybody else is talking about it, can I just say that I’m in a state of utter bewilderment at all the controversy and, well… total wankiness - on the R/H side as well as the H/H side – over these blinkin' GoF pictures?

If you would allow me to whisk you back to 2004 for a few brief moments.

( Remember this? )

( And this? )

( And this? )

( And this? )

‘Nuff said?