Underground Lake #36 - Cryptic Characters, Part 4: Checkmate

Discussion for The Underground Lake #36 - Cryptic Characters, Part 4: Checkmate (http://www.mugglenet.com/editorials/theundergroundlake/tul36.shtml) by Brandon Ford.

Bravo!!:clap:

I always love reading your column, and I especially enjoyed this installment about Ron. It never occured to me that Ron may actually die in the final battle until just recently, and the mere thought nearly sent me into hysterics. I've been preparing myself for the possibility of Harry dying since book 5, but Ron? NEVER!!

I too am of the thought that Ron's day will come. It is interesting to think that he "peaked" in book one. I think Jo did this on purpose. It was important for Ron to put himself out there as a true friend, someone who is there for Harry no matter what, while ultimately realizing he's going to be always standing in his shadow. This scene represents Ron: Loyal to a fault, even when desperately wishing for the limelight. The rest of the time, in my opinion, was almost playing into Ron's personality. His moments of greatness are missed, so that the reader can easily discredit him. We are supposed to think of him as Harry's best friend, his second. We know he is capable of greatness, but Harry has to be the focus, leaving Ron "in the shadows."

I think whatever he does in book 7, its going to be something so great, that we needed to overlook him for the true greatness of the act to set in. When Harry does something impressive, I think, oh, well, it's Harry Potter. We see Harry doing amazing things all the time (in quidditch, in battle, even in lessons from time to time). When Ron finally steps up, we won't have a barrage of memories to say, "well, he is always doing things like that." Ron will finally get his wish. Whatever he does, its going to take him out of the shadows and finally give him the recognition (both from the readers and the wizarding world) that he richely deserves. It's his reward for years of faithful service to Harry, not to mention that once he has some confidence in himself, he'll finally be able to have a relationship with Hermione :D :D

Thanks for this. Being that Ron is one of my favorite characters(well all of the trio are on that list), it's nice to see him as the focus of an editorial that shows him in a positive light, lots of people dont seem to like him, but I love him to pieces and hope that he will get his "moment in time" so to speak, I cant wait for book seven, I know it's time for all of my favs to shine....

GO GOOD GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! LONG LIVE THE KING!!!

Great Editorial, I also considerd Ron dying because of the game of chess but lately I believe it's more a foreshadowing to Cedric dying (I believe in the theory: 'tasks stand for books') .

And yes i completely agree that Ron's talents are going to bloom in book 7. Just once in book 1 is not nearly good enough is it? You've brought up some great points especially the part in which you state that Ron has actually done some very great things, but at those moments WE didn't see it!

And yes i think his love for Hermione will play a big role in it. It will possibly become a 'boy rescues girl' thing. I wouldn't be surprised of that happens.

But I think i do know how Ron and Hermione's talents are going to bloom in book 7. The trio will have to destroy all the horcruxes, I think that the trio will play a big role in either of them.

locket-->Harry
cup-->Ron
unknown object (ravenclaw)--> Hermione
nagini-->Ginny

I've got nothing to prove it, but I think that's about how it goes.

One thing i don't agree with is that the final battle will take place in Azkaban. I think the final battle will take place at Hogwarts, because that's what the serie is actually about isn't it?

Amazing :) I love it. Underground Lake is my favorite :)


Can I make a request? Do Hermione next :D

btw I agree with Krinkelmort, I think the final battle will be at Hogwarts!

That was really interesting, the end was my favourite part (I'm relieved because Ron probably won't die :p) :clap:

Krinkelmort -- I think you could be right about the Harry locket, Ron cup, Hermione unknown object, Ginny Nagini theory. And I think maybe Luna and/or Neville will join the trio (plus Ginny) for the Great Horcrux Hunt (GHH for short :cool:)

LONG LIVE THE WEASLEYS PLUS HARRY PLUS HERMIONE!!!!! (hopefully they will become Weasleys soon enough)

I thought it was brilliant how you pointed out the various personal vendettas between the different characters such as bill, lupin against fenrir greyback and it was a great insight into ron's possible purpose in the last book. I was also very glad to read a positive point of view as opposed to the usual die-to-save-harry-and-the-rest-of-the-world perspective of ron's final purpose. Great article! cant wait until the next one!

Great to see a pro-Ron editorial, as he is one of the best characterers in the HP universe.

I believe that if not the final battle, a battle will be fought in the ministry, as both veil and the door are too cryptic to not have significance. Of course, one could say that the door just had the function too warn the readers of how powerful love is, but I hope it is more.

BOOK THREE - Ron broke his leg... or rather, Sirius broke Ron's leg. Though he was present in the first part of the final confrontation (though completely incapacitated and frankly, useless), he had to sit out the time-turning portion of the climax.
USELESS?!!!!
If my memory serves me correctly, Ron pushed harry out of the way, after the initial pounce of sirius to disarm harry (who was drawing his wand out for defense).

"Ron was on his feet. As the dog sprang back towards them, he pushed Harry aside; the dog's jaws fastened instead around Ron's outreched arm."

SO he did push harry out the way on the second bound and took the brunt of it, a small act, but one so full of sacrifice that, to me, it was a action that showed Ron's heart. Of course he didnot know sirius was trying to get him, he still thought harry was in danger and he stood by him. Also he stood by harry during the confronation in the shrieking shack, even when his leg was badly broken, he even drew his wand on snape (but i dont think that was too much of an effort).


Nice editorial, and i think ron will definantly live. If he doesnt, i'll deny it and create my own happy ending. I just love him too much (although he wasnt what you call charming to hermione in book six)

In my opinion, the final battle is most likely to be in the Department of Mysteries. I know it would be repeated, but think about it - Harry has to defeat Voldemort somehow, and it isn't going to be through spells (seeing as Snape completely owned Harry at the end of HBP). Love is Harry's power over Voldemort, so he has to get through that locked door. There could be minor battles along the way, however... :-D

Wonderful article! I agree about Ron, because JKR doesnt seem like the type to kill off a best friend, she goes for killing off mentors and father figures. Go Ron Go!! (and p.s. I am sick of the whole "chess match means doom")
-Petey

Nice work, Brandon! I am so happy to see Ron get some support. As Norway mentioned, Ron did leap in front of Harry. Not only that, he continued to try to help in the Shack, even saying, "If you want to kill Harry you have to kill us too" or something like that.

Also, Hermione has had her share of getting tossed out of the game - she spent the last good bit of COS in the hospital wing, petrified. And she was knocked out in a hurry at the Ministry as well.

Strategy has been Ron's strong suit, I agree. Harry also got better at it, by captaining the Quidditch team. Look for those skills to deepen, as you point out, Brandon.

I don't believe that the chess match in PS/SS tells us Ron will die. I do believe it is a clue as to the depth of his bravery and willingness to sacrifice. I think it is likey that he'll make such a sacrifice in the end. But I believe he will survive it.

I particularly like the fact that you point out that Ron has chosen to side with and stand by Harry. And this has often not been the easy choice to make. Ron has undergone both danger and ridicule for that choice, and yet, like Hermione, he is still steadfast. I think that the real Ron-haters out there seem to miss the fact that Ron's foibles are very human. I certainly see a lot of them in myself. Why are we so quick to judge this character, as JKR writes him into his adulthood? He is, to me, someone to cheer for, because he is so human and his struggles are all too familiar!

Best,

LL

Great job Brandon:clap:
I've never thougth Ron or Hermione would die and until book 6 I thought Harry would make it out alive too. As far as the chess game goes, I think its there to show us how much Ron cares for Harry. He is willing to sacrifice himself, not just then but like norway said in book 3 also.

For some reason I've always thougth the final battle would happen at the DOM. I think that room Harry couldn't open has got to play a big part in how it all ends. If not the DOM then Hogwarts, but I just don't see it.

I'd also like to see and editorial on Hermione since I enjoyed this one so much:love:

Nice editorial. Glad to see Ron getting some editorial love.

I thought about Ron dying, due to the ending of book one. As my favourite character I really hope this doesn't happen.

But I am a firm believer that Harry won't die. But people will die, I would say it's impossible for all the good guys to go in there and not one of them die. IF any of the main trio die, then I do believe it will be Ron and it will be in some sacrificial way. Ron won't just die, he will help someone in his death.

I love your editorials Brandon. They always point something out to me that I missed (Ron doesn't have a personal vendetta).

I am sooo happy that you show him in a positive light. I have read a couple of editorials and people seem to think that if he got together with Hermione that he'd be abusive. Or whatever - I didn't finish any of them. People just hate Ron. And it's so sad, because he is a really good character.

I love this editorial and I do hope Ron will prove himself, but I really hope he doesn't get incapacitated again in this one.

Interesting editorial. I enjoyed your easy and humorous styles of speech.

When I first read the title I was afraid it would be another one of those "Ron sacrificing himself in the chess match is foreshadowing his death" articles, so, thank you for not doing that. :D

I never was a particular fan of foreshadowing. I always felt the chess match in PS/SS was included to show Ron´s outstanding character traits, bravery and loyalty, and to introduce his talent for strategy.

When you look at it, the trio had only been together in the final adventure in PS/SS. Afterwards it was either Ron or Hermione who were with Harry. But Harry was always in the final battle without them. Except in PoA, where Harry was more on a rescue mission than a battle and Hermione had to be with him because she provided him with the necessary time turner.

But in the end it is neither Ron nor Hermione who are at the final battle. This has always been Harry alone.

There is speculation that JKR has done this for a reason. One of which is to show the power of the trio when they fight united at the climax of the whole series, in book 7. To save the best thing for last, so to say. Therefore it is not surprising that Ron has been sort of left out in the heat of the action before. This is not my idea, I don´t want to claim ideas or observations of other posters as mine, but I can´t recall the posters or the thread, so I just pass on what they say, because I agree with their assessment.

I would suggest that the Chess match foreshadowed what we saw at the end of HBP: Dumbledore (the "chess master" in the war against Voldemort) sacrifices himself so that Harry can continue the fight. It is just like Ron told Harry: Harry is the important one who has to carry the fight to the next battle.

So, if JKR does nothing else foreshadowed by the chess game, then it still will be considered foreshadowing by a lot of people.


But in the end it is neither Ron nor Hermione who are at the final battle. This has always been Harry alone.

I agree. In an interview early this year, JKR let us know that the link between Harry and Voldemort will be important to the plot of VII. "Scars can come in handy" just reeks of foreshadowing, after all.

Also, in the end, it is always just Harry standing alone. He leaves Ron & Hermione behind to confront Quirrel, then Riddle, then the Dementors, then Voldemort, again Voldemort, and then Snape.


One thing i don't agree with is that the final battle will take place in Azkaban. I think the final battle will take place at Hogwarts, because that's what the serie is actually about isn't it?

The series is NOT about Hogwarts. It is, on one hand, about Harry Potter. Harry is the sole protagonist in a limited 3rd party narrative. On the other hand, all of the stories have a commonality: they all are about easy vs. right choices.


As for the location of the final battle, neither Azkaban nor Hogwarts are very good candidates. Voldemort will be hunting Harry, it seems, but Harry will be hunting Voldemort, too, after he gets the two hidden Horcruxes. If JKR shoots for narrative symmetry, then look for Privet Dr.: that is where the narrative began. If she shots for plot symmetry, the look for Godric's Hollow: that is where the plot begins. If she shoots for story (thematic) symmetry, then it could be anywhere: the symmetry will be between what Harry does and what Lily did.

Others have suggested that the Dept. of MInistry might be the place, as the "love" room seems to be a major unfired Chekovian gun. That would be a different kind of thematic symmetry.

One thing i don't agree with is that the final battle will take place in Azkaban. I think the final battle will take place at Hogwarts, because that's what the serie is actually about isn't it?

I disagre with you krinkelmort, Azkhaban is the most talked about place that we have never seen, it would be great if the first time we see it, there is a massive fight.

Good editorial, Ron will definitely play a bigger part in book 7

I disagre with you krinkelmort, Azkhaban is the most talked about place that we have never seen, it would be great if the first time we see it, there is a massive fight.

Good editorial, Ron will definitely play a bigger part in book 7

I DO believe we are going to Azkaban (to get Mundungus out, but that's another editorial), but NOT for the final battle. I don't think Voldemort will be defeated there. It is not important enough for the climax of the entire serie in my opinion.

But let's get back to Ron... I already mostly gave my opinion about that. But I might be able to add some more; you see Ron DOES have (sort of) a personal vendetta, well it's not an enemy, actually his best friend. The reason Ron is often overlooked is because he is in the shadow of Harry. Now, i'm not trying to claim that Ron will kill of hurt Harry (don't hit me Ronlovers!^^).

But maybe he learns something Harry never mastered and that proofs to be pivotal in the final battles. (for example occlumency). Alright, the occlumency thing is probably not going to happen, but it was only a suggestion to understand what i mean.^^

As always, another winner, Brandon! :tu:

I'm not sure I'm on the "Final Battle at Azkaban" bandwagon, but even so I agreed with much of the editorial. The one thing that caught my attention was this:

A lot of people have stakes in this battle but Ron does not.No... not yet. But a lot of people think something BIG is going to go down at the Weasley/Delacour wedding. If that turns out to be correct, Ron may yet have a personal stake in the final battle. And don't forget, too, that his mother's relatives (perhaps her brothers?!), Fabian and Gideon Prewitt, were killed during the first Vold-War. I kinda think the Weasley kids don't know about that, but that may just be another "not yet" situation as well.



I have a comment on this as well:

[Ron] and Hermione are like Han and Leia in Return of the Jedi. They have no real personal stake in the final confrontation.Even though she turned out to be Luke's sister and not a princess, Leia was raised believing that she was a princess and would someday rule an entire world full of people. When she saw that world blown to smithereens in Star Wars, it definitely gave her a personal stake in the ongoing fight throughout all the films even though she suffered no physical injury herself. Princess or not, those were her countrymen and she wanted to kick some serious Empire a*s*s just as much as Luke. But yeah, it wasn't nearly as personal for Han. I'll give you that. :)



Finally:

Their involvement is for their friend and for the fates of everyone they fight to protect.Whether it's Ron and Hermione or Han and Leia, I think wanting to be involved "for the fates of everyone they fight to protect" can be deeply personal. It may not have the same sort of ironic twist involved as with Harry or Luke, but it can still sting all the same.



So, a couple little bobbles from my PoV, but otherwise yet another nifty offering! Thanks, Brandon!! Please - Keep Them Coming!!!

There is so much about Ron that I personally love. He's like Sirius was to James. Sacrafice was what Sirius did for not only James, but his son, and I think Ron has the same destiny.

Ron would and will sacrafice himself (not) for the greater good....but his best mates greater good. Through all of the jealousy, miss placed stupidity toward Hermione, he has grown so much since book one, more so then Harry and Hermione.

They were always smart, always one step ahead, and more mature then Ron. But I can see (with my Trelawny seeing eye) that Ronald Billius Weasley will become (as he was in book one) Harry Potters knight, his protector, his ultimate defense.

JKR, (as the editor so smartly put it) never allows us to see Rons ability, we have this mental picture of Ron as this bumbeling fool who makes you giggle at serious moments. But I think that Rons going to unleash his fierce inner knight. Remember he is an ultimate stratigest...his chess games are unbeatable, that equals intelligence and makes him invaluable to Harry.

So, Harry is the warrior with a cause, Hermiones the brains and feminine love interest of Ron Weasley and Harry Potters best freind (Voldemort will find her invaluable to his cause) Thus leaving us with Ron the knight of Gryffindor. Rounds out nicley dont you think.

So whose Ginny, the Maid Marion of the bunch....hmmmmm? She'll bring her Sir Robin back with her love for him, and he will put himself in harms way to protect her. That tale ended well...so lets hope JKR is going down the same path.

awesome editorial, always love reading the underground lake... will be very sad if ronald dies and am scared the chess game is not foreshadowing, think i need more convincing of that.
i like how u listed who will be in the final battle, and very interesting about azkaban, hadnt thought of that
i had a dream last night that i was reading the seventh book lol... i cant wait! reading things like this makes me want it more!

Hm.. Interesting. Someone suggested that Harry would have to go to Azkaban to get Mundungus out (locket, etc.) Much more likely than a final battle there. If so, is that where we will see Krum again? (is the North Sea near Bulgaria? I don't have a globe on me)

Well done, Brandon.

Each of the main characters has evolved to find, hone and use their most basic skills - for Hermione it started as "cleverness", but will grow to be an intuitive use of all she has ever learned, making her truly the "brightest witch of her age". For Harry, it is to learn and control his innate power of love, which he will use to vanquish Voldemort at the end. And, for Ron, as you have noted, is his ability to skillfully use his ability to recognize and use strategy in the name of loyalty to Harry.

I agree that it has been frustrating to see Jo take out Ron for most of the good bits. But, I also agree that his moment in the final book is coming. Harry NEEDS Ron & Hermione.. he'll never get to where he needs to be in the final confrontation without them.

And you want to see the elves make a stand? Take a peek at Ancient Magic, link below! ;)

:tu:

Great editorial! I always enjoy reading your column! I agree with you that Ron is going to live out the series. I do however, hope you're wrong about Neville. I want him to live too!!

Great job!!

Actually, the chess match in PS could foreshadow Ron living. Ron gave himself up as a sacrifice and survived the skirmish in PS. Sure, he was hurt - but not killed.

If you think about it, Ron personifies choosing what is right over what is easy. And while he may have to soul search for his choice and get banged up a bit, he survives to make those tough choices again and again. Perhaps his reward for loyalty and courage.

Edited to add:

His sacrifice could be viewed from a Biblical context. Abraham, after choosing to obey God and offer his son for sacrifice at God's command, was rewarded for his obedience and his son spared. So the willingness to sacrifice, which is inherent in Ron's character, may be all that is required.

So it's been a while sense I've posted!! Over a year I believe! But with the string of brilliant editorials coming from the Underground Lake, I just got so excited and they got me thinking again so I decided to get my fingers moving!!

So anywho...Ron has always been my favorite character (followed by Ginny after the 5th book) and the thought of him dying is throughly depressing for me! And I just can't decide if JK is actually going to do him in!! And I have read the arguments going both ways. And depending on who's editorial I'm reading my opinion changes constantly. But this one was particularly brain bending! And then reading all of the posts on here...I'm right back where I started...having no clue! But all I kno...is Ron will have his moment! Before I read this editorial I never noticed that Ron's heroic actions have never really been noticed by the reader. Except in book one, but other than that its always been in the background, not in the actual pages, just described in flashbacks! But its about time for his encore!! (sp?) All I KNOW is Ron is gonna have a huge part. How is it gonna end? I have no idea. Personally I would like to see all of the 3some live happily ever after, Ron togehter with Hermione, and Ginny get back with Harry, Voldemort dead, everything would be PERFECT!!! But then again, I'm not JK, and I dont get to decide. I get to wait in anticipation, and then when book 7 finally comes out I get to read. READ AS FAST AS POSSIBLE! No eating, no showering, no nothing!! Just reading! And then I'll know, and none of this speculating will matter!! But its still fun!!!

Ron does have a reason to fight. It's a little strange, but he does have a reason to go into battle. Nagini. Nagini almost killed his father, and Ron striking the blow that kills the final horcrux before Harry takes out Voldemort would be pretty fitting.

I've also toyed with the "Harry's a Horcrux" theory and what that would mean for Ron and Hermione. Being Harry's declared second in command, if Harry ends up having to fall because he's a horcrux, logically wouldn't Ron then step up to finish the duel with Voldemort? As much as I would hate for that to be the outcome (Harry being dead after sacrificing himself), it would finally give Ron the recognition he deserves. Not to mention that so many people have sacrificed themselves in some way for Harry at some point or another (Ron with the chess game, his mother, Dumbledore on the tower, Sirius a couple time, Snape if you are in the "Dumbledore's Man" camp, Dobby risked everything to warn Harry in CoS, Firenze helping Harry in SS/PS, etc.), that we could be building up to one big payback. :shrug:

if Harry ends up having to fall because he's a horcrux, logically wouldn't Ron then step up to finish the duel with Voldemort? As much as I would hate for that to be the outcome (Harry being dead after sacrificing himself),


JKR probably will use a very different scenario in this case. Harry's act of self-sacrifice would take Voldemort with him: and as Voldemort's last Horcrux would be perishing in the act, Voldemort will perish forever.


I do not think that people need to worry about "why" Ron is fighting. JKR provided the reason in PoA, when Black tells Pettigrew that he (Pettigrew) should have died for his friends because his friends would have died for him. Ron is of the same cut: no matter how afraid Ron is, he'll carry on bravely, and (as he demonstrated in PSS) he recognizes that there are things more important than himself. Again, the choice of "who" could be the story of VII, just as it was for HBP.

Nice ed as always, Brandon.

Don't forget about Ron having a black smudge on his nose on the first train-ride to Hogwarts. I don't know the details on this, but in traditional symbolism, if you are marked with black, doesn't that mean you are going to die?

I find it hard to believe the final battle will involve the cast of thousands that Brandon describes in the article. If the past books are any guide, Harry's final confrontation with Voldemort will either take place alone, or with a very small number of participants. So far, we've gotten
- Harry & Quirrell
- Harry & Diary Riddle, unconscious Ginny
- Harry & Voldemort, Death Eaters as passive observers
- Dumbledore & Voldemort, Harry as a passive observer

Part of how Jo sets up the drama of these meetings is in the way she separates Harry from his friends, and often takes him to an unfamiliar location, before he must face Voldemort. It's hard to believe she'll abandon that pattern for the final book.

I really enjoyed this editorial on Ron, especially the fact that we (the readers) have never really seen Ron in action since book 1. That is truely significant I feel. And it could be another way of Jo showing us that Ron is only always in "Harry's shadow", but I would love to see Ron have his day in book 7. He deserves it, that's for sure.

Like others have mentioned, Ron does not have a personal vendetta...YET. It could change early or middle of book 7. I don't think it has to, I think that the fact that Ron wants to be by his best mate's side is good enough, but he COULD want revenage against someone before the final battle begins. Afterall, that's a lot of Weasleys, and it would be an almost impossible miracle if ALL of them survived.

You know, in a way Ron could have a personal interest in Greyback now, if you think about it, he did attack Ron's brother. Though from what I understand of the relationships between the various Weasley siblings, Ginny would be the one to fly at Greyback for it, moreso than Ron.

And I don't think the final battle will take place at Hogwarts, afterall didn't we JUST have a battle there? It's too soon to return, I think. Azkaban, I believe we'll visit in book 7, but I don't think it'll be the scene of the final battle. The DoM seems redundent if we return for another large battle there. Perhaps it will be Godric's Hollow, or what about Little Hangleton? Harry and co. track Voldemort down back to his roots, per say. That would be fitting after our Tom Riddle HIstory ride in book 6.

And as for the large cast of characters at the final battle, I can see it. Makes since, to a point. But I see the final battle being broken apart into a series of single confrontations, ending of course with Voldemort escaping and Harry following and in that final confrontation against Voldemort alone, Harry will also be alone, as he has been throughout the books. With a larger fight in the distance with all the good guys and all the bad guys, but of course, we won't be interested in that, the focus is on Harry and Voldemort alone, so in that essense, the final battle won't include a huge cast. Does that make any sense at all or am I just rambling? :)

The final battle will take place at Azkaban, the Order and DEs will battle outside of the fortress, while the DEs let Harry enter Azkaban alone. Snape and Voldemort will be waiting there, as well as Ginny, which whom Voldemort took hostage to lure Harry to him. Many Dementors will also be there and Harry will accidentally defeat Voldemort with the Patronus charm. Snape will then proclaim himself as the Dark Lord and summon the DEs into the fortress and have the dementors fight off the Order members. Harry and Snape will then duel, and Harry will master Occlumency at the last second and kill Snape with his own curses.

We will visit the DoM again but I believe he will go there and try to talk to Sirius through the 2 way mirror.

I do not think that people need to worry about "why" Ron is fighting. JKR provided the reason in PoA, when Black tells Pettigrew that he (Pettigrew) should have died for his friends because his friends would have died for him. Ron is of the same cut: no matter how afraid Ron is, he'll carry on bravely, and (as he demonstrated in PSS) he recognizes that there are things more important than himself. Again, the choice of "who" could be the story of VII, just as it was for HBP.
I agree. I think by now Ron considers Harry as more than a friend. He is like a brother to him, a part of the family. So having the most evil wizard of all times after your brotherlike best friend with the intention to kill him is personal reason enough to fight. Not to forget the other issues: Molly´s brothers killed by DEs during the first war, Bill badly hurt by Greyback and Dumbledore killed by Snape.

As for the setting of the final battle: We can only speculate. I don´t think it will be at Hogwarts because this would be a repetition of HBP. The DoM will play a big part, but I don´t believe the final battle will take place there.
If I had to guess, I would say: Godric´s Hollow. Because this is where the story sort of began with the first downfall of LV.

An army of house elves would be interesting. But I think it more likely that Harry would ask them to find and tail Voldemort and the DE's. Could Harry have a hundred house elves at his beck and call? If they could trail Draco without him knowing could they do the same with Bella? LV?

Better, Ron wishes he could "apparate like a house elf" hows that for foreshadowing. Ron, Harry and Hermoine lure the DE's to hogwarts where they can not apperate while the three of them can appear and disappear at will having learned to apperate and disapperate like house elves. Great Trap. or if they can't learn directly, they could side along disapperate with Dobby. Dumbledore did it with Fawkes??? why not!

An army of house elves would be interesting. But I think it more likely that Harry would ask them to find and tail Voldemort and the DE's. Could Harry have a hundred house elves at his beck and call? If they could trail Draco without him knowing could they do the same with Bella? LV?

Better, Ron wishes he could "apparate like a house elf" hows that for foreshadowing. Ron, Harry and Hermoine lure the DE's to hogwarts where they can not apperate while the three of them can appear and disappear at will having learned to apperate and disapperate like house elves. Great Trap. or if they can't learn directly, they could side along disapperate with Dobby. Dumbledore did it with Fawkes??? why not!

Just discovered The Underground Lake recently and I LOVE IT!!!! Kudos to you!:clap:
In response, I absolutely agree that Ron will play a key factor in the climax of Book 7. Ron Harry and Hermione are our wonder trio...they will triumph! I think that there are also some interesting points in this editorial that don't have to do with Ron.
1. Voldemort's hideout/final battle at Azkaban: Sweet idea!!! :tu: This would make a great backdrop. We've heard so much about the place...let's see it! (not to mention it is the perfect evil fortress). In reality, the final battle will probably take place at Hogwarts.
2. I disgree with your point about Neville. This boy is finally going to break out of his clumsy shell in Book 7 and WASTE Bellatrix! JK just can't let us down on this one.
3. House Elf Army:I would love to see Dobby and the house elves on the march. The books have alluded to the power of house elf magic more than once. I think that the fountain at the Ministry of Magic alludes to all of he good members of the magical community coming together (in this case to fight) just as I think the Houses of Hogwarts will have to put aside their differences to come together as well (...remember the words of the Sorting Hat!)

First of all I love your editorials!!!!! and unsuprisingly this was just as good as all the others! No, when I read the part about Dobby leading an army of house elves, I almost burst out laughing because my friends and I were talking about the same thing a few weeks ago. But I hope you're wrong about Neville he's so nice and sweet! But.... yeah, loved the editorial! keep em' comining!!:D

Better, Ron wishes he could "apparate like a house elf" hows that for foreshadowing. Ron, Harry and Hermoine lure the DE's to hogwarts where they can not apperate while the three of them can appear and disappear at will having learned to apperate and disapperate like house elves. Great Trap. or if they can't learn directly, they could side along disapperate with Dobby. Dumbledore did it with Fawkes??? why not!


JKR explained that House elves are allowed to apparate by the head-master in order to perform their duties. Obviously, their brand of apparition cannot be learned: otherwise, the Malfoys etc. of the world would long ago have ordered their slaves to teach them how to do it. A Kreacher or Winky would do so happily without thinking of the consequences: like good little soldiers, they obey without question. (See, "Nuremberg, Trial of"....)

Also, if the side-along apparition with House Elves was an option, then the Death Eaters would have used it long ago to infiltrate Hogwarts.


Harry will fight Voldemort alone, with no magical armies. This is a character story, not a plot-driven epic a la Lord of the Rings!

Hm.. Interesting. Someone suggested that Harry would have to go to Azkaban to get Mundungus out (locket, etc.) Much more likely than a final battle there. If so, is that where we will see Krum again? (is the North Sea near Bulgaria? I don't have a globe on me)
(Bold mine)

No, Bulgaria is on the Black Sea in Eastern Europe. The North Sea is between Norway and the British Isles.

I liked the editorial. I hope Ron does survive, but I'm not convinced that he will. The fact that JKR has recently stated that she killed off two characters that she did not originally intend to, does not bode well for Ron. :no:

I liked the editorial. I hope Ron does survive, but I'm not convinced that he will. The fact that JKR has recently stated that she killed off two characters that she did not originally intend to, does not bode well for Ron. :no:

Really? In my mind I thought Ron would be the one character that got the "reprieve" as Jo said. For some reason I thought the two characters who will die would be Harry and Ginny. I can't see Jo, in either of the main ships of the trio, killing one off and leaving the other alone. To bring Ron and Hermione so far in the series leading up to their having a relationship, only to kill Ron off right after they achieve it seems silly to me. I can't see Harry living happily if Ginny died, and I even suppose he'd have a reason to stick around as a ghost if she lived. Jo said we'd really see why some people become ghosts and others don't in the last book. Maybe it will be Harry NOT coming back as a ghost, because he and Ginny are together, with his family and Sirius and Dumbledore, and he knows Ron and Hermione have each other, so he has no unfinished business and is actually happier being gone. Does that make sense? Am I delusional? Probably. :D :lol:

Excellent editorial. You danced around an unlikely pair throughout this piece, and I want to go on record as saying that I think Fred and George will play a very pivotal role in the final confrontation - just not directly. While I don't necessarily think they will definitely be at the final fight, I bet some of their well-made products will be. You spoke of a "diversion." What better diversion than their diversion items (surreptitiously drop one and it runs off and makes a distracting noise) Fake wands, love potion, shield charmed hats, cloaks, etc. I think all these items will somehow make their way into the final battle to aid people like Neville and Luna who could use the extra help.

Perhaps Ron will have to face giant spiders for his final bit.
Want to add that I think the final battle will be at Hogwarts. I think most if not all of the horcruxes are hidden there. It seems to fit Voldemort's MO.
What say you?
m:tu: :td:

where does Voldemort live now. Old Hangleton would not be a smart place to go.
m

[As for the setting of the final battle: We can only speculate. I don´t think it will be at Hogwarts because this would be a repetition of HBP. The DoM will play a big part, but I don´t believe the final battle will take place there.
If I had to guess, I would say: Godric´s Hollow. Because this is where the story sort of began with the first downfall of Voldemort.] bold mine 'cos I can't get the hang of getting quotes into replies! :-(



Absolutely - I'm definitely in the Godric's Hollow camp too. After all, our story, that of Harry, very definitely started there and it is therefore fitting that Voldemort meets his final downfall there. It's also fitting from a Gryffindor pov - all those Gryffindors in the final confrontation, helping to defeat the Dark Lord in the village that bears Godric Gryffindor's name. Ace! Bring it on!

But this is supposed to be about Ron. OK, maybe he doesn't have any strong personal vendettas as such, but there is another person on Ron's own list of people he'd like to see get their come-uppance (as we Brits say) - Wormtail. Not sure Ron has remotely forgiven Wormtail for pretending to be Scabbers for all that time. He, Ron, is hugely family-oriented and I reckon he he still takes Wormtail's treachery very personally and would love the opportunity for some kind of payback.

I think Ron, for the reasons that Brandon outlines, perfectly represents the importance of the 'backroom boys', the long-suffering support staff without whom the whole thing would come crashing down. Never mind 'Die Ron, Die' - I say 'Go Ron, Go!'. Yay!

What I thought was fantastic about this editorial was the connections with who has unfinished business with whom. This could help clear the way for Harry to have the final confrontation. Harry has unfinished business with most of the people potentially at the final battle. However since there are others on the good side who also have unfinished business with these characters it leaves JK room to have them neutralise those baddies while Harry goes after the big prize.

Great editorial, I have always been facinated by Ron's role in the story.

Brilliant as per usual.

The only thing I would add is that perhaps Ron DOES have a vendetta; ever since I put together Antonin Dolohov as one of the Death Eaters who killed Ron's uncles AND the one who put that nasty curse on Hermione (I suspect it was a weakend because nonverbal Entrail-Expelling Hex, but don't quote me on that), I feel like he needs to be done in by a Weasley!

I do have my own end-role on mind for Ron, and even though he does live in this scenario, it's still far too depressing to think about.

Good points!! I saw another article talking about this same theory!

Amazing. Underground Lake is AMAZING! I agree that Ron has to live, and that he has to make an amazing preformance in Boook 7. The only thing that I don't agree with is where the final confontation will take place. I think that we will see this happen at the one and only Hogwarts. It has always been a special place to both Harry and Voldemort, so I think that it would be perfect. Azkaban is a good idea, but I think it is very unlikley. I love how you predicted who would be there and who would battle who! You are the best!

GREAT JOB, like always.

Amazing. Underground Lake is AMAZING! I agree that Ron has to live, and that he has to make an amazing preformance in Boook 7. The only thing that I don't agree with is where the final confontation will take place. I think that we will see this happen at the one and only Hogwarts. It has always been a special place to both Harry and Voldemort, so I think that it would be perfect. Azkaban is a good idea, but I think it is very unlikley. I love how you predicted who would be there and who would battle who! You are the best!

GREAT JOB, like always.:cool:

Very good editorial. I absolutely agree, that Ron will play an even larger role than he allready has. (Don't let us forgett, that it is always Ron, who is at Harry's side, when he is needed, who cheers him up etc.)

But I disagree with the hole theory, that the chess-game from PS is a foreboading of the fate of Ron, Harry and Hermiony. And to say it frankly, I find it a bit too far fetched, to describe Ron as the Knight, who plans and strikes and takes out lots of obstacles, before he sacrifices himself to get the enemy queen out of the way. No, I think, that chess-game points to the fate of Dumbledore, Hagrid, Snape, Belatrix and Voldemort.

Voldemort, of course, is the enemy's king, who fill fall in the end. Belatrix is the enemy's queen, who is now out of the way, because now Snape is not to be questioned. He killed Dumbledore and Bela can claim no more, that he is not loyal to Voldemort. The Knight, of course is Dumbledore. He always planned, he found out about the Horcruxes, he captured a hole band of Death Eaters in the Minestry. And than he sacrificed himself, to put the queen out of the way of the tower (possibly Hagrid?) and the bishop (that, of course, can only be Snape!). So I am sure, that those two characters will be crucial in the end to conquer Voldemort.

I love reading your editorials. To me you always seem to hit the nail on the head.

Ollivander, that was one out of left field. I always saw him being on Dumbledores side. But you never know.

Could anyone help me out by telling me what a DING is? Brandon referred to a Reader's Guide but no link was provided, and I have no idea what he's talking about with either of those things. So if anyone could tell me what a DING is and where the Reader's Guide is, I would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance.

Could anyone help me out by telling me what a DING is? Brandon referred to a Reader's Guide but no link was provided, and I have no idea what he's talking about with either of those things. So if anyone could tell me what a DING is and where the Reader's Guide is, I would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance.

If you read Underground Lake #20 - The Official Reader's Guide Part 2. #14 explains the DING!

Thank you!

Well done, as usual! I am also a firm believer in the survival of our trio through book 7. But, Ron is definatly due to show his importance beyond his help in book 1. Plus, how screwed up would it be if Jo finally hooked Ron and Hermione up in the end, only to kill one of them off and dissapoint all.(well all except H/Hr shippers)
As for who will be killed I have my money on Voldemort(duh), Wormtail, Snape,and Lucious (yes all the badies) I think the reprisal from death was given to Hagrid.

And yes i think his love for Hermione will play a big role in it. It will possibly become a 'boy rescues girl' thing. I wouldn't be surprised of that happens.

Personally I believe JK would make it a 'girl rescues boy' thing, which would be more of her style.

Wow, that was a realy great editorial. Most people overlook all of Ron's achievments but he really has done alot but when you put him next to Harry it seems like nothing, its hard to compare the two.

I think that when it comes time for the final battle between good and evil, The Order and the Death Eaters, it might be where the last Horcrux is. I think that somehow they will find out that Harry, Ron and Hermione (and possibly Ginny, Nevile or Luna) are looking for those four Horcruxs and try to stop them then I think the big battle will go down and be a fight for it for one of the last pieces of Voldemort's soul. But I agree I dont think Ron will die and I think Ron will finally have his time to shine.

Like everyone else an editorial on Hermione would be awsome!!

Hey there;
Just a question... Why is everyone so sure Hermione will not die? Don't get me wrong, I love her and would love Ron and Hermione to live happily ever after but, I think she is a likely target. Ron on the other hand has grown so much and struggled so much troughout the series that he is poised to finally become the hero he was meant to be. I think it will be a conflict with Percy that will bring out the mature Ron, he may somehow have the level-headed moment he needs to make that jump to manhood

Could ron be the character that jk says she has decided can live?
maybe the chessboard was forshadowing but no longer stands at jk changed her mind?
i hope so because i love ron i think he is one of the best characters in the book he brings the humour. plus just imagine hermione and rons kids...clever and witty and funny and ginger!!! winning combo i think/

Could ron be the character that jk says she has decided can live?
maybe the chessboard was forshadowing but no longer stands at jk changed her mind?
i hope so because i love ron i think he is one of the best characters in the book he brings the humour. plus just imagine hermione and rons kids...clever and witty and funny and ginger!!! winning combo i think/
Actually I get the impression more and more that Ron´s chessboard sacrifice was a foreshadowing of Dumbledore´s death. In PS/SS Ron was the "man" in charge, he was the one who was best at chess and knew all the moves but he sacrificed himself to get Harry to go on with his task because Harry was the important one.

This could be an analogy for Dumbledore. He is the Head of the Order, one of the most powerful wizards in the world and the only one Voldemort fears but nevertheless Harry is the Chosen One, the one who is capable of finishing Voldemort.

So in the end I am pretty sure that Ron will survive for a variety of reasons (but that could be wishful thinking of course, since I am an avid Ron Weasley fan :D )

Being Harry's declared second in command, if Harry ends up having to fall because he's a horcrux, logically wouldn't Ron then step up to finish the duel with Voldemort? As much as I would hate for that to be the outcome (Harry being dead after sacrificing himself), it would finally give Ron the recognition he deserves. Not to mention that so many people have sacrificed themselves in some way for Harry at some point or another (Ron with the chess game, his mother, Dumbledore on the tower, Sirius a couple time, Snape if you are in the "Dumbledore's Man" camp, Dobby risked everything to warn Harry in CoS, Firenze helping Harry in SS/PS, etc.), that we could be building up to one big payback. :shrug:

The First book is riddled with foreshadowing, and I thought I should point this out. In the first book - The Midnight Duel - Ron says "...I'm his second..." He goes on to say, "...Well, a seconds there to take over if you die..." Hmmm....Interesting

The First book is riddled with foreshadowing, and I thought I should point this out. In the first book - The Midnight Duel - Ron says "...I'm his second..." He goes on to say, "...Well, a seconds there to take over if you die..." Hmmm....Interesting
Good observation but I still don´t think Harry will die. I definately think though that Ron will have his shining moment(s) in HP7 and that he will finally get the recognition he deserves (from Fred and George as well as from some posters out there:cool: )

But this is the Harry Potter series, Harry is the hero and I think it is logical that he will face Voldemort alone in the end. But Ron as his second in command will be entrusted with some very important mission.

I've been preparing myself for the loss of a Weasley, but I do not think it will be Ron (nor do I think it will be Ginny). I think you nailed something significant in pointing out Ron's heroism "unseen" by us until now except for in SS/PS.

I've never understood why people discount Ron so much. He and Harry received the same number of O.W.L.s in HBP, and in the same subjects. They both have difficulty paying attention in class, and both of them rely upon Hermione for help with homework. Ron and Harry both seem to be exceptional Quidditch players (although Ron lacks all confidence OFF the field) and both are loyal, kind, and fiercely protective of others. The prophecy separates Harry from Ron, in particular what we see in Harry about his overwhelming possession of a loving and sacrificial heart. But then again, the books ARE about Harry.

It was interesting to see the theories posted about who will help with what particular Horcrux. I believe that all three of the trio will play a role in each. It has been that way from the beginning. I hope that Ginny gets to play a role in the hunt, because contrary to Harry's belief, he will be much stronger with her at his side, than having her waiting as proverbial "cannon fodder" on the sideline until the war is over, and Voldemort vanquished.

I agree with the majority of the editorial but there is 1 point that I can't help but disagree with.

I agree that we will be taken to Azkabam because it's been talked about just as much as the Ministry of Magic (which we are taken to in OOTP). It plays a role in the story, so your right in the sense that it can't go unnoticed. I STRONGLY disagree with that fact that the final battle will take place there.The final battle has to be in a place of more importantence.

I think that the location of the last horcrux is the key to pinpointing the location of the final battle. Seeing as Harry is most likely a horcrux, the final battle perhaps will take place where Harry's parents died? ..Afterall, it's essential and obvious that we will see more of his past.

I agree that we will be taken to Azkabam because it's been talked about just as much as the Ministry of Magic (which we are taken to in OOTP). It plays a role in the story, so your right in the sense that it can't go unnoticed. I STRONGLY disagree with that fact that the final battle will take place there.The final battle has to be in a place of more importantence.

I think that the location of the last horcrux is the key to pinpointing the location of the final battle. Seeing as Harry is most likely a horcrux, the final battle perhaps will take place where Harry's parents died? ..Afterall, it's essential and obvious that we will see more of his past.I agree. Since the final Horcrux is definately Voldemort himself (the seventh piece of his soul still resides in him), the final battle will take place wherever Voldemort will be. Or better: Wherever Harry and friends will lure Voldemort for the final battle.
When trying to figure out where it will likely take place, I personally exclude Hogwarts and the MoM, because we had already fights there in HBP and OotP respectively. Although, Hogwarts still is an option since it has special relevance for Voldemort, Harry and the whole HP series since this is the central place.

I´m tending to Godric´s Hollow as well. It is likely that Harry will go there sometime at the beginning of HP7. He has said so to Ron and Hermione at the end of HBP. It is possible Harry finds out something very important there and he decides to lure Voldemort there for the final confrontation. The story kind of began at Godric´s Hollow, with Voldemort killing Harry´s parents. It would be fitting if it ended there.

Ron and Hermione will support and accompany Harry on his way to that final battle. While doing so, I´m sure Ron will have at least one more shining moment. He will "dazzle us with hitherto unknown magical ability" (paraphrased) as the twins teased him in HBP. I think that exactly is going to happen. JKR has kind of hidden Ron´s true abilities throughout the books, apart from chess that is. But they are there, and he will show it.

But in the end it will be Harry alone to face Voldemort.