When will book 7 start?

In order for the protection that DD set up he only has to go back one more time before his birthday... so that he can still consider it home. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't that means that he has to actually be there on his birthday. I think (and hope) that the book will basically pick up where the other one left off.... have Petunia and Vernon all upset over having to take him back for no matter how brief a time... Have Harry stay for about a week or so and then take off for the Weasleys.

magicalmysteryg:
well, except for the first. i know 2 & 3 did. but i think it will start on his birthday, at the dursleys. at this point, will he have told the dursleys anything? i dont think so. if school ends in mid june though, it seems kind of silly for him to waste a month and a half just sitting at the durselys, when he could be finding horcruxes. hes not that dumb.

Maybe on the night he's going to leave, he'll give some broad explaination of where he's going, and he get so frustrated that he said everything all at once. The Dursleys will be dumbstruck, and Petunia will probably say something, because she's the only one there who would know what Harry's talking about.

And Harry would want to leave as soon as possible. Proabably on the night that he becomes of age.

Maybe on the night he's going to leave, he'll give some broad explaination of where he's going, and he get so frustrated that he said everything all at once. The Dursleys will be dumbstruck, and Petunia will probably say something, because she's the only one there who would know what Harry's talking about.

And Harry would want to leave as soon as possible. Proabably on the night that he becomes of age.


i think what petunia knows will be improtant, we've seen several hints of this. he will stay long enough for something important to be revealed about petunia. also, we know something increidbly important will be revealed about lily. who better to do this than her sister?

Harry's 17th birthday at the Dursley's because that's were the other ones start

magicalmysteryg:
i think what petunia knows will be improtant, we've seen several hints of this. he will stay long enough for something important to be revealed about petunia. also, we know something increidbly important will be revealed about lily. who better to do this than her sister?

Yep, Petunia definitely knows more than she's telling. Maybe Lily told her something before she was killed by Voldemort.

Honestly, since I first finished HBP, I've been expecting book 7 to start exactly where HBP left off--that is, with the trio leaving Hogwarts. In the same way that we've always had the books starting at the Dursleys, we've always had them ending with the train ride home. That did not occur at the end of HBP (IIRC it just kind of dropped off after the funeral), so I'm personally anticipating it to kick off DH.

About 12:01am. :D

No, seriously, I think it'll start right where HBP left off. Either with Harry by the lake, or going back to the Castle to catch the carriages. I think he still has things to learn before he catches the train home.

I agree with IgoRetla - something big is going to happen before Harry leaves Hogwarts - and whatever it is will set the stage for the rest of the book. It may be something with Kreacher which sends him to #12 GP, it may be something with Aberforth, it may be some note or message Dumbledore left for Harry, it may be something else. All I know is that it will probably be big.

I agree that at some point Harry will end up at Privet Drive. I just don't see the book begining with them getting on the train and heading home. If the ciritcal event is going to happen at Privet Drive then HBP could have ended the same way every other book has ended, with a train ride home and the Dursley's meeting him at the station. As of the end of HBP, he's still wandering around the lake. If you start with him at Privet Drive you leave open how he got there and what was said or planned on the train.

There may be other non-Harry chapters that precede the first Harry chapter - like we saw in GoF and HBP and even PS/SS. There could be a chapter with Snape and Draco or Voldemort or who knows. But our first Harry scene has to be at Hogwarts before getting on the train.

monster_mom:
There may be other non-Harry chapters that precede the first Harry chapter - like we saw in GoF and HBP and even PS/SS. There could be a chapter with Snape and Draco or Voldemort or who knows. But our first Harry scene has to be at Hogwarts before getting on the train.

Well it could start out with Harry at Privet Drive. And then he could spend most of the chapter relflecting on what happened between Dumbledore's funeral and then. But I agree that there will be a scene before we see Harry. Probably with Voldemort, Snape, and/or Malfoy involved.

I think he'll go back to the dursley's and it'll start from there, the way it normally does. But probably from the very moment he sets foot in the door. I doubt he'll stay longer than 10 days, maybe a couple of weeks at the very maximum (but it does seem like a waste of precious time). I have a feeling there'll be some pretty revealing facts disclosed from there that will be important in some way. But yeah. I don't think the story will start two weeks after the end of Book 6. I think it'll be closer to when he got there from Hogwarts this time around.

There may be other non-Harry chapters that precede the first Harry chapter - like we saw in GoF and HBP and even PS/SS. There could be a chapter with Snape and Draco or Voldemort or who knows.

Exactly what I was thinking! A "non-Harry chapter" seems like a good way for JK to dispense or disguise important information pertaining to the Horcruxes, certain characters, etc. On the other hand, she has so much to cover already in this book that I don't know how she could possibly fit it in without resorting to OotP length!

If she does put in a non-Harry chapter, who/what do you think it will be about?

BatBogeyGrrl:
If she does put in a non-Harry chapter, who/what do you think it will be about?

Voldemort conferring with Snape. Probably concerning about what to do now that Dumbledore's out of the picture.

Voldemort conferring with Snape. Probably concerning about what to do now that Dumbledore's out of the picture.

I'd love to read that!

Or possibly an exchange between Snape and Draco, though I find that less likely. There is the fact that she's already given us a Snape-related chapter in HBP. Perhaps we'll get some insight into how the Order is trying to cope with the current situation?

BatBogeyGrr:
Or possibly an exchange between Snape and Draco, though I find that less likely. There is the fact that she's already given us a Snape-related chapter in HBP. Perhaps we'll get some insight into how the Order is trying to cope with the current situation?

I was thinking about that, but somehow it just doesn't seem right. Probably because when you think of the Order you think of good people and Harry is usually shown with good people. It's kind of like a gut feeling that if the first chapter is not Harry related, then it will concern Voldemort.

I'm split between two ideas
(i) it will start at Hogwarts. It makes sense, HBP was the only book which didn't finish in the train station.
(ii) there will be a Halloween 81 pre-Harry chapter. This is where we will get the answer to Rowling's comments about Dumbledore having James's Cloak. Makes sense to me. Then we'll see Harry in Privet Drive. There's been plenty of comments made about Petunia and they've got to lead somewhere. At the very least Harry will get the letter that Dumbledore left on the doorstep with him. I think Ron and Hermione will collect him and they'll go to the Burrow for Bill and Fleur's wedding.

I think that it will start the day before Harry's 17th birthday. He will be getting ready to leave the Dursleys for the last time so I think there will be an important scene here.

I think the book will start right after Harry leaves Hogwarts. Once Jo said that book 6 and 7 were like one big book divided into two smaller ones... So I think the story will go on as if we were still reading HBP...

No, seriously, I think it'll start right where HBP left off.
I think you're right for two reasons. One is that JKR said that HBP and DH are really just one book in two parts. To me that means DH will pick up right where HBP left off. And the other reason is because HBP ended at Hogwarts, which has never happened before. I get the feeling she wants HBP to flow right into DH without missing a beat.

Agree with all that's been said about DH picking up immediately (more or less) from where HBP left off.

I think Harry is going to have something significant happen on his birthday, when he becomes an adult in wizarding terms ; a message from DD would be perfect (however it arrives ie from Petunia, the phoenix or someone else).

But I do think he's going to get the DA up and running again ; I wonder if all the DA members will join with the Order, on the basis that now that DD is gone, it won't really matter that some are still underage. I have a feeling that Harry won't want to put a lot of energy into the Order now - it failed to stop DD being "killed" and without his leadership, who will front it?

No, I reckon Harry will follow his personal vendetta against Snape, yet again failing to grasp the whole picture, which will be revealed to him gradually.

I think it will start in June, at the Dursley's, and Harry will go there for about a month, until his birthday, then he'll probably go to the Burrow, take his apparition test, and then start hunting for the Horcruxes.

I think you're right for two reasons. One is that JKR said that HBP and DH are really just one book in two parts. To me that means DH will pick up right where HBP left off. And the other reason is because HBP ended at Hogwarts, which has never happened before. I get the feeling she wants HBP to flow right into DH without missing a beat.

I agree with you. Now that i think about it, it is a possibility that the book would start on the train ride back, or at least at the platform. Every year the Dursleys come to meet Harry. I think that maybe Ron and Hermione will insist on accompanying Harry to Privet drive, or otherwise insisting on coming to get Harry in a day or two. How long does Harry have to stay at the Dursleys for the protection to continue till his birthday? I highly doubt he will be willing to waste the time from the end of school till his birthday stuck at the dursleys when he has so much to do.

I think the first chapter will be with Snape, Draco, Voldy, and perhaps the rest of the DEs. Draco's and Snape punishment. Maybe we get a hint that Snape and Draco aren't as evil as harry believes(though in HBP harry feels pity not hate for Draco in the end). This would be time congruent with the last two chapters of HBP. (Remember not all of the books start with Harry)

As far as when we see Harry. I think it will start with the wedding by Ron's statement in HBP. After the wedding(a happy smallish affair) They head to the Dursely's but I doubt for more than a day. The to Godric's Hollow and on the track of the horocruxes.

I think it might start out with Harry exploring places trying to find a horcrux, kind of like how most indianna jones movies start (but instead of horcruxes, it's artifacts w/indie)

At the Dursleys. He has to stay there for a short time to renew his protection. He won't want to do it. He will say, "There's no point! I have to fight him sooner or later! This is just wasting time!" Someone, possibly Lupin,will convince him to go there briefly, because Dumbledore made a piont of it and he is sworn to obey Dumbledore. Something will occur at the Dursleys. He will go the the Burrow and there will be no respite; something will happen at the wedding. There is no safe haven.

I agree with fruitia pickleweed, if we start the book alongside Harry we will find ourselves at the Dursleys. If we start the book alongside another character (like in HBP) then I have no idea where that could be! Hopefully with Severus, but that's just me.

If we start alongside Harry, it'll be late June with the Dursleys. There's still some information Petunia is sitting on, I wonder what might startle it out of her?:eyebrows:

We'll have the wedding and then the quest. Here's the strange thing--I wonder if he'll be going to Hogwarts at all!

Oh, jordmundt6, you're right. It might not start with Harry. It might start with say, Snape arriving at the Ministry with a plausible account of everything, which makes him into a hero and Draco a victim.

I think it will start on his Birthday or the night before it. After he leaves I don't have a clue as to where he might go. Maybe to the wedding or the Horcruxes. He might even go visit the Order first.??

I think the deathly hallows will start at the dursleys the morning after the journey home from hogwarts, when harry will leave the house and head for the burrow for bill and fluers wedding.

Oh, jordmundt6, you're right. It might not start with Harry. It might start with say, Snape arriving at the Ministry with a plausible account of everything, which makes him into a hero and Draco a victim.

it might not start with harry, but it definitly wont start by clearing up the snape question. that will have to wait until the end!

I'd say we'll get bits and pieces concerning Snape--I think the key is his relationship to Lily since that's the only thing that could make his claim to be truly wounded or "scared righteous" by the Potters' fate plausible.

I think it'll start with some kind of a memory..
Probably Snape's.. or maybe Remus..
I think it'll be some kind of recollection from the first war..

I'd say we'll get bits and pieces concerning Snape--I think the key is his relationship to Lily since that's the only thing that could make his claim to be truly wounded or "scared righteous" by the Potters' fate plausible.
I agree that we will get bits and pieces of information on Snape (and Draco). Snape is one of the big mysteries of the series after all.

I can imagine her starting with one or two chapters from outside of Harry´s pov, like she did in PS, GoF and HBP. Maybe even with Snape, comparable to Spinner´s End. But of course the mystery around him will not be revealed that early on, IMO.

JKR once said, she will cue up the story where HBP ended. That leads me to believe that, as soon as we have Harry´s pov, he and Ron and Hermione might still be at Hogwarts, on the day of Dumbledore´s funeral. JKR often said HBP and book (now known as Deathly Hallows :D ) are kind of like two parts of one book.

Harry could find out something important while still at Hogwarts. He could have another talk with McGonagall, maybe in the Headmistress´office, where Dumbledore´s portrait is.... He would want a talk with Hagrid perhaps. The trio then would travel home on the Hogwarts express, with Ginny, Luna and Neville. I then expect the trio to go to the Dursleys, much to Vernon and Petunia´s dismay (and Dudder´s horror). This stay will be rather short, but I guess Harry will have an interesting conversation with Petunia. She might be a bit more open about her sister knowing that Harry will leave for good and forever. After Privet Drive, the trio will go to the Burrow and most probably celebrate Harry´s 17th birthday there. Hermione might even go home to see her parents for a few days. Then there will be Bill and Fleur´s wedding. After that, the trio will go to Godric´s Hollow and visit the grave of Lily and James. They could find out something important there as well. On September 1st, I expect Harry, Ron and Hermione to go back to Hogwarts, which will reopen, IMO.

Well I could be way off on this one. But I always thought it would be quite the interesting departure from the previous novels if Deathly Hallows picked up exactly where it ended... literally. The idea of picking up the story right after Dumbledore's funeral and not wasting any time kind of appealed to me. Perhaps one or two meaningful or relevant conversations with other funeral-goers before they set out? We could journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione back to Privet Drive for one last visit with the Dursleys because Harry promised Dumbledore he would and then carry on to The Burrow for Bill and Fleur's wedding. Normally we pick up the stories at least a month after school has ended but I just have a feeling there won't be any wasted time with this one.

Wow ronjalina, I just noticed your post right above mine and it's like you were reading my mind! I just had to put in a quick edit and say I totally agree (as you can see from my post) with where the Trio's story will begin and where the first few stops will be!

I think it should start at Hogwarts.

The teachers getting together having a discussion about the future of the school with the Minister of Magic.

Well I could be way off on this one. But I always thought it would be quite the interesting departure from the previous novels if Deathly Hallows picked up exactly where it ended... literally. The idea of picking up the story right after Dumbledore's funeral and not wasting any time kind of appealed to me.
I think it will too - all of the other books have ended at King's Cross station with Harry being picked up by the Dursleys, it seems strange that HBP wouldn't especially since we've been told the Hogwarts Express will be leaving after the funeral.

I think it will feature Luna losing her things requiring Harry to visit the Room of Requirement (he might need his Potions book for one thing) and stumbling across something (like, say, a tiara) that Luna could tell him has an ancient connection.

He may stay until his birthday and after that he will head to the wedding. After that I think he will go to Godric's Hollow, to start the hunt.

I think that there will be several chapters before Harry's birthday, seeing as how that is so important. So maybe she will start with them leaving Hogwarts, or somewhere else with another event or character...but as far as him being at the Durdsley's I don't think it will begin like that, unless he goes way before his birthday, which is possible. I guess it is really wide open. I would like to know something about Malfoy and Snape as well, but I agree that she probably won't give that all up right at the begining. So I'm thinking it will be them on the train, with Harry slipping back and forth between memories of important events, and reality...

I agree with you. Now that i think about it, it is a possibility that the book would start on the train ride back, or at least at the platform. Every year the Dursleys come to meet Harry. I think that maybe Ron and Hermione will insist on accompanying Harry to Privet drive, or otherwise insisting on coming to get Harry in a day or two. How long does Harry have to stay at the Dursleys for the protection to continue till his birthday? I highly doubt he will be willing to waste the time from the end of school till his birthday stuck at the dursleys when he has so much to do.
Another reason I think it ended an hour or so before they got on the train is because there might be an attack on the train. And JKR didn't want to take away from Dumbledore's death by having something else like that happen. Also, it will allow for DH to start off with a bang.

The train is vulnerable to attack as we saw in PoA. It's also Voldemort's last shot at attacking Harry before he reaches the safety of the Dursley's. This is the perfect time for Voldemort to press his advantage as the death of Dumbledore has been a huge blow to everyone's morale. It's a great opportunity and possibly the last time Voldemort will know exactly where Harry is.

JKR once said, she will cue up the story where HBP ended. That leads me to believe that, as soon as we have Harry´s pov, he and Ron and Hermione might still be at Hogwarts, on the day of Dumbledore´s funeral. JKR often said HBP and book (now known as Deathly Hallows :D ) are kind of like two parts of one book.


and possibly before this, we'll see right afterward, where snape took draco and what is happening with them. not the whole story about snape of course, but a little bit.

also, maybe before harry leaves hogwarts he will see something that ends up being a major clue to a horcrux, but he shrugs it off at that point.

I think it'll probably start pretty soon after...I hope it at least describes the "last golden day of peace with Ron and Hermione".

It might start on the train or it might start on Bill's wedding day.

Quote by DumblysArmy
It's also Voldemort's last shot at attacking Harry before he reaches the safety of the Dursley's. This is the perfect time for Voldemort to press his advantage as the death of Dumbledore has been a huge blow to everyone's morale. It's a great opportunity and possibly the last time Voldemort will know exactly where Harry is.

Agree. However, does Voldy always act when he has a chance?

From: Fruitia_Pickleweed
At the Dursleys. He has to stay there for a short time to renew his protection. He won't want to do it. He will say, "There's no point! I have to fight him sooner or later! This is just wasting time!" Someone, possibly Lupin,will convince him to go there briefly, because Dumbledore made a piont of it and he is sworn to obey Dumbledore. Something will occur at the Dursleys. He will go the the Burrow and there will be no respite; something will happen at the wedding. There is no safe haven.

Another good place to start, I would think, but some stuff is supposed to happen before that.

From: PhoenixFire_DA
Well I could be way off on this one. But I always thought it would be quite the interesting departure from the previous novels if Deathly Hallows picked up exactly where it ended... literally. The idea of picking up the story right after Dumbledore's funeral and not wasting any time kind of appealed to me. Perhaps one or two meaningful or relevant conversations with other funeral-goers before they set out? We could journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione back to Privet Drive for one last visit with the Dursleys because Harry promised Dumbledore he would and then carry on to The Burrow for Bill and Fleur's wedding. Normally we pick up the stories at least a month after school has ended but I just have a feeling there won't be any wasted time with this one.

Hadn't thought of that. Another good place.

By: LunanNeville
I think that there will be several chapters before Harry's birthday, seeing as how that is so important. So maybe she will start with them leaving Hogwarts, or somewhere else with another event or character...but as far as him being at the Durdsley's I don't think it will begin like that, unless he goes way before his birthday, which is possible. I guess it is really wide open.

Good points.
Good point, Ronjalina, it could also start like that.

There's also a possibility of starting so many more places, like Godric's Hollow, but those are kind of later in the story, imo. There are more places it that it could start in than I could name.

I think it'll probably start pretty soon after...I hope it at least describes the "last golden day of peace with Ron and Hermione".I agree that it will start right after HBP ends. But I think that "last golden day of peace" is going to quickly turn into a nightmare!:evil:

I'm deffinitley thinking that the book will start out with Harry and Ron and Hermione leaving Hogwarts. I know that each book has started with Harry being at the Dursleys and you might think that Rowling would follow this pattern but she has said before that the sixth and seventh book are like two parts to the same book because things really aren't resolved at all after the sixth book and they kind of pick up where they left off in the seventh. Also, each book has ended with the trio leaving Hogwarts but it just ended with the funeral this time so this is sort of foreshadowing that things are going to be different from here on out.

Also, each book has ended with the trio leaving Hogwarts but it just ended with the funeral this time so this is sort of foreshadowing that things are going to be different from here on out.

Exactly!! Things will be different in this book. That's also why I said in another thread that I think it will last longer than one year. I think this seventh book will be a departure from some of the traditions of the previous novels but nobody seems to believe me!! Ok sorry I know that was a bit off topic but I had to get that out when and where I had the opportunity!! LOL :lol:

I think it might start with a parallel story...like The Riddle House, The Other Minister, before switching to the Dursleys. I like the idea of picking up where it left off though, because I don't feel they've fully said goodbye to Hogwarts-either that or they will definitely go back at some point, for whatever reason.

There will be some business to tie up with the Dursleys...when I presume some of Lily's history will come out; the wedding-I'm wondering if they might have that abroad...would it be safer for Harry to be further away? There will also be some legal business to sort out about Dumbledore's effects/legacy and the obvious grieving process.

What I have been thinking is that Harry will be unbelievably frustrated at the start-being forced to go back to Privet Drive for one thing, to grieve alone for Dumbledore...what a nightmare. Especially when he has so much to do that he can't do there.
He won't be able to get on with the search for the horcruxes because he can't officially do magic until his birthday, and he'll have to be guarded like never before everywhere he goes.

I just can't imagine how Jo has written these first few chapters or how she will convey how terrible Harry will be feeling.

Ron and Hermione said that they were going to go to Privet Drive with him. This makes me believe that it will be a short visit, a day, maybe two max. Before they leave I have a feeling that he, Ron, and Hermione will visit Arabella Figg and maybe find out something worthwile from her. Possibly an old message from Dumbledore.

I believe it will open with the wedding, or the road to the wedding of Bill and Fleur. What better way to open a dark and deadly book than with a lovely wedding?

Ron and Hermione said that they were going to go to Privet Drive with him. This makes me believe that it will be a short visit, a day, maybe two max. Before they leave I have a feeling that he, Ron, and Hermione will visit Arabella Figg and maybe find out something worthwile from her. Possibly an old message from Dumbledore.

Excellent point about Mrs. Figg. I think there's an excellent chance she'll have something to share when the Trio arrive at Privet Drive. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she is waiting for them to arrive. Remember, she's been there watching over Harry ever since that first, fateful night, on Dumbledore's orders. Also Dumbledore made Harry promise he would return to Privet Drive one last time before his 17th birthday. Maybe Mrs Figg has been given something or left something to be delivered to Harry, in the event of Albus' death.

Marauder and FuelPagan--careful now, it almost sounds like you're not sold on Ron and Hermione's relationship--a lot of people think such thoughts are seditious.;):elaugh::lol::D I'm wondering when the alarm bell about the sealed locket will go off in Harry's--or Hermione's head.

I also think Hogwarts will reopen, but unless there's reason to believe that Voldemort actually hid mor horcruxes AT Hogwarts, I only see three of the six (Neville, Luna, and Ginny) returning. And Ginny shouldn't be. If she really is the love of Harry's life, then she's tied to his greatest strength and he needs her with him to complete his task.

Are Hermione and Ron GOING WITH HIM to Privet Drive or are they VISITING him to take him out for the wedding (hopefully a double-wedding) at the Burrow--and maybe to safeguard his annoying ungrateful relatives before the time on Dumbledore's protection expires?

Are Hermione and Ron GOING WITH HIM to Privet Drive or are they VISITING him to take him out for the wedding (hopefully a double-wedding) at the Burrow--and maybe to safeguard his annoying ungrateful relatives before the time on Dumbledore's protection expires?

Well let me see if I can find the quote...ahh here: Pg 607, Canadian hardcover, adult version.

"'We'll be there, Harry,' said Ron.
'What?'
'At your aunt and uncle's house,' said Ron. 'And then we'll go with you, wherever you're going.'
'No -' said Harry quickly; he had not counted on this, he had meant them to understand that he was undertaking this most dangerous journey alone.
'You said to us once before,' said Hermione quietly, 'that there was time to turn back if we watned to. We've had time, haven't we?'
'We're with you whatever happens,' said Ron."

To me this seems to indicate that Ron and Hermione are going to accompany Harry directly to Privet Drive. I doubt they'll be there long, as Harry really just needs to be there one night to renew his magical protection. From there, they'll go on to the Burrow for the wedding. Perhaps I'm giving their words the wrong interpretation, but I definitely think Ron and Hermione will be with Harry every step of the way.

and possibly before this, we'll see right afterward, where snape took draco and what is happening with them. not the whole story about snape of course, but a little bit.She has never done that. Her timeline, apart from the time-turner sequence in PoA, has always been linear. In a few cases, she had two or three chapters taking place probably parallel (I´m thinking of the first three chapters of HBP here). Therefore, I am not sure she would do that, beginning prior to the end of HBP, with Snape and Draco fleeing Hogwarts. It´s a very interesting idea, though.

also, maybe before harry leaves hogwarts he will see something that ends up being a major clue to a horcrux, but he shrugs it off at that point.:agree:

Before they leave I have a feeling that he, Ron, and Hermione will visit Arabella Figg and maybe find out something worthwile from her. Possibly an old message from Dumbledore.Brilliant idea with Mrs Figgs having valuable information. :tu: And she is a squib, right? Didn´t JKR say there would be someone starting to perform magic late in life?


Are Hermione and Ron GOING WITH HIM to Privet Drive or are they VISITING him to take him out for the wedding (hopefully a double-wedding) at the Burrow--and maybe to safeguard his annoying ungrateful relatives before the time on Dumbledore's protection expires?If they stick to their plan, Ron and Hermione will be staying with Harry at Privet Drive. At least that is how I understood what Ron said at the end of HBP. A double wedding? Who would be the other couple? Lupin and Tonks? I can´t imagine Fleur would want to share the glory of being the bride. :) But that is for another thread.

I guess, we read it differently. I got the impression that Hermione and Ron would come shortly after the start of break and then they would accompany Harry to the wedding and to Godric's Hollow and wherever else he had to go. That's sort of why I don't think any of the Trio will be going to Hogwarts--or, if they do go, they won't stay long.

I dunno, I'd guess it's one of these options:

a) on the train back to London
b) King's Cross
c) Privet Drive (unlikely, I think we're going to see Ron and Hermione explaining their parents they're going with Harry first)

I don't think Ron and Hermione will let Harry out of their sight. They might be afraid that he would take off without them in an effort to try and protect them from danger. Harry sometimes strikes me as too noble for his own good!

Oh, and Ronjalina, you and I usually agree in our ideas... but I always thought that the one who would perform magic late in life would be Filch!! Remember the 'Quick-spell' book Harry saw in his office? LOL

Ronjalina--Yeah, I think they're coming to visit him. I'm just not 100% SURE that they intend to tail him home to Privet Drive. They might follow in a couple of days or a couple of weeks. As to the double-wedding. I think you might be right about Fleur but it should also be noted that the Weasleys are hosting it and mama-in-law Molly would probably put her foot down if Fleur pouted about sharing her special day with Tonks--plus, I think Fleur has enough depth of feeling and character to understand something of Tonks' suffering over the previous year, so she might relent.

I don't think Ron and Hermione will let Harry out of their sight. They might be afraid that he would take off without them in an effort to try and protect them from danger. Harry sometimes strikes me as too noble for his own good! That´s exactly what I am thinking as well. And, Ron and Hermione are of age and thus allowed to do magic outside Hogwarts. Plus, they could begin to plan the horcrux hunt. The earlier the better.

Oh, and Ronjalina, you and I usually agree in our ideas... but I always thought that the one who would perform magic late in life would be Filch!! Remember the 'Quick-spell' book Harry saw in his office? LOLFilch is another very good possibility. I was just throwing out Mrs Figgs. It came to my mind while writing. :D

[QUOTE=jordmundt6;4371258]Ronjalina--Yeah, I think they're coming to visit him. I'm just not 100% SURE that they intend to tail him home to Privet Drive. They might follow in a couple of days or a couple of weeks. That is possible as well. Okay, maybe not weeks. I am not even sure Harry would (want to) stay that long at the Dursleys. Ron says 'We´ll be there [...] At your Aunt and Uncle´s house'. From this wording we cannot say with certainty if Ron is talking about staying at Privet Drive with Harry, or picking him up. I just like the idea that they don´t leave him alone.

As to the double-wedding. I think you might be right about Fleur but it should also be noted that the Weasleys are hosting it and mama-in-law Molly would probably put her foot down if Fleur pouted about sharing her special day with Tonks--plus, I think Fleur has enough depth of feeling and character to understand something of Tonks' suffering over the previous year, so she might relent.I would love a double wedding. :love: If it happens, it could be a spontaneous idea and not properly planned before that.

Agree. However, does Voldy always act when he has a chance?


Well, I think the big thing is that Dumbledore is out of the way and Harry has lost that protection. Harry is now vulnerable until he gets to the safety of the Dursley's.

It's important to Voldemort to kill Harry himself as he believes he is fulfilling a prophecy in doing so. I also believe that Voldemort is going to want an audience when he does it, so there is no doubt that Harry Potter is no match for Voldemort's power. The Hogwart's Express will provide an audience for killing Harry.

But I think the remaining members of Dumbledore's Army will aid in thwarting Voldemort who will be forced to retreat. I'm hoping that it will be that attack by Voldemort that convinces Harry that Dumbledore's Army is needed to destroy Voldemort. I'm sure Ginny, Neville, and Luna are willing to put their lives on the line and it would be wise of Harry to include them in the horcrux hunt.

Ron and Hermione are of age and thus allowed to do magic outside Hogwarts.

Oooooh, the Dursleys are going to looooove having them as house guests! Hope JKR gives us a glimpse. Too bad they can't do magic in front of Muggles, but maybe they'll do some behind their backs!

Come to think of it, Pentunia and Hermione might actually get along, don't you think? Hermione being Muggle-born might know how to talk to her.

Well, all the books have started at the Dursley's during the summer, but maybe JKR will begin DH right after DD's funeral, picking up where we left off in HBP

As to Hermione and Petunia getting along--that's a huge NO. Hermione might be clever enough to look and sound like a regular Muggle, but she loves the magical world. I think she might remind Petunia too much of Lily.

Ronjalina--I think Harry will stay until the wedding. He might see it as his duty to maximize the protection Dumbledore set up for him. He might, as a responsible nephew, try to safeguard the Dursleys so that the DEs don't make mincemeat of them at midnight on Harry's 17th birthday.

As to Hermione and Petunia getting along--that's a huge NO. ... He might, as a responsible nephew, try to safeguard the Dursleys so that the DEs don't make mincemeat of them at midnight on Harry's 17th birthday.

Well, Hermione certainly would try her best, though that may create some amusement for the reader rather than success. If she sees the pitfall of raking up memories of Lily, Hermione might just manage it. :)

Yes, and no doubt he'll prove to be a halfway decent nephew in spite of it all. What kind of safeguard would work? Can you set up a secret keeper for Muggles? What about when they leave the house?

I'm figuring he might drag them along and stick them in Headquarters for their own safety. Otherwise, I think the three of them might end up being amusement for some adventurous DEs which, in spite of Vernon's attitude, would be tragic.

I think it will begin shortly after the students exit the Hogwarts Express. This will put Harry at the Dursley's. He said he would return there like Dumbledore asked. We know that he has something to learn from his aunt. If the Dursley's are not playing a major role in the last book, this would be the best time to get the information and leave there house for good.

At that point he will be with Ron and Hermione at the wedding. This will be the happiest time for the three of them for a long time.

I'm figuring he might drag them along and stick them in Headquarters for their own safety.

Yikes, the Dursleys in #12 with Sirius' darling Mum! They would looooove that! And poor Vernon -- how on earth would he continue to run Grunnings? This scenario is getting more and more interesting.

Either that or he'd send a couple of nice folks to guard Grimmauld Place--Sturgis Podmore (I assume he's out of Azkaban now) and, hmm, Kingsley's too busy with the Prime Minister, another trustworthy Order member?

About Sirius' mother's painting--Why did no one try a Silencing Charm on that old bat, or maybe just burn the painting where it hung?:huh:

I think Vernon could be appropriately shuttled to and from Grunnings in a car with magical modifications and a trustworthy bodyguard. Hopefully, he'd bow to necessity and adapt to the situation, but you never know.

I think it'll start off at the Dursley's house, and how long he stays will depend on when Bill and Fleur's wedding is. While he's there, something will be revealed about Petunia. But yeah, only at MOST a couple weeks after the end of term at Hogwarts ... I'd say less than that though. I can see the Dursley's picking him up at the train station right when he gets back and it starting there.

i think that most likely book 7 will start right after dumbledores funeral. harry will go back to the dursleys will meet up with ron and hermione then will set off to his journey.

i think that most likely book 7 will start right after dumbledores funeral. harry will go back to the dursleys will meet up with ron and hermione then will set off to his journey.

I agree. Since Jo said book 6 and 7 are actually one book I assume DH will begin where HBP ended. I also think this because the summer isn't like the previous summers in which almost nothing happened that had something to do with Voldemort. The hunt for Harry/Voldemort is at it's highest point ever, and I don't think there will be a ceasefire just because it's the summer-holidays :p

i think it will start at the dursleys because thats where they all start, isn't it?

I think that DH will start with the trip back to the Dursley's. It's sort of suspicious that HBP did not include the trip back to the Dursley's - it's the only book that did not include going home. So this makes me think that "something" might actually happen en route. This "something" could be a wide variety of things:
1. Getting back together with Ginny
2. A DE attack on the Hogwarts Express (unlikely; but possible)
3. A DE attack on the Dursley's (a bit more of a possibility, if some of DD's protective charms are now busted)
4. Something that's entered JK's creative mind that hasn't entered my less-creative mind :).
I think there's significance to how HBP ended "early". Another possibility is that the revelation about Lily is going to happen so fast (or Harry's stay at the Dursley's be so short) that it really only could be accounted for in a single book, not as part of both books.
Last possibility as to why HBP ended early, with so many questions left to be answered early in DH: JK likes her cliffies :).

Ronjalina--I think Harry will stay until the wedding. He might see it as his duty to maximize the protection Dumbledore set up for him. He might, as a responsible nephew, try to safeguard the Dursleys so that the DEs don't make mincemeat of them at midnight on Harry's 17th birthday.I am not sure if the strength of the protection is related to the length of the stay. If I recall correctly, Dumbledore only said Harry had to come back once more, before his seventeenth birthday. Harry would not want to stay there longer than necessary. On his seventeenth bday however, the blood protection expires anyway. We don´t know what comes first, Harry´s birthday or the wedding. Either way, I guess he will celebrate his birthday at the Burrow already.

I'm figuring he might drag them along and stick them in Headquarters for their own safety. Otherwise, I think the three of them might end up being amusement for some adventurous DEs which, in spite of Vernon's attitude, would be tragic.Dumbledore has made a big deal of telling the Dursleys about Grimmauld Place #12. I think JKR has included that for a reason. I would not wonder, if we really see the Dursleys at GP. Maybe they really have to leave their house with Harry.

I am not sure if the strength of the protection is related to the length of the stay. If I recall correctly, Dumbledore only said Harry had to come back once more, before his seventeenth birthday. Harry would not want to stay there longer than necessary. On his seventeenth bday however, the blood protection expires anyway. We don´t know what comes first, Harry´s birthday or the wedding. Either way, I guess he will celebrate his birthday at the Burrow already.

Dumbledore never did specify just how long Harry had to stay at the Dursleys' to constitute calling that his home. However, his shortest stay was in HBP - about 7 days. Then again, that was with Dumbledore alive and able to make sure he was protected if he went elsewhere. He was allowed to leave the Dursleys in OOTP but taken straight to Grimmauld Place where there were numerous protections in place. In HBP, Dumbledore told Harry that additional protections had been put around the Burrow for his safety as well.

As for the wedding, they normally don't get out of school until the end of June so I would say it was planned for late July or early August. And Bill being injured will factor in as well - he'll need time to recover before he walks down the aisle. So I'm thinking August will be more likely.

Personally, I think the wisest course of action would be for them to stay at the Dursleys until Harry's birthday. They've got a lot of research to do and that is the one place where they know Death Eaters/Voldemort can't get to them and nobody else would be able to figure out what they're up to. They could do their research in relative peace without having to worry about hiding anything. Not that it would be a pleasant visit with the Dursleys about, but I think they should take advantage of that protection while it's still in place.

Dumbledore has made a big deal of telling the Dursleys about Grimmauld Place #12. I think JKR has included that for a reason. I would not wonder, if we really see the Dursleys at GP. Maybe they really have to leave their house with Harry.

Well, I never really saw that as making a "big deal" of telling them. It seemed to me that Dumbledore wanted to have that conversation in safety rather than attempt it on their journey.

It's certainly possible that the Dursleys might need protection, but I don't really think so. It's no secret how they've treated Harry or that Harry hates them and can't wait to be able to leave. That was brought up in COS when Ernie commented that people talked about how Harry hated his muggle relations. in that regard, the Dursleys mistreatment of Harry has given them protection because they won't be considered useful - Harry's not going to tell them where he's going and Voldemort is unlikely to use them as bait since Harry can't stand them.

However, that would be an amusing twist for the Dursleys to have to go to Grimmauld Place. :lol:

i think that JKR made harry go back to privet drive one last time because something really important is going to happen. so, i think she'll start us off at privet drive, because she doesn't want to waste our's and harry's time, what more could happen at hogwarts?

Well, we know that Harry is going back to the Dursley's. He has already promised Dumbledore he would, and we have Bill and Fleurs wedding... The book will most likely start off from where the HBP left off, but then Harry has to destroy more Horcruxes and kill Voldemort in one book... I tell ya, this is gonna be one long book...

I think that DH will start with the trip back to the Dursley's. It's sort of suspicious that HBP did not include the trip back to the Dursley's - it's the only book that did not include going home. So this makes me think that "something" might actually happen en route. This "something" could be a wide variety of things:
1. Getting back together with Ginny
2. A DE attack on the Hogwarts Express (unlikely; but possible)
3. A DE attack on the Dursley's (a bit more of a possibility, if some of DD's protective charms are now busted)
4. Something that's entered JK's creative mind that hasn't entered my less-creative mind :).
I think there's significance to how HBP ended "early". Another possibility is that the revelation about Lily is going to happen so fast (or Harry's stay at the Dursley's be so short) that it really only could be accounted for in a single book, not as part of both books.
Last possibility as to why HBP ended early, with so many questions left to be answered early in DH: JK likes her cliffies :).

Yes, it could very well be a cliffie. At the end of HBP, lots of questions are left answered and all the speculation on message boards like this one shows that JK Rowling wanted us to think about it. By not writing the train ride home with HBP, she's breaking new ground but she also leaves us pondering exactly what will happen next. We've really never speculated about where the first six books will start but Rowling's given us something else to think about in addition to all the plot details.

I think there will be a most amazing scene starting at Privet Drive. Never has it happened that the trio have been together at the Dursley's, much less meeting there openly under the Dursleys' noses. I don't know what will happen, but such a constellation of characters under one roof, even for a short time, must mean something major!

I think it will start right where HBP left off and something happens on the train or after the Funeral, or it starts with Harry at Privert Drive with Hermione and Ron.

I think it will start sometime during the summer with another scene at Spinners' End with Snape, because that would be very cool and mysterious, kind of like a full circle, and maybe another scene with the Prime Minister. ALso, I think that while Ron and Hermione might come to all the adventures with Harry, he will go to Privet Drive alone--that just seems more right, more full-circlish if Harry goes there alone and leaves there alone.

The first time we see Harry, with or without a non-Harry prolouge, I think will be the eve of his Seventeenth Birthday. I think that would be interesting because It would be the last official day of his childhood, where he could look back on it. Here, I think we will hear about what has happened at the Dursleys so far, probably nothing. Then the next day he will wake up a man, and say goodbye to the Dursleys, and at this time learn about Petunia and maybe something about Lily.

Ron and Hermione said that they would follow him everywhere, right? I can't wait to see the Dursley's when they find out that three wizards are staying with them (or maybe they'll just have to stay somewhere else and apparate to the Dursleys...wait Ron doesn't have an apparating license. Never mind!) I'm not sure how that will work out, but Ron and Hermione will be close by no matter where he's at. Then they'll go to the wedding together, then they'll sit around until Harry turns 17, then they're off to see the wizard, I mean destroy the horcruxes! (That was a corny joke, even for me...:lol:)

Ron and Hermione said that they would follow him everywhere, right? I can't wait to see the Dursley's when they find out that three wizards are staying with them (or maybe they'll just have to stay somewhere else and apparate to the Dursleys...wait Ron doesn't have an apparating license. Never mind!) I'm not sure how that will work out, but Ron and Hermione will be close by no matter where he's at. Then they'll go to the wedding together, then they'll sit around until Harry turns 17, then they're off to see the wizard, I mean destroy the horcruxes! (That was a corny joke, even for me...:lol:)

I just had a througtht when you said about them staying close by, maybe they could stay at Mrs. Figgs house?

I feel that it will pick up a few minutes from where the other one left off. They will still be at hogwarts. I would like to see Harry just apparate to the kitchen at Privet Drive. That way the whole train thing could be skipped. (And I know he isn't of age, but Dumbeldore already said that the ministry cannot tell who really does the magic.) Of course, the train scence could have lots of interesting stuff. The trip home usually had one last encounter with Malfoy. Maybe this time, there will be something meaningful with Crabbe and Goyle.

I still think the most pertinate info given so far is that HBP didn't end with a ride home..............We are still AT Hogsworts for a reason!One thing I think of is that is what if the Hogswart Train is attacked before it picked up the students then they all have to stay at school for a little while.I don't think Jo wants to write another scene on the train and we would rather see a different scene!!!!!

Hey, that's true-that is a deviation from the normal routine...and you're right, attacking the train, if it were possible, would be a brilliant plan by the Death Eaters and the Dementors managed to stop it. If they are on the dark side, they could do it again easily.
Weren't the fireplaces connected to the floo network to transport people home once? They could do that again, if it was safe....it would certainly be quicker.

I like the idea of Ron and Hermione staying at Mrs Figg's too-maybe Tonks or other members of the Order will be there. They've been involved in guarding Harry before so why not now when its even more dangerous! He has to get to and from his aunts house somehow, and the only safe way would be to apparate, which we know he can't do until his birthday and which would probably give the Dursley's heart attacks!

I agree that the lack of a train ride home and meeting with the Dursley's is suspicious. A simple explanation for this is that the ending of HBP was just a nice point to end - a cliffie or two and the story seemed "complete" at that point.
However, I don't think it's that simple. I see three possibilities:
1. An attack on the train (like stated above)
2. Mrs Figg rides train back, reveals "big thing" about Lily to Harry.
3. An attack at the Dursley's (or; "big thing" is immediately revealed by Petunia)
Getting back to the thread topic; I think that DH will start with the preparations for the train ride, and the train ride home. Or...(thought just occured to me)...Harry, Hermione, and Ron decide not to ride the train, and this was the reason JK ended HBP where she did.

I think book 7 will start with Harry at the Dursleys and a letter from Dumbledore about unresolved issues. Or even a small portrait of Dumbledore that will help him and guide him.

book 7 will start at the Dursleys i hope with ron and hermione and very quickly an arguement will break out with the dursley's about the letter and there will be a huge reverlation about Petunia.

but i wouldn't rule out a couple of chapter before this so JKR can highlight the surge in death eater activity becuase of Dumbledore's death like she did in book 6.

also a chapter like that in book 4 would be great about Voldermort or following what he is planning

I've read a few of the posts, and some are quite interesting. Here's mine.
Book 7 will begin at 4 Privet Drive. When Petunia learns of Dumbledore's death, she will be devastated (after all, she has corresponded with him), and we will learn the why of the correspondence. Petunia wanted to be a witch, like her sister, but she does not have a drop of magic in herself. So she writes to the Headmaster to try to convince him to let her come to Hogwarts to study, thinking that she may be able to "develop" the ability to perform magic if she attends Hogwarts. Dumbledore cannot grant her wish because she has no magical powers, but promises she will play an important role in the magical world. She is highly disppointed, and turns her back on the magical world, denying its existence, and being revolted by anything that is minimally out of the ordinary.
Far-fetched? possibly, but one never knows!

I think it will begin at Privet Drive, as always, until Harry turns 17...

I think we'll continue exactly where we left off, and that something important will happen on the way to King's Cross. Maybe Voldemort and his DEs will attack the train and try to kill Harry?
Is it just me who thinks that would be the best start ever? Everyone turns the page, expecting to read "Harry was lying in his room in Private Drive, bored out of his mind", but no, it's an awesome battle on the Hogwarts Express.:cool:

Hi. I think it will start either when Harry is getting ready to go to Godric's Hollow or when he is in Godric's Hollow.

Directly where Half Blood Prince left off.

I think it's going to spend a little bit of time in Privet Drive assuming one of the Dursley's is the one who does magic late in life... maybe a chapter or two worth. Then a chapter or two for The Burrow and the wedding. Then things kick off with hopefully the start of the Horcrux search in going first to Godric's Hollow. That's how I see it.

The way I see it there are two possibilities for the start:

1- We start at the Dursley's where we see Harry, Ron and Hermione in Harry's bedroom, that Hermione has enchanted to be trice it's size :D. They will remain there until Harry turns 17 then they'll go to the Burrow for Bill's wedding and then they're off to Godric's Hollow. While at the Dursley's I think they will spend their time studying and researching information that might be helpful in the horcrux hunt. I also like the idea that the three of them apparate directly into Harry's bedroom, Hermione has her license and there is always side apparation.

or

2- Right where we left off. With a possible attack on sight, would be very interesting to see although I doubt this will happen.

We will start off at the dursleys with Ron and Hermione. We will find out about dudley demented and petunia's secret and they will all cry and maybe petunia will tell harry that she loves him (haha...). It is a couple days before Harry's 17th birthday and the Order comes to rescue him, but they get ambushed by a couple death eaters... no biggie. Mad-eye will take them out!

Then we go to Bill and Fleurs wedding. Harry and Ginny have to walk down the aisle together (awkward). But he will give her a goodbye kiss and set off with Ron and Hermione to Godrics Hollow (he won't tell the order about the horcruxes but he will need their help).

At Godrics Hollow he will visit his parents graves and the remains of his house. Then he will set off on his long journey to find the horcruxes.

I always thought that the reason JK ended HBP while they were still at Hogwarts was that nothing interesting happened on the train, so there was no point including it. However, reading some of the above ideas, I hope I'm wrong. :p

As for when DH will start, I reckon it's at the Dursleys, which is supported (in my mind) by the UK DH cover. I really wouldn't be surprised if Petunia is the one who shows magic in later life (even though that would be quite an obvious thing to do). In fact, at one point I had a theory that Petunia was also a witch, and the reason she hated Lily was that when Petunia was 11 she disregarded her Hogwarts letter as a hoax, so never told her parents about it, so never went. Then when Lily went she bottled up her feelings (as Harry often likes to do) and got really jealous, and she's never been able to get past that...
Anyway, another idea would be if we caught up with what Snape and Malfoy are up to.

Assuming that we start off at the Dursleys, I reckon Mad-Eye and Lupin etc will come and secret Harry off (though not without a couple of hitches, which could be when Petunia's magic shows) to The Burrow for Bill and Fleur's wedding, where there'll probably be a DE attack. Then people like Mrs Weasley and McGonagall will try and persuade Harry, Ron and Hermione to return to Hogwarts for their NEWTs, but they'll be having none of it and embark on the grand Horcrux quest. :cool:

I think book seven it going to start in the summer. I think that within the first few chapters we are going to find out the truth about Petunia. Harry will be telling the Dursleys that he is leaving to find Voldermort. Something has to happen in order for Petunia to reveal herself to Harry. The information that he is going to receive is going to be useful and then he will be off. He will go to the Weasleys to ask Arthur some advise and then he will be off with Hermione and Ron?

july 21 12:01


even with the txt on the back of uk kid cover we still dont know
the cover
http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/dhcovers/hp7childuk.jpg

Considering that JKR considers these last two books to be more of one long novel, I wouldn't be surprised if this book picks up very close to where HBP left off.

I think that Harry will wait to do anything until july 31st because there maybe something Petunia hasn't shared.

I agree with what some have said, the ending of HBP was suspicious. JK always ends the books with the ride home to the Dursleys. I suspect that she will start book seven right after book six ended. I had hoped for more closure after Dumbledore's death and hope that something of significance is done or said at Hogwarts before they leave.

It does seem plausible that the train could be attacked. I had first thought that it wouldn't be worth the effort, what with less children on the train and the aurors likely on high alert after Dumbledore's funeral. It could be however, that the attacks by Death Eaters increase dramatically now that their biggest obstacle has been killed. We all have seen how little fear that Voldemort or his followers have of the ministry. This might just be the oppurtunity he needs to get Harry. He knows that if he waits till he is at Privet Drive he won't be able to get to him. I have now scared myself, and am a bit worried about Chapter one of book seven.

I think JKR has already said it will start with the train ride home.

This is from another thread:

HBP was the first time Jo ended the book without showing the train ride home. And she did say in the Time interview that she "cues up" the final scene from HBP at the beginning of DH so they will still be at Hogwarts when DH begins - just after Dumbledore's funeral.

From what Jo says, DH going to pick up right where HBP left off with them still at Hogwarts so the train ride home is likely to be shown.

That's what I heard too. HBP and DH are two books that should have been one.

Looking for the Time interview now...

...and having no luck. Personally I'd trust meesha and L_K here.

I've always imagined it like this: Harry, Ron, and Hermione go to the Dursley's for only like a day. Harry says bye, thanks for everything, etc. They then go to the Burrow for the rest of the summer and see Bill and Fleur's wedding and stuff. In the process, Harry gets his Apparation license with Ron. Hogwarts will be open, so they go, and Proffesor Mcgonnagal gives them permission to leave whenever they want because she understands that Harry needs to defeat Voldemort. And thats how it all begins.

Harry is going back because Dumbledore wanted him to. I don't know what is going to happen there, but it is going to be important. I think something will be revealed to Harry. I can't see him having a tearful goodbye to them, LOL. But I think Petunia will say something to Harry before he leaves. Then again it might just be

"Goodbye forever, Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, Dudley.

Aunt Petunia:...
Uncle Vernon: It's about time. Good ridence! And DON'T come back.
Dudley: YAY!

Or

Petunia takes Harry aside and tells him something, a message from Dumbledore that she is supposed to tell him upon him leaving.

Like this:

Harry turned to go, but his aunt stopped him. She had a strange distracted looked, as if she were not quite herself. She turned to him and told him something he would never forget, and then as quickly as it happened, it was over. She blinked and didn't seem to realize what had just happened or what she had just said. In fact, she was turning around now to go. But he thought of her words carefully, because it was as if Dumbledore had just spoken to him. And Harry guessed that in a way, he had. Whatever spell Petunia had been put under seemed to be a time released spell. This day, this hour she was supposed to say those words. And it they had been said. And Harry knew this was why he was supposed to come back to the Dursleys.



I totally agree with this , and I agree that Harry will go back to the Dursleys until the 31 of July because Dumbledore would want him too , and I think it will start after HBP . But we will see what JKR writes about that .

I just assumed that, since Harry has to return to the Dursley's and every other book has started out with him at Privet Drive, this book would be no different.

hmm.. it will start where HBP left off. i hope... i want BH to be well detailed && very organized && neat. i will be spending 40 dollars and wish to spend it right.

PS READ MY SIGGY!! ITS SO TRU

I totally agree that it will begin at Hogwarts, but what bugs me is why didn't she have this part in the last book. Something is going to happen right away at the begining, either at Hogwarts or on the train ride home.

I reckon we'll start off at The Dursley's. So proobably a couple of weeks later form the end of HBP.

Looking for the Time interview now...

...and having no luck. Personally I'd trust meesha and L_K here.

Here's the quote:

"It will be a very different kind of book," she says, "because I kind of cue up the shot at the end of six, and you're left with a very clear idea of what Harry's going to do next."

Forgive me for my ignorance, but I've never heard that phrase before, so what exactly does it mean to "cue up the shot"? What does she mean with the first part of the quote.

I suppose it would be like pool. When you "cue up your shot" you're placing the cue ball where you want it in order to get ready for your shot.

IMO it seems like she set up the end of HBP to get it ready for immediate action in DH.

The back cover of the UK edition makes it sound like it starts at the Dursleys.

"Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of the Pheonix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldemort and his supporters knowing-if they can..."

If Ron and Hermione do come to stay with him at the Dursleys, I hope we get the scene when they first arrive. Pure comedic gold.

On page one...:lol:

Seriously, now I think it'll start with Privet Drive. Though whether Ron and Hermione have arrived yet, I'm not sure.

I think it might start where we left off - perhaps at the Hogwarts Express. And if not, then most probably it will be in Privet's Drive or it will be a chapter not seen through Harry's eyes.

I think it might start where we left off - perhaps at the Hogwarts Express. And if not, then most probably it will be in Privet's Drive or it will be a chapter not seen through Harry's eyes.

I once thought it might start as they were boarding the Hogwart's Express for home--giving Aberforth a chance to catch them. After reading the UK Adult flyleaf, I'm not sure any more.

On page one...:lol:

Seriously, now I think it'll start with Privet Drive. Though whether Ron and Hermione have arrived yet, I'm not sure.

:elaugh:good one!

I think either Privet Drive or maybe what Snape and Draco and the DE's are doing. Also, it could start with the Ministry again. Scrimgeour telling the UK Prime Minister what has happened.

I think that Harry will start in Privet Drive as usual, but there may be a chapter or two to begin with as in GoF and HBP. I think that Harry will be picked up by Mr Weasley again and taken to The Burrow in time for the wedding

Like a lot of people, I think we'll have our last visit to Privet Drive (with Ron and Hermione in tow?) in the first chapter or so... but if it opens on Harry's birthday/last day with the Dursleys I wouldn't be surprised. There's no need to keep Harry in the dark anymore, so I think he'll be eager to get out of there as quickly as possibly.

Especially if Bill and Fleur are having an early August wedding :D

Like a lot of people, I think we'll have our last visit to Privet Drive (with Ron and Hermione in tow?) in the first chapter or so... but if it opens on Harry's birthday/last day with the Dursleys I wouldn't be surprised.


I don't think that Haeey will be there til his birthday. After all, if he is, he's just wasting time he could be looking for Horcruxes. It's not like he can spend a month studying in Privet Drive...or can he? :eyebrows:

I thought he HAD to stay at Privet Drive until he turned 17? Or did I misunderstand the blood-protection thing?

Though you're right, a month would be a long time for him to be twiddling his thumbs...

I thought he HAD to stay at Privet Drive until he turned 17? Or did I misunderstand the blood-protection thing?

Though you're right, a month would be a long time for him to be twiddling his thumbs...

I think he just has to return to prove that this is still "home". Establishing base for the spell.

But...if it's going to end when he turns seventeen anyway (a mere month)--why bother staying? So perhaps it's the intent to return that keeps him protected until he does.

I think it's just a plot device to get Harry back there once more, so he can gain some info from his aunt.

Yeah, that makes more sense... you're right, hiding away for a month is probably not the best use to make of that particular protection.

I am looking forward to seeing what Petunia has to say, especially if it gives the book and the search for Horcruxes a flying start. Not that there's any reason for Petunia to know anything about Horcruxes... I think my brain's starting to spiral out of control. :P

I think it will be at the Burrow, just before the wedding. Then they'll go off to the Dursleys, but something will happen on the way. They'll finally get there just before Harry's bday. Then the horcrux hunt will begin....

I think this book will start with Harry being at the Dursleys. I dunno whether he can just call in and go or whether he has to stay until his birthday. Suppose we'll find out soon enough.

he will just go to the Dursleys because Dumbledore told him to go once more before he turns 17 to continue the protection til then....i don't think he needs to stick around til his birthday....and if i read it right, the protection is gone on his bday....so basically he is only safe a couple more weeks in the plot timeline.......

IMHO, i dont think there will be too much wasted time in this last book....too much to cram into one year and 700 something pages....i cant understand why JKR would waste 2 weeks with him at the Dursleys.....

but i do like the idea that Petunia will say something...i hope so...this is the last chance she has to redeem herself in my eyes....i dont expect anything from Vernon or Dudley, but i do expect something better of Petunia.....

I'm sure it will start where all the other books have started...with Harry at the Dursley's.

It will start probaly after the funeral when they are on the train. I am still wondering is Ron and Hermione will actually go to the Dursleys' with Harry. Anway, I think he won't stay there the whole time. He might stay there for a week or 2 but will go to the Burrow after. I am very intrested on what Petunia has to say about it.

He needs to be there at least for two weeks. That was how long he was there during HBP.

why does he NEED to be there atleast 2 weeks? i think it just so happened to be 2 weeks in HBP only cuz DD was out 'killing the ring' and getting fixed up by Snape for his injured hand......

historically, the stays get shorter and shorter in each book, so not surprising if this is less than 2 weeks.....

Sorry what I meant was at most two weeks.