I love to write about the implications of themes and symbology for the plot line of Harry Potter. But when it comes to scouring the details of the books for clues about what’s to come, I’m not a great detective. Maureen of Felicity’s Reflections is, though, and if you want some really fascinating views on the horcrux hunt, you need to spend some time with these two essays.
Is the Hufflepuff Cup in the Hogwarts Trophy Room Transfigured into the Medal for Magical Merit? - This is one of those theories where, when you hear the question, you think, That’s a bit of a stretch. But even if you think the Hufflepuff Cup as transfigured medal is pushing it, this essay brings up at least two crucial points for the horcrux hunt: the possibility of a transfigured item, and the possibility of horcruxes at Hogwarts. The Trophy Room is probably a great guess. Dumbledore impressed upon Harry the need to remember that Voldemort liked to collect “trophies.” What if one of the horcruxes is literally a trophy, or in the trophy room?
Think about the potential plot implications here. Harry’s not planning to go back to school, and Hogwarts might even be closed. Everything is set up for a Voldemort attempted takeover of Hogwarts now that Albus is gone. If this “trophy” realization dawns on Harry, it would give him a solid reason to return to Hogwarts. Or perhaps it will dawn on him when he goes back to “check” the sword, just in case Albus was wrong about that item - a scene which should prompt a tear-jerking conversation with the late Headmaster’s portrait - and after almost giving up on finding the last horcrux, the trophy room dawns on him. Lots of potential for great plot turns there.
“Something of Ravenclaw’s or Gryffindor’s†- This essay is just tremendous detective work. How many times have I been through the books and entirely missed the frequent references to the “corpulent, red-nosed” Headmaster Fortescue? And once you’ve got Maureen’s thoughts on that, lots of light is shed on the Florean Fortescue abduction (or retreat), and we have a clear lead for “something of Ravenclaw’s.”
Excellent, excellent work. Even if you don’t agree with all the essay’s points, they are worth your time and consideration.
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tracydaisy
08.07.06 at 8:07 pm
Something of Ravenclaw’s or Gryffindor’s essay.
I found it very interesting.
I like the idea of the tiara being a horcrux.
But reading this brings me back to a thought on one of my horcrux theories. Do we all get stuck on a theory, I know I do.?
I believe that the Riddle house holds a horcrux and I believe it is the ancient Chair Voldemort was sitting in. The book notes that no one stayed long at the Riddle house because it had an eerie feeling. I think the eerie feeling was due to a horcrux being there. I believe this was a hint. I imagine part of Voldemort’s soul being in an object in the house would cause the house to have an eerie feeling.
Anyways, what if the reason Tom Riddle/Voldemort visits Dumbledore is of course not really to ask for a job, but to get another look at the painting of a headmaster. Maybe the one above Dumbledore’s desk. What if the Ancient Chair in the Riddle house is the thronelike chair that headmaster Fortescue is sitting in.
What do you think??