Update: Warning! If you’re like me and don’t even want to know the chapter titles of Deathly Hallows, beware when visiting HPANA. They’ve ”been given an exclusive glimpse at the chapter titles for the forthcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.“ I know this isn’t a “spoiler” for some people, and it’s officially given to them, so it’s not something Rowling’s opposed to, but I prefer to avoid it.Â
It’s been an interesting week. An update on the leak below. For now, let’s see what everyone else is saying:
- To the Sneak who did the Leak: Scholastic is coming for you.
- The Church of England is issuing a guide on how to use Harry Potter to spread the gospel.
- HogPro: Just go there and read. Lots of food for thought this week.
- Felicity: No, sadly, she hasn’t written anything new. But her essays on the horcruxes are absolutely mandatory reading prior to the Deathly Hallows release. This essay on the Hufflepuff Cup horcrux, and this essay on “Something of Ravenclaw’s or Gryffindor’s” are the two best essays I’ve read on horcrux speculation. I think we’ll all find that Felicity was right on the mark with these.  This essay is the best argument you’ll find for Nagini as a horcrux, something most of us dismissed out of hand after reading HBP.
- Strangely, the religion debate on the final book is focused more on Christians vs. Atheists than Christians vs. Fundamentalists, thanks to Lev Grossman. Terry Mattingly responds at Get Religion, and then Jeffrey Weiss responds to him at Dallas News. If I have time, I’ll get into this debate, but if I don’t (and I probably won’t), it’ll all be settled this weekend anyway (hopefully).
The Leaked Book
And now, an update on the leaked book. The only hope we had for it being a hoax was the page number discrepancy. I got this from commenter Mrs. Weasley:
I don’t have an answer to your library question, except to say that our library
system has had some version of a catalog entry for DH ever since the title was
announced. Â It shows an entry for a large print version, an audiobook, and the
print book (which, I am sorry to say, shows 759 pages – and it’s the Arthur
Levine version, so I don’t know what’s up with that).
That about does it, I think. We should probably all assume it’s quite real. I’ve pretty much gotten over the disappointment; after all, I still don’t know the vast majority of plot points. It’s still going to be a fantastic read and a great experience. I certainly can’t go into it thinking, “This has been ruined for me.” It hasn’t!Â
Thanks to all for your encouragement and sympathy. I really didn’t write the last post to garner sympathy, nor to whine, but to write something up that expressed what having the plot spoiled does to people.Â
Please feel free to visit here and discuss for the rest of the week. As I said: I’m moderating all comments here, so no one need have any fear of a spoiler by coming to SoG. All comments have to pass through me first.  I’m a three-headed watchdog, and after yesterday, even music won’t put me to sleep!
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the articles mate. They are some awesome reads. I’ll be up all night reading them. I would have continued reading HBP but I am loving the buzz that’s surrounding the series at the moment. It’s infectious.
And another update with the spoilers… I have now found several alleged leaks. Two being really long… madness.
Felicity’s work is always such a joy to read through. Too awesome. Thanks again man.
Travis, thanks for allowing the discussions to continue, I really enjoy coming to this site. I could very much understand if you’d shut down the comments until Saturday, because in order to moderate them, you’ll have to read them first. It would be too and too bad if you’d have the plot spoiled that way.
Travis, thanks for any pointers to what you consider mandatory reading. There is so much stuff out there in the way of theories that such help is invaluable in order to get the most out of the too short time remaining before the book’s release.
I’d love to see you expanding on this and publishing a list of what you consider mandatory reading.
A good part of me wishes release would be delayed until August 21st, but then again, another part of me cannot wait until Saturday…
You’re too good to me, Travis. I’ve been skimming my stuff and chewing my fingernails. I can’t wait for the book! I know I’ll be up all night.
So sad to hear about the possible spoilers floating around cyberspace. I’ve only been looking at SOG and Leaky for a week. I don’t dare look at any other website until I’ve finished DH.
This website feels like a lifeboat. It’s dark, we’re in shark infested seas, and we can’t see each other, although we can hear. Every so often, there’s a shriek, and another one is lost. Their voice comes back, a little later, but it’s different. Something’s gone. But as people are lost, others find their way to the lifeboat. Word of the lifeboat is somehow communicated through the night, and other isolated, fearful mariners somehow find their way to the Sword of Gryffindor. We hang on, desperately, waiting for the light at the end of the night.
Perfect analogy. And thanks again Travo (that’s what your nickname would be if you lived in OZ mate ;P).
Whoa!
I’m back after several days of not being able to access SoG and what a few days they have been!
Trying to wrap my head around it all.
It’s funny, here in Australia were 10 hours ahead of the US but I think we’ve got one more sleep before the release of DH than for the Americans. Released here at 9.01 AM Saturday morning. I think it’s a 12 midnight release of you Travis?
Matthew
OOPS!
I meant release FOR you.
Sorry.
Matthew
Welcome back, Matthew! Yes, it’s a 12:01am release. I’ll be reading through the night.
Yeah us Ozzies get it the same time as the American’s or just before but not by much. I know in South Australia book stores will be opening at 8:31am to sell the book. I’ll be there with my pre-ordered ticket to pick the book up. I can’t wait. I’ve said it 1000 times but I’ll say it again. I CAN NOT WAIT!
Well I thought I got spoiled today – so then I thought – what the hey – and found the scan – DON’T WORRY WON’T SAY ANYTHING!!! Except that – I don’t think it’s real. It’s the most awful tripe I’ve ever seen – reads like a fan-fic. If it IS the real deal- I’m sending my book back and demanding my money back.
Honestly – I think this scan is a fake – and it looks fake as well – I think it’s all a photo shop.
It doesn’t read like Rowling’s writing. It’s bollocks!
I just finished reading the articles you linked by Felicity. Excellent stuff and very plausible. I’m just sad I didn’t read them earlier. And I think the fact that the Church of England is issuing a guide on how to use Harry Potter to spread the gospel is awesome. I was talking about it with a friend online yesterday. Thanks for the links Travis.