Remember, JRK had the questions before the interviews so the answers should have been well rehearsed. The survival of the trio implication from the dinner question would not have been an accident. Although I'd be much relieved for a happy ending. Also, Dumbledore may definately be dead and we should procede thru the five steps of grieving but stop before anger. Whoa! Anger is only the second step! If we stop before getting there, we need to stay right where we are in denial... Maybe dead, but certainly not forgotten. He will never truly have left Hogwarts as long as someone remains there who is loyal to him.

it's about time she says dumbledore's dead.. no gandalf for him... i hope that really was a slip that the trio don't die.... now... is snape good or bad???????

Ah - so now we know not all of the trio will survive. And DumbledoreIsNotDead.com is in COMPLETE denial lol. Go to their site and you'll read the following: This evening at her reading in New York City, J.K. Rowling answered questions from fans, and when asked about Dumbledore she said, I know there's an entire site out there called DumbledoreIsNotDead.com, and I'm sorry they're not going to like this answer. You shouldn't expect Dumbledore to pull a Gandalf. I need to be more explicit: Dumbledore is definitely dead. But what does that mean to use here at DumbledoreIsNotDead.com? Do we really think that J.K. would give us real clues about a topic that is obviously so important to the climax of Book 7? Isn't it possible that this is just another of those red-herrings that J.K. is so famous for to throw us off the track? What J.K. has said in public tonight does not change what she has written in her books. The clues on these pages fit together like a puzzle. It's like a picture you can't make out unless you step back a ways. It's up to you, step back, and take a look at the "big picture" and decide for yourself how these clues fit into the Harry Potter puzzle! Ha ha, livin' on the de Nile...

*sobbing uncontrolablly* Dumbledore is really dead! I knew it deep in my heart but didnt want to believe it. Oh well, it is only fiction, I suppose. (In fact, I know it is.) I'm gathering, that Harry will probably survive, and Hagrid might die? *sob* I hope I I am wrong about Hagrid, though. Also, what exactly did Salman Rushdie ask? What was the wording? Does anyone know?

Actually, Ginny could survive, contrary to my post a few minutes ago. Now that I think about it, it'd be devastating for Harry if Hagrid was killed. Definitely a reason to apologize to Harry (again, from Kate's report).

In regard to the new message on Dumbledoreisnotdead.com, I think the owner is just using a last-ditch Kamikaze effort to keep the site relevant. I doubt the person actually believe what Jo Rowling said was a red herring. I still find what's in HBP somewhat suspicious, but I've let go of believing he'll come back in book 7.

I think I MUST be the only one that has the theory that yes, Dumbledore is indeed dead, but will come back to life... NO, not as a human, but as a PHOENIX! Technically, he would be dead (as a human), and in JK's world, it could be quite possible that humans can turn into a phoenix. There had been a theory that Gryffindor is Fawkes, so what is to say there cannot be TWO in book 7? In HBP, his body bursts into flame before the tomb appears. His Patronus is a Phoenix, the group against Voldemort is the Order of the Phoenix... Just something to think about... O, and I still think that Ron dies. When she is naming the people for dinner, she mentions Harry, to apologize (she said that before, he has had a tough life with no living parents, people trying to kill him, etc ... no young child should have to deal with that type of pain). Then she mentions Ron and Hermione, then mentions the thing about having to be alive??? I think he will be a more likely canidate based on past incidents (like the chess board from SS). just my two cents.

What if Dumbledore had a horcrux and came back as a pheonix? J.K. said in the books that Voldemort, because of his horcruxes was not really living. She also said that the act of killing was evil, and not the actual making of the horcrux. Dumbledore did have a vast knowledge of the dark arts, and did, probably, kill before. (Grindlewald) I dont think that J.K. will make this part of the story though. I will stop hoping that Dumbledore will come back (as human or anything elso) unless J.K. says something to provoke such thoughts. Like she says, "The hero has to go on alone." I guess that this is it... No more Dumbledore. *sobbing*

ARRGH that Jo likes playing games doesnt she? "Dumbledore IS dead" - I TOLD you...well I'm not the only one but rly...it was obvious those "dumb"ledoreisnotdead shippers were putting up a hopeless argument. it was obvious by the portrait that he certainly was dead

Well, although this complicates things from what we originally thought, it's not that different. I mean, considering all the things Jo put Harry through (killing his parents, Sirius, & Dumbledore and putting a dark wizard after him) wouldn't you want to apologize, even if you didn't kill him? I would. So, I think basically we're at the same point where we don't know what will happen to Harry. Cuivienen's post earlier was really good I thought. She pointed out we don't really know about the trio and that she thought it seemed Ron would die. I thought the books always pointed that way too, which would be devastating, but not unexpected. However, the reprieves may have elminated that. Urgh, basically, we're still up in the air about major character deaths.

Why can't she tell us, if Hermione and Ron get together! We need to know about the whole romance thing!

Why can't she tell us, if Hermione and Ron get together! We need to know about the whole romance thing!

Wow! For Jo, this was a very revealing night! GO JO! Haha, I'm glad she said Dumbledore's dead, so people can stop arguing about that!

Tonks 289 made a really good statement about Snape. I also think that he made his final decission in the last book. Before that he worked indeed for both sites for his own purpose. This was for him a convenient way to secure that he would be on the side of the "winner". But when he was willing in the unbreakable vow with Narcissa he made his ultimative choice for the dark side. May be he thougt after the injury of Dumbledore´s hand that the headmaster had been becoming weak. So he finally switched on Voldemort´s side because he believed that Voldemort would win. There is no apologise for killing someone...

The shower seems to be the best place for ideas to spring up. It happens to me all the time too :) But anyway, I think everyone is missing something -very- important: Rowling just said that the trio lives.

I agree. Jo would appoligize for making Harry live with the Dursley's and live through all that death and destruction. Also having to relive his parents death by only finding out little pieces of info. at a time instead of just coming out and explaining everything at once. (Then again, there wouldnt be a book series, would there?)

If one of the trio dies, I'm gonna cry. Especially if it's ron since he's my fave character. I love the news, but I hate the fact that they keep reminding us thats it's the last. We always knew it, but now it's coming into reality. That it'll be OVER.

It seems to me that after everything Jo said on Night Two, the only thing we can be sure about is that Dumbledore is definitely dead. She flat-out said so. As far as the Trio goes, I don't think anyone should believe that Jo has definitely told us whther any of them live or die. Folks, remember that this is the Queen of Red Herrings we're talking about! Jo is a master(mistress?) at leading people down the wrong train of thought. She has done it repeatedly throughout the six books. My own opinion? I believe that Harry will die. It makes sense. He is a horcux; therefore, Voldemort cannot be totally destroyed if Harry lives. Besides, stories about tragic heroes have always been popular and he can't be a true tragic hero if he survives. Of course, I hope I'm totally wrong about his I think it stinks that Harry will die. I want so much for him to live! He has suffered so much. As far as Dumbledore is concerned, it made total sense to kill him off. Harry couldn't have Dumbledore's help at the end. The hero always has to go it alone. Still, I cried when I read that part in book six. I cried for Harry mostly.

Tonks 289 made a really good statement about Snape. I also think that he made his final decission in the last book. Before that he worked indeed for both sites for his own purpose. This was for him a convenient way to secure that he would be on the side of the "winner". But when he was willing in the unbreakable vow with Narcissa he made his ultimative choice for the dark side. May be he thougt after the injury of Dumbledore´s hand that the headmaster had been becoming weak. So he finally switched on Voldemort´s side because he believed that Voldemort would win. There is no apologise for killing a helpless old man...

I don't know why you guys are saying the trio will not die, becasue Jo didn't say anything about that. Wow! I wish I could have been there. Knowing Dumbledore's dead clears up alot of cunfusion and questions that I have constantly running through my head. I am so anxious about book seven, and I really hope Hagrid doesn't die because I will scream and cry for days, I love Hagrid. And if Harry dies I might as well jump off a cliff because my life is totaly over.

Hermione's going to go make out w/ someone else?? besides ron?? WHAT!! hermione definely won't sink to ron's level, would she? it says in the confirmed info. that she would! no! no, no, no, no! Hermione, Ron, get married, have eleven kids. no. Hermione! don't be stupid PLEASE. Ron lurvs you!! *breaks into uncontrollable sobs* ron... hermione... eleven kids....

Wierdgirl - lol, "Yes, we do know now that it's Ron and Hermione." I think it's pretty much settled.

wow! I'm soooo confused and excited right now! I'm not sure what she was trying to say at the last question. Was she saying that one of the trio would die, then she paused because she thought that she could only invite characters that will make it, then changed her mind, and that's why she went for Dumbledore (who died)? That's what it sounded like to me - Ron or Hermione would die. That was a little bit confusing. Is there a video somewhere? And I was quite upset that she didn't mention Ginny as a dinner quest. Also, if someone asks her again what her plans are after HP Book 7 I'm gonna kill myself. She answered that question a million times already! Come on people! But at least the rest of the questions were good.

HERMIONE snogs SOMEONE eLsE!!!!!!!!! Is anyone else totally disturbed by this peice of information?

cheep_wand where did you find out that hermione songs somewhere else????

Ironically enough, my name's Kate too; however, I didn't send that in... I still think Snape is evil. mwbashful18: Didn't that guy say that if Dumbledore is dead, it pretty much confirms that Snape is evil?

Yes... great news. I wonder if I've got the right to be just a little bit disappointed :-/. I mean I really hoped she would give us book 7 title. But, still, it sounds like it was really big, I wish I was there, and I hope that kind of event helps the associations like MSF.

Yussssss! The trio will livvvvvvveeeeeee!!! ...unless she's playing mind games will us *looks around shiftily*

greekmuggle- in the confirmed info. go and have a look see. can't miss it, it's at the top.

It depends on WHY Snape killed Dumbledore - now that we know he did indeed kill him.

i was there! it was amazing. and finally people can understand that dumbledore is dead for sure! joe said it herself...and i was there to hear it!

"joe" haha. oh gash. maybe hermione snogs Krum again?? Surely it can't be harry. although, after reading the fifth book i was an h/hr shipper, but heck, not after the sixth!! i mean, ron flat out says "I love you, Hermione," and for me, personally, that's proof enough!

That was an amazing night. I still can't believe it wasn't a dream, because it really is the kind of thing I dream about. I had a wonderful time. I was pretty much in heaven when Jo came onstage. It was just like...wow. I've been idolising this woman since kindergarten, and now, finally, I'm nearly in eighth grade, and here she is in the same room as me. I shed some tears for Dumbledore, of course, and I think she was right about anger being the next stage of grief. I was extremely tempted to scream "DUMBLEDORE IS DEAD!" at every person I passed on the walk back to the apartment to spoil it for them, and call my friend at eleven PM so I could wake her up and spoil it for her in one go, but my mom stopped me from doing both. I have to say one negative thing, though: it was horrible that people were taking flash photos during the performance. My mom had our camera in her handbag, not to take photos during the performance or anything, and it was taken away. (There was a camera in my handbag, too, but I didn't take a single photo.) Then, we had to wait for a long time after the performance to get our camera back. But throughout the whole reading, there were flashes going, and no one stopped the people from taking pictures. It was extremely distracting. I mean really, if you need pictures, wait for it to be on MSN and take screencaps. Anyway, it was wonderful, besides those people's disregard for other audience members. Thanks for making my dream come true, Jo.

ok- i give up. if no one cares about the future of r/hr, then, ya know, just... fine. be like that. stupidheads. Kindly point me to the nearest cliff.

"While taking a shower before the reading today, Jo said that she had come up with a different title for book seven that would work better than her current title. No word on which title will be used, though." Oh for crying out loud. I want to know!! And I knew Dumbledore was dead, it just makes it that much more depressing to actually know for a fact that he is. :'( And I wish I had been there...I can't do anything...

That's so cool!! She named the trio, then changed it after realizing who would be alive after book 7. It could mean that Hagrid lives, and one of the trio dies. Jo my dear, you are exhibiting more power than you know!

cheep_wand - thanks for the info. But she didn't specify whether the person is Ron or not. she didn't say "another person, other than Ron" she said "with another person" (and she had this look on her face like "you know who I mean") and I though that the "another person" was Ron.

oh gosh, thank you, i was going to freak out there for a second. haha.

Hey! But why does Mugglenet say this: "Hermione will see herself "closely entwined with another person [than Ron]"?? Seriously, the only 'ship I ever mentally confirmed to myself was R/Hr, because the obviousness of it is like a huge flashing sign. But now...?

colourmeconfused, i honestly think that's a mistake. jkr never said "other than ron" in her interveiw thing. oh gosh, i hope ron and hermione don't go snogging everywhere in public, like won-won and lavender. ahahahah.

thank you jk everyone should stop arguing if jk rowling said dumbledore dead he is dead and also i bet a lot of people dont agree with me but i think snape is defitly evil because anyone who kills dumbledore is evil i think he should go to azkaban.

wow! Don't know what to make of the last bit! But, gosh, Dumbledore dead! I didn't really have a theory on it, I was in two minds but its nice to finally know the truth! Really excited about this Aunt Petunia business, I can't wait for book 7 now! Gosh *excited* x

I wish I could have been there I would have gone but I had to visit Macedonia but this is such big news and its so cool! I guess this means that the trio lives! Me and my school secritary were talking about Dumbledore's death and Snape being evil my opion was is still unsure about snape but Dumbledore I insisted was dead since he fell out of a tower even if that wasnt Avada Kedavra she thought the opposite that Dumbledore was alive as for Snape she thought he was good we just have to wait and see ;)

Dumbledore being dead does not affect the theory. Him being dead means he can come back to life, like a phoenix. Strictly speaking Gandalf did not die, so dumbledore being dead does not mean he can't do a gandalf. Dumbledore will return. JKR worded that very well.

hmmm well, i don't think it implies that Hagrid dies... I think it implies that the trio will live! maybe Hagrid will die, but if she paused after she named the trio (that must mean that she knew they would live b/c she listed their names off so fast) then that's a good sign that none of them die! :)

While Jo is listing the characters who she'd invite to dinner, she names the trio but then pauses. The crowd begins to shout out other characters, but Jo responds, "I'm the only one who knows who lives through the series," accidentally implying that she could only list characters who make it through the final book. Her final two choices (after realizing what she said) were Dumbledore and Hagrid. That's a biggie!!!!!!!! It could mean that hagrid lives through the series!!!! I sooooo wish I could have been there!!!

Whoaaaaa this is good stuff. WHERE IS THE TRANSCRIPT!!!!!! Anybody? Please? I'm desparate. The wording of her statements makes all the difference. And what exactly did Salman Rushdie say?

Gyffindor_Lioness: i'm sorry, but i HIGHLY doubt dumbledore would EVER use dark magic just to make himself immortal. i think this rumor has allready been debunked. it should be, seeing as how jkr herself just said he's actually dead. and if you have made horcruxes and one of them is destroyed, then you are still definitely alive... i can't believe i'm even having to explain this. just think about it, seriously. you have to KILL someone in order to make a horcrux. i highly doubt dumbledore would have done such a thing. sorry for the double post :)

Err guys dosen't him not pulling a Gandalf mean he won't come back at all... I think it kind of includes ghost and puts down the theory of him having a horcrux or coming back as a pheonix. Which i never thought he had a horcrux because that would be so out of character. Even though he won't be pulling a gandalf he may have left something behined and theres still the portrait.

So the trio might live? Weak.