With the release of the seventh and final installment in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, mere days away, the MuggleNet staff is going on the record with their theories on some core issues. It shall be interesting to look back and see who was right - but knowing Jo, who surprises us in each book, most of us will be wrong!

Emerson

Who will die? NOT HARRY NOT HARRY NOT HARRY NOT HARRY NOT HARRY NOT HARRY... and also not Ron or Hermione. Bad guys: Wormtail (after repaying his life debt to Harry), Bellatrix, lots of Death Eaters... I'm not sure whether Voldemort will die, or suffer some fate worse than death. Good guys: This is much more difficult, because there isn't a whole lot of evidence to suggest any of them individually. Except Snape. YES, Snape. I think Snape will sacrifice himself to save Harry. I would say Hagrid and Lupin both have higher-than-average odds of dying... and I think the laws of probability indicate that a Weasley will die. Think about it, there are a lot of them, and they're all on the front lines of the war. But it won't be Ginny, because she has babies to make with Harry. Or Fred or George, because they're too funny. And Ron won't die, because... I said so. Bill already had his near-death experience in HBP. So it's down to Arthur, Molly, and Charlie. But I don't think Charlie's death would serve any purpose... so it's between the parents. Sad face.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? Yes - Jo has been clear about this: 7 books, 7 years at Hogwarts. Hogwarts will re-open, and Harry will graduate on time, with the rest of his classmates. Hogwarts is his home.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? Harry and Ginny will get married and make sweet love every day until they die, and so will Ron and Hermione. I've been, erm, somewhat vocal about this opinion of mine in the past.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? Deathly means relating to death. To hallow something means to make it holy, or sacred. Horcruxes are created by committing murder and splitting one's soul. I see a connection there.

Is Snape good/bad/neither? Well... he's batting for the right team, but he's still a stupid jerk who needs a good smacking from Hermione.

Is Harry a Horcrux? Ben and I have been on the road all summer making this claim in the face of hostile, skeptical crowds, and we stick by it. Harry is a Horcrux.

General comments on the series coming to a close. Okay, deep breath. I'm going to try not to get too sappy here, but I've been running MuggleNet since I was 12 - over 8 and a half years now - so Harry Potter has quite obviously been a huge - HUGE - part of my life. I feel incredibly privileged to have met so many of you, and heard your stories. I hope you'll continue to be a member of the MuggleNet community even after Book 7 is released this Friday. We may have less to speculate about, but look at what we still have to look forward to: two movies, a theme park, and possibly another book from Jo! (She has indicated that she would consider writing a reader's guide/encyclopedia. At her house in Scotland she has huge crates full of journals containing plots and character back story she didn't have room for in the books.) I would also strongly encourage you to give HP fan fiction a try - there are some brilliant authors out there who write wonderful stories. Bottom line: MuggleNet will always be a place for Harry Potter fans to connect. Thank you for all the support you've given over the years, and I hope MuggleNet helped you get you through the wait for Deathly Hallows! ENJOY THE BOOK!! THANKS, JO!!

Who will die? Aside from the deaths of background characters to add to the "war" mood, I believe several main characters will die. Up until a few days ago, when Jo made a comment about fans either loathing or loving the book, I had believed Harry would survive after finishing Voldemort off. Now I'm not so sure, but I'm pretty certain Voldemort will die along with a bunch of his Death Eaters, namely Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy. On the good side, I don't think it will be Ron or Hermione but possibly one or more of Harry's classmates, and Lupin... then some other less important Order members thrown in for good measure.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? I'm guessing it will re-open based on absolutely no evidence. Yes, Jo said that one of Harry's classmates will become a teacher, but Hogwarts could re-open later than Book 7. If it does re-open, however, I think he'll return. It's a safe place, and if he doesn't return for schooling, then possibly to find a Horcrux or to seek advice from Dumbledore's portrait.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? Harry and Ginny will get back together, though not initially. Hermione and Ron will properly become a couple. Bill and Fleur will marry. Lupin and Tonks will stick together. Hagrid and Maxime will get together, assuming they both survive; not too sure - Hagrid's become a little expendable in my mind, yet his death would invoke veritable sadness among fans. No other potential couples spring to mind, and more than this would be overdoing it, I think.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? I have no doubt that these refer to items/spirits/people beyond the veil in the Department of Mysteries. Or the Horcruxes. Further than that, I have no clue.

Is Snape good/bad/neither? Definitely good. I must admit, however, that I would LOVE if he turned out to be evil because so many optimistic, happy, cheerful people are really expecting him to redeem himself (in the eyes of those who believe him a traitor, that is), and wouldn't it be fun to crush all their hopes?

General comments on the series coming to a close. I'll be very, very sad. For the past eight years, Harry Potter has been an immense part of my life. It's proved an excellent escape at times and is really just incredible reading. I've read the books more than fifteen times each, and I've been able to do that because I don't know how the story will end... but that won't be the case after Deathly Hallows. It'll be tough, but I can only look on the bright side: I got to be part of the biggest literature phenomenon in history. Seriously, thanks so much, Jo.

Jerry

Who will die? Well, at the very least I would expect Voldemort to die, this would be a fitting conclusion and fit standard conventions regarding the triumph of good over evil. I would also suspect that a lesser order member such as Kingsley Shacklebolt to be killed, as a member of the Order has to die in my opinion, but it would be far easier to kill off a lesser character.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? Yes, I think so. For how long is debatable however. I think that Jo has set up so many characters in the students that it would be a pity them not to crop up in this last installation. Many people such as Hagrid have made a commitment to stay at Hogwarts and I think that at the very least a fleeting visit will be made to reconnect with certain characters.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? Well.. the very obvious one is that Ron and Hermione will get together, they must do, it's a trail that's been detailed for a long time. I would like to think that Bill and Fleur's wedding will go smoothly, but I have to envision the possibility that there might be some kind of attack. I would also like to have some kind of faith that Harry and Ginny's attraction will overcome his need to be a lone hero and to selflessly keep her from harm.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? To me Deathly Hallows has always sounded very much like a location rather than objects, though I still think it's very much a mystery. There have been many interesting theories on what they are and I'm really now sure which can be discounted. I guess it's plausible that they could refer to the Horcrux themselves and describe the deadly nature of the tasks required to access them.

Is Snape good/bad/neither? I'm of the opinion that he's bad. I know many people will hold out hope and that's fine, but I think that Dumbledore himself declares that he can make mistakes and I think that this is the case. Of course, they are arguments for him being good, he could have killed Harry when he faced him in the grounds after killing Dumbledore. I think that Jo has woven a good mystery in this and I look forward to finding out the truth.

General comments on the series coming to a close. It's obviously quite sad, something that I've lived with since my early teens and enjoyed very much is now coming to an end. When the ends are cleared up, it's depressing to think that there will be nothing left to find out, no more mysteries. On the other hand, I look forward to the warm feeling of walking this path and reaching the end.

Who will die? Harry and Hagrid. Though, I can easily imagine Ginny going out a hero and pushing Harry where he needs to be physically and mentally in order to defeat Voldemort.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? He has to. Does he expect to sleep in a tent while looking for Horcruxes? Also, he can't deny it as a source of invaluable information.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? Nothing like romance amongst death and destruction... I'm hoping that the beauty of platonic relationship doesn't get overshadowed by the numerous couples there's bound to be.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? I think along the lines of "deadlike saints." I think it's referring to people, or perhaps their memory. For the book I think Harry is going to learn much more about death, and perhaps it'll be revealed that there's a heaven. Come on, how can Dumbledore and Voldemort have the same afterlife?

Is Snape good/bad/neither? I trust Severus Snape.

General comments on the series coming to a close. I think people are going to stop writing editorials, leaving me out of a job, but Harry Potter discussion will never die. Thanks Rowling, it was a blast.

Who will die? Voldemort, Harry, and Snape, in terms of major characters. Even though Harry's death will be sad, he will know that he has to sacrifice himself for the good of the wizarding world.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? Yes, but, as everyone says, it won't be for school, only for something pertaining to the Horcruxes. School is the least of Harry's worries, but Hogwarts is a safe haven for Harry and he will use it to his advantage.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? Hermione and Ron will get together once the war is over. It's sad that it will be so late, but I don't think there's time during the war for the relationship to be fully established. Relationships will be important in this book, but not to the extent that it will show new relationships developing.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? Well, I always thought they were objects. I stand by my opinion that they are the Horcruxes, especially since one of the translations is "Relics of Death."

Is Snape good/bad/neither? Because I trust Dumbledore, I trust Snape. I also think there is way too much evidence to suggest that he is a good guy.

General comments on the series coming to a close .I first read Sorcerer's Stone when I was seven and in need of an escape from the world. Now that the series is coming to a close, a chapter in my life will be closed as well. It's depressing to think about that, but I know the fandom will never die. J.K. Rowling has taught me the values I employ today, and I am eternally grateful for it. Thanks for making a positive change in my life, Ms. Rowling.

Who will die? Quite a few characters and hopefully, Voldemort. I always expected Hagrid to die because he's one of the main adult figures in Harry's wizarding life so maybe he will in this book - I'm not sure how he'll cope without Dumbledore. I'm also a believer of the theory that if any of the trio dies, it will be Ron.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? I think he'll return but I can't see it being for school. I hope he returns anyway, because I'd like to see all the students for just one last time.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? Well, Ginny will stick by Harry no matter how much he protests and Hermione and Ron will get even closer, until Ron dies that is.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? I think it's a reference to the people who died in order for Voldemort to create his Horcruxes.

Is Snape good/bad/neither? Dumbledore trusted Snape, so I will too. I think what Sirius said in OOTP about people not simply being split up into good and bad is relevant here too.

General comments on the series coming to a close. It's going to be strange knowing that the story has ended there and that there are no more books left, but the discussions definitely won't end. I've grown up with Harry so obviously it's sad that it's coming to a close, but I'm trying not to let my sadness for the end overshadow my excitement over the new book.

Who will die? Voldemort, obviously, and I'm still convinced that none of the trio will. Micah made a good point to me the other week that since Jo said two characters are dying in place of one who got a reprieve, this could suggest that the two characters are a pair, like Fred and George Weasley, so I'm going to predict those two.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? At a push I'd say yes but only since it is the safest place in which he can stay, though he has bigger things to worry about than finishing off Potions essays and the like.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? As a strictly-canon person I think we'll finally see Ron and Hermione paired off. Harry and Ginny will also get back together towards the end of the book (and, in the future, have seven red-headed children).

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? Quite simply the Horcruxes since, as Rosey said, this roughly means "Relics of Death." A person has to be killed to create a Horcrux, and a piece of the killer's soul is encased in one, and either of these ideas would fit in with the translation.

Is Snape good/bad/neither? Good. I can't see Jo double-bluffing with this one and, as Lupin so nicely put it, "It comes down to whether or not you trust Dumbledore’s judgment. I do; therefore, I trust Severus."

General comments on the series coming to a close. It's almost ten years since I first read Philosopher's Stone and for as long as I can remember I have been anticipating the next book. Knowing that we have reached a definite end will be strange, although it will be great to finally have our questions answered. And, there's always hope for Hogwarts, A History.

Who will die? Although he's my favorite character and I absolutely hate to say it, I have always thought that before the series was over Ron would be dead. I can't really explain why, but I just feel like if any of the trio is killed - it will be Ron; though the death won't be in vain. I also think Voldemort will die because, of course, good always prevails over evil. That doesn't necessarily mean Harry will live though..

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? He'll go back to Hogwarts for something, but it definitely won't be for schooling. As everyone else said, Harry's got much bigger things to worry about. I'll definitely miss Hogwarts though - and he could perhaps spend a lot of time there since it is one of the safest places for him to be.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? If Ron makes it to the end of the war, he and Hermione will finally be together. It kind of makes me sad that we never got to see them find happiness together in the other books - but at least we all know that R/Hr is what JK always wanted. I also think Ginny will refuse to leave Harry's side and he'll finally realize how important she is to him.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? I always thought the title referred to objects..particularly due to the translations. But I have a bad habit of being completely off in my predictions..=P

Is Snape good/bad/neither? Dumbledore wouldn't just hand his trust out to anyone. He had his reasons for trusting Snape and if it's good enough for Dumbledore - it's good enough for me.

General comments on the series coming to a close. I first read Sorcerer's Stone when I was only 8 years old and I've literally grown up with Harry and the gang. It's definitely going to be a bittersweet feeling. I've waited so long to be able to know the entire story - but knowing that I will never be able to enjoy cracking the latest Potter book open for the first time makes me sad. I really don't want this chapter of my life to come to an end. It's been a great ride, I've met so many amazing people, had so many wonderful experiences, and I know there are many more years of obsessiveness to come. Thank you, Jo!

Who will die? I would like to think that Voldemort will get what he deserves, so either death or a fate much worse than death. I think the trio will make it through the end of the series alive. If one were to die however, I think Ron is likely, and since Jo's comment about Harry's journey coming to a clear end and how some people may not like the book, possibly Harry. JK Rowling said that more than two will die and I think that Wormtail will be one of these, sacrificing himself to repay his debt to Harry. Depending on which side he is really on, Snape is also a possibility. Other people likely to die include Death Eaters, Bellatrix and Lucius.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? I don't think that we have seen the last of Hogwarts, especially if we want to see some of the characters one last time. I think that Hogwarts will offer Harry both protection and information to aide him on his Horcrux hunt.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? I think Ron and Hermione will grow closer to each other and hopefully finish the series both happy and together. I don't think the same can be said for Ginny and Harry. I think Harry needs to go it alone and detach himself from that which he loves, so they don't get hurt along the way. Ginny won't accept this though and will insist on staying by his side. If shippers get their way then we may also see Lupin and Tonks together following on from the end of HBP.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? I originally thought 'Deathly Hallows' referred to a place. But since the translation is 'Relics of Death' then it seems likely to be a name for the objects/Horcruxes.

Is Snape good/bad/neither? We can't simply say whether he is good or bad. Instead we should be predicting which side he will be on at the end. Whilst even Dumbeldore gets things wrong, I would like to think that he was a good judge of character. Like Dumbledore, I trust Snape. Let's hope it's not the case of 'once a death eater, always a death eater'.

General comments on the series coming to a close. After years of reading, theorising, re-reading, debating, re-re-reading and discussing we have finally reached our destination and wow, what a ride it has been! Like many, I have literally grown up with this series and I will definitely feel like a part of me has gone. But, let's look not mournfully at the past but with contentment, for the Harry Potter books have provided us with some wonderful memories. This revolution in children's literature which Jo initiated will be talked about for years to come. Thank you Jo, for everything!

Who will die? Well, we all know Voldemort will die, whether he is "vanquished" or suffers a fate much worse than death. As for the other characters, anything goes, but I'm willing to guess one or more of the Weasleys will die, as will one or more of the Order, like Moody or Lupin. Oh, and Lucius Malfoy is going down. Harry will live a long and happy life. With Ginny. The end.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? I think he'll have to come back for something related to the Horcruxes; either a Horcrux itself, or information leading to locating or destroying one. However I'm pretty sure lessons are delayed.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? Bill and Fleur will obviously wed, though I suspect their wedding may be interrupted by the Death Eaters. Tonks and Lupin will have mended things and be happy and Metamorphosing. I think Ginny will somehow find a way to help (and thus be with) Harry, despite his need to be all noble. Ron and Hermione will finally get together, and I'm almost certain it will be awkward and sweet and SEVEN BOOKS IN THE MAKING. I also want Neville and Luna to fall hopelessly and weirdly in love.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? I really have no idea, though I like the theory that they refer to sacred spirits and whatnot.

Is Snape good/bad/neither? He's definitely been a bad boy, no matter how you slice it, but I'm certain he'll redeem himself and help Harry in the end.

General comments on the series coming to a close. I'm definitely sad I won't have anymore editorials to read, anymore theories to pick apart, anymore midnight releases to attend. But I think Jo is going out on a high note. This is the best time the series could have ended, so it's great she planned it that way. This has been one of the most exciting times in my literary life and I will miss it more than anything.

Who will die? Voldemort, obviously. And I think Percy Weasley may try to redeem himself and end up a casualty (there are too many Weasleys for them all to survive), along with Snape (see question 5).

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? Of course he's going back. Dumbledore's portrait is there, and Harry will want to talk to him. That, and I see this final book as going back to the places where it all started with the three that started it.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? Ron and Hermione for sure, and probably Harry and Ginny. But I don't think that's going to be a big part of this book. The core of this book is going to be Harry's quest to find and destroy the Horcruxes, and the final battle between good and evil.

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? All the books start with 'Harry Potter and the ... Sorcerer's (Philosopher's) Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, etc - you get what I mean. These are all things; places, people, objects. So, to follow suit, Deathly Hallows should refer to some sort of place although the word 'hallow' is a transitive verb, not a noun. The other thing I see here is that whatever finally happens could occur on Halloween - All Hallows Eve. JKR has used Halloween throughout the HP series, and (stole this from Wikipedia) 'Halloween is one of the liminal times of the year when spirits can make contact with the physical world and when magic is most potent.'

Is Snape good/bad/neither? Snape is arrogant, cold, condescending, vindictive, and a highly skilled wizard. And I love this character! Yes, he's made Harry's life miserable. But for a reason? Mrs. Figg had to keep Harry at a distance so she could do her job to watch him. I get the feeling Snape may be doing the same type of thing. I sense some sort of anguish in him that probably had to do with Lily Potter. I do think he's definitely Dumbledore's man. And I think he will die in the end, protecting Harry.

General comments on the series coming to a close. I am still in disbelief. I will read the final book and still not accept it. I know I will never be able to close Harry's world out of my mind. It has been part of my life for so long now, and I don't want to let it go. There are so many unanswered questions - will JKR get them all? I don't know how. That book would have to be thousands of pages long. And as long as there are still questions and theories and those of us here to discuss them, Harry's world will live on no matter how the final book ends.

Who will die? Well - Voldemort will probably die, however, it'd be nice to see him finally realize and experience what Dumbledore means when he says, "- your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness." Among the other doomed are: at least one Weasley, either Hagrid or Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Lucius Malfoy, and maybe a few more Muggles. Harry will live "happily ever after."

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? Yes. He'll need something from the school; maybe he'll chat with Dumbledore's portrait, retrieve the Pensieve, or look around for a bit of Voldemort's soul. A normal Year 7 is probably out of the question.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? Ron and Hermione will get closer, but without making the situation between the trio awkward. Harry and Ginny will get back together and eventually get married and have little red-headed, green-eyed babies. Lupin and Tonks will be together and happy about it - finally. Neville may find his soulmate in Luna and be inexplicably attracted to her radish-earrings and butterbeer cork necklace. Bill and Fleur will be their own version of "Beauty and the Beast."

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? Honestly, I really don't know. I don't think it's a reference to the actual Horcruxes though. My guess is that it's some kind of place.

Is Snape good/bad/neither? He's both. He's a pretty evil guy with some serious psychological problems, but he'll end up doing the right thing in the end and be vital to Harry's success.

General comments on the series coming to a close. JKR has carved out an amazing niche in literary history. I feel privileged to have been a part of it, not only as a fan, but working for MuggleNet as well. I've been through the excitement of releases, and the sadness of beloved characters' deaths. It's been a fun ride and like all fun rides, it just has to end. While delighted to finally see the masterpiece Jo's crafted in its entirety, I'm also disappointed that there won't be any more book release parties to go to, or big mysteries about which we can all speculate and debate, which also means no more editorials to edit. So - like most people, I have many mixed emotions all at once. All in all though, I wouldn't trade the experience for the world.

Who will die? Snape. After all is said and done, I think Snape is a good guy and I really think that after Voldemort's he has little to live for. Although, I do think the idea of everyone being nice to Snape afterwards is a hilarious thought. I can just see Snape trying to be mean and bitter and just everyone else laughing at him and calling him "Old Softie." Also, Peter Pettigrew still has a great debt to repay. I vote him off too. Voldmort's also gone. I really don't see Harry dying, but it's not something I completely rule out.

Will Harry return to Hogwarts? I think he has to. I mean, the Hogwarts library has a wealth of information at his fingertips. Although, I don't think he will make it his headquarters, so to speak. It's too obvious and he doesn't want to risk endangering others when everyone knows where his base is. I'm partial to the idea that he'll rent an apartment in the Muggle world, the last place Voldy will expect.

How will the various relationships unfold/begin? I personally don't feel the relationships are as big as people make them out to be, but I'll give my input. Harry's much too determined, focused and busy to worry about girls right now, so I don't think there's going to be much going on for him. That being said, I think there will be a few references throughout the book dealing with it. Ron and Hermione will finally get together and stay together. As for everyone else, who's to say?

To what does "Deathly Hallows" refer? A tough question, and I don't think we'll really know the answer to this one until the book comes out, but I think when Harry searches for how to destroy a Horcrux, a book might refer to them as deathly hallows or something along those lines.

Is Snape good/bad/neither? I think Snape is good, but I think he pretends to be neither. He's loyal to Dumbledore (still) for some reason, and he might try to convince himself he's only doing it for himself, but everyone will know he's really good by the end.

General comments on the series coming to a close. It's weird. That's really the only way to put it right now. The days have been counting down since we got the release date, and it's so hard to believe time has slipped by so fast. Harry Potter has played such a huge part of my life in the past years and it will be odd to not be looking forward to a new book. There's so much to wrap up, however, that I think that theories will still fly to and fro because I don't think every little thing will be covered in DH. So there's that, and the movies, of course. There's just going to be a hole in my life a little bit.

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