Englaroma I am hoping its one of those pop up books. You know shake fluffy bunnies paw, rub fluffy bunnies belly..... Push the crazy cart lady's bags.

Sorry for the double post.

I think if were going to quote book 7 interviews we need a spoiler warning. I have been trying to not read the interviews, personally.

I hope this doesnt come accross as rude, I certaintly didn't mean it that way.

*dons Mod hat* Um, yes, spoiler warnings please. *takes off mod hat*

I'm trying not to read anything about it if I can.

Ooops ... sorry. Unintentional. Shall I edit it out?

~AC

Why don't you colour the type white and tell people to highlight if they want to read it AC, I think that's a good compromise.

Done. I don't think that put me over the word count either. I'm pretty sure that last one was a few short of 600.

Wow! I finally made my way through the debate. Very impassioned on both sides!

AC, I think Rowlings reaction reflects her sadness at the realization that her work of 10+ years is finished and will no longer be that beloved companion that she has had with her for so long or perhaps its like that moment when a child leaves home to start their own life. It's a bitter sweet moment for her. I don't think it reflected anything specific about the story.

Anyway, the debate . . .

It seems that much of the debate focuses on whether Harry is magically strong enough to defeat Voldemort, as if they will have a duel to the death. Is this really what Rowling envisions for the climax of her story? My impression has always been that she has avoided making Harry the typical super powered prodigy who smites the evil doers.

Of course, Rowling has conceived of a way by which Harry can defeat Voldemort and she has given us clues to what this might be, some of which have been cited in the debate. I'm speaking of the 'magic which Voldemort knows not' and the fact that Harry has this power in abundance if he can only use it. This strikes me as a matter of learning and exploiting Voldemorts Achilles Heel, a task which is difficult because you have to survive long enough and get close enough to strike the fatal blow against an otherwise more powerful opponent.

I like the parts of the debate that address whether Harry is ready to accomplish a task such as this rather than whether he will be able to defeat the 'Dark Lord' in a duel to the death. The questions and answers that point out how Harry is ready or not ready to fulfill Rowlings narrative thread and how Voldemort might be able to circumvent his apparent destiny and emerge victorious are the most interesting.

I think it would be interesting to see more thematic arguments. There are so many disconnected bits of canon cited and I think they are often taken out of their intended context, given meaning they are not meant to have. Instead take Rowlings threads and see where they are leading us.

So, I say go ahead and speculate about the last book. Imagine the tasks ahead of Harry and what he will need to do. The horcruxes, the DE's, LV's terrible allies, the Dark Lord himself.

If he is ready, how will he use his resources to over come the obstacles and defeat Voldemort.

If not, where might he fail, what tasks/obstacles could trip him up. What could happen that would enable Voldemort to thwart his destiny?

Great points scored on both sides and it's only 7 nights untill we will finally know.

Hum

Debaters, today is your last day to get in your final posts.

Captains, you or a designated team member must post your team's final summation argument by midnight July 15 (ie. tomorrow!). Once each team's summations have been posted the debate will be closed meaning no other posts will be accepted after summations. The vote poll will be posted once the debate thread has been locked.

Good luck everyone!

Last chance for the peanut gallery, as well!

Is ready side:

Does Harry have the will to face the challenges ahead? How will this be important?
How will Harry's talents, magical or otherwise, enable him to complete his tasks, vanquish Voldemort and save the day.
He has friends and allies who are ready to help him. Who are they and what do they bring to the fight.
Sacrifices must be made if victory is to be had - will his fear of his friends being hurt or killed prevent him from doing what must be done?
Will Harry accept help from unlikely allies - Snape, Wormtail, the Ministry?

Isn't ready side:

Harry has his flaws and weaknesses. Will his rashness bring disaster?
Will Harrys modest magical talents cause him to fail in his horcrux hunt, preventing him from ever being able to face the 'Dark Lord'.
He pushes his friends away and keeps secrets from his allies. Will this spell doom for him and the forces of good?
Sacrifices must be made if victory is to be had - will his fear of his friends being hurt or killed prevent him from doing what must be done?
Will Harry throw away potential allies because he can not overcome his own emotions - Snape, Wormtail, the Ministry?

I'm dying to know and can't wait a day longer!

Pen or Canute, can the summations be longer than the 600 wrd limit? Thanks!

Ooh, sorry about that! Yes they can, but please no longer than 1,000 words.

Good to know ... Thanks.

My only question is, will the debate poll include Fluffy Bunny?

Well ... there you have it. I'm very tired ... some of you know why ...

Thanks to everyone who followed the debate, and who vote ... either way, can't wait for the results!

My thanks to Canute and Pen. Your hard work is always inspiring.

My thanks to all of the girls in chat last night who pulled me through a tough time.

My thanks to "Team Baddies" ... you pushed us hard!

Special thanks to "The Green Machine". You guys rock. It was nice to work with all of you.

Go Green!!!!!!