I think she has to kill at least one of the DA. Really, I doubt it will be Ron or Herminone, and I hope it's not Neville, because the Universe owes that boy a break.

I have to say, I just can't imagine the premiere franchise in kid-lit killing off its Hero and scaring all the kiddies. Won't somebody think of all the crying children? I do think Book Seven will be dark and that a terrible price will be paid, but I'm willing to bet the rent money (in an imaginary way) that Harry will get to walk offstage and continue.

And who said anything about a meaningless death?

I think there's a difference between a meaningless story and a meaningless death. I understood Cindy to mean that while Harry could die in a dramatic or sacrificial or whatever way, that death could also render the whole story meaningless.

I'm not sure I agree completely, but it's possible.

I want Harry to spend a few years chasing down evil, then take over as headmaster of Hogwarts. Not gonna happen, but that is my wish.

Well, he does want to be an Auror. It's his calling!

Although it would be funny if he defeated Voldemort, all evil was vanquished, and there was no more need for Aurors. So he sells hot dogs.

Forget chasing down evil--I want him to have fun for a change! Maybe professional Quidditch player. Then he can be the first multi-year DADA professor since Tom Riddle cursed the position, and eventually become Headmaster.

How would you make sense of the narrative?

I can't answer the question. I'd make sense of the narrative because I see no intrinsic disconnect between the narrative to date and Harry dying to save the world. There wouldn't have to be any heavy lifting on my part.

I have a secret wish for Harry to end up starring in "Welcome Back, Potter" and teaching at Hogwarts. That plot tickled me on SNL.

Aw, yeah.

This whole discussion reminds me of the LJ entry in which someone speculated on the possiblity of death on each of the major character. Let me see if I can find the link.

Ahh, found it. [link]

I agree with her, for the most parts. I don't think Harry will die, but I wouldn't be surprised if JKR went there, and I would find it narratively-satisfying, depending on how she handles it. I've also read a theory that a triumph over Voldermort would rob Harry of his magic, and for some reason, that possibility saddens me more than Harry's death.

I think Snape is most certainly dead, must as I love the nasty bastard. My other picks would be Ron and/or Neville. I don't think JKR would kill Hermione, which would be like Joss killing Xander or Wash and... oh, wait a minute...

I don't think I could handle one of the twins dying.