Six, Five Before Seven

Two weeks ago I published my predictions for the final Harry Potter book, which is now only five days from release - can it really be that soon?!? Tonight, for what will certainly be my last HP-related post before book seven arrives, I move from expectation to aspiration, from guess to want. There's a big difference of course, as any sports fan readily understands; e.g., I very much hope the Washington Nationals will make the World Series this year, but certainly don't much expect it.

So along those lines, here are my final magical wishes, a half-dozen scenes that I'd very much have liked Rowling to have included somewhere in the series. (A couple of these were referenced in an earlier post):

1) A meeting between the Dursleys and the Grangers. It would be very neat to see how Vernon and Petunia would react to professional, well-to-do, non-magical parents, who far from being ashamed of that their child is a Wizard, are happy and proud of her.

2) On a somewhat related note, how about a support group for Muggle parents and siblings of magical children, led by volunteers from the Ministry of Muggle Affairs? I'm picturing a hilarious parody of group therapy. "...and how did it make you feel when Billy turned your new baseball mitt into a giant spider?"

3) A Slytherin student who is a neither sadistic, malevolent, dishonest, racist, nor the child/relative of a Death Eater. One who, in fact, wholeheartedly supports the good side in the war against Voldemort, yet remains fiercely loyal to his own house's history and style.

4) The discovery that Dolores Umbridge is part goblin, thus explaining her overwhelming need to debase, and thus distance herself from, other "half-breeds". I almost put this in my predictions post, but decided it's just too unlikely. Love to see her "outed", though.

5) An explanation of how owls can locate anybody, even people whom the most skilled Aurors in the magical community can't find; e.g., Sirius Black in book 4. Why didn't they just send him an owl, and then follow it on their brooms?

6) A Jewish, religiously observant Hogwarts student - or any Wizard for that matter. Imagine the questions! Can "Incendio" be used to light Chanukah candles? Can you Apparate to shul on Shabbos? Where do you get kosher-certified ingredients for potions?

Got a wish list of your own? Last chance!