I'm quite sure that you readers are aware of the statement JKR made in reference to character deaths in the final book, so it should come as no surprise that there will be two major character deaths. I would first like to point out the obvious fact that Voldemort or Harry will be one of the two characters that will die. Less obvious, however, is which of the two it will be.
There has been a theory circulating that Harry and Voldemort will
both die; Harry's scar will be the final Horcrux and therefore Harry himself would have to be destroyed in order to kill Voldemort. To this theory, I say pish-posh! Most of the book would be a build-up to that one moment when Harry and Voldemort simultaneously die. I mean, it would be as if all of the major action would be taking place at that one moment! The theory makes sense plotwise but it would be illogical to arrange the final book in such a way that everything is built up, built up, built up, and then... splat. The ending falls flat with both Harry and Voldemort dying, a predictable ending that would, in my opinion, ruin the entire book.
The second theory people seem to be throwing around is that Voldemort will die. While I wouldn't enjoy this ending, it is more plausible than the aforementioned "Double Death" idea. However, I find that this ending would be too cheesy and cliche; the hero would save the day and the world would be perfect again! I say pish-posh to this theory as well.
So that leaves the idea that Harry will be the unlucky joe. I love this idea. First, if Harry dies, that means JKR cannot write any more HP books, which she has already said she not do. Second, Harry's death would, in it's wake, leave the wizarding world in turmoil, offering the readers one final question: What will happen now? It's the ultimate cliffhanger, the climactic apex of the entire series... It's pure genius!
Of course, there are always the dissenters to the idea of Harry's death, usually pointing out that it would be "too easy" to kill off Harry.
Well, to all of you nay-sayers, I will say, for once and for all, pish-posh! From any one of the three perspectives, the other two theories appear to be "too easy" or "predictable." You have to think of it from the writer's point of view: What ending would be the most appropriate (not in terms of being PG-rated, but rather in terms of finishing the book in a way that would satisfy the previous six novels and keep the readers on edge)?
Therefore Harry is my prime choice for one of the deaths in the final book.
Next up: Contenders for second character death!
