**By Matt K.**The following is an observation that confirms many of the theories previously discussed on this site.
Everyone who has read the American editions of the Harry Potter books probably has observed that the phrase "Harry Potter" on each book cover is in a different color. Of course the color of the phrase usually coordinates with the cover art and serves as a flashy, uniform icon of the series. However, the color on each book may have deeper meaning. Each color perceivable by the eye has its own psychology and evokes certain emotions and connotations from the human mind and senses. When analyzed, the color on each book can be interpreted to reflect the content and happenings of the plot. By examining the colors of the six currently published works, insight may be revealed about the seventh and final book.
-Sorcerer's Stone (
Gold): Gold is the color of riches and extravagance. This can relate to the Sorcerer's Stone and Elixir of Life and the immortality Voldemort seeks behind them. "Riches" can be interpreted as power-especially to a vicious murderer like Voldemort-which is exactly what is Voldemort's ultimate goal with immortality. Yellow, cousin to the color gold, also contributes to a deeper meaning. Yellow evokes happiness and joy, which are represented in Harry learning of his destiny in the wizarding world and his true love Quidditch (the Golden Snitch). On the other hand, yellow also denotes cowardice and deceit, which was obviously embodied in Professor Quirrell who hides Voldemort on the back of his head throughout the book and is known for his nervousness and twitching.
-Chamber of Secrets (Silver): The color silver itself is difficult-almost impossible-to directly relate to the book. It is the color of modernism, but that theory almost contradicts Hogwarts old reputation of tradition. Perhaps it suggests the radical ideas of Salazar Slytherin and his quest to rid the school of Muggle-borns. The color white, on the other hand, similar to silver, does a better job. White is the color of purity and cleanliness, which can be interpreted in two ways. First of all, purity and cleanliness describe Salazar Slytherin's attempt to purge the school of muggle borns. Purity and cleanliness also reflect the theme of the concept of Pure-Bloods as pure and good...in some people's eyes.
-Prisoner of Azkaban (
Green): Green is the color of life and renewal, which for a brief period describes Sirius Black when he believes himself to be a free man, cleared of the charges of which he was wrongly convicted. Green is also the color of envy or jealousy, which can describe Snape. In the third book, the fact surfaces that Sirius and James made fun of Snape in their Hogwarts days and that Snape always wanted to be like them. They never accepted him, so he would therefore be jealous of them for being what he wanted to be but never could. Finally, green is the color of inexperience. This could adequately describe Harry and his attempts at the Patronus Charm. He tries and tries and tries but because of his inexperience and horrific past, he fails. We all know, however, that he eventually produces a successful Patronus.
-Goblet of Fire (
Orange): Orange, like its parent colors red and yellow, convey energy, warmth, and the sun. These feelings describe the excitement of the Quidditch World Cup as well as the TriWizard Tournament. Both are exciting and energetic, and are intended for entertainment and international cooperation and friendliness (warmth). Orange is also the color that stimulates emotions. This aspect very well describes book number four. The "stimulating" is significant in Voldemort's return. By returning he is creating and evoking war and bad feelings in the wizarding world and "stimulating" controversy.
-Order of the Phoenix (
Blue): The color blue for book five is almost a blatant contradiction of the content of the book. For the most part, the color blue is calming, happy, and friendly. Order of the Phoenix is hardly calming; in fact it is rather stirring and emotional and introduces Harry and other significant characters to the fate that he and Voldemort will ultimately suffer by the end of the series. However, too much of the color blue can result in depression and sadness-which fits perfectly. This aspect really fits well at the beginning of the book when Harry is lonely and anxious for news and contact of happenings in his own world and at the end of the book when Harry is sulky and moody from Sirius' death and his newly found fate. Perhaps this excessive feeling of blue is the reason for the totally blue cover!
-Half-Blood Prince (
Purple): Purple is difficult to analyze to book six, but doable. Purple, like black, is the color of mystery. Mystery perfectly describes Tom Riddle/Voldemort and the life that Dumbledore tries to biography for Harry. Nobody really knows about Voldemort's life and it was very difficult for Dumbledore to collect memories that would aid them on their quest. Also mysterious is the introduced concept of the horcrux and Harry's inherited hunt for the remaining pieces. He has little to no idea where they are and must piece together the mystery to defeat Voldemort. Purple is the color of royalty, which adequately describes Dumbledore. He is like a god (or king) to wizards of his time, as seen by the vast number of people who attend his funeral. Anybody who matters attends, much like if a famous king or queen died. Finally, like blue, purple can result in sadness and moodiness, which again describes Harry and the end of the book as well as the entire community mourning from Dumbledore's death.
Now with the exception of JKR and the publisher, it is almost impossible to be totally sure what color the seventh book will be, but I predict that it will be red. Artistically it is the last main color to be used, but its meaning I think will fit the plot of the last book. Red has a range of emotions. It is the color of war and blood, which will probably (almost obviously) be the battle between Harry and Voldemort that must happen. Red is the color of anger and blood pressure-a tense battle between Harry and Voldemort. Red is also the color of love, which may signify (as previously suggested on this site) romance. Finally, on an interesting note, red is the hottest of the warm colors (red, orange, yellow) so perhaps (and probably) book seven will be the most intense and exciting of all the books. Hopefully it will be!
