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Originally posted by: Gaffer TapeI'm not sure why you put the "especially" after Hermione, ADM. Unless I've forgotten, I don't see any reason why Hermione would drop out as opposed to Harry and Ron. Harry has the only strong reason.
I should clarify what I meant ... Ron and Hermione left me with the distinct impression that they were dropping out with Harry to go on the hunt for Voldemort. The part about them being past the point of no return and being in it all the way. Ron clearly isn't much for schoolwork anyway, so it's no surprise that he'll leave. But will Hermione give up all she's worked for to follow Harry to the bitter end? That's what I was getting at.
I'm still waiting for one other twist. I keep hoping Percy is actually an informant in the employ of the OotP, letting them know what the Ministry of Magic is up to. I kinda expected to learn that in this book, but alas, nothing. My reason is, we've seen more Slytherin-like behavior out of Percy than Gryffindor-like behavior. Percy has yet to show why he's a Gryffindor and not some arrogant prat out for his own gain. And there's no better way to convince your enemy that you're with them than to disown your own family if they don't hold the same ideals.
But maybe this won't happen at all. Who knows? Book 7 looks like it'll be another brick.
I'm really starting to view this book as the "Empire Strikes Back" of the series. Many of the themes and archetypes are similar, and the cliffhanger ending, that's the kicker. I just don't want Book 7 to be the "Return of the Jedi" of the series. I want it to be the "Return of the King" instead.