Alohamora!

[Philosacratic]

A new columnist now takes rank among the forum. I guess I should indulge the readers on a little bit about what I’ll write. Rule number one, I may change my rules later on (=

Chances are I’m going to try to stick to writing about Harry Potter, maybe not always, but usually. I’ll write about rumors, about various characters, perhaps about what’s going on in JK Rowling’s head. I’ll write about the movies on occasion. Mostly, though, I want to write about things that come up on the website. If there’s a particularly interesting idea that I read, I may want to write about it. I’d also like it if people message me with anything that they want as a topic, questions, a ‘letter to the editor’ (or, in this case, columnist) or really anything. Chances are I’ll respond, use it in the piece or put it in there in some aspect.

I’ll post about every one to two weeks, probably on an odd day, so expect to be surprised (= If there's something busy that I have coming up, and I need to take an extra week off, I'll let everyone know.

I hope everyone’s looking forward to the beginning of next week; I think there may just be an interesting piece on poor ol' professor grumpy coming up! **HINT, HINT**

[Philosacratic]

Snape's Good, Already!

It’s time for some of the silly Professor Snape rumors to end. He wasn’t the bad guy in the first book. He wasn’t the bad guy in the second book, the third, fourth or even the fifth. At this point, it can be said with a fair amount of confidence that he’ll never be the bad guy. Snape has a bad rap and its time people start to like him—at least for what he is. He isn’t nice, he never will be. A good way to think of him is as that arrogant doctor who just happens to be one of the few that can remove that cancer from your body. Be glad to have him, even if he is a downright awful person.

Snape is a dreadful person; few would find him a welcomed friend. Perhaps that’s why he’s so moody—he’s not used to socializing, sucking up, or anything of the sort. He’s a hard worker, albeit semi-antisocial. What’s wrong with that anyway? That would describe a good portion of men in this world. They’re not very likable, but they certainly aren’t TEXTeviTEXTl. Snape may be a jerk, but he’s good at what he does. He’s diligent, but more importantly, he’s loyal. In all the years since and even before the fall of Voldemort, he never directly disobeyed Dumbledore. He’s bent orders, taken advantage of things not addressed in his orders—and played dirty (for example, his meetings with Professor Quirrel)—but there’s no indication that he would ever return to Voldemort. Snape, being fairly intelligent, would realize that even if he did, it would bring about his demise. Voldemort would kill him, even if it were a year or two later, when Snape’s help would no longer be needed. It’s doubtful it would take that long.

It’s just hard to picture many of the rumors about Snape occurring. To suggest that Snape is the brother of Sirius is folly when one considers the easiest way to refute such rambling—wouldn’t Sirius have realized Snape was his brother? It’s hard to forget what a brother looks like. Furthermore, the demoralizing torture Sirius and James committed against Snape would only be amplified by the fact that Sirius was directly related to Snape—and that almost certainly would have come up during Harry’s visit in the Pensieve. Not to mention the fact that JK wrote Sirius’s brother was dead. While the theory of Snape being a Vampire is certainly interesting, and would be applauded by a lot of readers, it is also extremely unlikely. It would require JK Rowling to do a lot of explaining. It was difficult for Lupin to keep his cover for the period of a year—and he was perfectly normal most of the time. Imagine being a Vampire—and a Vampire doesn’t get the respite of only having to be that person once a month. Hermoine would have figured that out in the matter of a few days, even Neville would have realized it by now.

However, there’s no reason to say people shouldn’t be pondering the questions that Snape leaves. There’s so much more potential to this character that JK could pursue. Whereas Snape has been mostly a one-dimensional character up until this point—JK has certainly left plenty of room for Snape to grow a second and third dimension and become a complete character in the process. Maybe there was a little more between Lily and Snape that hasn’t been addressed. While it is doubtful Lily had serious feelings for Snape, that doesn’t mean that Snape couldn’t have had a crush—or something of that nature. It would complicate things to say the least. There’s certainly more to be heard about in regards to the whole relationship between James and his gang, Lily (before and after falling in love with James) and Snape. However, what is far more interesting regarding Snape is what he does for Dumbledore and the Order of Phoenix. JK has given us clues and hints, as well as a general description of Snape’s duties, but the events and goings-on in Snape’s life would be very interesting to read—not to mention profoundly important in this epic battle of Good vs. Evil, the latter being conclusively the side Snape is working against.

[musicchc43]

Awesome job! I'm glad someone else thinks that some of the rumors that are spread about snape are a little too ridiculous. ;D Can't wait to see your next column.

[Philosacratic]

Sacked. Corneleus Fudge is going to be sacked, there is little doubt. Being that ridiculous and close minded for so long leaves no room for such error anymore, it’s literally do or die for the Ministry of Magic. People are going to eye Dumbledore as the new leader, as he was right all along in his suspicion of a Voldemort return, however—Dumbledore doesn’t want to be the Minister of Magic. So, who could the new minister be?

The new leader would have to be well known and well respected by most of the wizarding world. He or she would also have to have the utmost respect of Dumbledore, as it would surely take Dumbledore’s support (at least in passing) to get such a person elected. There are a number of people that could fulfill the position, such as the head of the Aurors, however—what he does, and the fact that no one knows he does it, is far too valuable for Dumbledore to lose. That leaves one other prominent person to become the new Minister of Magic. Arthur Weasley will become the next Minister of Magic.

Now, before anyone rants and raves about such a selection (especially the Malfoy’s)—he’s not prominent, he wouldn’t have the money or respect, who would know who Arthur Weasley is, he’s no where near foolish enough, etc. etc. etc.—dissenters to this opinion would all be wrong.

Arthur Weasley IS a prominent figure in the Harry Potter’s world. Arthur Weasley would certainly have the backing of Dumbledore. It would make a grand story in the Daily Prophet, from rags to riches, and would certainly create a wealth of addition to possible plotlines. Ron could get everything he ever dreamed of, possibly more than he bargained for. Risks of assassination could be thrown in the story, certainly entertaining a darker plotline. Ministry of Magic goofs and blunders could continue to entertain readers, but have much more implication to Harry Potter and all his friends and family. Arthur would be a ‘political outsider,’ drawing popularity just because he was in no way, shape or form in proximity to the Fudge model. Weasley ideals are surely going to triumph with most people’s emotions and ideas about right and wrong now that Voldemort is back—with people like the Malfoy’s, who were slowing progress, locked up in bars and known as villains to the whole of the wizarding world.

For those who still think Arthur isn’t all that popular, evidence to the contrary exists in the text. Dumbledore himself says that Arthur is an influential man. How else could he get those seats at the Quidditch World Cup? Arthur is head of his department; even thought his department only includes himself and one other, that’s still something. Arthur also has the support of the people who are going to count most in saving the world from Tom Riddle—the supporters of the Order of Phoenix. Think they’re going to let Fudge stay in office any longer?

The future of Arthur Weasley will directly impact the future of others, particularly one other. More on that next time!

_________________

Again I have to apologize, friends. When I got home, my internet wasn't working. After a long time trying to figure out what was wrong, I realized the phone coard was broken lol. Well, easy to fix...but then I had my 4 wisdom teeth removed.

And before Elysium says anything, it doesn't affect my real wisdom haha.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great holiday season---what ever holiday you enjoy---and a wonderful New Years!!

2004. Wow.

[fantasyfan1]

Very cool thoughts- though I'm still partial to believe there other possibilities for the next minister of magic- though i have to say, your agruments are the strongest i've heard for Mr. weasley being MoM. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

[Ginny Potter]

I like that Idea. I'm going to hunt for more on it.

[elysium]

And before Elysium says anything, it doesn't affect my real wisdom haha.

Don't worry, even I wouldn't take a shot THAT glaringly easy....too pedestrian.

I like the idea of Arthur as Minister. As bad as it sounds, I'm starting to hope Fudge will just get killed off...

[Dr. Toodles]

[shadow=blue,left,300]oh, and mr. weasley was pretty mad about percy moving up and stuff...so maybe he's jealous and wants to be minister[/shadow]

[SexySevv]

Dr. said:

[shadow=blue,left,300]oh, and mr. weasley was pretty mad about percy moving up and stuff...so maybe he's jealous and wants to be minister[/shadow]

I really don't think that was jealousy, he just knew that the Minister was using Percy to spy on everyone. I don't see Arthur as the jealous type.

Also, I believe that at the end of the series, even though there will be a fair amount of tradgedy and deaths, JKR will want to compensate for that, and among other things wil make Arthur Minister, and reunite Neville with at least one of his parents, who will recover. I never would have believed it, but elys and I were talking about this one time and she convinced me. It's not really that evidenced, but it's credible enough.

[Hermione Potter]

Dr. said:

[shadow=blue,left,300]oh, and mr. weasley was pretty mad about percy moving up and stuff...so maybe he's jealous and wants to be minister[/shadow]

maybe!

[Philosacratic]

Off Track

Did I ever mention I'm a political science major? Its a real interesting major, if you're into that sort of thing. I think that's one of the things that interests me in theories like Arthur becoming Minister of Magic, even though its just a book. I guess its just something I can relate to.

Anyway, I've been totally and fully absorbed into the Democratic Nomination bid. Hehe. I'm still alive. Anyone paying attention to it? I got real excited because I've been rooting for John Kerry all this time, and he's winning now. Always fun to see your favorite win, especially when they're beating people like Howard Dean. But, I guess, anything would be better than Bush (sorry if there are any Bush*tes here).

Bush actually really reminds me of Fudge. Fudge doesn't want to hear about problems, just like Bush. Everyone and their mother knows the deficit + Bush's tax cuts + Bush's eggregious spending on pork barrel programs (money we don't really need to spend, that is anything but essential). Fudge didn't want to listen to the experts either. Bush's Sr. economic adviser leaves. Dumbledore, who was really Fudge's source of advice for a long time, sent Dumbledore away. Neither Fudge nor Bush had any real plans for postwar. We're having difficulties abroad, just like Fudge has difficulties because he didn't read warning signs.

Just going a little off track. Didn't want to put in my Percy column yet because I wanted to reread OoTP first, to consolidate my ideas---and also because I haven't read it since the summer. But, alas, I haven't been able to get it back yet haha.

Anyway, I'm continuing to look forward to my democratic party take back the white house, but I'll keep up my column (and don't worry, they all won't be political lol. I'm keeping this one political-light I know most people aren't into it at all, or they're too into it). lol

All I can say is June 2nd!!! (or is it the 6th? lol)

[elysium]

I don't know if I'd say ANYTHING is better than Bush; you would honestly rather have Dean than Bush?? Wow...

[Philosacratic]

at least then i could firmly believe my three cousins, who are between the ages of 7-14, would have health care---and that, when I graduate from college, my few months that I'll be looking for a good job won't be spent without assurances of my health either.

that's really the one and only thing I like about Howard Dean---he has the best record on health insurance. Its a luxury most of us take for granted. I know people who have died from cancers that they otherwise would have survived. I myself have probably been saved a number of times because of my good insurance.

But, I don't like Howard Dean. Not one iota. I work for my college's newspaper, as a columnist for my OP ED page LoL, and I just wrote a column on how much I don't like Dean hehe. However, the points moot. After his finish in New Hampshire, and especially in Iowa, he doesn't have a realistic chance in winning. John Kerry all the way! hehe

Btw---my past semi column I wrote on the spot. Usually I write them on word, then copy paste, so their more pretty. I'll edit it later, because I noticed a few glaring errors rereading it now lol. But I have a 8am class and want some decent sleep for the night lol.

[~*~SONYA~*~]

*woosh* that all went like WAY over my head:D..im not a politics person:D so anyways...yeah i did sorta think something had happened to philo:D

[Philosacratic]

nah, i'm around. i had a long vacation, in which i *thought* i'd spend the entirety of it online. Then, I realized, that my mom needs the phone too

At school, i've been spoiled with DSL, so at home I'm careful to not monopolize. Plus, I had to visit with my family. My brother I only get 1 or 2 opportunities to see over the course of a year. etc.

I'll be around more than the past month, lol, but I won't be on as much as I was before...which was pretty much more than an hour a day. my semester this semester is just way to busy, plus, while I did *okay* last semester, I really want to do better. Getting As and Bs hardly doing anything now. If I do even a little hehe, all As...which is what I'll need for life beyong my bachelor's degree hehe.

With that, back to work!