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Live From Studio 1A: Harry Potter Mania

Posted: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:44 AM by Peter Giordano
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The Harry Potter insanity has officially begun. Even though the last installment of the juggernaut series doesn't hit book shelves until July, the cover was officially unveiled today, live on our show.  Arthur Levine, co-editor of the Harry Potter series, joined us to do the honors. After his segment was finished, he breathed a big sigh of relief (he was quite nervous!) and chatted with me in the green room.

I asked him how he was feeling, and as he said on the air, of course he has mixed emotions as the series draws to a close. But one emotion that he neglected to mention is the incredible sense of pride that he has for these books. It isn't every day that an editor can be involved in something that really becomes a classic, and has spanned generations and age groups in the way that Harry Potter has, and will continue to do for years to come. He feels that this last book provides an incredibly satisfying conclusion to all of Harry's adventures.

During the commercial break before the segment, Matt wanted to double-check with Arthur on the pronunciation of author JK Rowling's last name. Arthur was so nervous that he had a momentary brain lapse as well. He said it took him a couple of seconds to go over it in his head before answering correctly (Rowling like "bowling"). He was relieved that took place before the cameras were rolling... So stay tuned for the big release on July 21 -- all 12 million copies of it. I'm sure this is only the first of several Harry Potter stories here on the Today Show to come.

How do you think it will all end? Who is going to die? And most importantly, what measures are you going to take to ensure that you get your hands on one of those 12 million books? (Photos courtesy of Scholastic, Inc.)

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It is so sad that this series is coming to an end. I hope JK Rowling reconsiders a prequal to this. I think Harry's parents would make for some interesting writing.

Jan Rangel, Minneapolis Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:22 AM)

I am still unsure about Prof. Snape. Is he really with Lord Voldmort or is he still working for the Order. I think that the bartender at the Hog's Head Tavern is the brother of Albus Dumbledore. There were subtle clues in book 5 when the DA first meets at the Hog's Head Tavern. Harry feels a sense of familiarity when he see's him for the first time. At Dumbledore's funeral again he is mentioned. Dumbledore told Harry that his brother "Aberforth" was unusual and marched to a different drummer. I think that he will eventually come to Harry's aid and help him to finally defeat Lord Voldmort. Also I think it was Sirius Black's brother who had found the "horcrux" locket in book 6 and put in a replacement. If you read the initials in the note they are R for Regulus and B for Black.

Jane Tortorice Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:47 AM)

I feel like I am losing my oldest child with the release of this book. My oldest son is the same age as Harry Potter (if he were a mortal child) and I have read these books with all 3 of my boys. By the time this one is release my oldest son will be getting ready for his senior year in high school and choosing his college. At least the book, no matter the ending, will prepare me for the start of my children leaving home. These books have been a joy for me and my children to read and I am so sad to see them come to an end.

J.M. Keenan, OKC OK (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 11:25 AM)

Is it possible that Harry was a Horcrux, but is no longer one as Voldemort retrieved the part of his soul that was in Harry at the end of GOF (in the ritual in the cemetery)? This is my take...especially when Dumbledore got a "gleam in his eye" when Harry described what happened in the cemetery to him. It would seem that if Harry was a Horcrux, the ceremony (removing the part of Voldemort's soul conatined within Harry) would have freed Harry to destroy Voldemort without having to be destroyed himself and thusly making Dumbledore a very happy man since Harry would have a chance to survive a final encounter with Voldemort.

Alex D Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 11:51 AM)

I hope JKR will continue to write books after Harry Potter. She is an amazing writer, who has truly made an impact on many children who hated to read, but now truly enjoy it. Regardless of the outcome of the book, it is going to be a very bittersweet affair to close my last Harry Potter book, knowing that there won't be another coming out in a couple years!!

A. F. H., San Francisco, CA (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 12:08 PM)

I am extremly interested in seeing how this is all going to end. Does Harry defeat Voldmort? Where are the last of the horcruxes? Do Jenny and Harry stay together? Which side is Snape on? What info did Dumbledore have to belive Snape was a good guy? We will all find out in 114 days! (But who is counting!)

Amie Staggs, Independence KY (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 12:12 PM)

I think Aunt Petunia will have a important role in this book -- finally showing some support for her sister's son in a protective manner

Susan, Scottsdale, AZ (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 12:22 PM)

If you look at the new cover it appears that Harry and Voldemort are both reaching for something. I wonder what it is?

pd, beckley, wv (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 12:42 PM)

I believe that Harry is a horcrux himself, and that the mark on his forehead proves it. I believe also that in order to break that final horcrux, Voldemort must die as well. I can see a final battle where Harry and Voldemort both kill each other.

Chad Stone, Birmingham, AL (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 12:47 PM)

Snape (who had plenty of chances to kill Harry, if that were what he truly desired) will prove heroic, as will Lupin, but it is Snape whose death will make us cry.

Andy Harmon, Raymond, NH (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 12:48 PM)

J.K Rowling has tons of foreshadowing throughout the Harry Potter series, often spanding across books. So, after reading all the books (again) and trying to look for these clues, I believe that Wormtail (WT) will play an important role in the demise of Lord Voldemort (LV). After LV is resurrected with WT's help and LV rewards him with the new shiny, strong hand, Wormtail picks up a twig and crushes it into powder. Later in the same book Dumbledore explains to Harry that he might be glad he spared WT's life. I believe that in Harrys and LVs final battle, both will lose their wands at the same time, and WT will grab LV's wand with the choice of who to help, and will decide to crush LV's wand into powder, thus trying to make up for his previous choices.

Matthew Garrett, Denver, CO (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:01 PM)

JK Rowling has brought our culture back to the joys of reading, how ever she ends this series, it will still captivate future generations and possible save us from becoming a video based culture. She has shown us she can do a fabulous job - so I'm confident what ever she does will be amazing! How one writer can inspire so many people to care so much - its a true gift! I don't know if she could ever do it again, or do more with a prequal - I'm just thankful she's done for us all what she has so far. She deserves to be the richest woman in England and if she decides she's done, she deserves that too! Maybe she'll inspire more writers who can do something as enthralling.

E.S. Appleton , WI (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:08 PM)

I think Harry Potters mother and father are not dead and that he will get to meet them in the final book. as far as who is going to die in the book i do not think it is Harry but maybe one of his closet friends. i love the Harry Potter books and I am a over 50. I still my grandson's book and read it before he does.

judy winchester, va (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:09 PM)

I don't think Harry will die. at lest i hope not. but i dont think Dumbledore is dead either, i think he will help Harry. I believe it was all a trick. but who know's. i hope im write.

nichole mcknight, porterville, California (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:14 PM)

I've been a Harry Potter fan since I was in college, when the first book came out. I'm very sad to see the series end, but am very anxious to get my hands on the final book. I'm even flying to London to get a copy as early as I can!

S. Hazelwood, Germany (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:24 PM)

harry is ganna die along with lord voldermort ron and herminone are ganna get married and ginny will fall in love with harry the end

bob (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:25 PM)

I am going to miss Harry Potter. My daughter actually started me on the books and now I am more of a Potter fan than she is. I cried when Sirius died. I hope we get some closure on those disgusting muggle aunt and uncle of Harry's, especially his fat cousin. I was hoping that after all Harry had been through when Sirius fell through the door of no return that maybe in some sequel he would return somehow. I would have loved to see Harry have some kind of happiness. I wish she would reconsider and maybe do one more, but I guess that would take away from the climax of Harry Potter. If she does call this the end, I certainly hope it is the end.....not really I would read another Harry Potter book in a heart beat.

Lena Webb, Franklinton NC (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:39 PM)

Her books are popular with people of all ages, but Ms. Rowling is a mother and knows that children will read her books. She will leave us with a message of hope. I think Harry will live unless he must die so that Voldemort dies, thus he might have to sacrifice himself to save others. These books, like The Lord of the Rings series and the Star Wars films, are about good people uniting to vanquish horrible evil. They give us hope that, in today's world of very real evil, good people will unite to defeat it. It is interesting that in Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter (all hugely popular with the public) the "good guys" understand that the "bad guys" don't want peace; they want to destroy all goodness. The protagonists know that they must battle and defeat evil before there is real peace. How is it possible that the media misses this message? The media attempts to convince the American public that the evil people of today really do want peace; if we'd just leave them alone then the world would be at peace. Imagine what would have happened if everyone had left Voldemort, Darth Vader, and Sauron alone.

gardenspot, Denton, Texas (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:43 PM)

I enjoyed reading the Harry Potter series. I'm pulling of course for Harry in the end. I really think the true magic of the books is that J K Rowling made reading cool again. To listen to children discuss lituature instead of video games and dvd's is the real magic of the Potter series. I'm glad I preordered my copy. I'm taking the day off from work to read it. GO HARRY!

Eleanor, Orlando, Florida (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:46 PM)

I think that in order for the book to be a complete success, Harry must sacrifice himself in order to destroy Voldemort once and for all. I also believe that in this book, we need to see some American wizards. I'm sure they have a different approach to defeating Voldemort. See World War II.

Ty (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:55 PM)

"It is so sad that this series is coming to an end. I hope JK Rowling reconsiders a prequal to this. I think Harry's parents would make for some interesting writing. " That is not going to happen. Jo has said that by the end of the series you will know everything about Harry's parents you need to know - there will be many revelations about them in Deathly Hallows. Jo is very determined not to be George Lucas and do prequels. I admire her for going out while she is on top. "Do Jenny and Harry stay together?" It's Ginny not Jenny. They may not be together at the start of the book but they will be by the end. Ginevra Molly Weasley will be a rather crucial character by the end of this series.

Jess, Sydney (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:57 PM)

I really can't wait for the book to be released! It's bound to be the best and most probably, the darkest! I hope Voldemort dies, but i really think Harry is going to die too...

Tania M, London (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:01 PM)

i think snape is on lv side, i mean he did kill dumbledore, i agree with the thought that dumbledores brother will come onto the scene, and i also have hopes that sirus will make his way back, therefore i think snape will challenge lv for the ultimate control and in their fued will destroy each other.

donna, bradley, ar (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:12 PM)

I wonder... perhaps it is such an emotional book because in the end, Hagrid saves Harry's life and dies in the process?

Allison (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:12 PM)

I think I am the only person in America who really does not care who lives/dies in this book. But, my 2 cents is that Harry wakes up in the ending and sees this is all a dream and he is not running an Inn in Vermont or dies by getting hit by a car.

Michael Lawrence, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:21 PM)

I'm hoping Harry makes it through. I will enjoy an end to the wondering about Snape and remember Dumbledore's familiar is a Pheniox (and rises from the ashes). I don't know if Harry will get to meet his parents but I'm looking forward to reading the tale. I've started re-reading all the others planning to finish 6 just as the new one comes out.

PD, Memphis, TN (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:27 PM)

I am disapointed that the Today show did not mention anything about the artist who has been doing all of the covers and artwork for the books. This information would be a nice touch.

Cindy (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:29 PM)

I think this is truly the end for Harry. I know Ms. Rowling says she isn't going to kill him off, but it's the only real way she can end the series. What better way to finish it off than by having Voldemort and Harry kill each other, the final showdown between good and evil complete, Harry dying a heroe. And as far as Professor Snape goes, any idiot can see clearly from the beginning that he is, and always will be, a Death Eater at heart. The man's pure evil and I'm hoping that before he dies, Harry gets to kill him and the Malfoys. I've been waiting for that from the beginning.

Shannon Lottig, Salisbury, Pennsylvania (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:32 PM)

Books have moved me to tears before, but this one might make my entire family cry. My youngest child used to pretend to read HP books when she was in kindergarten, just so she would look like the rest of the family. She will be eager for her turn to read this one along with the rest of us. I can only hope that the good-guys will prevail.

Mary, Columbia, SC (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:32 PM)

I am so excited and looking forward to reading DH, but also extremely sad that it will end. I will be in a long line outside my local Borders Books with maximum ear protection to prevent any accidental or purposeful spoilers being heard. It is so wonderful to know that long after this generation, Harry and his friends will be alive and well for generations to come.

Bruce, Portland, OR (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:36 PM)

Dumbledore is dead, but I'm sure he will help Harry through his portrait at Hogwart's. It's been a long time since I read the last book, but I thought at the time that the horcrux could be in the Room of Requirement when it is used for storage. I definitely agree with one writer that Sirius Black's brother, Regulus, has one of the horcruxes. If so, then Harry can get it at Grimwald Place since he owns it now. I do not believe that Harry is a horcrux though, nor do I think J.K. Rowling will kill him off. I really hope that she doesn't kill off Ron or Hermione either. One thing I believe Rowling said was that it could be one or more main characters who die. That leaves Hagrid, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, or any member of Ron's family (if it has to be one, I hope it's Percy and not the other brothers or parents). As for Percy, I think he will finally come back to the family fold and be a hero.

Cindy Weaver, Houston, Texas (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:47 PM)

Seriously, if Harry dies then J.K. Rowling will be burned at the stake!!! I know alot of people THINK it will happen, but I don't think too many of her fans WANT it to happen. Hopefully, the lady is smart enough to realize this. I think if he dies I will burn every HP book I have in protest.

Toni Bourlon (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:50 PM)

I think that there is a good chance one of the soon-to-be-deceased characters is a Weasley, cause there's nine of them(personally I hope it's Percy). I wouldn't however count Harry out of the dead list. Killing him off just makes sense, in a sick sorta way. ^^;

Scott Grand Island Nebraska (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:59 PM)

JKR says: "I can completely understand the mentality of an author who thinks I'm going to kill him off because then there can be no non-author-written sequels, so they call it," Rowling said at the time. "I'm not going to commit myself. I don't want the hate mail apart from anything else," Rowling said. Hopefuly that means that harry isnt going to die. As I have seen both covers, the US ans Uk versions, I think that there will eba sturgle near the end to destroy the last horcrux...that is what Voldie and Harry are reachign for in the US cover. In the UK cover the trio are on it and they are seemign to be sucked backwards in an archway...the Veil??? an then there what look slike Gryffindors sword, but is it held by dobby or by kreacher, we cant tell. If you llok closely at all the treasure surrounding the trio, you can see a suit of armour and a golden cup, more horcruxs??!?!?! well, im just waiting desperatley for july 21st!!! I hope I don't cry too much lol!!!

Zoe K, Surrey, UK (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 3:01 PM)

If Rowling kills Harry off and keeps him dead, then she can count me out when it comes to watching the rest of the movies and buying them on DVD.

Randy (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 3:05 PM)

I feel that Voldemort dying is a given, proving evil never wins, I only hope that Harry doesn't have to die to prove it. I also think that Snape will prove to be a hero. JK Rowling has spun such a fun series of books, I hate to see them end.

B. Roos, Mt. Vernon, IN (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 3:09 PM)

I've thought all along that Harry would die in the final book, and sad as that seems, it is the only way for J.K. Rowling to protect him. The idea of a prequel is a good one. For me, a fitting last page to the book would have Hermoine and Ron receiving a photo of a happy and smiling Harry standing with his parents waving. I'm crying just thinking about it.

Sandy Tevelin, Arlington, Virginia (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 3:39 PM)

I think Harry, because harry is a horcrux, will symbolically die along with voldemort in the ministry of magics gate room (the room that holds the gate where Sirius black fell into and supposedly died). I think harry will go through the gate and separate himself from voldermort in there. Also I think that gate leads to another dimension, because it seems that people or souls are trapped there because you can hear their callings. Sirius “padfoot” or the Dogstar, or better yet, the guiding star, will lead harry out of the gate portal, and leave voldemort behind without the knowledge of getting out. Maybe they all loose their powers in there or someone else must switch places with them to get out. I have not worked out the kinks yet. But that’s what I think. Who know??

imelda, san antonio, tx (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 3:44 PM)

My husband and I (both big fans) have a running bet as to whether or not Dumbledor is truly dead. The last book will see who wins!

Tina Floyd, Seaside, CA (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 3:56 PM)

I think that Voldemort is definately going to die. As for Harry...who know except for those who have already had the privilege of reading it already and J.K. Rowling herself. I'm really hoping that Ron and Hermione get together and that Harry does live and he hooks up with Ginny. I don't really think Dumbledore is dead, but that he set something up with Snape to make Voldemort think he could finally make a move on Harry without to many people getting in his way. Also, I'm really hoping that Sirius makes another appearance. And even though this is the last book, J.K. Rowling has really done a great job with her work. It is very amazing that one writer could enthrall several different age groups, but several different culures as well. She has worked hard and gone through a great number of difficulties, therefore she deserves everything she has. I hope that she continues to write, she has a very unique gift and can go far with it.

Kristina, New Mexico (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 3:56 PM)

Been a HP fan since the beginning. Can't believe its ending. Harry is not a Horcrux - wouldn't Dumbledore have said something about it to him??? Dumbledore will be around somehow (portaits?) for help. Not convinced on Snape for sure either way but I think he's good. Remember his argument w/ Dumbledore in 6 - I think it was Snape telling Dumbledore he refused to kill him. RAB has to be Regulus Black and in 5 when they're cleaning Grimauld Place out at the beginning they find a heart shaped necklace - a horcrux? I don't think I could handle it if Harry, Ron, Hermione, or Ginny die. My bets on Hagrid since Harry's lost every other parent-figure in his life.

Karleen Gardner, Flagstaff, AZ (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 4:21 PM)

Harry will not die becouse JKR is to attached to his charecter. He has become a part of her.

matthew (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 4:28 PM)

*the missing horcrux is going to be Rowena Ravenclaw's wand. *RAB is Regulus Black *Snape will be instrumental in casting the killing blow against Voldemort. *Dumbeldore is and will remain dead *Sirius Black is and will remain dead *James and Lily Potter are and will remain dead *Dumbeldore will have left a letter, will or other written info giving Harry more information and it will likely contain instructions to trust Severus Snape at all costs. *Book 7 *will* end with the word "scar" I'm out..

Aaron, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:40 PM)

I hope Harry dosen't die. I think we've all been expecting it from the beginning, like this was some fate that rested for him. However, I must agree with: "What better way to finish it off than by having Voldemort and Harry kill each other, the final showdown between good and evil complete, Harry dying a heroe." There is no way that Miss Rowling can finish the series completely and not have it end this way. Otherwise, and I'm sure of it, people will continue to finish writing the book, and that is not right. I also don't see Miss Rowling writing anything after the series, it just, to me, dosen't seem like her. In any case, I'm really looking foward to this new book. And I, like Eleanor from Flordia, wish that I could take a day off as well. :P

Megan (an 8th grader), United States (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:46 PM)

My Theorie is this,I dont see Harry dieing but i definatley do see Voldemort dying..My theorie is This Voldemort is gonna be cursing spells back anf fourth,Voldemort is gonna wanna make him weak,make him suffer while he enjoys what he is watching,harry is gonnabe wandless and weak as soon as he says,"Aveda kedavra"Snape is gonna jump in and save harry,harry is then gonna grab Snapes wand and send the killing curse back at him as well,I think thats gonna end like that. Snape to me is infact a good person,why would Dumbledore always say "Harry i trust snape with my life" When Dumbledore pricesley knows How Snape acts around the Gryffindors obviously Dumbledore is not stupid.. Harry can't be a Horrocruz,why on earth would Voldemort wanna make Harry a Horocrux,harry can't be he just cant be,right now i'am re-reading all the books and i dont see any clues to give out if he is a Horocrux yeah sure it says in COS that Voldemort put a little something in Harry the night he killed his parents...yes that does give out a clue but i honestly dont think thats it... I really dont.oh my gosh i want the book right in my hands...Guess I'am gonna have to wait till july 21st.

Katie dania Florida (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 6:05 PM)

Snape will die in the final chapters after he has proven himself the quiet hero all along. I have no doubts about this.

Lisa, Alaska (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 6:06 PM)

I think that Draco malfoy will have an important role in the last book. Doesn't anyone see ANY significance at all in his reluctance to kill Dumbledore? I know, he can be a little you-know-what sometimes, but he really isn't a murderer! It would be so ironic if Draco and Harry became friends! Just a thought...i think that Draco's only with voldemort to protect his family, not because he's really evil! And Severus snape? he HAS to be good! He's my favorite character and one of the best- and i'd like to see harry's reaction when snape helps him kill voldemort... finally some good feelings between them, maybe? That would be nice...

S.C., new york, NY (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 6:12 PM)

look, even if Harry dies we're talking about MAGIC here people and ANYTHING can happen esp. the dead coming back to life. in a magical world killing Harry off wont gaurantee he'll be gone for good, or that he'll be safe from other authors...therefore, what's the point? I hope he lives! can't wait for my pre-ordered copy to show up on my door step in July!

Sarah, Austin TX (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 6:41 PM)

I too think that Dumbledore's portrait will help Harry find the other Horcruxes. I also agree with the barman being Aberforth and Sirius' brother Regulus having the locket Horcrux. Unforunately, I have a strange feeling that either Ron, Hermione, (or even Ginny?) dieing. I highly disagree with the idea that Snape is really a good guy. In conclusion, I hope that Hagrid gets to kill Snape, Neville gets to kill (Bellatrix) Lestrange, and Harry gets to do Voldemort in.(Then Harry will marry Ginny, Ron marry Hermione, and Neville marry Luna).

Korey Baker, Mechanicsville, MD (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 6:50 PM)

I really don't think Harry will die, if he does, it will be with Herminone(remember, she wants to return to school and finish her education,)my grand daughter has all the books and reads them to me.We love Harry Potter...but yet, I think perhapes Voldermore and Harry will die together in battle.

Isabel/Rachell Moore (Sent Wednesday, March 28, 2007 7:13 PM)



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