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Clues revealed in special edition Harry Potter cover

Posted: Friday, June 08, 2007 9:30 AM by Jen Brown
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This morning, Scholastic editor Arthur Levine revealed the special edition cover of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” on TODAY...

The seventh and final book in the series, printed with the traditional cover, will have a record-setting first printing of 12 million copies when it reaches the public on July 21.  The special edition book – which has 816 pages compared to 784 pages in the regular edition and costs $65 (suggested retail price) -- will have just 100,000 copies printed.  (Why put out a special edition?  Apparently there's quite a demand.)

Arthur said the image on the cover is one of his favorite scenes in the book and he specifically asked that it be the image of the deluxe cover.  This is how Scholastic describes the scene:

“Set during a highly dramatic sunset, Harry, Hermione, and Ron--clothes in tatters--cling atop a flying dragon in this astonishing artwork created by Mary GrandPré for the deluxe edition. As mist creeps down towering hillsides to a village below, questions arise about where the trio is headed and what has led them to this spellbinding moment."

I have lots of theories about the final book, but none of them involve this scene.  How about you? Does this give you any clues as to how the series will end?

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I'm 73 years old and I have loved everyone of these books and the movies, too. I am so looking forward to the new book.

Josie Sullivan, Palmdale, CA (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 7:03 PM)

That is Ginny and a reformed Draco Malroy on the back of Norbert. They are both sitting off to the side to avoid the "ridge" and Harry is straddling it. Norbert has been blinded in one eye in whatever adventure caused the tattered clothing and wings. They are rushing to rescue Hermione and Ron, who have been taken prisoner by Voldemort. Norbert is helping them because he was made into a horcrux by Dumbledore before he was sent to live with Charlie. He has returned upon Dumbledore's death to help Harry defeat Voldemort.

Kathy Somers, NJ (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:00 PM)

Are yall serious- of course it's Harry, Ron, and Hermione! Just look at them!! In the UK cover, ron's hair is blonde as well, not red, but it still has a reddish tint to it. We'll just have to wait and see what this "oh so special and climatic" scene this is!

Meg, Nwlk, CT (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:01 PM)

Another Harry Fan, jo's never said a dead character gets a reprive- she said one that she was planning on having die will get a reprive. and anyway, on Aug. 2nd she said that DD is MOST DEFINETLY dead, and not coming back (I should know- I was there, twelve rows away from her wehn she said it :)

Meg, Nwlk, CT (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:03 PM)

I'm thinking its the horntail from the triwizard. dumbledore cant be the character that gets a reprieve; rowling has confirmed he is very dead and he would have NOTHING to do with horocruxes. I think im going to cry no matter who dies or how it ends, because i know harry potter is over forever. its been a fun ride

Elizabeth, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:05 PM)

This is clearly Harry, Ron and Hermione---as stated in the press release by Scholastic---and I think they may be headed back from Godric's Hollow, on Norbert (Book 7 will mirror Book 1) after finding a horcrux. This series has been such a wonderful adventure! Thanks JKR!

Wendy R. Cincinnat, Ohio (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:13 PM)

THE DRAGON IS A HORCRUX FOR DUMBLEDOR WHO RETURNS WITH THE HELP OF SNAPE (REMEMBER FOREST CONVERSATION BETWEEN D & S OVERHEARD BY HAGRID?). I AGREE, HARRY AND HERMIONE WILL TEAM-UP LIKE HIS MUM AND DAD. WHO'S SIDE WILL HAGRID'S HALF-BROTHER BE ON? BOOKS ON TAPE ROCK!

TOM JOLIET Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:18 PM)

I think that the two kids besides harry on the dragon are Neville and Ginny. Neville could be the other chosen one and harry hooked up with Ginny in the last book.

Harry potter fans,chicago, Illinois (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:20 PM)

I think this cover adds so many more questions! 1. Why is Harry dressed differently (Ron and Hermione seem to be in tattered robes, while he has on clothes in fine condition with a tail on the shirt)? 2. Why are the dragon's wings tattered? 3. Why is the dragon letting them ride it? They're vicious (see GoF)! 4. Why not Apperate? I think this means that it's the begining of the book, before Harry's passed his test. Lots more but I gotta go!

Katherine, Palatine, IL (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:32 PM)

All postulating about Harry, et.al aside - I want to know what is in the extra 32 pages and how to get on "the list" for one of the special copies! And I love that I am not the only adult (42) waiting for July 21st with baited breath - the fact that these stories already have such a following across many generations sure says a lot about them. It has been a fun ride.

Connie, Seattle WA (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:32 PM)

I am a retired, fun-loving great grandmother who successfully raised a beautiful grand daughter with all of the HP books and movies! It has been "our personal bonding activities" for all these years. We hate to see it all come to an end and thank JKR for the many special memories we both have because of her marvelous work. We will always remember her special talent and her compelling creations. God Bless JKR!

Joyce Crump, Amarillo, Texas (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:37 PM)

I work at a public library and my co-worker and I are big Harry Potter fans. We think that J.K. Rowling should go back and write a series of books about James, Lilly, Sirius, Snape and that crew when they were at Hogwarts for charity. She wouldn't have to do 7 books but maybe 3 or 4. It would be neat to learn more about them when they were at Hogwarts. I thank J.K Rowling for writing the Harry Potter books because it has got more people to read, adults and kids alike.

Lindsay, Russell, KY (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 8:41 PM)

well am waiting for the movie and book to come out i cnanot wait all of my friends say that am too obseesed w/Harry Potter which i am so... I have all the books and i read them like once a year or like last year i read them twice and all of my friends were weird and told me to stop but i could not well still can't wait for the new book i wonder if Harrys going to die ??? well have to see

Another Harry Potter Fan ,Louisville,Ky (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 9:13 PM)

Adrian Guerra: You are right; the boy in the back of the dragon does not have red hair. It looks blonde. Could Harry save Draco Malfoy? Malfoy couldn't follow through with killing Dumbledore; maybe there is some good in him. Maybe he and Harry become friends/allies in the end. Maybe Draco was forced by his father to do his father's bidding (maybe under the Imperius Curse???)

Adam Platteville, WI (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 9:15 PM)

While I do hope that H,R,&H all survive; in the real world(it's very real to the characters), it would be miraculous that the determined/intelligent sect of the Deatheaters would be that imcompetent. As for Ginny, her character has grown stronger w/ each new volumn-she's a talented witch who many of her friends and classmates alike agree is gifted for one so young.I'm 41 years old and an avid reader - Ginny's character is NOT a waste! Harry cares deeply, so if Cho is his choice,let's accept it. Besides, in "Goblet", Herm made it clear that Ron is her choice. As for the dragon, I too would like for it to be Norbert, but unfortunately, the markings don't match his breed. Like one gentleman above, I would LOVE IT if it did turn out to be Hagrid. Or even another close friend that has not been pegged as an Animagus (possibly Neville?).

Lynn fro Missouri (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 9:19 PM)

I don't believe Dumbledore is dead. It was just weird the way Snape had to be the one to kill him at the end. I think he'll be back and that we'll find Snape placed a sleeping spell on him just to draw out Voldemort.

Chasity, FL (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 9:20 PM)

I am a mother and grandmother, started reading Harry Potter books to my youngest child when she was 6. I love them and already have book 7 reserved. Wish I could have known about the "special" ones. Can't wait!

Big fan, Longview, WA (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 9:25 PM)

well am waiting for the movie and book to come out i cnanot wait all of my friends say that am too obseesed w/Harry Potter which i am so... I have all the books and i read them like once a year or like last year i read them twice and all of my friends were weird and told me to stop but i could not well still can't wait for the new book i wonder if Harrys going to die ??? well have to see

Another Harry Potter Fan ,Louisville,Ky (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 10:17 PM)

This novel is a page turner and I love it! Everyone will be hooked regardless of age, gender and race. HARRY POTTER ROCKS!

Paula R. Phil.Cebu (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 10:19 PM)

I think the trio is flying over Godric's Hollow, Harry's hometown, where his parents are buried. They've obviously been involved in some form of battle if their clothes are tattered. But, they're not done looking for Horcruxes and Harry probably hasn't had his final showdown with Voldemort. At the end of Deathly Hallows, Harry said he wanted to visit his parent's graves. This would be the first time since Voldemort's attack on his family, 16 years earlier that Harry is going home. There are bound to be poignant moments that await him.

Hannah L., Los Angeles, CA (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 10:41 PM)

My daughter was too young for the advanced English of the first book but we watched the movies and read books four, five, and six together. She is mostly too old now for me to read "to" her but I made it clear that we'll read the last of this series together no matter when it came out. This series is one of three that I got to share with her this way. The other Two were all seven books of the "Chronicles of Narnia" and all thirteen of "A series of unfortunate events." Pretty good reading memories all said and done.

Chris, Saint Louis Missouri (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 11:25 PM)

I pasted the picture into Irfanview, and it was a lot bigger, you could see more. It IS Hermione and Ron. And I don't think it's the end, because Harry looks pissed off, and Hermione appears to be looking up at something, terrified. And yes, Harry is the only one not in Hogwarts robes.

Jessie (Sent Friday, June 08, 2007 11:58 PM)

Since when is Hermione a redhead? That's Ginny!

Barbara Hanson (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 12:49 AM)

Snape was bound by the unbreakable vow to finish what the young weasel can't do ( to kill Dumbledore ), so he might die in the last book because of that ( kill by Potter, no less !! That'll make Potter a tragic hero of sort ) Also who is R.A. B. who replaced the locket ? ummmmmmmm, perhaps Sirius Black's young brother? I think his first name started with R............

milt ong, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 1:57 AM)

Snape was bound by the unbreakable vow to finish what the young weasel can't do ( to kill Dumbledore ), so he might die in the last book because of that ( kill by Potter, no less !! That'll make Potter a tragic hero of sort ) Also who is R.A. B. who replaced the locket ? ummmmmmmm, perhaps Sirius Black's young brother? I think his first name started with R............

milt ong, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 1:59 AM)

What are Ron and Hermoine looking at? Both are looking up..........hmmmm......dementors?

Sully in CO (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 2:20 AM)

Ok, in my opinion, the dragon could very well be Norbert. I mean the TriWizard dragon and Gringotts dragon would be too wild and untamable, thus, making them unridable. Ok, predictions: I'm unclear as to wheather J.K. means that 2 characters besides Voldemort will die or including him. So my guess is both Voldemort and Harry die, as Harry sacrifices himself to rid the world of the Dark Lord. If there is another to die then I guess it will be either Snape, Lupin, Moody, or Neville. If there truly is a reprieve for one of the dead characters then it has to be Sirius Black. After all, he escaped Azkaban, why not the veil too? I think Dumbledore will return, but as an imprint (ghost) to help Harry find the reamaining Horcruxes. Neville will get a measure of revenge/justice on LeStrange for what she did to his parents. I believe Dumbledore was dying anyways, due to smashing the ring in his left hand, so he had Snape kill him so he could rejoin Voldemort's army as a spy.

Marc Clearwater, FL (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 3:02 AM)

Snape's only motivation has been revenge on Voldemort for killing Lily Potter, who he loved. That's why he hates Harry: James' face, but Lily's eyes. When he told Voldemort about the prophecy Snape asked him not to kill Lily. Why else would Voldemort say "Stand aside" instead of just killing her? But she forced him to kill her and since then Dumbledore could trust Snape, because Snape's goal was clear and straightforward - get close to Voldemort and kill him.

Albatross (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 3:33 AM)

I alway hated Harry Potter. Until I read the books: Now I am hooked. I think Harry will either be saved by Draco or Snape, or one of the two will kill Voldemort. That said, I think the cover may be from the beginning of the book when Harry, Ron, and Hermione go to visit where Harry's parents died. They may be getting chased from there. Best of luck to Harry- J.K. please don't kill him!

-, Miami Florida (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 4:47 AM)

I don't think that dumbledore is dead. In the book it says that a green cloud enveloped him and he exploded backward. All the other killing curses are straight green bolts of light followed by a crumpling of the victim.

John Doe (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 4:55 AM)

Harry Potter has been one of my favourite books and I have gone through all the 6 books.I just can't wait for the next one.Too bad it is to be the last. Lets hope JK ROWLINGS has a change of heart in the future and comes up with some Pre sequels or else at least one more book as it really feels very sad to know that this going to be the last book.The artwork was fantastic.

JOSEPH GERARD,YANGON,MYANMAR (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 6:51 AM)

"Dumbledore, who could have left part of himself in a horacux...maybe his pensieve" Don't you have to kill someone to create a horacux? He can't be reprived that way. Maybe Dumbledore knew he was about to die, and had Snape kill him so Snape could get close to you know who.

Bill Krallis (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 7:51 AM)

Maybe the dragon's a "loaner" so the trio can be on time for Charlie and Fleur's wedding. Could be Norbert. I'm a huge fan but feel Harry may die...sniff! I think Snape is an animagus...Could he be a bat? raven? vampire? or dragon? You never know.

Dee, somewhere south of NY (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 8:07 AM)

Ok getting back to the sale of this book. What do you think will be in the "extra" pages of the "special eddition" that goes for $65? It's all fine artwork and honestly I could care less about what dragon it is and who's snoging who suspicions. I'll read the book just like the last 6 and I'll be happy. Just wondering if anyone has any meaningful info on the book itself.

Danny, Yigo, Guam (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 8:08 AM)

No, she said one of the characters she was going to kill in book 7 got a reprieve. In order to leave part of your soul in a horcrux, you have to kill someone. I don't recall Dumbledore ever having intentionally murdered anyone to split his soul. I wish it wern't the end of the headmaster, he was an amazing wizard.

Heidi Louisville, Ky (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 8:43 AM)

I sure hope that this J.K. Rowling gives back...and that might be in the form of free or highly subsidized "Potter" book distribution...My daughter and I'm sure millions of other children got "hooked" on reading with her series...and can't stop reading. Rowling, in my mind, should take monies earned through book sales and all related spinoffs (toys, the movies, etc) and put these books in the hands of a child who hasn't discovered reading. I put her in the category of an Oprah. She can "rock the world." I had to say that!

Jeffrey, Frederick, MD (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 8:52 AM)

The artwork puzzles me. It's beautiful. I love the American artwork, I dislike the British artwork. I am curious from which chapter this scene will be...

Dutch Harry Potter Fan, Eindhoven, Holland (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 9:36 AM)

When will this special edition come out, and how can it be ordered? I'll bet there will be more than 100,000 readers who will want one......

Mary E., Seattle, WA (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 10:18 AM)

I believe that Voldemort will die for sure in this book. But Harry Might have to die in order to kill Voldemort b/c Harry also is a horacux. (as we all know that Voldemort had lost his powers trying to kill Harry as a baby.)And it is possible that Sirius Black might come back because no one really found his body.

Clayton,Drayton Valley,ALberta (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 10:29 AM)

THANK YOU, THANK YOU for a fantastic wonderful adventure so sad to see it all end you have given everyone everywhere the most wonderful,fantastic adventure of a life time. I have all four of the movies and I love all of them and your books are the best. Hats off to you JK Rowling. I look forward to your next adventure whereever it may take us.A Job well done. And I think it's Norbett who else could it be. Again Thank you so Much I think I speak for everyone who has ever read your books and followed the adventures of Harry Potter to the end. I look foward to the next movie. Now take a nice long rest you deserve it.

Orlando Baquero (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 10:37 AM)

I'm not even sure that's Ron on the dragon... if you look at an enlarged picture of the cover, the boy's hair doesn't look red. Hmm...

Liney (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 10:42 AM)

Well, it can't be Ron, the third person on the back of the dragon has what looks like blonde hair not fire red hair so maybe it's Hermionie, Colin Creevey, and Harry or it could be Harry, Colin Creevey and Ginny. Ginny and Colin both showed a HUGE intrest in Harry in earlier books, so maybe Harry decided to use them in helping him fight the dark lord?! I read all the books from oct 06 to decmeber 06 and I've read them all more the 5 times since, they are highly addicting and I am very, very sad to see it all end.

Shannon, somewhere, a cool state (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 10:53 AM)

Personally I believe Harry himself is one of the horcruxes

Rick Arnest, Milford, OH (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 11:11 AM)

Maybe this is the Hungarian Horntail from Book 4... I'd love to know what situation the trio narrowly escaped to have their robes in shreds, and Harry not even in a robe! I'm sure Hermione is not enjoying the ride!

Becca, Fort Worth, TX (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 11:14 AM)

i like ginny! she is perfect for harry.. but this has nothing to do with the cover art but do u think snape could be in love with lily (just sayin..) bcuz he always says stuff bad about harrys dad but nuthin bout his mom. when harry sees the memory in the 5th book snape just called her a mudblood so no1 would kno he liked her. also hermione says the handwriting in the half blood princes book looked like a girls. maybe lily was tutoring snape?? (slughorn says lily was the best potions student in her year) snape hates harrys dad becuz he took his dream girl and kinda his dream sun (bcuz harrys famous and powerful, snape would want a son like that!) anyway just an idea.

Amme Namles, Luling, Louisiana (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 11:55 AM)

The Left side of the pic looks kindof like the mountain that Hogwarts is built on, and the village they are flying over i think is Hogsmeade! On their way to Godric's Hollow!? Help from the OOTP?

Yet ANOTHER Harry P fan. (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 12:04 PM)

I don't think the dragon is Norbert. It has no pupils, which would makes it an opaleye. I think ron and hermione end up going to school, but harry doesn't. I also think they are in New Zeland. The weather in the south is cold there, so it would explain why harry is wearing an ugly jaket. Houses in New Zeland look like the houses on the cover. And in the normal D.H. cover, harry is wearing something around his neck, that could be a fish hook pendant that are used in New Zeland as talismans. And opaleye dragons are easy to tame, so the trio would have no problem riding it. And New Zeland has many hills.

Katie,NJ (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 12:42 PM)

i have to completely agree with the first guy who posted in here, Dan, I think his name is? But yes, i agree that its the last scene where the trio are flying back to hogwarts after winning some battle(i dont know wat type of battle if its physical or verbal or watever. i dont know.)

Raven, CA (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 2:57 PM)

I would truly love to see there be directors cut editions of all of these movies. The same way the Lord Of The Rings had directors cuts. I feel that HP would be a wonderful collection. I am so sad to see it all end. The series of books will undoubtedly be considered as great literary works just as JRR Tolkien"s books are.

Jeannie Quinn Austin Texas (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 3:01 PM)

Why all the obsession over who or what kind of dragon is on the cover? Its beautiful, regardless !! And so much animosity towards Ginny. Sounds like there's a tad of jealousy. But JKR's books are so rivetting its not difficult to get yourself so caught up with the characters. I have my own opinions of who "The Chosen One" ( Snapes ) but we won't know until the final book is released. Also I believe Dumbledore is still around and will make his presence known again. Just like Fawkes. After all, "Harry Potter" is all about magic and anything can happen.

Lily C. (Sent Saturday, June 09, 2007 6:02 PM)



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