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AUGUST 10, 2006 at 2:09 AM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPANA
The two nights of Harry, Carrie and Garp at Radio City Music Hall in New York City last week had most of us in attendance scribbling notes, sneaking photos and reflecting. Unfortunately that meant we didn't have the complete, exact text of what JK Rowling said in response to fan questions... until now.
What follows is a transcript of the second night's highlights, courtesy MSN Video, with pregnant pauses, sighs, laughs and cheers intact (it's unknown if the first night's video will be made available, but you can read those highlights
courtesy Veritaserum):
Though the event each evening was kicked off by actress Whoopi Goldberg, we're skipping right ahead to JK Rowling's segment:
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Academy-Award winner Kathy Bates!
[applause]
Bates: Thank you... thank you very much. Thank you and good evening. Tonight, our next author... [cheers]... makes her much-anticipated return to the United States, the first visit in six years. And that may explain why at this moment I feel sort of like Ed Sullivan as he was about to introduce The Beatles. [...]
But this moment seems somehow bigger. Because with Pottermania, JK Rowling has managed to pull off a feat that no one ever thought possible: Transforming an entire generation of children into wild, screaming, frenzied fans... of books.
Let's not forget that Harry Potter arrived on our shores at a perilous moment in time. Just when it seemed that technology had infiltrated every last aspect of our lives, most at risk were our children. Between PCs and Playstations, modems and multiplexes, we were in danger of losing an entire generation to the ravages of ADD.
Then, along came an author who tamed the cacophony with a whisper. With words on a page, JK Rowling lured kids away from the screens and into the quiet of their rooms, and took them to places where Google does not go.
With each thick book that they conquered, children gained the confidence to take on the next. The Harry Potter books that collected on shelves were showcased like trophies. And in the months they waited for the next installment, something else amazing happened to these new readers: They became re-readers, devouring again and again the same book for pleasure they had rushed through the first time just for plot.
Of course, in our entertainment age, it was inevitable that a book and a hero as popular as Harry would make his way from the book back to one of those screens. There were those who feared that the special effects of a movie would put an end to the reign of the book, and that children would rather watch a pre-imagined world of wizards than conjure up their own from a page. Instead, Harry's legions went eagerly to the movies, and then faithfully back to their books. That's how we know that JK Rowling's spell was not-so-easily broken; that the magic she conjures turns children into readers for life.
Fan question and answer segment:
Question: If you could bring one Harry Potter character to life, other than Harry, who would it be?
Rowling: Personally, although it's a really tricky one... Hagrid... if I could have anyone. Because I think we'd all like a Hagrid in our life, liability though he often is. It would be really great if I met a fundamentalist Christian, to say, "Would you like to discuss the matter with Hagrid?"
[cheers]Question: In Half-Blood Prince, Aunt Petunia is said to be oddly flushed when Dumbledore announces that Harry will be returning only once more to Privet Drive. Does this mean that Aunt Petunia harbors a hidden love or fondness for Harry and the connection he provides her to the wizarding world?
Rowling: That's an excellent question. And like all the best and most penetrating questions, it's difficult to answer. But, I will say this: There is a little more to Aunt Petunia than meets the eye. And you will figure out what that is in book 7.
Question: I absolutely love your books. I'm not a big reader, but your books make me want to read, and that makes my mom happy. She loves your books too. In your recent interview, you hinted at two main characters dying, and possibly Harry Potter too. Would Dumbledore be considered one of the main characters, or do we have the chance to see him in action once again. Since he is the most powerful wizard of all time, and Harry Potter is so loyal to him, how could he really be dead?
[JK sighs... audience cheers]
Rowling: [laughs] I feel terrible! The British writer Graham Greene once said that every writer had to have a chip of ice in their heart. Oh no... I think you may just have [ruined?] my career. I really can't answer that question, because the answer is in book 7. But... you shouldn't expect Dumbledore to do a Gandalf. Let me just put it that way. I'm sorry.
Author Salman Rushdie introduces himself and son. JK applauds with audience and says: "I'm not sure this is fair. I think you might be better at guessing plots than most. But off you go."
Rushdie: Until the events of volume six, it was always made plain that Snape might be an unlikable fellow [JK: uh huh], but he was essentially one of the good guys [JK: uh-huh] [audience: 'yes!' and cheers]. [JK: I can see this is the question you all really want answered.] Dumbledore himself had always vouched for him [JK: yes]. Now we are suddenly told that Snape is in fact a villain and Dumbledore's killer [JK: uh-huh]. We cannot, or don't, want to believe this [JK laughs]. Our theory is that Snape is in fact still a good guy [JK: right], from which it follows that Dumbledore can't really be dead, and that the death is a ruse, cooked up between Dumbledore and Snape, to put Voldemort off his guard, so that when Harry and Voldemort come face-to-face [audience and JK laughs], Harry might have more allies than he or Voldemort suspects. So: is Snape good or bad? [JK laughs and audience cheers] In our opinion, everything follows from it.
Rowling: Well, Salman... your opinion, I would say, is right. But I see that I need to be a little more explicit... and say that Dumbledore is definitely dead. And I do know there's an entire website that's name is DumbledoreIsNotDead.com, so I imagine they're not happy right now. But I think I need.... You need... All of you need to move through the five stages of grief [audience and JK laughs] and I'm just helping you get past denial. So, I can't remember what's next, it may be anger, so I think we should stop it here. Thank you.
Question: As a librarian, I would first like to thank you for attracting so many students (and adults as well) to reading. Since the Harry Potter series will be unfortunately ending, what does the future for you, and for your readers, hold? Do you have something planned, to keep the anxious students and adults, waiting to be release?
Rowling: I thought you were going to attack me for Madame Pince, and I would like to apologize to you and any other librarians present here today. My get-out clause on this is always: If they'd had a pleasant, helpful librarian, half my plots would be gone. Because the answer invariably is in a book, but Hermione has to go and find it. If they'd had a good librarian, that would've been that problem solved, so, sorry. I have a shorter, mercifully, book for, I think, slightly younger children, that's half written, so I may go back to that when Harry's done. I think I'll need a short mourning period though, you'll have to allow me a short time to get past Harry.
Question for Stephen King: ... what kinds of scary stories keep you up at night?
King: I'll tell you what. I think our idea of what scares us changes as we get older. [...] As a young person, one of the scariest things I ever read was Lord of the Flies. [...] Sometimes you get surprised into fright. When I picked up the Harry Potter books, I was not prepared for the depth of some of the frightening passages in there. Frankly, I was surprised by how scary the deatheaters were. [...] I try to keep up with the competitors. The deatheaters are good... [JK: "I scared Stephen King." SK: You scared Stephen King. Yeah. I hope you're proud of yourself!" JK: "Oh, I'm very proud of myself!"]
Question: What is the one question your fans have never asked you, and should have?
Rowling: Oh, God... How can I answer that? I can think of a couple of things that give away the ending of book 7. Having got this far... having got sixteen years down the line, I kind of feel that would throw it away. For me, anyway, having put the effort in. I think that I've been asked excellent questions, it's just that the final book contains a couple of pieces of information that I don't think you could guess at. I'm sorry... You see, people think that it's all so fixed in my head. It's not that obsessively plotted out. For example, this afternoon I believe I changed my mind on the title of book 7. Having been quite convinced that I had the title, I suddenly thought, "No, that would be better, wouldn't it?" in the shower just before coming out here, so... But you know what, I'm not going to tell you either version, because... [audience moans]. Oh, come on! Now really! Have I not given you enough? I gave you Aunt Petunia, I told you Dumbledore is really [JK moves finger across her neck in swift motion]. So, I am trying to give something to you. I suppose it's that question. Everyone's really pleased you asked that question. It's me who's let everyone down, not you.
Question: If you were to have dinner with any five characters from any of your books, who would you invite, and why would they be on your list?
Stephen King: Any five characters, from any of my books? Honey, I'm eating alone. [...] I would eat with Harry, Hermione and Ron. [...] I can think of other people's characters I'd eat with.
Rowling: I'd take Harry to apologize to him... Um, I'd have to take Harry, Ron and Hermione [King: sure]. I would... this is... [King: Hagrid, take Hagrid]. See, I know who's actually dead. [King: Pretend you can take anyone.] Pretend I can take anyone? Well then I would definitely take Dumbledore... I'd take Dumbledore, Harry, Ron, Hermione... and... [audience shouts out suggestions] um, Hagrid. I'd take Hagrid, yeah.
Remember that the primary reason for this event was to raise money for Doctors Without Borders and The Haven Foundation, which we will profile in the near future.
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Wizard
Points: 887
Magic_Ty4 says:
I hope we find out what title she is going to settle on soon.
Posted Aug 11, 2006 at 10:06 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2351
Skitch says:
Oh man. Really. So, I only got so far in this transcript before I have become disheartened, and, Now I want to read no more.
There are so many things that a famous person should leave alone when speaking to a mass audience. Especially to those who are of all shapes, sizes, colors and creeds.(i.e. fans of Harry Potter) And one of the most important ones to avoid is religion. At this point, I can only say, why???
Why, did she have to call out fundamentalist christians? Why did she have to say, as her big joke, that of all people she would bring to life, it would be Hagrid?? The one who has time and again proven to be the oaf. And yet HE would have something to say about Christianity? Why is it that HE would be the one she would call on... to apparently shut up all the arguments a christain may have about.... anything. As far as I read, there wasn't even a specific argument. Only, that Hagrid could shush all of us up.
I am truly hurt and offended. Okay, not really. I'm mildy upset, and yet have a great argument. And that works for me.
I'm not upset that she is narrow minded. She can be that way. I am upset that she would broadcast it to every known Potter fan out there. SOOO many of her fans are Christian. And then she makes us out to be the idiots.
I dont know. Maybe I should read further. But honestly though, how would you feel if she attacked YOUR religion with the biggest oaf she could write?? Would you think she had any respect for you???
Advise... tell me I'm wrong.
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 3:40 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2860
mad_eye muggle says:
Cool!Its nice to able to read what was happening in the event.Wish I could be there.It really sounds sooooo exciting and fun.HP RULES!
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 4:52 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2334
Chahat says:
Cool interview. She managed to dodge of the Snape angle completely.
Her answers on how we can find everything in book7 makes me even more restless for it. But can she fit it all in?
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 6:52 AM EST
Witch
Points: 652
Briea says:
I think this sends a very ominous message for Hagrid as it is only after she is told she can take dead or alive that she chooses Hagrid. Not to mention Harry is supposed to do this alone which would mean no support from Hagrid. Thanks HPANA for putting this up i was wondering the exact wording of how that was put.
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 8:53 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1122
PhoenixPatronus2 says:
Very interesting information. Definitely some things to chew on between now and when the book is out. I wish we had more of a firm idea how long we have to wait, but book publishing is not so exact as WB is being with when the movies will be out. And if she's not even done with the book yet we may not be getting our July 2007 launch.
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 9:42 AM EST
Witch
Points: 652
Briea says:
Skitch
I dont think that Hagrid would have anything offensive to say but rather would just defend a friend which he has done in many cases in the books without really attacking. I am sure you would have done this too so dont take it to far to heart as I am sure that she just sometimes she feels a protecter when she gets overwhelmed with it all not just her critics.
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 10:10 AM EST
Squib
Points: 178
*~*Ginny*~* says:
So what do you guys think? I wonder whats more to aunt Petunia???? Shes probebly not a witch...that would be to much... maybe she knows somthing about Harry?...RAB!!!! no...maybe not ...well i dont know hmmm.... Oh ya RAB ive got two guesses to who that is...Regules Black its Serius Blacks brother who worked for voldemort , but that doesnt make sense... but it didnt make sense that snape would kill Dumbledore so i dont know!!! and my other guess is borgin who works at BORGIN AND BURKS !!! because voldemort worked there after he left school...remember!!! and we dont know his first name so it could sart with and R. plus when voldemort worked there borgin gould have found out things about him making horcruxes! well tell me if you have any other idieas about RAB.
*~*Ginny*~*
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 11:22 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1585
Timhghrolr says:
I really wish I could have been there to see my two favorite writers in Rowling and King reading and talking about their life and thier works.
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 2:08 PM EST
Witch
Points: 633
snakeeyes says:
She said that Salman Rushdie's opinion was right! Does that therefore mean that his assumptions concerning the true loyalties of Snape are in fact correct? I truly hope so, because I have not given up on Snape yet.
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 4:19 PM EST
Witch
Points: 828
Elphaba_Thropp says:
After that question i am slightly more confident that Harry Hermione and Ron are safe from death.
How could they possibly die!?!
But then again...
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 4:25 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1218
hermygrangergirl says:
Wow.... very not insightful :( Like usual, JK has to cover up, of course. It does get a little exasperating, I must admit, to hear her say "Sorry I can't tell you since it plays a crucial part in book 7" or stuff like that. Grr but I guess it's in us readers' best interest, eh? Who in their right mind would WANT HP spoilers.
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 6:37 PM EST
High Inquisitor
Points: 23483
KT Lady says:
Wow so many transcripts. I know what could have been better...all of the members of HPANA are automatically invited to attend and actually see this for themselves ;)
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 9:58 PM EST
Squib
Points: 118
*; MaGiC hApPeNs.......;* says:
WOW! this is soo cool , thanks for the transcript!
she has some very interestig awnsers
Posted Aug 12, 2006 at 11:47 PM EST
Squib
Points: 110
acciohpbookseven says:
I am realy glad to finally read the transcript so I know exactly what was said! It does seem that there are many subtle hints scattered throughout; it would seem the trio survive the seventh book, but that bit about "King: Hagrid, take Hagrid" "Rowling: See, I know who's actually dead" makes one wonder if Hagrid isn't going to be with us much longer:-( And also, the bit about taking Harry to apoligize to him; I hope he won't have to suffer any more anguish than he already has, but I'm afraid that it must be inevitable:-(
Posted Aug 13, 2006 at 12:53 AM EST
Ravenclaw Mastermind
Points: 9743
Isilwen Ciryatan says:
Thanks for putting up the transcript. I liked being able to read what happened, and what Jo's answers were. It looked like a great time.
Posted Aug 13, 2006 at 8:04 AM EST
Witch
Points: 634
Tammyant says:
Vermin Jerky, you're right of course. Harry has had a terrible lot of experiences so far. Could you explain to me how you've worked out that Hagrid is going to die? And also, why you think that the trio is safe...I didn't read that much into it.
Posted Aug 13, 2006 at 8:38 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2108
phoenix_feathers says:
Well, it's a good recount. It sort of leaves us hanging though... I would so love it if she were to tell us Harry's doom, or if she at least told us that we could be counting on a heroic ending, or i dont know! It's just... I dont want it all to be over you know?
Posted Aug 13, 2006 at 3:30 PM EST
Princess of Nargles
Points: 4137
hp_fan206 says:
At first I thought by mentioning that she knew who died that Hagrid would be one of the victims. But then when I watched the video I thought that probably not. It wasn't in her facial expression... :/ Hmm, now I don't know what to think. Did she give anything away?
Posted Aug 13, 2006 at 8:06 PM EST
Seer
Points: 15207
Brittany Radcliffe says:
i love reading the Q&A from JK and the fans.
i love how when she answers a question she does it in a way where she keeps on dangling for MORE!
Posted Aug 13, 2006 at 9:03 PM EST
Witch
Points: 983
Weasleyismyking!/R/Hrfrv says:
Yeah, lupinismyhero_rhrforever! and I have discussed the possibility of Hagrid dying in Book 7 thousand of times but had always agreed on that it was unlikely because he's inmense advantage as a half-giant and the power it brings to him...but after reading this I'm not so sure.
PS: As much as it hurt, I knew Dumbledore was defenitely dead.
Posted Aug 13, 2006 at 10:31 PM EST
Witch
Points: 685
herblackwings29 says:
I wish I could have taken my son, but New York was just too far away to drive. It does make me sad to know, difinitively that Dumbledore is dead. I was of the camp that believed he and Snape somehow managed to fake it. Well, now I will just continue on with my Snape is not evil campaign!
Posted Aug 14, 2006 at 12:55 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2223
Pheonixflames says:
There were some interesting hints in this interview, and I just cant wait till the next book is released...I know JK has something planned for Dumbledore, and Snape, but what? Guess we will just have to wait and find out.
Posted Aug 14, 2006 at 1:47 PM EST
Professor
(Moderator)
Points: 1180
Vermin Jerky says:
Tammyant, a lot of people have explained why they think there's indications here of the trio living and of Hagrid biting the dust, although I personally am still less convinced of Hagrid's fate than of the trio's, as I've said.
Anyway, JKR's last response is what's making people think this, especially her dialog with Stephen King. She instantly listed Harry, Ron and Hermione as people she'd have dinner with, without hesitating. Then King suggested Hagrid, whom he, like us, knows to be a favorite of hers. She hesitated, and said "See, I know who's actually dead," indicating she was thinking of who would actually be alive today, about ten years after the end of the series will be set. When King suggested she choose anyone, regardless, then she picked Dumbledore. And then she paused again, then picked Hagrid.
If, at first, she was taking the character's demise into consideration, and then discounted it, it seems rather likely that the characters she first listed are going to survive. Hagrid, however, got listed with Dumbledore, and JKR's response to King's suggestion of Hagrid was "See, I know who's actually dead."
I don't think any of us like to think of the possibility, but this does seem to be a huge, and probably accidental, tip-off.
Posted Aug 14, 2006 at 6:52 PM EST
Witch
Points: 634
Tammyant says:
Vermin Jerky, Wow! that was a really perceptive interpretation of JK's comments. Thanks for the explanation. I read the article, but didn't read that much into it. I can see why you've taken her comments to have these meanings! I hope you're right...I would hate to see Hargrid die, but it's more important to me that the tri survive.
Loved Jack Sparrow in the new movie, by the way. Judging from your avatar, you did too. Can't wait to see what happens to him in the next movie!
Posted Aug 14, 2006 at 7:40 PM EST
rockstar
Points: 2857
Harry_J Potter says:
Oh my, that is wonderful, I am litterally shaking right now.. Ooh, I'm so scared for the final book to come out! I know I'll cry for days at least.... i dunno, it sounds like she's offing Hagrid... =(
Posted Aug 14, 2006 at 10:11 PM EST
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