Number 9...Number 9...Number 9...

Mathematics: Not only is 9 a square, but anyone who learned their base 10 times table will recall that a number can only be divided by 9 if the sum of the digits reduces to 9 (ya know, like 18 -> 1 + 8 = 9, 27 -> 2 + 7 = 9, etc.). It's also an exponential factorial (3^2^1 = 9). In the base 10 logarithm used for probability, nines are used to express the probability of an event's opposite. Though pi's decimal places are random, the first repeat occurs from positions 762 to 767 -- 9 repeated 6 times -- and the repeat is commonly called the Feynman Point.

Enneagrams: The enneagram is used to diagram nine different personality stereotypes.


Nine Muses: (From http://www.greatdreams.com/nine/nine.htm) "in Greek mythology, the nine patron goddesses of the arts; daughters ofZEUS and Mnemosyne, a TITAN who personified memory. They were: Calliope (epic poetry and eloquence), Euterpe (music and lyric poetry), Erato (love poetry), Polyhymnia (oratory or sacred poetry), Clio (history), Melpomene (tragedy), Thalia (comedy), Terpsichore (choral song and dance), and Urania (astronomy)."

To the highest extent: Many cultures view nine as the highest attainable limit to something, such as "cloud nine" or "dressed to the nines".

Chemistry: On the Periodic Table, Fluorine has Atomic Number 9, so it has nine protons and nine electrons. http://www.lateralscience.co.uk/Fluorine/Fluorine.html calls fuorine the "gas of Lucifer".... The site also gives accounts of how difficult it is to isolate without dying or suffering serious injury. Alchemists often used fluorine as a solvent, since it makes metals flow better. It's a pale green gas that makes me think of the green light that's emmitted when someone casts the Killing Curse.

I'll keep track of the number 9 throughout the HP series....

PS/SS:CH1:QUESTIONS AND ODDITIES

Just some questions I have about Chapter One:

1. Dumbledore's too "noble" to use the dark powers that Voldemort uses. Has Dumbledore learned them? Has he ever used them in the past?
2. What's the purpose of Dumbledore's 12-handed watch? Is it for Divination of any sort? Does it tell Dumbledore where certain people are? From http://phrontistery.info/a.html, I found this -- albion, a "medieval astronomical device for finding positions of planets". I always thought Albion was just a reference to England, and that it comes from a word for "white". These definitions are also true, however the astronomical device definition sounds intruiging!
3. What was the wording of the letter Dumbledore gave to Petunia Dursely when he left Harry on the porch?
4. Kent, Yorkshire, and Dundee... saw a "downpour of shooting stars". Exactly when did this happen...Halloween night about the time the Potters were attacked...or later the next day? (I don't like McGonagall's assumptions about Dedalus Diggle...besides that would only acount for Kent!) Were they celebrations or signals? It's hard to see Dundee in the left-hand pic below, but it's this tiny black speck on the east coast of Scotland....
5. Hagrid says he flew over Bristol (and we later find out the Dursleys live in Surrey), so where is Godric's Hollow? Wales? Below, the pic on the right shows where Surrey is.
6. How did Hagrid get to Harry (since we later find out there was a Fidelius Charm)?
7. How was Dumbledore (and others) notified about the attack on the Potters just after it happened on Oct. 31, 1981? Was there a sensor of some sort located at the Potters' house? Was someone on Dumbledore's side present during the attack? Was James or Lily somehow able to send a message to Dumbledore before they were killed (Patronus message, perhaps)?
8. So, Harry will have this scar as long as he lives. How will it come in handy...besides turning out to be a dark detector of sorts...or is that all it's good for?
9. How did Dumbledore end up with a scar that looks just like a map of the London Underground? Is there any significance to it being above the left knee, or is JKR just having fun with the allusion to Ullyses?
10. Where does Hagrid return the motorcycle to Sirius?

Numerology Reading for Harry Potter, part three

I needed an extra post for Harry's Numerology Reading because these analyses are so long.... I decided to post Essence Numbers here since they are divided by year, and I calculated Harry's Essences for almost 40 years of his life. This gets complicated, and I knew it would take me a while to explain my findings in a cohesive manner.

Well, here we go....

**ANTICIPATING CHANGES**
Essences of the Name: The name also has meaning for every year of the subject's life.

• 1980-1981: PY 9: Age 0-1: H-J-P: 8-1-7: 16 --> 7: Isolation
• 1981-1982: PY 1: Age 1-2: H-A-P: 8-1-7: 16 --> 7: Isolation (Voldemort attacks the Potters October 31st 1981)
• 1982-1983: PY 2: Age 2-3: H-M-P: 8-4-7: 19 --> 1: Dramatic ongoing changes \
• 1983-1984: PY 3: Age 3-4: H-M-P: 8-4-7: 19 --> 1: Dramatic ongoing changes \(or a single major change taking four years)
• 1984-1985: PY 4: Age 4-5: H-M-P: 8-4-7: 19 --> 1: Dramatic ongoing changes /
• 1985-1986: PY 5: Age 5-6: H-M-P: 8-4-7: 19 --> 1: Dramatic ongoing changes /
• 1986-1987: PY 6: Age 6-7: H-E-P: 8-5-7: 20 --> 2: Slow development and obstacles
• 1987-1988: PY 7: Age 7-8: H-E-O: 8-5-6: 19 --> 1: Change
• 1988-1989: PY 8: Age 8-9: A-E-O: 1-5-6: 12 --> 3: Joy and optimism
• 1989-1990: PY 9: Age 9-10: R-E-O: 9-5-6: 20 --> 2: Road blocks & obstacles
• 1990-1991: PY 1: Age 10-11: R-E-O: 9-5-6: 20 --> 2: Road blocks & obstacles (finds out he's a wizard, the Dursleys don't want him to attend Hogwarts)
• 1991-1992: PY 2: Age 11-12: R-S-O: 9-1-6: 16 --> 7: Study, a sense of isolation, inward focus, oportunity to learn and pursue new interests (Hogwarts, year 1)
• 1992-1993: PY 3: Age 12-13: R-J-O: 9-1-6: 16 --> 7: Study, a sense of isolation, inward focus, oportunity to learn and pursue new interests (Hogwarts, year 2)
• 1993-1994: PY 4: Age 13-14: R-A-T: 9-1-2: 12 --> 3: Joy and optimism (Hogwarts, year 3. Even though the rat escapes, Harry discovers a "father figure" in Sirius)
• 1994-1995: PY 5: Age 14-15: R-M-T: 9-4-2: 15 --> 6: Responsibility for home, family and friends. Service to the community. Intense responsibility. Meet the challenges now and the reward will be love and devotion. (Hogwarts, year 4. TWT, Cedric dies, Voldemort regains a body.)
• 1995-1996: PY 6: Age 15-16: R-M-T: 9-4-2: 15 --> 6: Responsibility for home, family and friends. Service to the community. Intense responsibility. Meet the challenges now and the reward will be love and devotion. Since this is also a personal year 6, the responsibility will seem the greatest. Feeling and sharing emotions is very beneficial. (Hogwarts, year 5. Slurred by the media, discovers a mental link between himself and Voldemort, hears the prophecy. Sirius dies. Voldemort's return is finally recognized by the MoM.)
• 1996-1997: PY 7: Age 16-17: R-M-T: 9-4-2: 15 --> 6: Responsibility for home, family and friends. Service to the community. Intense responsibility. Meet the challenges now and the reward will be love and devotion. (Hogwarts, year 6. Voldemort is using [and testing] Draco, Dumbledore gets killed, Fawkes leaves Hogwarts, Snape goes into hiding.)
• 1997-1998: PY 8: Age 17-18: R-M-E: 9-4-5: 18 --> 9: Humanitarian endeavors. Dramatic and emotional. Acute feelings and emotions. End to a major task and a change in interests. Gain freedom. Intense or emotional romance. Ending leads to new, better beginings. (Hogwarts, would be year 7. This suggests that Harry will not only survive but start a better life, perhaps with Ginny. A change in interests might refer to Harry deciding not to become an auror. He wouldn't be able to anyway if he doesn't finish school, would he?)
• 1998-1999: PY 9: Age 18-19: H-E-E: 8-5-5: 18 --> 9: Humanitarian endeavors. Dramatic and emotional. Acute feelings and emotions. End to a major task and a change in interests. Gain freedom. Intense or emotional romance. Ending leads to new, better beginings. Since this is also a personal year 9, it will be emotionally draining, completion is difficult, and clear thinking is particularly important. (See below.)
• 1999-2000: PY 1: Age 19-20: H-E-E: 8-5-5: 18 --> 9: Humanitarian endeavors. Dramatic and emotional. Acute feelings and emotions. End to a major task and a change in interests. Gain freedom. Intense or emotional romance. Ending leads to new, better beginings. 3 years or more of a 9 essence shows an extended period of passionate feelings, perhaps a love affair or a sustained effort.
• 2000-2001: PY 2: Age 20-21: H-E-E: 8-5-5: 18 --> 9.
• 2001-2002: PY 3: Age 21-22: H-E-E: 8-5-5: 18 -->9.
• 2002-2003: PY 4: Age 22-23: H-E-E: 8-5-5: 18 --> 9: (This suggests that it will take Harry about 6 years, post HBP, to finally defeat Voldemort.)
• 2003-2004: PY 5: Age 23-24: H-S-S: 8-1-1: 10 --> 1.
• 2004-2005: PY 6: Age 24-25: H-J-J: 8-1-1: 10 --> 1.
• 2005-2006: PY 7: Age 25-26: H-A-A: 8-1-1: 10 --> 1.
• 2006-2007: PY 8: Age 26-27: A-R-R: 1-9-9: 19 --> 1: Four years of dramatic ongoing changes, or a single change taking four years.
• 2007-2008: PY 9: Age 27-28: R-R-R: 9-9-9: 27 --> 9: Humanitarian endeavors. Dramatic and emotional. Acute feelings and emotions. End to a major task and a change in interests. Gain freedom. Intense or emotional romance. Ending leads to new, better beginings. Since this is also a personal year 9, it will be emotionally draining, completion is difficult, and clear thinking is particularly important.
• 2008-2009: PY 1: Age 28-29: R-R-R: 9-9-9: 27 --> 9.
• 2009-2010: PY 2: Age 29-30: R-R-R: 9-9-9: 27 --> 9.
• 2010-2011: PY 3: Age 30-31: R-R-R: 9-9-9: 27 --> 9.
• 2011-2012: PY 4: Age 31-32: R-R-R: 9-9-9: 27 --> 9.
• 2012-2013: PY 5: Age 32-33: R-R-R: 9-9-9: 27 --> 9.
• 2013-2014: PY 6: Age 33-34: R-R-R: 9-9-9: 27 --> 9.
• 2014-2015: PY 7: Age 34-35: R-R-R: 9-9-9: 27 --> 9: (Looks like Harry will have another sustained effort [or love affair] lasting 8 years....)
• 2015-2016: PY 8: Age 35-36: R-H-H: 9-8-8: 25 --> 7: Isolation
• 2016-2017: PY 9: Age 36-37: H-H-H: 8-8-8: 24 --> 6: 6: Responsibility for home, family and friends. Service to the community. Intense responsibility. Meet the challenges now and the reward will be love and devotion.

I had to stop here.... I'm so through with essences....

**TEMPERMENT AND PERSONALITY**
Planes of Expression: These are Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Intuitive. Each of these is also split into Creative/Inspired, Dual/Adaptable (Vacillating), and Grounded/Balanced.

Well, I'm having problems adding new images to blogger right now, so I can't show you the tables for these planes just yet.... For now I'll just say this: Harry has...

• 2 counts of Creative-Mental
• 2 counts of Creative-Physical
• 4 counts of Creative-Emotional
• 3 counts of Adaptable-Mental
• 3 counts of Adaptable-Emotional
• 1 count of Adaptable-Intuitive
• 1 count of Grounded-Physical
• 5 total counts in Mental
• 3 total counts in Physical
• 6 total counts in Emotional
• 1 total count in Intuitive
• 8 total counts in Creative
• 7 total counts in Adaptable
• 1 total count in Grounded

What does this mean? Well, he isn't too grounded, for one thing! From http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-planes1.html, "Grounded Absence. Because your chart is void or nearly void in Grounded letters, you may be better at starting things than finishing them. Either you become bored with something soon after beginning it, or you take on so much that you don't have the energy or focus to accomplish anything. You may have difficulty in various aspects of your life, frequently changing jobs, lovers, residences, and even your beliefs and ideas on many of life's weightier issues." He's almost equally Creative and Adaptable. From http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-planes1.html again: "Creative/Adaptable. The combination of most of the letters in the creative and Adaptable mode suggests that you are a person who is inclined toward constant activity, but this activity must provide variety and change. Your efforts are directed at the here and now, but decision-making can sometimes be a problem. You are likely to act immediately on issues that come to your attention, but not without paying attention to the lessons from the past. Sometimes, you may dwell on the past a little too long. Positively expressed, creative letters produce constructive initiative, while the Adaptable tone allows you to always be flexible. You are able to fit easily into most situations, and you produce results wherever you fit in. You are devoted rather than ambitious."

To find the Planes of Expression Temperment, take the counts for each of the four planes and divide them by the total number of letters in the name. Multiply each answer by 100 to get the percentages. Thus:

• (5/16) x 100% = 31.25% Mental
• (3/16) x 100% = 18.75% Physical
• (6/16) x 100% = 37.5% Emotional
• (1/16) x 100% = 6.25% Intuitive

The following descriptions/readings in quotes all come from http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-planes2.html.

1. Mental is average (26-32%) -- "Average: Your name shows substantial strength in the mental plane suggesting that you have the ability to think things through carefully before making a decision. You have little difficulty handling mental activities even when they become technical and complex. You are comfortable in a leadership role, but this may not necessarily be an essential to your well-being."
2. Physical is average (18-23%) -- "Average: You are essentially a common sense person with a concern for the practical and the economical use of resources and assets. You have the ability to stick with a job and get it done even if it is not all fun and games. You have a healthy competitive spirit which serves you well without going overboard. Your ability to concentrate on the task at hand is solidly set in your nature."
3. Emotional is strong (35%<) -- "Strong: The emotional plane is very strong in your makeup. Indeed, your point of view usually contains significant portions of emotion and imagination without much concern for the facts of the matter. It's easy for you to get carried away sometimes. You are very original and creative and you care deeply for causes you embrace. You are extremely sentimental, sympathetic and caring. Your direct expression of friendship, affections and love make it clear where you stand."
4. Intuitive is weak (0-11%) -- "Weak: Your name suggests that intuitional or spiritual interests are not paramount in your makeup. So called intuitive awareness, psychic or otherwise spiritual matters aren't of much interest to you as you go about your daily tasks. The idea of developing inwardly pretty much leaves you cold. If there is an inner voice, you don't have much trust in it."

Numerology Reading for Harry Potter, part two

Looks like this reading will take at least three posts.... Here's part two:

**IMPORTANT CYCLES**
Life Path Periods: These three major periods in life are determined by the month, day, and year of birth. The begining of the first period starts at birth and continues until you are about 28, assuming you get to live a long life....
Harry's period numbers are 7, 4, and 9:
From http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-periods.html we discover the following:
First period = 7: "Early years: If there is a problem with the 7 period in early life it is being misunderstood or considered "difficult." In this period you may have the sense that you are different from your peers. You repel conformity. The 7 period makes you inclined to seek and absorb learning as a primary focus. The fact that you don't feel very comfortable in your environment is to be expected. Your natural curiosity and inquisitive mind will take you far during this period." Oh! Harry feels quite different. Not only does he find out he's a wizard, but he also finds out he's famous.
Second period = 4: 2008 is supposed to be the start of Harry's second life path period (it just happens to be a Personal Year 1 for him), and he'll be 28, if he lives that long! "Productive years: This period is a time to build and develop ideas into a tactile form. Now is a time that you become more of a builder, a better organizer, and perhaps even a more stable and secure person. Your judgment and decisions take on more conservatism and practicality, and they are based on careful and more thoughtful planning. You are apt to be more serious about your work and perhaps devote more time to it, too. Be careful not to become a workaholic. With a 4 lifepath period you must be constantly reminded to take the time to smell the roses." This is already starting to show in his actions and attitude, though he still gets quite worked up and judgemental. However, we must remember that he's still quite young, and we'd like to think he has a lot more life to live. Hopefully, he'll defeat Voldemort during the First period and his "productive years" won't be for quite some time to come....
Third period = 9: Once again, if Harry gets to live this long, the third period of his life will start at the age of 62, in 2042. This I calculated from the rules provided by http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-periods.html#Lifepath%20Period%207. "Later years: The 9 period in the later years generally signifies a settled and happy life at this juncture. You are inclined to positive feelings toward the world, and you will want to share your experiences to a greater extent. You may engage in many positive works benefiting mankind or just a few needy souls in your immediate environment. The lesson of the number is learning to give without expecting to get something back. If you have learned this by this time, this period may well be the best part of your life." If JKR has taken Harry's Life Path Periods into consideration, we should expect Harry to defeat Voldemort, survive the ordeal, and gain the family he desires. Though JKR has said Harry wouldn't be the kind who takes a teaching post at Hogwarts, he should continue to provide beneficial services to the wizarding world, and perhaps to all of mankind. Then perhaps he'll retire and get to watch grandkids run around??

BTW, here's what http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-personalyear.html has to say about a Personal Year 1: "A New Beginning In Your Life. The current year is the beginning of a new nine year cycle for you. It holds the promise of being an exciting new adventure, with life taking on new challenges that pave the way for the next cycle of nine years in your life. This is a time to clarify your goals and it is a time to act on them. Hard work may be necessary to get a new venture moving. Your physical strength will be up during this year, perhaps higher than it has been for some time, as you have some special needs for this extra energy. If you are unable or unwilling to answer the call to change and make the move in your life the appears necessary now, your prospects may be delayed until the next cycle begins in nine years. Because of this, you feel like an adventure, a major change in your life, something new. New goals should be clearly set and worked toward, as this is really a new beginning of a nine year cycle and it is best not to dwell on the past at this time. This will be fairly easy for you to do because most of the problems and disappointments of the past will tend to disappear, leaving the way open for these new challenges. This is a great time; use it to its full advantage."

**ROADBLOCKS AND LESSONS**
Challenge Numbers: Haha! What? You mean Harry's going to face some challenges? Come on.... ;) There are 3 challenges in life, 2 sub-challenges and 1 main one. BTW, I'll just say that all the following quotes on this topic come from http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-challenges.html. Harry's month # = 7, day # = 4, and year # = 9, as we determined earlier. The first sub-challenge is determined by month minus day, so that's 7 - 4 = 3. The second sub-challenge comes from year minus day, or 9 - 4 = 5. The main challenge is sub-challenge 2 minus sub-challenge 1, and that's 5 - 3 = 2. Here's what that website has to say about those challenges:
Sub-challenge 3: "The challenge of the number 3 suggests a tendency to scatter talents and try to do too many things at once during this period of your life. You may have a fine imagination and a gift for words, but you find it hard to express yourself effectively. Though you know you should cultivate friends and be sociable, you tend to be somewhat reclusive and defensive. You may have a talent for writing, acting, or speaking, but you are reluctant to involve yourself with these sorts of activities because you do not like to face the prospects of criticism. You are expressing yourself with a negative emphasis, hiding your creative talents behind a wall of shyness. You must strive to develop yourself in a social and in a creative sense. It's hard to just relax and have a good time." Well, when he's "the Chosen One", expected to defeat Voldemort or die trying, and the Ministry of Magic is one moment calling him crazy and the next begging him to be their P.R. Rep, and all he wants to do is be a normal teenage wizard? Yeah, it's a bit hard to relax!
Sub-challenge 5: "The challenge of the number 5 suggests that your challenge is to overcome the desire and the demand for freedom at any price. This challenge number is very difficult to handle because, with it, you are apt to be extremely impulsive; you want to try everything at least once, and you are rather unstable in many ways. Change may be necessary for you, but it must be handled in an intelligent and controlled manner. Make certain that the desire for change is not associated with a desire to escape responsibility. In any event, this challenge requires that you learn as early as possible in life to control your impulses." He has no chance of feeling free until he's defeated Voldemort. I'll say he can be a bit impulsive...heck yeah, but he's learning....
Main Challenge 2: "The challenge of the number 2 suggests you are likely to be extremely sensitive and more or less brimming with feeling. You find it hard to work with people because your are afraid of being criticized or, worse yet, ignored. You have a good deal of self-doubt and a definite lack of self confidence. There is a tendency to constantly worry about the opinion that others have of you. There is likewise a tendency to use this sensitivity in a negative way. Used more positively, your keen sensitivities can be a significant strength, allowing you to be acutely aware of so much of with others rarely perceive. But during this period it will be hard for you to assert yourself and make decisions. You will shy away from positions of authority and responsibility. This can be a time for accumulation of wisdom, as you show patience and pay close attention to detail. Try not to take things too personally. Friendships are a source of deep satisfaction to you during this time. Respect your ability to compromise and grow in a quiet way. Do not let details overwhelm you and keep you from seeing the big picture. Plan for slow growth rather than immediate gain." No s**t, Sherlock. I mean, even Snape keeps telling Harry (in his horrible little way) to control his emotions. During OotP Harry was too sensitive and all negative about it. Instead of simply taking Snape's words personally, Harry should take them constructively (as I believe they were truly intended), and though he should look at the details closely, he should also recognize the big picture. Sure, we can see that the defeat of Voldemort is the big picture we're working towards, the greater good. Losing Sirius and Dumbledore? Mere details! ;)
Special Traits and Lessons: We, just like the wizarding world, have come to expect great things from Harry. He has many lessons to learn, and he's discovering special traits as he goes along.... In Numerology, special traits are determined by how often or how rarely a number appears in the subject's name. For H-A-R-R-Y-J-A-M-E-S-P-O-T-T-E-R, we get the following (quotes all come from http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-intensity.html):
1 x 4 (avg = 3) = "More than average 1s. With more than the expected number of ones in your name, you may be very headstrong and even overly assertive in your will to lead. Avoid being too quick to demand your own way."
2 x 2 (avg = 1) = "Many 2s. You're very considerate of others and have a flair for compromise. Harmony and agreement making may be a major career advantage. You are faithful and adaptable, even to the extent of giving too much. You have a significant appreciate of the arts." This happens to be Harry's Life Path Number. Talk about giving too much....
3 x zero (avg = 2) = "No 3s or less than average. This doesn't say that you are dull, but it does suggest that you may have to be stimulated into enjoying yourself. You are not a romantic and one to base decisions of fanciful ideas. Creative ideas may be rare. Of course, if you have a 3 Life Path, Expression, or Soul Urge, this may not be such a problem."
4 x 1 (avg = 1) = "Average. If you have at least one 4 in your name, your ability to concentrate and apply yourself to a task will allow you to get along well in the world much of the time. The number 4 gives us common sense and the desire to build or develop things. The number 4 needs order and structure."
5 x 2 (avg = 4) = "No 5s or less than average. It is very unusual to have no 5s in a name. If you if you have less than the average number of 5s, you may have a varying degree of difficulty meeting and dealing with people. You will not feel at ease in a crowd, and indeed, you will want to be left alone much of the time. A limitation of 5s makes it hard to face changes. Hopefully, this number will appear in your core so that this absence will merely be viewed as introspection." 5 happens to be his Destiny Number, so perhaps he'll be okay on this.
6 x 1 (avg = 2) = "No 6s or less than average. With just one 6 or with a name not containing a 6, your sense of duty to those around you is not strong. Indeed, the sense of obligation to fix the world is not strong in many of us. In daily living, the absence of 6s suggests a certain detachment, and problems large and small are handled without becoming very emotional or concerned. Parenting is often too loose and less than demanding." Hmmm... his sense of obligation to fix the world is a bit begrudging, but it's there! It's clearly been forced upon him, but he seems to accept it now.
7 x 2 (avg = 1) = "Many 7s. If you are that rare individual who has many 7s in your name, it may be said that you 'dance to a different drummer.' Your mind is highly scientific and proof oriented. You take nothing on faith. Many of your ideas will be considered odd and out of step with most of the world around you. Emotions are very controlled." His Soul Urge also happens to be 7, but I don't see this in Harry. This feels more like Hermione to me.
8 x 1 (avg = 1) = "Average. If you have the average of at least one 8, you are generally businesslike and self-sufficient in your affairs. You have average abilities to lead, direct and control others if you choose to develop these traits. With an 8 in your name, you can weigh and balance. Business, management, supervising people, and managing money are traits shown by the number 8."
9 x 3 (avg = 3) = "Average. With the average three 9s (or perhaps with only 2) in your name, you have the sense of compassion, goodwill, and tolerance for your fellow man that is necessary to live in our complicated world. The number 9 is associated with mankind and brotherhood. It produces our willingness to accept different races, colors, religions, and beliefs, and life comfortably in our environment. There is a spiritual understanding and acceptance that is normal and healthy." This will quite certainly be very important for Harry's success and survival.

**ANTICIPATING CHANGES**
Essences of the Name: The name also has meaning for every year of the subject's life. I'm going to devote a separate post to this section because I've determined the essences for the first 20 years of Harry's life, and each year must be assessed separately, as well as in conjuction with preceding and proceeding years. It's a doozey all on its own, so let's go on to Pinnacles for now.

Pinnacles (Peaks in Life): These are major changes that occur in life. The first is determined by adding the reduced month to reduced day of birth, or 7 + 4 = 11, and 11 is left as a Master Number here. Second is determined by adding reduced day and reduced year of birth, or 4 + 9 = 13 -> 4. Third adds first and second, so 11 + 4 = 15 -> 6. Fourth adds reduced month and reduced year, so 7 + 9 = 16 -> 7. The subject's age range for each pinnacle is determined by the Life Path number, in this case 2. For Life Path 2, the first pinnacle is from birth to age 34, second is 35 to 43, third 44 to 52, and fourth 53+. Since the septology only really deals with Harry's first 18 or 19 years (with the possibility of an epilog in Book 7) we're mostly concerned with Harry's first pinnacle. However, I do include the later pinnacles just for general ponderence...or lack thereof. :) (These quotes also come from http://www.astrology-numerology.com/.) First Pinnacle 11: "With the number 11 first pinnacle, you may identify with some of the foregoing, however, it is difficult for a young person to use the general influence productively. Thus, the background tone of this period is perhaps better communicated through use of the number 2 energies. The general emphasis of the number 2 pinnacle is that of friendliness, cooperation and harmony. You are apt to be a very sensitive person during this pinnacle, even if sensitivity is not indicated in your basic makeup. The 2 shows patience and attention to detail. You are tactful and cooperative, and willing to work with relatively little recognition. Since this pinnacle is experienced early in your life, it may tend to make you an over-sensitive child, and you may be easily hurt or offended. You may experience early difficulties with expression, both verbal and emotional. Your mother is apt to be the stronger influence in your life throughout this period." I had to add emphasis to several things here because this is the period we see of Harry's life, and it's full of interesting bits. We see difficulty and sensitivity, yet cooperation and tact are important. We can relate Harry's willingness to work without recognition to his resentment of being famous for something he didn't intentionally do (survive Voldemort's attack while his parents died). There are times he wishes no one knew his name because, as we can see, few actually know him. He is rather easily hurt and offended, though in his defense, much of the hurt and offense are intentional. Early on, with the Dursleys and then with his opposition at school, expression is particularly difficult. Most important, though (and that's why I bold it), is the influence of his mother, Lily. Her love, her sacrifice, her eyes....
Second Pinnacle 4: "With the number 4 second or third pinnacle, your ability to get ahead and achieve will no doubt be directly associated with your ability to out work the competition. Sometimes, this pinnacle brings a sense of economic limitation. This is likely to be a period of building and steady growth." Perhaps (if he survives) he will go into some employment where he is quite successful. Will he become an Auror? How well does that pay? Does he go into some humanitarian activities that pay little to nothing? Not that he needs steady income, what with his inheritance....
Third Pinnacle 6: "In this period of your life you can progress and achieve through the acceptance of increasing responsibility and through diplomatic acts. Home and family with generally take precedence over business, however. It is a period for you to attend to the demands made on you for family and close friends rather than self. Often, the six pinnacle suggests a person who is under the close dictates of some authority figure." During his mid-forties to early fifties, who would the authority figure be? And why would he be heaped upon with more responsibility? The fate of the wizarding world (and perhaps all of mankind) wasn't enough for one lifetime?? Diplomacy shmiplomacy. Give the guy a break, will ya?
Fourth Pinnacle 7: "With a number 7 fourth pinnacle, your later years will be a quiet time when you will be chiefly involved with the development and refinement of your inner being. This is a time for study, development, and thinking about life in philosophical ways. During this period it may not be easy for you to find individuals with whom you truly feel comfortable unless your spouse has similar attitudes. Be patient for people will come to you for what you know." Soul Alchemy, perhaps? Would Ginny be a compatible companion as Harry waxes philosophical? I think it's quite possible!

Numerology reading to be continued, yet again....

PS/SS:CH1:ITEMS OF INTEREST

JKR loves to tease us with visual clues. One way in which she tantalizes our sleuthing senses is by mentioning items (often in passing) that prove important later. I'm going to attempt to list every item of note, even if it later proves fruitless (but most of it won't, I'm willing to bet).

Dumbledore's Put-Outer -- It apparently looks a bit like a cigarette lighter, but it takes light away from electrical sources, like streetlamps. Later it can be used to return the light to its source.

Dumbledore's "watch" -- The description makes it sound like a miniature orrery. It also looks a bit like a Zodiac Watch, except that his has planets moving around the outer perimeter, and a Zodiac Watch has planets floating around the face with stationary zodiac signs all around the perimeter.... He looks at it and announces that Hagrid is running late in bringing baby Harry to the Dursleys. I'm not quite sure, but I think it might be like a cross between a cosmic clock and the wizarding equivalent of a GPS tracking system...Dumbledore seems to be able to tell time from it (in some sense) and have an idea where certain people are. I'd like to know what each of the 12 hands represents. If they represent people, who could these people be? Hogwarts professors and other staff?

Drills -- Grunnings makes drills, but we're not sure what kind. Are they little power drills used in basic carpentry and odd-jobs around the house, or are we talking about equipment for drilling into the ground? Generally, drill bits are made of steal, an alloy of base metals. There seems to be a running theme that Vernon won't devolop as an individual because he refuses change, even if it would be for the better (he can't see any benefits).

Office window -- Another way that Vernon avoids reality -- he always sits in his office facing away from the window.

Bun/doughnut -- Like father like son, I say....

"Downpour of shooting stars" -- Are they really from celebrations in the wizarding world, or could they have actually been caused during the events in Godric's Hollow?

"High-heeled, buckled boots" -- Probably nothing to these, but I think it's interesting just how old-fashioned his boots are. It gives an idea of how old he is (JKR later said he's about 150), those heeled boots might have been fashionable in his youth.

"Half-moon spectacles" -- I think there's more to them than just reading glasses, etc....

McGonagall's square glasses -- They cause simiarly-shaped markings when McGonagall turns into a cat.

Lemon drop/sherbert lemon -- A Muggle candy Dumbledore fancies. (When life hands you lemons...make lemon drops??)

Dumbledore's letter to the Dursleys -- I want to know how this letter was worded.... Any chance Petunia kept the letter?

Earmuffs -- I was slightly surprised Dumbledore would wear them, but as we have come to see more of his personality, it's not such a surprise after all. I'm quite amused that Madam Pomfrey's compliment made him blush.

Motorcycle -- Belongs to Sirius Black, and Hagrid left Privet Drive to return the motorcycle to Sirius. Will we see this flying motorcycle again? I think so, and Hagrid could tell Harry where it's being stored.

Harry's scar -- Shaped like a lightning bolt, cannot be removed, could "come in handy" somehow. It's an obvious way to identify him when he later returns to the wizarding world. We know it later acts a bit like a warning device, a dark detector of sorts, letting Harry know that Voldemort was near. Then it also hurt when Voldemort displayed particularly strong emotions, like extreme anger or elation. How else could the scar help him?

Dumbledore's scar -- above his left knee, shaped like a map of the London Underground. A famous mythic hero also had a scar above his left knee -- Odysseus, or Ulysses. Ulysses' scar was caused by the tusks of a wild boar. The scar was what later identified him when he was in a disguise. Could his scar somehow be used to identify him again later, like Harry's and Ulysses's scars? Don't know, but since he's dead now, it probably no longer matters. Perhaps it helped him navigate London years ago?

Doorstep -- we have to consider this because Dumbledore seems a bit nervous around doorways. They might be doors to other planes/worlds/dimensions, for all we know. Doorsteps and doorways are not safe, according to Dumbledore, yet he leaves Harry on a doorstep for several hours....

Milk bottles -- Big whoop. I think it's just a continuation of the supposed normality of the Dursleys' lives.

Numerology Reading for Harry Potter

Numerology deals largely with a person's path through life, his/her destiny, the weaknesses that create obstacles in life and the aptitudes that can lead to success. Here's Harry's Numerology reading, based on what I've learned from some very informative (but perhaps not definitive) websites.

**CORE NUMBERS**
Life Path: This is calculated by taking the birth date and reducing it to a single digit. Harry was born on July 31, 1980. That's 7 + 4 + 9 = 20 -> 2.
Harry's Life Path Number is 2:
http://www.astrology-numerology.com/numerology.html has this to say about a Life Path of 2: 2 (11/2, 20/2) "The Life Path 2 suggests that you entered this plane with a spiritual quality in your makeup allowing you to be one of the peacemakers in society. Your strengths come from an ability to listen and absorb. You are a fixer, a mediator, and a very diplomatic type of person using persuasive skills rather than forcefulness to make your way in the world. When you embrace and exhibit the strenghth of your spiritual side, you are intuitive, avant-garde, idealistic, and visionary. These extremes make you interesting with much to offer society. You have the potential to be a deep-thinker, and no doubt interested in understanding many of life's mysteries and more intriguing facets.
If you are living with the positive attributes of the number 2 Life Path, you are apt to have the most delicate ability to be balanced and fair. You clearly see the full spectrum of viewpoints in any argument or situation, and because of this, people may seek you out to be a mediator. In this role you are able to settle disputes with the most unbiased flair. There is sincere concern for others; you think the best of people, and want the best for them. You are honest and open in thought, word and deed. You excel in any form of group activity where your expertise in handling and blending people can be used effectively. Manners and tact mark your way with others, and you are not one to dominate a group or situation. You are the master of compromise and of maintaining harmony in your environment. As the ultimate team member, you never demand praise or recognition.
In many ways, you are a creature of habit and routine, and you like your path and pattern well worn and familiar. Your ability to analyze and render accurate judgments is a wonderful natural trait you bring to the business world. You strive for complete accuracy and even perfection in your work. Perhaps you are not a leader, but you are a visionary and a very talented idea person.
On the negative side of the 2, nervous energy is a trait often observed in the 2. Because of this, you may be seen as an extremist who is sometimes the zealot in expressing likes and dislikes. Nervous tension can bring the normally easygoing 2 into a state of emotional outrage, which to those around you, may seem so out of character. Indeed, the 2 can sometimes become oversensitive. In some instances, the strength of the 2 can also become its weakness. You may find it hard to decide what to do at times. Twos often struggle against indecisiveness. Making decisions and getting your life in gear, so to speak, may be a challenge. There is a tendency for the many 2s to harbor feelings of uneasiness, and dissatisfaction with accomplishments and personal progress in life. The biggest obstacle and difficulty you may face is that of passivity and a state of apathy and lethargy. The negative 2 can be very pessimistic. When this sets in to any degree, you are able to accomplishes very little. If living on the negative side of the 2, you may lack common sense, and you are quite often unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality.
Even the more positive individuals with the 2 Life Path will prefer a more amiable and less competitive environment, often shunning the business world. You can best serve society in endeavors utilizing your skills of counseling and guidance. Much of your idealism is people oriented and quite humanitarian in nature. You expect a great deal of yourself." Too many words...just draw your own conclusions about this, though I will say Harry's been expressing too many of the 2's negative qualities....

Destiny Number: An individual's Destiny Number is based on the person's complete name, in this case Harry James Potter. H-A-R-R-Y-J-A-M-E-S-P-O-T-T-E-R. Using Pythagorean's System, we get the number 77, which reduces to 5. However, the repeat-digit numbers (like 11, 22, 33, etc.) are often refered to as Master Numbers because these "lucky" individuals are supposedly stronger versions of the reduced number. The website mentioned above is much better at explaining the concept of Master Numbers than I am....

So, Harry's Destiny Number is 5:
According to http://www.atasteoftarot.com/numerology.htm, we get: "Five Elements/Five Senses, 5 Fingers, Planet Mars, Pentagram, Man (2) + Woman (3), 5 wounds of Jesus. Five petaled flower (lotus) Astrology: Mars ruler of Aries. New directions, excitement, change, adventure, exciting, changeable and always seeking new things. Male sexuality - attracted by everything, but held by nothing which equals impatience, impulsiveness, ready to seize opportunity, a lover of change and excitement - bold and aggressive. Hates to be tied down. The five elements / five senses (Earth/Touch, Taste/Water, Sound/Air, Smell/Fire, Sight/Light). Spirit resurrected from or exalted from the body. Man as the microcosm (miniature image) of the universe. Character traits: Versatile and resourceful, clever and amusing. Good company, good with words, optimistic. Lively, inquiring and outgoing. Someone who makes friends and money easily. Lives for excitement and sensation. Loves adventure and travel, change and anything new. Hates to be tied down, impatient with rules, laws and conventions. Negative tendencies: Attracted by everything, an opportunist and sensualist. Erratic, irritable, untidy, not punctual. Jack of all trades, master of none - good at many things, but not real good at anything. Boastful, sarcastic, rebellious."
http://www.astrology-numerology.com/numerology.html gives this explaination of 5 (5, 14/5, 23/5, 32/5, 41/5) "The number 5 Destiny suggests that the direction of growth in your lifetime will be toward becoming a harbinger of change, freedom, and progressive thought and action. The number 5 Destiny potentially endows you with the wonderful characteristic of multi-talents and versatility. You must develop in ways allowing you to do so many things well. The tone of the number 5 is the constructive use of freedom, and in your drive to attain this freedom, you must be the master of adaptability and change.
As you mature, you must become good at presenting ideas and knowing how to approach people to get what you want. Naturally, this will give you an edge in any sort of selling game and spells easy success when it comes to working with people in most jobs. Whatever you do, you have the capacity to be clever, analytical, and a very quick thinker.
You must learn to accept changes as they come along and avoid clinging to the outdated. Avoid rebellion, and focus on enlightenment and progression thinking that will benefit mankind. You life is broadened by gaining an understanding and an appreciation of all kinds of people.
The Destiny 5 will be welcome in many varied professional environments. The public sector is a natural for you because you must administer to all peoples. The media, advertising, promotion, publicity, all types of selling, and entertainment are all potential fields that may interest you. Settling on a single career may not be in the cards for you, as you are in a continuous state of flux brought by constantly changing interests.
If there is too much of the 5 energy in your makeup or if you develop negatively, the negative side of the number may appear. Your restless and impatient attitude may keep you from staying with any project for too long. Sometimes you can be erratic and scatter yourself and your energies. You have a hard time keeping regular office hours and maintaining any sort of a routine. As clever as you are, you may have a tendency to make the same mistakes over and over again. Much of your response to such errors is glib reaction rather that thoughtful application." Sounds pretty much like Harry, except "media, advertising, promotion, publicity, all types of selling, and entertainment are all potential fields that may interest you"? Ha! Harry might as well have taken Scrimgeour up on the offer to be the MoM's morale-booster! Oh, yeah, maybe he'll become a reporter for the Quibbler!! Hehe. Of course, there's also professional Quidditch....

Soul Urge: This number is supposed to express the person's inner desires -- the secret to your happiness or contentment, basically. It's determined by the vowels of your name, with certain rules regarding Y and W. Harry James Potter yields the following vowels: A-Y-A-E-O-E. Using the Pythagorean System again, we get 25, which reduces to 7.
So, Harry's Soul Urge is 7:
According to http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-soulurge.html#7, "With a 7 Soul Urge, you have a strong inner need to gain a spiritual sense about the world around you. You have an inborn appreciation for nature and the wonders of the world around you. Fulfillment comes with being able to spend time in solitude and in seeking wisdom." What? I thought the Mirror of Erised didn't lie... Spiritual sense, maybe, but solitude? Mostly, he wants a freakin' family! :P

Inner Dreams: These desires are usually not realized, but this number often corresponds to how other people see you (think first impression) and how you portray yourself to others. This one's determined by the consonants of the name, so now we're dealing with H-R-R-J-M-S-P-T-T-R. Using our trusty table again, we get 52, which reduces to 7 again. Interesting that the Soul Urge and Inner Dreams should have the same number, especially as they are acheived through opposite means...25 and 52....
So, Harry's Inner Dreams Number is 7:
Consulting http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-innerdreams.html, we read, "7...You dream of having the opportunity to read, study, and shut yourself off from worldly distractions. You can see yourself as a teacher, mystic, or ecclesiastic, spending your life in the pursuit of knowledge and learning." HUH? I can see the part about shutting himself off from worldly distractions, but the rest of this one looks like it was made for Hermione...now really! What does Harry want with reading? Quidditch books? ;) Seriously, though, finding a family is his greatest desire, unless this somehow changes later (perhaps after he's gained a family and just wants some freakin' peace and quiet?).... Maybe he'll want new socks. ;)

Birthday: It's supposed to be a Life Path modifier.... Harry's is 31, and that doesn't get reduced. http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-birthdays.html says, "Your birthday suggests that you are a good organizer and manager, an energetic and dependable worker; attributes often showing success in the business world. Serious and sincere, you have the patience and determination necessary to accomplish a great deal. Your approach can be original, but often rigid and stubborn. Sensitivity may be present, but feeling are likely to be repressed. You are good with detail and insist on accuracy, but at times scatter energies. Practical thinker, but not without imagination. You love travel and don't like to live alone. You should probably marry early, for responsibility is necessary for your stability." Well, there's Dumbledore's Army and Ginny Weasley.... And he has lots to accomplish, like defeating Voldemort. Yes, Harry, pay attention to Snape -- repress those feelings. Focus on your goals, Harry, and find an original way to kill your foe....

Numerology reading to be continued....

NTH DEGREE NO.1

NTH DEGREE is where I step aside and make a crazy extrapolation. Basically, I take Galadriel Waters' concept of 1st and 2nd degrees and turn them on their heads. There's not much to the rules of NTH DEGREE...very little canon is required for support, in fact it's no good only if something in canon specifically makes it impossible. Think of it sort of like a really difficult concept in math -- you might not be able to prove it true, but you can tackle it from the other end and see if anything proves it false....

Remember when Harry and Ron are joking about something being so unlikely that it would be just as likely for Snape to adopt Harry? Well, adoption is out of the question, since Harry's about to turn 17. However, this got me to think about whether Snape could be related to him..... Could he?

Well, the name Snape is nowhere to be seen in the extended Black family tapestry, and this is understandable -- Tobias Snape is a Muggle. But Eileen Prince was/is a witch, so I'm a bit surprised not to see Prince somewhere in the Black family tapestry. I mean, all the "pureblood" families are intermarried, right? Of course, it's not entirely complete, but it could be that Eileen Prince was not a pureblood, either...perhaps she was even a Muggle-born! Could Tobias Snape or Eileen Prince be related by blood to the Evanses? If so, this would add to my theory that Severus and Lily knew each other before attending Hogwarts and that they could have been friends before their falling out in fifth year....

So, what does this imply about Severus and Harry for the future? If they are indeed relatives could they ever treat each other as family? Could Severus ever recognize Harry as an individual instead of a cookie-cutout of his father, James? Could Harry ever come to terms with Severus' feelings and actions? Quite a tall order, I'm sure.

Harry wants a family, and I think JKR will let him survive this and have a family. Sure, he could end up marrying Ginny, and Ron could marry Hermione. With the Weasleys and Grangers, Harry would have instant family, but I still wish Harry had a living blood relative besides Petunia and Dudley! Sadly, I fear that if Severus proved to be related in some way, Severus and Harry would remain estranged.

PS/SS:CH1:NUMBERS AND NUMEROLOGY

There are lots of numbers in the Harry Potter septology (even the choice of writing a septology is significant), and most, if not all of them have some symbolic meaning. There are some good websites out there for researching Numerology, as well as other pagan and Christian "symbolic numbers". One site I use (but not the only one) is http://www.astrology-numerology.com/numerology.html. In these posts I will list every mention of a number I can find, even if it proves to be meaningless!

Personally, I think Numerology (and everything else spiritual) is basically bollocks, but hey, that's just my humble opinion. ;) However, in the Potterverse Numerology, or Arithmancy, is quite real and important, so we must explore this territory!

PS/SS, Chapter One covers some of the events that happened on November 1st, 1981.

October 31, 1981 (implied) -- It's Halloween, for one thing. Voldemort killed Harry's parents that night and tried to kill Harry as well. Was anyone else there with Voldemort, we don't know yet, but it's possible.

November 1, 1981 -- the day Hagrid picks Harry up from the rubble (of the house where the Potters were hiding) and brings him to the Dursleys. There is much celebration in the wizarding world, yet there is also mourning for the loss of Lily and James Potter. We don't know what happened to Harry between Voldemort's attempt to kill him and Hagrid's arrival. Besides the fact that Hagrid ran into Sirius and borrowed his motorcycle, we don't know what else happened before, while, or after Hagrid was at the house/ruins in Godric's Hollow. Any ideas on this are welcome, but I will talk about other characters and their possible roles later (P.P., S.S., C.F., etc.)

1981, the year itself -- This happens to be a Personal Year 3 for Harry, or at least it's supposed to be. We know he was born July 31st, 1980. July = 7, 31 gets reduced to 4, and 1981 -> 19 -> 10 -> 1. 7 + 4 + 1 = 12 -> 3. Personal Year 3 is supposed to be for "Social expansion & creative successes" (according to http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-personalyear.html#3). The detailed explanation that follows on that site makes no sense for Harry, though, since he's about to be socially and creatively squashed by the Dursleys. Also, his finances are supposed to be in ruin (or poor), according to Personal Year 3, but we later learn that his parents had opened an account with Gringott's in his name, so he actually came into money that year, even though he was unable to touch it (he's just a baby).... It's like Voldemort, by acting on the partial prophecy, turned Harry's personal year on it's head, causing the exact opposites to happen.

Vernon's 9th floor office -- 9 is a very important number, mathematically, which seems to explain why it's also believed to be a particulary strong number spiritually. Here I'll give the briefest summary I can manage without going into it's mathematical properties, but I might actually dedicate a post to the number 9. 9 is neat - there's just so much you can do with it. :) Cultures differ on their views of the number 9. The Chinese think it's lucky. It sounds like the chinese word for "longlasting" and they associate it with the Chinese dragon, which is, unlike the general Western concept of dragons, a very good sign indeed. However, the Japanese word for nine sounds like their word for "pain". To the Buddists, 9 is important to rituals because their word nine, gao, also means "to develop or progress". The Mayan concept of the Underworld has nine levels, the ninth, called Metnal, consisting of eternal suffering, cold, and darkness. Celtic myth tells of 9 hazel trees that drop their nuts into the Well of Wisdom. People who drink the water or eat the salmon from the waters that flow through it are blessed with wisdom and inspiration. Hebrews consider nine to be a symbol of immutable truth. In numerology, "9['s] Positive Traits: Heartily friendly and congenial, a hail-fellow, humanitarian instincts, a giving nature, selflessness, obligations, creative expression, readily influenced to do good works, artistic and writing talents. 9['s] Negative Traits: Self-adulation, scattered interests, possessiveness, moodiness, careless with finances, wanting peer attention." (http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-keywords.html). The number 9 could be important for us scientifically, too. Fluorine has the atomic number 9. I'll talk more about fluorine in my "9" post, however I do wish to mention that fluorine was used to help molten metals flow better. Latin fluere means " to flow". So, what am I getting at with all these different bits of info? Well, I think Vernon's personality has steered him away from all the positive aspects of the number 9. He's moody and wants peer attention. He doesn't seem to grasp the difference between basic knowledge and wisdom, he avoids inspiration and creativity because it takes imagination, and he denies the truth (can't come to terms with the wizarding world or anything else outside of his comprehension). Though he can't tell, he's at a dead end, a spritual hell on earth. It's like Metnal, and if you make an anagram, you could say it's "mental". take Metnal again, but remove one letter and you have "metal". As I mentioned in a previous post, Vernon works at the drill plant, Grunnings. There is a lot of alchemical arrested devolopment to Vernon's personality, and therefore to his life, if that makes any sense. I mean he won't progress or improve (spiritually) in life because he refuses to change.

Vernon yelled at five people that day -- 5 is another important number, not just to math but also to Pagan and Judeo-Christian faiths. 5 just might deserve it's own post, too.... According to http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-keywords.html again, "5['s] Positive Traits: Expansiveness, new and visionary ideas, quick thinking, versatile and ever-changing, action oriented, curious and exploring, promoting, resourceful in using freedom constructively. 5['s] Negative Traits: Restless, discontent, edgy temperament and speech, dissatisfaction, too many hasty decisions, impatience, lacking in application." Vernon actually fights against all of 5's positive traits!

Half past 8, so Vernon's shift probably starts at 9AM -- pretty typical for a desk job...routine, "normal". It just happens to be another 9.

Vernon's day ends at 5PM -- once again, very Dursley-ish. Working 9-5. Boring, dull, ho-hum...and it's another 5.... In his case, 9's and 5's represent what he could be if he accepted the reality of the Potterverse. He has no clue what a rut he's stuck in....

Dumbledore's arrival at 12 midnight -- We're going to see so many 12s in this series. 12 is particulary important to Pagan and Judeo-Christian beliefs, just like 5. I predict a later post about the number 12.... Specifically about Dumbledore's travel, 12 might be magically important, especially midnight, since it's the start of a new day and might represent a doorway into another realm.

Dumbledore's nose apparently broken at least twice -- not sure if the number matters here, but I'm listing just to be thorough. Sounds like Dumbledore's been in some fisticuffs, Muggle-style, or perhaps he's been the victim of a couple too many Rumpovultus hexes.... Er, okay, so I made that one up, but it sounds good to me for a spell "to break the face".... ;) Maybe it's just genetics?

Put-Outer used 12 times -- There's that 12 again.

Dumbledore claims to have passed a dozen parties along the way -- Besides the obvious 12 again, how exactly does one "pass" parties while apparating? Did he stop at any of these celebrations? Where else did he go that day?

There's been little to celebrate for 11 years -- but here, on the 12th year...something to celebrate! Apparently that's how long Voldemort's initial reign of terror lasted - 12 years.

12 hands on the "watch" -- uh-hmm.... What do these 12 hands represent? People? Places? Something else? What's with all those little planets, too? Is the watch a way of telling time, finding people, or divination?

A single (1) flick of the Put-Outer returns the light to the street lamps -- this is probably meaningless, except to show that one doesn't have to return lights to the lamps individually.

Character Analysis: Rubeus Hagrid

Hagrid... he's Hogwarts Groundskeeper, Keeper of the Keys, (now) Care of Magical Creatures Professor, and Order of the Phoenix member.

In PS/SS:CH1:MEANINGS OF PROPER NAMES, part two I mentioned the "regular" definitions of his name -- wild, untamed, heavy-drinker -- but how else can we ponder the meaning of hagrid?

Well, lets break it into "hag" and "rid"...he rids the place of hags? I suppose he could, with the services he provides at Hogwarts, sure, why not? Too simplistic for you? Me, too. Let's build on "hag" and "rid", shall we? Maybe the Futhark Runes can help us out.

Hagal + Rad?

Hagal is a symbol for protection and luck. Hagal comes from HeimdalR's Aett; HeimdalR is a guardian. Hagal means "fire and ice polarity, hail, destruction, balance". Rad, from Freya's Aett, is a symbol for travel. Freya is a godess of good weather, harvest, and fertility. Basically, rad means "wheels, journey, spiritual reunion". Protection, luck, and travel.... How has he filled these roles? He:

Travel 1: is sent to Godric's Hollow to retrieve baby Harry,
Luck 1: arrives at 4 Privet Drive riding Sirius' flying motorcycle (getting to borrow bike = luck),
Protect 1: protects Harry during that trip to the Dursley's.
Travel 2: is sent to the Dursley's to retrieve Harry, this time to attend Hogwarts, and rides the London Underground with him.
Protect 2: shows Harry around Diagon Alley and keeps him safe there. Update: Duh.... He also has Harry's key for the vault at Gringott's!
Travel 3: buys Hedwig for Harry. What's Hedwig's main purpose? Traveling to deliver messages! Actually, Hedwig also protects the messages she's trying to deliver, but we won't count this as a separate deed.
Travel 4: always takes the first years across the lake at Hogwarts.
Protect 3: is Groundskeeper and Keeper of the Keys at Hogwarts!
Protect 4: gives Harry a flute/recorder. This provides a lullaby for Fluffy.
Protect 5: is perhaps obsessed with the more dangerous animals, but if it weren't for him, we wouldn't have Buckbeak's (oh, yes, it's Witherwings now) help.... Buckbeak/Witherwings is also a source of transportation, not only for Harry, but also for Sirius.
Luck2: ...nor would we have the info Harry and Ron gained from Aragog.
Travel 5: along with Olympe, goes to visit and gain the allegiance of the giants. Though it hasn't quite worked as hoped, we still might see something good come of it in the long run.... This could lend itself to future protection.
Protect 6: indirectly protects Harry & co. by having Grawp around. Grawp gets the centaurs running away after they decide these kids aren't "foals" anymore.
Travel 6: tells Harry's class about thestrals. Just like Buckbeak -- oops, Witherwings -- the thestrals provide reliable transportation.
Luck 3: is a major part of Harry's experience with Felix Felicis. If it weren't for Aragog's funeral and Hagrid's state of mourning -- well, who knows? Let's not forget that Hagrid helps even more by giving Slughorn the unicorn hairs he just happens to have hanging in the cabin....

What could Hagrid provide (by way of travel, luck, or protection) in Book 7?
Projected Travel: Hagrid returns the flying motorcycle to Sirius after dropping baby Harry off to the Dursleys, right? We assume he was able to return the bike sometime before Sirius' run-in with Wormtail and Sirius' subsequent arrest. Whether Hagrid returned it might not matter -- Hagrid should know where it is! Hopefully it's at the residence Sirius bought with Uncle Alphard's money. So, Hagrid could tell Harry where the flying motorcycle is, once again providing Harry with a new form of transportation. Also take into consideration that rad also has to do with a journey, not just in the sense of getting from point A to point B but also in a spiritual sense, and spritual reunion. Where will Hagrid's help get him in this respect? The retrieval of Sirius' motorcycle could help ease Harry's pain of loss -- it's another connection he can have to his late godfather. Also, a return to Godric's Hollow could give him some closure regarding his parents' deaths (perhaps exceeded only by his final victory over Voldemort). The motorcycle and anything Harry finds at the ruins in Godric's Hollow might come to represent the spritual reunion of Harry to his departed family.

Projected Protection: Well, there's Hagrid himself, as well as Grawp. They are formidable in their own right. Then there are the full-blooded giants who oppose their Gurg (whoever it is this week), and they might turn against their brethren who have joined Voldemort's army.

Projected Luck: This is more difficult. Luck is supposed to be something completely unexpected. Hagrid's help in the luck department will most-likely be in whom or what he brings on board at the "crucial moment". We could see the felicitous return of Olympe Maxime or other Beauxbatons alumni due to Olympe's blossoming relationship with Hagrid. His gifts to Harry tend to be particularly useful and well-timed (Hedwig, flute, biting book), so perhaps Harry should pay extra attention to his upcoming birthday and Christmas presents.

I need to do some book-diving, then I might add more to this post later.... :)

Character Analysis: The Dursleys, esp. Petunia

The Dursleys.... These are the worst kind of Muggles. So concerned with being viewed as "normal", they don't seem to care what happens to Harry, as long as he stays out of sight from the neighbors.

Dudley is a spoiled brat; we can see why Dumbledore later comments to them that they have caused more damage to Dudley than they have to Harry. Somehow Harry has grown up quite a bit more "normal" than Dudley.... Could Dudley possibly change for the better and learn to accept Harry and the wizarding world? Doubtful. He's completely absorbed in his own desires to receive new toys (he'll destroy) and beat up on other people. Blaming Harry for the dementor attack in OotP is most amusing to him, though the event was horrible, and of course he'll get whatever he wants from his parents to make him "feel better".

Vernon has no chance of redemption. Despite his name (see PS/SS:CH1:MEANINGS OF PROPER NAMES, part one) he despises dreams, visions, and imagination of any sort. Cats reading? People dressed in cloaks? Not acceptable! He knows little to nothing about the wizarding world and I'm sure he'd prefer to keep it that way. He gets his kicks from shouting at Grunnings workers and receiving new drill orders. What will happen in Book 7 now that Dumbledore has told Vernon about Harry's ownership of 12 Grimmauld Place and about the increased gold in his coffers?

Petunia is in another league, altogether. As JKR has said Snape's more culpable than Voldemort because he's known love, Petunia's more culpable because she knows of the wizarding world. But just how much does she know? She clearly sees Voldemort as a threat, she knows that she sealed a contract when she took baby Harry across the threshold into 4 Privet Drive, she even knows what dementors are and the purpose of Azkaban. Not only has she had some interaction with Lily and James Potter, but she mentions "that aweful boy" as if she's talking about someone else...not James. Otherwise, she would have said "that good-for-nothing husband of hers told her years ago" or something along those lines. I think she means a young Severus, and there is enough canon to support the idea that Lily and Severus knew each other quite early on, perhaps before their Hogwarts years. (And no, I'm not trying to ship Severus and Lily. There's not enough canon to support it.) Only two other boys would make sense: Sirius and Remus. Though Remus doesn't strike anyone reasonable as "aweful", Petunia isn't so reasonable and would easily see him as such. There's also the issue that she seems concerned when Dumbledore later corrects her about when Harry'll reach the age of majority...when he's 17, not 18. Is she actually concerned for Harry's sake? Her own sake and the sake of her husband and son? Let's also not forget the howler Dumbledore sent her. It said "Remember my last." Well JKR has said the "last" was the note left with baby Harry on the doorstep, but what correspondence took place between Petunia and Dumbledore before then?

PS/SS:CH1:MEANINGS OF NAMES, part two

(This is a Diggle family crest.)

Privet -- a type of shrub often used for hedgerows, but it's also looks like the French privé, meaning private. (French for privet is actually troène.)
Godric -- means "power of god". We later learn that a Hogwarts founder was named Godric...must have been quite powerful, indeed. Several streets in the UK have Godric in the name:
Godric Crescent, New Addington, Croydon, CR0
Godric Drive, Brinsworth, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S_60
Godric Green, Brinsworth, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S_60
Godric Place, Norwich, NR2(Off of Guardian Rd....hmmm....)
Godric Road, Sheffield, S_5
Godric Road, Witham, Essex, CM8
Godric Square, Peterborough, PE2
So where the heck is Godric's Hollow supposed to be? I'll get back to this later because of Hagrid's mention of Bristol.
Dedalus -- from Daedalus, credited with not only those famous wax and feather wings but also for the Labyrinth and other inventions. His name is synonymous with "cunning" and "curiously wrought".
Diggle -- means "thick, stout, strong, fat" or someone living near a thicket. Though we learn Dedalus Diggle lives in Kent, Diggle is a village in Saddleworth, Oldham, part of Greater Manchester. There are lots of mills in this area, and Diggle Mill had the largest (or second largest, according to some websites) waterwheel in the UK until it was removed in 1924. Diggle also has another mill, Warf Mill. I'm sure you are asking why I care about mills in this area (or mills at all) but I assure you that it could be very important later...not about Dedalus Diggle, but about Snape. There's also a Diggle Reservoir in the same Oldham area. Diggle Green, however, is in Warrington. (We'll get to Warrington later, too.) There are also several streets with Diggle in the name:
Diggle Edge, Diggle, Oldham, OL3
Diggle Mill Cottages, Diggle, Oldham, OL3
Diggle Road, Carlisle, CA2
Diggle Street, Shaw, Oldham, OL2
Diggle Street, Wigan, Lancashire, WN6
Diggle Walk, Carrbrook, Stalybridge, Cheshire, SK15
Professor McGonagall doesn't hold Dedalus Diggle in such high regard; she says he hasn't much sense. Perhaps he's a bit thick-headed? Seems there must be more to him....
Hagrid -- most often, sleuths state his name's similarity to the word haggard, meaning "wild, untamed, worn". Also, 'Etym: According to Rowling, "If you were hagrid-- it's a dialect word-- you'd had a bad night. Hagrid is a big drinker-- he's had a lot of bad nights." ' (Thanks, http://www.m5p.com/~pravn/hp/h-1.html), but in a later post I plan to go into great detail about his name and importance to the story....
Ted -- Theodore means "gift of god", Edward means "rich guard", and Tadhg means "wise poet". When this news anchor allows himself to smile, I couldn't help but wonder if he's either a wizard or perhaps has other ties to the wizarding world. Later we'll hear about another Ted, and I wonder if they are the same person. I feel as though JKR has left his last name out for a specific reason. Is he Ted Tonks, the Muggle-born? Ted Tonk's Muggle father?
Jim -- same meaning as James, though I doubt it's important this time.
McGuffin -- Mac Dhuibhfinn, meaning "black + fair". http://www.m5p.com/~pravn/hp/m-1.html says, "McGuffin, Jim (PS ch. 6): A TV weatherman. Etym: Name etymology is probably not relevant. The name was used as a term by Alfred Hitchcock to mean an object that is significant to a plot. Okay, that's probably not relevant here either." Hmmm...well, the weatherman was talking about sparks seen up and down the UK, and we're not sure exactly when those sparks were seen by Muggles (during that day or the night before, say around midnight??). I have this eerie feeling that those sparks aren't the work of Dedalus Diggle or other merrymakers after Voldemort's supposed downfall, but perhaps something that happened the night of the attack on the Potters before anyone had the foggiest idea what had happened in Godric's Hollow...but why wouldn't Dumbledore mention something about it to McGonagall when she's complaining about Dedalus Diggle?
Grunnings -- the place where Vernon Dursley works. From Norwegian, grunn means "cause, ground, reason, shallow" or "base, basis". Grunne means "prime, shallows, shoal". Grunn is also the name of a town and a brewery. Grunnings is also a language/dialect in Netherlands.... "Gronings -- [gos] 592,000 (2003). Groningen Province. Alternate names: Groningen, Grunnings. Dialects: West Groningen (West Gronings), Groningen-East Frisian (Gronings-Oostfries), Veenkoloniaals (Veen Colony), Westerwolds (Westerwold). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, Low Saxon-Low Franconian, Low Saxon." (Thanks, http://www.ethnologue.org/show_country.asp?name=Netherlands.) Its classification as Low or Lowland Saxon is probably related to the Norwegian meanings of "base", "ground", or "shallow". Either way, Vernon is the director of a company that is base, low and shallow. Also, drills are made of base metals, so this could be a vague allusion to alchemy, specifically that Vernon is incapable of undergoing the alchemical process simply because he cannot accept change!
Sirius -- "burning, glowing". It's also the Dog Star in the Orion constellation. Of course we later find out he's an Animagus taking the form of what else but a black dog.
Black -- oddly enough, black appears to mean devoid of color in two different ways, either by the "color" black, or by the Old English word blac, meaning "pale", of all things....
Muggle, or Mordu -- we come to learn Muggle is anyone who can't use magic. According to http://www.m5p.com/~pravn/hp/m-1.html, "Muggle: 1) A person who is not part of, or was not raised in, the wizard society. 2) A person with no magical powers. Etym: Stated by Rowling to be invented from the British slang meaning of mug, "a dupe". Coincidentally an actual archaic English word, as has been discussed at length elsewhere." The "elsewhere" link is no good, so I went a-hunting.... http://www.effingpot.com/slang.shtml says, "Mug - If someone is a bit of a mug, it means they are gullible." According to http://www.londonslang.com/db/film_slang/, "mug - a fool or victim. Originates from the fact that drinking mug's used to be made with ugly faces on them. Also for this reason 'mug' can mean 'face', i.e.. 'ugly mug'." http://www.raygirvan.co.uk/apoth/though10.htm points out that "the word 'muggle' wasn't coined by Stouffer, as it appears in the OED as an archaic Kentish word for 'tail' and a 20th word for marijuana."
(Background info here: Stouffer is an author who sued JKR and lost over copyright infringement....) The French translation of the Harry Potter septology uses the word Mordu for Muggle. Mordu means "bitten", but can also mean "crazy", "fanatic person" or "maniac". This makes it sound like the French wizarding community is largely anti-Muggle!
Pomfrey -- from Pumfrey, from Humphrey "bear cub + peace". However, take this into consideration, too: pom, like pomme, means "apple" and then there's this about frey: "Frey Son of Ni? the Van. He was the Scandinavian god of fertility and peace, and the dispenser of rain. Frey was the patron god of Sweden and Iceland, he rode on the boar Gullinbursti, and his sword was self-acting. (See Gerda.) Ni? He, with his son and daughter, presided over the sea, the clouds, the air, and water generally. They belonged to the Vanir. Freyja Daughter of Ni? goddess of love. She was the wife of Odin, who deserted her because she loved finery better than she loved her husband. Her chariot was drawn by two cats, and not by doves like the car of Venus. (Scandinavian mythology.)"
(http://www.bootlegbooks.com/Reference/PhraseAndFable/data/487.html)

PS/SS:CH1:MEANINGS OF NAMES, part one

I guess the most straightforward way to approach this is to list the names (people, places, etc.) and give the info about them.... (BTW, the pic is one version of the Potter family crest.)

Notes:
1] If you see a ', `, or ^ it's meant to be a French accent on the preceding letter (unless the ' is obviously being used in a possesive). I don't have a fancy keyboard and I'm not too computer savvy....
2] Hogwarts colors denote the house the person belongs/ed to (red, yellow, blue and green). Orange is for people being refered to by the wrong name, or misused words. Cyan is for wizards of unknown house or possible/unconfirmed wizards. Purple is for Muggles.

So, here we go:

Harry -- "home ruler" Update 8/22/06: according to www.dictionary.com, "har·ry tr.v. 1: To disturb or distress by or as if by repeated attacks; harass. See Synonyms at harass. 2: To raid, as in war; sack or pillage. " and "v 1: annoy continually or chronically; [syn: harass, hassle, chivy, chivvy, chevy, chevvy, beset, plague, molest, provoke] 2: make a pillaging or destructive raid on (a place), as in wartimes [syn: ravage]"
Harvey -- "battle-worthy", "strong and worthy"
Harold -- "leader of the army"
Howard -- "high warden", "heart, mind + brave, hardy", "exhalted protector", "shepard".
Vernon called Harry by these names until Petunia confirmed that the Potter boy was in fact named Harry. It's interesting that JKR would have Vernon call Harry by names of such prophetic importance!
James -- from Jacob, "holder of the heel", "supplanter", and "one who trips up another and takes his place". (We later see James magically hold Severus by the heel in OotP!) Supplanter is defined as: "n : one who wrongfully or illegally seizes and holds the place of another [syn: usurper]" (www.dictionary.com). (Now whom has James supplanted? Could it be Severus?)
Lily -- a flower that often sybolizes purity. There is a special variety of lily called "agapanthus", and we'll get to that one later....
Potter -- simply put, this surname comes from the profession of making clay pottery. We have learned from an interview with JKR that Potter was the surname of a family she remembers from her childhood, from her hometown. Update 6/15/06: According to http://phrontistery.info/p.html, "to potter" also means "to busy oneself with trifling tasks".
Petunia -- of Tupi-Guarani origin, apparently related to the obsolete French word pe'tun and Portuguese petum, both meaning "tobacco". In flower sybolism, petunias stand for anger and resentment, but can also mean "your presence soothes me". We can see she's angry and resentful of adopting Harry. However, we have yet to see fully why she's concerned that Harry will leave when he's 17, not 18, and I think he might provide her with some comfort, even if it's unrecognized or denied on her part.
Vernon -- from the French for "alder tree". Alder is often symbolic of resurrection, but it's also supposed to provide deep wisdom through visions and dreams. However, Vernon discounts and tries to avoid visions, dreams, and imagination. These things scare him, basically.
Dudley -- has two apparent backgrounds: 1] "Dudda's area" with Dudda being the nickname of of various persons who were described as "short and stout". This seems like a valid description. 2] "dode-ley" meaning a place of death, signifying "pale, death-like, mortal". Dudley is also a town/village sort of between Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
Dursley -- It's the name of more than one village/town in Britain (one SE of Bath, and another SW of Gloucester). Apparently from the Old English given name Deeorsige + leeah "wood, clearing". (http://m5p.com/~pravn/hp/d-1.html) I also looked up the name Drusilla, which led me to this: Drusilla -- "Feminine pet form of the Roman family name Drusus. Apparently the name Drusus was first assumed by a Roman warrior who killed a Gallic chieftain named Drausus in single combat. Drausus possibly derives from a Celtic element meaning "strong". In Acts in the New Testament Drusilla was the wife of Felix."
(www.behindthename.com). (Yes, we'll get to Felix much later....)
Albus -- means "white" and we'll discuss this again later.
Dumbledore -- Old word for a bumblebee, from dumble "stupid, dull, slow" + dor "insect that makes a loud humming noise". (http://m5p.com/~pravn/hp/d-1.html) JKR stated that she chose the name because of how he likes to hum. I have also done some research about Soul Alchemy that connects this bee imagery to the Rosicrucian bee symbolizing the human soul.
McGonagall -- Patronymic from the name Congal, composed of the Old Celtic words for "high" and "valor", appropriate for a Gryffindor. (http://m5p.com/~pravn/hp/m-1.html) She's named after a Scotish poet, though that's not the highest of complements...his poetry is corny and poorly written.
Voldemort -- This one is really cool because there are two completely different ways to define it, and both make perfect sense for the character: 1] French phrase meaning literally "flight from death" or "flight of death". This makes sense because his own death is what Voldemort fears most. Okay, so voler also means "to steal", and we know he has no qualms about taking someone else's life.... 2] More digging around led me to a new perspective on this name. Volde could also be traced back to wolds, linking him to the Yorkshire wolds or the Cotswolds. Mort is also etymologically related to the M. English more, meaning "moor, marsh, or fen". Ok, so not only does his name tell us he's afraid to die but it also suggests he's from the fens (probably around Yorkshire), just like another famous Slytherin, it's namesake and his ancestor Salazar! Wow, talk about foreshadowing for CoS....

Ok, I want to get this post out there before I mess up and lose much of what I've typed (again), so there will be a part two to the chapter one name meanings.