THIS IS NOT MY WRITING.
Well, not quite the end, or at least many of you think. Let me tell you what I think. I do not think Sirius is dead. However, I do not think that he will come back. This veil thing is very mysterious (I started to discuss it in the last article) and I am not sure yet how it works. I believe, though, that it may be a sort of entryway into the “underworld” or maybe even something like purgatory (somewhere between Heaven and Hell). I also believe that this veil is something that is experimental or outlawed in some way (like a former means of the death penalty). The reason I think this is because of the location. Harry recognizes the set-up of the room from his trial for the Wizengamot. I definitely believe that death or some horrible punishment can be found behind the veil. Why else would they have a courtroom surrounding it? Also, the veil and archway are described as “ancient” and therefore may not have been moved, meaning it probably has been there for a VERY long time. What if this thing behind the veil was something terrible, reserved only for those who had received the worst punishment imaginable (worse than death)?
I believe, though, that this veil is some sort of doorway to a different dimension, whether it be an alternate universe, Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, Punishment, whatever! There are so many possibilities and I could write for hours and hour about it them all.
One thing I am pretty sure of though, is that we will not see Sirius in his completely human form again. Rowling characterized his disappearance as a death, which is surprisingly permanent, and so although he may not be completely dead, we will not have our same Sirius back again.
I personally believe that this part of the storyline sounds familiar. For those who have studied Greek mythology, it sounds a lot like Orpheus. Orpheus’ wife died, devastating him. He begged the gods to allow him to descend into the Underworld to fetch his innocent wife. The gods allowed him to, as long as he did not look at her until they had ascended back to Earth. Of course, his curiosity overcame him, he peeked, and she disappeared forever. I think that there is room for a similar situation with Harry. Although, because of the description as “death” by Rowling, Harry will not have the opportunity to save Sirius.
In the final chapter of Order of the Phoenix, Harry discussed death with Nearly-Headless Nick. Nick says that Sirius will not come back as a ghost and that he will have “gone on.” I believe him! Just because Harry is a “children’s book” does not mean that Rowling can temporarily kill off characters! The arrival of this book clearly demonstrated that this series is no longer full of sugar for kids! Death and pain has become a staple in this series and Rowling can kill off anyone she likes because it is her story to create.
So what am I doing here? Speculating. The veil has something to do with death or the “next stage.” I do not think that Sirius’ death is a set-up. Nor do I think that it is necessarily real. I know that I have confused you now! I am sure that some of you will write to me and exclaim that the other Order members seem way too happy at the end of the book for Sirius to really be dead. Granted, this is true. However, maybe they needed Sirius out of the way. Maybe it is a blessing in disguise for Harry. Perhaps he needed that death to really make him angry enough to go after Voldemort. Nations and individuals must sacrifice those close to them for the better of the cause. The death of Sirius is an example.
I do think, though, that there is hope for Sirius fans. I think that somehow we will communicate with Sirius again (see Orpheus myth). If anything, Sirius’ will live on through Harry through determination. Sirius does not get over things easily and would want revenge. This is one thing that we know Harry inherited. If you think that Order of the Phoenix was dark, just think about Books Six and Seven!
Before you all crash the feedback system, remember to look for facts and clues and try not to let emotions get in the way. It is tough to do (I should know as an historian in training), but those who want Sirius to come back will get skewed facts. Read more carefully and objectively and you will see the facts as well!
As a special Halloween treat for fans, you get to choose the topic for the Halloween edition of the Quibbler! Just fill out the feedback form and let me know a theory that you would like to see me explain. The theory with the most votes will win and I will explain it on the Quibbler. All votes must be received by Monday, October 27 so I have enough time to sort, research, and write so it will be up by Halloween!