I wouldn't be surprised if J.K. Rowling sent Harry off with a bang, so to speak. At the end of each book, for example, Harry descends into the abyss, dies a figurative death, and is rescued/resurrected by a Christ-like figure. Will his end-of-book-death become literal? From Daily Mirror:

Actor Jim Dale - the voice of the teenage wizard in the US audio books - believes the seventh and final installment will spell the end for Harry.

He made the astonishing claim after meeting with the writer to discuss his characterisation of the parts.

The revelation will shock millions of die-hard Potter fans.

He said: "She's lived with Harry Potter so long she really wants to kill him off." Predictions about the fate of Harry in the seventh book have enthralled millions worldwide.

Of course, Jim Dale doesn't know anything because Rowling hasn't told him anything. But anything anyone remotely related to the series has to say gets the fans going. Including this one.

Harry just might follow his "savior," Albus Dumbledore, into the afterlife. We know Dumbledore will make an "appearance" in the final book. Something he left behind for Harry — a message or an object — will be crucial to the plot in Book 7.

Also crucial to the plot may be Harry Potter's end.

Update: Political blogger Ed Morrissey weighs in.

(Warner Brothers image)