The Post-Gazette asked the questions and Harry Potter fans answered: Six questions about favorite characters, untimely deaths and what's next for you as readers and for author J.K. Rowling. There were so many readers who responded with thoughtfulness and passion -- too many to fit the My Generation space. The rest of them are here.

The real answers, of course, come at midnight, tonight, when the reading of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will commence.

Readers, enjoy!

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1. What is your favorite "Harry Potter" book and why? This may sound strange, because it hasn't been released yet, but "Deathly Hallows" is my favorite, and I haven't even read it yet. Why, you ask? Because it is J.K.'s admitted favorite, and that is good enough for me. BTW, I can't wait to read my favorite book ;-)

2. Except for Harry, who is your favorite character and why? Dumbledore is my favorite character because he is so wise and powerful, yet restrained and secretive. Even though he was killed in the last book, Dumbledore will live on forever.

3. Author J.K. Rowling has announced two characters will die in the last book. Who are they, and why will they meet their doom? Sadly, Hagrid and Hermione will meet their ends. Snape will kill Hagrid, and the big guy himself, Voldemort, will kill Hermione.

4. What's you next must-read after "Harry Potter" ends? I am eagerly awaiting the last Eragon book to be released.

5. What would you like to see J.K. Rowling write about next? Although she says that the HP books are done, I would like to see a continuation of them, so we can see what becomes of the characters after "Deathly Hollows" ends, a future revisitation, if you will. I would settle for a book similar to the ones she did as a side, like the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" or "Quidditch Through the Ages," that she wrote for charity.

6. Where do you plan to be doing at 12:01 a.m. July 21, when "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" becomes available? I will be sleeping. ... I've got a copy of the book on order from the library (No. 124 out of 714 holds), so I will wait patiently for it to arrive.

-- Troy Bogdan, Bridgeville

1. My favorite book is the fifth one, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." This book is the most exciting, seeing as Harry's life gets more exciting. He finally falls in love, and the struggle against Voldemort gets even harder. The other reason that this book is my favorite is this book has a lot more jokes and funny lines than the other ones. Plus, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is the longest book!

2. My favorite character is Luna Lovegood. Although she is a bit crazy, she adds to the story by being someone Harry can trust, by believing Harry is telling the truth about Voldemort, and by just being funny. I also admire that she believes, says and wears anything she wants to, no matter what anyone says.

3. The first character I think will die is either Ron or Hermione. I would say that because these two are the most obvious choices, seeing as they are closest to Harry and will accompany Harry wherever he goes, even if it is life threatening (which, undoubtedly the setting in the seventh book is.) But, I don't think they will both die. That would just be a little too extreme. I also, sadly, think Harry may not survive. I don't want him to go, of course. I just think that Harry will try very hard to defeat Voldemort, and even if he is triumphant, one way or another he will die.

4. My next must-read will be the Artemis Fowl books. A lot of people have recommended them to me, and they seem to have something to do with magic. So after the Harry Potter magic is over, I can find magic in that book.

5. I really would like Rowling to continue writing about the lives of the characters who survive the last book, but that probably won't happen. I would like her to create a new character. It wouldn't have to be a wizard. I think that J.K. Rowling could make any character exciting.

6. What I will be doing at 12:01 a.m. on July 21st will be staring at the new book. I don't know if I am going to start reading right away. I am afraid that if I start right away, then the book will be over too quickly. This is the last book, after all.

-- Maeve Hendricks, age 12

1. I believe my favorite HP book is the third. I liked this book a lot because Sirius comes into Harry's life. The readers get to learn a great deal more about Harry and his parents and his background. I feel as though Sirius is a greatly needed father figure for Harry. So, I like how he comes into the series.

2. My favorite character would have to be two characters when they are together: Ron and Hermione. The two of them together are so funny, so awkward and so entertaining. They try to act tougher and better than one another and their attempts fail. This pairing adds a great deal of comedy to a dark series. Hopefully, nothing happens in the end of the seventh to take these two apart.

3. I believe that Hermione and Voldemort will die. I don't know, I just don't think Rowling can end the series without Voldemort's death. She wants to deter others from writing HP spinoffs ... well then, get rid of the bad guy. And I feel that if she allowed everyone good to live and just kill off Voldemort and another bad guy, the end would be too perfect, too much like a classic Disney movie. I do not think she can kill Harry, no matter what. Maybe I am an optimist, but I honestly believe that he will survive; he is destined to. So I believe that she will kill off Hermione, to add tragedy into an already tragic plot. It will be her because she plays such an important role in both Ron's and Harry's lives; she is a part of the trio. Rowling perhaps wishes to break up this trio as they come of age in the wizarding world. Hopefully she doesn't take Hermione away before she and Ron confess their true feelings for one another!

4. My next must-read would probably be Juliet Marillier's "Daughter of the Forest." I have read it over 30 times and it never gets old.

5. I feel that her talent for fiction and mystery must be continued. She has a way of bringing the unreal to reality. I don't really care what she writes about next, but I'm going to read it anyway. She's reliable.

6. Sadly, I am out of the country this month. I come home on July 24, and my father has promised to hand me my copy of the book as soon as I come through customs back in Pittsburgh. However, at 6:01 a.m., my time in Germany, I will be on the phone with my best friend as she picks up our copies of the books at Borders. I have never missed an HP release, and now, the day has come.

-- Laina Klavin, Pittsburgh

1. "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" is my favorite, because everything starts coming together. And a lot of the questions start being answered. However, the ending was upsetting, and surprising. I loved this book also because of the humor in it. And, like all the Harry Potter books, it was well written and detailed.

2. My favorite character is Tonks. I like her because she has her funny moments. And she has a nice personality. And I thought her power of being able to change her appearance at will was cool to.

3. I think one will be Severus Snape. He will die trying to help the Order. And the other one I think will be Voldemort, because in "Order of the Phoenix," Dumbledore explains the prophecy, and part of it explains that one of them has to kill the other, and therefore, I think Harry will kill Voldemort.

4. I have been so hooked on Harry Potter that I don't really know. I might possibly re-read the series, or I might read the "Chronicles of Narnia." I'll be buzzing by the library and checking out all the cool series.

5. I don't really know. Maybe another children's book similar and just as good as Harry Potter.

6. I am going to be at the Barnes and Noble, where they are having a midnight release party. And wait in line for the book, and probably start reading it as soon as I have it in my hand

-- Faith Hopeck, South Park, age 12

1. My favorite Harry Potter book is "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," because it introduced the best characters, Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. It also laid down the foundation for Voldemort's return in GOF, because Trelawney made her second real prediction that Pettigrew would escape and return his master to the world.

2. Remus Lupin (is a favorite), because he was a great teacher, and he really cares for Harry. He's quite mysterious too, if not a bit sad.

3. I think the two characters to die are Neville Longbottom and, well, Harry. Neville, because I could picture him dying heroically while fighting Bellatrix Lestrange, the Death Eater who assisted in the torturing of his parents. I also believe in the theory that Harry Potter is the last Horcrux, and will have to kill himself to eliminate Lord Voldemort. The evidence is mounting for that particular theory, as to why Harry has so many of Voldemort's traits, and why he has his scar.

4. Next book: The last book in the Inheritance Trilogy by Christopher Paolini. When it is released, of course.

5. Another fantasy series would be cool, but she might be a little exhausted from HP.

6. Book release parties are the best, so I'll be at Barnes & Nobles in Robinson. Except I don't dress up. That's ridiculous.

-- Leeanne Swaboda, Pittsburgh

1. "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince," I think this was the most intriguing book based on the characters that were involved, the more of a love story for Harry and his pursuit of Voldemort, as well as the Snape change of heart, and who is RAB?

2. Probably Neville, I think he is the most interesting because he started with such a small part and then grew into a greater character. He will end up in the final book helping Harry, I believe more than anyone thinks.

3. I think Snape is going to die and Voldemort. I think Snape will be killed for his actions, good or bad, by someone from the order, and I think Harry will finally finish off Voldemort. The story needs to end with the hero standing triumphant.

4. Next book: The CPA Review books that I have been putting off, taking the exam in October.

5. Anything, I will buy it as long as she sticks with her style.

6. Borders in East Liberty by the Whole Foods, I have two on order, and then back to my house to read all night, possibly finishing by the morning if my fiancee lets me.

-- John A. Kohler, Pittsburgh

1. My favorite Harry Potter book is the third book. I love this book because of the excitement of Gryffyndor finally winning the Quidditch Cup. I also like the mystery of what Malfoy says about Black and the sender of the Firebolt. One thing I really liked is how Hermione doesn't tell Harry and Ron about the Time Turner until the end. That put lots of adventure in the story! It is definitely my favorite book!

2. Harry, of course, is my favorite character, but my next favorite characters are Fred and George Weasley. I think they're really cool. It is astounding how they manage to make things for the joke shop, like fake wands and skiving snack boxes, right under their mother's nose. I also think (from what I've read) they are excellent Beaters and jokesters. I admire how they're reckless and will do almost anything even if it is taking a risk. I think they are amazing characters!

3. I think Ron and Hermione die in the seventh book. I think they'll be murdered by Voldemort as he tries to get at Harry. I bet he tries to kill them because they are close to Harry and are a threat to him, but I don't think they die at the same time. Although, I'm not going to guess what order.

4. I never really have a must-read-next book. I only have one if I am reading a series. Otherwise, I read a book I really like, I haven't read in awhile, or that is new. I've only read one series more than five times and that is Harry Potter! So really, I'm always reading new books and don't really plan ahead.

5. Rowling is such a great author and could write any kind of book, but I think she should continue writing about wizardry and magic. She is really great at stories like that. Look at how Harry Potter turned out! This time it could be written about a grown-up, kid, or another teenage wizard! I like the way the magic in the story is similar to real life. In real life people might want magical solutions, just like the book! She combines it into one in an amazing way. She could write about other things, but I hope she stays with wizardry and magic, for her books are magic!

6. On July 21st I will be getting a copy of the book and going to a party at Borders at 12:01 a.m. I'll be with my Uncle Bruce as we are both avid readers. I had to put my name down months ago to get a copy of the book! Hopefully it will be worth the wait! When I get my copy the first thing I'm going to do is read the first chapter before I join in the party. I'll probably celebrate until 2:30 or 3:00 a.m. I can't wait until the party!

-- Kiley Spitz, Forest Hills, age 10

3. She actually indicated that two characters that she had originally planned to survive would die, while a character that was slated to die got a reprieve.

Your question seems to indicate that only two characters will die. We will have to wait to see if J.K. Rowling reveals who the newly condemned characters are (for instance, if Voldemort dies, it is likely that he was planned to die all along; but some one like Hagrid, Draco Malfoy, etc. could be one of the flip-floppers).

-- Jay Fisher, Morgantown, W.Va.

1. My favorite Harry Potter book is No. 4, "The Goblet of Fire," because I think the ending is so unexpected. I love the twist of one of Harry's trusted teachers being a Death Eater, because it just goes to show that few people in Harry's world are who they seem. I also think the relationships in this book are interesting, particularly between Ron and Hermione because it is so obvious to the readers that they like each other, but neither will admit it and it drives their friendship apart. Plus, I think the action at the Triwizard Tournament is very, very entertaining and makes this book the most enjoyable of any in the series.

2. It's very hard for me to pick one favorite character, because each of my favorite characters is completely different. Fred and George bring hysterical comic relief, Dumbledore is a constantly loyal and wise companion for Harry, Sirius is the kid at heart who always gives great advice, and Hermione is the know-it-all who is always there for Harry in a tight spot. If I had to pick one person, I think Sirius is my favorite because he can always make me laugh, but he can also be a very serious (pardon the pun) adult who has faced lots of challenges in his life. Sirius helps get Harry through the problems in his life with sympathy and a kind word, and it's too bad he won't be helping Harry in Deathly Hallows (or will he? There's always the two-way mirror, or maybe the veil ...).

3. Besides Voldemort, who is automatically done for, I think who dies in the last book depends on the choices they make throughout the book. For example, if Draco Malfoy deserts the Death Eaters out of fear, he will almost surely be killed. If he does not desert them, he could save himself by going into hiding or taking Dumbledore's offer of protection from the Order of the Phoenix. Besides Draco, I think it's likely that either Hagrid, Lupin, or Peter Pettigrew will die in the final battle defending Harry. Pettigrew is an interesting one, because according to Dumbledore in Book 3, he owes Harry a life debt because Harry spared his life (Pettigrew's) when Sirius and Lupin tried to kill him. That said, I think the two characters who will die are Draco Malfoy, who will get killed by Voldemort for either deserting or not doing his job, and Peter Pettigrew, who will die by sacrificing himself to save Harry's life.

4. I don't have a next must-read after "Harry Potter" is finished, because I will try to spend as long as I can reading it. However, I can keep myself busy after the series is over by reading books for my book club or finding a new series to throw myself into. I might also start a re-read of the Lord of the Rings series if I really need something besides "Harry Potter."

5. If J.K. Rowling does not want to write a Book 8, I really wish she would do a book as a sort of an epilogue to the series. In this book, I wish she would tell us what the characters who survive after Deathly Hallows do later in life, particularly Ron, Hermione, Neville, and the adults who live. If she doesn't do this at the end of the seventh book, I think this would be a perfect way to appease fans for not writing an eighth book.

6. At 12:01 on July 21, I plan to be celebrating the release of Book 7 at a bookstore with my friends (who I've gone with to release parties in the past). I don't plan on getting my book that early, since I have to pick up my reserved copy somewhere else. I will probably get my book the next morning, but at 12:01 I will be partying with my friends at a bookstore as they get their copies of the book and I will probably be thinking, "Wow, it's finally over!!!"

-- Carrie Blazina, Penn Hills, age 15

1. My favorite Harry Potter book is "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," because I started reading it when I was really little. I think that it is more like a mystery than any of the other books. This is also the first time Harry is staying with the Weasleys and learning about the different parts of Knock Turn Alley. This is the first book that begins with all of the dark things that magic is capable of, and the rest of the books follow behind those lines.

2. Apart from Harry my favorite character is Luna Lovegood. Luna is a unique character because she stands out from everyone else with her beliefs in all types of creatures that no one has ever heard of. Luna is a true individual. She says things and doesn't even stop to think what others will say. Luna could really care less about what the world thinks of her because in the end she know that she has friends like Ginny and what is left of the DA for support. Luna is loyal and friendly to everyone, not to mention how she rocks those outfits and accessories others think are crazy.

3. The two characters that will die are Draco Malfoy and his aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange. Malfoy is in deep trouble with the Dark Lord already. He obviously failed to kill Dumbledore, and failed to die in the process as Lord Voldemort had planned. Draco is way too scared to ask "The Order of the Phoenix" to help protect him while he goes into hiding because he believes no one can save him now. Bellatrix Lestrange is a Death Eater who has been on the run for little over a year. She has murdered Harry's godfather and was sent to prison for torturing the two famous Aurors, Frank and Alice Longbottom, to the point of insanity. Harry, Neville, and the Order will make sure she won't survive.

4. Now that the series is coming to an end I plan to begin reading "The Land of Elyon" series. They sound like an awesome series and are also New York Times best-sellers.

5. It would be cool to see her writing about kids with magical powers helping and fighting alongside animals with amazing powers too. I think it would get people thinking more about how to save endangered creatures and how they feel about changes with Muggles and wizards moving into their forest and destroying it. It would make a great series!

6. I plan to be at Borders, sort of taking in the moments, talking to other people about their options because I make friends easily and especially I when we are talking about a topic I know a lot about. It is really exciting to hear other fans talk about their different options. I want to be counting down to the seconds when everyone blast off from their seats yelling excitedly. Unfortunately, I have to leave to go to camp an hour away on July 19th, but I pray that I can cheer along and have fun with everyone else! :)

-- Cheryl Stephens, Pittsburgh