Ahh. I must admit, I feel compelled to add two cents...
L
o
t
s
a
n
d
l
o
t
s
o
f
s
p
o
i
l
e
r
s
!
The prophecy's been around in mention at least since Book 3, Fatali.
At any rate... in regards to LV, I think Fatali and Shadow, you're forgetting that for one, we see all the happenings in the books from almost entirely Harry's POV, and two, up until the Department of Mysteries battle LV was having to lay a bit low and move carefully.
It is quite possible that LV was doing stuff behind the scenes, but story-wise we were focused on the Ministry of Magic's doings and Harry's dreams because that's what *Harry* knew and was focused with. The Order hasn't told him everything... and thus, hasn't told us everything. I think we'll have to wait. Now that the matter's been blown wide-open, LV's inner circle is all but decimated, and he's lost the most obvious way of finding out about the prophecy, I think that both LV will become more overt with his actions, and that Harry will get more news about any going-ons. LV seemed mostly concerned at first with gathering as many old allies back to himself as possible, and trying to get information about Harry (who he likely perceives to be his biggest threat).
Besides, considering the title of the next book, and the fact that Rowling has claimed that things will tie back into some parts of Chamber of Secrets somehow, blood status probably will gain new prominence.
Then there's a host of important questions and characters...
Neville has been gaining in abilities throughout the books, and he has a status as the other prophecy possibility. I think he'll become very relevant as time goes on.
I think Luna may be important as well, because I don't think Rowling would have created her just to toss her aside so quickly. True, she served a purpose in Book 5 due to her father running the Quibbler, and to fighting at the DOM, but I still think she has more relevance left in her. Plus she provides an interesting contrast to Hermione.
Speaking of new characters, Tonks is even more of a puzzle... she's a new character in the "good guy inner circle", but she just seems like a pair of extra hands right now. (And clutzy hands, at that.) I don't know if Tonks herself will be important, but that innate power of hers very likely will, I suspect.
Then there's Lupin... a main character with a lot of questions surrounding him. I mean, we get the impression from the Marauder's Map, Snape's Pensieve, and other tales, that the four "Marauders" were pretty close. Yet in PoA, Sirius says that he (and possibly James, too, it's implied I think) thought Lupin was the spy/traitor. What happened there? Was it just LV causing dissension in the ranks and placing Peter in good position? Was it something to do with Lily? (I think Lupin had feelings for her, personally...) Something else entirely? And what was Lupin doing in those 12 years between the Potters' deaths and showing up on the Hogwarts train as the new DADA professor? Inquiring minds want to know! I think there's more to him than just being the voice of reason and moral support.
Snape, of course, is a big enigma. There's a lot of questions surrounding him... why did he become a Death Eater? Why did he leave them and become a spy for the "good guys"? Was he (is he) in fact a double agent? Why does Dumbledore trust Snape, and why won't he let Snape teach DADA classes regularly? What sort of tasks is Snape doing for the Order now? I think that all might be important.
Sure, it's pretty obvious that Dumbledore is important. But I'm curious at the fact that everyone claims Dumbledore is the only wizard LV was ever afraid of. Is it true? If so, why? Simply because Dumbledore is a powerful wizard, or is it deeper than that? And is Dumbledore the reason why Hogwarts was never touched during LV's first "reign of terror"?
What's Petunia got to do with all of this? What did Dumbledore's Howler mean to her? She knows more than she's let on, obviously.
What is in that locked door in the DOM? (I have my theory, which is the same theory most people seem to have.) Whatever it is, I think it will be important to Harry and the battle ahead.
Speaking of the battle, what form will the "final confrontation" take? I don't think it will be a simple direct "Battle of the Wands". Aside from the fact that LV and Harry can't battle directly with their wands, Harry obviously doesn't like the idea of killing anyone, even LV. I think that locked door power will have something to do with it.
Considering what I think that power is, I'm reminded of the saying that I believe goes "The best way to defeat an enemy is to make him your friend." Oh, now, I don't think LV will ever turn good... even as a teenager he was corrupted, and if LV was given the chance for full redemption, he wouldn't take it. But is there any redemption at all for Tom Riddle (and Peter)? Will Harry necessarily defeat LV by killing him?
(cough) OK, I guess that was more than two cents.
Peace & Luv, Liz
