Chapter 33

Two Alternative Endings that Never Made it to Press

The Thelma & Louise Ending

"Have you seen the movie Thelma & Louise?" Harry asked as he looked out through the paper wall between him and the readers of the story.

"Thelma & Louise?" reiterated Luna, pushing her words high up off the page. "It starred Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, and lots of other very popular muggle actors like Brad Pitt, Harvey Keitel, and Michael Madsen. It's won a lot of awards. It's really quite famous."

"Yes, Jady. It's famous, but it's really old. No one has seen it in years."

"Well, Deer, we could still end our story with an adapted version of the movie's ending as our ending, said Luna, turning to Harry.

"Yes, I suppose we could. But if no one has seen the movie, it would be a waste of time," replied Harry. "No one would get it."

"I think all of you should Google a video of the ending of Thelma & Louise," said Luna as she turned her big, silvery-blue eyes back to the readers of the story.

"Brilliant. Once you have watched it," said Harry, also looking straight into the eyes of the readers as he continued Luna's suggestion, "you will understand the concept for our story's ending."

"Please take your time and watch it," added Luna with a smile. "It will be extraordinarily helpful."

"Meet us on top of the Astronomy Tower at Hogwarts after you finish," said Harry.

End

The Giant Rat of Sumatra Ending

"Hello, readers! We're glad you made it here," began Harry as he looked up to all of the intrepid people who had arrived at this point in the story.

"Yes. Thank you," said Luna with a soft smile. "We assume you have come here in search of an ending that satisfies your need for closure with our tale."

"Unfortunately," began Ginny in a way indicating the possibility of impending disappointment. "We are going to have to fail you...at least for now."

"Oooo. Are any of you fans of the famous muggle detective Sherlock Holmes?" asked Luna looking at the readers.

"If you are, then you may have read his short story called "The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire," said Rolf, looking at the readers to gauge their recognition of Holmes and the story.

"In the story," picked up Ginny, never blinking as she stared up off the page, "Sherlock Holmes mentions a ship by the name of the 'Matilda Briggs'. He says it is associated with The Giant Rat of Sumatra, a story for which the world is not yet prepared."

"We must confess that the seemingly unfeasible ending of our story is not in concept unlike the story of that rat," admitted Harry.

"Oooo yessss," said Luna smiling upward. "We're not certain those of you in the muggle world, not to mention most of you in the magical world, are prepared to hear its lurid details."

"So," said Harry, trying to conclude things, "I am afraid we will have to leave you without closure and in a state of unfulfillment until we feel ready to share the details of this ending. Up until then, rest assured that we are all still alive and well."

"Goodbye, everyone, said Luna as Rolf and Ginny smiled up behind them. "I think I'll go get something to eat. I hope there's pudding."

End