Re: Pope

I have to say, it is a little weird to have a pope from Chicago. Have you seen the video of him at a Cubs game? Having some mental disconnect from reconciling the guy in cubs gear to the guy in the Pope clothing.

Regarding Pope Francis, I know that one of the things he did was bring a big youth movement into the church by appointing so many younger cardinals. I think I read that something like 108 out of the 134 voting Cardinals in the conclave were appointed by Pope Francis. Having that many younger Cardinals aligned with the vision of Pope Francis and now Pope Leo (also picked by Pope Francis) will hopefully lead to a new focus and drive in the church.

We do not see it much because I don't think it can touch fae and most wizards aren't out and about in the world. I would assume that someone of significant power or resources could create an artifact of some sort that protects from thaumaturgy. We see Binder go to great lengths to protect himself, but he is a free lance operator of relatively insignificant power. We have seen Harry make talismans before. I bet that in time he will figure out how to at least generate partial protection from thaumaturgy.

Or perhaps doesn't understand?  Mab maybe too removed from the human perspective to understand.  Remember there are a lot of things the Fae don't understand about how humans think. 

Mab may be removed from the human perspective, but she will grab onto any weapon she can in order to achieve her goals. Money is one of those resources that she can use to further her own ends in the mortal world. There is a reason Molly's account has so many zeros in it. Mab sees that value in money, she just doesn't amass it to be rich for rich's sake. She absolutely could be operating under the principle that she provides the knight the basic tools and it is up to him to gather what he needs.

Yes, that is the happy medium I am talking about, Harry isn't rich, he cannot throw money at things and make them go away.  But he is treading water and getting along like a lot of us do, money isn't his focus, he has more important things to attend to. And if Mab is as smart as she claims to be she will understand that a solvent Winter Knight is a more effective Winter Knight and she will increase his pay check if he gets one from her.

Mab may have to have it pointed out to her, but I think she will see the logic of the Winter Knight being more effective if he is not having to worry about some basic necessities. That being said, in order to keep Harry on a leash, I can see her working on a requisition format where he has to ask for what he needs.

I believe Merlin built the Guardian magic atop the (pre-existing) Genus Loci spirit.
I know of no WoJ specifying/clarifying this issue... not really even any hints, alas!
 

I agree with that perspective. A confluence of ley lines should be enough to generate a Genus Loci spirit. I would hazard to guess that the creation of Demonreach and resulting power contained there would have a corrupting influence on a spirit over time. Therefore, I hypothesize that Merlin altered/bargained with/molded the original genus loci into Alfred in order to make sure it would not be corrupted and could fulfill its role as the Guardian.

Sorry for the double post. I forgot to mention in my original post that at some point there will be time travel according to the author. We don't know whether that will be a standalone book, a part of another book (like in a dragon book), or a part of the end trilogy. Given that this touches on one of the Laws of Magic, I assume that it will be a hefty storyline and worthy of its own book or a big chunk of a combined storyline book.

Mab has solved Harry's castle financial problems already: she engaged him to Lara. Lara has plenty of resources including cash and lawyers to help him out. From Mab's perspective, Harry can get on board with her solution or come up with another one.

Would Harry be ok with that? I can see him having a hard time with using ill gotten gains or going into debt with the White Court.

Perhaps, but it still doesn't prove that it was a particular human trait left over from when she was human..  Also unknown, was she half turned when she decided this?  That isn't clear, if it happened before she was fully turned, she was still human.

That is definitely a valid question. We do not know what the Red Court Traditions are for turning a family member. Can they turn a child and have the vampire grow? We know that someone can be a half vampire and then make that choice to sate their thirst turning fully (ex Susan). We know that there are others who serve as half vampire agents and then are granted permission to turn and thus status in the Red COurt (ex Martin). Would Arianna the daughter of the Red King have spent time as a half vampire or would she have been able to turn full vampire in one night? It is conceivable that she spent plenty of time as a half vampire living through the conquistador time enough to build up a hatred or she might have already been turned fully. Inquiring minds want to know Mr. Butcher!