This thread contains spoilers!!! Read at your own risk if you haven't finished the book!!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

I absolutely loved this book! It was quite a different book than the others. I was very much relieved that Harry wasn't being such a bratty kid in this one and even though it was dark, it was 'creepy dark' and mysterious rather than 'dreary dark' like OotP. I did like OotP but, I actually liked it better after reading it several times, this one I liked right away. I loved the suspense and mystery in this book and I was thrilled to be right about the 'ships!!! I was so happy that Harry and Ginny finally got together, and even though we don't have outright proof of it, it looks like Ron and Hermione did too-the book left no doubt about the attraction they had for one another. Funnily enough, I have always liked the Lupin/Tonks relationship as well.

I really enjoyed the humor in this one. I was worried that without Fred and George being at Hogwarts this time that the humor would suffer, but it didn't at all. Hermione getting hit with that punching telescope was hilarious, Harry accidentally waking up Ron with the Levicorpus spell, and Ron with the Love Potion hitting Harry! McLaggen knocking out Harry with a bludger during the game and Madam Pomfrey telling Harry that it would be "over exertion" to kill him. That all had me cracking up. I also really liked Luna this time around, she seemed to have a much fuller character in this book. I liked Harry taking her to the party, both Harry and Ron seemed to have developed a real affection for her and her strangeness. I cheered that Ginny stood up for her. Her Quidditch commentary was too funny.

When I found out who the Half-Blood Prince was, it was like... DUH! I can't believe I didn't consider it being Snape! I considered just about everyone else. I really had to laugh at myself because it was just so obvious, ofcourse the Potions Master would be a master at potions. D'oh!


I was surprised by Dumbledore's death being so soon, but not really shocked. I knew that he would die but I anticipated that it would be in the 7th. book. Oddly enough, when Snape killed him it was such a shock that it didn't seem sad at the time, the part that I found the saddest was Harry having to force him to drink that potion. It did seem more logical that Harry be the one to drink it, but I wonder if Dumbledore decided to drink the potion himself because he couldn't trust himself to cause Harry so much pain by forcing him to finish it.

As for Snape himself, I don't think that everything is as it seems. I think that it would be too easy to just accept that Snape still is and always was a Death Eater. Dumbledore seemed so intent on protecting Draco, as well as Harry, that I wonder if it was a sacrifice that was Dumbledore's decision. Dumbledore and Snape are very skilled at both Legilimency and Occlumency, there may have been a conversation during that moment that we were unaware of. The reason that I thought of this theory was the fact that the Draught of the Living Death was the first potion that the potions class had to make. This potion, and it's effects, were mentioned in the very first book. So why mention it again? If you've noticed, all the potions on their first day of class had some mention or use in the rest of the book: the Veritaserum was discussed between Harry and Dumbledore as not being an option for obtaining the memory from Slughorn, the Polyjuice was stolen by Malfoy and used on Crabbe and Goyle, the Amortential(love potion}- might not have been used specifically but Harry and Ron had a good bit of trouble from love potion, and the Felix Falicis was given to Harry and used in various ways. Dumbledore knew of Malfoy's task, seems most likely that he would have been told by Snape, he also knew that Malfoy would be killed, and his family, if the task wasn't completed. Given that Dumbledore wanted to protect Malfoy, probably also Snape because of his unbreakable vow, it seems logical- and good strategy- for Dumbledore to appear dead for a time. However, because Malfoy wouldn't divulge his plan and other Death Eaters were there to witness the act it could be that Dumbledore sacrificed himself. Maybe, maybe not.

The Horcruxes have me a bit confused. It seems to me that they are anchors{without consciousness} for the consciousness of Voldemort that lives in his body, or else when his first body was destroyed then that portion of his soul would have been destroyed as well. But that doesn't seem to be entirely correct because the diary Horcrux was capable of being conscious and acting on it's own. Was that because of additional spells being performed on the diary as well as it being a Horcrux? If Nagini is a Horcrux, then the soul fragments must not be normally capable of acting on their own because then it would mean that Nagini is possessed and she would die. Remember in GoF Voldemort mentioning possessing snakes and causing them to die because of it. The Horcrux situation kind of makes my brain hurt. I have to wonder if we've already seen the golden locket of Slytherin at Grimmauld Place. Remember the heavy locket that none of them could open that they found while decontaminating Grimmauld Place? It's an iffy theory, but it would make sense if R.A.B. was Regulus Black. We don't know his middle name, but his uncle's name was Alphard so it's a possibility. The only other possibility that I can think of is Borgin, but we don't know his first or middle name and he's not dead yet. However, he seems to fear Death Eaters, certainly he doesn't seem to like them, and he would be familiar with that particular item and dark magic in general because of his shop. I read in a Rowling interview that we should be able to figure out the mystery at the end:

quote:

I agree that this was the best book so far.
It's much more of an action adventure story with subplots of love stories in it.

I knew Dumbledore was going to die too. The word was out. But to build their friendship up so much and finally when Harry is able to relate to Albus as a friend sort of apprenctice, after Albus tells him what he thinks of him after leaving the cave and pretty much having Malfoy drawn over from the darkside, to have him die in that way was terribly great and greatly terrible.

The cliff hanger part wouldn't be so bad except knowing that it could be years before the next book comes out sucks.

The build up to, the working out of and the somewhat ending of the Harry/Ginny love was done very well I think. It was nice how she wrote about the monster in chest growling, getting angry, getting excited, etc.. about Ginny's relationships, availability and his feelings for her. And finally when they got together it was so nice. Maybe I'm getting old but Ginny could only be 14. Isn't that a bit young? I must be getting old.
I really like how she had Ron slip out "I love you, Hermione". But never going much anywhere with that after it. She makes it plain they're in love with each other but she really could have gone a little farther.
The Tonks/Lupin thing caught me by surprise. I really expected that she was just pining after Sirius. Poor Sirius.

In fantasy and scifi I keep expecting the dead to not really be dead. Both when Sirius and Albus died I really expected some sort of condition or miracle that would somehow bring them back. But when Albus's picture showed up in his old office it was time to hang up hope and move on.
Man that was sad. It will be so satisfying when Severus gets his cumupance.

The humor was really good in this one I agree. I loved it when Luna made that comment about the Aurors planning on taking over the Ministry(???) with something and gum disease. The gum disease had me in stitches.

I wish she had done more with the Neville character. She did do more and make him a bit more independent of his grandmother (course choosing part) but he was the "chosen one" almost. He lost his parents too. For him to enter the fold of friends a little more would have rounded the book out a little more.

She certainly did round Ginny out a bunch. Going from the shy little girl to the shy first year student to the popular girl dating and full of schutzpa. And it was so nice that they got together. And I will be seriously dissappointed that somehow they don't end up together in the end. Severus a grease stain on the wall, Voldemort (shudder =) ) a memory and the heroes standing battered but victorious and Harry with Ginny by his side. Or having defeated the forces of evil Harry and Ginny begin a new life together much like their parents did. I just don't think it would carry all that much as a happy ending to the series if Harry and Ginny don't end up together.

I do like your theory on potions, Severus and Albus. It is definitely possible. But from what I can discern of Rowlings writings, I believe Albus is gone for good. I think it fits with her writing so far that Albus did die at Severus's hand without a plan. Remember her books, though well loved by many adults, is meant for accessibilty by young readers and was originaly designed for young readers. The hints you are going on I think are too subtle. You'll notice her plot hints are pretty obvious. Connections are never so subtle. No, I think she building up to the big stuggle in a 1,000 + page book for #7. Where Harry becomes the self-sufficient wizard adult who while having to rely on his friends but will know that ultimately there are choices where he must go it alone. Not out of childish selfishness but as a man. I think she is going for the double bad guy build up. Having to find the Horcruxes and destroy them all, fight and defeat (maybe not kill) Severus and then have it out with Tommy boy.

I think Albus explained it pretty well in the book about the Horcrux's.
By having part of his soul still remaining somewhere he is tied to this world. He becomes as he did 15 years ago but he can still come back. In the case of the diary that was a little extra special. It was supposed to be a plant. A way of releasing opening the chamber of secrets and the horror within but only after Voldemorts return to power. But supremely it was only supposed to perform is Horcrux function.
As long as one part of his soul remained he can't be forced from this world (or become a ghost) when his body dies. I think an anchor is an apt term. Something that no matter what ties him to this world. Unless someone can create a magic that would make the Horcrux unable to fulfill that function. Like if he was banished to another dimension. His Horcrux(s) would remain here dormant until someone did something with it. Unless like the book it could take action on its own. But she seems to make the diary out to be differnt than the other Horcrux's. He had a special plan for that one.

Actually I thought the Advanced Potions book was going to turn out to be another Horcrux. Not Severus's. I really don't think she gave you many clues to that affect other than it's a potions book and Snape exceeds at potions. Why would he have left his old potions book in the potions classroom available for use by anyone? Why? Rowling clues to Severus?

I will have to reread that book to see if she was being cleverer than I would expect.

All stories must come to an end.

I expect that she will sell the rights to more HP world stories. Collect a few more billion on the rights and royalties.

**edit-just adding the smile icons so that the major spoiler doesn't show up in the "Today's Active Topics" summary.

[ July 20, 2005, 10:41 AM: Message edited by: Renee ]

Nakis, I too believe that Dumbledore is gone. I was hoping but, like you, when I saw the picture I knew if was for real. The Dumbledore quote that gets me kind of sniffly:

quote:

=)
=)
=)
=)

Well it is getting late (2am) so I will need to come back and re-read your comment Renee and Nakis when I'm less tired as I would like to discuss them further. Here are a few comments for now however.

I just finished reading 4,5 and 6 in a row. Doing so had it's pluses but also minuses in that I did not have opportunity to re-read certain things that deserved a second look.

I am still quite upset over the death of Dumbledore. =( In fact after I finished the book I didn't care about reading 7. That was just my upset talking though as in reality I am anxious for it. Yes I too knew that this would likely come to be however I had hoped it would not be until book 7. I also held on to the hope that she would not kill him off but opt to make it impossible for him to aide Harry with the final battles in some way. This is a magical world however so there is always the chance that his death is not final. Some of what she has written has reminded me of the Lord of the Rings so seeing Gandolf returned from the dead (when it seemed impossible and their was evidence it wouldn't be) perhaps Dumbledore will as well? I hope at the least that Harry is able to continue interacting with him be it via the photo or some other spiritual means.

I did really like this book, much better than 5 actually. I was glad to see Ron and Hermiones secret love was finally brought into the open more. I always suspected Harry would fall for Ginny and I do feel that their relationship will be everlasting (despite the current cooling of it) and their love will be part of Harry's weapon against Voldemort. I just love Luna she is such a hoot and I suspect we will see her pairing with someone in the end also, Neville seems to be the likely one. I think we will see much more of these two in 7 and they will shine in ways others not thought possible.

Snape being the prince was not a surprise to me, he was one of the first that came to mind actually given he was a death eater and the glimpses we were given of his memories told me he was likely looking for ways to use dark magic to revenge his enemies back while he was a student at Hogwarts. Plus he was the potions teacher so it seemed to fit that it would be his book that was mistakenly left behind in the cupboard. He obviously would have found that book himself given the years he spent in that classroom so to me if it wasn't Snapes than it was a book that Slug brought with him.

I had thought that maybe there was a chance that Dumbledore communicated with Snape in the end telling him to do him in so that Malfoy would not have to. Dumbledore wanted to protect Draco knowing there would be no turning back for him once he carried out the order of murder (the losing part of your soul thing). There was enough of a pause in the action (so to speak) for Dumbledore to communicate with Snape using their minds. I was so angry with Snape after reading this book and have waivered back and forth on beleiving if he has truly turned back to the dark. However with more thought on this I would not be surprised if it turns out the Snape is still working for the order despite how perilous it looks. He has to protect Malfoy in order to survive himself plus if he were not to assist the death eaters when he did he would have put both himself and Malfoy in immediate danger. His killing Dumbledore will surely end any doubt that Bella or the others may have had about him being true to Voldemort which in turn will enable him to gain critical information that in the end will help the Order and/or Harry. I may be wrong and if I am I truly hope that Harry is the one that does Snape in, actually I hope he does do Snape in no matter what.

I too enjoyed the humor in the book, you couldn't help but laugh out loud at times and fall more in love with certain characters. I also liked seeing Harry and others being less childless in their reactions and thoughts.

Well best sign off for now. I'll definitley come back to give my thoughts on the horcruxes and other things. =)

Hey Renee and Nakis

Sorry I neglected to put I agree in front of some of the previous comments I made which mirrored some of yours. Rather than scroll back to recall who said what it was easier to just put my thoughts out. So for those that did mirror or were similar - I agree Oh I put the 4 smilies on top of the last post so the topic wouldn't come up new but it didn't work for me?

A few comments/thoughts on Horcurxes. The diary was a horcrux that Voldemort was careless about, it was created so he could use it to possess or inhabit another to unleash the monster. It was also a means to open the chamber of secrets and he wanted it to be read so others would know he was the heir of Syltherin seeing he couldn't take credit at the time himself (as Harry noted). This was a unique horcrux in that it served purpose other than to store a soul fragment. We know the ring was another which Dumbledore destroyed and the locket although it still needs to be found and destroyed. I agree Renee the locket found in Grimmauld Place is likely the real horcrux and it would make sense it was Regulus Black who took it and hid it there. Now that the death eaters are aware the house was used for the OoP I'm wondering if this horcrux will be the first that Harry goes after? That still leaves 3 more to find and destroy. Two we have been told about, the Hufflepuff cup and Nagini and one remains unknown. That is provided Dumbledore was correct in his assumptions. I have been thinking what other trophy would Voldemort want to use as a Horcrux seeing he was unable to obtain the Gryffindor sword? Could it be that he utilized something that belongs to Harry or his parents? Using an item that belongs to the person who Voldemort believes is his equal, the only one who can destroy him would be quite a trophy. Just a thought. Seeing he is unaware when a horcrux is destroyed it would seem that if Nagini is indeed a horcrux she would be the last horcrux Harry will destroy before he faces Voldemort because he keeps her close to him at all times. He would also not want to give Voldemort any reason to believe he knows about the horcruxes and is hunting them and trying to get Nagini may do that? I wondered if Harry would try to use Nagini in some way given he can speak to her but again given she is with Voldemort at all times I don't know how that could be done? The only thing we know for certain is that Harry must destroy all the remaining Horcurxes before he goes after the 7th soul fragment which remains inside Voldemort.

Interesting that JKR used 7 (the magical number) in a few ways. There are 7 books, 7 horcruxes and the students spend 7 years at Hogwarts. Oh and there are 7 Weasley children and 7 professors who taught the students, 4 house heads, Trelawney, Hagrid and a Defense of the Dark Arts professor. Any others you can think of?

I was happy about the Lupin-Tonks pairing although at first I also thought she may have had a thing for Siruis but a wee part of me thought eww no that's her cousin that can't be. lol I also had an eyebrow raise when Tonks found Harry trying to get into the room of requirements. When she tugged at her sleeve I thought oh no is she not what she seems, is she hiding the mark? Her change of appearance, getting thinner etc like Malfoy was and then appearing at that time out of the blue well it gave me pause. Thank goodness things turned out that was not the case, unless we are in for a real twister in 7? Was also glad to see that Fleur stood by Bill after he was attacked. I wonder what the ramifications will be of that and if Lupin will end up having to challenge Bill at some point in book 7 along with Greyback? I hope not or at least not in a manner where one has to die. I'm also curious to see how Percy will end coming back to the Weasley family or if she will leave it as never resolved? I'm also curious to see how the Giants will be used. Wizard magic doesn't work well on them so they may be the ones who help the other death eaters escape Azkaban? Hagrid and his brother along with - ahh her name escapes me - will likely be the ones who do battle on that front should JKR utilize the giants in 7. Will be great to see Hagrid be a hero that way but I imagine it will come at a cost. He is such a teddy bear and we haven't really seen the fury that runs in his blood so we may be another that we see a different light before all is done.

I must say I am feeling better about all that happened in 6, not that I am happy about it but at least I am back to feeling as anxious about reading 7 as I was before I started 6.

Renee I haven't gone to any of the HP websites, but I'll have to check them out as it sounds like there is some interesting reading there. Thanks for the nudge. =)

There's no need to apologize Cat. It's hard to have so many things in your head you want to get down in writing. I really wouldn't want you to read through ours and then still try to capture all you wanted to put down.
I wish I could make more comments on what you said. You make a lot of good points. But the book is somewhat faded from mind. Partly through time and partly on purpose. I was really upset when she killed off Dumbledore. Like you to the point that maybe I didn't want to read 7. And I wanted to read it NOW just to see where she goes with it to see if she somehow makes up for killing him. I was really upset when she killed him off. Strange that.
That last horcrux is a real mystery. And who took the locket?

I really do and really don't want to read it again.
Like you I read 4 and 5 before reading six. I didn't want to jump into 6 cold. But I think reading 4 and 5 first you get into the Dumbledore character more. In his actions and his apology to Harry, he becomes more human, more accessible and frail. Then when he looses his hand he becomes a character you want to protect. He is still powerful but he no longer has that omnipotence about him. Then he allows himself to die.
I guess we will not know whether it's forever or if Dumbledore planned this.
I really don't want to read that part with him dying again. If he is dead, nothing bad enough can be done to Snape and Voldemort.