(MAJOR SPOILERS) Half-Blood Prince (MAJOR SPOILERS)

[WetaNutt]

JUST finished this. JK really does like to put out a bunch of red herrings doesn't she?
I am also of the belief that DD is NOT dead, but rather his "murder" by Snape was something prearranged between them when/if a scenario like this ever came to be. Remember that one of the Death Eaters said that they were told that only Malfoy was to kill Dumbledore? Then why would Snape go against Voldie's specific wishes unless it was to actually save DD and at the same time protect Malfoy and (unbeknownst to him at the time), Harry? And why was he not already pre-positioned to assist Malfoy when the Death Eaters were finally snuck (is that a word? LOL) into Hogwarts? Could be he wasn't really in on the plans as much as he thought he was. As with some of you, I cannot believe that DD was this foolish and this misguided. I think he manipulated this scenario from the get-go. Why take just Harry to the cave rather than an Auor or someone a bit more advanced in magic? I think he's set Harry up to bear witness to DD's supposed weakness and downfall. Who would disbelieve Harry on this particular point? This would leave DD free to pursue things behind the scenes. I think he will also serve as counsellor to Harry via his picture (but will actually be alive). I also think that McGonagall is in on this as well.

Hogwarts will continue, and I think Harry, Hermoine, Ron, and Neville will continue to attend. I think Harry will take many secret forays out to look for pieces of Voldies soul and will be accompanied by Hermoine and Ron. But I think the final showdown will occur at either Hogwarts or the Ministry where the great concentrations of magic are.

Percy will come back to the fold. Malfoy (and his mother) would have been taken to a safehouse/location by Snape to protect them against Voldie. As to which major character will die ... hmmm... Ginny.

What I don't understand is why the rest of the DA group and the Order wasn't more involved in the defense of Hogwarts.

 

[mirabella6666]

I just finished listening to the book. Yes, this is the second time through because I read it first (though apparently too fast because I missed some things.)

I also read the interview with JK Rowling, in which she VERY strongly implies that R.A.B. is Regulus Black.

I am still very confused about what's going on with Dumbledore and Snape. I wasn't sure that Dumbledore was dead, what with all that talk about the Potion of Living Death, but, it does appear to be true. I am very convinced now that Dumbledore would not have allowed ALL those people and creatures to be put through so much grief for a ruse.

But, still, I'm not sure that Snape murdered him. I think perhaps Dumbledore was already dying from drinking the potion which is why Dumbledore kept insisting that Harry had to get Snape, not Madam Pomfrey. Of course, there's also the possibility that it was such Dark Magic, that only Snape would know how to help.

Interesting that Harry is now feeling some sympathy for Malfoy. Interesting also, that Snape prevented others from harming Harry. Not sure that I believe it was because Harry had to be kept for Voldemort.

How are we going to be able to wait 2 years for the next one? Harry obviously feels he must do this alone, but I don't think that his friends will let him do everything by himself; I think they will insist on helping.

I do think that Hogwarts will open again but I'm not sure Harry will be a student, though IMHO he needs work on his wizarding skills. His courage alone might not be enough.

I'm going to start listening to the series again to see what kinds of clues she has given us. I know she says we will be able to figure out what the 6th horcrux is, but I haven't figured that out yet. I can't really think it would be another book such as the Potions book, since it should be something that would be a "trophy."

Any ideas about what the sixth horcrux could be? I don't think it's Harry, though the fact that he can read Voldemort's mind might be a clue. In that case, Harry would have to die before Voldemort could be killed. <img border=0 src="https://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/frown.gif" />

 

[Moebius9]

I finished it as well today. Power went out in a thunderstorm and I read the last few chapters by candle light. Apropos!

Anyways, IMO Dumbledore is dead. And Snape is a good guy. There is just way too much doubt being layed that he isn't. It's going to come down to Snape redeeming himself at the end and helping Harry destroy Voldemort.

The best part of this book for me was Harry and Ginny and Ron and Hermione. I figured she would pull the Harry/Ginny rug out from under my feet and she did but it's still a valid love story that can end up a happy one when all is said and done.

Now the big wait...again!

 

[dstephan]

Regarding Hogwarts not reopening, I don't think that will happen. Beyond everything else these books are about growing up and the major demarcations in a teenager's life. Graduation is about the most important signifier that there is. So Hogwarts has to be open so they can finish school. Also Hogwarts is Harry's symbolic home and the final battle should be there with the consequences of Harry losing being the complete destruction of the school.

But I'm not keen to wait another 2-3 years to find out. But I'll be listening to the Jim Dale audiobook just as soon as finish listening to Dale's Phoenix again. And then off to find the Stephen Fry version of Half-blood Prince...

 

[mirabella6666]

Glad to see there's another Jim Dale fan. I love his reading of the Harry Potter books. I've started again at the beginning. I hate what's going on in the RL world right now but feel powerless to change anything. Escapism seems to be appropriate. Not sure that would get me into Gryffindor. I'd probably end up in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff.

 

[dstephan]

I actually prefer the Stephen Fry readings, just because it's the British versions of the books. But Dale is a bit more energetic and tries to do different voices for the different characters. Although his Hermione sounds very much like his Umbrage and most other women.