Official Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince discussion topic (Spoilers)

[Agent Elrond]

*cough* Like THAT's surprising. >.<

Er... truly for me the books have somewhat lost their hold. I could go on and on about this, but I'm short of time and Septile Master pretty much said it all for me.

[Jeff]

Just a warning. This is a flagrant spoiler so don't read the sentence below. You have been warned.

I heard a major character dies. Don't have a clue who it might be but lets hope no one dares to reveal it by bolding the letters in a sentence.

And I seriously hope that no one reveals who the half-blood prince is.

[Heald]

Hah. I predicted it would be him as soon as the title was mentioned. I win.

[Kris]

Just finished it!

I actually cried at the end with dumbledores funeral, it was so sad!
And snape, I think everyone was unsure about him!

[Heald]

Are you saying you spent the entire day reading a book?

Way to piss away £10 or how ever much it cost.

[Thy]

Are you saying you spent the entire day reading a book?

Way to piss away £10 or how ever much it cost.

What's wrong with reading? It's not like it's a bad thing.

I liked how she tried to insert answers to various questions people always ask, like Teachers first names (Flitwick and Sprout) and who's head of which house, what gender is Blaise Zambini. I do wish she would put in Mark Evans just to throw even more people off. I also wished that the Dursleys were in more of the book. They're there for a couple pages and even then they only speak a few times. Plus what happened to Snape as DADA teacher? You see one class of his and then they never talk about his class again. Snape, possible the most important character in this book (duh, he'e in the title) and they don't mention him at all for half of the book. I also didn't like how they ended the book. No train ride back home where everyone is talking about what is going on and such. The whole ending seemed like the ending to the first Spider-man movie. They're at a grave (Dumbledore) and Peter walks away (Harry) and MJ comes up (Ginny) and Petter tells her that they can't be together in case his enimies go after her. I found it cheesy. Not one of my favorite HP books, which is a disappointment since this is the first I've been eagerly waiting for. It seems like POA is still the top.

[The Decapitated Mole]

The ending sucked. Period. First of all, no school next time? That's, like, the best part of all the first six. Absolutely ridiculous. R.A.B. is clearly Regulus Black [I realized as soon as I saw it, I was hoping they'd realize it before the ending, but as I said, mucho disappointado endero. Now I don't even want the seventh book to come out, because it's probably gonna really suck. Hope Ginny turns up to hang around with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, though.

Yeah. Basically, one word: DISAPPOINTING.

o_0
jimm

[mr_pikachu]

...What on earth?!

Okay, one of four things is going on here.

1. I've got a counterfeit book.
2. I've finally lost the last traces of my sanity.
3. Other people are concerned about exactly what I'm posting about.
4. I'm even more naive than I thought I was before.

Anyway, uh... I'll avoid revealing spoilers here if at all possible. I'm nearing 400 pages in, and there are some... erm... things in the book that don't seem quite age-appropriate for at least a portion of this series' intended audience.

Let me be as vague as possible without giving away anything. So far I've seen numerous references to the following things: holistic matters such as God, Heaven and Hell (which, while not necessarily a bad thing in my opinion, was certainly not in any of the previous HP books if I remember correctly); at least one minor curse word (the one I remember was "damn"); a lot of speech cut off just before characters would have said something highly objectionable; numerous references to "rude hand gestures"; and a use of a certain "sl-" word that TPM's previous censors routinely smacked aside. Not to mention repeated "snogging" - complete with very visually clear descriptions - and a potential relationship that one has to question for the differences in ages if nothing else. And I'm not even 400 pages in yet.

Now, am I the only one who thinks that this kind of thing is inappropriate to market to people such as, say, the eight-year-old kids who dressed up for the Harry Potter party yesterday? Am I being ridiculous? Am I too old-fashioned? Or does somebody else out there actually agree with me on this one?

[Kris]

Mr Pikachu feel free to post spoilers here, people have been warned.

I liked the book a lot, and think its a great idea that hes going to branch away from the school. At least it wont be the same type of storyline as the others book. It will now be completely different with Harry finally being of age and being able to perform magic. I cant wait!!

Harry and Ginny, horay! Never been a shipper for them but I loved how she did it, she started the sbtle clues in the last book and built on it in this one. And the way he let her know, it was great! Loved that bit to peices.

Think the relationsip between ron and hermione is growing its now pretty obvious hermione has a thing for ron, but when will he admit his feelings back (If he does have any).

Overall this is definately one of my favourites so far, we found out a lot more of information and it was finally revealed that Draco and Snape are evil. Something that everyone has been wondering since the first book.

I loved the book

[Water Pokemon Master]

Finished.

[Heald]

Want a cookie? At least put something worthwhile in your post.

[fat man with a monkey]

really funny, tina
I actually enjoyed the first book, the seocnd was decent, and the third was good. Then everyone picked them up, and JK Rowling's style seems to have changed, which is something I don't like.

[Water Pokemon Master]

Want a cookie? At least put something worthwhile in your post.

I did. I finished and you didn't. Worthwhile post to me.

The book is sad. I refuse to believe Dumbledore is dead. Maybe he will come back to life or be a spirit like that Murtle girl in the girl's bathroom. Snape being the 1/2 Blood Prince was sort of surprising, I thought it would be Draco since he hates mud-bloods. Oh well. I hope Snape dies soon.

[The Decapitated Mole]

XD, you said '1/2 blood prince', what the fuck is wrong with you?! Hahahahahaha!!

o_0
jimm

[Heald]

'1/2' is a facsimile of 'half' and is one character shorter than 'half' to boot, making it more efficient if you don't mind abbreviating.

[The Decapitated Mole]

yes, but 1/2 means 'one half', and the book is not titled 'harry potter and the one half of a bood prince', which is what that abbreviation implies.

o_0
jimm

[Water Pokemon Master]

When I see 1/2, I read it as "half," not "one-half."

[Chris 2.1]

Anyway...

What was interesting is we never heard Dumbledore's story about his hand. I wonder if this is just to emphasize that we will never understand everything about Dumbledore (Like how Harry wondered, at the funeral, when he learned Mermish).

And wasn't there supposed to be something about Lilly Potter in this book? All I got was Slughorn raped her in a corridor, the way he talked about her o_0;;

In my opinion, a really good book. I would have liked some of the Order to leave some inspiring words to Harry, but then...do they know about the Horcrux's? Apparently not. Tonks and Lupin was funny, but why was Tonks hair colour affecting that she liked Remus? Because she wanted to appear a bit more mature? And her Patronus...pretty sweet.

Fleur definitely made herself out as a strong character at the end, saying she would still love Bill despite his...face. It really was an admirable quality you don't expect in a girl like her.

Overall, yea the end was snipped away (ending at the funeral? Oh well) but...I like how isolated Harry feels after Dumbledore's death. Like he has to rise up and take things on himself. With the only wizard Voldemort ever feared dead...well...I'm worried.

Also, poor Hagrid's hut ;_;

[fat man with a monkey]

Well, you read it wrong. And why would you refuse to believe Dumbledore is dead? Rowling wants to sell books. By killing off a character, she ensures more people will buy the next book to see what the fuck is going on. Her writing style has changed fromt he first book, to something that seems more commerical than any writer with integrity should write.

[Kris]

I feel that Harry is now kind of alone in the world, he has lost two of the wizards who looked after him. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next book, what with Hermione and Ron promising to come with him

[Heald]

So I walked into school today and in the common room - everyone is reading Harry Potter. I swear I was on the brink of donkey-punching every single one of them.

[Kris]

How come you dont like them reading? Surely its a good thing

[Heald]

It'd be nice if they were being socialable but no, they get all antsy. Some even had the nerve to read the bloody thing during lessons. I swear, the next person I see reading it will find out what my shoe tastes like.

[Katie]

rowling you stupid evil bitch *rips pages out of book* BITCH!!!
dumbledore was one of my favorites, harry's going to end up going all emo again with no father figure in the next book. I have extremely high expectations for hp7, and will only forgive this crap if it is totally necessary for a masterpiece plot next time around. ...I mean really, even the way he died could've stayed in character, like looking sadly dissappointed at snape's choice rather than "pleading" :| I also didn't like how all the romance catered to all the stupid shippers out there, they're no doubt having a field day with all this. I can't bring myself to check in any other forums... really half the book felt like I was reading some dumb fanfic. Another thing that bugs me is harry has to find 4 horcruxes + kill voldemort in the next book? *has flashbacks of that jackie chan cartoon* anyway, seems like it'll be awfully rushed, since rowling said ootp was going to be the longest book... ok I think I'm done ranting, may edit with more later.

[Magmar]

This book was the first that truly ended on a cliffhanger. We don't see Harry, Ron and Hermione leave Hogwarts. Instead, we get Harry dropping out, McGonagall becoming the new Headmistress (leaving Gryffindor run by who, Trelawney? Honestly.) I think the reason Dumbledore showed Harry all of his most important memories is because Dumbledore knew his time was up. Seriously, the guy was ancient, and in every book Harry observes him looking more fiercely geriatric.

It was a slow start to the book. I found the interview with the Minister to be a bit boring.

I liked Harry and Ginny going out and then breaking up. I wouldn't have liked to read Harry Potter and an Orgasm with Ginny for a 7th book... I still feel that Ron and Hermione should NOT go out.

Thing that really bugged me throughout the book--what's up with Hermione? She was 17 in September, shouldn't something special have happened because of her coming of age?? Rather the book never mentions her birthday. She had to wait until she was almost 18 to take Apparition tests? I associated being able to Apparate with being able to drive, you could get your license after being so many years old.

If Harry drops out, I'll stab him in the throat.

If Ron drops out, I'll stab him too.

If Hermione drops out, I'll throw the book at the wall.

Harry can still speak with Dumbledore whenever he wishes. I don't think McGonagall will deny him access to the portrait in her new office. I think Harry really should confide in McGonagall, she seems to be one of the only truly trustworthy people in the entire series, beyond the Weasley parents and Hermione.

I would've liked to see Neville play a bigger role. I thought this was supposed to be a huge deal in this book, how Neville and Harry were both candidates to be the "chosen one". Neville also needs to grow up a LOT. It's about time Rowling used this character to his full potential. Neville was one of the best in Defense Against the Dark Arts. He came the closest to fighting Voldemort with Harry and stuck by his side through the very end. If anybody should be fighting alongside Harry, Neville should be included.

Was that a suggestion of incest, with Tonks liking Sirius Black?? Tonks stopped dying her hair to appear older in front of Lupin. After all, that was the conflict with their relationship, right? Tonks is too young for Lupin.

Kreacher needs to die.

Snape's role in this book was completely opposite of what anyone expected out of him. Who thought he'd kill Dumbledore... I thought the purpose of Dumbledore in the book was to prove to Harry that Snape was indeed a trustworthy character.

Harry was right in this book in the end. I kind of miss the whole "Hermione-told-you-so" quip at the end of every story...

Snape = half blood prince, eh? No it is not 1/2 of a blood prince, that would involve Squilching and that is not a pleasant sensation. But it's a better title than "Harry Potter and Snape," right?

Actually, that means Hermione WAS right... never mind about the previous four sentences.

Ron needs to stick up for himself rather than rely on his brothers for protection.

Fred and George f'ing rock.

Where the hell is Viktor Krum??

And with those parting words, I'm out. Excellent book, second to the 4th if you ask me.

[The Decapitated Mole]

Yeah. I had actually started to convince myself that Snape was the one who was going to die, by breaking the Unbreakable Vow and killing himself for the Order.

And duh! *smacks forehead*. I completely forgot that there's going to be a portrait of Dumbly Dorr in the office. Of course he's not completely gone!

o_0
jimm

[The_Missing_Link]

Anyway...

What was interesting is we never heard Dumbledore's story about his hand. I wonder if this is just to emphasize that we will never understand everything about Dumbledore (Like how Harry wondered, at the funeral, when he learned Mermish).

And wasn't there supposed to be something about Lilly Potter in this book? All I got was Slughorn raped her in a corridor, the way he talked about her o_0;;

In my opinion, a really good book. I would have liked some of the Order to leave some inspiring words to Harry, but then...do they know about the Horcrux's? Apparently not. Tonks and Lupin was funny, but why was Tonks hair colour affecting that she liked Remus? Because she wanted to appear a bit more mature? And her Patronus...pretty sweet.

Fleur definitely made herself out as a strong character at the end, saying she would still love Bill despite his...face. It really was an admirable quality you don't expect in a girl like her.

Overall, yea the end was snipped away (ending at the funeral? Oh well) but...I like how isolated Harry feels after Dumbledore's death. Like he has to rise up and take things on himself. With the only wizard Voldemort ever feared dead...well...I'm worried.

Also, poor Hagrid's hut ;_;

I know, I was wondering what the big was about Lilly that we had to know? Unless I'm mistaken, we haven't yet been told of their past jobs and whatnot. Maybe in the last book, perhaps

I believe Tonks looked that way because of two things: Sirius being dead and Remus's rejection of her because of the age difference and what his lifestyle is like. It said in the book her power could be affected by deep shock and sadness and a death of a close relative and rejection of a love one could do that to you. I personally felt that that whole little plotline could've been taken out and the book would still stay the same but I like the two of them so it wasn't a bother

Overall, a little disappointed cause I knew Dumbledore would die and the way the book played out. Felt different and somewhat forced. I was surprised by Snape being the half-blood prince (mostly because I didn't like the fifth book and refused to read it again) and that he killed him. I'm hoping that Snape did that on Dumbledore's orders instead of being pure evil. I don't want to see Alan Rickman that way ;-;

[Calaveron]

...What on earth?!

Okay, one of four things is going on here.

1. I've got a counterfeit book.
2. I've finally lost the last traces of my sanity.
3. Other people are concerned about exactly what I'm posting about.
4. I'm even more naive than I thought I was before.

Anyway, uh... I'll avoid revealing spoilers here if at all possible. I'm nearing 400 pages in, and there are some... erm... things in the book that don't seem quite age-appropriate for at least a portion of this series' intended audience.

Let me be as vague as possible without giving away anything. So far I've seen numerous references to the following things: holistic matters such as God, Heaven and Hell (which, while not necessarily a bad thing in my opinion, was certainly not in any of the previous HP books if I remember correctly); at least one minor curse word (the one I remember was "damn"); a lot of speech cut off just before characters would have said something highly objectionable; numerous references to "rude hand gestures"; and a use of a certain "sl-" word that TPM's previous censors routinely smacked aside. Not to mention repeated "snogging" - complete with very visually clear descriptions - and a potential relationship that one has to question for the differences in ages if nothing else. And I'm not even 400 pages in yet.

Now, am I the only one who thinks that this kind of thing is inappropriate to market to people such as, say, the eight-year-old kids who dressed up for the Harry Potter party yesterday? Am I being ridiculous? Am I too old-fashioned? Or does somebody else out there actually agree with me on this one?

They're TEENAGERS, you know. Stop being such a baby and suck it up.

[Kris]

Tonks hair changes colour by itself, Im pretty sure of this, to a selection of vibrant colours.

I guessed that because she was depressed her hair wasnt up to its usual 'powers'. And I didnt think it was incest, just she missed her relative amazingly and was depressed he had gone.

I will be interested to see how the Dursleys are this summer...

[The Decapitated Mole]

No, the hint of incest was suggested when Harry was wondering if maybe she had been in love with Sirius, I believe.

o_0
jimm

[Chris 2.1]

Oh yes: will Harry go back to Hogwarts again? If he's on his new journey, that is? Surely he could enlist the help of the Order, to help destroy the parts of Voldemorts soul? And what about his new home in Grimmauld Place? Was that mentioned just to sort out a possible plothole, or will Harry's inherited home have any importance? And can he speak to Dumbledore's portrait if he's away destroying stuff?

I also presume Snape's Unbreakable Vow was what forced him to finally reveal himself. He could still be good....remember him and Karkaroff in Book 4? Didn't Karkaroff mention something about Snape's lack of Loyalty to the Dark Lord? And Voldemort only mentioned one member of Staff working for him, which was Crouch Jnr under the masquerade of Moody. Surely if he intended for Harry to die, he'd mention the other one - Snape? Anyway maybe Snape had to put his Unbreakable Vow before the bond he shared with Dumbledore. If he shared one at all.

Hmm I'm getting very inquisitive. I'm going to sift through Book 4 again.

And regarding incest - In Book 5 didn't Sirius say all Pure Bloods are practically inbred? He is distantly related to Molly or something.

[Zak]

For once I agree with Heald about reading it in a day. Honestly, I got a lot of "ZOMG YOU READ SLOW" over the fact that I got it last Friday (well, actually Saturday, midnight) and still hadn't finished it yesterday.

But I'm finally done with it. It was certainly a lot more relaxed than the last one.

I would guess "Harry Potter and the Horcrux Hunt" for the next book, but usually JKR likes to use titles that we have no idea of the relevance of them until the book is officially out. But I like the sound of that.

Also, this adds on to believing that Harry is going to die in the end.

One last thing though... that JKR said which didn't happen, aside from the Lily thing. Weren't we supposed to find out a few secrets about Aunt Petunia? And whatever happened to Grawp being easier to control?


~Zak

[Magmar]

Well, this book we never leave Hogwarts. Seeing as how Harry now has a month left to deal with the Dursleys, I assume we have a lot to learn about Aunt Petunia... probably due to Dumbledore's death, Petunia will tell Harry some things she might not willingly speak of otherwise.

Harry will return to Hogwarts. Each book has been titled Year 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Why would this not be Year 7? Harry has to do the D.A. now. He'll feel obligated to pursue it, and still keep the name Dumbledore's Army.

McGonagall is going to have an incredible role in maintaining Hogwarts open.

I think in Dumbledore's funeral, we should've seen more of the minor professors. Rowling frequently forgets about Professor Sinistra (Astronomy) and her Wednesday night at 12:00 lessons. Why didn't anybody pursue Astronomy, anyway?? Even Hermione didn't, right? (Cross check that if you will) You'd think being able to navigate by the stars would be handy to a wizard/witch without their wand...

Professor Slughorn will take Snape's place, naturally.

Perhaps Mad-Eye will return to the school to teach D.A.D.A. again.

Or maybe Harry'll teach it.

That would be interesting, for Harry to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, take regular NEWT-level Auror classes and to incorporate a study-group called Dumbledore's Army all in one.

I expect those Slytherins to be EXPELLED.

Maybe Harry'll be Head Boy and Hermione Head Girl.

How do wizards graduate from Hogwarts, anyway?? I was hoping Katie Bell would offer us a little insight.

[mr_pikachu]

...What on earth?!

Okay, one of four things is going on here.

1. I've got a counterfeit book.
2. I've finally lost the last traces of my sanity.
3. Other people are concerned about exactly what I'm posting about.
4. I'm even more naive than I thought I was before.

Anyway, uh... I'll avoid revealing spoilers here if at all possible. I'm nearing 400 pages in, and there are some... erm... things in the book that don't seem quite age-appropriate for at least a portion of this series' intended audience.

Let me be as vague as possible without giving away anything. So far I've seen numerous references to the following things: holistic matters such as God, Heaven and Hell (which, while not necessarily a bad thing in my opinion, was certainly not in any of the previous HP books if I remember correctly); at least one minor curse word (the one I remember was "damn"); a lot of speech cut off just before characters would have said something highly objectionable; numerous references to "rude hand gestures"; and a use of a certain "sl-" word that TPM's previous censors routinely smacked aside. Not to mention repeated "snogging" - complete with very visually clear descriptions - and a potential relationship that one has to question for the differences in ages if nothing else. And I'm not even 400 pages in yet.

Now, am I the only one who thinks that this kind of thing is inappropriate to market to people such as, say, the eight-year-old kids who dressed up for the Harry Potter party yesterday? Am I being ridiculous? Am I too old-fashioned? Or does somebody else out there actually agree with me on this one?

They're TEENAGERS, you know. Stop being such a baby and suck it up.

Sorry; I suppose I wasn't clear enough before. My apologies. I wasn't trying to indicate that this isn't what teenagers do. It would be stupid of me to try to make that argument. What I was instead concerned about was whether or not this sort of material is appropriate for the its readers. Specifically, I'm referring to the ages of those who read this book. Frankly, I doubt most parents want their ten-year-old kids reading all about sl--s, snogging, and flipping the bird. (And if anyone thinks that ten-year-olds don't read HP, there's a picture in my local newspaper of two ten-year-olds dressed up and performing a Harry Potter skit at the local bookstore.)

I apologize if I was too vague previously. I merely meant to express my concern about elementary school-age kids reading the things that were in the latest Harry Potter book.

[Crazy]

I hated how they just killed off Dumbledore,he was my favorate character. I was kind of surprised how Snape just did it like he did. I mean it was so quick and emotionless.It was a good book,if a bit darker. Man I hope Harry opens a can of whoop-ass on Snape.

[Chris 2.1]

Crazy: Yea but that's exactly how Snape had to kill Dumbledore. Emotionless. He made an Unbreakable Vow to Narcissa Malfoy that he would do what Malfoy could not. Therefore, since Malfoy couldn't kill Dumbledore, Snape had to do it. It was that, or he died himself, and one of the other Death Eaters did it. Didn't Snape say, in 'Spinners End', "I think he intends me to do it in the end?", which sparked Narcissa's anguish that Voldemort was selecting Malfoy to simply get back at Lucius' arrest?

I re-read it, and I'm sure it mentioned Snape showing some sort of frustration, or restraint, or something. If he lingered, he would not only blow his cover among the Death Eaters (by making it look as if he couldn't kill Dumbledore), but probably stop himself.

[nightcrow]

I didn't like the way JK pulled off the relationships in this book. they seem way too cliche and pushed. in fact, all the drama just seemed way too stale and boring for me. to quote, "well, it seems like JK has been reading too many fanfics!" and honestly, she could have done a much better job than she did.

There has to be a reason that dumbledore finally let snape teach DADA. I have a feeling that snape isn't totally gone to the dark side yet, and if there is a way he could help both draco and harry live while surviving himself, he'd do it. At the same time though, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Snape dies in the next book.

[Magmar]

I have a feeling there's gonna be a LOT of dying in the next book...

[Kris]

The next book will be interesting. We know that he has 4 horcruxes to find and destroy, which will probably be the main plot. I hope we find out more about Harrys parents, Im sure we were meant to find out something important about Lilly and her sister.

I hope they dont kill Hermione or Ron as that would kind of ruin it for me, and do you think Harry will die? Or will Voldemort die?

[The Decapitated Mole]

I think Harry will die and Voldemore will take over the world, but nobody will care because all the cool people get killed and get to hang out in the Ghost World behind the curtain.

Hey, it could happen.

I do think harry's going to die, though.