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We have got to be the only forums in the existence of the internet without a HP and the HBP topic.
Anyway, despite my nice little spoilers warning in the topic, some people might wander in anyway, so I'll be using spoiler tags. I've finished the book, and I will be discussing spoilers. If you don't know how to use spoiler tags, it's like this, without spaces: [ spoiler ] The spoiler text [ / spoiler ] Possible spoilers: highlight to view I started the book half-expecting Hermione or Ron to die. They kept building up the romance, kept teasing, and I knew someone who had finished the book and was really upset about SOMETHING. So, I thought it must be Hermione or Ron. Fortunately - and unfortunately - I was wrong. There have been many theories going around about the scene with Dumbledore and Snape at the end. It's built up, again and again, that Dumbledore trusts Snape. Snape is Dumbledore's man almost the same way Harry is, it seems, and Dumbledore is not a stupid or gullible person. One theory that I like is that Dumbledore planned for Snape to kill him. This way, Snape gets in once and for all with Voldemort, and is trusted by him because he has killed Dumbledore. Now that Snape is in there, when Harry goes to kill Voldermort, he has an ally. Unfortunately, Harry probably wants to kill Snape now, so I don't know how much help he'd be. He'd have to help behind the scenes. But at the end, Dumbledore is very strong until Snape comes in. He doesn't weaken until then, and suddenly, he's weak. He utters "Severus... please..." and of course Snape kills him. Maybe he was acting? And had Harry pinned to the wall so that he could not stop them? I liked the general flow of the book, it was better, IMHO, than Order of the Pheonix. I also liked Harry again; after OotP, I didn't like him so much. Another character that I didn't think I'd like, and really like, is Fleur. Not quite sure why. -------------------- I had an old signature. Now I've changed it. |
Post #90856
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Posted: 21st July 2005 10:32
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![]() Posts: 777 Joined: 19/7/2003 Awards: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Maybe you like Fleur because she's hot
![]() Possible spoilers: highlight to view Anyway, my feeling of the book is very good overall. Contrary to other HP books, where you can easily see where this is going, this one had a surprising ending, all dramatical and rushed. Perhaps a little too much teenage romance in every direction along the way, but they are teenagers after all, so it didn't bother me that much in the end. Regarding dumbledore and Snape, I'm inclining towards Elena's theory. It seems far fetched that Dumbledore, knowing perfectly where Draco was headed, probably knowing about Snape's Unbreakable Vow (remember the argument sequence between them in the forest), and indiscutably knowing the mortal perils in the quest for the Horcruxes (the black burned hand), didn't see that Draco would use his absence to guide the Death Eaters in the school, at a moment where he would return (at best) diminished. I think that's why he so desperatly asks Harry to go and find Snape when they return: not for helping him, but rather for saving Draco and force Snape to act upon the Unbreakable Vow and kill him. Then again, the other theory is just as strong: Snape never showed any interest in Harry, except maybe in the first book when he fought against Quirrel behind the scene. And then, there's the added mystery of R.A.B. A nice spin, and one that will probably use up a lot of space in forums' server around the world. I've discussed the possible identity of this R.A.B. with a friend of mine, and we only found one good match, in the identity of Regulus Black, Sirius' brother who tried to become a Death Eater and was killed by them. He could have been killed exactly because of this: destroying a horcrux, and not being able to hide it from Voldemort. A good addition to this, which I found after rereading the passage about Regulus in book 5, is that Sirius' (and incidently Regulus') uncle was named Alphard... Anyway, these are just suppositions. I'm eager to read the next and final book... something which probably won't happen until a couple years, I venture. This post has been edited by Mr Thou on 21st July 2005 10:34 |
Post #90859
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Posted: 21st July 2005 12:45
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Well, though I didn't queue through the night for a copy, I'll admit I really do like the series, and this book didn't disappoint. I found it to be the best written of all of them, but also the most fun installment since Goblet of Fire.
Possible spoilers: highlight to view The main twist, I'd had spoiled for me, but it still caught me offguard, and the whole 'death' thing was handled in a better way than Sirius's. It was sudden, shocking, not one of those NOOOOOOOO moments the death of Sirius was. A theory I've picked up on, similar to Elena's, is that Dumbledore masterminded his own downfall, so to speak. Harry, throughout the series, is very reliant on Dumbledore, and there are multiple 'Dumbledore is here, so it'll all be alright.' With such reliance on him, perhaps Dumbledore thought Harry would not be able to defeat Voldemort alone, and, so, plotted with Snape. Though it's unlikely that it was that simple, it's something to consider. Something that supports a Snape = not exactly evil theory is the whole scene in which Harry calls him a coward. Someone doing the work of Voldemort, would, typically, say something smug and kill him. His "DON'T CALL ME A COWARD!" to me reeks of 'I'm really saving your ass, you idiot.' A much more enjoyable twist, however, was the Harry/Ginny relationship. I thought that was nice, and Rowling handled the teen relationships in the book rather well. I'll more'n likely edit this later, when I've got more to add, but I've just woken up as it is. Edit Which is obvious, as I screwed up with the spoiler tags. This post has been edited by Mimic on 21st July 2005 12:57 |
Post #90862
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Posted: 21st July 2005 21:12
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I was thinking about starting a thread like this then decided to wait, because i had finished the book in about a day
i', glad somebody else started it Possible spoilers: highlight to view i liked this book a lot mainly because harry wasn't treated like some insane lunatic throughout the book and also he was right from the beginng, even from the first book which surprised me(about snape) after reading i went back and read the others noticing things which made me realize how J.K Rowling is really a great writer relating things all the way back throughout the series i had a feeling who the half-blood prince was going to be about the time i was reding the section where harry used the spell to dangle people from theier ankles(ron), and then i felt it was definatley snape during the chapter when he stabbed draco with the spell draco and snape recognized the spell immediately, also knowing about how he must be using the book, it all seemed to make sense, especially when hermione mentioned going to look through potions awards, and then harry saying it had to be a guy based off the hand writing, it just pointed all fingers to snape. sorry if that seems jumbled, just listing my thought process all in all the half-blood prince is a great book although dumbledore dying didn't sadden me as much as when sirius died in the last book, i'm guessing its because sirius was more of like an uncle to harry, fun easily relates to you, always encourages you and gives you advice. while dumbledore was more of a mentor. describing to harry what was happening from a third person perspective, and telling him what was really going on. giving general advice. also now harry is really on his own. no longer can dumbledore come to help him or serious.. i can't wait for the next installment -------------------- "Have you ever seen a baby do that before?" |
Post #90886
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Posted: 21st July 2005 21:45
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I've just bought it today! By the time I finish it, the conversation would have ended.
![]() Anyway I'm glad to hear positive vibes on it and the fact some of you think it's the best one yet. ![]() Seems I have something to look forward to! I think I'll start reading it in a minute. Yey! -------------------- 'Let that be a lesson to all oppressive vegetable sellers.' |
Post #90891
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Posted: 21st July 2005 22:02
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Im still waiting for the book but ive heard many things in and about the book like when
Possible spoilers: highlight to view Ive heard some rumors like sirius coming back im kinda doghting it though i just wanted someone who has read it to confirm or deny the rumor.snape kills dumbledore. Moderator Edit Use spoilers, everyone else is. -R51 This post has been edited by Rangers51 on 21st July 2005 22:29 -------------------- I was scared of it all, scared to fall, and i couldn't even crawl, when i was forced to run. . . :-linkin park-: |
Post #90896
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Posted: 21st July 2005 22:16
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as you have all said, i agree that it is quite possibly the best book in the series
but, however, i disagree with your theory Possible spoilers: highlight to view Dumbledore was steadily weakening throughout the conversation with draco, and when he saw snape apparently siding with the death eaters, he was appealing to snape, to the snape he saw as a friend, for help - snape, whether he wanted to or not, however, HAD to kill dumbledore or die himself, and he is the type of person to choose himself over others. as for "the half blood prince" i must admit that it didnt even occur to me that it might have been snape, considering the book being 50 years old - i thought that it might have been an older wizard who had sided with voldemort (the slashing spell) and i just assumed that it was a not well known spell that snape had recognized (he is very...fluent...in the dark arts) i agree that dumbledore's death was a "good" (i liked dumbledore alot) thing in the fact that it forced harry to rely upon himself -------------------- -In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move. -Douglas Adams Slow and steady wont win at the gold saucer -me |
Post #90900
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Posted: 21st July 2005 23:21
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Possible spoilers: highlight to view I'm going to keep going on Elena's theory. Although, Harry could tell Dumbledore was weakening, alot, while he was talking to Draco. Harry could see him struggling to stand. I think Snape and Dumbledore talked about the unbreakable vow. I think Dumbledore died to let Snape get closer to Voldermort. When Harry started to chase after the Deatheaters, as they were trying to get out of Hogwarts, Snape only deflected Harry's curses. Snape could have EASILY killed Harry. Even if he couldn't do the killing curse, he could have let Grayfang (or what ever the werewolf's name was) kill him. He stopped all of that. He protected Harry. I think Snape regrets having lead to the death of Harry's parents, which is why he always pushes Harry. Sure, he is mean about it, but he does make Harry angry, which, if he is anything like me, just makes me want to try harder to prove someone wrong. I don't know if they will refere to book 7 as Year 7, since Harry seems determined not to go back to Hogwarts. We'll see where it leads. Honestly, I was happy for Ginny and Harry. I was glad they hooked up, and crushed when, at the end, he told her they couldn't be together. I was also horrified when Dumbledore died. I wasn't all that upset about Sirius dying (I don't know why, just kinda shrugged it off) but Dumbledore dying upset me. Alot.... More then it should have from a book. I liked her writing alot more in this book. HBP is my favorite book (so far). I am eager for the next one to be out, though I don't expect it anytime soon. This post has been edited by Fadien on 21st July 2005 23:21 -------------------- "And that, my liege, is how we know the Earth to be banana-shaped” -Sir Bedevere the Wise |
Post #90908
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Posted: 22nd July 2005 02:16
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Possible spoilers: highlight to view sorry, i will not use spoilers, my post is far down the page and it has been well-marked that this topic discusses the 6th book of harry potter in spoileriffic detail. well, the first 2/3's of the book had me a bit disappointed. it seemed like much of the same fare, some of it so laughably written it was almost nauseating -- and i'm not *just* talking about her extravagant mischaracterisation of angsty teen romance. as an aside: i, for one, have seen ron with hermione and harry with ginny coming from at least 3 books back. furthermore, she just *had* to try to up the rating; does she forget she was in the business of writing children's books? having your characters "swear"-ing on every fifth page and includidng the word "slut" is unnecessary fare. but the last 1/3 of the book began to really pick up. to me, it seemed like a whole new rowling was writing. the first 2/3's had seemed forced, this last third was inspirational and gripping. the ending was impeccable -- dumbledore's pathetic, frail begging at this death was a most poignant climax. oh, and snape being the half-blood prince? i was convinced it was riddle, even after snape confronted harry. that was a pleasant surprise for me. in short, i highly recommend the book to fans of the potter series, but, sadly, not to young children, anymore. to throw my two bits into the conspiracy theory pot. see, snape has always been my favourite of the teachers. i hate draco, but i've always liked snape a lot. of course, initially upon climax (i knew dumbledore was going to die, but i wasn't sure who would do it -- although of course i knew when snape entered the room and before i turned the page where it said "avada kedavra" -- i'll bet she planned that so your eye would not catch the italicised text...), this book made me hate him. but i hope, like the rest of you, he was secretly working with dumbledore. however, if he WAS (which i would *like* better as i like snape), do note that it *would* effectively cheapen and cripple the striking climax in book 6 forever. This post has been edited by Rangers51 on 22nd July 2005 11:19 |
Post #90922
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Posted: 24th July 2005 21:38
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Well i was just glancing back through the book when something occured to me
who is RAB well here's something Possible spoilers: highlight to view Regulus E. Black i took me a couple of seconds i thought about who was involved with voldemort Possible spoilers: highlight to view and turned on him, remember as stated in an earlier he was part of the death eaters, then they killed him also Possible spoilers: highlight to view i thought about who would've been a skilled enough wizard to get through the cave, well since sirius was good with a wand, there's a good chance his brother was too well thats who i think R.A.B. is and you heard it here first too bad will have to wait for the next book to know for sure This post has been edited by Cloud_Strife510 on 25th July 2005 02:23 -------------------- "Have you ever seen a baby do that before?" |
Post #91262
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Posted: 24th July 2005 22:48
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Actually, I do believe Mr. Thou brought it up first:
Quote Possible spoilers: highlight to view And then, there's the added mystery of R.A.B. A nice spin, and one that will probably use up a lot of space in forums' server around the world. I've discussed the possible identity of this R.A.B. with a friend of mine, and we only found one good match, in the identity of Regulus Black, Sirius' brother who tried to become a Death Eater and was killed by them. He could have been killed exactly because of this: destroying a horcrux, and not being able to hide it from Voldemort. A good addition to this, which I found after rereading the passage about Regulus in book 5, is that Sirius' (and incidently Regulus') uncle was named Alphard... I just finished the book yesterday. I read it in a single day...I'm such a dork. I really enjoyed this book, though the ending was not what I was expecting at all. There is so much left to be closed up in the final book; I can't wait to read it when it comes out! I'd rank this up there among my favorites. I think the 3rd is my favorite, since I loved Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, patroni, and a handful of other things mentioned so frequently in this book. It's a tie between 4 and 6 for second. ![]() -------------------- Is PJ |
Post #91267
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Posted: 25th July 2005 00:45
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I'm bout half way though and so far so good. Can't wait for the Seventh book.
-------------------- - The problem isn't relgion, the problem is religious tolerance - |
Post #91275
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Posted: 25th July 2005 01:05
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I got the book Thursday of last week and finished it Friday night. Most of the prognostication going on around here is consistent, but I've heard of one other theory regarding those mysterious initials.
Possible spoilers: highlight to view One thing I have to wonder is how the Dursleys will behave in the final iteration. They don't really have much of a clue as to what's going on, and they didn't have much screen time in Prince, but they'll have to do something to complicate Harry's situation in the seventh book. My suspicion is that Petunia will reveal more details of Harry's mother's past and Dudley will either reform (unlikely) or get his just desserts (more likely and more satisfying). Rudolphus And Bellatrix. The Lestranges. I personally lean towards the Regulus Black theory myself, as it would bring a relative of a major character whose received nothing other than brief mention in to the spotlight, a la Barty Crouch Jr. Oh, and for the record, I really enjoyed this book. My favorites are still Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire, but this one's probably third or fourth. Definitely worth picking up. -------------------- |
Post #91278
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Posted: 25th July 2005 02:20
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ohh i didn't catch that when i was first reading through
Quote Actually, I do believe Mr. Thou brought it up first: Quote Possible spoilers: highlight to view Possible spoilers: highlight to view And then, there's the added mystery of R.A.B. A nice spin, and one that will probably use up a lot of space in forums' server around the world. I've discussed the possible identity of this R.A.B. with a friend of mine, and we only found one good match, in the identity of Regulus Black, Sirius' brother who tried to become a Death Eater and was killed by them. He could have been killed exactly because of this: destroying a horcrux, and not being able to hide it from Voldemort. A good addition to this, which I found after rereading the passage about Regulus in book 5, is that Sirius' (and incidently Regulus') uncle was named Alphard... bravo mr. though This post has been edited by Cloud_Strife510 on 25th July 2005 02:23 -------------------- "Have you ever seen a baby do that before?" |
Post #91287
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Posted: 25th July 2005 17:01
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Just finished it! Well that was superb, I enjoyed that book a lot. I couldn't put the book down, so as far as I'm concerned, Rowling is a superb author. There was not a dull moment.
In my opinion she gets better with every book. Possible spoilers: highlight to view And as to which side Snape is on... I can't imagine Dumbledore would have planned to actually have himslef killed, I suppose it's possible... but as stated already in the thread, Snape didn't have much choice but to kill the headmaster. I do get the impression he is actually on the side of good. Just a guess really though. And do not forget, when he did not kill Harry and was just deflecting curses, he stated to all the death eaters, do NOT kill him, the Dark Lord wants him for himself (not a word for word quote I know) which means you can not be sure either way as to what side he is actually on (if either). I recall Laszlow said something about Dumbledore's death in his signature if I recall correctly... I didn't really appreciate that, I hope you don't do that with the last book! Fortunately it didn't spoil the story for me though. It did seem rather obvious as Dumbledore became weaker and weaker that he had no chance, he was a goner. I have to agree though, it was still done very well. As for RAB, I don't really care at this point. I was amazed at the decision that Harry would most likely not attend the school the next year. Not sure what to say on him going out with Ginny, lol, very amusing. What about that large DeathEater that was mentioned? Who coud that be? Slughorn? Ok, very unlikely... I hope the last book is the best yet, I do wonder if they will continue making the movies and what might happen with them. -------------------- 'Let that be a lesson to all oppressive vegetable sellers.' |
Post #91348
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Posted: 25th July 2005 17:52
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Snape?
Possible spoilers: highlight to view I was pretty surprised when Snape killed Dumbledore, not because I hadn't expected Dumbledore to die (oh, come on, everyone who's ever seen Star Wars knew that had to happen sooner or later), but because I really thought Snape was on the good guys' side. I guess I still think he is. Think about it this way--Dumbledore's unexplained trust of Snape has been questioned so many times that it's symbolic of Dumbledore's belief in second chances. Do you really think that Rowling is going to make the point that some people don't deserve another shot? I think there's more going on than we know about. I can't think of a reason why Dumbledore's death would have been part of his plan, but that doesn't mean that there isn't one. Dumbledore might have known what Snape was up to (maybe Snape even told him; he certainly didn't seem surprised to see Draco up to no good) and had a discussion about which was more important: Snape's unknown secret missions infiltrating Lord Voldemort, or Dumbledore's continued existence. -------------------- Veni, vidi, dormivi. |
Post #91353
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Posted: 25th July 2005 19:00
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I finished it a week ago, i thought it was quite good, not as good as the 3rd one (which is still the best. The Half Blood Prince second for me, I wasn't surprised with ending really.
Possible spoilers: highlight to view Good book though. I knew someone was going to die at the end. |
Post #91356
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Posted: 28th July 2005 16:34
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Quote (fatman @ 25th July 2005 12:01) Possible spoilers: highlight to view I recall Laszlow said something about Dumbledore's death in his signature if I recall correctly... I didn't really appreciate that, I hope you don't do that with the last book! When did I do something like that? I had the parentheses thing on my sig for months before changing it yesterday.... -------------------- |
Post #91866
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Posted: 28th July 2005 23:52
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Ok maybe it was someone else, sorry for the false accusation, lol. I know it was someone on this forum anyway. My apoligies once again.
Anyway, I can only blame myself, when the next book comes out, I must stay off the internet, cover my ears and talk to no one until the book is finished! Some people seem to be able to read the book in one night, I envy them. -------------------- 'Let that be a lesson to all oppressive vegetable sellers.' |
Post #91925
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Posted: 3rd August 2005 17:22
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Quote (fatman @ 28th July 2005 18:52) Some people seem to be able to read the book in one night, I envy them. Not me, unforunately. The fastest I've ever been able to read a Harry Potter book was two days for the sixth book, which breaks my record of three days for the fifth. On to the main discussion..... Possible spoilers: highlight to view I was actually rather upset that Snape killed Dumbledore. A little too upset, actually... I treated his death as I might the death of a family member, and he is a character from a book. I rather enjoyed the (albeit extremely short) Harry/Ginny relationship, and I was rather heartbroken when Harry told Ginny they couldn't see each other anymore. But I guess it was for Ginny's own good, right? And as for this "Snape is on the good side" theory... maybe. Putting your theories and my belief together, he could very well be a double agent. That would meen both sides have a fair fight against each other, because Snape is telling both sides the other side's secrets, so they both know the stengths and weaknesses of each side. The ending was actually rather climatic. And I never would have expected Snape to be the Half-Blood Prince. When that got thrown at me, I was lije, Woah!!! Overall, this is Rowling's best writing yet, and it still doesn't deserve the religious freaks beating on it. I think anyone who wants a good fantasy/adventure should pick it up. Can't wait for book 7! It's all on Harry's shoulders now.... -------------------- "No matter what happens, I will always be with you... forever." ---- Pocahontas, Pocahontas "Only those who are already at the top are rewarded without trying."----- Delita Hyral, Final Fantasy Tactics http://www.ffshrine.org/fft/fft-midi/1-42-back_fire01.mid ---- My favorite FFT battle song |
Post #92596
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Posted: 3rd August 2005 17:28
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You know, I just had a thought....
Possible spoilers: highlight to view Do you think that there could be something to Ollivander's disappearance? You remember, the wand-maker? I always thought he knew things that others didn't, almost in a Dumbledore-esque manner, but his mysterious disappearance mentioned near the start of the sixth book has to amount to something. I have no clue whatsoever as to how, but he's going to affect the action in book seven, mark my words. -------------------- |
Post #92599
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Posted: 4th August 2005 02:53
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Guys, check it out: Book five, page 116:
Quote . They talk of a heavy locket noone could seem to open. So, my guess is, it's Regulus Black, and remember that lovely Hogsmeade scene? Yeah, that's right- Mundungus probably sold it off to someone -------------------- You're telling me that there's no hope. I'm telling you you're wrong. |
Post #92713
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Posted: 4th August 2005 04:29
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Which version of Book 5, Relm? I pulled out my book to check, then remembered that I had the non-American version (there's a different word count, and different scenes happen on different pages). What chapter are you refering to?
-------------------- I had an old signature. Now I've changed it. |
Post #92723
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Posted: 5th August 2005 03:39
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Well, here goes...
Possible spoilers: highlight to view I enjoyed the book overall quite a bit. It was greatly relieving to see that Harry had ceased his obnoxious whining from OotP, and was back to his old self. He did seem to umm and errr quite a bit though... The romances were cute, but laid on a bit thick. It nearly reached soap opera levels when everyone was dating someone else to make so and so jelous. I loved Harry's stalkers though. Hillarious. I particularly enjoyed the twist on the conventional "One year for all Defense against the Dark Arts teachers." That took me by utter suprise. It was nice to hear of the more enjoyable side of potions for the trio. The idea of the Horcruxes reminds me of crystals in Final Fantasy. I fear there may be a rather linear plotline for the next book... Now regarding the heavy issue of Dumbledore's untimely demise. I cried, alot... Especialy over Fawke's lament, and Hagrid's all too aparent greif. In my opinion, I think Snape really has defected to Lord Voldemort's side. Or at least I hope... I guess it's wishfull thinking really, since I'm not terribly fond of Snape. Plus it's getting rather tiresome watching the truth about Snape flip flop all over the place. One last consideration. Even though Dumbledore's dead, would not his personality live on inside the portrait in his office? It seems that previous headmasters still retained their personalities from life. Why not Dumbledore? This post has been edited by Ultros: Octopus Royalty on 5th August 2005 03:41 -------------------- TURKEY! - (The only way not to get blocked for using Fowl Language) |
Post #92891
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Posted: 5th August 2005 05:58
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I wondered about that too, Ultros: Octopus Royalty.
Possible spoilers: highlight to view Also, his picture lives on in those chocolate frog cards (or whatever they are). Will Harry be able to get advice from the portrait? I think Dumbledore can move around between portraits of himself. Also, will there be a ghost of Dumbledore floating around? My husband thinks that maybe Fawkes was mourning like that in preparation to give up his own life to ressurect Dumbledore, to bring him back to life from his ashes. So, maybe in the next book, Dumbledore will rise again? -------------------- I had an old signature. Now I've changed it. |
Post #92899
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Posted: 8th August 2005 21:23
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Couldnt snape be a
Possible spoilers: highlight to view I really liked the book alot. double agent. cuase when he killed Dumbledore could he be going over to Lord Voldemorts side to kill him. And the romances were cute. Iliked them a bit. -------------------- I was scared of it all, scared to fall, and i couldn't even crawl, when i was forced to run. . . :-linkin park-: |
Post #93369
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Posted: 23rd August 2005 19:48
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Well, I have finally finished the latest Harry Potter book (my whole family had to read it before they'd let me have it . . .). I'm not sure if anyone's still interested in talking about it, but I'd like to add my thoughts nevertheless.
I enjoyed Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince immensely. I've never been a big fan of Rowling's narrative style (though I'm forgiving because she writes children's literature) but this one was as well-written as any of the six. One of things I do love about her writing, though, is the fact that she doesn't disrespect the intelligence of her young readers. The characters in the books are maturing, and the tone is getting darker. I think young readers are more than capable of handling these changes. Kids don't mind the occasional use of profanity; they're just words and the kids already know them all anyway. It would only cheapen the books if Rowling were to talk down to her audience. Now: Possible spoilers: highlight to view This book was all about Snape! What a powerhouse of a character he is! He's always been my favourite, and his story is turning out to be interesting. I loved the ending. I knew that someone would die, and when Harry and Dumbledore departed for the cave, I figured Dumbledore would be the one to go. I did not expect Snape to do the deed, though. This book solidified his place as one of the most important characters in the series. Aside from Harry, Hermione, and Ron, Snape may be the series' biggest star. The fact that he did the murder was a delightful shock. Best of all, it was a very loaded event; there are now a lot of interesting possibilities open for discussion. Harry's potions book was a great plot tool that paralleled the Dumbledore-Snape relationship. Harry trusted the book (and, by extension, Snape) against the better judgement of Hermione, just as Dumbledore trusted Snape in spite of the misgivingsof others. In the end, it seems that both Harry and Dumbledore were mistaken. Dumbledore paid for his error with his life. In a way, I think Rowling has written herself into a tight spot. Personally, I care a lot more about the Harry-Snape conflict than the Harry-Voldemort one. Book Six provided a lot of information about Voldemort, but as readers we still have little real experience with him as a character, at least compared to Snape. Snape is the villain we know, the one we care about. I, for one, will not be able to help being a bit disappointed if he doesn't play a big role at the 'final battle,' however it plays out. But what kind of role can he play? If he stays evil, it sets up a potentially disappointing climax in which he'll have to play second fiddle to Voldemort in the end even though he's the better villain. I also don't like the idea that Dumbledore had planned his own death and Snape is still on the good side. Dumbledore was a wise man, but I don't think he should be seen as some kind of God-character who was in control of everything. That would, I think, cheapen the significance of his death and diminish Harry's role as the number one hero who takes out Voldemort. My ideal resolution involves Snape redeeming himself in the end. Dumbledore trusted Snape and paid the ultimate price for it; at this point, it seems that Dumbledore's compassionate, loving philosophy was wrong. As I see it, Snape ought to continue to work for Voldemort until the end, when Harry overcomes his hatred and shows compassion for Snape in some important way (I'm not sure what this would be, but I think it would have to be more significant than Harry simply refusing to kill Snape or something like that). This causes Snape to sacrifice himself Darth Vader style, helping Harry defeat Voldemort (although Harry has to be the one who actually wins the battle; Snape can only help in a small way) or saving Ron and Hermione or doing something else to prove his goodness. This would be the ultimate affirmation of the truth of Dumbledore's ideals: Snape was, after all, not a lost cause unworthy of compassion. All that is just conjecture, of course. This post is long, so I'll stop that. This just demonstrates the greatness of Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince. No one knows what will happen in Book Seven, but people won't be able to stop talking about it until it's here! -------------------- Always hopeful, yet discontent; he knows changes aren't permanent -- But change is! |
Post #94523
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Posted: 23rd August 2005 20:04
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So is Harry threatened with expulsion in this installment, too? That seemed to be a continuing pattern in this series as far as I've seen: The adults try to avoid or get around the problem. The kiddies break school policy(ies) to solve the problem. Then the adults turn around and try to expel them (Harry at least) for breaking school policy.
I could be wrong, though... This post has been edited by Galsic on 23rd August 2005 20:05 -------------------- |
Post #94524
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Posted: 23rd August 2005 21:51
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![]() Posts: 1,972 Joined: 31/7/2003 Awards: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Quote (Galsic @ 23rd August 2005 15:04) So is Harry threatened with expulsion in this installment, too? That seemed to be a continuing pattern in this series as far as I've seen: The adults try to avoid or get around the problem. The kiddies break school policy(ies) to solve the problem. Then the adults turn around and try to expel them (Harry at least) for breaking school policy. I could be wrong, though... Sure, if you mean to include only Cornelius Fudge, Dolores Umbridge, and Professor Snape in the category of adults who seriously try for expulsion. Generally, once the trio's antics become known, they're rewarded by the school (by way of house cup points), not threatened. So I really don't understand the continuing pattern theory. Maybe you should provide examples. -------------------- Veni, vidi, dormivi. |
Post #94527
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Posted: 24th August 2005 00:36
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Like I said before, I could be wrong and I may very well be. Fact of the matter is, I pretty much lost interest in the series after the second installment, partly because of the direction I felt the series was taking with the "pattern" I perceived to be started in the first two installments, so I neither have the means nor the desire to search for any specific examples. If you're as familiar with the first two as I think you are, then you're probably already aware of the example in each one.
I'm really not trying to take anything away from the series. I honestly believe it deserves all the fans it has garnered by virtue of its sheer imagination. I jest don't happen to be one of them...at least not right now. If the series didn't continue with that pattern, I MIGHT jest get back into it...might...which is why I asked. This post has been edited by Galsic on 24th August 2005 00:38 -------------------- |
Post #94542
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