Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince finished

[atoningunifex]

I've just seen on J.K Rowling's offical site that Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince has been finished, sent to the publishers and that the publication date will be announced tomorrow.

I am a nerd. I admit it.

:)

[DrDoomX]

I've just seen on J.K Rowling's offical site that Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince has been finished, sent to the publishers and that the publication date will be announced tomorrow.

I am a nerd. I admit it.

:)


Right ON!! I am guessing it may come out in the summer like OFTP did.

[Inkthinker]

And it didn't even take a couple of years!! :D

[DonC]

Apparently she was trying to (and did) finish the book before she gave birth.

[Deathstroke]

I am a nerd. I admit it.

:)


Like we didn't know that already!

[Michael P]

Right ON!! I am guessing it may come out in the summer like OFTP did.
That's a pretty good guess; there's rarely longer than a six month delay between the announcement and the publication date. I figure, worst-case scenario, holiday season next year.

If she's about to give birth, though, it's unlikely she'll get started on book seven until, well, around the time book six hits shelves.

[mrhelm]

About darn time....

I'd guess summer as well, just when the kids get out of school...

[atoningunifex]

July 16th, 2005. :)

[Grant]

If she's about to give birth, though, it's unlikely she'll get started on book seven until, well, around the time book six hits shelves.

I'm guessing Summer of 2008 or 2009 for the last book.

[Sabrina_Fried]

Perfect timing. I just finished Order of the Phoenix today!

Sabrina

[DrDoomX]

July 16th, 2005. :)


Looks like I got midnight booked for that day, at my local Barnes and Noble.

[Karl J. Barnes]

I just watch the movies. It's easier than awaiting the next book. But once she has all seven written, then I'll take a gander,maybe.

[Dennis K]

This is great news, I look forward to picking it up the day it goes on sale.

[Sheldon]

Coolness!

I'll have to make sure my wife understands that I will be busy that weekend!

[mgs]

that woman is super rich! based on the lives of 'apprentice' magic users!! :eek:

[ElijahS23]

I am a nerd. I admit it.

:)

I was about to start a Potter thread when lo' and behold I saw yours! Good lookin' out, aton, I just started checkin' out her sight [BTW, have you been able to unlock her door yet?] 'cuz I just finished Phoenix a week or two ago! That's GREAT news! BTW, you're no nerd, just someone who appreciates good writing. :) I've come to appreciate her as writer after reading all the Potter books save one, Chamber, knowing that she's created this awesome new world in her head that's so very detailed, yet complementing! BTW, any Potter fans who haven't done so yet, should check out her "complementing" books on Quidditch and Fantastic Beasts, sold as a set. Very enlightening and informative to say the least!
My favorite read so far, without doubt, is GOBLET. Hope the movie captures the fantastic pacing and mood of the book! PHOENIX was okay, but the fate of Sirius was pretty lackluster, I expected much more out of this character's "last" stand vs. Bellatrix Lestrange... Harry, though, is definitely showing a darker side as time progresses.
--'Til Harry catches one day w/out stressing...
P.S. Anyone out there hazard any guesses as to WHO the Half-Blood Prince is?? Rowling's already said it's DEFINITELY NOT POTTER OR "YOU KNOW WHO..."

[ElijahS23]

I just watch the movies. It's easier than awaiting the next book. But once she has all seven written, then I'll take a gander,maybe.
It's DEFINITELY worth taking a gander, Priest. The movies are great, but as is usually the case they can't hold a candle to Rowling's world on paper. You'll be surprised at the amount of detail and characterization she puts in her books...
:)

[Sabrina_Fried]

I was about to start a Potter thread when lo' and behold I saw yours! Good lookin' out, aton, I just started checkin' out her sight [BTW, have you been able to unlock her door yet?] 'cuz I just finished Phoenix a week or two ago! That's GREAT news! BTW, you're no nerd, just someone who appreciates good writing. :) I've come to appreciate her as writer after reading all the Potter books save one, Chamber, knowing that she's created this awesome new world in her head that's so very detailed, yet complementing! BTW, any Potter fans who haven't done so yet, should check out her "complementing" books on Quidditch and Fantastic Beasts, sold as a set. Very enlightening and informative to say the least!
My favorite read so far, without doubt, is GOBLET. Hope the movie captures the fantastic pacing and mood of the book! PHOENIX was okay, but the fate of Sirius was pretty lackluster, I expected much more out of this character's "last" stand vs. Bellatrix Lestrange... Harry, though, is definitely showing a darker side as time progresses.
--'Til Harry catches one day w/out stressing...
P.S. Anyone out there hazard any guesses as to WHO the Half-Blood Prince is?? Rowling's already said it's DEFINITELY NOT POTTER OR "YOU KNOW WHO..."

Draco. Wouldn't that be ironic? :cool:
Sabrina

[Speed]

P.S. Anyone out there hazard any guesses as to WHO the Half-Blood Prince is?? Rowling's already said it's DEFINITELY NOT POTTER OR "YOU KNOW WHO..." The fat kid that lives with his Gran

[Inkthinker]

Yeah, I'm bettin' on Neville. She played him up in the last book enough for me to easily expect seeing him take up a more heroic role.

[atoningunifex]

Yeah, I'm bettin' on Neville. She played him up in the last book enough for me to easily expect seeing him take up a more heroic role.

But Neville isn't a half-blood. I'm sure they've mentioned how he comes from an old wizarding family. Unless his Gran dallied with something we don't know about.

[Deathstroke]

I'm sure my mother will want to go to the bookstore in the middle of the night if they do another midnight opening.

[Infinity Chameleon]

It isn't Neville or Draco Malfoy; they're both pureblood.


And I will be going to a midnight opening again. With a much earlier reservation ticket.

[Inkthinker]

Are you certain Neville is a pure-blood, or perhaps he was simply told that, and others led to believe it, in order to protect him from attack?

Also, are we certain that "half-blood" neccesarily refers to "half-human" blood?

[ElijahS23]

Are you certain Neville is a pure-blood, or perhaps he was simply told that, and others led to believe it, in order to protect him from attack?

Also, are we certain that "half-blood" neccesarily refers to "half-human" blood?

Wow, good point Ink! I like everyone's guesses. I personally think that it'll come out of left field like Ron or something. Yeah, he's said to be pureblood, but going along with Ink's thinking, I'm sure it'll blow us away when we find out! Can't wait for the midnight sale!!! :D

[Inkthinker]

*bows humbly*

Not Ron, though... I think Ron's got enough character development as he is, what with the whole Weasley clan and so forth. I'd be very surprised if it was Ron, and frankly a little disappointed.

What clues do we have, so far? I know Rowling stated that the HBP is a character who she thought about developing further (along this whole half-blood prince line) as early as the second book, and then decided to hold off until later. What else do we know?

[atoningunifex]

Colin Creevey SO needs to be the Hlaf Blood Prince......

[Spastic Minnow]

What clues do we have, so far? I know Rowling stated that the HBP is a character who she thought about developing further (along this whole half-blood prince line) as early as the second book, and then decided to hold off until later. What else do we know?

If you check an older HP thread I lay out the case that it could be Harry and Ron's roommate Dean Thomas. (This could be a spoiler if Rowling did in fact go this way, but it's all written out at her site where she usually marks things as spoilers if they are going to actually be spoilers) In a section of her site Rowling explains how she once had a complicated storyline for him that she was going to slowly develop throughout the books about him believing that both his parents were Muggles when in fact his father was a wizard who had been killed or had just left his mother when she was pregnant, she then married another muggle who Dean took to be his real father. Rowling dropped it because she already had the separate ancilliary story about Neville which she felt was more important.

So Dean's the obvious choice. Very possibly too obvious.

[Infinity Chameleon]

Are you certain Neville is a pure-blood, or perhaps he was simply told that, and others led to believe it, in order to protect him from attack?

Dumbledore and Ron have both said that Neville is pureblood -- and with how much Malfoy has insulted Neville before, if Malfoy had legitimate reason to insult Neville because the latter has inferior blood, don't you think he would have? It's not as if Malfoy is a model of restraint.

Besides, Neville not being pureblood breaks the dramatic effect here: Voldemort's creed is that purebloods are the only kind of wizards worth being or knowing; yet when given the choice he believed Harry -- the half-blood, like himself -- was more dangerous to him. Neville being half-blood ruins that completely.

[Inkthinker]

Dumbledore and Ron have both said that Neville is pureblood -- and with how much Malfoy has insulted Neville before, if Malfoy had legitimate reason to insult Neville because the latter has inferior blood, don't you think he would have? It's not as if Malfoy is a model of restraint.


I'm suggesting that Dumbledore lied, and Ron and Malfoy are as ignorant of it as Neville himself. It's a S-E-C-R-E-T, see?

Could be Dean, though... I remember that thread, it made some sense at the time.

[rac]

16th July!
The day after my birthday... so that's my gift sorted, eh?


As for the identity of the prince, she has said it's not Harry or Malfoy, it could be (forgive me, I can;t remember the characters name) the Irish guy (in the movies), he mentioned his parents where 'mixed'?

The again, it could easily be someone we don;t kow yet, or don;t know that they are a halfblood..?

Either way, i can't wait!!

[nemo137]

My money's on it being Hagrid, who we know is half-giant.

[ElijahS23]

Yeah, I remember the Dean Thomas revelation on Rowling's site too, Spastic. Nice one! And Nemo's guess of Hagrid is another possibility. The question gets much more complicated when you consider that "Half-Blood" could be anyone of mixed heritage....

[GremlinClr]

Didn't Hagrid mention to Harry when they were talking about Malfoy calling Hermoine a mudblood that there was really no such thing a "pureblood" anymore?

So in that sense it could be anyone.

Unless were talking strictly parents then it narrows it down considerably. :)

[Ryan K]

God I love these books.

I'll buy book 6 the day it comes out. Spend a couple days reading and then read all 6 from start to finsih again to see if I read things I missed. I've done that with the last couple ones that have come out.

[metr0man]

I think it's Seamus Finnigan (based soley on a close rereading of certain scenes in the first HP book).

[Michael P]

Ladies and gentlemen, the cover:
http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/archives/scholhbpcover.jpg

[Blueferret]

Ladies and gentlemen, the cover:
http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/archives/scholhbpcover.jpg



Too cool. Thanks!

[Infinity Chameleon]

Simple, but very cool.

[Nate C.]

I told myself I wasn't going to get sucked into these books, and of course, I have.

[Mia]

I read in the paper today (I'm positive) that the book was already on the best seller list. I read the first book and I really couldn't get the hub hub. But I do enjoy the films. It is nice to see people getting excited about books of quality though.

[Michael P]

It's no doubt on Amazon's bestseller list, but it has to actually be published to make the print ones.

[Headhunter]

Cool, can't wait for it.

[Corey Dreher]

Has anybody realized the book comes out on Harry's birthday? (I think). And second I think the half-blood prince is Dudley. I mean he could be part wizard. He acts like a prince I mean why not?

[GremlinClr]

Has anybody realized the book comes out on Harry's birthday? (I think). And second I think the half-blood prince is Dudley. I mean he could be part wizard. He acts like a prince I mean why not?

Why not? Because you would have about a billion Potter fans burning Rowling in effigy.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it's another prophecy. And we all know how prophecies tend to get garbled in the translation so I'm going with...Hermoine.

Lets call it The Half-Blood Princess. :)

[Inkthinker]

Still voting for Neville Longbottom.

I've not got a lot to back it up, but it's a gut thing.

[Solaris]

I just watch the movies. It's easier than awaiting the next book. But once she has all seven written, then I'll take a gander,maybe.


I got nagged half to death by nearly everyone I know to read the books. Of course I avoided them like the plague! But I finally picked up the first book and started reading, and I have to say that, overall, they are indeed much better than the movies. I can understand wanting to wait on the complete set, because there's so many of us out there panting and waiting on the next one to get published... but once they're all out there, I *do* recommend reading them, priest. :)

[Infinity Chameleon]

Has anybody realized the book comes out on Harry's birthday? (I think).

It doesn't. Harry's birthday is July 31, the same as JKR's. HBP will be released July 16.

[traxler]

Why not? Because you would have about a billion Potter fans burning Rowling in effigy.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it's another prophecy. And we all know how prophecies tend to get garbled in the translation so I'm going with...Hermoine.

Lets call it The Half-Blood Princess. :)
Ha! This was my first idea too.
Also because the word prince in a context like this is genderless,
referring simply to all those of royal blood, kings and queens included.

But then I thought again..... :)

[eJm]

Wooooooooooooo! Half Blood Prince is done!!!!!
...


...




Aww Crap! I haven't preordered it yet!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Spastic Minnow]

Aww Crap! I haven't preordered it yet!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Hurry! you only have...

119 days, 11 hours, 26 minutes and 32 seconds left! (http://www.mugglenet.com/)
:eek:

31...
30...
29....
28....

[Ryan K]

Does anybody know how many pages this one is?

[Michael P]

Amazon says 672, which is below the page counts for both Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix.

[Ryan K]

Amazon says 672, which is below the page counts for both Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix.

Thanks.

Sounds like a healthy page count, but I actually would have liked a 900 pager or so. I never feel like they drag.

[atoningunifex]

Still voting for Neville Longbottom.


Anything that puts neville in the book more is fine by me. he's my favorite character. Closely followed by Nymphadora Tonks.

[Melchior]

Thanks.

Sounds like a healthy page count, but I actually would have liked a 900 pager or so. I never feel like they drag.

I heard that they also shrunk the type-face size, so that the book is about as long or longer than the last one in terms of words, but shorter in terms of pages.

[Spastic Minnow]

I heard that they also shrunk the type-face size, so that the book is about as long or longer than the last one in terms of words, but shorter in terms of pages.

Don't know where you heard that but it's a load of crap. Actually it was OOTP that had the smaller 11.5 pt type. I wouldn't be surprised if they even returned to the 12 pt. type that they had in the first four books.

The book's shorter. Rowling has been saying this one would be significantly shorter since the last one was finished. OOTP was loaded with background precisely so the last two wouldn't have to be so long.

[eJm]

Hurry! you only have...

119 days, 11 hours, 26 minutes and 32 seconds left! (http://www.mugglenet.com/)
:eek:

31...
30...
29....
28....
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Must do it now!

[Ronald Bryan]

I just realized this will be released during SDCC. Arghhhhh!



I wonder if there is a bookstore near the Convention Center.

[Puma]

Still voting for Neville Longbottom.

I've not got a lot to back it up, but it's a gut thing.


but Neville is a pure blood


I do think at the very end, its going to be Neville that saves the day

[Inkthinker]

but Neville is a pure blood


I do think at the very end, its going to be Neville that saves the day


I think Neville only believes he is pure blood... both his parents are dead.

[Puma]

Mr. Weasley, Dumbledore, and Sirius all mentioned Neville being a pureblood. and his parents are alive, just insane at St. Mungos

[GremlinClr]

Come on folks think about it. What does Hermoine do throughout the books but champion the little guy. Throw in all the mudblood cracks and it's just gotta be her.

[Melchior]

Don't know where you heard that but it's a load of crap. Actually it was OOTP that had the smaller 11.5 pt type. I wouldn't be surprised if they even returned to the 12 pt. type that they had in the first four books.

The book's shorter. Rowling has been saying this one would be significantly shorter since the last one was finished. OOTP was loaded with background precisely so the last two wouldn't have to be so long.

Maybe I just got my books mixed up. Thank you for the correction!

[OzBat!]

Mr. Weasley, Dumbledore, and Sirius all mentioned Neville being a pureblood. and his parents are alive, just insane at St. MungosDumbledore even made the point that Voldemort had to choose between Harry and Neville as the object of the prophecy, and chose Harry the half-blood the same as himself, over Neville the full-blood.

I like the speculation over Hermoine's parents... as far as she knows, they're both dentists! Is there a hidden past there we've never had hinted at?

[Inkthinker]

Well, dammit... where were all these convincing arguments the last time we had this discussion?

*deflated*

[Michael P]

Everyone's assuming "half-blood" means "half-blood wizard." Given what we know about cross-species breeding in the Potterverse, this is a dangerous assumption to make.

[Puma]

Everyone's assuming "half-blood" means "half-blood wizard." Given what we know about cross-species breeding in the Potterverse, this is a dangerous assumption to make.

good point, it could be Hagrid

or possibly Viktor

[Infinity Chameleon]

good point, it could be Hagrid

or possibly Viktor

Krum isn't likely -- having been a Durmstrang student, particularly in the era of Igor Karkaroff (an ex-DE) as headmaster, he's basically guaranteed to be pureblood.

Malfoy said early in GoF that Durmstrang doesn't even admit Muggle-borns, etc.

[Puma]

Krum isn't likely -- having been a Durmstrang student, particularly in the era of Igor Karkaroff (an ex-DE) as headmaster, he's basically guaranteed to be pureblood.

Malfoy said early in GoF that Durmstrang doesn't even admit Muggle-borns, etc.

yup. my mistake, totally forgot that part.

[Solaris]

My money's on Dean Thomas.

:D

[Scubbily]

You guys are forgetting about Hagrid. He is half-blood if you think about. Half-Giant half-human. And his mom was queen of the Giants or something like that. Wait a minute you guys already said that. Never mind. Hagrid is the most overlooked in these types of threads. Then again, it's most likely a new first year or someone new to the story.

[Inkthinker]

Then again, it's most likely a new first year or someone new to the story.


Rowling's stated that this whole "Half-Blood Prince" storyline was something she considered adding to book 2, but changed her mind... so we know it's an established character.

Hagrid's not a bad guess, is it?

[Scubbily]

I was watching one of her interviews and she said that Chamber of Secrets could have been 2 times bigger. She didn't want to go too in depth. CoS, I think, really gave the characters their background. If you think about it, CoS was the most in depth book yet. Can't wait to get my hands on Half-blood Prince.

[Scubbily]

Hagrid isn't a bad guess because he's an established character and it went real in depth on him in the CoS, besides we know his dad wasn't a king, but we don't really know anything about his mom, who could have been a queen of the giants.

[Jetfire]

Semiofftopic (or mostly off topic I guess) but I had a thought as I was reading OotP on the last few weeks. (Bah I'm mangling the House names. My apologies)

Harry and his closest friends combined seem to embody traits of all 4 houses.

Ron is pure Gryffendor, coming from a long line who have also been in that house too. He's mostly been overshadowed by Harry though so it's a rougher fit.

Neville seems an odd one out, showing some signs of the Gryffendor bravery, but often times he seems like he would be a better fit in Huffelpuff.

Hermione with her smarts would have been a perfect fit in Ravenclaw, but didn't go there. (A fact that was mentionned in OotP)

and Harry himself, likely do to Voldemort's influence as much as anything, almost went to Slytherin. (Though now he wants as little to do with Slytherin and Snape as possible of course).

It's probably nothing, but it was just something I noticed as I was reading; especially with the emphasis the Sorting Hat put on the Houses working together and stuff. (Something 3 of the 4 houses did do with Harry's DA group)

[NeoSapien]

The Half-Blood Prince is Dumbledore. Dumbledore should have a greatly increased role in the sixth book as he starts to train Harry personally for the final battle. With all of Dumbledore's names (Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, IIRC), he sounds like wizarding royalty. OOtP spoilers: And Voldemort chose Harry to kill over Neville because Harry was a half-blood like himself. If Dumbledore is a half-blood as well, that would make Voldemort even more likely to target the half-blood baby instead of the pure-blood.

Plus, he's on the cover. Dead giveaway. (Though I honestly thought Dumbledore was the most likely established character to be the HBP even before the cover came out. :cool: )

[Fenris]

Hm. Is it public knowledge that Voldemort's father was a muggle?

I'm trying to figure out how Slytherin House's old-blood bias works. If it were that important, why did the sorting hat put Voldemort into that house in the first place?

Or was the original purpose of Slytherin just about ruthless ambition, and the class snobbery came later?

[Wesley Dodds]

Hermione with her smarts would have been a perfect fit in Ravenclaw, but didn't go there. (A fact that was mentionned in OotP)

Yep, she's bright, but her courage is just as great. :p

[Bouncing Boy]

Hm. Is it public knowledge that Voldemort's father was a muggle?

I'm trying to figure out how Slytherin House's old-blood bias works. If it were that important, why did the sorting hat put Voldemort into that house in the first place?

Or was the original purpose of Slytherin just about ruthless ambition, and the class snobbery came later?

I'd need to re-read Order of the Pheonix to be sure, but I think that Voldemort's followers called Harry a liar when he told them that Voldemort was a half blood like him. As to why the sorting hat put Voldy in Slytherin...well it considered putting Harry in despite his mother being muggle born...so I don't think that the sorting hat has that type of lineange in mind when sorting people into the correct houses.

[abbas.khan]

I have a feeling that it might be Neville. I'm not sure if i remember correctly but I recall Neville and Harry sharing a birthday. His mother could also have been human.

[Solaris]

The Half-Blood Prince is Dumbledore. Dumbledore should have a greatly increased role in the sixth book as he starts to train Harry personally for the final battle. With all of Dumbledore's names (Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, IIRC), he sounds like wizarding royalty. OOtP spoilers: And Voldemort chose Harry to kill over Neville because Harry was a half-blood like himself. If Dumbledore is a half-blood as well, that would make Voldemort even more likely to target the half-blood baby instead of the pure-blood.

Plus, he's on the cover. Dead giveaway. (Though I honestly thought Dumbledore was the most likely established character to be the HBP even before the cover came out. :cool: )


You know, I hadn't even considered Dumbledore... and yes, he'd make an interesting choice for it. And yep, the long line of names his has might well be the "giveaway" point!

(Not to mention, his brother is half-mad... doesn't all royalty have to have some madness in their line, somewhere? :D)

[abbas.khan]

or it might just be harry after all...

[Z-man]

Semiofftopic (or mostly off topic I guess) but I had a thought as I was reading OotP on the last few weeks. (Bah I'm mangling the House names. My apologies)

Harry and his closest friends combined seem to embody traits of all 4 houses.

Ron is pure Gryffendor, coming from a long line who have also been in that house too. He's mostly been overshadowed by Harry though so it's a rougher fit.

Neville seems an odd one out, showing some signs of the Gryffendor bravery, but often times he seems like he would be a better fit in Huffelpuff.

Hermione with her smarts would have been a perfect fit in Ravenclaw, but didn't go there. (A fact that was mentionned in OotP)

and Harry himself, likely do to Voldemort's influence as much as anything, almost went to Slytherin. (Though now he wants as little to do with Slytherin and Snape as possible of course).

It's probably nothing, but it was just something I noticed as I was reading; especially with the emphasis the Sorting Hat put on the Houses working together and stuff. (Something 3 of the 4 houses did do with Harry's DA group)

I can recall making this exact same point to people earlier.

And while Rowling has said that the HBP is neither Harry nor Voldemort, book two is where she first started playing the "Voldemort/Tom Riddle" name game, so I think it's gonna be Tom Riddle.

[NeoSapien]

I can recall making this exact same point to people earlier.

And while Rowling has said that the HBP is neither Harry nor Voldemort, book two is where she first started playing the "Voldemort/Tom Riddle" name game, so I think it's gonna be Tom Riddle.
She also ruled out Tom Riddle on her webpage. http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/faq_view.cfm?id=57

[Hiromi]

I have a feeling that it might be Neville. I'm not sure if i remember correctly but I recall Neville and Harry sharing a birthday. His mother could also have been human.

Neville's pureblood, Dumbledore flat out said so in the last book. I agree with NS.

[Scubbily]

Yeah, Neville's parents were both from pureblood families. His grandmother even has to remind him to act like he's a pureblood. Both his parents are in St. Mungo's permanently due to the Cruciatus curse performed by Beatrix Lestrange, so there's no way there's gonna be that much information circulated about Neville's past. Unless, Dummbledore tells Harry about it or Neville's Grandmother does. But the new character theory is automatically ruled out b/c J.K.R said it's a character that's already been introduced. It can't be anyone from Durmstrang, because Karkaroff was a headmaster that didn't let half-bloods in, so it could be someone from the French school(the name eludes me as of now) because the people there were never explained. It was prolly some minor character that was introduced for a chapter or two, just so J.K.R could get the character in the story. Can't wait until the book comes out!

[Michael P]

the French school
Beauxbatons.

New theory: Colin Creevy.

[Sheldon]

Amazon has a guaranteed July 16th delivery service....Anyone else gonna use it? or are y'all gonna brave the busy stores?

I used it when OOTP came out and they delivered the book around eleven am which wasn't too shabby.

[Spastic Minnow]

Amazon has a guaranteed July 16th delivery service....Anyone else gonna use it? or are y'all gonna brave the busy stores?

I used it when OOTP came out and they delivered the book around eleven am which wasn't too shabby.

They gaurantee it if you use their standard shipping, if you ordered it as part of a $25+ order to get the free shipping option (like I usually do) it won't be gauranteed. Depending on where you live the super saver free shipping can be pretty quick (I just ordered a couple CD's on Friday, got an e-mail that they were shipped on Sunday and recieved them Tuesday) but I'm not sure I want to wait for even a couple days for the free shipping, and what point is there to get it on sale at Amazon for 40% off if the stores are selling it at the same discount and won't be charging you an extra $6 in shipping?

I think I'll just go down to Borders to get it myself, in my case there's one in walking distance.

[Slam_Bradley]

Amazon has a guaranteed July 16th delivery service....Anyone else gonna use it? or are y'all gonna brave the busy stores?

I used it when OOTP came out and they delivered the book around eleven am which wasn't too shabby.


I ordered OOTP from Amazon. The library is selling them for a good price to be distributed at Midnight at the Harry Potter party. I'll probably get it from them, cause I know Nathan will want to go to the party.

[GremlinClr]

When OotP came out I went to the local Sam's Club to get it as they advertised it cheaper than anywhere else. And they were sold out the day of release. So I went directly across the street to Books • A • Million and they had pallets of it. So it was a couple of dollars more but no one was fighting over it and it wasn't like day after Thanksgiving crowded. I'll just head to town day of release, somebodies bound to have it.

[Scubbily]

Beauxbatons.

New theory: Colin Creevy.
Colin...NO. He's a muggle. He even said that he was and that he had no idea that magic existed. So I'm gonna say no to this theory. Anyone else wanna debate on this?

[Infinity Chameleon]

I'm getting my copy at the release party; only like 20 people are ahead of me on the list at my local B&N.

[Spastic Minnow]

I was looking through Mugglenet and found something I had forgotten.

Last summer Rowling released a short excerpt from the book which describes who could be* the Half Blood Prince.


"(He) looked rather like an old lion. There were streaks of grey in his mane of tawny hair and his bushy eyebrows; he had keen yellowish eyes behind a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles and a certain rangy, loping grace even though he walked with a slight limp. "

---------
on a related note.

on 4-19-05

... But the new character theory is automatically ruled out b/c J.K.R said it's a character that's already been introduced....

I know it's been categorically denied that it's either Harry or Voldemort (including Riddle) and that it was a story she considered incorporating into CoS but I don't think she's ever said that the Half-Blood Prince is definitely someone that has been previously introduced. I could be wrong.

*read my next post for why I edited in "who could be" and decided it wasn't big spoiler material anymore.

[Inkthinker]

Huh...

Dumbledore?

[Infinity Chameleon]

That description isn't Dumbledore. Dumbledore's eyes are blue; Dumbledore's hair is entirely silver; and Dumbledore has never been described as walking with a limp.

I think that's a new character, perhaps called Felix Felicis, as one of the chapters of HBP is named that.

[Spastic Minnow]

I'm feeling a bit embarrased about not checking into this more when I first posted it.

In their Books 6 & 7: Facts (http://www.mugglenet.com/books/futurebooks/book6facts.shtml) section they say "On August 16th, the door on JKR's site opened giving us the following excerpt of book 6, which describes the Half-Blood Prince." So I reprinted that here.

Today, I look around Mugglenet even more and find their August 16th's Mysterious Door Opening (http://www.mugglenet.com/jkrcom/jkrdooropening2.shtml) page that describes how the quote was revealed and there they say "On August 16th, 2004, JK Rowling revealed the first quote from Book 6 describing who is thought to be the Half Blood Prince"

Sure enough, if you read further you'll discover that only the quote was released- with no explanation as to who it describes.

So, all bets are back on. I guess it could still be a description of the Prince but no gaurantees. Sorry about the confusion.

[Solaris]

Okay, here's the ***SPOILER QUOTE*** that Rowling released, which describes the Half Blood Prince:

(He) looked rather like an old lion. There were streaks of grey in his mane of tawny hair and his bushy eyebrows; he had keen yellowish eyes behind a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles and a certain rangy, loping grace even though he walked with a slight limp.

Sooo... here's my speculation on it:

I don't think it's Dumbledore. She mentions "grey-streaked TAWNY hair, and Dumbledore, IIRC, had "RED" hair when he was younger. (As Harry saw when he viewed the past through Tom Riddle's journal.) I think this descriptor probably *is* from someone's past, though... to throw us off a bit... and the person is probably older now. Hmmm. Walking with a slight limp? Hey! Maybe it's Mad-Eye Moody! Wouldn't THAT be a shocker! Hee. I'm trying to think of all the various older adults who have appeared in the books... and Alastair Moody might well fit the bill. (I HOPE it's not Mundungus Fletcher, or whatever his name is. Ergh.) I can't think of anyone else it might be.... can you?

[Spastic Minnow]

Solaris, ya jerk! ;) making me further apologize for my shoddy research. That quote DOES NOT necessarily describe the half blood prince. When it was released there was no mention of who it described.

My speculation?

I think it's more likely to be a description of the prince's father/grandfather. After all, If there's a prince there also has to be a king. And it certainly could be a flashback, or what's more likely in my mind, a description of what is seen in the Pensieve. Isn't that what Harry and Dumbledore are peering into on the cover?

[Lex]

I'm really excited about Half Blood Prince. It should be a fun book!

[Infinity Chameleon]

Isn't that what Harry and Dumbledore are peering into on the cover?

No, the Mirror of Erised is a huge mirror, and it's depicted in one of the PS illustrations.

The object Dumbledore and Harry are staring into is almost certainly a Pensieve.

[Solaris]

Solaris, ya jerk! ;) making me further apologize for my shoddy research. That quote DOES NOT necessarily describe the half blood prince. When it was released there was no mention of who it described.

My speculation?

I think it's more likely to be a description of the prince's father/grandfather. After all, If there's a prince there also has to be a king. And it certainly could be a flashback, or what's more likely in my mind, a description of what is seen in the Mirror of Erised. Isn't that what Harry and Dumbledore are peering into on the cover?


Argh, darn it---I somehow missed that on the first reading of your post. (Probably because I was excited about following the first link and reading said quote.)

Ah, well... back to the old drawing board!

(You gotta admit, though, that the person I thought it might be... would be an interesting choice! Heh.)

[Spastic Minnow]

No, the Mirror of Erised is a huge mirror, and it's depicted in one of the PS illustrations.

The object Dumbledore and Harry are staring into is almost certainly a Pensieve.
duh, I don't know how I got those two mixed up. gonna fix my above post.

[Catlin]

I am so stoked. I have been an HP geek since the first book came out. I will be there at midnight, since I'll have been at the SDCC all day anyway :cool:

[Scubbily]

Yeah, but when did you get the first book? I got it during the first American printing before it was ever on any list. Personally, when my mom first gave it to me I was like, "I don't want this crap!" But then I totally got into it. Big fan since 1998.

[Taltos]

Yeah, but when did you get the first book? I got it during the first American printing before it was ever on any list. Personally, when my mom first gave it to me I was like, "I don't want this crap!" But then I totally got into it. Big fan since 1998.
Same here! When my Grandmother gave it to me I couldn’t have been less enthused. I tried reading it but at first I just wasn’t interested. The whole Dumbledore walking down the street flicking off street lamps just seemed stupid. But once I got past the first chapter I really started digging it and I fell in love with the characters and their enticing adventures.

Im currently re-reading The order of the Phoenix as prep for the Half Blood Prince.

[Taltos]

July 16, 2005

[noodleboy]

Awesome, only a month away!!


As for who the HBP is...here's my guess:

The man described as looking like a lion, will probably be the new DADA teacher, since it has always been a new character. And the HBP will be Nearly Headless Nick...just because he is way off the radar.

[watchinginkdry]

Dammitall, that book comes out 16 days after I fly back to the US through London--I was hoping I could pick up the Brit (ie, non-"translated" version) at the airport. *grumble*

[Spastic Minnow]

Have you seen the full art for the English (children's) version?

http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/june10/fullukhbpcover.jpg

It has a couple more interesting images on it. A ring with a broken stone, a basin/cauldron/pensieve? in an underground chamber surrounded by water, clasped hands surrounded by a string of fire.

More to speculate about!

[Taltos]

Have you seen the full art for the English (children's) version?

http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/june10/fullukhbpcover.jpg

It has a couple more interesting images on it. A ring with a broken stone, a basin/cauldron/pensieve? in an underground chamber surrounded by water, clasped hands surrounded by a string of fire.

More to speculate about!

I gotta say, thats a pretty ugly cover. Has GrandPre's new cover been released?

[Spastic Minnow]

I gotta say, thats a pretty ugly cover. Has GrandPre's new cover been released?
I have to agree, that is a pretty ugly cover.

GrandPre's very nice Front Cover design (http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=harrypotter6_HR.jpg) has been released for months (as well as the cover for the Deluxe Edition (http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=hbpdeluxe.jpg)) but the back/inside designs haven't been released yet.

If I were in the UK I'd buy The UK Adult cover version (http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=hbpadult.jpg), it's a bit boring, but it's not fugly.

[Taltos]

I have to agree, that is a pretty ugly cover.

GrandPre's very nice Front Cover design (http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=harrypotter6_HR.jpg) has been released for months (as well as the cover for the Deluxe Edition (http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=hbpdeluxe.jpg)) but the back/inside designs haven't been released yet.

If I were in the UK I'd buy The UK Adult cover version (http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=hbpadult.jpg), it's a bit boring, but it's not fugly.

I like GrandPre's, although it lacks the detail and clues that have been in previous covers (especially in the Goblet of Fire and The Prisoner of Azkabam).

The Deluxe version is my least favorite. Queston: What makes the Deluxe Edition so "Deluxe?"

Just as you said, the Adult UK version is pretty boring. Why does there need to be an adult version anyways?

[Rachel Grey]

Just as you said, the Adult UK version is pretty boring. Why does there need to be an adult version anyways?


Adult fan buying a kids edition copy: *blush* I-i-it's for my nephew! Honest! :o

[Taltos]

Adult fan buying a kids edition copy: *blush* I-i-it's for my nephew! Honest! :o

But it's the EXACT SAME BOOK! :rolleyes:

[lalalei2001]

It comes out 3 days before my birthday. :)

[Rachel Grey]

But it's the EXACT SAME BOOK! :rolleyes:

I never said that it was rational. :D

I mean hell, I felt kinda silly buying the kiddies cover version of Goblet of Fire 'cause they had run out of the adult cover version, and I'm a gal who dose stupid stuff like mooning people in public. :o :p

[kopasek]

i can't wait for this one!
kopasek

[Predator]

After reading the first four books for a class this spring and the fifth afterwards for fun, I can know say that I am a Potter convert. The last three books really sold me on the series, so I will now be buying the hardcover. Which will clash with the paperback editions, but the preorder is 40% off, so I'll take it.

[Taltos]

I never said that it was rational.

I mean hell, I felt kinda silly buying the kiddies cover version of Goblet of Fire 'cause they had run out of the adult cover version, and I'm a gal who dose stupid stuff like mooning people in public.
1st of all Mooning is ardly stupid it's art. :D

Secondly

How is this:
http://www.theministryofmagic.org.uk/v5/pgallery/data/media/5/adult4.jpg

Better than this:
http://www.fortune3.com/~comp74688/48615049.jpg

[Rachel Grey]

1st one's not bad but I like the version with the photographic look of the Goblet spewing blue fire :)

[Sheldon]

I liked the adult edition of OOTP in Canada (I presume its the same as the UK one)
http://images.chapters.indigo.ca/covers/books/643/1551926431_b.jpg

[UniqueFrequency]

I liked the adult edition of OOTP in Canada (I presume its the same as the UK one)
http://images.chapters.indigo.ca/covers/books/643/1551926431_b.jpg

yeah that's the only harry potter book i have with the adult cover!!

[Taltos]

1st one's not bad but I like the version with the photographic look of the Goblet spewing blue fire :)
http://www.allenandunwin.com/images/CoverImages/0747573638.jpg
I have to admit it's nice but, imo, it still fails in comparision to GrandPre's cover.

[Inkthinker]

Wow... less than two weeks to go, and the best we can do is compare covers?

C'MON, people, let loose with the rumours, the expectations, the theories, the inside scoop!

[Rachel Grey]

Wasn't there a girl who wrote her own 800ish page version of the HBP and is actually going to show it to Rowling or something?

Dunno wether that'd be good or bad thing.

[Inkthinker]

Wasn't there a girl who wrote her own 800ish page version of the HBP and is actually going to show it to Rowling or something?

Dunno wether that'd be good or bad thing.

Yow. That's taking fanfic to extremes...

I don't suppose she has a website?

[Rachel Grey]

Not that I know of.

And yeah, it took her about a year to write. I gotta admire her effort, but the possibility of it being yet another Harry/Draco slashfic chills me to the bone.

Oh, and in her version the HBP is our good "friend" Snively Snape....

[Taltos]

Wow... less than two weeks to go, and the best we can do is compare covers?

C'MON, people, let loose with the rumours, the expectations, the theories, the inside scoop!

OK, heres the facts that we know about HBP










These are facts straight from the mouth of J.K. Rowling, and were gathered from numerous online chats and her personal website. Everything here is confirmed.

General Info

Release Date: July 16th, 2005

Length (US):
- Trade version: 672 pages
- Deluxe edition: 704 pages

Length (UK):
- Trade version: 608 pages

Chapters: The deluxe edition includes 32 additional pages of artwork; the same pictures throughout the book before each chapter, just larger versions. Considering there is also 1 or 2 pieces of artwork before the story begins, we can expect about 30 chapters.

Additionally, the door on JKR's site opened on Halloween revealing 3 of the chapter titles. You can see/read about them here.

Other Info: On August 16th, the door on JKR's site opened giving us the following excerpt of book 6, which describes the Half-Blood Prince:

(He) looked rather like an old lion. There were streaks of grey in his mane of tawny hair and his bushy eyebrows; he had keen yellowish eyes behind a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles and a certain rangy, loping grace even though he walked with a slight limp.
Random facts about the book

* We will learn a lot more about Voldemort in this book.

* HBP will be an intense book, but with light-hearted moments.

* Harry will leave Privet Drive early again, for a "much pleasanter" reason than in book 5.

* The opening chapter of book 6 was originally planned for the early parts of book 1, perhaps we get a more in-depth story of what happened the night Harry's parents died.

* Neither Harry or Voldemort (including Tom Riddle) are the Half-Blood Prince

* Arthur Weasley will not be the new Minister of Magic

* By the ends of books 6 and 7 "you'll have all the back story you'll need", says JK Rowling, and a prequel will not be necessary

* There will be a new Minister of Magic, no more Mr. Fudge.

* We will find out what happened to Hagrid's half brother Grawp. He will be a bit more controllable in book 6.

* The Dursleys are in the next book, but Harry's stay with them will be the shortest yet. In book 5 he stayed for 4 weeks, so we know his stay will be less than 4 weeks.

* Cho Chang will not be a romantic interest of Harry in Book 6, however there will be a "little romance" for Harry says JK.

* In books 6 and 7 we will find out exactly why JK killed off Sirius.

* Harry becomes even more powerful in book 6.

* In books 6 and 7 we will find out why Dumbledore trusts Snape.

* We will find out what happened to Wormtail AKA Peter Pettigrew

* More about the animosity between Snape and Sirius will be revealed in the last 2 books.

* JK has said that giving away the form of Snape's boggart and patronus says too much. We'll definitely find out what Snape's worst fear is, and it'll be important.

* Hermione and Draco will NOT end up together in book 6 or 7.

* We will find out what exactly Dudley saw when he looked at the dementors.

* The reason Voldemort and Harry both didn't die when Voldemort tried to kill Harry, will be revealed.

* We will see more of Draco's mother, Narcissa Malfoy, now that Lucius is busy.

* We'll learn more about Harry's scar in the last 2 books.

* Moaning Myrtle will make an appearance again, as will Tonks.

* More about Voldemort's birth will be revealed, thus helping us understand why he is so evil.

* Muggles begin to notice "more and more odd" occurrences in book 6, says JK.

* The wizarding world is really at war in the sixth book.

* Harry will tell his dearest friends about the prophesy after it sinks in to him.

* We will learn more about Harry's relatives, including his grandparents (though JK says they aren't really important to the story)

* We will find out what happened to Sirius's motorbike.

* Book 6 will be shorter than the 5th book (or at least JK's 99% sure, but will not swear on her children's lives)

* There will be no "new" nationalities of children at Hogwarts. Hogwarts is a British school, and JK says that adding foreigners for the sake of it is not in her plans.

* During an interview, when JKR was asked in which Hogwarts room she'd like to be for 1 hour, she said it would be a room in which Harry has been before, but doesn't know its importance. Yet. (this could have happened in book 5, but we're unsure)

* It's very important in the plot that Harry has his mother's eyes, and that her wand was very good for charms.

* During an interview for Kids BBC, Victor Greensteet (reporter) asked Rowling if Harry would have a dragon for a pet. This is what she replied: "You can't tame a dragon, no matter what Hagrid thinks. It's simply impossible. So no. He has more common sense. He MAY have a different pet in the future, but for now, I won't say anything else". (This could have been buckbeak, but I'm sure we can expect more pets)

* In the same interview for Kids BBC, the reporter asked J. K. if Harry had ever used the internet, and this is what she had to say: "No. They (the Dursleys) won't let him go near Dudley's computer, and Dudley is the only one who has a computer. They hit him if he gets too near to the keyboard. So the answer would be No. I use it a lot, but Harry doesn't. Wizards don't really need to go on the web. They have an even better way to find out what's happening in the outside world, which I think is a lot more fun than the Internet, but I'm going to keep quiet on this one."

* The choice between what's right and what's easy will be a pillar of the plot in Harry's last 2 years at Hogwarts

* Harry's parents' profession will be a big part of the plot.

* Something HUGE will be revealed about Lily Potter.

Credit: http://www.mugglenet.com/

[Spastic Minnow]

Wow... less than two weeks to go, and the best we can do is compare covers?

C'MON, people, let loose with the rumours, the expectations, the theories, the inside scoop!

Remember, that bit from Mugglenet that says that quote describes the HBP is unfounded, it was never said who that quote describes.

I stay away from the rumor/ spoiler stuff. I didn't end up picking up OotP until a few days after the release and someone let slip to me who died in it. It didn't ruin the but it really hurt that part of the revelation. I also know there's a current supposedly credible rumor about who dies in this one that apparently came out of the town where it was being printed but I've stayed away from any of those stories.

Expectations, theories though...

Also at Mugglenet you may want to check out the new Staff Predictions (http://www.mugglenet.com/editorials/editorials/edit-staff01.shtml) page. If anyone would have a pulse on what's going on it would them I'd think.


Personally, while talking with others that also have avoided spoilers we've come to the conclusion that there is a very decent chance of Dumbledore being the big one to die in this one. Before our talks I didn't consider it, I just assumed he'd be there at the finale. But I think there's a VERY good chance now. Why? A couple big reason's for me.
1. Trelawney's 2nd prophecy said that things would be worse than they were before. So far the resistance to his return seems effective. Dumbledore's death would be just about the only way that things could be perceived as worse than before.
2. This is Harry's story. If Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard on their side, were around than he'd be doing too much.
3. Also, Rowling has been very careful to distance Harry from Dumbledore. He was the kind headmaster but still an authority figure that he had to be wary of and not confide everything too. Now that wall has been mostly torn down and I think they'll have to be separated again for Harry's story to be his own again.

So I figure in this one, and the covers certainly support this, Harry and Dumbledore will be very close. Dumbledore will really take him under his wing, tutor him personally to make him ready but ultimately he'll die in the final showdown at the end.

Minor predictions:
-Harry and Ginny will get together, as well as Ron and Hermione.
-Harry should be made Gryffidor's Quidditch team captain. I think all of his elders have moved on and he's by far the most experienced.
-Both of the above should create tension between the three friends, Ron in particular would not like being bossed around by Harry in the team and is very protective of Ginny.
-In some way I think Harry will be forced to team up with Draco.

One thing that came to mind but probably isn't the case:
-Could Tonks be a Voldemort spy? I love Tonks but after Harry's vision of Arthur being attcaked she was personally very interested in how it happened... and you always have to suspect the shapeshifter. On the other hand she was the first to strike in the fight at the ministry and was significantly hurt in the battle.

[Taltos]

Personally, while talking with others that also have avoided spoilers we've come to the conclusion that there is a very decent chance of Dumbledore being the big one to die in this one. Before our talks I didn't consider it, I just assumed he'd be there at the finale. But I think there's a VERY good chance now. Why? A couple big reason's for me.
1. Trelawney's 2nd prophecy said that things would be worse than they were before. So far the resistance to his return seems effective. Dumbledore's death would be just about the only way that things could be perceived as worse than before.
2. This is Harry's story. If Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard on their side, were around than he'd be doing too much.
3. Also, Rowling has been very careful to distance Harry from Dumbledore. He was the kind headmaster but still an authority figure that he had to be wary of and not confide everything too. Now that wall has been mostly torn down and I think they'll have to be separated again for Harry's story to be his own again.
Yeah I figured he would die along time ago and it was solidified in the last book when Albus put the beatdown on Riddle. It needs to come down to Harry vs. Voldemort, one on one, and Harry needs to be are only hope.

So I figure in this one, and the covers certainly support this, Harry and Dumbledore will be very close. Dumbledore will really take him under his wing, tutor him personally to make him ready but ultimately he'll die in the final showdown at the end.
I figure he will die before the final showdown.

Minor predictions:
-Harry and Ginny will get together, as well as Ron and Hermione.
-Harry should be made Gryffidor's Quidditch team captain. I think all of his elders have moved on and he's by far the most experienced.
Harry and Ginny will most likely end up together but I dont see anything happening this early.
I also think that either Ron or Hermione will die, most likely Ron. He will proabably die right after they realize that they "love" each other.

Harry is the only one left from the original team.

-Both of the above should create tension between the three friends, Ron in particular would not like being bossed around by Harry in the team and is very protective of Ginny.
As seen at the end of TOOTP Ron already wants them to be together.


-Could Tonks be a Voldemort spy? I love Tonks but after Harry's vision of Arthur being attcaked she was personally very interested in how it happened... and you always have to suspect the shapeshifter. On the other hand she was the first to strike in the fight at the ministry and was significantly hurt in the battle.
That would be a cool twist. But she was such good friends with the girls, not to mention she is too much of a klutz to be an effective spy. I hope this doesnt happen I really like her.

Were surprised at who was the most impressive at the end of TOOTP? Moody and Tonks got whooped but Sirius, Shacklebot, and Lupin, kicked ass. Bellatrix owned all.

[Spastic Minnow]

I figure he will die before the final showdown.


Sorry, bad wording. I meant in the final showdown of this book.

[GremlinClr]

Other Info: On August 16th, the door on JKR's site opened giving us the following excerpt of book 6, which describes the Half-Blood Prince:

(He) looked rather like an old lion. There were streaks of grey in his mane of tawny hair and his bushy eyebrows; he had keen yellowish eyes behind a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles and a certain rangy, loping grace even though he walked with a slight limp.

There are many theories about this. It could be Godric Gryffindor. It could be the new DADA teacher. And it could be the HBP.

Anyway I preordered yesterday and decided to go to the Book•A•Million release party Friday night. I'm thinking about dressing up as a wizard in muggle disguise, it'll give me an excuse to dress funny in public and that's always a good thing. :D Anyone else going to a release party?

[Peter]

Speculation...

I agree that Dumbledore is a dead-man-walking. Either at the end of this book, or the beginning of the next book.

As said, having Dumbledore around takes away any tension that might exist in a Harry vs Voldemort confrontation -- we've seen Dumbledore totally own Voldemort in a fight, and if Dumbledore is at Harry's back, well we're not really worried, are we?

OTOH, removing Dumbledore somehow amps the tension considerably.

[Peter]

And the HBP will be Nearly Headless Nick...just because he is way off the radar.

Heck, could even be Peeves, given the throw-away line somewhere in book 4 or 5 (and we know how important throw-away lines are) about how he's not really a poltergeist, or something.

In fact can I call dibs on Peeves for the HBP? :D

[Hiromi]

One week from today! Hooray! I plan on stoping by after work on Friday and getting it at the midnight wacky thing.

[Spastic Minnow]

So, last night I dreamed that Bender (Futurama) was fighting Voldemort at a swimming pool. Voldemort slipped on the side (you shouldn't run by the pool!) and started to fall in, Bender (who had freezing powers) froze his head in the water. Bender ran away, Voldemort got a cold.
Then I dreamed that Harry was facing off against Chloe (a nasty girl assassin from the anime Noir) on a high school roof, while Ron/Fry and Hermione/Leela (they switched identities occasionally) looked on from the sidelines. They stared intently at each other for awhile (in the annoying way Noir specializes in) until Chloe declared she was really on their side, everyone sighed with relief and then they stared at each other some more until I woke up.

I do believe this wait is driving me crazy.

[darkkeeperjr]

In fact can I call dibs on Peeves for the HBP? :D[/QUOTE]


well I'm calling dibs on filch the castle caretaker.why is he there in the first place? the only muggle in the castle. :confused: What up with his cat? is it his familiar? :eek:

[darkkeeperjr]

So, last night I dreamed that Bender (Futurama) was fighting Voldemort at a swimming pool. Voldemort slipped on the side (you shouldn't run by the pool!) and started to fall in, Bender (who had freezing powers) froze his head in the water. Bender ran away, Voldemort got a cold.
Then I dreamed that Harry was facing off against Chloe (a nasty girl assassin from the anime Noir) on a high school roof, while Ron/Fry and Hermione/Leela (they switched identities occasionally) looked on from the sidelines. They stared intently at each other for awhile (in the annoying way Noir specializes in) until Chloe declared she was really on their side, everyone sighed with relief and then they stared at each other some more until I woke up.

I do believe this wait is driving me crazy.

that what happens when rereading the books whilw falling asleep with the cartoon channel on ;)

[Taltos]

So, last night I dreamed that Bender (Futurama) was fighting Voldemort at a swimming pool. Voldemort slipped on the side (you shouldn't run by the pool!) and started to fall in, Bender (who had freezing powers) froze his head in the water. Bender ran away, Voldemort got a cold.
Then I dreamed that Harry was facing off against Chloe (a nasty girl assassin from the anime Noir) on a high school roof, while Ron/Fry and Hermione/Leela (they switched identities occasionally) looked on from the sidelines. They stared intently at each other for awhile (in the annoying way Noir specializes in) until Chloe declared she was really on their side, everyone sighed with relief and then they stared at each other some more until I woke up.

I do believe this wait is driving me crazy.
Awesome Dream!!!!

I will probab;y pick up the book on Saturday, at the mall. Thank God I get paid this week!

[Taltos]

well I'm calling dibs on filch the castle caretaker.why is he there in the first place? the only muggle in the castle. :confused: What up with his cat? is it his familiar? :eek:
"Argus Filch, Arabella Figg: both have the same initials, both are squibs, and both love cats!"
Im guessing that they are familars.

credit: mugglenet

[Spastic Minnow]

"Argus Filch, Arabella Figg: both have the same initials, both are squibs, and both love cats!"
Im guessing that they are familars.

credit: mugglenet
Mrs. Norris and Mrs. Figg's "cats" are probably kneazles.

http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=10

[Taltos]

Mrs. Norris and Mrs. Figg's "cats" are probably kneazles.

http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=10
Damn! I left my copy of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" at m other house. Anyone want to tell me what a Kneazle is?

NVM igot it:

kneazle (NEE-zul) more info in Fantastic Beasts - click here to order
XXX
This very intelligent cat-like creature can detect unsavory or suspicious persons very well and will react badly to them. However, if a kneazle takes a liking to a witch or wizard, it makes an excellent pet. The kneazle has spotted fur, large ears, and a lion-like tail (FB). Crookshanks is part kneazle

It's possible.

[Spastic Minnow]

The dreams continue.
Last night I dreamed that Dumbledore was sitting on tacks that someone kept putting on his chair and I realized there was problem with the book title and it should be named "Harry Potter and the Half-Inch Pin". I also dreamed who would die in the book, it will be... Kurt Russell! He dies in a freeway accident during a car chase with death-eaters.

I blame the horseradish and bacon chip dip.

[Taltos]

The dreams continue.
Last night I dreamed that Dumbledore was sitting on tacks that someone kept putting on his chair and I realized there was problem with the book title and it should be named "Harry Potter and the Half-Inch Pin". I also dreamed who would die in the book, it will be... Kurt Russell! He dies in a freeway accident during a car chase with death-eaters.

I blame the horseradish and bacon chip dip.
Do you always remember your dreams?

[Spastic Minnow]

Do you always remember your dreams?
No, but I'm having these dreams right before I wake up when they sometimes become semi-lucid. Plus I think that it helps that I've been having Harry Potter dreams for at least a week, it's a pattern. There's plenty of vague parts to that dream too that I didn't mention. Something about Kurt Russell's semi truck being broken down and Dumbledore giving him a wizard hat full of gasoline. The death-eaters doing a drive by shooting. There was more to Dumbledore sitting on the tack too, Harry was there but I don't remember why. But I remember Dumbledore sitting on the tack because at that point it had become a semi-lucid dream and I kept "replaying" that part of the dream as my semi-conscious mind tried to come up with a better pun than "half-inch pin."

[Hiromi]

So, if you got the book early like a handful of Candians do would you:

A) Read it and enjoy it
B) Return it and get an autograph by Rowling
C) Ebay it for a sizeable sum of cash and just buy it half a week later
D) Taunt everyone online you can find about knowing what happens
E) more than one

[Taltos]

So, if you got the book early like a handful of Candians do would you:

A) Read it and enjoy it
B) Return it and get an autograph by Rowling
C) Ebay it for a sizeable sum of cash and just buy it half a week later
D) Taunt everyone online you can find about knowing what happens
E) more than one
"A", then "C" then "D."

Unless "C" is somehow illegal.

Edit: Actually since it comes out on friday I doubt you will be able to sell it for more than retail.

[Taltos]

No, but I'm having these dreams right before I wake up when they sometimes become semi-lucid. Plus I think that it helps that I've been having Harry Potter dreams for at least a week, it's a pattern. There's plenty of vague parts to that dream too that I didn't mention. Something about Kurt Russell's semi truck being broken down and Dumbledore giving him a wizard hat full of gasoline. The death-eaters doing a drive by shooting. There was more to Dumbledore sitting on the tack too, Harry was there but I don't remember why. But I remember Dumbledore sitting on the tack because at that point it had become a semi-lucid dream and I kept "replaying" that part of the dream as my semi-conscious mind tried to come up with a better pun than "half-inch pin."
Wow, on my best day I dont remember a fourth of the stuff you just rattled off.

I dont even know if I have ever dreamed about HBP. Though I do day dream about HBP at work.

[Spastic Minnow]

There was also a 9-yr old kid in New York who got an accidentely stocked copy at an Pharmacy/store (apparently the only one sold before the mistake was discovered). When he and his parents found out it was a mistake He turned his into Scholastic and they're apparently going to send him a buttload of goodies for not spoiling anything.

No mentions here of the full artwork relesed for the US editions?

Regular US edition back cover:
http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=hbpbackcover1.jpg
Deluxe edition:
http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/hbp/hbpdeluxebig.jpg

Enticing, but not really big spoiler stuff.

The UK edition backcover was released too.
http://www.bloomsbury.com/harrypotter/content.asp?sec=4&sec2=1&unart=yes&artTitle=Back%20Cover%20Copy%20Released
Which gives a tiny spoilerish tidbit about he first or second chapter.


and finally, I don't remember my dream from last night, except that there was something about Harry and I woke up with the Oompa Loompa song in my head (from WW and the Chocolate factory), so maybe it's a good thing I don't remember what the dream was about. ;)
...scary little freaks

[Taltos]

There was also a 9-yr old kid in New York who got an accidentely stocked copy at an Pharmacy/store (apparently the only one sold before the mistake was discovered). When he and his parents found out it was a mistake He turned his into Scholastic and they're apparently going to send him a buttload of goodies for not spoiling anything.
Thats honorable. It would have been pretty weak if they didnt get rewarded for their outstanding self-control.

No mentions here of the full artwork relesed for the US editions?

Regular US edition back cover:
http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=hbpbackcover1.jpg
Deluxe edition:
http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/hbp/hbpdeluxebig.jpg

Pretty cool. Who would you say is on the back cover? Im thinking Neveill, Percy, Hermione, and Ginny. And there are more people in the shadows, do you think the castle is being attacked?

The second one is full of clues. The kinfe, the house, the stranger, the snake, the Bat, the owl, the face in the tree, the person in the window. Damn thats crazy.


The UK edition backcover was released too.
http://www.bloomsbury.com/harrypotter/content.asp?sec=4&sec2=1&unart=yes&artTitle=Back%20Cover%20Copy%20Released
Which gives a tiny spoilerish tidbit about he first or second chapter.
Now Im REALLY pumped. :D

and finally, I don't remember my dream from last night, except that there was something about Harry and I woke up with the Oompa Loompa song in my head (from WW and the Chocolate factory), so maybe it's a good thing I don't remember what the dream was about. ;)
...scary little freaks

Oompa Lumpas ....are AWESOME!!

[Peter]

Tomorrow morning the book gets released.

I'm not really that crazy a fan for the HP series, but this is kinda fun.

I've spent all week looking forward to Saturday morning where I get to fight my way through a crowd of ten-year-olds. I mean is there more fun to be had on a Saturday morning? I think not *nods*.

[lalalei2001]

That cup on the book jacket looks like the Holy Grail. :)

[Jasper]

YAy!!! I have the book! No spoilers I promise.

I've become a crazed fan apparently. THe bookstore was full. The line to get the book wrapped around the store completely.

[Daniel Hopkins]

Hey Jasper how many pages does the book have?

[Corey Dreher]

Hey Jasper how many pages does the book have?



652. I just picked it up also.

[GreenLantern2008]

Just got it after a long day of standing in line but well worth it i hope.

[Corey Dreher]

Just got it after a long day of standing in line but well worth it i hope.



Feet hurt, people that smell, loud kids running around. I'm pooped.

[davidboring]

dumbuldore kills harry

[Peter]

So.

I finished the novel just before, twelve hours after buying it (and after spending a few hours in the kitchen washing dishes after a party my parents held. Long story).

So -- yay! First review.

And I'm going to pretty much spoil the plot of the entire book, here, so if you don't want spoilers, turn back now.

I'm serious.

Last warning.

Still with me?

Cool.

So -- the big thing is, somebody dies. A big, important somebody. And this is a character who I've (and I've seen others with the same opinion) been expecting to die for the last few years (heck, somebody who's had a target on their chest for since book 1, if you think about it) -- but it still *crushed* me. Utterly.

I got to the end of the chapter, and I was just like, "DAMN!" I had to put the book down and scream for a bit. Beat up a mattress. I knew it was coming, was expecting it coming, had been expecting it for the last few novels (which was what, five or six years?), and it still killed me.

And Snape -- the bastard! He was evil all along! Harry was right! Of course the big issue is that it's left unresolved *why* Dumbledore ever trusted him in the first place. Dumbledore mentions repeatedly through the story that Snape has his total and complete trust, but we never find out the details of that.

Okay, the major plotpoints are out of the way. As for the rest of the book?

First thing -- when did these kids get so damn horny? I mean damn. In between falling head-over-heels for Ginny (yay from me!), Harry's having (implied) inappropriate dreams about her ( :eek: ), Ron spends a huge amount of the book in liplock with one of the girls, Hermione spends a huge amount of the book escaping from a male suitor, and of course both of these stories end up intertwining in a classic soap opera kind of way.

Not to mention -- there's a scene in the Slytherin compartment of the Hogwarts Express that Harry spies on, and the sexual subtext was not blatant, but definitely there.

But still, Harry and Ginny finally fall for each other. I was happy for them. Of course at the end, Harry makes the atypical, "I have a supervillain gunning for me so we can't be together or you'll get hurt" speech, but still, I'm still confident.

But on that point -- this book is definitely geared for an older-market. There's some pretty disturbing stuff here. A lot of people get killed or mysteriously go missing (it's all handled off-camera, as it were, but it's still pretty disturbing). Ron ends up joking about it, which is creepy if you think about it. We only see Voldemort in flashback but he's doing some pretty horrible things, and one of the characters (who is insane and evil, but still) refers to one of the female characters as "a slut". Yes, that's the word they actually use. That really jumped out at me, I was like, "damn."

Soccer moms are going to have a field day with this 'un, I'm thinking.

The book started really well. The first chapter takes place in the Prime Minister's office (the actual muggle one, although he's never actually called by name), and it's handled well. We see very high parts of the Muggle Government becoming aware of the growing crisis. We get the definite impression that Big Things Are Afoot, before zooming in onto Harry and Hogwarts.

Harry, for his part, seems to have outgrown his "little sh*t" phase (as one of my friends called it), and is remarkably reserved throughout the story. Unfortunately, he seems to have passed it on to both Ron and Hermione, who are about this close to killing each other for 50% of the book.

Maybe I read too quickly, but there didn't seem to be as much happening as the story progressed. Like "Order of the Phoenix", actually -- a lot is talked about, but not much happens. It did feel like I was reading a shorter book than "Phoenix", for whatever it's worth.

There are long conversations between Harry and Dumbledore which are great. We get all this explanation about pretty much everything that goes on, but it doesn't feel like clunky exposition -- this is stuff we (the reader) needs to know, and I think it tells a very interesting story that's a lot bigger than at first glance.

As for the identity of the Half-Blood Prince...

Well, damn it, it wasn't Peeves, that's for certain (although I thought they were heading that way, but alas). It's definitely a character I don't think anybody would've guessed beforehand.

On the Prince's identity -- The only problem with Snape being the Prince is that the only clue we get is that his mother's maiden name was "Prince", which Hermione only find a few chapters before the big reveal. And there's no other clues, it's not so much a mystery-resolution as a "Where the hell did *that* come from?" resolution, although Hermione does join the dots for everybody later. But your milage may vary.

I knew going in that provided Dumbledore got to be badass, I'd be okay. And it's true -- within about 40 pages, Dumbledore was kicking all kinds of ass. Dumbledore vs the Dursleys -- you have to read it to believe it. Very cool.

On Draco --

With all that was said and done, at heart, Malfoy was just a bully. Full of big talk but empty threats, with no strength of character to back himself up. Dumbledore tears him to shreds at the end (verbally), and Dumbledore is completely right. Draco's a complete coward.

Paradoxically enough, we don't see much of Draco, but we get to see a lot of him, if that makes sense. The scene where Draco was crying was really powerful. I felt gipped that, despite the fact that Harry almost kills the guy, we don't go back to him. Harry talks about Malfoy to Ron and Hermione, but we don't actually see Malfoy for another few chapters, and it's a shame.

Also, I'm totally with Harry at the end -- Draco is just pathetic. Sure, I've hated him for about 5 books, but at the end of the day, I feel a lot of pity for him. Voldemort has forced him into an *utterly* untenable position, he is between a rock and a Killing Curse. It was good to see him actually become something other than the whipping boy for the story, and I'm looking forward to seeing Draco more in book 7, quite frankly. I think he's going to be critical.

I mean I'll say it now -- even if it's unlikely (and it is), I hope Draco reforms at least a little. I don't want him being Harry's best friend or anything, but it would be nice IMHO if he came forward a little, didn't end the series as the miserable little bully that he was back in book 1, is all.

As for Snape -- grrr. Still angry.

Although -- Buckbeak vs Snape :).

I liked how Rowling explained Voldemort's immortality. Very nifty.

And how the book ends -- funeral aside, that whole last conversation is leading us into serious road-trip type hijinks when the next book starts. The tension is really quite amped, actually -- I can't wait to see the kids get moving next book.

So, unresolved plotlines, all of which will definitely be sorted out in book 7 (since that's the end of the series) --

1. "RAB"? I wonder who they are, and whether Harry will end up with or against them.

2. Harry/Ginny. Not to mention, Hermione and Ron are still bouncing off each other. C'mon people!

3. Those last 4 items. That'll probably be the entire plot for the next book.

4. Hagrid's brother, given such a big introduction in the last book, does little in this story. Still no pay-off on that particular set-up.

5. Snape -- and in particular, why the heck Dumbledore ever trusted him in the first place. I'm really curious about this one. Dumbledore was wrong, spectacularly so, and I think we need to know why he was ever fooled in the first place.

In conclusion -- yeah, I really liked it. Harry grows up a lot, and even gets to sound scary and kind-of badass at the end.

And now I have to wait 2 years to see how this all ends. And given that character who died, damn, it's gonna be interesting.

[literally exaggerated]

Read it in like 5 hours, and while it was really, really uneven, and there were parts I thought were handled quite badly, all in all I really enjoyed it. Spoilers below.

First of all, this was the first book where i finally saw why so many people like Draco. He might be a coward, but in this book he was both competent and somewhat complex. The scene where he stomped Harry just blew me away. I mean, Draco getting the best of Harry? :eek: WTF. And that plan was pretty smart

The shippin...I was happy with all the "true" couples that got supported, but felt that with the exception of Bill/Fleur they didn't get the development or screen time they should have. Speaking of which, Fleur rocks. "I am good-looking enough for both of us" Best. Line. Ever.

The Death hit hard this time, much harder than Sirius.

I liked the new characters, especially Horace Slughorn.

And, as for Snape... (copied from my post on the Rumbles board, because its too long to retype)

I think it is clear at this point that the “Snape Question” is perhaps the most important remaining mystery in the series. And it is by no means resolved.

I would be shocked if any serious readers of JKR honestly believe that she would tip her entire hand regarding Snape in a manner such as this. He killed Dumbledore, yes, but there is more we need to know before we can truly conclude anything. Much more. Snape is far too complex for the answer to simply be “Haha, I was evil all along, tricked you!”. He might indeed be evil (though I don’t think he is), but it is clearly not going to be as simple as Harry currently believes it to be.

For one thing, we still have no clue as to why Dumbledore trusted Snape as he did, and the answer to that question is going to be critical in deciding whether that trust was well-placed or not. We do know that Snape was not only a Death Eater, but also nearly as much to blame for the death of Harry’s Parents as Wormtail was. Dumbledore loved Harry’s parents, and yet he took Snape in and confided all of his trust in him. He might have been mistaken, but without hearing why he trusted Snape and learning more we will not be able to say.

I do believe it is related to Lily. I’m not sure it was as simple as Snape loving Lily, but the fact that this book continually skirted around having anyone but Harry state that Snape hated her, that Snape himself has never spoken against her, and that the talent of the Half-blood Prince was constantly equated to Lily’s makes me think that, at the very least, Snape felt something besides pure hatred for Lily.

There is the question of what his argument with DD was about. He didn't want to do something, but what? It doesn't make much sense of he was saying he didn't want to spy for DD or something anymore, as that would just tip his hand. If he was saying he didn't want to kill him however...

There is also the question of why Snape saved Dumbledore’s life earlier in the school year. Dumbledore basically said that without Snape’s aid he would have lost much more than a hand.Had Snape simply been jockeying to murder Dumbledore all along, that would have been a perfect time. This points to some sort of deeper plan than Snape just wanting to kill Dumbledore.

There is also the matter of Snape’s half-blood ancestry, and the aid he provided to Harry (willingly or no). I do not believe that something which would take the title of the book could be as meaningless as it currently seems.

And finally, the big, central question, to which every other Snape question is tied: Why did Snape kill Dumbledore? There exist, as near as I can tell, a few possibilities.

1.Snape is evil, and has always been. The story he told to Narcissa and Bellatrix is completely true, he really did hate Dumbledore, etc. Dumbledore’s “Please” was pleading for his life, and Snape’s look of hatred signified his hatred of Dumbledore.

I don’t buy this one at all. There’s too much left unanswered for it to be this simple. It is not JKR’s style, it leaves too many holes (like why did Snape save Dumbledore’s life, after Voldemort had come back), and simply put, and I’ll put it in all caps for emphasis THIS IS ALBUS DUMBLEDORE. HE IS AS BRAVE AS IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE, HE CERTAINLY DOES NOT FEAR DEATH AND HE WOULD NEVER, EVER PLEAD FOR HIS LIFE AT THE HANDS OF A LOWLY DEATH EATER.

2. Snape is not truly evil and did not want to kill Dumbledore, but, due to the Vow, was forced to do so or face death. He is either a coward who chose his own life over Dumbledore’s, or Dumbledore knew about the vow and wanted Snape to die for him but Snape refused, or Dumbledore knew and decided that at this point, Snape’s life was more important than his own (this would cross over with option 3). The please could be Dumbledore asking Snape to die for his sake, Dumbledore pleading for his own life (patently ridiculous), or Dumbledore asking Snape to kill him. Snape’s look of loathing and revulsion was directed in some combination at himself and at what he is doing (or being asked to do).

Any one of these seems far more likely than option 1. If Snape is just a coward, then his anger at Harry calling him a coward would be a vehement refusal to accept that he is a coward. Its possible, but I don’t buy it because I don’t think we’ve seen any indication until now that Snape is in any way a coward. If he was acting on Dumbledore’s order, than his anger would be both justified, but also something of a defense mechanism (Snape feeling that even if Dumbledore did order him to do it, he should have died in place of Dumbledore). This also makes a great deal of sense because it is clear that Dumbledore does not condemn Draco at all. he considers him an innocent, and if he knew of the vow I cannot see him telling Snape and Draco to die instead of him.

3. Dumbledore and Snape were working together. They either knew it might come to this, or somehow planned in the hopes for it to happen. The former would probably indicate that Dumbledore saw Snape as being more important to the cause than himself at this point, whereas the latter might mean that this was also somehow planned in order to elevate Snape to a position in Voldemort’s confidence that is somehow essential to some other, overreaching plan. The please was Dumbledore asking Snape to go through with what he wanted him to, and the look of hatred was basically Snape’s anger at himself and the situation for this to be necessary. His anger at being called a coward was justified, but also to a degree a defense mechanism against Snape’s belief that somehow he should have been dying in place of Dumbledore.

This, along with option 2, seems the most likely to me. Dumbledore’s please was most certainly not pleading for his life, which would seem to point to him asking Snape to do what they thought he had too. It would explain why Snape saved Dumbledore’s life, refused to hurt Harry when they dueled, etc. If Snape’s repentance had a reason as profound as Dumbledore seemed to think it was, it would fit in well with this. It would also mean that even in death, Dumbledore’s wisdom would help in the defeat of Voldemort. Also, this would explain what Snape "didn't want to do" according Hagrid's words about his argument with DD. There are also hints that Snape worked to protect several people towards the end (Ron and Ginny saying that someone was deflecting curses, etc.)

4. Snape is working alone, playing both sides against the middle in some game too complex to figure out at this point. We can’t really guess what anything means, because his plan is so insanely complicated.

About as likely #1 (I.e. not at all). Just as its not JKR’s style to have things be so simple, it is also not her style to suddenly introduce this sort of long-term scheming, independent of the two factions, this late in the game.

Personally, I’m leaning towards #3, but could buy #2 as well.

[Puma]

Just finished reading. I knew it was coming and I knew who it was going to be from the chapter titles but still...knocked the breath from me and made reading the last two chapters terribly difficult. It really is the only way Harry come complete his heroic journey but still...Hagrid carrying him down the aisle...

even with the ending I enjoyed this book. the characters grew, good mix of action, and a lot of questions to keep us busy till book seven.

as for R.A.B.?











Regelus A. Black, perchance

[Peter]

Just finished reading. I knew it was coming and I knew who it was going to be from the chapter titles but still...knocked the breath from me and made reading the last two chapters terribly difficult. It really is the only way Harry come complete his heroic journey but still...Hagrid carrying him down the aisle...

even with the ending I enjoyed this book. the characters grew, good mix of action, and a lot of questions to keep us busy till book seven.

as for R.A.B.?











Regelus A. Black, perchance

...

*screams*

Damn it, I totally missed that! Well spotted :).

[Inkthinker]

I gotta admit, Rowling hoodwinked me. She dangled a bit of obvious in my face and I bit it.

I thought for certain that the Half-Blood Prince was Tom Riddle.

I mean, it made sense... he was a genius, he was cruel, and Rowling went out of her way to make sure we knew he was a half-blood. I figured for certain that Harry was getting notes out of Voldemort's old textbook.

But Snape... of course it was Snape, he's the goddamn Potions master. *whack forehead*

So, props to Rowling, I did not give her enough credit.

So, onto the second Big Deal, which is the Dumbledore/Snape scene...

I'm inclined to go with option 3 up there. Dumbledore's final plea is for Snape to do what needs to be done. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that perhaps Dumbledore's creeping dead arm was the sign of somehing akin to cancer, a spreading ailment that would have killed him anyhow. He made a deal with Dumbledore to sacrifice everything in order to become Voldemort's go-to guy.

Yowza. I may pray a little every day that nothing prevents Alan Rickman from continuing to reprise his role in the films, because I am going to soak up every twist of his features as he rips out that final scene... he IS Severus Snape, in my mind as I read (as opposed to the kids, who I have to admit all kind of fade in and out).

Someone asked when the kids got this horny... well, they are 15-17, and last I checked teens about that age think of little else. Something to do with hormones... at any rate, I believe "snogging" just refers to "making out", not anything much more entertaining... though I could be wrong, I'm barely coherent in the Queen's English.

:D

Good damn book. Kept me going right up to the end. And I hope she does make the next book a bit more of a "road trip", it'd be nice to step away from Hogwarts for the Big Finale. I'll be looking forward to it.

[twilight]

Do we know the title of the last book yet?

For some reason I love the sound of 'Harry Potter and the nine inch nails'.

Trent Reznor is a Death eater.

[Michael P]

And Snape -- the bastard! He was evil all along! Harry was right! Of course the big issue is that it's left unresolved *why* Dumbledore ever trusted him in the first place. Dumbledore mentions repeatedly through the story that Snape has his total and complete trust, but we never find out the details of that.
Or was he? Remember, he swore the Unbreakable Oath at the beginning to help Draco or to finish the job for him if necessary. When it came to the end, he had no choice but to kill Dumbledore or die. So the question becomes, did he swear the oath out of loyalty to Voldemort, or to keep up his cover as a double agent? I think there's room to breathe on that, and the final fate and full history of Severus Snape will no doubt be a key plot point in the final book.

As for the Half-Blood Prince, I was convinced about halfway through that it was Lily Evans.

[Sheldon]

Just finished.....very good book. I enjoyed it more than OOTP, and the ending had much more impact and so many questions now.

I don't think Snape is competely evil. I think either he and Dumbledore were both in on it, or he is playing his own game. I'm gonna have to go and reread things to try and sort it out.

The Regulus Black Theory about the horcrux is interesting...I wonder if the one's R.A.B has have been destroyed.

I look forward to book 7 I wonder if Harry will not return to Hogwarts as he mentions in the last chapter. It will be a very different book without the backdrop of the school. I wonder if JK would write the last book without classes, exams, quiditch, etc.

There is just too much going through my brain now....

[Hiromi]

Just finished reading. I knew it was coming and I knew who it was going to be from the chapter titles but still...knocked the breath from me and made reading the last two chapters terribly difficult. It really is the only way Harry come complete his heroic journey but still...Hagrid carrying him down the aisle...

even with the ending I enjoyed this book. the characters grew, good mix of action, and a lot of questions to keep us busy till book seven.

as for R.A.B.?











Regelus A. Black, perchance


That's...that's...bloody Brilliant!

[Scubbily]

The R.A.B. theory about Regulus already destroying the horcrux has got to be the only solution. Because Voldemort wouldn't have killed him personally (Sirius says that Regulus was killed directly by Voldemort in OotP). So the horcuxes that are definately gone are the old Riddle diary, and the Gaunt family ring, and possibly the Slytherin locket, so there are 4, possibly 5, horcruxes still out there. Wonder how big the 7th book is gonna be.

[Sheldon]

I also like how they explained why Defense against the Dark Arts teachers have never made it longer than a year....

[Scubbily]

Personally, I was shocked to find Snape was the Half-Blood Prince! I had bets going with other people and none of us had even suspected him as being a half-blood, mainly because he's an ASSHOLE about half-bloods and muggle-borns. I read this book extremely fast, cuz it was so damn good. I approximate 10hrs 20min. Give or take 20-30 minutes.

[Scubbily]

Or was he? Remember, he swore the Unbreakable Oath at the beginning to help Draco or to finish the job for him if necessary. When it came to the end, he had no choice but to kill Dumbledore or die. So the question becomes, did he swear the oath out of loyalty to Voldemort, or to keep up his cover as a double agent? I think there's room to breathe on that, and the final fate and full history of Severus Snape will no doubt be a key plot point in the final book.

As for the Half-Blood Prince, I was convinced about halfway through that it was Lily Evans.
The reason Snape HAD to kill Dumbledore was that he would die if he didn't, I still think he would have done it even if he hadn't made the oath. And by the way, WAS Lily half-blood, I vaguely recall Snape calling her a mudblood in one of those flashbacks. Mudblood can mean either muggle-born(ie Draco calling Hermione a mudblood) or half-blood(ie the meaning of the word being denotation of anyone not with pureblood).

EDIT:HOW COULD I BE SO STUPID???!!! Lily Evans was a muggle-born, therefore she couldn't be the prince, and since Prince is a surname there is now way she could have been from the family, Prince.

[adamthered]

Wow, wow, wow. Finished it in about 12 hours.

Lots of good stuff revealed. Nice setup for the finale.

2-3 years, that child's play compated to having waited for Martin to finished A Feast for Crows :D

[PerfectBrak]

I'm inclined to go with option 3 up there. Dumbledore's final plea is for Snape to do what needs to be done. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that perhaps Dumbledore's creeping dead arm was the sign of somehing akin to cancer, a spreading ailment that would have killed him anyhow. He made a deal with Dumbledore to sacrifice everything in order to become Voldemort's go-to guy.


I agree, IMO it doesn't add up for Snape to have been by Dumbledores side all along just to kill him years later. Dumbledore seems to plead for Severus to kill him, indicating an alternate plan. Snape's excuses to Bellatrix and Narcissa were good, but not entirely convincing. He could have killed Harry while escaping with Draco from Hogwarts, but instead just reflected curses from hitting himself. Claiming Harry was for Voldemort to kill is another lie.

Anyway, I thought the book was great! While I figured Malfoy's mission was to kill Dumbledore, I never anticipated Snape being the Half-Blood Prince. How obvious it is now! I also thought Tonks was bitten by a werewolf; I think I fall for every red herring!

The romance parts were done well, though Ron and Hermione have yet to kiss. Everything Luna Lovegood says makes me at least chuckle. The flashbacks in the pensieve were great.

Ughhhh so long for the next book!!

[Jasper]

I loved Luna as the commentator for quiddich She was so funny. I had a hunch it may be Snape as the Half Blood Prince because of the potions book. Snape was a potions master, but I wasn't a hundred percent sure untill Snape said so himself at the end. Hermione revealing the name of Snape's mother was just wrapping the package up tightly.

I also go for option 3 because(asside from all the other reasons listed IE. The unbreakable vow) Snape also tried to prevent Harry from doing any of the unforgivable curses while he was deflecting them. He kept Harry from doing something he would regret later.

In this book I noticed a big difference in Harry. In the past books he wasn't as likely to tell the teachers and other adults what was going on or what hunches he had. He was spilling his guts to every one he thought would listen and actually believe him. It surprised me how much more talkative Harry had become.

[Puma]

I’ve been pondering Snape’s actions for most of the day, and I’ve come to the conclusion that his behavior- from his time as a student onward- is based on his unrequited love for Lily Evans (Potter). Hear me out: his worst memory was that of James’ tormenting him which ended with Lil