Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince- Spoilers [Archive]

Matt_Bernius

18-Jul-2005, 03:22 AM

Ok... finished it. Wasn't planning to, but I really needed the brain candy.

My thoughts:

1. Its her best work. I'm not sure its the best book in the series, but it is the best written. A huge improvement from Order of the Pheonix, which I thought was a huge step backwards. The Order was repetitive and poorly paced. The Half Blood Prince moves a solid clip and makes great use of series continuity. It also is a far more intimate book and wisely eschews the drawn out, over the top action movie climax of the previous novel for a much more smaller, but impactful final conflict.

2. Without spoiling the death, I can say I am disapointed about who delivered the final blow. I had really expected that character to take a very different arc. I still, strangely, hope for some for redemption, but I just don't see it happening. If it doesn't, then it is an unfortunate waste of a promising character.

3. I'm excited about how the ending may turn the formula on its ear for the final book. It will be interesting to see if Rowling sticks to her guns on this. I really don't see how the larger task can be completed if she doesn't.

Overall its a great penultimate work.

- Matt

Davey Bones

18-Jul-2005, 10:29 AM

2. Without spoiling the death, I can say I am disapointed about who delivered the final blow. I had really expected that character to take a very different arc. I still, strangely, hope for some for redemption, but I just don't see it happening. If it doesn't, then it is an unfortunate waste of a promising character.
- Matt

I'm not the least bit surprised. If the next step is to take the series out of Hogwarts and into the real world, I think it was necessary for all of Harry's illusions about the world to be dropped. That included Hogwarts being a safe place. Plus the youth involved will probably be the one who is redeemed, which seems more fitting for the series. Besides, this killer fits so perfectly with James and Lily!

Matt_Bernius

18-Jul-2005, 12:22 PM

Ok, we're not going to name names but we're defintely into spoiler territory here. If you keep reading things may become abundantly clear:

I'm not the least bit surprised. If the next step is to take the series out of Hogwarts and into the real world, I think it was necessary for all of Harry's illusions about the world to be dropped. That included Hogwarts being a safe place.That was the predictable part. Though I thought the death would be enough. However this was far more satisfying.

Plus the youth involved will probably be the one who is redeemed, which seems more fitting for the series. Besides, this killer fits so perfectly with James and Lily!Actually I've always was expecting that would be the one character that Harry was wrong about. I still am to some degree. I think they killers arc makes far more sense if thats the case (and with the curse in place something may still happen). But I'll wait until things are far more spoiled before I expand on that idea as it will become impossible to mask their idenity and still make my point.

And I think it would have been a far more poignent (and darker) story if the youth was not able to rehabilitated. It would speak the overall stupidity and cruelty of V's side. Further it would strengthen the entire "war on terror" alegory that she's been playing on.

- Matt

Davey Bones

18-Jul-2005, 12:25 PM

You caught that, didn't you? I got about halfway through and said, "gee, this is seen in a different light, especially after the London bombings".

I'm going to be interested to see the character development that comes along with this story. I have high hopes for book #7.

Anth

18-Jul-2005, 12:28 PM

So do I, especially after the last few chapters. Theres a lot of stuff in them that directly influences the entire (not just one thread of it) next book.

I am trying not to give any spoilers just yet. I will wait until I have finished my re-read :)

Matt_Bernius

18-Jul-2005, 12:31 PM

You caught that, didn't you? I got about halfway through and said, "gee, this is seen in a different light, especially after the London bombings".Its been running since the last book. But yeah, I kept thinking about the London Bombings and wondering how this book might have changed if it was released a year from now.

This is definitely the "strikes back" of the HP series.

- Matt

Kwajman

18-Jul-2005, 02:22 PM

I'd heard it was kinda dark in subject....

R Strausbaugh

19-Jul-2005, 04:41 AM

OK, since we're not being specific with the spoilers, I won't go into detail about what I'm about to say, at least not until most everyone who will read the book has done so. I'll just give the bare bones.

I don't believe that the person who was "killed" is really dead.

Not just a "gut feeling", I have real, tangible reasons for coming to that conclusion. As I said, I'll post my reasons later, but remember this: you heard it here first.

minibruce757

19-Jul-2005, 04:45 AM

i wish i had the time to read straight through a whole harry potter book. maybe i should buy it tomorrow. im leaving on the 20th. first im leaving here from va, then stopping in baltimore and sittin in the airport for FOUR HOURS...until the next 5 hour flight to seattle. that book would reallllly give me something to do. well i better leave this thread now..my eyes cant resist a good spoiler, but if its harry potter i gotta find out myself :D

mystererae

19-Jul-2005, 06:52 AM

2. Without spoiling the death, I can say I am disapointed about who delivered the final blow. I had really expected that character to take a very different arc. I still, strangely, hope for some for redemption, but I just don't see it happening. If it doesn't, then it is an unfortunate waste of a promising character.

Two comments: does anyone think that RAB could be Regulus Black?

And, as for the redemption of the aforementioned character's killer, I am also hoping for redemption. For all we know the character could have had a prior agreement with his killer -- he could have been giving his killer final resolve to carry out the act...

Greyghost

19-Jul-2005, 08:19 AM

. Without spoiling the death, I can say I am disapointed about who delivered the final blow. I had really expected that character to take a very different arc. I still, strangely, hope for some for redemption, but I just don't see it happening. If it doesn't, then it is an unfortunate waste of a promising character.

ok...here are my theories.....listen closely...

1. the character who carried out the killing curse may have been someone else disguised using the polyjuice potion ( harry did not check the map afterwards so who knows)

2. They may have been under the imperious curse.

3. Although the character made the unbreakable vow and cast the killing curse, he may have been in league with the deceased, in order to let the deceased carry out his plans without being further pursued by Voldemort.

4. The deceased let himself be killed in order to give the killer more credit in the eyes of Lord Voldemort and perhaps gain further trust and more secrets, which he could pass onto the order.

5. What happened to the deceased's hand, and why was it never fully explained.

6. If pheonix tears can heal , what does it song do ?....which was sang at the funeral.

7. Harry is a Horcrux for one part of Voldemorts soul, which would explain why harry has some of Voldemorts powers and abilities. Also why they are connected through his scar.

book seven is gonna be fab.

Anth

19-Jul-2005, 09:34 AM

does anyone think that RAB could be Regulus Black? That was my thinking, but I cant remember what his middle name was (if he had one). V killed him because he knew where it was/stole it? :)

GG - some good thinking there. I think "the deceased"'s hand was caused by the ring (one of the horcruxes). The amount of evil in it damaged them, or weakened them? (using "them" instead of him/her). Or V had put some kind of protection around it before anyone could even get it?

Matt_Bernius

19-Jul-2005, 12:44 PM

Grey,

It was definitely the killer. I don't think any form of polyjuice potion was involved.

Though their actions afterwards (including their reluctance to fight directly) suggests that this may have been part of a larger plan.

The possibility that the victim had some part in planning thier demise makes sense. The idea that the victim is still alive seems somewhat unlikely for that character.

The idea of harry as the final Horcrux occured to me as well. Though it probably wasn't intentional. Dumbledor has made a comment in the past that perhaps Lord Voldemort accidently left a bit of himself behind. If so that bodes quite ominously for Potter's future.

- Matt

Linguo

21-Jul-2005, 04:37 PM

Grey,

It was definitely the killer. I don't think any form of polyjuice potion was involved.

Though their actions afterwards (including their reluctance to fight directly) suggests that this may have been part of a larger plan.

- Matt

I support this theory, largely because of the events prior to the deceased being, well, deceased. I was particularly interested by the deceased's constant requests for the killer, the fact that the killer didnt kill certain people when the killer could have, and the final plea of the deceased to the killer.

BoxBabaX

22-Jul-2005, 07:17 AM

Just finished reading it, wow, good thoughts guys, i think book 7 will be great.

Infrazael

22-Jul-2005, 09:05 AM

Very good. I like Harry Potter simply because it's just great fun reading them. Not too emotional, not too dark, but just plain fun. However, this was the most emotional/dark of the bunch. . . . . .

But there are still many other higher quality books out there.

Stephen Kings "Dark Tower 7-Tale Series." Check these books out if you want a TRULY AMAZING tale that will make you laugh, cry, angry, and extremely perplexed and amazed. It has a beauty and haunting edge to it that Potter will NEVER be able to have.

That's my 2 cents.

As for the theory. . . . who knows? I for some reason thinks Dumbledore is DEAD, and will REMAIN DEAD. Why? Because this is necessary for Harry's Growth. It proves that Dumbledore is still human, can be killed, and adds immensely to the amount of terror Voldemort is generating. Without Dumbledore. . . .. who will stop him?

I think Harry will sacrifice himself as a Horcrux. What was the Prophecy again??? "Neither can live while the other survives. . . . " (correct me if I'm wrong).

If Harry is a Horcrux, then he must die also for Voldemort to die.

Peace

LJoll

22-Jul-2005, 04:16 PM

I think Harry will sacrifice himself as a Horcrux. What was the Prophecy again??? "Neither can live while the other survives. . . . " (correct me if I'm wrong).

If Harry is a Horcrux, then he must die also for Voldemort to die.

Peace

I thought that for a second. But wouldn't it be the other way around? Neither can live if the other dies, or something.

glo_in_da_dark

23-Jul-2005, 02:11 AM

i don't think harry could be a horcrux because voldemort was trying to kill him in order to create one, so i don't see how he would of let part of his soul infiltrate through his enemy's whole being, though i see where y'all are coming from (his connection with voldemort's senses and parseltongue).

if this theory about him being a horcrux is true, i'm kinda hoping harry dies while killing Voldemort in the 7th book. somehow, that seems like a more satisfying way to end this 7 book series.

enjoyed this book much better than the "Order of the Phoenix" (i still seriously believe Rowling did not write this book), but this can't surpass "The Goblet of Fire" in my opinion. I mean, seriously, the identity of half-blood prince was soooo predictable! (though i never could have guessed that dumbledore would have died.... yes, i believe he's dead as a doornail.) And what's with harry's sudden jolt of puberty? (5th and 6th books) it's not fitting.

what i don't get is that dumbledore said harry was pure in heart. honestly, would you call an adolescent whose every fiber of his soul wants to destroy another wizard and daydreams of "snogging" girls is "pure in heart"? i don't think so...

i have a theory. y'all remember how draco couldn't kill Dumbledore? well, considering his dad's name means "light" in latin ("Lucius"), i think draco will team up with harry in his fear that voldemort will kill his family. highly unlikely, but not impossible, yes?

Another Muay Thai Guy

23-Jul-2005, 04:16 PM

Anth

23-Jul-2005, 04:22 PM

Someone pointed this out to me yesterday.

R.A.B. is most probably Regalus Black as previously suggested. The reason? Half way down page 108 of Order of the Phoenix, "a heavy LOCKET which none of them could open" was removed from the glass cabinet during the house cleaning.
Clouts head with said book

I read that bit the day before HBP came out! Its one of those throw-away comments that you think nowt of :bang:

cavallin

23-Jul-2005, 04:23 PM

if you go to mugglenet.com there is loads of exciting info :)
like the triple bluff of snape.
he kills dumbledore to make voldermort believe he is still on his side. JK said "no comment" if asked that apparently someone else was there when harry's parents were killed...
i hate finishing the book so quick. number 7 wont be out for years :(
can someone explain what happened though because i keep re-reading and getting confused...
why does harry get frozen, who freezes him...does dumbledore freeze him so dumbledore was off guard to malfoy disarming him in the time it took him to freeze harry? why did he freeze harry?? he could have saved him? is it cos he wanted to die. anywho somebody help me...

Anth

23-Jul-2005, 05:18 PM

can someone explain what happened though because i keep re-reading and getting confused...
why does harry get frozen, who freezes him...does dumbledore freeze him so dumbledore was off guard to malfoy disarming him in the time it took him to freeze harry? why did he freeze harry?? he could have saved him? is it cos he wanted to die. anywho somebody help me...
Dumbledore freezes Harry (Harry only hears the disarming charm that Malfoy yelled, then realises DD used the charm without speaking it). I think its because DD knew his time was up. He was already weak from drinking the potion for the "horcrux", his reactions were getting slower, and he was generally old. He froze Harry because he knew he would try and save him (remember that Harry told Scrimgeour that he was "Dumbledore's man").

All of that is what I think (I am on my third reading of it :D)

Britzy

23-Jul-2005, 05:44 PM

Yeah.... im not too sure about dumbledore knowing his time was up though...he seemed confident when talking to malfoy and then when snape comes his attitude changes and he begs for his life..but i agree he froze harry to stop him interfering.....(ive only read it once so may have got something wrong)

oh an any thoughts on who R.A.B is or what it stands for?i think that was it wernt it?

Anth

23-Jul-2005, 06:30 PM

RAB - Most people are thinking Regulus Black, and given what ATKDG mentioned, I am thinking the same. In book 5 it says he was murdered by (or on his orders) Voldemort. Maybe he was murdered for nicking that horcrux?

chevelle2291

23-Jul-2005, 08:11 PM

Found this on another site:

Shouldn't we consider the possibility that R.A.B isn't just one person? at the end of page 577 in HBP Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of the time, states "The protection was...after all... well-designed ... one alone could not have done it." So perhaps R.A.B. is two, possibly three people?

Admittedly though, R.A.B. does use the word "I" when referring to himself 7 times in the letter inside of the fake horcrux. it is just a thought though.

Artice

24-Jul-2005, 03:34 AM

Dumbledore freezes Harry (Harry only hears the disarming charm that Malfoy yelled, then realises DD used the charm without speaking it). I think its because DD knew his time was up. He was already weak from drinking the potion for the "horcrux", his reactions were getting slower, and he was generally old. He froze Harry because he knew he would try and save him (remember that Harry told Scrimgeour that he was "Dumbledore's man").

Dumbledore's death is probably a part of a much more complex master plan that he has devised for Voldemort's demise. Im still wondering why Fawkes the phoenix did not help dumbledore in his time of need(part of the plan?).

I still have this stupid theory that DD is an animagus, it says in page 601- last paragraph

"Harry thought for one heart stopping moment, that he saw a phoenix fly joyfully into the blue"

As for the R.A.B theory it could be true as it says in the book he died 2 days after betraying a very angry Lord Voldemort.

I've heard that J.K has already finished Book 7 just waiting for the proofreading and publication, should be done in a couple of years

chevelle2291

24-Jul-2005, 03:49 AM

xplasma

24-Jul-2005, 04:33 AM

Ok I AM GOING TO MENTION NAMES BECAUSE THE THREAD NAME SAIDS *Spoilers*

Snape killed Dumbledore on Dumbledore's orders and is still working for the Order even though no one knows it.

Why?

1. Snape gets VERY upset at Harry for calling him a coward. Why? A standard response would be a snide remark about "nobility." However, Snape starts yelling because killing Dumbledore was the hardest and bravest thing he ever done. He was the only member of the order that could carry out the task. Why was he asked? it could be that Dumbledore knew he was ending his life or the unbreakable vow or maybe we simply don't know why yet.

2. During the Snape/Harry Duel Snape saids some interesting things. Now there is the obvious that he wasn't attacking Harry and yelled at the Death Eater who did, but that could of been Voldemort's orders. However, Snape said something to the effect of "blocked blocked agin Potter, who always will be until to learn to close you mind and shut your mouth." At first that seems like a taunt, but it really advice. Snape is blocking all Harry's spells before he even finishes them because he is reading Harry's mind, then Harry still has to speak it. Snape is telling Harry if we wishes to defeat Voldemort he needs to close his mind away (Occumelcy) and master non-verbal spells, so his opponent doesn't know whats coming. Second, Snape gets upset that Harry is using unforgivable spells on him. I believe Snape snide remark was a way of telling him that he should not seccum into the Dark Arts.

Does Snape like Harry? No way. However, I believe he knows he needs Harry to defeat the Dark Lord, as per Dumbledore's orders.

Anth

24-Jul-2005, 11:12 AM

Hey guys,

I was sifting through a bunch of Harry Potter web sites and I found something that made me stop and think? Why didn't Harry use the time-turner thing that was in Azkaban (correct me if I'm wrong)?
The time-turner will have been returned to the Ministry of Magic, and the DA destroyed almost (if not all) of the time-turners during the battles in book 5.

Good thinking x :)

Just another thought about horcruxes: it is said near the end that Harry was planning on going back to his parents house. Could there be a horcrux there? Maybe V realised what was happening (when the curse rebounded) and used Lily or James's death to make a horcrux?

cavallin

26-Jul-2005, 03:25 PM

personally i think there is something fishy about fang and hagrid :D
i reckon that 24 hour time slot he spent saving harry and going to dumbledore has something in it. and fang might be someone animagus thingy...who? just putting stuff out there :P

Falcore

27-Jul-2005, 02:34 AM

Snape also tells Harry not to use Unforgivable curses which fits in with Harry's only strength against Voldemort being love, not hate.

eagelclaw

27-Jul-2005, 02:10 PM

I agree with xplasmas theory above…..it makes a lot of sense to me.

cavallin

27-Jul-2005, 03:37 PM

godric's hollow has something to do with it too, harry said he would go visit it. it also is sort of named after godric griffindor, an object voldemort wanted for a horcrux...and what happened to voldermorts body? remember in the riddle house in GoF their bodies looked perfectly healthy apart that thye were dead, so the bodies are still there its just the soul that dies.
what happened to his body, and apparently someone else was there when harry's parents got murdered. what are your theories on why voldermort didnt die when he tried to kill harry (because the spell backfired remember) was it because of his horcruxes?

Maverick

29-Jul-2005, 11:24 AM

ok...here are my theories.....listen closely...
4. The deceased let himself be killed in order to give the killer more credit in the eyes of Lord Voldemort and perhaps gain further trust and more secrets, which he could pass onto the order.

I thought this. But his last words seem to go against it.

Then again, some excellent points about Snape's dialogue afterwards. I think you could be right xplasma.

However we all know Rowling is prone to huge suprises. Shame the next book won't be out for ages!

Greyghost

29-Jul-2005, 12:48 PM

Xplasma.....

excellent work .........i hope thats what does happen.

Maverick

29-Jul-2005, 03:45 PM

Was thinking about this before.

-- blatant spoilers --

I reckon Snape was so consumed with guilt/remorse after telling Voldemort about the Prophecy, and being Snape and not being able to handle such weak emotions, he took it out on Harry ever since (not forgetting James saved him before). And that when he was trying to escape from the school he was getting incensed by Harry's 'coward' comments because of the lengths he had gone to for the Order, even killing Dumbledore to look like Voldemort's closest ally. Think about it, Snape did have plenty of time to easily kill Harry, the one prophecised to be Voldemort's match. Surely getting kicked out of Hogwarts would be a small price to pay for killing one of the two people he feared? And Dumbledore never did stop emphasising how much he trusted him...

Remember Dumbledore was already getting very old and possibly becoming too weak to fight Voldemort, and that Snape was an immensely powerful wizard himself, possibly capable of fighting Voldemort himself in place of Dumbledore. I think Dumbledore knew all along that this sacrifice had to be made. However, what doesn't quite fit in is how he begged Snape not to kill him, it could have been just for show...but it sounded genuine though.

It seems too simple for Snape to just be a real Death Eater, this idea is made too unrealistic by the sheer amount of faith in him from Dumbledore, the accomplished Legilimens and greatest wizard of all time. Plus all the times Harry had thought he was a genuine baddie, too obvious IMO. Methinks he will double-cross Voldemort in part 7.

Ho hum, see you in 2007, lol.

Strafio

29-Jul-2005, 04:06 PM

Hehe! You're all coming to the same conclusions that we did in another forum.
A few things we came up with that you lot didn't:

1) We also thought that R.A.B was Regulus who left his house to Sirius after he was killed. The house where he stashed any Horcruxes he came across. Mundungus has been looting the Black house and selling the things... Harry's going to have some artifacts to track down! :D

2) I think the reason Snape remains good is because he was in love with Lilly. Yeah, he called her a mudblood when she tried to stick up for him against James but that was just the outer snob. When he told Voldemort, I think he expected James to die, and maybe Harry but not Lilly, or maybe he didn't think he'd care. Once he finds out that Lilly died he changes heart. Dumbledore senses the "love" in him (Voldemort doesn't notice) so knows he can trust him, but has to keep it a secret from everyone.

Apparently she wrote the last chapter of book seven aaaages ago.
Maybe we won't have to wait so long for this one. :)

Maverick

29-Jul-2005, 04:29 PM

R.A.B may be Amy Benson, one of the children from the orphanage who would have been living with Voldemort over the summers where he was trying to make Horcruxes. Bear in mind the place needed no wizardry to break into, if you knew where the wall and boat were of course. You could also bring water beforehand if you knew what the green stuff would do. Remember Voldemort took those kids to caves in the area..

Also, apparently in book 7 something very big about Lily will be revealed. She might have even gone out with Snape before James, although I doubt Sirius would have failed to mention this.

Matt_Bernius

29-Jul-2005, 05:03 PM

On the Dumbledor begging. Its important to note that all he said was:

"Severus... please."

Nothing else. The notion of him begging for his life is Harry's interpretation of that. All the commentary is from Harry's POV.

He could very well have been begging Snape to take the final step. To be strong enough to kill him (in much the same way that Harry had to continue to force him to drink the Potion).

- Matt

Maverick

29-Jul-2005, 08:30 PM

Good point Matt.

Also they could well have communicated via Legilimency in the seconds before his death.

cavallin

29-Jul-2005, 09:44 PM

R.A.B may be Amy Benson, one of the children from the orphanage who would have been living with Voldemort over the summers where he was trying to make Horcruxes. Bear in mind the place needed no wizardry to break into, if you knew where the wall and boat were of course. You could also bring water beforehand if you knew what the green stuff would do. Remember Voldemort took those kids to caves in the area..

i was well impressed with this! it's a truly unsusual yet plausable theory...apart from the R bit!

Maverick

29-Jul-2005, 10:47 PM

Yes that's a bit of a hitch but I'll re-read the book next week and see if there's any more clues.

I still think it's fairly likely as Rowling has a tendency to fleetingly mention seemingly unimportant characters (such as this Amy person) and then in later chapters/books they turn out to be much more important. Regulus seems a little too obvious, despite matching up with R A B (if his middle name begins with A).

Maverick

31-Jul-2005, 12:46 AM

2) I think the reason Snape remains good is because he was in love with Lilly. Yeah, he called her a mudblood when she tried to stick up for him against James but that was just the outer snob. When he told Voldemort, I think he expected James to die, and maybe Harry but not Lilly, or maybe he didn't think he'd care. Once he finds out that Lilly died he changes heart. Dumbledore senses the "love" in him (Voldemort doesn't notice) so knows he can trust him, but has to keep it a secret from everyone.

You could be onto something here, these are apparently 'facts';

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.

Something HUGE will be revealed about Lily Potter.

Also, Slughorn was complimenting Harry's Potions ability when he was using Snape's old book, yet was telling him how good Lily was and how he must have inherited it from her? So Lily and Snape were probably in the same Potions class, and perhaps equally as good at it...another link there.

Dumbledore also puts such an emphasis on love, being the strength Harry has that Voldemort doesn't, that seeing love in Snape made him trust him, and means Snape isn't evil afterall.

So hmmmmm :cool: :confused:

oosh

31-Jul-2005, 03:08 AM

I think that R.A.B will be Regulus; although as it has been pointed out this may seem too obvious, it is also important to take into to account such a wide audience the book has - to most adults it seems obvious I think most children who have not seen it so blatantly. If you notice in R.K writing style and past "clues" they have many different levels in complexity. From her perspective you can imagine that she needs to adress her younger readers - some may not have worked it out yet, some will have and will proably be quite pleased with themselves and ofcourse some will have seen it straight away.
I think the "Lily Snape" idea is probably right, if you read throughout the books Snape is always refering Harry to James in a negative light and not once does he even mention Lily in relation to Harry. Harry not only reminded him of his school nemesis, but the guy the who got his girl also. I think all clues point to Snape being the double agent for the order, if you recall the arguement Hagrid overheard between DD and Snape it where snape said "he didn't want to do it anymore" it would seem to highlight that.

Maverick

31-Jul-2005, 05:28 AM

Yep. Also in 'Snape's Worst Memory' we see Lily sticking up for Snape when James and Sirius were making a fool out of him.

oosh

31-Jul-2005, 02:48 PM

yeah, and I suppose it just comes down to a common sense factor in regards to who is the best leliglimen out of Voldemort and DD - my money is on Dumbledore :D

Also on the topic of the HP series themselves, I thought the same as some of the early comments on the hype surrounding them and the fact that there are many "better" books out there. Then, I actually took the time to read them and not base my opinion on what I thought the books would be like or worse what the films were like. I'm rather fortunate in that I held this unfounded opinion up until about two months ago, when I started to read the series - so I haven't had too long to wait for HBP ;)
I for one am happy that so many people (children and adults alike) who normally who not have read for whatever reasons, have decided to start reading. All this 'hype' can only be a good thing if it gets people who would not ordinarily read - read :D As to whether there are many "better" books out there is obviously an open ended argument: yes there are books better out there (imo) but I do not believe or have not read any books out there that are better at capturing the imagination of kids and adults or better still a parent and a child simultaneously.
I feel that JK success and what imo sets a fiction writer apart from the crowd is the ability to let the reader escape from the mundane world we live in, after that's what alot of people want. Middle Earth, Douglas Adam's Universe and the Wizarding world have alot of similarities in this respect. It's the unviversal nature of the books which I think adds the magic (pardon the pun), escapism that's what people want.

cavallin

31-Jul-2005, 09:03 PM

very nicely said :) i also read somehwere that hary's EYE COLOUR (!?) was very important ( have i said this before?) its the same colour of avada kedavra curse? same as lily's eyes why is it so important! think?

Maverick

01-Aug-2005, 03:41 AM

Of course. Snape looks at Harry and sees Lily.

Lefty

01-Aug-2005, 04:02 AM

Of course. Snape looks at Harry and sees Lily.
Then why would he be such a jerk to him? I'd wonder if he'd see any Lily through all the James he so hates.

Mushroom

01-Aug-2005, 02:06 PM

You already read the title of thread so if you read this and become upset then its your ow bloody fault

OK I'm thinking that Snape is really Harry's Father He had a fling with Lily Potter which explains why Slughorn is constantly making references to Harry's mum even though he was not using her book but his.
Snape then goes and kills Voldemort to protect Harry but not witout killing himself.
Snape, Dumbledore and Voldemort (now Tom Riddle) stay in Hogwarts as ghosts.

oh wait.....wrong movie.

Does anyone else think that book 7 is basically gonna be like The Young Adventures of Indiana Jones but with JK Rowlin characters?
:D

cavallin

01-Aug-2005, 02:22 PM

so why does everyone say harry is like his dad...eww snape harry's dad not nice!

Matt_Bernius

01-Aug-2005, 05:37 PM

I can't see Snape as being Harry's Father. That doesn't make sense. But, on a slightly different note, have we ever confirmed that Lilly was in Griffendor? What if she was a Slitheran? We know she was a favorite of the head of the house.

- Matt

eagelclaw

01-Aug-2005, 05:59 PM

the idea of snape being harry's father seems quiet farfetched...i couldent see it happening :Alien:

Strafio

01-Aug-2005, 06:12 PM

Nah. Harry looks far too much like his father for that, and Lilly and James were supposed to be very tight. Nice try though. :)

Maverick

01-Aug-2005, 09:17 PM

Then why would he be such a jerk to him? I'd wonder if he'd see any Lily through all the James he so hates.

That's exactly why he hates him so much, because he can't stand seeing her eyes.

Lefty

01-Aug-2005, 09:57 PM

That's exactly why he hates him so much, because he can't stand seeing her eyes.

-Bzzzzzzzt-

Doesn't work. If there's a soft, squishy part of Severus Snape, it might well be Lily. I don't think he'd wrath out about it.

oosh

01-Aug-2005, 10:37 PM

I'd imagine that it will be Lily's eyes in Harry that may induce Snape to save Harry in some way in the seventh book.

Maverick

02-Aug-2005, 01:25 AM

-Bzzzzzzzt-

Doesn't work. If there's a soft, squishy part of Severus Snape, it might well be Lily. I don't think he'd wrath out about it.

But don't you see that someone as badass as Snape (who I don't think is 'evil' as such, but is certainly dark) would hate to be reminded of his own weakness and emotions like regret, love etc?

oosh

02-Aug-2005, 02:04 AM

"But don't you see that someone as badass as Snape (who I don't think is 'evil' as such, but is certainly dark) would hate to be reminded of his own weakness and emotions like regret, love etc?"

I don't think that's the case. I think Harry reminds him of the mistakes he has made in his life: In terms of Lily and "what might have been" between them, the death of Lily which was in part his fault and of course the constant reminder of James in Harry ( and all the stigma attached with James). After all, Snape knows that it was his ability to regret and love, that Dumbledore recognised in him; and led to his second chance.

Lefty

02-Aug-2005, 03:17 AM

But don't you see that someone as badass as Snape (who I don't think is 'evil' as such, but is certainly dark) would hate to be reminded of his own weakness and emotions like regret, love etc?

-shrug-

i don't see it, but a good writer (as Rowling is) could make anything true and believable. Snape... er, professor Snape is all about getting back at James through Harry. I don't think he's evil or he would have let Quirrell knock him off his broom at his first quiddich match, etc. I can't see his love for Lily as being the source for his cruelty.

I think a key we're missing so far is what Dumbledore knew about Snape that made him trust him. I don't doubt that Snape was operating within the parameters of the Unbreakable Vow. If he didn't follow through, he'd die. My guess is that he discussed this with Dumbledore and they both agreed that to achieve an unrevealed objective, Snape must kill him if it came to it.

Shantari

05-Aug-2005, 05:03 AM

ok...here are my theories.....listen closely...

1. the character who carried out the killing curse may have been someone else disguised using the polyjuice potion ( harry did not check the map afterwards so who knows)

2. They may have been under the imperious curse.

3. Although the character made the unbreakable vow and cast the killing curse, he may have been in league with the deceased, in order to let the deceased carry out his plans without being further pursued by Voldemort.

4. The deceased let himself be killed in order to give the killer more credit in the eyes of Lord Voldemort and perhaps gain further trust and more secrets, which he could pass onto the order.

5. What happened to the deceased's hand, and why was it never fully explained.

6. If pheonix tears can heal , what does it song do ?....which was sang at the funeral.

7. Harry is a Horcrux for one part of Voldemorts soul, which would explain why harry has some of Voldemorts powers and abilities. Also why they are connected through his scar.

book seven is gonna be fab.
interesting, i was thinking the same exact thing. I mostly agree with the imperius and polyjuice potions ideas

Maverick

05-Aug-2005, 09:35 AM

I think that's very doubtful mate. I doubt a wizard as powerful as Snape could be Imperius'd. The polyjuice thing is unlikely as well, judging by what Snape said to Harry afterwards. Also, why do it?

cavallin

05-Aug-2005, 12:04 PM

Lefty

05-Aug-2005, 01:41 PM

no i think he is still secretly on harry's side. there are a lot of very subbtle hints in the book that mention he will help harry.im more curious about what will happen at goddric's hollow and stuff, damn it i cant wait that long. well ill probably forget about it all in a few moonths but still!

No doubt. I'm eager too, but I don't look forward to the feeling of emptiness that will likely come when I know there will be no more Harry Potter books to wait for. I suppose there will be a bit of an upswing waiting for the last of the films, but I always feel critical of them and their deviations from the books.

Infrazael

08-Aug-2005, 03:46 AM

Snape is NOT Harry's father. I've thought about this too, but . . . . .

remember the Mirror of Erised? (or something like that, whatever the spelling).

Artice

08-Aug-2005, 06:41 AM

Or perhaps he looks at Harry as a son he should've had with Lily.

Greyghost

08-Aug-2005, 11:20 AM

Snape is NOT Harry's father. I've thought about this too, but . . . . .

remember the Mirror of Erised? (or something like that, whatever the spelling).

easy to remember the spelling Erised is Desire Backwards ( not very original - but then again , it is a MIRROR image of the word , so maybe it is clever!!!)

Matt_Bernius

08-Aug-2005, 12:25 PM

A bigger question in my mind is:

Is Harry a Horcrux?

There are a number of clues to support this idea:

Horcruxes are created when the wizard who wishes to split his soul kills someone. Voldemort could have intended to create a Horcrux with his killing of Harry. However, as far as we understand Lilly blocked the curse, dying for Harry. This could be why the curse backfired and destroyed Voldemort's body.

It is in this same moment that Harry recieves his scar, his connection with Voldemort, and as far as we can tell the parselmouth skills. Even Dumbledor remarks that Voldemort may have left a bit of himself inside of Harry.

We also know that Harry appartently is able to make contact in some form with Nagini the snake, who Dumbledor suspects as being a Horcrux as well. And it was also Harry's blood that helped restore Voldemort. Perhaps there was more involved than simply "Blood of the foe."

- Matt

Lefty

08-Aug-2005, 01:16 PM

A bigger question in my mind is:

Is Harry a Horcrux?
...
I might consider putting stock in that. It makes sense partly, but how does it work with the prophecy?
`The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies . and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not . and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives . the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies .'
Snape relayed this to the big V. Voldemort went to kill Harry (maybe Nevelle was in line after Harry). Knowing the prophecy, would he have put part of his soul in someone he'd rather have dead?
Could Voldemort have accidentally made Harry a horcrux?

Matt_Bernius

08-Aug-2005, 02:14 PM

I expect that if Harry is a Horcrux then it was completely accidental: a side effect of a number of spells going on/backfiring at once combined with Lilly's sacrifice.

- Matt

Anth

08-Aug-2005, 02:15 PM

Daft thought of the day - might V have made Harry into a Horcrux so that, if Harry tried killing him, he would have to kill himself too?

Lefty

08-Aug-2005, 02:20 PM

Daft thought of the day - might V have made Harry into a Horcrux so that, if Harry tried killing him, he would have to kill himself too?
Double-edged sword. If he wanted to kill Harry, then V would have to sacrifice a horcrux.

Lefty

08-Aug-2005, 02:21 PM

I expect that if Harry is a Horcrux then it was completely accidental: a side effect of a number of spells going on/backfiring at once combined with Lilly's sacrifice.

- Matt
It's possible. Make for a really good, but tragic ending in book 7.
I'd like to see Harry and Ginny walk off into the sunset myself.

Anth

08-Aug-2005, 02:23 PM

True, but V would still have 5 horcruxes left (6 if you include the one in himself). Whats 1/7th of your soul between nemesis'? :D

Matt_Bernius

08-Aug-2005, 02:25 PM

And all of this is assuming that V made only 7. There could be more, or could be less. Especially if one was accidentally created.

- Matt

Lefty

08-Aug-2005, 02:27 PM

True, but V would still have 5 horcruxes left (6 if you include the one in himself). Whats 1/7th of your soul between nemesis'? :D
If V were fighting Harry and had only himself and Harry the horcrux left for soul parts, that would force a spoilsport option for Harry. Sure he could kill V, but he'd also have to kill himself to rid the world of Voldemort.
Wouldn't Dumbledore have guessed that Harry may have been a Horcrux? I suppose there's plenty that DD didn't tell Harry before expiring.

Anth

08-Aug-2005, 02:27 PM

And all of this is assuming that V made only 7. There could be more, or could be less. Especially if one was accidentally created.

- Matt
Aye, the 7 was only DDs theory. Could be more, could be less.

Maverick

08-Aug-2005, 02:50 PM

Matt_Bernius

08-Aug-2005, 02:59 PM

Hang on a minute. Remember that Voldemort was trying to kill Harry. He couldn't kill him yet make a horcrux out of him at the same time. So if he *did* turn him into a horcrux then it must have been a split-second decision as the spell backfired, is this likely?We know very little about the creation of Horcruxes. All we do know is that the action of creation is somehow tied into killing. And that Voldemort killed (beginning with the female Hogwarts student in COS) at least in part to create Horcruxes (the first being his diary).

He could have been intending that Harry's death would create a Horcrux (assuming that creation happens at the same time as the death). Unfortunately (or rather fortunately) Lilly got in the way, sacrificing her life for Harry's.

IT seems the best explanation for the connection between Harry and V, as well as the strange backfiring of the Avada Cadabra curse.

- Matt

CrowZer0

08-Aug-2005, 03:20 PM

I'm dissapointed that Harry has decided to leave Hogwarts, go after Voldemort and the death eaters? He's not even fully trained yet! Come on and there is so much to do in one book, I'm hoping Dumbledore is still alive, or Snape is still a good guy, but I guess we will see, but come on Harry not going back to Hogwarts? That's insane! Go tonks and Lupin!
Oh yeh and about dumbeldores hand! Maybe he was on Polyjuice potion, remember, snape had peter pettigrew with him at the beggining of the book, and pettigrew was taking orders from snape and didnt like it, what if snape forced peter to take polyjuice potion, and dumbledore is still out there doing stuff, if voldy thinks dumbleodore is down and he gets his spy in deeper wouldnt the order have an advantage?

beef

08-Aug-2005, 03:57 PM

We know very little about the creation of Horcruxes. All we do know is that the action of creation is somehow tied into killing. And that Voldemort killed (beginning with the female Hogwarts student in COS) at least in part to create Horcruxes (the first being his diary).

He could have been intending that Harry's death would create a Horcrux (assuming that creation happens at the same time as the death). Unfortunately (or rather fortunately) Lilly got in the way, sacrificing her life for Harry's.

IT seems the best explanation for the connection between Harry and V, as well as the strange backfiring of the Avada Cadabra curse.

- Matt

Do you think you could make a Horcrux out of a dead person? One Horcrux is potentionally the snake but she is living?

Matt_Bernius

08-Aug-2005, 04:10 PM

Let me be clear here. I don't think that Harry was intended to be a Horcrux. Or that his dead body was going to be Horcrux. Just that his death was intended to be used to create a Horcrux.

It was pretty firmly stated that the act of killing seperates the soul and allows a fragment to be placed in another object. We don't know if that transfer happens at the time of the killing or is done after. Let's assume it is meant to occur at the time of the killing.

Voldemort, if Dumbledor is correct, was still short of his 6 Horcruxes at the time of the initial attack on Harry. Perhaps, in his arogance, he felt that it would be appropriate to split his soul with the death of the chosen one and use that opportunity to create a Horcrux. It would seem to match his style.

Ok. So in the process of attempting to kill Harry, and place the segement of his soul in a container (other than Harry), Lilly interceeds. That causes everything to go haywire and Voldemort's fragment is accidently placed into Harry. This unintentional seeding of Voldemort's soul accounts for:

1. The linkage between the two
2. Harry's ability to speak Parselmouth
3. The sorting hat's assertation that Harry would be good fit for Slytheren, for he in part carries a small bit of Slytheren's line within him.

But this was not intentional, Harry was not intended to actually be the Horcrux, it's just a cruel twist of prophecized fate.

- Matt

beef

08-Aug-2005, 04:16 PM

Ah I see - could well be ... I'm going to have to stop reading this thread in case it spoils the next book for me!

cavallin

08-Aug-2005, 05:38 PM

no i dont believe in that theory, because u probably have to put a spell on your object first then kill. if he already had one in mind how could it have gone in to harry?
plus it doesnt fit the profecy because harry cant kill himself to kill voldy..or maybe it has to be harry that dies...anyway, maybe voldy made the horcrux with james and left it at godrik's hollow as he was too weak to hide/take it. maybe thats what harry will find there!
i think dumbledore's hand just got hit by the avada kedavra? who could have tried to kill him on his missions?

Maverick

08-Aug-2005, 06:21 PM

Quite plausible Matt, I didn't think about the Lily thing.

Peter Bradbury

08-Aug-2005, 08:29 PM

I'd like to see Harry and Ginny walk off into the sunset myself.

That would be the nice happy ending wouldnt it.

[QUOTE=Matt_Bernius] Voldemort, if Dumbledor is correct, was still short of his 6 Horcruxes at the time of the initial attack on Harry. Perhaps, in his arogance, he felt that it would be appropriate to split his soul with the death of the chosen one and use that opportunity to create a Horcrux. It would seem to match his style.

Ok. So in the process of attempting to kill Harry, and place the segement of his soul in a container (other than Harry), Lilly interceeds. That causes everything to go haywire and Voldemort's fragment is accidently placed into Harry.[\QUOTE]

although i agree that harry probably is a horcruxe, didnt dumbeldore belive that voldermort made his snake into the final horcruxe with the killing of frank in the 4th book? which would give you the 7 (inc voldermort) and leave harry not being one of them.

gaz shaw

08-Aug-2005, 09:07 PM

we dont know for definate what the other horcruxes are though do we.

Strafio

08-Aug-2005, 09:49 PM

Ok. So in the process of attempting to kill Harry, and place the segement of his soul in a container (other than Harry), Lilly interceeds. That causes everything to go haywire and Voldemort's fragment is accidently placed into Harry.

He then took another attempt to kill Harry and when he blasted his own Horcrux it kind of backfired on him. Something like that?

Maverick

09-Aug-2005, 02:03 AM

Matt_Bernius

09-Aug-2005, 03:06 AM

He then took another attempt to kill Harry and when he blasted his own Horcrux it kind of backfired on him. Something like that?The fact is, as far as I can remember, we have never had a full accounting of that night. We know that Lilly gave her life to protect Harry. But so did James, who was attempting to protect both Lilly and Harry (and we'll assume out of love as well). So, my guess is that things went down something like this:

1. V appears and kills James.
2. V moves into the house and disarms/disables Lilly.
3. V takes aim at Harry and casts Avada Cadabra.
4. Lilly moves infront of the spell and everything goes to hell: Lilly is killed, but at the same time, the spell bounces back and destroy's V's body and at the same time etches the scar in Harry's forehead.

Unless I'm mistaken and V kills Lilly and then takes aim at Harry. I don't believe that's the case or at least how it's been documented for us so far.

Lefty

09-Aug-2005, 03:52 AM

Peter, who's Frank? You mean Cedric?

Anyway...Dumbledore wasn't even sure what some of the other Horcruxes were. He said they were likely to be something Gryffindor/Ravenclaw related, but not definately. Harry could be the Gryffindor related one ;)

Frank is the old dude caretaker guy at the beginning of GOF.

I wonder if the sorting hat could be a horcrux. I know it would be difficult to get to, but it's only used once a year and probably wouldn't be missed if replaced with a replica for a short time. That would sure get Harry back to Hogwarts.

cavallin

09-Aug-2005, 11:14 AM

no voldy definately kills lily first then attempts to kill harry who was then already protected from his mother's love.

he went to kill harry, but she butted in, he killed her, then went he went to kill harry it messed up.

i think there is what was going to be voldermort's horcrux at godrik's hollow (conveniently harry's 1st stop) but that it didnt work as harry didnt die and it means one less horcrux. i dont think harry will be able to get 4 horcruxes destroyed and kill voldy in a book thats smaller than HBP unless he is lucky but thats just stupid and too easy.
think:
1) diary= destroyed
2) ring=destroyed
3) helga's cup=not found
4) locket=possibly destroyed by R.A.B or hiding in grimmauld place
5) nagini=will prob be killed when he faces voldy?
6) voldermort himself
7) horcrux that either never got made and remains in godrik's hollow because voldy's plan got messed up, or it's a gryffindor/ravenclaw object

think how hard it was for dumbledore (the greatest wizard in the world) just to get 2 horcruxes. it took him a year!

well, all we can do is just have our own theories till the book comes out, then whoever is right can boast :D

wcrevdonner

10-Aug-2005, 12:04 PM

Okay, I have lots of work to do, but Ill take one dip into this.

Right, important facts that I can remember so far, (although there may be lots of others.)

1) the wizards always mention something about James' green eyes being like his mothers. Is this the lingering protection he has from his mother? It is definitely important. It also might be the 'powers he has that the Dark Lord knows not' but it needs to be explained more. Also, it might in some way explain why he has to stay at his aunts till he comes of age. (I know already said, but still not explained properly - especially after Dumbledores note, 'Petunia, remember my last.')

2) I remember reading this somewhere...Severus snape is an anagram of Perseus Evans. Lilys second name was evans. Perhaps they were related, (since Snape is a half blood as discussed in the last book.) And thats the reason why he may semi want to protect Harry.

3) That door in the last chapters in Ootp hasn't been explained properly. Nor has the reason why some wizards have become ghosts. JKR always writes something which she doesn't explain immediately, but always becomes apparent later. That door and ghosts I think are integral parts of learning about the soul, perhaps a ghost is a part of a soul that becomes fragmented from yourself when you kill someone. However, if you store it in a Horcrux then you can use it to live again.

I personally think Snape has made an unbreakable vow with Dumbledore to protect Harry just in the same way he did that with Draco. And thats why DD trusted him implicitly - however, its not explained what happens when you break an unbreakable vow, can this happen?

I don't like the idea of Harry becoming a Horcrux, however, the evidence as MB and others put it makes it seem more and more likely...also it might explain the idea of possession - ie to possess someone, you have to put a part of your soul in them.

I am actually going to go over all the books and take down every little detail that I can. Because, as Anth said earlier, its the innocuous little comments that make all the difference!!!!! Its going to be good, whatever happens...btw, I didn't think ootp was that bad at all!

wcrevdonner

10-Aug-2005, 12:08 PM

Okay, I have lots of work to do, but Ill take one dip into this.

Right, important facts that I can remember so far, (although there may be lots of others.)

1) the wizards always mention something about James' green eyes being like his mothers. Is this the lingering protection he has from his mother? It is definitely important. It also might be the 'powers he has that the Dark Lord knows not' but it needs to be explained more. Also, it might in some way explain why he has to stay at his aunts till he comes of age. (I know already said, but still not explained properly - especially after Dumbledores note, 'Petunia, remember my last.')

2) I remember reading this somewhere...Severus snape is an anagram of Perseus Evans. Lilys second name was evans. Perhaps they were related, (since Snape is a half blood as discussed in the last book.) And thats the reason why he may semi want to protect Harry.

3) That door in the last chapters in Ootp hasn't been explained properly. Nor has the reason why some wizards have become ghosts. JKR always writes something which she doesn't explain immediately, but always becomes apparent later. That door and ghosts I think are integral parts of learning about the soul, perhaps a ghost is a part of a soul that becomes fragmented from yourself when you kill someone. However, if you store it in a Horcrux then you can use it to live again.

I personally think Snape has made an unbreakable vow with Dumbledore to protect Harry just in the same way he did that with Draco. And thats why DD trusted him implicitly - however, its not explained what happens when you break an unbreakable vow, can this happen?

I don't like the idea of Harry becoming a Horcrux, however, the evidence as MB and others put it makes it seem more and more likely...also it might explain the idea of possession - ie to possess someone, you have to put a part of your soul in them. CRAP, I just realised something...in the second book, Ginny nearly dies because Young Vold. nearly takes her 'lifeforce'(?) away, ie he possessed her to take over her life. If Harry is a Horcrux, then his mothers eyes are the protection he has to stop that bit of Voldemort taking over himself? Aaarrrrggh, its so frustrating not knowing!!

I am actually going to go over all the books and take down every little detail that I can. Because, as Anth said earlier, its the innocuous little comments that make all the difference!!!!! Its going to be good, whatever happens...btw, I didn't think ootp was that bad at all!

Lefty

10-Aug-2005, 01:18 PM

...what happens when you break an unbreakable vow, can this happen?

As Ron told Harry in HBP, you die. If Snape had not killed DD at the point when Draco failed to, he would have died.

I don't put a lot of stock into the Snape anagram thing. Had his family name not been Snape, maybe (ala Tom Marvolo Riddle/the lord voldemort), but still a bit of a weak theory.

gaz shaw

10-Aug-2005, 02:43 PM

i wizard/witch becomes a ghoast if they die when they are either unhappy or angry.

Maverick

10-Aug-2005, 03:27 PM

Interesting. Perseus Evans. Could be a coincidence, or she could have been *really* clever and thought of it way back in the first book just to tease people who worked it out.

cavallin

10-Aug-2005, 10:11 PM

JK loves anagrams! i think this has something to it! i like (not quite sure what though! :D ). nearly headless nick explains how wizards become ghosts: it's when you're scared of dying and you actually ask to be a ghost. thats what he explained to harry when sirius dies.

glo_in_da_dark

12-Aug-2005, 02:00 AM

glo_in_da_dark

12-Aug-2005, 02:54 AM

by the way, i agree that Harry is the final Horcrux. after all, Dumbledore did say that his blood was "more valuable than mine".

methinks that (rather I hope) in the final showdown b/w harry and vold, they unleash a spell at each other at the same time: vold does an unforgivable thingy and harry does a spell forged by love. there's a big explosion as the two wizards clash and vold dies. harry is weak and he compells one of his friends to kill him, for he is the final horcrux. they do it unwittingly. he dies and becomes a legend.

I know it's wishful thinking, but hey! wishes do come true sometimes! :D

ohhhhhhhhhh, man!!! now i really wanna read the 7th book!!!!! I hope it doesn't take too long to come out.

Athleng Nordic

14-Aug-2005, 04:04 AM

I still fail to see the Harry Potter fascination. Yes, they might be good, but it's still a hype machine. People who never go and buy books are queueing up to buy it on the day it comes out, when there are plenty other books of equal and superior quality. Crazy.

Adam

Think about it this way. A single woman has managed to get a WORLD of children off of sofa's and standing in lines for a book. And for the simple reason of bragging rights to say they bought the first and finished first. This woman deserves the Noble Peace prize for Literature in my opinion.

Lefty

14-Aug-2005, 04:14 PM

Plus they're really well written. Sure there's hype there, but it's a great story! I was reluctant to open up the Harry Potter, but finally read the first one. It's just a wonderful world she's created. I read a lot of books and these are among my favorites.

Maverick

14-Aug-2005, 05:00 PM

I agree with the above comments, I was actually put off by the hype, but someone bought me the first book and I was hooked.

They are basically in the same, almost 'epic' style of LOTR, they have similiar characters, but HP is much easier to read.

Athleng Nordic

14-Aug-2005, 05:35 PM

I agree about the hype, but once I started the first book I've become an addict. I just wish I could get the UK release versions.

I hopped into this thread a tad late by all of the discussion that's gone and going on. So here is my take. I just scanned the posts so this might have be said.

The horcruxes I guess have been discussed, but here is my take. I think the locket is destroyed although I have no idea who R.A.B. is because the note left int he fake indicated that.

I believe Snape in fully Dumbledores and Harrys man. My thoughts here, Dumbledore knew he was going to die so letting Snape know to kill him to keep his cover through Occlumency. This would also satisfy the unbreakable vow. Dumbledore is dead but his portrait can still talk to Harry.

I will admit confusion on something though. Did anyone else notice that a few names and items names have changed? Like Madam Pooch is now Madam Pince, and a Beezor is now a benor or something like that.