So the end pissed me off. Not because of Dumbledore, but because he broke up with Ginny. I've been fucking rooting for that to happen for several books and get like 50 pages and then he breaks it off. DUMBLEDORE EVEN TOLD YOU YOUR WEAPON WAS LOVE GODDAMN.
I guess I'll have to marry her.
HP6 SPOILER Discussion
This is the thread for people who have finished the book and want to talk about it. I'm going to post about things all the way through and of course I'm wanting to talk about the ending.
First off, *squeak* at the ending O_O.
Overall, I thought this was some great Harry Potter, though there were a couple of things I didn't care for. It seemed like a few parts were rushed, as though there were matters on a checklist that had to be written about. Nothing too annoying *shrugs*. I am on the fence about the "relationships." Yeah, I know we're dealing with a pack of teenagers, but at times it felt like Rowling was putting in her response to 43706569356 fan girl letters that said "OMG Harry and Luna 4ever!" and the like. Relationships I liked were the trio's; I really liked the fact that Harry didn't keep anything from his friends and trusted them to hold down the fort when he went away. Harry/Ginny wasn't nearly as annoying as I thought it would be, and I thought it put both in a flattering light and showed their maturity. Ron/Hermione...there were some very sweet moments, like Ron in the hospital, but I struggle to care if they ever get their acts together. Tonks/Remus...HELL YES :D. I also thought Fleur did very well for herself at the end, though a little more warmth from Bill and Fleur would have been nice.
Let's see, what else...OMG Blaise is a boy! We finally know the truth! *clears throat* A few of us were wondering.
Slytherins overall got some nice air time, moreso than in other books, and I liked what we got to see of their interactions. I thought Draco was -wonderfully- done through and through and liked "Cissy" as well.
But enough about them; let's talk about my favorite character :D. I cannot decide if I am just in denial or if I have a real point in not believing what everyone assumes about Snape. Maybe I'm just stubborn, but I've held out faith in him through 6 books and I'm not about to stop over a little thing like him AKing the headmaster. There are several indications in my mind that Snape was acting on Dumbledore's orders, but for me the biggest indicator was the headmaster begging Severus. I have a hard time believing he was begging for his life, given all we know of Dumbledore. Even so, I had to read that part over a second time for it to register. There were a few times where I thought Snape's death was forshadowed, but Rowling found a way to stab at the heart even worse.
My favorite part of the book:
"He accused me of being 'Dumbledore's man through and through.'"
"How very rude of him"
"I told him I was."
Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. Behind Harry, Fawkes the phoenix let out a low, soft, musical cry. To Harry's intense embarrassment, he suddenly realized that Dumbledore's bright blue eyes looked rather watery, and stared hastily at his own knees. When Dumbledore spoke, however, his voice was quite steady.
"I am very touched, Harry."
Yes, I am a sap. I was charmed by the fact that while Harry is actually starting to be called a man, finally shaking off "The Boy who Lived" title and overall displaying more maturity in this book, he is still young enough to be unnerved by a display of emotion. That Dumbledore took the compliment so deeply to heart only made the whole thing more touching. I didn't cry at the end, but that part brought tears to my eyes.
Hmm, what else...well I thought it was pretty obvious who the half blood prince was. The undead guys were alright, though I can see them being cooler in the next book maybe. The evil werewolf was interesting (forget his name right now).
At any rate, I am of course looking forward to book seven, and wondering if Harry's plan for the following year will really come to fruition or if he'll end up at Hogwarts after all :).
Vulash
20 years ago
Verileah
20 years ago
This made me smile. My only issue is...he kind of needs to get a little more in the way of skills. It's great that he's surrounded by all these brilliant wizards, but it looks like Snape is kind of correct when he says Harry is mediocre.
"Hell yeah Harry, you're turning into a little hardass."
This made me smile. My only issue is...he kind of needs to get a little more in the way of skills. It's great that he's surrounded by all these brilliant wizards, but it looks like Snape is kind of correct when he says Harry is mediocre.
Mai
20 years ago
Actually Rowling talks about that, Harry is mediocre in the way of skills and for a good reason. He's an average person. He's very good at Defense Against the Dark Arts but not so great at everything else. He's a smart kid and very courageous but he could be anyone and that was her point. Everyone has a thing or two they are really good at and anyone can choose to be brave. Not everyone is Hermione.
I was rather glad he's like that. It makes him more human in my opinion.
I was rather glad he's like that. It makes him more human in my opinion.
Mileron
20 years ago
http://www.davekopel.com/Misc/Mags/Severus-Snape-The-Unlikely-Hero-of-Harry-Potter-book-7.htm
Very interesting article.
Covers some of what we've said here, and then some.
Very interesting article.
Covers some of what we've said here, and then some.
Brigham
20 years ago
Well, I have some pretty good theories so far.
1. Snape still a good guy:
He and Dumbledore (from now on DD) have an argument where Snape says something to the effect of "I did not sign up for this" and DD says something to the effect of "you're doing it bitch".
DD was not begging for his life at the end. He was begging Snape to kill him like he promised.
Maybe DD even told snape to make the unbreakable vow (in the beginning), if it came to that.
DD was acting "Out-of-Character" the whole book, according to Harry. Doing things like taking harry on dangerous missions and such. This leads me to believe that DD was trying to give Harry as much last minute advise as he could before he died, which he knew was gonna be soon.
2. The book forshadows Dumbledore's death a million times so nay-sayers are going to have to face the fact that he is dead for good. This is good news becuase it is the last parental figure that stood in Harry's way of entering his final stage of Bad-Ass!
3. R.A.B:
Regulus Black.
I have seen a couple other forums where most people think the same thing.
My guess is Regulus Black started collecting Horcruxes years and years ago (before he died and im almost positvie that he is still dead). He got the Locket as well as the Hufflepuff Cup (which I think is the silver cup that Harry sees when he bumps into Mundangus in Hogsmead). He was stashing these at the Black Household and Mundangus was on orders from someone to get any important looking artifacts that he found there. But on orders from who...I have no clue. Kretcher may have been guarding these until Harry ordered him to go and work at Hogwarts.
EDITED: Oh yeah, and in OotP (like page 116 or something) they find that locket in the black house that noone could open. I SERIOUSLY doubt that this is not the Horcrux locket in question. It has to be.
*To Valeon's theory about the black hand being a result of the Unbreakable Vow----They say in the book that the result is death...
1. Snape still a good guy:
He and Dumbledore (from now on DD) have an argument where Snape says something to the effect of "I did not sign up for this" and DD says something to the effect of "you're doing it bitch".
DD was not begging for his life at the end. He was begging Snape to kill him like he promised.
Maybe DD even told snape to make the unbreakable vow (in the beginning), if it came to that.
DD was acting "Out-of-Character" the whole book, according to Harry. Doing things like taking harry on dangerous missions and such. This leads me to believe that DD was trying to give Harry as much last minute advise as he could before he died, which he knew was gonna be soon.
2. The book forshadows Dumbledore's death a million times so nay-sayers are going to have to face the fact that he is dead for good. This is good news becuase it is the last parental figure that stood in Harry's way of entering his final stage of Bad-Ass!
3. R.A.B:
Regulus Black.
I have seen a couple other forums where most people think the same thing.
My guess is Regulus Black started collecting Horcruxes years and years ago (before he died and im almost positvie that he is still dead). He got the Locket as well as the Hufflepuff Cup (which I think is the silver cup that Harry sees when he bumps into Mundangus in Hogsmead). He was stashing these at the Black Household and Mundangus was on orders from someone to get any important looking artifacts that he found there. But on orders from who...I have no clue. Kretcher may have been guarding these until Harry ordered him to go and work at Hogwarts.
EDITED: Oh yeah, and in OotP (like page 116 or something) they find that locket in the black house that noone could open. I SERIOUSLY doubt that this is not the Horcrux locket in question. It has to be.
*To Valeon's theory about the black hand being a result of the Unbreakable Vow----They say in the book that the result is death...
Mai
20 years ago
Interesting link Mileron, very well thought out. Her use of names has always been interesting. I had looked up Severus a long time ago wondering why she chose that name. It means stern in Latin but there are several famous people who have been named Severus. I'm surprised the essay made no mention of them.
Both Emperors of Rome
Alexander Severus who was killed along with his mother by his troops for bringing peace with the German Allemani instead of fighting them.
Septimius Severus - Who is blamed by some for the fall of Rome by annexing more land and paying his military hefty sums which taxed Rome beyond its means. There is also the possibility that he may have been involved in the murder of his predecessor, Pertinax. Others state that he stabilized Rome after the reign of Commodus. He restored morale and continued Rome's traditional pursuits of expansion, reform and local events. In this way he was seen as a traditional Emperor of Rome.
Both Emperors of Rome
Alexander Severus who was killed along with his mother by his troops for bringing peace with the German Allemani instead of fighting them.
Septimius Severus - Who is blamed by some for the fall of Rome by annexing more land and paying his military hefty sums which taxed Rome beyond its means. There is also the possibility that he may have been involved in the murder of his predecessor, Pertinax. Others state that he stabilized Rome after the reign of Commodus. He restored morale and continued Rome's traditional pursuits of expansion, reform and local events. In this way he was seen as a traditional Emperor of Rome.
Gilae
20 years ago
I read it. I cried. I got mad. I read it again. I felt better.
All I have to say now is:
All I have to say now is:
Guest
20 years ago
*dance*
Calimaryn
20 years ago
Sorry for the bumpage but my mom and I were discussing this yesterday.
Her big theory is taken from book 1 where Snape tells his potions class "I can teach you how to put a stopper into death." Thus she thinks Snape made the vow, made DD the potion, completed the vow to make it appear DD is dead and left one notch higher in Vold's army. I dont know about that theory, its good but I too think like Obi Wan, DD needed to die so Harry could come into his own.
I definately belive Harry is the final unknown Horcrux. The prophecy states "Neither can live while the other survives." Thus it is my opinion that Harry is it. As I think back on the series, Vold was not trying to kill Harry outright, his minions were. Vold needed Harry alive in book 4 for his blood, and even then he tried to sway him to the dark side. Yes once he came back he started trying to kill him but that was once he had a body to house his last piece of a soul. Too many things make me think this, the parsle tongue, the thoughts from book 5. I dunno, just my theory.
And yes that was a VERY spiderman ending to the Harry & Ginny romance. BLEH! :bang
I loved how Fred & George were expanding their accomplishments, which are not minor to begin with, into protective magic too. It simply shows how good they are, which kicks butt!
This book made me sad and angry that Rowling keeps killing off people Harry loves. But then again I dont like reality so it makes me upset.
Her big theory is taken from book 1 where Snape tells his potions class "I can teach you how to put a stopper into death." Thus she thinks Snape made the vow, made DD the potion, completed the vow to make it appear DD is dead and left one notch higher in Vold's army. I dont know about that theory, its good but I too think like Obi Wan, DD needed to die so Harry could come into his own.
I definately belive Harry is the final unknown Horcrux. The prophecy states "Neither can live while the other survives." Thus it is my opinion that Harry is it. As I think back on the series, Vold was not trying to kill Harry outright, his minions were. Vold needed Harry alive in book 4 for his blood, and even then he tried to sway him to the dark side. Yes once he came back he started trying to kill him but that was once he had a body to house his last piece of a soul. Too many things make me think this, the parsle tongue, the thoughts from book 5. I dunno, just my theory.
And yes that was a VERY spiderman ending to the Harry & Ginny romance. BLEH! :bang
I loved how Fred & George were expanding their accomplishments, which are not minor to begin with, into protective magic too. It simply shows how good they are, which kicks butt!
This book made me sad and angry that Rowling keeps killing off people Harry loves. But then again I dont like reality so it makes me upset.
totalbfs
20 years ago
That's a good point about why Voldy wouldn't let his minions kill Harry. I hate in almost all movies/books, the bad guys turn into idiots and don't kill the "hero" of the story when they could (and should) have. There have been plenty of opportunities for the bad guys to off Harry and if Rowling actually gives us a reason as to why Voldy wouldn't let them, I'll <3 her.
-Valeon
*edit*
So V hears about this prophecy that this kid can kill him - now while there may be more to it then that, V was not there to hear the actual prophecy so he probably only heard this much. Why would he go and make the kid into a horcrux? Then you have to keep the kid around, and there's always some chance that he could dispel the hocrux and off V. I can't find a line of thought that V would actually want to keep him around.
But your Mom's memory rocks. I like that theory about the potion very much. If D is going to go out, I want him fighting, taking down a couple giants, some dementors, a few hundred inferni (however you spell it), along with at least seven death eaters - in one fight.
-Valeon
*edit*
So V hears about this prophecy that this kid can kill him - now while there may be more to it then that, V was not there to hear the actual prophecy so he probably only heard this much. Why would he go and make the kid into a horcrux? Then you have to keep the kid around, and there's always some chance that he could dispel the hocrux and off V. I can't find a line of thought that V would actually want to keep him around.
But your Mom's memory rocks. I like that theory about the potion very much. If D is going to go out, I want him fighting, taking down a couple giants, some dementors, a few hundred inferni (however you spell it), along with at least seven death eaters - in one fight.
Mileron
20 years ago
This is a very interesting theory.
Perhaps said "Death-Stopper" potion needs to be taken first, then the person needs to DIE...
and the ghastly potion Harry fed DD in the "horcrux cave" was that very potion...
Calimaryn
Her big theory is taken from book 1 where Snape tells his potions class "I can teach you how to put a stopper into death." Thus she thinks Snape made the vow, made DD the potion, completed the vow to make it appear DD is dead and left one notch higher in Vold's army.
This is a very interesting theory.
Perhaps said "Death-Stopper" potion needs to be taken first, then the person needs to DIE...
and the ghastly potion Harry fed DD in the "horcrux cave" was that very potion...
Guest
20 years ago
I had a good theory when I was cleaning the other day, but I forgot what it was. :(
Good call on the potion!
Good call on the potion!
Guest
20 years ago
oooh! I remembered.
OK, Dumbledore is constantly saying that he has a very good reason to believe Snape is on the good team, right? So Snape has to have some reason why he would want to turn away from Voldemort. This book is title Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince which means the HBP has significance. In previous books, the title references something that is really huge and themes the entire book and/or has a lot to do with the clilmax. But Snape's admittance that he is the HBP was very anti-climatic. Which leads one to believe that there is more to the significance of the HBP that is to be revealed in HP7.
So...if we're still waiting on the reason Dumbledore trusts Snape and there is more to reveal regarding the significance of the HBP, what if the two are connected? My theory? Voldemort killed Snape's mother.
OK, Dumbledore is constantly saying that he has a very good reason to believe Snape is on the good team, right? So Snape has to have some reason why he would want to turn away from Voldemort. This book is title Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince which means the HBP has significance. In previous books, the title references something that is really huge and themes the entire book and/or has a lot to do with the clilmax. But Snape's admittance that he is the HBP was very anti-climatic. Which leads one to believe that there is more to the significance of the HBP that is to be revealed in HP7.
So...if we're still waiting on the reason Dumbledore trusts Snape and there is more to reveal regarding the significance of the HBP, what if the two are connected? My theory? Voldemort killed Snape's mother.