Hbp - What Did You Think?, Spoilers within Options

[Imogen]

I finished at 4 am and was absolutely thrilled with the whole thing. The books seem to have picked up their magic again after such a shock with book 5.

The H/Gness was perfect, and what's the betting that's going to be resumed in Book 7 at the end - or at least we know the potential is there. And such Harryish reasons for breaking things off. Loved the impromptu kiss in the common room as well, and him wrestling with how Ron was going to react. Totally fantastic to finally see that all happening in the flesh.

As for Snape - my jaw just about dropped! The book obviously belonged to someone slightly dodgy because Hermione kept warning about it all the way through, and it seemed possible it might be Snape (who's obviously adept at potions), but I couldn't work out how he could be the HBP, until I was finally told at the end. We all knew Dumbledore was going to go, but not like that. I never thought Snape would kill him - I honestly thought it would happen with Voldemort.

It certainly looks like Snape has reverted to the dark side, exposing the order. But part of me has to wonder if this is a double bluff on JKR's part. We still don't know why Dumbledore trusted him so much. There's some unfinished business here.

The soul dividing thing makes a lot of sense and provides a nice focus for that last book. The hubby (who has now nabbed my copy) is wondering whether a piece of V's soul might be inside Harry himself. Which would be an interesting twist. I'm looking forward to that last book and seeing how everything wraps up.

Loads of other thoughts are buzzing R/Hness - arguments and that lovely scene at the funeral -, Remus and Tonks, Bill and Fleur (Go Fleur after Bill was bitten, but I loved the Phlegm nickname!) Malfoy and what's going to happen to him now. He couldn't kill Dumbledore, so how is he going to cope as a Death Eater (assuming Voldemort accepts him to take his father's place now), how is Harry finally going to learn to block Snape out of his thoughts.

In a word WOW! Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Imogen

[hershey]

Have finally finished reading and will share a few thoughts before dashing off to bed.

First, had strong suspicions that Dumbledore was the one to die by about 2/3 of the way through the book and that Snape would be the one to kill him. JKR really paved the way on this for me with the "unbreakable vow" line. Also interviews on morning television with young people who didn't reveal any details but were visibly shocked when discussing the book. JKR was intereviewed on the Today Show this am and she stated that going into Book 7 Harry would be driven by revenge. What better to fill his cup of vengence that the death of his mentor.

Second, I am not falling for the Dumbledore being duped by Snape. "The greatest wizard that ever was" fooled by Snivellus, I think not.

I think Snape didn't know what Draco's assignment was to be, but felt compelled to make the vow to protect his duel "allegiance". When he discoved what was to be he confided in Dumbledore who insisted he follow through, hence the argument the two shared.

I concur that Dumbledore knew his time was running short, hence his concentrated focus on teaching Harry all he could about Voldemort.

Horcruxes, soul splitting - BRILLIANT!

Am off to the land of cheese to help Grandma pack for a few days with the crew. She has sold her house finally. Will have chance there to revise and return with more comments to share.

Must sleep now,
Hershey