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

[Jerry]

Oh, where to start, where to start...

Oh, dear. I think I'm the only one here who actually did not like HBP, for reasons I'll explain later on.

First of all, I think it's clear that H/G, R/H, T/R (That's Tonks/Remus), and B/P (Bill/Phlegm ) are set. Tonks's and Remus's discussion was clearly written, the scene in the hospital wing between Mrs. Weasley and Fleur was pretty straightforward, the attraction between Harry and Ginny and the desire to protect each other was unequivocal (Incidentally, did anyone have to read the scenes involving Harry and Ginny twice to convince themselves that it wasn't fanfiction, but canon?) and there was enough tension between Ron and Hermione to fill every barrel and container in the world (presuming, of course, that tension can be turned to liquid).

Now onto the characters:

Rufus Scrimgeour: I didn't like him. He's way more keen and discerning than Fudge was, and knows what Dark wizards and their capabilites are, but he still insists on making Harry into the ministry mascot. (I liked Harry's retorts very much ) But, I think he will change in the final book. For the better.

Horace Slughorn: A great character. He may be into important connections and royalty and things like that, but he was tremendously valuable to Harry and Dumbledore as we all read. I have a feeling that he'll be staying next year and teach potions, and I'm absolutely certain he will assist Harry directly in the battle against Voldemort in the final book. I felt an instant connection to him. (Though if he would've just been a bit more suspicious and not have told Riddle about the horcruxes...)

Marvolo Gaunt: Nutter. A person that treats Muggles and Muggle-lovers as vermin is never seen as sane, IMHO. Well, turns out he was Voldemort's grandfather, so what do you expect?

Tom Riddle: As expected. Displaying extraordinary magical ability, alertness, and intelligence. JKR did a marvelous job of describing himself, his actions, and his thoughts. Naturally, I've felt nothing but loathing towards him, even at the orphanage. I'm sure we all did.

R.A.B. Two people I can think of, though without full initials. Regulus Black and Ali Bashir. It's left to speculating from there.

Albus Dumbledore A.K.A. The Only One He Ever Feared: I think that in 'The Cave' he displayed more inner strength and power than during his duel with Voldemort the previous year. Now, back to why I dislike HBP; I think it's the most profound and complex book of the series, but I can't remove the memory of Dumbledore dying. I think that that was what caused me to dislike the book so much. To see someone who you revere become so frail and vulnerable is extremely dissuading. Also, from the moment Harry saw his blackened and dead fingers, coupled with the incessant rumors before the release of HBP that this would be the last year for Dumbledore, I was sure he would die by the end of the book. It's Harry on his own now. Just Harry and Voldemort.

The Half-Blood Prince A.K.A. Severus Snape: He's on our side, and has killed Dumbledore on Dumbledore's wishes. I strongly support the theory that the potion that Dumbledore drank caused him to become a horcrux, and that Dumbledore wanted to be killed to aid in the destruction of Voldemort. I can't help but support rdehwyll's theory regarding this. HBP is a complete setup. I read and reread 'Spinner's End' and 'Flight of the Prince' and came up to this conclusion. I hate Snape more than ever for doing this, but I find it easier to believe that he has hoodwinked (and still is hoodwinking) Voldemort than hoodwink Dumbledore. (Of course, this leads to more speculating!) If he is indeed, on our side, I don't think anyone can appreciate his sacrifice and bravery. He's defying the Dark Lord, and he is shunned from the Light. For the first time in the Harry Potter series, I see him in a different light. A favorable one. It is my belief that Harry and Snape will work together to defeat Voldemort, but unknown to each other. Snape will die, but Harry will live. One last thing: By the chapter 'The Half-blood Prince' I've narrrowed it down to Snape or Tom Riddle (not Voldemort, but Riddle). I'm curious if anyone else thought that Riddle was also the Half-Blood Prince at first...?

All in all, it was a great book, but I can't help feeling a strange emptiness after concluding it. I have a peculiar feeling I won't pick the book up again...

But it was definitely worth the wait!

Jerry,